Page:Life of Isaiah V Williamson.djvu/42

24 in the business pertaining to the store as was Mr. Gillingham, the proprietor."

The lessons of Quaker thrift and industry, of conservatism and economy, which Isaiah had been taught at home by his wise and cautious parents, became advancing studies in those seven memorable years spent in Gillingham's store and home. He would hitch up a wagon and drive around the country to pick up all sorts of country produce. In this way, he learned how to make a good trade. Twice a year the stock of the store had to be replenished in Philadelphia, and he was occasionally sent there to make purchases to replace goods sold out.

Isaiah's fairness, good temper, straightforwardness and absolute trustworthiness, and withal an inherited modesty, made him popular and a general favorite with every one coming into contact with him. Recognized by Mr. Gillingham and his customers to be important and useful, young Williamson never assumed any sense of it and was the same unconceited chap that he was the first day he came into the store.

He spent his Sundays with his parents, and