USA > Pennsylvania > A biographical album of prominent Pennsylvanians, v. 3 > Part 37
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Mr. Nolen resides with his family in a magnificent residence on Fifth street, Reading, where he entertains liberally.
J. D.
·
GUTLAUNST
PHIL ..
SAMUEL A. DUNCAN.
SAMUEL ALEXANDER DUNCAN.
A MONG those who have grown up in unison, as it were, with the remarkable development of the electrical industry of this country, and whose biog- raphy is, in a measure, a part of the history of this mysterious and wonderful science, particularly in connection with the great strides made in the past quarter of a century in adapting it to the service of mankind, is SAMUEL A. DUNCAN, of Pittsburgh, one of the best known and most successful practical electricians in this country. He was born in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pa., July 13, 1851, and his success in life has been entirely due to his natural ability and unaided efforts. He obtained but a limited education at the public schools ; for at the early age of twelve years he began work as a messenger-boy in the tele- graph service. While employed in that capacity he studied and mastered the art of telegraphy, and in 1865, at the age of fourteen, located in Pittsburgh as an operator for the United States Telegraph Company. When that corporation was absorbed by the Western Union Telegraph Company, Mr. Duncan was retained as an operator in the service of the latter concern, and rose rapidly through the various grades until he became Manager of that company's office in Pittsburgh.
Notwithstanding the laborious duties of his position, he found time to follow closely the experiments constantly being made in the matter of electric lighting, and almost immediately upon its commercial introduction he identified himself with the Brush system, and in 1881 was appointed Superintendent of the Alle- gheny County Light Company, of Pittsburgh. Being possessed of a keen, bright intelligence and a natural aptitude for the business, he quickly established the plant on a successful basis. Always keeping himself informed of improvements and mechanical appliances allied thereto, he kept thoroughly apace therewith, and was indefatigable in his efforts to reap all possible benefits therefrom. Con- sequently the Allegheny County Light Company, which is now controlled and operated by the Westinghouse interests, possesses to-day a station which is a monument to his energy and ability as an electrician. From an old, rickety building it has been transformed into a magnificent structure, which was erected, and all the machinery, electrical and otherwise, placed in it, under the super- ¿ vision and direction of Mr. Duncan. His success in establishing the plant obtained for him the promotion as General Agent of the Company, which posi- tion he now occupies and fills with credit to himself and profit to his employers.
From the incipiency of the National Electric Light Association, Mr. Duncan manifested a keen interest in its welfare, serving upon committees and giving his talents and attention freely at all times to further the aims and objects of the Association. Being a ready debater and well versed in parliamentary law, his usefulness was always evident and always acknowledged. At its convention held in Boston in August, 1887, his well-recognized influence secured the hold-
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SAMUEL A. DUNCAN.
ing of the meeting in the following February in Pittsburgh, and he was appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee. His services in this capacity were of incalculable benefit to the association. Its official proceedings testify that this was the most successful meeting held in its history up to that time. The attend- ance was larger, and the character of the papers read in reference to electrical subjects and the discussions thereupon, together with committee reports, were of a more interesting and instructive nature than at any previous meeting of the Association. At this meeting Mr. Duncan obtained such financial aid and recognition for the Association from Mr. George Westinghouse as to free it from immediate pressing burdens of debt, and for his well-directed and indefatigable labors generally he was rewarded and honored by being unanimously elected to the office of President of the Association. Quick to recognize defects, and what had militated most against its progress, he was equally as quick to remove them. He conceived and agitated the idea of a permanent head-quarters for the Asso- ciation in New York city, with a capable secretary in charge; and, at the very interesting meeting held in the last-named city in August, 1888, his suggestion was acted upon, the Association by vote authorizing the location of such head- quarters. He spent his time and money in carrying out the instructions of the Association in establishing these head-quarters. His policy was an aggressive but judicious one, and in the best interests of the Association. At the Chicago meeting, held in February, 1889, Mr. Duncan declined the honor of a re-election as President. The excellent condition in which he left the Association, out of debt and with a handsome surplus-the result of his idea of establishing perma- nent head-quarters-testifies to his financial and executive ability and to his good judgment as a presiding officer.
