USA > Pennsylvania > A biographical album of prominent Pennsylvanians, v. 3 > Part 33
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Mr. Wallower as a boy was as prudent as he has been enterprising and saga- cious as a man. During his apprenticeship he felt the necessity of saving every
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dollar possible for some future use which he believed would develop itself, and his weekly savings were regularly deposited in bank. While still an apprentice he purchased the material of a weekly paper which had suspended publication. This he stored in a garret with a view of using it as the nucleus for a future busi- ness operation. This rule of taking advantage of opportunities has been the guide of his life. Fully realizing that "there is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune," he took advantage of every opportunity to improve his condition that presented itself. With this idea he studied stenography during the first year of his apprenticeship, becoming quite proficient, and thus added materially to his earnings, as opportunity presented while at his printing trade, by reporting court, legislative and convention pro- ceedings.
After the death of Mr. Singerly, Mr. Wallower decided to put into operation an enterprise which he had cherished as an ambition for some time-that of pub- lishing a one cent daily newspaper. He believed that there was not only a demand but an actual need for such a medium of diffusing intelligence and infor- mation, and with proper management the low price would guarantee success, and afford a paper for the masses. The history of past ventures made the outlook for a third daily newspaper in Harrisburg unpromising. There had been numerous failures in this line, and the enterprise was started against the advice of General Simon Cameron and other prominent men of experience in the printing business. In fact there was no one to give him a single word of encour- agement; but with the limited capital saved during his apprenticeship the Daily Independent was started December 4, 1876. With faith in the success of the venture and indomitable will, energy and pluck, this truly became the "tide in the affairs" of his life which "led on to fortune." It was the beginning of a struggle that developed confidence in himself and prepared him for other large enterprises which he subsequently undertook.
The early period of the Independent were days and nights of toil and anxiety for its young publisher. He acted by turns as editor, reporter, compositor, busi- ness manager, proof-reader, foreman, collector, organizer of carriers and general overseer of the business in and out of the office. He did a large share of the editorial work himself, in part from inclination but mainly through necessity, in order to make both ends meet on pay day; for though he never doubted the result, or allowed himself to lose faith in the ultimate success of the enterprise, he was met day by day by severe trials, and encountered on every hand disap- pointments and embarrassments. Nor was this to be wondered at. The two older papers resented the intrusion of this new candidate into the field, and put barriers in the way of its success. But the young journalist worked patiently, earnestly and intelligently. Gifted by nature with wonderful vitality and endur- ance, he lengthened his day of labor by encroaching on the night, and from week to week struggled along until his paper was self-sustaining, and he was able to employ a full complement of assistants in the various departments, thereby
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strengthening his paper and relieving himself of a portion of the labor. Being the only penny paper in the city the circulation of the Independent increased rapidly. But it required more than subscribers to keep it afloat, and the ardu- ous labor of securing advertisements devolved on the publisher. His system in the beginning, as it is now, was either to do directly and in a business way what was to be done or to closely watch those employed to do it. No publisher of a newspaper in Harrisburg ever did so much work himself that others were paid to do. That is, no employer ever worked so closely with those about him as does Mr. Wallower. He understands the capacities and disposition of his employés with exactness. Whatever is done in his establishment is either per- formed or originated by himself. This is a characteristic of a man of purpose, and a necessary quality in a business enterprise that employs many men. It invigorates the concern, stamps it with individuality and puts upon it the impress of a master mind.
He is a ready writer, though he now performs but little editorial work himself, leaving the details, except in matters of especial importance, to his assistants. A good reasoner, he generally carries his point, and though he accomplishes much by diplomacy, he never descends to "shrewdness," as that term is generally understood. He is kind, liberal and benevolent, and would rather sacrifice a personal interest than descend to a petty act.
