USA > Pennsylvania > A biographical album of prominent Pennsylvanians, v. 3 > Part 1
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 03687 4813
Gc 974.8 B513 v. 3
A biographical album of prominent Pennsylvanians
A BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM C
PROMINENT PENNSYLVANIANS OF
VIRTUE
LIBET
AND
INDEPENDENCE
NON MULTA, SED MULTUM. .
..
THERE IS NO LIFE OF A MAN, FAITHFULLY RECORDED, BUT IS A HEROIC POEM OF ITS SORT, RHYMED OR UNRHYMED .- Carlyle.
V, 3
THIRD SERIES.
FINANCIERS, RAILROAD OFFICIALS, MERCHANTS, MANUFACT- URERS, INVENTORS, PUBLISHERS, AND OTHER PRACTICAL MEN OF AFFAIRS.
PHILADELPHIA : THE AMERICAN BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. (CHARLES R. DEACON, MANAGER.) 1890.
Allan County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 . Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
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Copyrighted by CHARLES RIDGWAY DEACON, 1890.
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. FERGUSON BROS. & CO. PRINTERS AND ELECTROTYPERS, PHILADELPHIA.
JOHN Y. HUBER CO., BINDERS.
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/biographicalalbu03phil
F. GUTEKUNST.
PHILA,
ROBERT E. PATTISON.
A BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
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PROMINENT PENNSYLVANIANS.
ROBERT EMORY PATTISON.
T `HE history of Philadelphia is rich with the records of individual achieve- ments which stand out to mark the progress of events. From the earliest period of its annals there have been in the front ranks of its business, professional and social life men whose enterprise and genius have loaned lustre, not only to themselves, but to the city and State. In the colonial period we had Franklin. During a later cycle we had Dallas. In the present time there is in the com- munity a man as modest as "Poor Richard," as capable as the great Biddle, and as resourceful as Dallas. His name is ROBERT E. PATTISON, lawyer, finan- cier and statesman.
Ex-Governor Pattison was born, December 8, 1850, at Quantico, Somerset county, Md. His father, Rev. Robert H. Pattison, D. D., an honored Pennsyl- vanian, was an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the accident of the son's birth was traceable to the itinerant system of the denomina- tion, in whose communion he was serving the Master. Rev. Dr. Pattison had for his first charge a church in the above-named little town, situated on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He had married Miss Catherine Priscilla Woolford, daughter of Dr. Thomas Woolford, of Cambridge, Md. He was a devout man, an earnest, able and assiduous worker, and an eloquent pulpiteer. Besides that he was a devoted husband and an affectionate father. An earnest and enthusi- astic member of the Masonic fraternity, he was for many years the Grand Chap- lain of the Grand Lodge, A. Y. M., of Pennsylvania, and wrote a work upon the organization which materially helped the public in understanding the aims and purposes of the order. But while those duties absorbed the time and atten- tion of the father of the future Governor, his mother divided her time in her attention to the consideration of religious subjects and public affairs. The son was therefore brought up in correct lines both in relation to religious and
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patriotic works. His matured life proves that he profited by the teachings in both fields.
When the boy was only six years of age the father was assigned to service at the Asbury Chapel, West Philadelphia. There, as elsewhere, he labored assidu- ously and with such effect that until his death, in 1875, he continued the minis- trations, and was one of the most popular divines in the conference.
Robert E. Pattison obtained his education in the public schools. Having had a home training of the best type, he began his scholastic tuition under the most favorable auspices. From the beginning he was apt, studious and industrious, and, because of these qualities, attracted the notice and won the commendation of his instructors. Through the various grades he passed in regular order to the High School, from which he graduated in 1870. He was a leader in the sports of the school as he was in the exercises of the recitation room, and in all cases he had the confidence, esteem and support of his associates.
