The Brazer store was a prominent feature in Groton.  It was a place of general resort, and close by was the tavern where the mail coaches stopped.  Travelers were constantly passing through the town, bringing the news of those stirring days when Napoleon was rushing over Europe with his armies, overturning old states and building up new ones, and changing the destinies of the world.  The domestic politics of the day were exciting, and it is likely that they aided, together with the events in the Old World, in imparting to the character of Mr. Lawrence the earnestness and gravity for which he was noted when a mere lad.

Mr. Brazer had in his employ a number of clerks, but it was not long before the energy and business talent of young Lawrence made him the most trusted of all.  Mr. Brazer did not give much personal attention to the store, and when he found that his young clerk was so admirable and reliable a manager, he left the business entirely in his hands.  This was a post of unusual responsibility for one so young, but Amos Lawrence accepted it promptly, and labored to discharge its duties faithfully.  He at once established the character for probity and fairness which distinguished him through life; his simple assertion was sufficient in any matter, being received with implicit trust by all who knew him.  His duties kept him constantly employed, and though he lived within a mile of his father’s house, weeks sometimes passed without giving him the opportunity of visiting it.

Drunkenness was at that day the curse of New England.  Every body drank, and such fiery fluids as brandy, whisky, rum, and gin were the favorites.  Men, women, and children were addicted to the vice, and Groton was no exception to the rule.  Mr. Brazer’s store was famous for the good liquors served out to its customers, and his clerks were aware that their employer did not object to their helping themselves when they felt thirsty.  Amos Lawrence fell into the habit to which all were given, and for some time went along with the rest; but at length he came to the conclusion that such indulgence was wantonly ruining his health, and he resolved to abstain entirely.  “We five boys,” said he, years afterward, “were in the habit, every forenoon, of making a drink compounded of rum, raisins, sugar, nutmegs, etc., with biscuit—­all palatable to eat and drink.  After being in the store four weeks, I found myself admonished by my appetite of the approach of the hour for indulgence.  Thinking the habit might make trouble if allowed to grow stronger, without further apology to my seniors, I declined partaking with them.  My first resolution was to abstain for a week, and, when the week was out, for a month, and then for a year.  Finally, I resolved to abstain for the rest of my apprenticeship, which was for five years longer.  During that whole period I never drank a spoonful, though I mixed gallons daily for my old master and his customers.”

At the same time, Mr. Lawrence determined that he would not use tobacco in any form.  He was very fond of the odor of “the weed,” and at one period of his life always kept a fine Havana in his drawer that he might enjoy the scent of it; but he was totally free from our disgusting national vice in any of its forms.  In this respect, as indeed in all others, he offers a fine example to the rising youth of the present generation.