Chapter 4

AMOS LAWRENCE.

The Lawrence family--A poor boy--Early education--Delicate health--Obtains a situation at Dunstable--Returns to Groton--Becomes Mr. Brazer's apprentice--The variety store--An amateur doctor--Importance of Groton in "old times"--Responsibility of young Lawrence--Is put in charge of the business--High character--Drunkenness the curse of New England--Lawrence resolves to abstain from liquors and tobacco--His self-command--Completes his apprenticeship--Visits Boston--An unexpected offer--Enters into business in Boston--Is offered a partnership, but declines it--His sagacity justified--Begins business for himself--Commercial importance of Boston--Aid from his father--A narrow escape--lesson for life--Amos Lawrence's method of doing business---An example for young men--His business habits--He leaves nothing unfinished over Sunday--Avoids speculation--His views upon the subject--Introduces double entry in book-keeping into Boston--His liberality to his debtors--Does not allow his business to master him--Property gained by some kinds of sacrifices not worth having--Forms a partnership with his brother Abbott--Business of the firm--They engage in manufactures--Safe business principles--A noble letter--Political opinions--His charities--Statement of his donations--Requests that no public acknowledgment of his gifts be made--Character as a merchant and a man--Advice to his son--His religious character--Loss of his health--His patience and resignation--The model American merchant.