he routine
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life of a student, and be soon abandoned it. His executive, ratlier than liis educational, ability secured him a position as a teacher in a neiyliborhood where unruly students had theretofore jendered the life of the tcaciuT i)nr- densome. He successfully completed his en<rayroinent, wiiuiiny the esteem and obedience of his pupils, ami then and then- .severed his connection with educational institutions in the capacity of a teacher. At tiie aue of twenty Mr. Ladd turned his attention to railroading' and was employed as freiirh't and passenger agent of the Boston, Concord & Montreal railroad. His in- dustry and careful attention to the minor details t)f his position won for him the confidence and respect of his employeis, and rapid promotion was guaranteed him. The limits of this line of business were, however, too con- tracted for a man of his energy, enterprise and ambition, and in 1S;J1 Jie re- signed his position, and, in direct opposition to the advice of parents and employers, he started west to seek fortun'^ and fame among the then unde- veloped territories of the Pacitic slope. Thinking that Oregon offered su- perior advantages to men of his calibre, he, striking out for Portland reached here in the spring of the same year. While waiting for some em- ployment more congenial to his tastes, he labored in clearing certain newly opened streets of trees and stumps in the then small village of perhaps 25() inhabitants. His business qualifications could not long remain hidden be- neath the observation of practical business men, and he shortly afterwards accepted a position as clerk and bookkeeper for the firm of Wakeman Dimon & Co., who had sent a stock of goods out here in charge of Mr. Goodkin, a junior member of the firm. This gentleman shortly afterwards returned east, and Mr. Ladd took charge of their business, and, in partner- ship with C. E. Tilton, Esq., subsequently purchased the interests of the firm, which partnership existed until 1854, when Mr. Tilton withdrew. Mr. Ladd continued the mercantile business until April, 1859, when he sold it to his two brothers and Mr. S. G. Reed. In April, 1859, in partnersliip with C. E. Tilton, Esq., his former partner, he established the first banking house on the Northwest coast. In 1854 Mr. Ladd was married to Miss Caroline A. Elliott, an estimable lady of far more than ordinary good sense and do- mestic qualifications, and who, during the succeeding years, has proved a noble wife and mother. Their home in Portland is one of the pleasantest in the city. Wealth and good taste have united in beautifying its surround- ings, and their appreciation of the beautiful is evinced in their clioice selec- tions of statuary, paintings, etc., and those who are sufficiently fortunate to be classed among their friends, find much within their home to interest and instruct them in arts and sciences hitherto, perhaps, unknown to them. Such a home, opened as it is, to respectable citizens of all ranks, cannot fail to elevate the tastes of those around him, while Mr. and Mrs. Ladd's repu- tation as host and hostess insure a welcome to their friends and those who are the friends of their friends. Mr. Ladd is considered among our most substantial citizens, and evidences of wealth surroimd him at his home. His wealth, however, has not been all lavished on his home surroundings. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, having served several terms as Director in the common schools of I'ortland. He