The first important leap into popular favor which the Independent made was when the great railroad strike took place, in 1877. The paper had already be- come rooted in business confidence but had gained no popular prestige. The people had not been attracted to it as a bold, outspoken journal until then, for the reason that it had had no opportunity to display its courage in an emer- gency. It gave the news of the day with scrupulous impartiality, and dealt boldly with facts as it found them. It did not hesitate to denounce what it believed to be wrong, and approve what it deemed right, without regard to whom it offended or pleased. Every candid man recognized its impartiality and admired its courageous frankness and unyielding fairness. This course then made the Harrisburg Independent the people's paper and it is still recognized as such. It is a business newspaper, a journal of the household and fireside, and, possessed of the franchises of both the Associated Press and the United Press Association, has exceptional facilities for procuring news. Mr. Wallower's idea was to make a newspaper for the people of Harrisburg and he has achieved a success in public favor and business prosperity which entitles the Independent to rank among the best paying newspaper plants in the country. It has realized the brightest anticipations of its founder, and has met the approval of those upon whom he relied to support him in his venture, notwithstanding the admonitions of those who wished him well but discouraged his youthful efforts to found a newspaper for himself.
As a business man Mr. Wallower acquired his methods and cultivated his capacities in practical contact with the mercantile and manufacturing operations
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of the community in which he was born and reared. He has a natural business ability and unlimited confidence in himself in undertaking large enterprises. A leader among his associates when enlisted in a work, he gives it careful consid- eration, and never allows himself to be discouraged or daunted in his determina- tion. Obstacles which would deter other individuals have no effect on him. In prosecuting an undertaking, at the time of greatest discouragement or threatened failure, he brings to bear his greatest efforts, encouraging those associated with him and wresting victory from defeat. He is progressive and liberal in his views in all public matters, and takes especial pride and interest in the development of his native city.
The fact that Mr. Wallower never ventured on a project that did not prove profitable and successful, if his own ideas were followed, is suggestive of the accuracy of his judgment. As a boy he sold newspapers, making daily visits to the military camps in and around Harrisburg for the purpose, and husbanding the profits for a future use in a business suited to his tastes. He had then that method and system of business and force of character which have grown with his years and developed with his strength, by which he is able to handle many affairs and transact the business of each promptly and well. He keeps his own books, looks after his accounts, and directs the minutest details of his finances, so that they are constantly before his observation and within his grasp. The genuine business man will understand the importance of such a policy, and the fruits of a life still comparatively young, throughout which it has been practised, show how profitable it can be made, and how gratifying are the results. Few men in business have risen to prominence or accumulated a fortune solely by their own efforts at so early an age, and his success may be attributed in part, if not entirely, to the methods he applied.
Mr. Wallower makes no investment of which he loses sight, or has not a direct or indirect control. It is his disposition to grasp business matters with a strong hold, so that, no matter what he is associated with, his personality is felt and acknowledged. It is impossible for him to be neutral or inactive with anything that interests or concerns him. As a financier he is sometimes bold, but never injudicious. Few men of similar opportunities and resources have succeeded as he has, because he made money earn money. There has been less of so-called speculation in his operations than is the case with most men in his position.
As a citizen and co-operator in business of a public character, Mr. Wallower is pressed forward constantly by his fellow-citizens in every prominent movement for the advancement of the mechanical and mercantile interests and the devel- opment of the general resources of Harrisburg. He is an enthusiastic believer in the superior geographical location of that city for manufacturing purposes, and the shipment of such products to the markets of the country. He has great faith in industrial enterprises which furnish employment to the workingmen. To his mind industry is the lever which moves the world.
Mr. Wallower is essentially a self-made man. His fortune was accumulated
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solely by his own efforts, and in his person and by his achievements he has illustrated the possibilities of a young man without capital starting in the world with nothing except ability backed by determination and courage. His business capacity is shown by the various corporations he has originated and managed as well as by the vastness of his private business interests; for, though the tax on his energies has been multiplied, the same attention to detail and wise dis- position of affairs characterize his connection with each of these many interests as that formerly given to the first single enterprise. Conscientious in all matters, he is as exacting on himself as he is particular with others, and the result is that his associates share with him fully in all the fruits of his labor.
