Hidden Treasures | Page 3

business. True,
he had no money, he was a poor country lad, but this made little
difference with Drew's determination. As he had no money with which
to buy a drove for himself, he did the next best thing; this was to induce
the neighboring farmers to allow him to drive their cattle to market on a
commission plan. By this one act the reader can understand the
difference between Daniel Drew and the neighboring farm boys, many
of whom were better situated, doubtless, than was he.
Another characteristic he developed was economy; his money was
saved and with these small savings he added cattle to his drove which
were his own, hence, increased his profits; first one at a time, then two,
when at last he abandoned the commission business, becoming a drover
on his own account. Later, he took a partner and the firm of Drew & Co.
became the cattle kings of America. This was the first firm that ever
drove cattle from the West, and Drew, ever watchful for opportunities
to add to his already increasing income, bought a tavern which became,
as Drew knew it would under good management, the centre of the cattle
business in the city on market days.
As time passed, as a matter of course, following such a line of

procedure, he became a very rich man, and his disposition being of an
enterprising nature, he began to cast about him for new investments,
seeking new fields to conquer. The explosion of a boat on the Hudson,
discommoding for a time the existing line, offered to Drew the
favorable opportunity for which he was looking, and as was
characteristic he at once improved his chance. He immediately placed
on the river the "Water Witch"; the old line resumed business; the fares
were reduced until the profits of both companies were eaten up. The
opposition tried to intimidate, they tried to buy out, and then tried to
negotiate some other deals, but all in vain. On the contrary Drew put on
the "Westchester," and instead of stopping at Peekskill, he extended to
Albany. He next bought the "Bright Emerald," and started an evening
line. This was a new feature in those days and as it enabled the business
men to travel without loss of time, it became eminently popular.
Drew was a man with a fertile mind; he made a study of whatever he
undertook; he was a hard man to beat. He bought the "Rochester," and
next bought out the old line. For a long time he had things pretty much
his own way; then came a new opposition. This time, through
negotiations, he won the opposition over and established the celebrated
"People's Line," naming their first boat after his new partner, "St.
John." Mr. Drew, in connection with others, formed the "Stonington
Line" between New York and Boston, and still later he opened the
"Champlain Transportation Company" from White Hall, New York, to
Rouses Point, Vermont. He next placed his shoulder under Erie,
endorsing its paper to the amount of ten millions. Later still he was
elected President of this company, and as Erie and Central are natural
enemies, Vanderbilt and Drew henceforth became hostile toward each
other. Mr. Drew wanted to extend Erie west. To do this he must get a
special act of the Legislature. Of course, he had Vanderbilt and Central,
with all their patronage, with which to contend, and a bitter fight it
proved to be; but in those days Daniel Drew seemed invincible in court,
and the bill passed, Erie re-issuing stock and extending its lines.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to him is
that religious body indebted for that grand institution, "Drew
Theological Seminary." Many men would have made a worse use of

vast wealth than did Daniel Drew. He was a man who was quiet; he
kept his "points," and was a pleasing conversationalist. In 1879 he died,
leaving two children.

RUSSELL SAGE.
This wonderful man was born at Verona, Oneida County, New York,
over sixty years ago. In early life, he determined to earn all that he
could, and spend less than he earned. When he arrived at the age of
fifteen, he removed to Troy, and entered the grocery store of one of his
brothers. Until eighteen years of age he remained here as a clerk when
he had saved money enough to buy an interest in another store of which
another brother was proprietor. Here he remained several years in
successful trade, when the partnership was dissolved. He next turned
his attention to the wholesale trade, dealing in grain, flour, pork, beef,
etc., the most of these ventures proving successful.
His towns' people, recognizing his business ability elected him
alderman for seven years, and later, treasurer