USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > An historical catalogue of the St. Andrew's Society of Philadelphia, with biographical sketches of deceased members > Part 5
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There is no very precise information concerning the activities of Mr. Binny prior to 1796. He had learned the type-founding art very thoroughly and had accumulated type-founding appliances valued at $888.80, but where and how has not been disclosed. A discussion of the various contradictory statements would be interesting only to those belonging to the typographic art and need not be taken up here. (See JOHN BAINE.) He most probably learned his business in Scotland, where in the latter part of the
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ARCHIBALD BINNY Member 1807 (Firm of Binny & Ronaldson, Type founders) Died at Porto Bello, Md., April 25, 1838
Biographies of Deceased Members
eighteenth century the art of letter-founding began to achieve an eminence superior to that in other countries, and con- tinuing for over fifty years, until the best Scottish letter- foundries found their way, one by one, to the United States. He most probably arrived in Philadelphia in 1795.
The important matter is that the business of Binny & Ronaldson prospered in a great degree. They had no com- petition until 1810. They purchased all the type-founding equipments that had preceded them in America. They cast in 1797 the first $ sign used in this country.
In an address to the printers of the United States, by James Ronaldson, issued a few months after Mr. Binny's withdrawal, he says of Binny: "On laying before you the following specimens, so much the product of his genius and labor, it is due to his character and talents to state, as my humble opinion, that the letter-foundry owes more of its improvement and simplification to him than to any other individual since its invention; and the difficulties incident to transferring this business to America will not be duly appreciated but by having in mind that at least seven prior establishments had failed." The sale of foreign-made types ceased shortly after Binny & Ronaldson opened their type- foundry, and the quality and art of the American product was in no wise inferior to the European. In fact, it was not long before America took that lead in the type-founding art which it retains in the present time. Archibald Binny invented and patented three improvements in type moulds, which materially increased the product of each caster. These patents were issued to him on January 29 and February 4, 1811, and May 17, 1814.
In August, 1815, Mr. Binny retired from the type- founding business, in which he had accumulated a liberal fortune, receiving for his interest the sum of $62,000, as is shown by a deed of partition in the possession of the Typographic Library and Museum in Jersey City. His financial prosperity is further disclosed by the fact that he
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Biographies of Deceased Members
loaned the United States Government the sum of $50,000 for its use in the war of 1812-15.
After his retirement he purchased an estate in St. Mary's County, Maryland, on the bank of the St. Mary's River near its confluence with the Potomac. It covered an area of originally over 5000 acres, which was reduced, probably by sales, to 1214 acres.
He erected a sulphur-mill, a grist-mill, and a cotton- factory, and raised tobacco, corn, and wheat, employing the labor of some fifty slaves.
The residence " Porto-Bello," named after his birth- place, is still there, very spacious, and one of the handsomest mansions on the banks of the Potomac River. There Archi- bald Binny entertained many distinguished guests, among them General Lafayette and President Andrew Jackson. Lafayette presented him with one of the fifty famous Wash- ington picture pitchers which he had brought with him from France. There were two busts of Andrew Jackson at the entrance to the grounds. Archibald Binny was a well-read man, with all the characteristics which compel success, while retaining the respect and good will of his associates.
Mr. Binny died at Porto-Bello, April 25, 1838, in his seventy-fifth year. His body is interred in Trinity Episcopal church-yard, St. Mary's City.
It may be noted here that in 1823 James Ronaldson re- tired also with an ample fortune. The Philadelphia Type- foundry kept pace with the growth of the country, and in the seventies of the last century achieved the distinction of being not only the best but the most extensive letter-foundry in the world. It was best known later, perhaps, as Mac- Kellar, Smiths and Jordan's, on Sansom Street near Sixth Street. Thomas MacKellar was also an active member of The St. Andrew's Society. When the Curtis Publishing Company purchased the land and building in 1909, as part of the site for its new building, the first successful type- foundry in America was removed to Jersey City, N. J.
Archibald Binny was twice married. By his first wife,
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Biographies of Deceased Members
who died in 1796, he had a son, John, who followed his father's occupation and ultimately established a small busi- ness of his own in Philadelphia. By his second wife, Char- lotte, daughter of Michael and Susan Beasley Prager, of Philadelphia, he had eleven children, five of whom were born in St. Mary's. They were Charles, Archibald, James Ronaldson (a civil engineer and architect), Andrew Jackson, who made a fortune in railroad building and is now ( 1910) living in Berkeley, California, Louisa (who married Pro- fessor William Wagner, afterward founder of the Wagner Free Institute of Philadelphia), Susan (who married Rev. R. H. B. Mitchell, an Episcopalian clergyman of Maryland), Catherine (who married Captain Richard Shippen, son of Dr. Edward Shippen and grandson of Chief-Justice Shippen of Pennsylvania), Marion (who married a merchant of San Francisco), Elizabeth (who married James H. Ogilvie, formerly of the firm of Ogilvie & Binney of Philadelphia, and from 1884 to 1901 vice-president of the Union Trust Company of New York City), Harriet (single), and Char- lotte, who lived to the age of fifteen.