Young Pattison early evinced a military spirit. This is not surprising, in view of the period during which his mind was in an impressionable and formative state. From 1861 to 1865 the country was pervaded with a martial spirit, and, being of a patriotic turn, he naturally partook of this feeling. Thus animated, he looked to the Military Academy at West Point as an objective point of his youthful ambition. This was not without reason, for the bent of his mind in school was in the direction of history. But his father, who was a "man of peace," objected to the military profession with such vehemence that the boy was forced to yield reluctantly and turn again to his books. But he had one of those happy dispositions which could meet disappointment with philosophic resignation, and he contented himself by expending his military ardor by joining the Philadelphia Fire Zouaves, Company A, Fourth Regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania, in which, while performing the duties of a private with punctu- ality, he served as the speechmaker on all public occasions. Upon his gradua- tion from the High School he took the highest honor of his class, and delivered the valedictory.
Among the inheritances of his youth was a scholarship in Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa., an institution of learning which dates its history back for more than a century. His father had graduated from it, and in his mind it had a most exalted place. Naturally he looked forward hopefully to the fruition of this expectation. But no boy is master of circumstances, and when the time came at · which he might have availed himself of the advantages an event occurred which changed the tenor of his life. Through Professor George Inman Riche, Principal of the Philadelphia High School, he received an offer to enter the office of the late Lewis C. Cassidy. The young man thought favorably of the proposition, but was undecided. Finally he concluded to visit Mr. Cassidy, and to that end took a letter of introduction from Professor Riche and presented himself to his future preceptor. He was not encouraged much as to the result, but received kindly welcome and judicious advice and admonition. The struggles of a student-at-law and the trials of a young practitioner were pointed out to him,
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and he was told to take time for reflection and consult freely with his father and friends. To most youths this would have been discouraging. To him it was rather an incentive. A few days afterwards the boy and his father called together upon Mr. Cassidy, and the result was that he became a registered law student with that gentleman, and immediately after his graduation entered his office. During the first year of his tuition he spent most of the time with his books, but in the second year he was thrown actively into the duties of the office, entering court freely and performing all the functions of an attorney. After his admission to the bar, in 1872, he continued with Mr. Cassidy, and actively participated in the work of the office until his election to the position of Controller of Philadel- phia removed him to another field.
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From an early period he took an active interest in public matters and in political affairs. While yet a student he participated in the work of the Reform Association. His facility of speech was soon recognized, and he was constantly called into service on the stump. By 1876 he had made so good an impression among his colleagues of the bar and in the field of politics that he was regarded by many as the most available candidate of the Democracy for the office of Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions, but he declined the compliment. In 1877 his name was presented to the Democratic State Convention for the office of Auditor-General. The Philadelphia delegation supported him unanimously, but the exigencies of politics directed the nomination, and Hon. William P. Schell was chosen. The result, however, turned in his favor, for the same year he was nominated for Controller of the city of Philadelphia, and elected by a majority of one thousand nine hundred and sixty-two over James W. Sayre.
This event was the turning point in his career. He had then the matter in his own hands, and determined to make the best of it. The affairs of the city had been carelessly managed, and he set about to correct the evils with the result that public sentiment was immediately aroused in the interest of improve- ment. He saw that the office was not simply clerical, but involved semi-judicial functions which were designed to protect the public from the abuses which had been prevalent. During his first term he resisted every effort of the plunderers, and when the time came for the election of his successor, although it was a Presidential year, he was nominated and elected by the remarkable majority of thirteen thousand five hundred and ninety-three. The opposing candidate, E. Harper Jeffries, was a man of the highest character and standing in the commu- nity ; but the people were so emphatic in their approval of Mr. Pattison that party lines were broken down, and every consideration gave way to what seemed a public duty. The Republican Electoral ticket at the same election received a majority of twenty thousand eight hundred and eighty-three, which fact is of itself the most substantial testimony of the confidence in which Mr. Pattison was held. He had no endorsement aside from the nomination of the Democratic party, but the people had faith in his intelligence, ability and integrity, and there was no party influence in consideration. ·
In 1882 the Democratic party began looking about for an available candidate
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ROBERT E. PATTISON.
