Business Life

By the time we had grown up our father’s business affairs had become much more prosperous than they had been during our early childhood, and the story of his experiences in this line is such a teaching one, and contains so many valuable lessons for his grandsons, that I will try to record as clear an idea of it as possible, for their especial benefit.

The first and most essential characteristic of his business life was this- — that he made the Lord literally his partner, and did nothing without consulting Him, and seeking to discover His will. He would often wait in silence when opportunity offered, trying to feel what course of action seemed right and best to follow, and he has frequently told us that whenever he waited until the light came and then followed it, he had never been deceived. In the matter of entering into the Dry Goods business, he acted as we have seen, without any clear light, and always felt that he suffered in consequence. And this lesson made him more careful afterward to listen for and obey the voice of his Divine Monitor in all his business transactions. And yet this was combilled with a most prompt, and quick habit of action when promptness and quickness were necessary.

There have been many men in the various walks o life who have exemphfied the Christian character to the honor of their Master. We read of such among statesmen and philanthropists, and lawyers, and physicians; and it is well that there should be also instances of men who, like our father, in the midst of a business career, among business men, and amid all the vicissitudes, and perplexities, and temptations of a business life, have exemplified the integrity, the courtesy, the energy and the enterprise, which characterized him. Every such business man helps to exalt the calling above the low level of mere money-getting, and clothes it with the dignity of service to the Lord.

The word upright in its deepest significance seemed to be peculiarly applicable to him. And he was so exceedingly sensitive on the point of owing money, that while he was in debt he was scrupulous about the expenditure of a single penny which was not an absolute necessity for living, not even allowing himself the indulgence of a plate of ice cream, or the treat of a lecture, or of a journey. One of his favorite proverbs in regard to the use of money was, that the ‘’ best investment a man could make of his money was to pay his debts,” and no hope of enlarging his profits by any speculation, however promising it might look, could tempt him to swerve from this principle.

His pleasant, genial manner, combined with his perfectly honorable dealings, made him very popular among business men, and “Captain WMtall,” as- he was very commonly called in business circles, was always warmly greeted wherever he went.

His own record of his business experiences written after he was seventy years old, will tell the story better than any other could tell it for him. He says:

“In my business relations matters at first moved on slowly. The retail Dry Goods trade was a slim concern for a man accustomed as I had been, to deal with men, and the profits were small. In about one year after commencing the retail trade way seemed to open to enter into the wholesale business with my friend John C Capp. This was not done without seeking best direction, but suppose I did not seek it earnestly enough, as I have often thought the whole Dry Goods plan was a mistake; and yet it may have been permitted to humble and keep me low. Heretofore in all my conclusions, on asking of the Lord His guidance, He was mercifully pleased to grant my request, but in this Dry Goods affair I appeared to be left to myself. I continued with J. C. Capp for about five years, making no money, only a living. Our losses were heavy, designing men cheating us. In 1835 we parted, J. C. C, going into the manufactui-ing business, and I went on in the wholesale trade. In the terrible crisis of 18.37, 1 found it out of the question to continue the business, but must give up. On seeking to the Lord for guidance in this matter, He told me when would be the best time. I then, by a written notice, called all my creditors together, and laid every thing open before them, as I was told to do by the Lord as plainly as thongli I had heard an outward voice. It was unexpected to many, for my credit was good; I had always met all my obligations and could have gone on. But the business was risky; I had tried it for about seven years and made only a living, having in this time lost all my own capital, and at the time of my failure had nothing left. All the means in the business now belonged to my creditors. It was my duty to seek their advice, which I did under Divine direction, and He made way for me where I saw no way. The creditors appointed a committee to examine my books, &c. They reported to a called meeting that I owed $105,000; that I had in money, merchandize, and apparently good debts about the same amount. They recommended the creditors to accept 75 cents on the dollar, payable in instalments, beginning in four months, and every two months thereafter an instalment until the whole 75 cents should be paid. This was agreed to by nearly all. I owed no borrowed money, so that there was no trouble with that. It has always appeared to me a very great wrong for business men to go on by borrowing money, when their own resources are exhausted. They borrow from their friends, or buy when they are unable to pay, and thus risk other people’s property, and finally wind up, having lost their own, if ever they had anything, also all that they could borrow or otherwise get, before they will submit to the mortification of failing. This is all wrong and a great want of courage. The excellent rules and advices in the Discipline of Friends cannot be improved upon in relation to insolvents. It is also worthy of note that some time before I failed, I heard the gentle caution of the Good Spirit to stop buying goods; this I attended to, and my burden was consequently lighter when the day of trial came.