Mr. Wallower assisted in organizing the Board of Trade in Harrisburg, and is at the present time President of that useful body. It has already done much in the direction of setting forth the advantages of the city for various industrial enterprises, not only to non-residents, but to those who, though living within the shadow of opportunities, failed to appreciate them. Mr. Wallower has been an active factor in this work, and by example as well as precept has taught wisely to his associates in the Board. He projected the Harrisburg Electric Light Company, of which he is also President. This valuable and profitable enterprise has a capital of $150,000, and was among the first as well as being one of the finest plants of the kind ever constructed in the State. Two years later he pro- jected the Harrisburg Steam Heat and Power Company, designed to supply heat to the residences and public buildings. He served as President of that company until the present year. It is one of the greatest conveniences in the city. Like all innovations of a radical type, people at first looked upon this enterprise with considerable incredulity ; but experience has brought hosts of friends and patrons, and it is now universally voted a necessity in the community, and is rapidly taking the place of the older methods of heating both for private and public uses. In 1888 he organized the People's Bridge Company with a capital of $200,000, of which he is also President. For many years he felt the necessity of additional bridge facilities, the exorbitant toll demanded by the existing bridge company seriously retarding the prosperity of the city. By giving the enterprise liberal support, and by tireless effort, he carried to its present success the modern new open iron bridge, conceded to be one of the greatest enterprises ever projected on the part of the citizens of Harrisburg. The difficulties encountered and suc- cessfully met by indomitable energy and perseverance mark this undertaking as one of the greatest in the career of its projector. He is at the present time projecting other important industries and improvements which will materially advance the interests of the State capital.
Mr. Wallower has large real-estate interests, and in this line of progress as in all others he has been a leading factor in the development of Harrisburg. A notable venture in this respect was the erection of the handsome business block comprising Nos. 334 and 336 Market street. It is an imposing brick structure with terra-cotta and granite trimmings, and was constructed according to the latest
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style of architecture. The purchase of the property and erection of the building was at the time regarded as a wild enterprise. The site was occupied by two three-story brick buildings in good repair, and both desirable and in demand for business purposes. But experience has vindicated the judgment of the progres- sive young capitalist. The building is the finest business structure in Central Pennsylvania, and, though the improvement involved a large expense, he not only realizes from it a splendid annual rental, but feels that it comprises a magnificent monument to his enterprise, business acumen and liberality.
In addition to publishing the Independent, and giving his attention to the other ventures with which he is connected, Mr. Wallower established the Harrisburg Flour Sack Manufactory in 1880, which is one of the successful enterprises of the city. A large building is devoted to the business of supplying flour sacks to the milling trade throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and adjoining States.
Mr. Wallower is a member of the Methodist Church, and prominent in its several offices. He is a member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, F. and A. M., and is Past-Regent of Harrisburg Council, Royal Arcanum.
At the end of his first year in business Mr. Wallower was married to Miss Minnie D. Hoover, a daughter of Samuel M. Hoover. Her mother was a descendant of the Fritchie-Carmony families, well known and respected through- out the State. They have four interesting children, to whom they are deeply attached. He is a man of domestic tastes and inclinations, and his pleasures are greatest when shared with his family. He has a fine country residence near Mechanicsburg, Cumberland county, where they spend the summer months. His city home is a fine double house fronting on Capital Park, Harrisburg.
G. D. H.
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F GUTEKUNST.
PHILA
STEPHEN FARRELLY.
STEPHEN FARRELLY.
