JACOB LORILLARD.

JACOB LORILLARD, who, on his father's side, was of French, and on his mother's, of German descent, was born in the city of New York, in 1774. He appears to have commenced life without the advantages even of an ordinary education, and to have been, in a great measure, selftaught and self-made; but at a very early period he exhibited that energy of character and firmness of purpose which marked every stage of his subsequent course, and struggled manfully with the difficulties which beset his path. At the usual age, he was indentured as an apprentice to a tobacconist, the business in which the greater part of his life was spent. In a situation so unfavorable to the improvement of his mind, he nevertheless attempted it, and after the laborious occupations of the day, instead of seeking recreation and repose, he passed his evenings in the patient study of the very elements of knowledge which are usually learned in childhood. But when he had, in some degree, supplied the deficiencies of his imperfect education, and acquired what was essential for the practical purposes of his calling in life, he was not satisfied with this measure of improvement. He mastered, in the same way, the French language, as he afterward did the German, endeared to him, perhaps, from the circumstance of his descent, and thus obtained a better acquaintance with the principles of his own. His active and aspiring mind still aimed at something higher, and the way in which he gratified his love of general reading, was at once a proof of his industry and ambition. At the close of his wearisome days, he would engage at night in a fresh occupation at the

establishment of his brothers, for which he received a suitable, though trifling compensation; and when these hardearned gains had sufficiently accumulated, they were uniformly spent in the purchase of books, which, procured with so much difficulty, were read with profit and delight. Many of these are still in the possession of the family, and, as memorials of his patient industry and enlarged and liberal views, may well be regarded with pleasure and pride.

The modesty of his nature, and the diffidence he felt in these private acquisitions, prevented even many of his friends from knowing the extent to which his reading was carried. But it is said to have been a passion with him, and that, after the labors of the day, or the fatigues of a journey, he was never so weary as not to find it a recreation and solace; and in order to indulge it with an entire freedom from interruption and care, it was one of his favorite plans to withdraw from business as soon as he should have obtained a moderate competency, and to pass the remainder of his days in rural retirement. But his relations with the world, which had branched out in so many directions, and the restless activity of his mind, prevented the accomplishment of this scheme till his life itself was drawing to a close, and even then this day dream was dissolved; for perplexities and cares broke in upon his repose, and left him no prospect of rest but that which remaineth to the people of God.

He entered upon business with a capital of a thousand dollars, increased by a loan from his brothers of double that amount; and from the skill, the foresight, and the diligence with which it was conducted, and from some adventitious advantages, his own part of it was eventually multiplied more than a thousand-fold. The foundation of his prosperity was undoubtedly laid in his moral worth. His untiring industry, his uniform caution and constant vigilance, his purity of mind, which influenced all his aver

sions and desires, his thoughts and actions, his incorruptible integrity, which was never impeached nor questioned through the whole course of his life, his firmness and perseverance in carrying through the schemes which he had prudently devised and carefully matured-all these things were calculated to inspire a general confidence in him in the minds of men, and to further his welfare and

success.

But there was one other cause of his wealth to which he himself occasionally referred. It was a favorite remark of his, and well worthy of note, that his prosperity arose from not having made haste to be rich. Simple in all his tastes and habits, well regulated in his affections and appetites, free from vanity, ostentation, and pride, he had no extravagant desires either to urge him on in the eager pursuit of wealth, or to make him squander, in prodigality, the fruits of iniquity and fraud. Instead, therefore, of unduly extending his business, and in haste to enrich himself, being careless about the interests and claims of others; instead of running out into wild and visionary schemes, which are so tempting to the cupidity of men, and staking the laborious acquisitions of a life upon the chances of a day, he was contented to follow the prudent methods of better times, to avoid unnecessary anxiety for the morrow, to keep innocency, and take heed to the thing that is right in regard to his neighbor, and to insure himself peace at the last. Whenever, therefore, the profits of his business were not needed for the enlargement of his capital, he was in the habit of investing them in real estate, selected very often in obscure and retired places, which would be unattractive to the speculator, and with greater regard to the security of the property than the immediate prospect of gain. But, in most cases, this very moderation and prudence turned to a better account than the grasping calculations of avarice itself-his own possessions increasing in value, securely and

steadily, while those of others were often swept away by their extravagance and folly.

The sagacity, foresight, and diligence, with which he managed his affairs, and the fair and honorable means by which he acquired his riches, would have been less worthy of admiration, had they not also been accompanied by liberal views and benevolent designs. His wealth, his influence and talents, were all directed, in an eminent degree, to the good of men and the glory of God. He had a high sense of his stewardship, and the kind impulses of his heart urged him on to the cheerful performance of his duty.

He took a particular delight in countenancing, in helping and advising young men of merit in the outset of life. He was quick in penetrating into the character of those around him, and nice in his observation of their course; and when, from their industry, their prudence, and capacity, he saw fit to select them for the exercise of his favor, he was inflexible in his attachment to them, and unfailing in his kindness. The details, received by the writer of this sketch, from one who loved him as a friend, and revered him as a father, and whose heart was poured out like water on the news of his death, represented him in a light so amiable, so confiding, so overflowing in generosity and kindness, that no one could hear them without admiration and emotion. And this, it was remarked, was only an instance of that favor and goodness of which many besides him had been partakers.

Another manifestation of the exercise of his benevolent feelings toward young beginners, who were needy and friendless, was peculiarly interesting. When a director of that institution, of which he was twice the president, he would frequently take a parcel of the small notes which were offered for discount by poor mechanics, who were obscure and unknown, and which, therefore, for the most part, would have been rejected, and make diligent inquiry,

in person, as to their character and standing; and if he found that, with a proper regard to the interests of the bank, he could commend them to favor and confidence, he felt that he was abundantly rewarded for all his pains.

On one occasion, a person whose note had been refused where it was offered for discount, and who, it appears, had no peculiar claims on his kindness and influence, though possessing his confidence, called on him for a line of recommendation, which would be sure to procure the desired accommodation. He at once, as it seemed, complied with the desired request; instead of being a line of recommendation, however, it was afterward discovered to be a note of Mr. Lorillard for the amount which was needed. The person immediately returned, and pointed out the mistake; never mind, said Mr. Lorillard, if they will not discount your note, see whether they will not mine.

Another instance is related of his kind consideration for the interests of others. He was appointed an executor to an estate in which the widow had a life-interest, but where each of the children was to receive a thousand dollars on coming to age. When, in the first case, this period had arrived, one of the sons called on him for the amount of this bequest; and what, he said, do you wish to do with it? To purchase stock with it in a particular bank. At what is it now selling? A hundred and ten. Have you any objections to leave the money with me on interest till the 1st of May, and then I will let you have the stock at the same rate? In the mean time, it fell, as he anticipated, to eighty-four. When this change took place, the young man was greatly depressed. He called at the time appointed to fulfill the engagement. The stock is ready for you, Mr. Lorillard playfully remarked; however, if you prefer it, I will release you from the contract, and the money may remain where it is. It may easily be conceived that the young man left him grateful and rejoicing.