This arrangement with my creditors took place about the end of the 6th month, 1837. Immediately afterwards I began to realize my assets, and as soon as sufficient was collected to pay one instalment it was done at once, without waiting for the maturity of the note. A kind Providence assisted me, so that in less than twelve months, the twelve instalments were paid, thus clearing me from any legal obligation for old debts. I desire here to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, my God, for all His mercies, the least of wiiicli I am unworthy of. And why did He liear and help in the dav of trial and adversity, but because He is love? Blessed forever and praised be His holy Name.”

Altliougli thus legally released from all indebtedness by the payment of seventy-five cents in the dollar, our father’s high sense of honor would not permit him to feel satisfied until he had paid the remaining twenty-five cents, and we can remember durino; all our childhood the economy practised by our parents in order to accomplish this, and the constant sense we had of the prayers that were going up, and the trust in the Lord that was exercised in reference to it. In 1850 this longed for consummation was reached, and every creditor was paid in full, principal and interest, the remaining twenty-five cents in every dollar. Our father thus records this event:

‘’ In the year 1850 was settled the twenty-five per cent, of my old debts with the interest, amounting altogether to over §50,000, to the great satisfaction of my late creditors, who sent me a costly pitcher and salver, suitably inscribed. I value this only as an evidence that my creditors appreciated my motives. It is cause of deep gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father that He gave me the means, and also the mind and will to pay so large an amount. Truly I felt an inexpressible pleasure in sending the cash, princi[)al and interest, to those who had lost by me. During these years of fiiilure, mortification and close trial, we felt it right to deny all luxuries in every direction. I did not feel at liberty to buy ice-cream, &c., nor to go to lectures, nor indeed to spend money unnecessarily in any way. In this my precious wife fully joined me. The fact isslie has been to me the very sweetest and best wife that man ever had. She is well worth having been waited six years for.”

A Friend living in the far West, whose early life
was spent in Philadelphia, hearing that this account
was being prepared, writes as follows:

‘’ I hope H. W. S. will mention her father’s payment of both principal and interest of his debts, after his business misfortunes in early life, and the notices of it in the Philadelphia Press, as the ‘Honest Quaker Mei’chant.’ I remember being very much impressed with it; and now that there is so much of the reverse I think that it might do much good.”

“We regret exceedingly that none of these newspaper notices were preserved; but although young at the time, the event made such an indelible impression upon us that the lessons it tauu;ht can never be effaced. To be in debt has seemed to us ever since an almost intolerable burden; and to strain every nerve to pay one’s debts at the very earliest moment practicable, has looked like an absolute necessity of any upright and honorable living. And I fervently hope that this record of our father’s uprightness may have in some small degree at least, the same effect over those who read it, as the life itself had upon those avIio witnessed it, and may help to raise the standard of morality on the subject of indebtedness, which seems of late to have fallen so lamentably low, even among Christian men and women.

Our father never opened his mouth to speak in a public assembly in the name of his Master until after his debts were all paid, principal and interest. He felt for himself personally that he was called to this course, rightly judging that the Lord could accomplish the work of helping souls by other instrumentalities if He pleased, but that he himself was the only instrumentality which could be used for the payment of his own debts and the support of his own family. And he consequently felt that he must bend all his energies to this point until it was accomplished.

His story thus continues:

