o hire a store and stock it. His executive and financial ability were
strikingly honored in this venture. Having it in successful operation,
he called the second brother, John C. Lothrop, who about this time was
admitted to the firm, and left him in charge of the new establishment,
while he started a similar store at Meredith Bridge, now called Laconia.
The firm now consisted of the three brothers.

"These three brothers have presented a most remarkable spirit of
family union. Remarkable in that there was none of the drifting
away from each other into perilous friendships and moneyed
ventures. They held firmly to each other with a trust beyond words.
The simple word of each was as good as a bond. And as early as
possible they entered into an agreement that all three should
combine fortunes, and, though keeping distinct kinds of business,
should share equal profits under the firm name of 'D. Lothrop &
Co.' For thirty-six years, through all the stress and strain of
business life in this rushing age, their loyalty has been preserved
strong and pure. Without a question or a doubt, there has been an
absolute unity of interests, although James E., President of the
Cocheco Bank, and Mayor of the city of Dover, is in one city, John
C. in another, and Daniel in still another, and each having the
particular direction of the business which his enterprise and
sagacity has made extensive and profitable."[A]

[Footnote A: Rev. Dr. Quint.]

In 1850 occurred a point of fresh and important departure. The stock of
books held by Elijah Wadleigh, who had conducted a large and flourishing
book store in Dover, N.H., was purchased. Mr. Lothrop enlarged the
business, built up a good jobbing trade, and also quietly experimented
in publishing. The bookstore under his management also became something
more than a commercial success: it grew to be the centre for the bright
and educated people of the town, a favorite meeting place of men and
women alive to the questions of the day.

Now, arrived at the vigor of young manhood, Mr. Lothrop's aims and high
reaches began their more open unfoldment. He rapidly extended the
business into new and wide fields. He established branch stores at
Berwick, Portsmouth, Amesbury, and other places. In each of these
establishments books were prominently handled. While thus immediately
busy, Mr. Lothrop began his "studies" for his ultim