CHAPTER VIII.

George Peabody.

Birth and parentage—­Early education—­His first lessons in business—­An apprentice in a country store—­Youthful ambition—­A desire for change—­The visit to Post Mills—­Removal to Newburyport—­Reasons for his attachment to that place—­His first patron—­Peabody goes south—­A soldier in the War of 1812-15—­A young merchant—­A change of prospects—­A partner in the house of Riggs & Peabody—­Peabody’s business capacity—­An irregular banker—­His reputation as a business man—­Promising opening of a brilliant career—­Retirement of Mr. Riggs—­Growth of the business—­A branch house in London—­Mr. Peabody saves the credit of the State of Maryland—­Tribute from Edward Everett—­Success in London—­A model American merchant—­Establishment of the house of George Peabody & Co.—­The Fourth of July dinner—­The exhibition of 1851—­Patriotism of Mr. Peabody—­How he saved the United States from humiliation—­Admission of the “London Times”—­Mr. Peabody’s business habits—­His economy—­Adventure with a conductor—­Finds a conscientious hackman—­Personal simplicity—­Visits to the United States—­His munificent donations—­His last visit—­Returns to London and dies—­Honors paid to his memory—­The funeral ceremonies—­His burial at Peabody—­Statement of his donations and bequests—­His example encouraging to the young.

II.  CAPITALISTS.

CHAPTER IX.

Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Staten Island seventy-six years ago—­The establishment of the Staten Island ferry—­Birth of Cornelius Vanderbilt—­His boyhood—­Defective education—­A famous rider—­His early reputation for firmness—­Superintends the removal of a ship’s cargo at the age of twelve—­How he pawned a horse—­Becomes a boatman—­How he bought his boat—­A disastrous voyage—­His life as a boatman—­His economy and industry—­Earns three thousand dollars—­The alarm at Fort Richmond—­Vanderbilt’s perilous voyage for aid for the forts—­His marriage—­His first contract—­How he supplied the harbor defenses—­Builds his first schooner—­His winter voyages—­Becomes a steamboat captain—­His foresight—­Leases the hotel at New Brunswick—­The dangers of navigating the New York waters—­The steamboat war—­How Captain Vanderbilt eluded the sheriff—­Becomes manager of the steamboat line—­Declines an increase of salary—­Only wants to carry his point—­Refuses to buy Mr. Gibbons’s interest in the steamboat company, and builds his own boat—­Narrow escape from ruin—­Final triumph—­Systematic management of his vessels—­How he ruined the “Collins Line”—­The “North Star”—­Becomes a railroad director—­How he foiled a plan to ruin him—­dishonest legislature—­Vanderbilt’s triumph—­His gift to the Government—­His office in New York—­Vanderbilt in business hours—­Personal characteristics—­Love for horses—­His family.