23 ;. enviable reputation in business circles. Milton was not a good mixer, and stayed close to the office looking after the financial and administrative end of their business. On the other hand, Lyman could mix with the toughest and most foul mouthed men and still command their respect. He was in no way hypocritical, and ~en soon learned to respect him. Together, these two brothers made an excellent business team. The Christian character of the Stewart brothers so impressed one pro- ducer in the area, a Mr. Frank Andrews, that when he was in the process of forming the Claremont Oil Company, he invited them to join him in the project As partners in this venture, they made a substantial fortune. Mr. Andrews was so impressed with their business ethics that he also invited them to join him in the purchase of a lease on the Tallman farm. Within two years the oil produced from the wells on this farm had sold for almost a million dollars, and their net profit from this lease was quite large. In the six years, from 1866 to 1872, Lyman Stewart accumulated a private fortune of some $300,000 dollars, a sizeable amount in those days. He and his brother held shares in many oil wells considered to be good producers. While riding the crest of the wave of financial success, together with a friend, he agreed to underwrite the expense of a company to manufacutre and market agricultural equipment. He related later he had been "fast talked" into this venture without .investigating it thoroughly. Unfortunately, the business was a complete failure, and he and his friend had to make good its - losses. W4en the indebtedness was liquidated, Mr. Stewart had lost not only his money, but also his home and most of his oil leases. He was forced to take a job at a small salary to provide for his family. The old proverb, "the darkest hour is just before the dawn," was true in the life of Lyman Stewart. The statement in Ecclesiastes "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days," also proved true in his life and testimony. While he was in the high income bracket, he had
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