W HILST the operation of making and printing newspapers and periodicals is familiar to most intelligent persons, very few, however intelligent, under- stand the modern methods of distributing them, or have any conception how vast the business has become. In the old days, publishers had no other means of circu- lating their publications than through the mails and by carriers. News-boys and news-agents were unknown, but, after the invention of the telegraph, rivalry between the leading journals became so keen that the news-boy was developed, and from him to the news-agent with his little stand where men congregated was but a step. It was not long before it was discovered that an intermediate agency was necessary to supply these quasi merchants with different publications from one central office. Henry Dexter, of New York, was, we believe, the pioneer in this business, but it was not until 1864, when the American News Company was established, that a system was organized which in its perfected state covers the entire northern continent. This company now has branches in all the principal cities of the Union, supplies over seventeen thousand news- dealers, and transacts a business of over $17,000,000 a year.
In Pennsylvania, the Central News Company is now the leading agency for the distribution not only of newspapers and periodicals but books and other publications. Stephen Farrelly, the manager to whose energy the business is largely indebted for its present development, was born in Ireland in 1843, and is the younger brother of one of the founders of the American News Company. Their father, Owen Farrelly, was a man of strong intellect and sterling character, who conducted a private school in Ireland, where he was a type of a class of men well known to the past generation, as the school-master. He had the courage of his convictions in all things and the capacity of imparting what he had learned and what he believed to those placed under his care. When the turbulent days of 1848 disturbed the peace of his native country and seriously interfered with his occupation, he brought his family to America, and settled in Penn Yan in the western part of New York, where his sons were educated under his personal guidance. After some years the family residence was removed to New York city, and at the age of seventeen Stephen entered the service of Dexter & Brother, then wholesale news-agents, where his elder brother held an important position as book-keeper.
When the business of this firm was merged into that of the American News Company young Farrelly was not admitted to membership in the new company, and not wishing to remain on a salary, resolved to seek his fortune elsewhere. Knowing that the ravages of war had left the people of the South destitute of all school-books and other material for education, he went to Savannah, Ga., and there entered into a business contract with the old established house of John M. Cooper & Co. This firm prior to the war had one of the most important book-
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selling and stationery establishments in the South, but the war had entirely exhausted their resources, and with a heavy indebtedness against them in the North the chances of again establishing a successful business seemed very remote. Mr. Farrelly, knowing the high standing and honorable reputation of the firm in the past, suggested that a compromise with Northern creditors might be made which would enable them to resume their business. Such a proposition was prepared, and Mr. Farrelly carried it personally to every one of their large creditors in the North and secured their acceptance. A partnership was shortly after- wards formed under the firm-name of Cooper, Olcott & Farrelly, and the business was so successful that in a few years the members of the old firm paid off their entire indebtedness. Mr. Farrelly, however, never lost sight of the growing im- portance and future prospects of the newspaper business, and in 1869 he sold his interest in the Savannah business and returned to New York, where he established the National News Company. This company he managed success- fully for some years, until it was merged into the American News Company, of which Mr. Farrelly then became a director. In 1878 the Central News Com- pany, which had been established in Philadelphia in 1869 as a branch of the American News Company, required a new manager, and Mr. Farrelly came on from New York and took charge of it. He inaugurated the wagon delivery system, introduced a short credit system, and under his administration the busi- ness has developed, until now the Central News Company is one of the leading business establishments of the State. Recently the company purchased six dwellings on South Washington Square, tore them down, and erected structures for their offices, warehouse and stables, that are an ornament to the city.
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Mr. Farrelly since he resided in Philadelphia has established the reputation of being one of the brightest business men in the city. His frank and popular manners have won him hosts of friends. He is President of the Catholic Club, which is performing a most important part not only in entertaining prominent dignitaries of the Church, but in promoting a liberal spirit and breaking down the barriers of prejudice that separate those of different religious beliefs. In association with the late John Welsh and other prominent citizens he took an active part in the effort to secure a boulevard to Fairmount Park on the east bank of the Schuylkill river. He is a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Citizens' Municipal Association of Philadelphia, the Penn Club, the Art Club, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In 1883 he was elected a Director of the St. Joseph's Orphans' Asylum, and he is now also a Director of the City Trust, Safe Deposit and Surety Company, and of the Beneficial Savings Fund Society.
