On the 1st July, 1840, this linendraper of York had the proud pleasure of
seeing the first train from York to London start on its journey.
From this achievement he advanced to others. He and his friends obtained
the lease, for thirty-one years, of a rival line, which turned out a
great financial success. His enterprise and energy were boundless.
It is said that his bold spirit, his capacity for work and his great
influence daunted his most determined opponents. For instance, the North
Midland railway, part predecessor of _the_ Midland, was involved in
difficulty. He appeared before the shareholders, offered, if his advice
and methods were adopted, to guarantee double the then dividend. His
offer was accepted and he was made chairman, and from that position
became chairman, and for a time dictator, of the amalgamated Midland
system. Clearly his business abilities were great; his reforms were bold
and drastic, and success attended his efforts. He soon became the
greatest railway authority in England. For a time the entire railway
system in the north was under his control, and the confidence reposed in
him was unbounded.
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