for Governor of the State. The opposition was divided and distracted, and there was a general feeling, that, with a proper candidate, the Democrats might win. Reform was in the air, and all people looked forward to a change in the political morals of the Commonwealth. It was this sentiment that impelled the friends of Controller Pattison to bring his name forward. The people out of the city had no personal knowledge of him, but they had a perfect acquaintance with his sterling character, ability and integrity. The convention met in June, and, though the hope of success had brought out a good many candidates, he was nominated on the sixth ballot. The campaign which followed was a memorable one. Both sides put forth their best efforts, and strove to bring success. But though the opposition was the dominant political influence in the State, and was in possession of the official patronage, Mr. Pattison was elected by a plu- rality of forty thousand two hundred and two. The official vote was: Robert E. Pattison, 355,791 ; James A. Beaver, 315,589; John Stewart, 43,743 ; Armstrong, 23,996; and Pettit, 5,196. Mr. Pattison was inaugurated Governor on the second Tuesday in January, 1883.
Governor Pattison's career as the Chief Executive of the State covers one of the brightest periods in the history of Pennsylvania. As in the Controller's office, he brought to the State capital a determination to do right, an intelligence to see it, and a courage to follow his convictions. His administration was char- acterized by the simplest and purest Democracy. His guide was the public interest, and his inspiration the general good. Abuses shrank away before him, and scandals hid from his scrutiny. He was able, honest, manly, and for all time his administration will mark a period of purity, intelligent control and patriotism in the history of the State government.
On retiring from office Mr. Pattison resumed the practice of law in this city, in partnership with W. S. Stenger, Secretary of the Commonwealth during his administration. In July, 1887, he was elected President of the Chestnut Street National Bank, and has devoted a considerable part of his time to the manage- ment of this institution. He was not permitted, however, to retire absolutely from public service. President Cleveland in March, 1887, tendered him the Auditorship of the Treasury, which he declined. Shortly afterward he was tendered the appointment of Pacific Railway Commissioner, which he accepted. He was made President of the Commission, and entered upon his active duties April 1, 1887, in pursuance of which he travelled from the Atlantic to the Pacific, took thousands of pages of testimony, and wrote the minority report, his tern as Commissioner expiring December 31, 1887. Since then he has administered the executive functions of the Chestnut Street National Bank and the Chestnut Street Trust Company, and the success which they have achieved is strong tes- timony of the wisdom of this selection.
Mr. Pattison was married, December 28, 1872, to Miss Anna Barney Smith, a daughter of Mr. Edwin A. Smith. Three children have been born to the union, one of which, a son, died in Harrisburg while the family were residing in the executive mansion. G. D. H.
F. GUTEMUNST
WHARTON BARKER.
GUTENUNST.
THOMAS COCHRAN.
THOMAS COCHRAN.
T 'HE remarkable increase in the number of trust companies, and the almost uni- versal success of these fiduciary institutions in Philadelphia, have become matters of wonder among those who have not given the subject much thought. The cause for their multiplication is the success achieved by the pioneer con- - cerns, and this is largely due to the careful, intelligent and sagacious direction of their affairs, which has been of such a nature as to increase the reputation of Philadelphia for the sound conservatism of its monetary and commercial institu- tions. The active beneficial results which have accrued to the city by these aggregations of capital have largely advanced her interests in the country at large, and have been the means of not only developing her resources and improving the city, thereby enhancing taxable values, but have inured to the good of other communities as well, by furnishing the means for improvement that would otherwise have had to await the slow growth of wealth and popula- tion. Unlike the trusts that are organized to control necessary commodities, they lay no tribute on helpless consumers, and their influence is wholly bene- ficial. Indeed, their main object is to unite the ordinary advantages of banks of deposit, excepting the discounting of paper, with the duties of trusteeship, suretyship, executorship and similar responsibilities, and to provide specially constructed safes and vaults for the safe-keeping of valuables ; while at the same time they enable persons of small means to deposit their capital, where they will receive compensation for it or have it invested safely by the trust companies, which the national banks would not do.
