Born: July 8, 1839, in Richford, NY

Died: May 23, 1937, in Ormond Beach FL

- John D was very determined and willing

to work for his success., he participated

in number of small-business ventures as

a teenager, landing his first real office job

at age 16, as an assistant bookkeeper

with Hewitt & Tuttle, commission

merchants and produce shippers.

- By the time he was 20 he was already

gaining success and thriving in his job, so

he decided to take a risk and ventured out

on his own with a business partner,

working as a commission merchant in

hay, meats, grains and other goods.

- At the close of the company's first year in

business, it had grossed $450,000.

Early years