Chapter 5

ANDREW V. STOUT.

Early struggles--Acquires an education--Undertakes the support of his family--The boy teacher--Hard work--Is made instructor of Latin--A trying position--How he conquered his difficulties--Is made principal of a public school--His first business ventures--Engages in the building of houses--His platform of integrity--His success--A great mistake--He indorses a note--The consequence of a false step--Liberal action of the bank--Mr. Stout resolves to accept no accommodation--Pays the notes, and loses twenty-three thousand dollars--Establishes himself as a wholesale boot and shoe dealer--Enters the dry goods trade--Close attention to business--His system and its success--Organization of the Shoe and Leather Bank of New York--Mr. Stout is made Vice President, and subsequently President--Character as a citizen--Is made City Chamberlain--Generosity to the police force--Interest in church affairs--Kindness to the poor--Encouragement which his career affords others.