At the age of nine years he entered the ] classical school conducted by Joseph Nelson, a very popular instructor and familiarly known as the blind teacher. In 1821 he entered Columbia College, where he remained till the completion of the sophomore year, obtaining that mental discii)linc and classical knovi'ledge which have so largely assisted him in mercantile life. His father and uncle had previously established a sugar refinery, under the name of W. & F. C. Havemyer, in Vandam Street, New York. This establishment he entered as an apprentice and was formally introduced as such to his uncle by his father. Having obtained a thorough knowledge of the business, he formed a partnership with his cousin, William F. Havemyer, late mayor of New York, which continued till 1842, when both retired from business, and were succeeded by their brothers, Albert and Diederick. Possessing, at the age of twenty, sufficient skill and knowledge to conduct the business of a refinery, during all the years of this co-partner><liip he worked with his men in every branch of the business, from passing coal to the furnaces to the highest duties of refining, becoming an expert in every department, and this experience gave him immense advantage when, at a future day, under systems not then discovered, it was his destiny- to re-enter a business which he then sup2)osed he had left forever.

His father died in 1841, and for more than ten years Mr. Havemyer devoted himself to the care of his own and his father's estates. During these years he made a tour of pleasure and observation through the United States, and also traveled in Europe. In | 1855 he again engaged in active business in Williams- ^ burg, then a suburb of Brooklyn, and the business then established has been continued with greatly increased facilities up to the present.