His first task was to pay off, dollar for dollar, all the debts which his father had bequeathed him, although in most instances they had been compromised by his creditors.

He then threw the energy of his being into development of the business, and, in the course of a few years, put it at the forefront of that line in his native city.

Into his business he breathed the spirit of love to God and man which had moved him originally to take up the work of the ministry.

He felt himself ordained to be what Carlyle would have called a "captain of industry." From the start he established personal, human, living relationships with his men.

He taught them by deed rather than by word to consider him their friend.