Henry Knight, of Chicago, commenced business in that city without capital; but by industry, soon gained the esteem and confidence of the public, making many friends.  He fast rose in prosperity, until he became the proprietor of the most extensive livery establishment in the city, in which he had much capital invested.  Determined to be equal to the times, the growing prosperity of the city, and the demands of the increasing pride of the place, he extended his possessions—­erecting costly buildings, besides increasing his stock and livery extensively.  He was burnt out—­a pressure came upon him—­he sold out his stock, staid suits against himself; went to California, returned in a year and a half—­paid off old claims, saved his property—­went back; opened a California hotel, returned in less than one year with several thousand dollars, and now stands entirely clear of all debt—­and all this done in the space of two and a half years.  Mr. Knight is a man of business, and will hold his position with others if he have but half a chance.  With such a man, there is “no such a thing as fail”—­he could not again, if he desired, because, his friends would not permit him.

XIV

LATE MEN OF LITERARY, PROFESSIONAL AND ARTISTIC NOTE

Late Captain Frank Johnson, of Philadelphia, the most renowned band leader ever known in the United States, was a man of science, and master of his profession.  In 1838, Captain Johnson went to England with his noble band of musicians, where he met with great success—­played to Her Majesty Queen Victoria and His Royal Highness Prince Albert—­Captain Johnson receiving a handsome French bugle, by order of her Majesty, valued at five hundred dollars—­returning, he held throughout the Eastern, Northern, and Western States, grand concerts, known as “Soirees Musicales.”  He was a great composer and teacher of music, and some of the finest Marches and Cotillions now extant, have been originally composed by Captain Frank Johnson.  On his Western tour, by some awkwardness of management, he lost at Buffalo, original music in manuscript, which never had been published—­as much of his composition had been; valued at one thousand dollars, which, although advertised, he never got.  But his name was sufficient to give additional value to the prize; and there is no doubt, but the world is now being benefited by the labors of Captain Johnson, the credit being given to others than himself.  This was an unfortunate circumstance, and had his amiable and excellent widow, Mrs. Helen Johnson of Philadelphia, now this composition, she could support herself in ease, by the sale of the published work.  Captain Frank Johnson, died in Philadelphia in 1844, universally respected, and regretted as an irreparable loss to society.  At his death the band divided, different members taking a leadership.