It is a curious proof of the confidence which the boy inspired in those who knew him, that not only did his father presently consent to his proposition, but when young Huntington went to New York, at the age of fifteen, he was able to obtain credit for a small purchase of goods, with which he began his career as a ' merchant, a country neighbor of his father's not only vouching for him, but saying : " You may send me all Huntington's notes ; he is sure to pay."

Beginning in a small way, the young man soon ex- I tended his business, and before he was twenty-four had traveled over a considerable part of the Western j and Southern States. He took as partner an elder brother, who is now a farmer in Oisego County, in the State of New York; and at Onconta. in this county, the two finally settled themselves as general dealers or country merchants, extending their ope'rations also in grain, butter, coojjering, and, in fact, in : all business directions which the region made profitable. ,

In October, 1848, the two brothers made a shipment I of goods to California, where the rush of gold-seekers | had created a sudden demand for many and various j products. They sent their cargo around Cape Horn, and almost before it could arrive, Mr. Huntington determined himself to try the new region. He j)r(>bably felt that he needed a larger field for his enterprising spirit and his ability than was aftbrded by an interior | county in New York. He transferred his share in ' the home business to his brother, and sailed for San Francisco, by way of the Isthmus, in March, 1S4!I. : He had then been actively engaged in business, but ^ upon a small capital slowly saved, lor ten or twelve years.