Similarities Between Booth And Frederick Weyerhaeuser
Comparative Essay
John R. Booth and Frederick Weyerhaeuser
A wise man once said, “The road to success runs uphill”. This quotation illuminates that the attainment of success is achievable but must be done with hard work and effort. This paper will shine light upon the similarities and differences between the two North American industrialists, John R. Booth and Frederick Weyerhaeuser and their triumph in the lumber industry. In order to effectively acknowledge their different paths towards an analogous form of success, one must gain knowledge on the process that each had to undergo. By analyzing their background, entrepreneurial characteristics alongside with their managerial styles will allow one to compare and contrast their success.
Firstly, one can interpret a dominant similarity in the upbringing of their success to have commenced during their early lives. Both Booth …show more content…
and Weyerhaeuser began their interest in entrepreneurship and lumber at an early age. This is exemplified as Booth was born into the Eastern Townships, which consisted of mainly agricultural land and interest within that industry. 1 Historian William E. Greening reports that as a child he “spent his spare time building miniature mills and bridges along the tiny rivulet that flowed through his father’s farm.”2
Booth had started off his renowned career as a carpenter, building bridges for the Central Vermont railroad and held interest in building mills, which constituted for his love in lumber production.3 In addition, Booth had involvement in the construction of paper mill and sawmill productions in Lower Canada. Soon after he was offered the managerial position.4 Similarly, Weyerhaeuser was born in an agricultural region of Neidersaulheim, a town in Germany.5 He began working in a farm at the young age of eight. His interest in lumber production generally began after he was forced to quit school and work at a lumberyard to support his widowed mother and sister after the unfortunate death of his father6. Six months later the frugal young man was in charge of the yard.7 These examples from their early experiences illustrate their strength in the agricultural region and their potential and motivation for progress and growth.
One fundamental difference between their journeys towards success was the choices and influences within their lives. This can be seen as Booth had chosen this field at a young age due to the love and talent for the lumber industry, while, Weyerhaeuser was essentially pushed into the prominent workforce after his father’s death.8
Both individuals had an understanding of their potential, and built ingenuity to persist in the work force.
This is shown after Booth had gotten married and moved across the river to Ottawa, where he began to broaden his knowledge on lumber trade and water-power.9 After forming a contract to supply lumber and timber for the new Parliament Buildings, Booth introduced the idea of using horses for skidding logs to water. In using his innovative and creative ideas he steered to success by buying the Thompson’s large sawmill on Chaudière Island. His increase in lumber manufacturing led to Booth’s involvement in building and financing the Canada Atlantic Railway in 1879.10 These were a few of many ideas and actions that Booth took in order to grow and climb the ladder of success. Likewise, Weyerhaeuser also had the enthusiastic mindset to build on his success. Like Booth, he had moved to Coal Valley, Illinois where he became involved in lumber, coal and grain productions. By looking at the progress between the two, it is clear both have been eager and motivated towards growth and
success.
