Thus was he when a mere boy launched on a successful business career.  His energy, since proved inexhaustible, soon began to open outward.  When about seventeen his attention was attracted to the village of Newmarket as a desirable location for a drug store, and he seized an opportunity to hire a store and stock it.  His executive and financial ability were strikingly honored in this venture.  Having it in successful operation, he called the second brother, John C. Lothrop, who about this time was admitted to the firm, and left him in charge of the new establishment, while he started a similar store at Meredith Bridge, now called Laconia.  The firm now consisted of the three brothers.

“These three brothers have presented a most remarkable spirit of family union.  Remarkable in that there was none of the drifting away from each other into perilous friendships and moneyed ventures.  They held firmly to each other with a trust beyond words.  The simple word of each was as good as a bond.  And as early as possible they entered into an agreement that all three should combine fortunes, and, though keeping distinct kinds of business, should share equal profits under the firm name of ’D.  Lothrop & Co.’  For thirty-six years, through all the stress and strain of business life in this rushing age, their loyalty has been preserved strong and pure.  Without a question or a doubt, there has been an absolute unity of interests, although James E., President of the Cocheco Bank, and Mayor of the city of Dover, is in one city, John C. in another, and Daniel in still another, and each having the particular direction of the business which his enterprise and sagacity has made extensive and profitable."[A]

[Footnote A:  Rev. Dr. Quint.]

In 1850 occurred a point of fresh and important departure.  The stock of books held by Elijah Wadleigh, who had conducted a large and flourishing book store in Dover, N.H., was purchased.  Mr. Lothrop enlarged the business, built up a good jobbing trade, and also quietly experimented in publishing.  The bookstore under his management also became something more than a commercial success:  it grew to be the centre for the bright and educated people of the town, a favorite meeting place of men and women alive to the questions of the day.

Now, arrived at the vigor of young manhood, Mr. Lothrop’s aims and high reaches began their more open unfoldment.  He rapidly extended the business into new and wide fields.  He established branch stores at Berwick, Portsmouth, Amesbury, and other places.  In each of these establishments books were prominently handled.  While thus immediately busy, Mr. Lothrop began his “studies” for his ultimate work.  He did not enter the publishing field without long surveys of investigation, comparison and reflection.  In need of that kind of vacation we call “change of work and scene,” Mr. Lothrop planned a western trip.  The bookstores in the various large cities on the route were sedulously visited, and the tastes and the demands of the book trade were carefully studied from many standpoints.