Probably in no city in the world are these institutions so numerous, or so firmly established in public confidence, as in Philadelphia. Many reasons might be assigned for this, among others the abundance of capital in that city awaiting chances for safe investment, while there is no place in the country in which the business men are keener in discerning opportunities or more ready to take advantage of them; but perhaps the leading cause of their popularity is the prudence, conservatism, and sagacity of the men who manage them. Being a city of homes and a community of wage-earners, inducements and opportunities abound for investment in and through these beneficent corporations, and it is not surprising that they multiply in number and yet are all prosperous.
Among the earlier of them was the Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Com- pany of Philadelphia. Its first start was not propitious, but in 1876 HON. THOMAS COCHRAN was induced to take the Presidency of the company, and suc- ceeded in soon placing it upon a firm financial basis; and it is now one of the leading monetary institutions of the city, and its success has induced the forma- tion of many somewhat similar concerns. Mr. Cochran was born near Mercers- burg, Pa., April 12, 1832. He is the son of Robert B. and Mary (Allison)
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Cochran, both of whom were of Scotch-Irish descent-a race that formed an important element in the settlement and development of the State of Penn- sylvania. When he was little more than an infant his father died. Shortly after her bereavement Mrs. Cochran removed with her family to Harrisburg, and sub- sequently to Philadelphia. In the former and latter city Thomas Cochran's early education was received. After finishing a regular academic course he began the study of law, and on completing the usual term was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, December 2, 1854. He at once opened an office in that city, and engaged in regular practice, evincing a marked aptitude for the profession. His ready grasp of political affairs and his great personal popularity gradually brought him into relations mainly of a public character, and he eventually abandoned the active practice of the law. In October, 1861, he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from what was then the Seventh Legis- lative District in Philadelphia. By successive re-elections he continued a mem- ber of that body until the close of the year 1865, receiving every year an increased majority at the polls. During his term of service the war of the Rebellion was in progress, and many very important questions bearing upon the great struggle were brought before the State Legislature. In both houses there was an unusual number of able men, who were called from the walks of private life by the dis- turbed condition of the country, and who had already, or have since, attained high distinction in public affairs and in the various spheres of private life. Mr. Cochran was one of the active members of the House of Representatives, serving on nearly all the important committees during his terms, and in 1865 was Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. His labors and influence were steadily exerted in securing State aid for the Union cause, and in supporting every measure tending to hasten the abolition of slavery and the downfall of the Confederacy. Especially worthy of note were his valuable services in the matter of establishing throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania home schools for the orphans of those who gave their lives in support of the Union. Certain measures had been presented to the House of Representatives looking towards the establishment of such institutions, but, owing to the difference of opinion as to details, their defeat was certain. At this juncture Mr. Cochran presented as a substitute a joint resolution, the simple but effective provisions of which com- . mended the measure to his colleagues, and it became a law. Under this law these schools were established, and through their instrumentality incalculable good has been effected.
In 1865 the city of Philadelphia was on the verge of financial embarrassment, occasioned by the large expenditures incident to the Civil War and the small amount of revenue received from taxable property, mainly due to inequality in assessments. As a means of solving the difficulty thus presenting itself the Board of Revision of Taxes was created by legislative enactment, and was given power to assess and adjust the valuation of property, and to control the details looking forward to an equitable basis of taxation. By appointment of the Judges
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of the city of Philadelphia, Mr. Cochran became a member of the Board, which consisted of himself and two associates. Through the unremitting labors of this body, Mr. Cochran being its moving spirit and for a long time its Chairman, the entire tax system was remodelled and the valuation of property returned at three times its former amount. No unjust discriminations were tolerated, and the city, by obtaining a fair tax upon the valuation so returned, was lifted from its financial difficulties. This required the steady and untiring effort of several years, and when Mr. Cochran resigned his position at the close of 1876, he left to the city a tax system that impartial judges regard as equal, if not superior, to that of any other muncipality in the land. Having become thoroughly familiar with the subject by close study and an extended practical experience, Mr. Cochran wrote a series of treatises on " Methods of Valuation " and "Local Taxation," which attracted considerable attention and were at once received, and are to-day accepted, as standard authority on matters pertaining to taxation, being frequently quoted and referred to.