Next, through examination of Booth’s and Weyerhaeuser’s managerial styles it is clear that they hold similar personality traits. Booth was a very discrete and private individual. He disliked publicity and would rarely engage in a communal environment. His modesty is clear; he donated and was an influential member of the church but would avoid public notice.11 His managerial style was said to be, “autocratic in the extreme; employees did what they were told or departed.”12 Booth demanded hard work from his employees although required twice that amount from himself.13 He demonstrated acts of generosity as he decreased the average working hours of the day and paid his workers for lost time after the strike that occurred at the Grand Trunk.14 Comparably, Weyerhaeuser also held a very private life and did not like public attention. He remained out of the political fray and kept himself isolated.15
Aside from their relation to their employees and the public, both individuals had an exceptional personality. Unlike most business owners and workers, Booth and Weyerhaeuser valued hard work and honesty. By portraying such acts led to better relations with their employees and suppliers. These factors led to benefits within the industry and a competitive advantage against others. In the earlier days it was said that No man has ever made a million dollars honestly. Weyerhaeuser believed that he was one in a few that built his empire with honesty. He had claimed, "I think I have succeeded because I care more for my credit than for my clothes"16 His traits were genuine and authentic. These characteristics that were exploited throughout the early days of his career are what led his ability to command so many wealthy men and be respected throughout society. Similarly, Booth demonstrated his loyalty by providing reliable resources. By doing this he facilitated his access to additional capital. Their faithful characteristic traits could be justified, as both were loyal members and held belief in religious precepts.17
Another similarity that can be observed in Booth and Weyerhaeuser’s is their ability to take risks and abide by their own set of rules. These characteristics can be interpreted in a positive or negative manner. This is exemplified when Booth was able to take the downfall of the lumber industry after the fire as a push to succeed. His dominion was always at suspect to fire although he never took a step to resolve this conflict.18 He continued within that industry and the production of lumber. His risks can be viewed as a trait of persistency and determination although can be thought to be reckless and irresponsible as he was putting his company and people at danger.
Likewise, Weyerhaeuser would make bold risk investments with his reserves on lumber as they were seen to cause fires and did not get approval. He would continue due to his determination within that field.19 Equally to Booth, this trait can be viewed negatively or positively although demonstrates the similarity between their personalities.
Lastly, it is clear that Booth and Weyerhaeuser had similar interests although after experience in the industry, exploited those interests in a different manner. Booth’s love in the lumber industry is illuminated as he remained in that production until his death. Even after getting involved with investments and production in the Railway, his intentions were the expansion of the lumber industry.
Booth had started his involvement throughout the industry after leasing then purchasing the Thomson Saw Mill in 1864.20 After getting familiarized with the industry he had founded the Upper Ottawa Improvement Company in 1868. This company was generally a distribution center that built; slides, piers and lumber. During this time he was said to be the only Canadian lumberman to manufacture his own lumber in his own American mill.21 Booth would involve all his investments and expansion towards the lumber industry. In fact, between 1872 and 1892 his production of lumber increased from 30 million to 140 million board feet, reaching the largest lumber expansion in that time.22 Due to his production reaching a far transportation network led to his forming and financing in the Canada Atlantic Railway. He continued getting involved in different ventures alongside with building elevators, purchasing steamships and buying wheat.23Booth even got involved in Pulp production and later became the president of the Dominion Nickel and Copper Company.24
On the other hand, Weyerhaeuser began his business in the Mississippi River Logging Company. After getting involved in the Lumber manufacturing, he became involved in the investments and forming of Banks and later became director of the Great Northern and Great Western Railroad Companies.25
Booth and Weyerhaeuser expanded their ventures by incorporating the knowledge that was gained through experience in other fields. A key difference between their involvement in business would be Booth’s sternness on expanding within the agricultural aspect of society and Weyerhaeuser’s motivation to expand his wealth overall in different aspects of society.
In sum, each individual achieves success differently. In the case of North American industrialists, John R. Booth and Frederick Weyerhaeuser, both strived for success although took different paths to get there. By examining their background, entrepreneurial characteristics alongside with their managerial styles allows one to interpret the similarities and differences within their journey to accomplishment.
Bibliography
Francesco L. Nepa, “Frederick Weyerhaeuser”, American National Biography Online. Available as an e resource through York University Library
[Anonymous], ”Great Canadian Passes”, Toronto Globe, Wednesday December 9, 1925. P.1 p. 32.
James E. Homans, editor “Weyerhaeuser, Frederick”, The Cyclopædia of American Biography (1918)
Jamie Bendickson, “Booth, John Rudolphus”, Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
[Anonymous] “John Rudolphus Booth”
[Anonymous], “Nestor of Lumbermen and Pioneer Financier was Near Century Mark”, Toronto Daily Star, Wednesday December 9, 1925. P.8.