Though mainly giving his attention to electrical matters, Mr. Duncan is inter- ested in other corporations and lines of business in Pittsburgh, and has also found time to serve his fellow-citizens as a member of Councils for five years. His influence in that body has always been in favor of progress and improve- ment, and in the interest of the public. The present excellent police patrol system of Pittsburgh s due to his untiring and indefatigable efforts.
Though dignified in his bearing, Mr. Duncan possesses a personal magnetism and suavity of manner which make all who come in contact with him feel at ease. He is of medium stature, and, while not robust in appearance, he conveys the impression of a man possessed of unusual tenacity of purpose and quiet energy. He is a faithful friend and a fair foe, and counts among his friends many men representing the best business and social elements of the community in which he has his home.
Mr. Duncan was married, on October 17, 1876, to Miss Carrie V. Herron, a daughter of William Herron, of Pittsburgh. They have one child, a bright little daughter, to whom they are devotedly attached.
C. R. D.
F GUTEKUNST.
PHILA.
WILLIAM B. GILL.
WILLIAM BELLANGEE GILL.
T HERE are many successful men occupying high posts in the employ of great corporations who have commenced in the most humble and subordinate positions, and evinced their fitness to manage the interests committed to their care by gradual development of unusual qualities as they steadily and constantly rose through the various gradations of advancement, winning recognition of their abilities and gaining places of trust and power. No better example of this at- tainment of confidence by ability displayed in subordinate positions is to be found than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch.
WILLIAM B. GILL, President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Lo- cal Telegraph Company, Vice-President of the Philadelphia Bell Telephone Company, and Superintendent of the Sixth District, Eastern Division of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Philadelphia, is a native and life-long resident of the city in which he has won a place and reputation, having been born there December 27, 1847. All his elementary education was obtained at the public school, he having only attended the South-eastern Grammar School, on Front street below Pine. When fourteen years old he obtained employment in a shoe factory, but soon left that to enter the service of the "Independent and Inland Telegraph Company," one of the subsiduary lines out of which sprang "The United States Telegraph Company." He afterwards entered the employ of " The American Telegraph Company " as a messenger. In 1863 he was pro- moted to be " dummy boy," and went steadily forward and upward through the various grades of the service until 1866, when he attracted the attention and in- terest of Mr. James Merrihew, then manager of the Western Union Company and in charge of the Commercial News Department under Superintendent David Brooks. The quotations of the department were prepared by him with great care and promptness, and sent out several times a day by messenger, there being at that time no Corn Exchange, as now.
When Mr. D. H. Bates succeeded Mr. Brooks as superintendent of the dis- trict, young Gill was appointed Assistant Delivery Clerk, but was soon afterward promoted to be Assistant Cashier under Mr. William Carley, a gentleman well and favorably known in telegraph circles, and one of the first of the men now living who was engaged in the telegraph business. When Mr. Merrihew be- came superintendent he at once chose Mr. Gill as his chief clerk, and on the resignation of Assistant Superintendent George H. Grace to become telgraph superintendent of the New Jersey Central Railroad line Mr. Gill was appointed to the vacant position. When Mr. Merrihew was transferred to be assistant general superintendent of the Western Union Company at New York, Mr. Gill was appointed to fill the duties of Superintendent of the Sixth District ad interim.
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WILLIAM B. GILL.