A most important work in which Mr. Cochran took an active and leading part was the United States Centennial Exhibition, held at Philadelphia in 1876. With this gigantic undertaking he was prominently connected from its inception. At the first meeting of the subscribers he was chosen a member of the Board of Finance, and being yearly re-elected served as such until the completion of the work, and the dissolution of the Board, holding, during its existence, the office of Vice-President, and being also Chairman of the Committee on Ground Plans and of the Committee on Buildings. For the three years previous to 1876 he gave this work his entire attention daily, both on the grounds and in the offices, personally directing all that pertained to these most important committees. To him was intrusted every plan, and he was consulted regarding every suggestion - for the location, arrangement and supervision of the grounds and buildings, and the supply of water, gas, etc., together with all the specifications and contracts for the various buildings. So well did he perform his work that, in the face of many difficulties, the grounds and buildings were in readiness for the opening of the exhibition, and not only in readiness, but so perfectly and tastefully arranged that the Centennial City of the Park was the admiration of the world for its completeness, compactness and beauty.
Mr. Cochran was an early advocate for the increase of the Fairmount Park area, and some of his published arguments were prophetic in their predictions of the future of the city. In one of the articles from his pen, which has recently been republished, he gave facts and figures as to the population and needs of Philadelphia, present and future, which time has verified to a remarkable degree.
In 1874 Mr. Cochran was appointed, by act of Congress, one of the Commis- sioners to dispose of the old Navy Yard belonging to the National Government, his associates being Secretary Robeson of the Navy Department, Secretary Bristow of the Treasury Department, and Gen. A. A. Humphreys, Chief-Engi- 2
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neer of the Army. Mr. Cochran, as the representative of Philadelphia, attended to all the details in that city, and disposed of the property to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for the round sum of one million dollars.
Recognizing his exceptional skill as a financier, and his extraordinary execu- tive ability, many institutions have sought to secure his services. At the close of 1876 the Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Company of Philadelphia elected him as its President, and he assumed the position in the beginning of 1877. . Through his labors this corporation has been placed on a substantial basis of 1 prosperity as before stated, and has been raised to the foremost rank among the financial institutions of the country. Its stock, which at the time of his accession to the Presidency was selling at half its paid value, is now quoted at more than thrice its par value, and the surplus of the institution is one million dollars. Mr. Cochran was selected in 1877 by City Councils as the citizens' representative on the Sinking Fund Commission of Philadelphia-a body which controls the management of all the city's loans. He is a Director of the Philadelphia Saving Fund, of the North Pennsylvania Railroad, of the Union League Club (of which he is also Treasurer), and also a member of the Executive Council of the Board of Trade. He served on the Executive Committee in the reorganization of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and is now one of the Managers of that important corporation. During the Constitutional Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia, in September, 1887, he was Chairman of the Citizens' Committee. He was also one of the Vice-Presidents of the American Exhibition in London in 1887. Governor Beaver appointed him one of the Commissioners of the State of Pennsylvania at the Centennial Exhibition of the Ohio Valley and Central States, held in the summer and fall of 1888.
Mr. Cochran was married on September 7, 1857, to Kate C., daughter of the late Hon. John H. Campbell, once a prominent member of the Philadelphia Bar and a Representative in Congress during the war with Mexico, who died January 19, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have one son, William Allison Cochran. In every sphere of usefulness, public and private, in which his services and talents have been afforded exercise, Mr. Cochran has shown himself a man of broad views, vigorous industry, remarkable ability and unquestioned integrity.
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