The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-14


 wholesale grocery house of w. F. Vandi- yer and Company of this oity, will read more like romance than plain, pro saic tale of sober reality in business lie; but. nevertheless, 1t is one of many that could be told of the business careers or citizens of Montgomery, only this one Is the most striking and romantic Of them all. It is the story of a wholesale grocery house that has increased it's average sales In twenty years to about $6000 day and now having the organization. estao- lished reputation, prestige and business connections that enable the members or the firm to confidently look forward 10 more rapid gains in its business In fu- ture than have at any time been maoe in the past; so that average sales or $lV poo a day are within easy prospect. This Is truly a marvellous story, and one in which the members of this firm. the city of Montgomery and the State of Ala bama, may well take great pride. It is Rt once an example of, and sermon on. rare thrift, indomitable perseverance and exceptional ability in business. It affords a most striking example or what young men of character. ability. integri- ty. industry and push may reasonably hope to achieve in devoting themselves to mercantile pursuits and is full of promise and hopefulness to the worthy Ind capable
 The firm of W. F. Vandiver and Com ,any commenced business in 1sS3. and gas then composed of Captain w. F. Yandiver and his half brother. MT. k. N Henderson. The sales of the first year Amounted to $500,000 and the,wor Of the second year was entered upon with re- doubled vigor and firm determination to make substantial gains in sales-to ex- pand all along the line. When the busl- ness of the second year was footed up, very handsome increase was shown ana w. F. Vandiver and Company realized that thev were on the right line and only needed to force the fighting in order 10 forge to the. head of the mercantile col umn in Montgomery. Fr$Sl that time on the firm has gone onward, ana onWaru' until it's sales in 1901 amounted to sl.oV' OO0 and by the end of 1902 will foot up the enormous sum of s1. 7b0.0O0-a wonder ful record, surely, for wholesale grocery house to make; and one that VIII SiVc any information in reference to the per sonalitles of the members or tnis greae mercantile establishment. together "..h the methods employed in building up us magnificent business, striking public Hl- terest now that 1902 is drawing to close and the plans and principles to De ndopted for 1903 naturally, and property come up for consideration.
 Cant w. F. Vandiver the head Of the wholesale grocery house Of w. Y. ven
 diver & Co.,, is an altogether strihlhs and uniuue character. That ne ls pos- sassad of wonderful vigor, high charac- ter and splendid ability IS oenlo,istt a ,e hv the great results he has acnieVeo III sni+e of disadvantages that would. nave annaIled<one with a heart less stout ana a nature less wholesome ana roousl' thah hIs Today he occupies an altogether en- yiahle position in the world Of business and finance; and 1t is safe to say that his ability to originate large enterprises and carry them to successfui Issues mae rever as great as 1t is at this time. HIS nest exnerience his training. his acduain- tanca 9th men of means and ability, ms foroiliarttv with affairs all combine 10 rri,s him an equipment for great ventures that few men are ever so fortunate as to 4toin He is A man of fine physique His active and vigorous bram taxes tne rowers of a robust constitution. Ills tireless and long-sustained application 10 a multiplicity of interests and aHairs has been made possible only by the posses sion of the good health and bodily Vigor resulting from the inheritance of sound, wholesome constitution, which has been nreseryed by g. correct and temperate mode of living. In manner, Ae IS unl- formly courteous and considerate' though ouick. firm and decisive in dealing with all business uhoiho9S cia+es outside of his wholesale establish ment speak of him in the highest terms and are invariably his warm personal friends. His employees are enthusiastic admirers of his ability and force Of char scter and are warmly attached to him on account of his many sterling qualities as well as his open and generous nature. They are we'll paid, contented, feel iden- tiled with his interests, and are inspired to forward inc successful careers for themselves in the business world.
 Much of the success which Captain Van diver has achieved in business has been due to the reputation for fair dealing that he established early in his business career. and which has been rigidly main- tained throughout his most active life.
 He has won hosts of friends amongst the best business men throughout the state and many of these friendships are of long standing, many of them. indeed, dating back to his early days in Mont gomery.
 Captain Vandiver has large interests outside of the wholesale grocery busi- ness.Hs Is President of the Montgomery Light and Power Company, President of tbe Peoples Line of Steamers, which ply the Alabama River; is largely interested In the Montgomery Traction Company and the Tallassee Falls Power Company. These outside interests absorb consider abe portion of his time and energies, still he gives the greater part of his at tention to his wholesale grocery business, and its steady growth and splendid con dItion attest his able management of the financial affairs of this great house.
 Capt. w. F. Vandlver was born in Oglethorpe, County, Ga, was bereft of his father when 1 year of age: when his family came to Alabama and settled at Midway; when he was F his step father, Mir Henderson, died, leaving his mother and three small children, boy and two girls, to his care and protection; when IS he entered the mercantile busi- ness in his adopted town and remained there until he was 20; and he then secur- ed a position with LeGrand & Co.,, then the leading wholesale grocery house of Montgomery. From this time on his rise has been constant and rapid. In four years he rose to be LeGrand & Co., s prtn- cinal and best paid travelling salesman; fin four more he became partner in the house. and four years later. in 1879, he and Mir. H. NJ. Hobbie purchased Dr. IeCirand's interest in the business and that gentleman retired. the firm name Incoming Hobbe & Vandiver. and four wears later, in 1883. he purchased Mir. Hobbies interest in the business, organ izine, with his brother, MT. R. M. Hen derson. the firm. of w. F. Vandiver & Co. The subsequent story of his contin- ned success and rapid rise in the business world is told by the eloquenct facts and