Note: Images of the original pages are available through Internet

J
 W
.
In the summer of 1838, John Wannamaker was born in Philadelphia. His
father was a brick-maker, and while out of school mornings, nights and
Saturdays, the boy John was engaged in turning bricks which were laid in
the sun to dry. Thus early those habits of industry were instilled into the lad
who, by his own diligence, was destined to one day become the merchant
prince of Philadelphia.
A few years later, school was abandoned for steady employment which
was found in a store four miles from his home, where he boarded, for he
had not the means to do otherwise, thereby walking eight miles per day,
aside from his duties at the store, receiving $1.25 each Saturday evening.
Think of it, working hard all the week, walking four miles night and
morning—in all forty-eight miles per week, and receiving only $1.25 salary
for the entire week's work. Afterward he was employed in a law office, and
still later we find him in a clothing store at a salary of $1.50 per week. Here
he seemed to find the calling which suited his taste, and he cultivated a
pleasing disposition; people liked to trade with the young clerk. Of course
this faculty, coupled with energy, would soon bring recognition, and it was
not long before he was called to responsible positions. Another strong
feature of the success of John Wannamaker was, he lived on less than he
earned, and saved the balance.
In 1861 he had saved several hundred dollars, and as he had earned a
reputation for honesty and ability, he was enabled to start in business on his
own account. This firm of Wannamaker & Brown was situated at the corner
of Sixth and Market streets. Mr. Wannamaker kept the books—the firm
hired no superfluous help—everything that they could do personally they
hired no one to do. A firm which possesses ability, and follows such
business rules, will succeed. Notwithstanding that the times were unusually
"shaky," they prospered.

---

As the business increased other stores were opened, and John
Wannamaker, the poor clerk—after a period of twenty years of enterprise,
pushed by energy, controlled a force of 6,000 employes. Not only does the
firm handle clothing, but every conceivable article generally found in retail
trade, the establishment being the largest in the great city of brotherly love.
How pleasant it is to see men to whom God has bountifully supplied
money using that means for the good of their fellow-creatures. Among the
liberal, whole-souled millionaires of our country, John Wannamaker is to be
found. Although carrying on an immense business he has found time to
establish Sunday-Schools, solicit money for the Young Men's Christian
Association, and has contributed to these personally, over $100,000.
John Wannamaker is a philanthropist. One of his favorite schemes has
been to go into the vilest neighborhoods, establish a Sunday-School, build
nice houses, and thus bring the locality up to the plane of respectability. He
was looked to for aid when the Centennial was projected, and it is needless
to say that it was not found wanting. The secret of his great success is his
indefatigable industry, and a thorough mastery of his business. He is one of
the most enterprising merchants in history.

---