20 THE NATURALIST OF THE ST. CROIX 



And it is a splendid illustration of his love and respect 

 for his parents, as well as a tribute to his habits of thrift 

 and economy, that previous to his becoming of age he 

 had given his father the sum of $1500. Mr. William 

 Boardman had lost his property in the eastern land specu- 

 lation and had a large family to rear and educate. 

 Beside paying his own board and expenses out of the 

 small salary he had received — small at that early time 

 in comparison with what young men receive now — 

 young Boardman had saved and given to his father 

 $1500 of his own earnings to help him in his time of 

 need. Could there be any doubt that such a boy would 

 make a successful business man, or is it any wonder that 

 Mr. Todd wanted him for a partner? 



It was a most fortunate and happy beginning in busi- 

 ness life when Mr. Boardman became a partner in the 

 firm of William Todd, Jr. & Company. This firm had 

 previously been Todd & McAllister, the members being 

 William Todd and John II. McAllister, the latter of 

 whom married Mr. Todd's sister who was Mrs. Board- 

 man's aunt. The other member of the firm was Mr. 

 Samuel Darling who had been in Mr. Todd's employ 

 as book-keeper. Mr. Darling retired in a few years and 

 went into business for himself. The firm of Todd & 

 Company was one of the largest and richest lumber 

 firms on the St. Croix river. 



On October 27, 1840, just after he had reached his 

 majority, Mr. Boardman became a member of this large 

 and wealthy firm and his future success was at once 

 assured. 



During the period between the years 1840 and 1845 

 the firm had a large and increasing business and enjoyed 