In the reorganization which followed the consolidation of the companies in 1881 it was found necessary to give the superintendency to Mr. J. E. Zeublin, who had been superintendent of the American Union Company at Philadelphia, owing to certain circumstances which arose in the matter of effecting the union of the companies. Mr. Gill at once resigned and entered into a contract to con- struct the Bankers' and Merchants' Telegraph Line between Philadelphia and New York, which, in spite of many obstacles, he accomplished in four months. Upon the completion of this contract he entered into another in connection with David P. Emminger, to erect a line for the American Rapid Company from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, which was finished during the following winter. In April, 1882, Mr. Gill entered the service of the Mutual Union Telegraph Com- pany as Manager at Philadelphia. This position he resigned on July Ist, follow- ing, to accept the Superintendency of the Delaware and Atlantic Telegraph and Telephone Company. When Mr. Zeublin resigned as superintendent of the Sixth District of the Western Union Company to take charge of the Baltimore and Ohio Telegraph System, Mr. Gill was appointed as his successor, retaining the general superintendence of the Delaware and Atlantic Telegraph and Tele- phone Company. The district under his charge includes the territory between the Potomac River and Jersey City, N. J., and extends to Altoona, Pa. Large interests of the company are under his care, and he has the supervision of the work of the Western Union in the cities of Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and intermediate points embraced in the territory named.
Mr. Gill is a Republican, but the only political or public offices he has held are membership in the Board of Public Education, to which he was appointed from the Thirty-second School Section by the Board of Judges in 1888, and the posi- tion of Commissioner from the State of Pennsylvania to the Paris Exposition of 1889. Besides his connection with the corporations before mentioned, he is a director in a large number of local telegraph and telephone companies in many of the outlying towns and cities of his district.
He is a gentleman of quiet activity, with a mind of somewhat marked judicial strength and tenacity of purpose. His judgment is good, his industry constant and his character unexceptionable. He has acquired by private study and read- ing a considerable knowledge of common law, and is generally so well posted, efficient and judicious, that he is thoroughly competent to meet the multifarious questions that constantly come before him in the performance of his official duties.
Mr. Gill was married on December 8, 1870, to Miss Lizzie H. Slater. They have five children. C. R. D.
F. GUTEMUNST.
PHILA.
WILLIS G. HALE.
WILLIS GAYLORD HALE.
P HILADELPHIA architecture was for many years so frequently a subject of ridi- cule that the term became a synonym for monotony and want of beauty ; but since the Centennial there has been a marked improvement in the style of the buildings that have been erected. Girard College, the U. S. Mint and Custom House, the Commercial Exchange and a few other structures were the only ones in the city which could lay claim to any distinctive architectural merits prior to the change that came over the city in that respect about the time of the beginning of the third century of its existence.
Among the architects of Philadelphia who have done much to effect the notable improvement referred to is WILLIS G. HALE, whose examples of work have made a most favorable impression, and are creditable alike to his creative power and to the good taste and enterprise of the capitalists who adopted his designs. He was born at Seneca Falls, in the State of New York, and is descended from old Puritan stock on his father's side, while his mother's ances- tors, the Gaylords, came from Normandy in France, some of them settling in the Wyoming Valley, in this State, where they were massacred by the Indians, their names appearing on the monument erected to commemorate that tragic event. His grandfather, Francis Hale, fought on the side of the patriots during the war of independence, after the close of which he settled at Otisco, south of Syracuse, and the old homestead is still in possession of the family. He married Olive Harrison in 1783, and seven children were born to the union-Eben, James, Charles H., Pliny, Seneca, Nancy and Charlotte. Pliny Hale was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Seneca, at the age of seventy-five, raised a company of soldiers and led them in the war of the rebellion. Charles H. Hale, the father of Willis G., was a man of great force of character. He was a strict Presbyterian, and one of the pillars of that religious denomination. He married Susan E. Gaylord, of Hartford, Conn., and died at Syracuse, N. Y., December, 1885, after having retired from mercantile life. His oldest son, Francis E. Hale, enlisted as a private, in 1861, in the celebrated Loomis Battery at Coldwater, Mich., was promoted to the rank of captain, and at the age of twenty-one was brevetted colonel, and served on the staff of General Loomis until the close of the war.