Speaking French fluently, Mr. Farrelly is well equipped for foreign travel, and on three occasions he made extended trips to Europe. In 1871, immediately after the Franco-Prussian war, he visited all parts of France and Germany, and in 1882, while in Rome, he was admitted to a private audience with his Holiness, Pope Leo XIII.
E. T. F.
F. FOI TEMONST
LUTHER R. KEEFER.
·
LUTHER RILEY KEEFER.
L. R. KEEFER, who is now [1889] serving his fourth term as a State Sena- tor, was born at Harrisburg, March 5, 1834. His father, Andrew Keefer, a descendant of the French Huguenots, was engaged in business as a cabinet-maker and merchant at the State capital until 1847, when he moved to Schuylkill Haven. His mother, Catharine Brua, was a sister of the wife of Gen- eral Simon Cameron and of Major John P. Brua, recently deceased. She died two years after the birth of Luther.
At a suitable age the boy was sent to the public schools of his native city, then, as now, well advanced for its time, so that on reaching his new home he was able to enter the public schools there in the advanced department. Soon after he was transferred to a private school at Schuylkill Haven, where he began the study of higher branches than those taught in the public schools.
In 1849, having acquired a very liberal though not a classical education, Lu- ther was apprenticed to the trade of an iron founder at the Colebrookdale Iron Works in Berks county, of which W. W. Weaver was proprietor. His experi- ence was the same as that of other boys similarly indentured, and continued four years. After the completion of the apprenticeship in 1853 he returned to his home, and soon after established a foundry at West Haven, now Cressona, Schuylkill county, where he carried on the business successfully until 1875, when he withdrew from active manufacturing business with a competency.
From his earliest manhood Mr. Keefer was an enterprising and progressive citizen, and his neighbors held him in the highest esteem. He was called upon to serve the community in various capacities, and was in turn elected a member of the Councils, Burgess, and School Director. He occupied a seat in the school board for seventeen consecutive years, and most of that time presided over the deliberations of the body.
When the war broke out, though Mr. Keefer's business was such as to re- quire his personal attention, he arranged it so that in 1862 he could enter the service of the Government, and during that and the following year he was an enrolling officer. When the Rebel forces invaded Pennsylvania in 1863, he en- listed for the emergency campaign in Company A, Twenty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. After the expiration of the period of enlistment he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal for the Fourteenth District of Pennsylvania, and continued to discharge the duties of that office until the ter- mination of the Rebellion.
In 1876 the Republicans of the Twenty-ninth Senatorial District, comprising a part of Schuylkill county, nominated Mr. Keefer for the State Senate. The district had previously been Democratic, but after a very active contest Mr. Keefer was elected by a very considerable majority. He was re-elected in
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1880, again in 1884, and again in 1888, it being his fourth consecutive election, giving him rank in service with Senators Smith, Grady and Reyburn, and hav- ing only Senator Cooper, of Delaware county, with a record of continuous longer service.
Senator Keefer is not an orator in the common acceptance of that term, though he is one of the most industrious and successful legislators in the body of which he is a member. He has served on the standing Committee on Rail- roads, of which he has been Chairman for the last twelve years, the Committees ion Finance, Corporations, Pensions, Apportionment, Public Buildings, and Mines and Mining. He has also served with great advantage to the public on the special committee appointed at the session of 1885 to draft a general revenue law, the labor of which committee was lost by the failure of the President pro tem. to sign the bill after it had passed both Houses in 1887. He was also a member of the special committee appointed in 1880 to examine into the alleged misappropriation of money by the State Treasurer, and served during the ses- sion of 1889 on the special committee to determine the election contest in the Third Senatorial District in the case of Osbourn vs. Devlin.
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