[Anonymous], New York Times, 5 Apr. 1914
John R. Booth and Frederick Weyerhaeuser
A wise man once said, “The road to success runs uphill”. This quotation illuminates that the attainment of success is achievable but must be done with hard work and effort. This paper will shine light upon the similarities and differences between the two North American industrialists, John R. Booth and Frederick Weyerhaeuser and their triumph in the lumber industry. In order to effectively acknowledge their different paths towards an analogous form of success, one must gain knowledge on the process that each had to undergo. By analyzing their background, entrepreneurial characteristics alongside with their managerial styles will allow one to compare and contrast their success.
Firstly, one can interpret a dominant similarity in the upbringing of their success to have commenced during their early lives. Both Booth …show more content…
and Weyerhaeuser began their interest in entrepreneurship and lumber at an early age. This is exemplified as Booth was born into the Eastern Townships, which consisted of mainly agricultural land and interest within that industry. 1 Historian William E. Greening reports that as a child he “spent his spare time building miniature mills and bridges along the tiny rivulet that flowed through his father’s farm.”2
Booth had started off his renowned career as a carpenter, building bridges for the Central Vermont railroad and held interest in building mills, which constituted for his love in lumber production.3 In addition, Booth had involvement in the construction of paper mill and sawmill productions in Lower Canada. Soon after he was offered the managerial position.4 Similarly, Weyerhaeuser was born in an agricultural region of Neidersaulheim, a town in Germany.5 He began working in a farm at the young age of eight. His interest in lumber production generally began after he was forced to quit school and work at a lumberyard to support his widowed mother and sister after the unfortunate death of his father6. Six months later the frugal young man was in charge of the yard.7 These examples from their early experiences illustrate their strength in the agricultural region and their potential and motivation for progress and growth.
One fundamental difference between their journeys towards success was the choices and influences within their lives. This can be seen as Booth had chosen this field at a young age due to the love and talent for the lumber industry, while, Weyerhaeuser was essentially pushed into the prominent workforce after his father’s death.8
Both individuals had an understanding of their potential, and built ingenuity to persist in the work force.
This is shown after Booth had gotten married and moved across the river to Ottawa, where he began to broaden his knowledge on lumber trade and water-power.9 After forming a contract to supply lumber and timber for the new Parliament Buildings, Booth introduced the idea of using horses for skidding logs to water. In using his innovative and creative ideas he steered to success by buying the Thompson’s large sawmill on Chaudière Island. His increase in lumber manufacturing led to Booth’s involvement in building and financing the Canada Atlantic Railway in 1879.10 These were a few of many ideas and actions that Booth took in order to grow and climb the ladder of success. Likewise, Weyerhaeuser also had the enthusiastic mindset to build on his success. Like Booth, he had moved to Coal Valley, Illinois where he became involved in lumber, coal and grain productions. By looking at the progress between the two, it is clear both have been eager and motivated towards growth and
success.
