His studious inclinations in these early youthful days seem to have opened many schoolhouses to his care; and from 1810, when he was eighteeen years old, until more mature years brought higher responsibilities that absorbed all his time and energies, we find records of his teaching, for the usual short periods of winter schooling, in various districts of Manchester and the neighboring towns. During this period he also mastered, without a teacher, the art of surveying land; and subsequently, up to a late time in his life, his ability as a surveyor was endorsed by extensive employment throughout his own and neighboring towns. His surveys, plans, and papers relating thereto are yet much sought after as standard references. He was also an elegant penman and book- keeper, his account-books being models of neatness and accuracy.
But teaching in those days could not be a regular occupation. Schools were only for a short term in the winter. Teachers were poorly paid, and only taught when more profitable occupation was not at hand. Other business must be depended upon, in the main, for a livelihood. A natural aptitude and inclination for trade led him first to apply for a situation in a country store; and in 1810 he took his first lessons with Riddle & Whittle, in their Bedford (Piscataquog) store, and remained with them about six months. He then changed into the neighboring store of Parker & Palmer, where he remained two years, leaving December 26, 1812. That winter he kept school in district No. 1 of Manchester; and in the spring of 1813 desiring to see something of the surrounding country, he travelled through most of the towns of Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Middlesex counties, paying his way by assuming for the occasion the role of a foot-peddler, carrying his small stock of goods in tin hand-trunks. The following extract from his diary record of these foot journeys illustrate the times:
"Thursday, April 15th, 1813—Set out from home in the morning. Went to Piscataquog, got on a raft and went down to the head of Pawtucket canal. Got off and went to Manning's, near Chelmsford meeting-house, and put up.
"Friday—Passed down the turnpike to Boston. Arrived about half past 2 p.m.
"Saturday—Stayed in Boston. Walked about town.
"Sunday—Went to the Roman Catholic Church in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went in company with Charles Stark over Cragie's bridge and round to Charlestown. Went on to Bunker Hill; climbed on to General Warren's monument, and saw two British frigates lying off in Boston Bay; returned to Boston.
"Monday—Started from Boston about 11 o'clock and travelled to old Concord. Put up at Davis'es, about two miles north of the town.
"Tuesday—Passed up as far as Westford. Sold five or six dollars' worth of goods during the day.
"Wednesday—Passed through Carlisle and Groton and put up in Pepperell.
"Thursday—Went from Pepperell to the upper part of Hollis. Stayed at the clothiers.
"Friday—Arrived at Amherst about noon; took dinner, and then came on and put up a little before night at the widow's.
"Thursday, April 29th—Passed through Londonderry, Hampstead,