“Pretty soon after my failure I came to the conclusion that the Dry Goods trade was not for me, and began to cast about for .some other business. At New Year’s, 1838, my friends, G- M. H. and “VV. S-, the former having married ray sister Sarah, invited me to join them in the manufacture of glass vials, bottles, &c. They had been in the business a couple of years, and Thomas Booth, who was associated with then a, was sick and desirous to sell out. After considering the subject, and asking Divine direction, way opened for nie to join them. Our business prospered and I soon found my right niche in it. I recollect when visiting the glass works before joining the concern, being much struck with its efficiency, and of course was pleased. But in looking into the whole arrangements at that time, without knowing anything about it, I was unpleasantly struck with their having a pretty large stock of drugs taken in exchange, and after I joined them way opened to decline that sort of business. I mention this to show that we have a good Guide, who as we look to Him will infallibly lead us aright. As I had a little capital gathered up from the debris of my old business, we were able to get along without borrowing money from scarcely any quarter, which is an immense relief in business. My new partners soon found this out, and henceforward we had no more trouble in that respect. Pleavenly Father blessed us together, gave us wisdom and discretion in managing the business; gave us favor with our customers, and a quick perception as to the state of things in competing for the market. My hope and trust was in the Lord, and He never failed me. It was cause then and is now of humble gratitude to God for His merciful care, and guidance and help in our business. Praises be to His holy Name! ‘’ Who ever trusted in the Lord and was confounded?” I can trul’ say I never was. Often when starting from home on business tours, discouragements seemed almost to overwhelm me, the competition was so powerful. Yet through it all, as I kept near my Heavenly Father, I often felt His encouraging Presence, which was truly a great support. In all the trials of my life He has been my help and my stay, and when in seasons of great distress He has been pleased to lift up the light of His blessed countenance upon me, who can describe the joy and peace that followed? If the Lord be for us, who can be against us?

“The business continued to prosper. My beloved sister, Sarah M. Haverstick, died on 28th of lOlh mo., 1838, and in a few years G. M. H. was married again, but soon after, losing this wife also, his spirits were so aH’ected that he decideil to withdraw from the business, leaving William Scattergood and myself in. W. S. resided at ^lillville and I at Philadelphia. Somewhere about 1845 W. S. concluded to retire, leaving me alone in the business. I offered my dear brother

Franklin a position in the concern, which he accepted, and went to Millville to take charge of the glass works there. This was an important change. He had a thorough business education, and brought the results of it into his new situation. Our bosiness at Millville had largely increased, and required a skilful head t&- properly manage the numerous details. My brother fully understood this, and carried out so many wise arrangements that to this day the concern is greatly indebted to him for the order, system and thoroughness which he introduced. Our affairs continued to prosper, with the Divine blessing, although many trials still attended. Often subjects of great doubt as to what was best to be done would arise. In all such cases I had an unfailing Friend to lay the matter before, and ask His direction; and, blessed forever be His name, I always, in one way or another, received the desire of my heart. Sometimes a sense of what ought to be done was given me, and at others the thing came about by Providence; that is, outward events showed the right way. Once, when very much troubled at some men who were endeavoring to evade a plain contract, 1 dreamed that with a rope I securely tied the whole company. The agent was a particularly tricky man, who appeared in the shape of a serpent, and I secured him by several turns of the rope, so tightly drawn that he was harmless. When I awoke I felt perfectly easy about the contract, and so it proved. These things are reconled to show the great value and safety of trusting in the Lord, and seeking His advice in all important matters. Indeed, when I look back at the mercies, favors, directions, forgivings and protections of our God and Saviour, I am lost in wonder, love and praise — ’ wonder,’ that the Lord should care for one so poor and unworthy; ’ love,’ because He first loved His poor worm of the dust; ’ praise,’ because it is His due, and His only.

“In 1847 our business had so increased that we needed a larger warehouse in Philadelphia than the one we occupied in Third st. Although I had not yet paid oft’ the remaining twenty-five per cent, of my old debts, yet I felt at liberty to build a store-house to accommodate our wants. A lot of ground offering on Race st., below Fourth, my brother Franklin and self bought it, and caused to be erected the store now numbered 408 and 410.”

A few memoranda from our father’s diary during
these years have been preserved:

“12th month, 31s 1841. — This is the last day of the year. Oh, that I may be favored by Divine aid to pass through the coming one, if my life be prolonged, with less sin, and more of dedication of heart to the Lord. It is a favor to have our spirits tendered under a sense of our weakness and sinfulness, and to be able to wrestle for a sanctified heart and for the fear of the Lord. ‘The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.’ Greatly do I desire to be preserved in this ble.ssed fear.”

