28 



who first suggested the clearing-house system for private bankers, 

 which is now also in use by all joint stock banks, and by the 

 railway clearing house, — for which he received a retiring pension 

 from the London private bankers. 



Mr. Isaac Fisher died at the early age of foity-five, in the year 

 1819. He was an instance of great ability and energy in business 

 transactions, and would no doubt, like his friend Sir Richard 

 Birnie, have risen to eminence in Lond.on, if his life had been 

 prolonged. He amassed a considerable fortune, which he left to 

 his brother, Mr. John Fisher of Seatoller, and an adequate compe- ' 

 tency to his sister, Mrs. Gibson of Powter Howe, and others of his 

 relations. The former bought many valuable estates in Borrow- 

 dale, and others in this neighbourhood, leaving his youngest 

 surviving son, Mr. Abraham Fisher, a large landed proprietor. 

 Perhaps I may be allowed to quote the last paragraph in my paper 

 on " Old Borrowdale " respecting this worth dalesman. 



" As a representative man, the Borrowdale statesmen never had 

 a worthier than Mr. Abraham Fisher, J. P., of Seatoller. Living 

 among his own people, thoroughly understanding and appreciating 

 his neighbours, he exercised an influence social, moral, and 

 religious, which was felt during his life, and will be remembered 

 for many years to come. He was the last of the Fishers of 

 Seatoller, and no nobler man could be found to be the last 

 representative of his family and name in Borrowdale." 



The following lines upon Mr. Abraham Fisher were written by 

 the Rev. James Dixon, a native of Borrowdale : — 



Weep, ye 'mong whom he dwelt, for he is gone — 



The man of kindly speech and tender heart ; 



Whose wealth sat lightly on him — never seemed 



A barrier set between yourselves and him. 



But he has left it all, and left besides 



What is a thousandfold more precious 



Than all the wealth and honour of this world — 



A bright example : for he had that faith 



Which lifts the heart above all earthly things, 



To crowns that fade not, goodly mansions built 



Within eternal walls, where never come 



Nor death, nor tears ; — that heaven-bom faith which makes 



The poorest man far richer than a king, 



And gives him comfort in the darkest hour. 



