benevolent-looking, intelligent old gentleman, who occupied the
honorable and not very lucrative position of postmaster of Geneva, from
the receipts of which, and a few other interests he was enabled to
maintain his family in comparative comfort.

Young Pearson had grown to manhood surrounded by the refining influences
of his family, and, save for a few months spent at a business college
in a neighboring city, had always dwelt in his native town. Among the
residents of Geneva he was universally respected and admired. Possessed,
as he was, of more than ordinary intelligence, and evincing good
business qualifications, he had occupied his present position in the
bank for several years, and at the time of the robbery, arrangements
were being made for his promotion to the position of cashier, owing to
the contemplated retirement of Mr. Welton, the present incumbent. His
personal habits were unexceptionable, so far as known, and every one
with whom John Manning conversed upon the subject, were loud in his
praises. In the social circles of the town, he was an acknowledged
favorite; he was a fair musician, was a member of the choir in the
leading church of Geneva, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. His
handsome face and pleasing manners gained for him a host of friends, and
his companionship was eagerly sought by the young people with whom he
associated. The young ladies were particularly partial to his society,
and it was stated that he was engaged to be married to a beautiful young
lady of the town, whose father was one of the wealthiest men in the
country round about. At the bank, he was held in high esteem by both the
officers and directors, and Mr. Silby's affection for him amounted
almost to the love of a father for a favorite child. From infancy to
manhood his name had never been associated with aught that was injurious
or degrading, and among all the young men of Geneva, Eugene Pearson
stood highest in public esteem and general favor.