“1st month, 2d, 1842, First Day. — In this morning’s meeting, after a time of trial with wandering thoughts, I was favored with a little glimpse of the Beloved of souls. A Friend appeared in testimony, when, to my grief, my thoughts wandered fro;n their centre, and although two other Friends spoke, I did not regain what I had lost. The afternoon meeting was, the forepart of it, a trying season, yet this text was brought to my mind and dwelt with me: ‘Eavive thy work in the midst of the years.’ After a while, our beloved friend, Sarah Hillman, supplicated that ’ the Lord would revive His work in the midst of the years, even in the midst of the years of one who had heard the voice of the Lord, but had not obeyed.’ Ah, that He may be pleased in His great mercy and compassion to do so! Help me, oh Lord Jesus, or I am lost forever.“”

“lOlh month 2’1, 1848 — We have removed to our new store and warehouse in Race St., above Fourth. It is my desire that I should not be lifted up nor feel that by our own wisdom or ability we had been able to build such a warehouse. Far be it from me to take to myself asny credit in the matter. It is all of pure mercy that I have been helped hitherto so to order our business as to lead to successful results. Praise and thanks are due to that kind Providence who has blessed me in many ways, and who at times has permitted even me, a poor worm of the dust, to hope in His mercy, and to feel the blessed presence of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

The narrative continues: —

‘’ Our business continuing to be blessed, I bought a house in Seventh St., above Noble, in which we lived until 1850, when we moved, 12th month, 15th, to a house 1317 Filbert St., which we had built, selling the one in Seventh St.”’

This house in Filbert st. continued to be his home until his death, and our dear mother still resides there. This is the house the grandchildren all remember, and which is full of so many delightful associations to every one of them, connected with the numberless pleasures and enjoyments provided for them there by the kindest and sweetest grandpa and grandma that ever lived. In grandma’s closet there was nearly always cake, and in grandpa’s pocket new “quarters “for the ‘’youngsters,” as grandpa used to call them. And always there was the heartiest of welcomes and the tenderest of love for all the band, from the oldest to the youngest, from “um tweet,” who was the first grandchild, down to ‘’ the Boss,” and the little pair from Baltimore, called “Us,” who were the last. In this house the famous New Years’ parties were held, when all the children and grandchildren would gather around the ample family table in the lar2;e dininc-room, sometimes sittino- down as many as thirty-four together, when the grandchildren would all sing a New Year’s song of greeting to the grand-parents, and the youngest baby present, after the dinner was removed, would toddle up and down the whole length of the long table from grandpa to grandma, amid the shouts of all the other children. None of us will ever forget these New Years’ parties. And whatever changes may come, 1317 Filbert St. will always be a place of sweet and joyous memories. One circumstance connected with the building of this house is worth recording. A friend of mine who lived opposite, named Madgie C, joined with me in preparing a box to be buried under the corner-stone of the house when it was building. We collected interesting newspaper cuttings and various little books, also some familyrecords, and finally an original poem, of which, I am sorry to say”, no copy is extant, and enclosed them in a carefully sealed box. Our father entered into our notion with his usual hearty sympathy, and gave us the pleasure of his dear company in the impressive ceremony of burying our box beneath the corner-stone.

Our father thus notes some of the circumstances of
this removal.

“To show the wholesome care exercised by the Society of Friends over their members, I would say here that when I failed, the Northern District Monthly Meeting received my acknowledgment, and continued me a member. When about moving into this new house in Filbert street, an Overseer of that meeting called to inquire about the remainder of my old debts. I showed my check book, in which the balance was ready to be iaid off. This of course satisfied him, and when we asked for a Certificate of removal to Western District Monthly Meeting, a minute was made stating that I had honorably paid off all my old debts with the interest.”

In this year of 1850 our parents had been married twenty years, and our father, who was always full of these delicate attentions, wrote a little poem to our mother, which fortunately has been preserved.

“Ah, Mary, my darling, so sweet, and so precious,
‘Tis twenty years now since I gave thee my love.
I have proved thee in trials both many and various,
A true-hearted wife, a sweet gift from above.

“My heart often tells me I’m very unworthy
To have such a dear one entrusted to me.
I know it, I know it I But then she’s so lovely,
She makes my own home so delightful to me.

‘* May lie who In mercy hath joined us together,
Continue His light and His love as till now;
May He bless thee, dear creature, with heavenly treasure,
With wisdom and truth thy sweet spirit endow.

“Twenty years is it then we have journeyed together,
Yes! truly this heart can with confidence say,
Twenty years that are passed seem one long dream of pleasure,
A bright and a beautiful mid-summer’s day.

“Thy children surround and do love thee most dearly.
Thy husband thinks naught in this world is so fair;
He feels and he knows that he’s very unworthy
To have such a sweet wife placed under his care.”