Willis G. Hale was brought up very strictly, his austere father firmly believing in the precept that to spare the rod would spoil the child. His preliminary education was obtained at the academy at Seneca Falls, Cayuga Lake Academy at Aurora, and at the Auburn High School, where he finished his schooling. While still a pupil he ran away to join the army, but was too young to be enrolled, and was compelled to forego his patriotic resolve. After quitting school he was given the choice of a three years' course at Ann Arbor University to study engineering, or an opportunity to study architecture. His tastes inclining more to the latter profession he decided to adopt it, and began study in Buffalo, going later to Rochester, and finally to Philadelphia, where he entered the office of Samuel Sloan, and later had Mr. John McArthur as his preceptor. In 1873
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WILLIS G. HALE.
he established himself in business at Wilkes Barre, Pa .; but the troubles in the coal regions caused such a depression in all kinds of business that he returned, on November 2, 1876, to Philadelphia, where he opened an office and met with almost immediate success. One of the first examples of his work to attract attention was the Record building on Chestnut street above Ninth, adjoining the post-office, erected for Mr. William M. Singerly. This was followed by the Inde- pendence National Bank, on Chestnut street below Fifth ; while among his more recent works are the Keystone National Bank at Chestnut and Juniper streets ; the large storehouses, 816 to 826 Market street, belonging to William Weight- man, and occupied by Young, Smyth, Field & Co. and Wood, Brown & Co .; the elegant private residences of Messrs. P. A. B. Widener, George W. Elkins, Jr., and George D. Widener on the west side of Broad street above Girard avenue; the three massive buildings erected for William M. Singerly on the site of the old Masonic Temple on Chestnut street above Seventh, two of which are now owned and occupied respectively by the Union Trust Company and the Chestnut Street National Bank ; the residence of Mr. James Richmond, north-east corner of Fortieth and Walnut streets; the rows of houses for Mr. Weightman at Thirty-ninth and Walnut streets; and the handsome and attractive new quarters of the Schuylkill Navy Athletic Club on Arch street below Seventeenth.
All work from his office is designed entirely by Mr. Hale. It shows a versa- tility of talent that is notable, as instanced in the florid style of the Independence Bank, the severe simplicity of the Record Building, the picturesque details of the Keystone Bank, and the grandeur of the Union Trust and its adjoining structures. Mr. Hale is an Associate of the American Institute of Architects, and is also a member of its Philadelphia Chapter. He is a member of the Philadelphia Art Club, the Utopian Club, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Penn Club, the National Free Art League, the Iona Boat Club, the Masonic fraternity, and is a life-member of the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy and the Fairmount Park Art Association. He is also well known in musical circles, and was for several years a member of the "Vocal Union " as first tenor. He devotes much time to music, and has a fine collection of stringed instruments and a valuable musical and architectural library. He has been solo tenor in several of the most prominent Episcopal Churches of Philadelphia.
Mr. Hale was married in the city of Baltimore, Md., June 23, 1876, to Augusta M. Cannon, daughter of the late John Bouchel Cannon, for many years a promi- nent merchant of that city. The ancestors of Mr. Cannon were natives of Lor- raine, France, and resided for many generations near the town of Mirecourt, holding prominent positions in the government of the province prior to its union with France. The branch of the family from which Mrs. Hale is descended were Huguenots, who left their native country upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, going first to Holland, and finally emigrating to America, landing in New York about 16So. On her mother's side Mrs. Hale is descended from the Mitchells, English Cavaliers, who came to this country during the Protectorate of Cromwell, about 1650, and settled in Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Hale have one child living, a daughter, Augusta Cannon Hale. G. S. D.
F. GUTEKUNST.
PHILA,
LEWIS H. REDNER.
LEWIS HENRY REDNER.
TT is with people as with pictures. We frequently come across a picture on the walls of one of our galleries from which it is impossible to stand far enough off to get the full value of the perspective. So it is with men and women living and working about us. We hear of this or that deed that they have done ; some wrong they have striven to set right; some question they have helped to decide for the good of society ; or some great business transaction that will indi- rectly benefit the city or the State. These fragments of their doings come to us; but they are too near to us in time for us to get a large grasp of all that their life means to them and to the world around them. This is always the dis- advantage of contemporaneous biography, and it seems but just to say here that those who know Lewis H. Redner feel that large as is the amount of work that lies behind him, the possibilities of the future are equally great. He is still an active and untiring worker in his especial line of business, while, to the charities in which he is engaged, he brings unfailing energy and all the enthusiasm of an ardent and hopeful temperament.
