deal of costly machinery.  They laughed at me because I found fault with these things and called me an old fogy.  I was not pleased with the management at all times, and although I had retired from active busines [Transcriber’s note:  sic], I felt a deep interest in the affairs of the company, and owned a large amount of the stock.  The Secretary thought I was always looking on the dark side and prophesying evil, because I frequently remonstrated with him on the many extravagancies which were constantly being added to the establishment.  I frequently told him that if the company should fail, I should have to bear the whole blame, because my name was known all over the world.  He always told me in the strongest terms that I need give myself no uneasiness about that, as the company was worth a great deal of money.  Things went on in this way till the year 1855, and while I was absent from the State, P.T.  Barnum was admitted as a member of our company.  Within six months from that time, the Jerome Manufacturing Company failed, the causes of which, and the results, I have clearly and truthfully narrated in another part of this book.  The causes were not fully understood by me at that time.  I have found them out since, and deem it an act of justice to myself to make them public.  I was hopelessly ruined by this failure.  The company had used my name as endorser to a large amount, many times larger than I had any idea of.

CHAPTER IX.

THE NEW HAVEN CLOCK COMPANY, AND OTHER CLOCK MANUFACTURERS IN CONNECTICUT.

I will here give a brief account of the firms carrying on this important business in Connecticut.  The New Haven Clock Company, which succeeded the Jerome Manufacturing Company, are now making more clocks than any three other makers in the state.  As I speak of the different manufactories, I will give the outlines and standing of the men connected with them.  As their goods go all over the world, it is natural and pleasant for men who are dealing in their goods to know what kind of men they are at home, and what the community think of them.  The New Haven company is a joint-stock company.  The head man in this concern, is the Hon. James English, who is second to no business man in the State—­ high minded, clear sighted, and very popular with all who deal with him.  He was, when a boy, remarkable for industry, prudence and good behavior.  He was an apprentice at the house-joiner trade, but soon got into other business which gave him a greater chance to develope and become more useful to himself and the community.  He began in life without a dollar, but is now said to be worth three hundred thousand dollars.  His age at this time is about forty-eight.  He is a Democrat in politics; has been elected to many important offices, and has been the first select man of New Haven for many years; he has been elected State Senator for three years in succession, and all of these offices he has filled with ability.