The New York herald., 1921-04-17

they have accomplished IS NOT Oy any
means beyond the reach of the youth OF
to-day who are disposed toward sef-dIs-
cipIine self-improvement and seH-heip.
Most of them had the humblest begin
nings and gradually developed their
powers until they reached the top rounds
of the ladder.
The names of those who have done so
well are presented for the benefit OF
younger generation, which may be won
dering if there is chance for them to DO
likewise.
By JOHN WALKER HARRINGTON.
w VILLAIN WALLACE ATTERBURY
A is better known as General than
w even as the vice president of the
Pennsylvania Railroad because of his distin-
guished service as director of the transpor-
tation of the American troops in France
He was an apprentice In the shops of the
Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona, Pa, ana
by his strong arms and his active brain
brought himself to the fore in the railroad
world. He learned so much about locomo-
tives that he became invaluable to the COM
pany and was sent to direct the making of
new equipment. Twenty-Five years ago he
was made general manager of motive power
for a large division of the railroad. From
that point he went further and further up
the line of promotion until he became one
of the leading men in the field of American
transportation.
LFRED c. BEDFORD, the president
II of the board of the Standard OIL
Company of New Jersey. can look
back twenty-five years to the day when he
winning his spurs in the great steeple-
chase of finance. He had learned early to
get over the obstacles in the course of life.
AS a boy in the employ of a wholesale dry
goods house of the old school he grew tired
of humdrum methods and yearned for
business career with more of future.
He was a good sweeper of floors then and
was learning all the odds and ends about
silks and ribbons. While seeking a new
mount he sought the advice of a kinsman,
who gave him a letter of introduction to
the Pratts of Astral Oil fame. who were
then associated with the Standard Oil. This
brought him twenty-five years ago to the
Bergen Point Chemical Company an oil re-
fning corporation, of which he took charge
He also attended to extensive railroad and
financial interests for the Pratts and
through them was brought into closer cop
tact with the interests in which he is now
a dominant factor.
r TARRY S. BLACK quarter of a CEN
T tury ago, if one may speak of any
fraction of century in connection
with so youthful person, had just entered
the employ of the George A. Fuller Com
pany, building contractors of international
fame. He is now skyscraper king on his
own account, for through his financial
genius the contracting firm grew into
gigantic corporation which undertook enter
prises of construction throughout the world
Before he became identified with it Harry
st. Francis Black had been the round of
many occupations as the architect of his
own fortunes. He had studied engineering
and worked with a surveyors gang and had
also been in the banking business in the
State of Washington. As a travelling sales
man he had shown exceptional ability and
as a business man he had developed in a
broad way, which had given to him the
ability to understand big projects. He had
been engaged in commercial enterprises both
in Michigan and in Washington State when
on one of his holidays In 1895 he made the
acquaintanceshp of Mr.. Fuller and shortly
after that married the daughter of the well
known contractor.
r TENRY T. DAWSON twenty-five
II years ago was the cashier Of the
Liberty National Bank and doing
very well. He had passed that exuberant
stage which had come to him shortly after
he had been appointed to a similar position
with the Astor Place Bank. When he first
came to New York he was very glad of any
opportunity to break into bank position.
So much so that he celebrated hisSaccession
TO his first place behind the grille by going
to the theatre. Next to him was a rather
stolid citizen. to whom he turned.
do you know who | amp" inquired Mr..
Dawson. well. I'm the cashier OF New
York city bank"
After his graduation from the Greylock
Institute, in South williamstown. Mass. the
young man had gone forth to seek his
fortune IN the metropolis. and not finding
1t at once made detour to Bridgeport.
Conn His strict attention to business and
his quality Of good sportsmanship, however
soor made way for him when he did win
his way In New York city He had not been
. vice-president Of the Liberty Bank long
before he was called to a partnership in the
firm Of J. r. Morgan 4 Co and TO take part
in many great financial enterprises
" GORGE EASTMAN 49, everybody in
Rochester calls him George" 1t
gives one strange sensation to go
through the great plant at Kodak Park In
Rochester and hear executives and workmen
alike refer to what George" would like to
have done and to Just what he thinks about
Policies and plans For one who has so
impressed himself upon the city of Rochester
az has he-for there are six thousand men
and women on his payro--it would seem
that he ought to be entitled 10 a longer name
with an Honorable in front OF 1t. He has
not grown any older or any more grown up
In the last quarter of century.
Although the camera industry at Rochester