By birth and education Lewis H. Redner is a Philadelphian. His father, Lewis Redner, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, but moved to Philadelphia early in life. His grandfather, Nicholas Redner, was a citizen of Trenton, New Jersey, while his paternal grandmother was Sarah Price, of Virginia, who is described as a woman of great mental strength and force of character. What- ever other traits Mr. Redner may have inherited from this Virginia grand- mother, it is probable that to her he is largely indebted for his genial warmth of manner and vivacity of expression, characteristics that belong more to the Southern than to the Northern States.
Lewis H. Redner was born December 14, 1831, and at the age of twelve entered the Philadelphia High School. At sixteen he commenced his business career by going into the office of Andrew D. Cash, prominent as a conveyancer and real-estate broker. In this office a large amount of important business was .yearly transacted. It was an admirable school for a young man and he proved so apt a pupil that at twenty-one Mr. Cash took him into partnership.
This partnership lasted for thirteen years, and during this period Mr. Red- ner took an active part in settling the interests of a number of large landed estates, as those of the Camacs, Dickinsons, Logans, and others. Endowed with business capacities of a superior order, and with the valuable experience gained in this office, it is not strange that, when the partnership between Mr. Cash and Mr. Redner was dissolved, and the latter went into business for him- self, he should have taken his place as one of the leading real-estate brokers of Philadelphia.
Forsome years Mr. Redner's business operations have covered such an extended
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field, and were often of so intricate a nature, that they would have engaged the powers of most men to the exclusion of all else ; yet he has always had abundant time and strength for a large amount of Christian philanthropic work, which he is pleased to call his recreation. Possessing a fine physique and great powers of endurance, forming his judgment quickly and deciding promptly, even in matters of great importance, he is able to accomplish much in a short space of time, working while he works with a will, and when business hours are over throwing aside business cares to enter into some other pursuit. We are inclined to think that much of Mr. Redner's ability to execute a vast amount of work, in his office and out of it, is due to this power of concentration which he possesses, and to the not less valuable faculty of putting business aside when the office door is closed.
Music has always been one of Mr. Redner's recreations, and, although a self- taught musician, he is a thorough one, understanding the science of music and the art of composition. He has composed and published a number of Christmas and Easter carols, a popular one being "O Little Town of Bethlehem," the words of which were written by Rev. Phillips Brooks, D. D., while in charge of the Church of the Holy Trinity. To this church, to St. Andrew's, and later to the Memorial Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Mr. Redner has at different times lent his services as organist ; while his readiness and skill in vocal music have made that gift a valuable help to him in Sunday-school and hospital work.
Had Mr. Redner chosen to enter the political field he would undoubtedly have met with success from his promptness in action, his readiness of speech, warmth of manner, and a certain power that he possesses of carrying people with him in anything that he undertakes. He has, however, taken no active part even in local politics. A Republican in principle, he has always been in sympathy with reform movements, and adheres to the belief that the most responsible men should be elected to office irrespective of party affiliations. Although this fact is to be regretted, as it always is to be regretted, when good men fail to bring their influence to bear upon important political questions, he felt himself called upon to labor in another field of usefulness, and has given all the time that could be spared from his business to works of Christian philanthropy.
Mr. Redner early identified himself with the Protestant Episcopal Church, having been confirmed at St. Paul's Church at the age of sixteen. Although loyally devoted to the interests of this, his mother church, he is in cordial sympathy with the work of all Christian Churches, and in his lay ministrations, at hospitals and elsewhere, is attentively listened to by men and women of different denomina- tions, and by Roman Catholics as well as Protestants.
In church and Sunday-school work Mr. Redner has taken a leading part. For several years he was superintendent of St. Andrew's Sunday-school, while he was at the same time organist of the church, and was a valued teacher at Holy Trinity while organist of that church. He was one of the organizers of the Church of the Holy Apostles, and has served there as Rector's Warden for eighteen years. When the Memorial Chapel in the parish of the Holy Trinity
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