Next, through examination of Booth’s and Weyerhaeuser’s managerial styles it is clear that they hold similar personality traits. Booth was a very discrete and private individual. He disliked publicity and would rarely engage in a communal environment. His modesty is clear; he donated and was an influential member of the church but would avoid public notice.11 His managerial style was said to be, “autocratic in the extreme; employees did what they were told or departed.”12 Booth demanded hard work from his employees although required twice that amount from himself.13 He demonstrated acts of generosity as he decreased the average working hours of the day and paid his workers for lost time after the strike that occurred at the Grand Trunk.14 Comparably, Weyerhaeuser also held a very private life and did not like public attention. He remained out of the political fray and kept himself isolated.15
Aside from their relation to their employees and the public, both individuals had an exceptional personality. Unlike most business owners and workers, Booth and Weyerhaeuser valued hard work and honesty. By portraying such acts led to better relations with their employees and suppliers. These factors led to benefits within the industry and a competitive advantage against others. In the earlier days it was said that No man has ever made a million dollars honestly. Weyerhaeuser believed that he was one in a few that built his empire with honesty. He had claimed, "I think I have succeeded because I care more for my credit than for my clothes"16 His traits were genuine and authentic. These characteristics that were exploited throughout the early days of his career are what led his ability to command so many wealthy men and be respected throughout society. Similarly, Booth demonstrated his loyalty by providing reliable resources. By doing this he facilitated his access to additional capital. Their faithful characteristic traits could be justified, as both were loyal members and held belief in religious precepts.17
Another similarity that can be observed in Booth and Weyerhaeuser’s is their ability to take risks and abide by their own set of rules. These characteristics can be interpreted in a positive or negative manner. This is exemplified when Booth was able to take the downfall of the lumber industry after the fire as a push to succeed. His dominion was always at suspect to fire although he never took a step to resolve this conflict.18 He continued within that industry and the production of lumber. His risks can be viewed as a trait of persistency and determination although can be thought to be reckless and irresponsible as he was putting his company and people at danger.
Likewise, Weyerhaeuser would make bold risk investments with his reserves on lumber as they were seen to cause fires and did not get approval. He would continue due to his determination within that field.19 Equally to Booth, this trait can be viewed negatively or positively although demonstrates the similarity between their personalities.
Lastly, it is clear that Booth and Weyerhaeuser had similar interests although after experience in the industry, exploited those interests in a different manner. Booth’s love in the lumber industry is illuminated as he remained in that production until his death. Even after getting involved with investments and production in the Railway, his intentions were the expansion of the lumber industry.
Booth had started his involvement throughout the industry after leasing then purchasing the Thomson Saw Mill in 1864.20 After getting familiarized with the industry he had founded the Upper Ottawa Improvement Company in 1868. This company was generally a distribution center that built; slides, piers and lumber. During this time he was said to be the only Canadian lumberman to manufacture his own lumber in his own American mill.21 Booth would involve all his investments and expansion towards the lumber industry. In fact, between 1872 and 1892 his production of lumber increased from 30 million to 140 million board feet, reaching the largest lumber expansion in that time.22 Due to his production reaching a far transportation network led to his forming and financing in the Canada Atlantic Railway. He continued getting involved in different ventures alongside with building elevators, purchasing steamships and buying wheat.23Booth even got involved in Pulp production and later became the president of the Dominion Nickel and Copper Company.24
On the other hand, Weyerhaeuser began his business in the Mississippi River Logging Company. After getting involved in the Lumber manufacturing, he became involved in the investments and forming of Banks and later became director of the Great Northern and Great Western Railroad Companies.25
Booth and Weyerhaeuser expanded their ventures by incorporating the knowledge that was gained through experience in other fields. A key difference between their involvement in business would be Booth’s sternness on expanding within the agricultural aspect of society and Weyerhaeuser’s motivation to expand his wealth overall in different aspects of society.
In sum, each individual achieves success differently. In the case of North American industrialists, John R. Booth and Frederick Weyerhaeuser, both strived for success although took different paths to get there. By examining their background, entrepreneurial characteristics alongside with their managerial styles allows one to interpret the similarities and differences within their journey to accomplishment.
Bibliography
Francesco L. Nepa, “Frederick Weyerhaeuser”, American National Biography Online. Available as an e resource through York University Library
[Anonymous], ”Great Canadian Passes”, Toronto Globe, Wednesday December 9, 1925. P.1 p. 32.
James E. Homans, editor “Weyerhaeuser, Frederick”, The Cyclopædia of American Biography (1918)
Jamie Bendickson, “Booth, John Rudolphus”, Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
[Anonymous] “John Rudolphus Booth”
[Anonymous], “Nestor of Lumbermen and Pioneer Financier was Near Century Mark”, Toronto Daily Star, Wednesday December 9, 1925. P.8.
[Anonymous], New York Times, 5 Apr. 1914