The other surviving grandchildren of Archibald Binny are Mrs. Charlotte Binney Atkins, Montclair, New Jersey; Mrs. Mary Ogilvie Barker, Plainfield, N. J .; Francis Binney and Phoebe Marion Binney, Berkeley, California.
The portrait printed here is from an oil painting in the possession of a granddaughter, Mrs. Mary Ogilvie Barker. Another granddaughter, Mrs. Charlotte Binney Atkins, has presented the Society with photographs of a medal by Furst in honor of Archibald Binny and the Philadelphia Type- foundry, and a photograph of a silver communion service made from the silver plate of her grandfather, which was presented to Christ Church of Philadelphia, on St. Andrew's Day, November 30, 1875. On each piece there is the inscrip- tion " To the glory of God and in memory of Archibald and Charlotte Binney, Christ Church, for the use of the parish, St. Andrew's Day, 1875." The descendants spell the name " Binney," and in the ledgers of Binny & Ronald-
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Biographies of Deceased Members
son the name is spelled both ways. [Henry L. Bullen, Librarian, Typographic Library and Museum, Jersey City, N. J.]
JAMES BLACKIE, member 1840. Born November 12, 1800, at Kelso, Scotland, and there learned the trade of a stone-cutter. He married Dorothy Smith at the Berwick Church, Berwick-on-the-Tweed, Scotland, February 17, 1822.
They had the following children, viz. : John, Mary Ann, George S., Elizabeth D. S., and Dorothea. The family came to Philadelphia from Scotland in 1830 or 1831, except the last-named child, Dorothea, who was born in Philadel- phia in 1832 and who still resides in that city, the only survivor.
His wife, Dorothea Smith Blackie, died in Philadelphia, August 1, 1842. He remarried, and died at Quincy, Massa- chusetts, February 18, 1854.
RALPH BOWIE, EsQ., member 1786. Mr. Bowie was one of the brightest lights at the bar in the closing decade of the 18th century. He was born, bred, and educated in Scot- land, and was said to have been admitted to the bar in his native land before emigrating to this country.
His residence at York (Penna.) covered a period prolific of cases growing out of land titles, often involving intricate questions and the application of legal principles to facts and conditions for which no precedent was found. It was in cases in this line that he made his greatest reputation, and his learning and experience and counsel in this behalf were much sought after, not only in York, but in Lancaster, Cum- berland, and more distant counties. He is referred to by an early writer as having had but few equals in this State. With queue bearing evidence of assiduous attention, conti- nental knee-breeches and buckled shoes, and handsome face and figure, accompanied by a gentle grace and dignity which he never permitted to forsake him, he was a conspicuous type
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Biographies of Deceased Members
of the country barrister of his day. He wrote an excellent business hand and was a fair representative of that estimable class of our ancestors known as gentlemen of the old school.
He was possessed of very extensive legal learning, sec- onded by a good judgment and a penetration unceasingly active and uncommonly acute. His talents and exertions rose above their usual elevation when he advocated the cause of the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the oppressed. The cause of humanity was one he most delighted to defend.
He was a sincere believer in the Christian religion, of which he had made public profession for many years.
In private life he was liberal without parade, charitable without ostentation, and scrupulously just in all his dealings. In domestic life, he was an affectionate husband and parent; sincerity characterized his friendships and urbanity his social intercourse. He died in York, October 22, 1816, being then about sixty years of age.
On the Treasurer's books for November 30, 1787, it is noted that Mr. Bowie had paid five pounds and " gone to Europe," no doubt on a visit to his birthplace. [Geo. R. Prowell's History of York County, Poulson's Advertiser, November 2, 1816, et al.]
MALCOLM PETER BOYD, Life member 1905, Minor class. Son of Peter Boyd, Esq., former President of The St. Andrew's Society, and Martha Prescott Crittenden Boyd. He was born in Philadelphia February 13, 1893, and died at his father's home in that city April 16, 1909.
He was admitted as a Life member of The St. Andrew's Society under the rules as to minor sons of members, and it was hoped that he would, on obtaining his majority, become as active in the Society as his father.
He was taught privately at his home and then attended the Blight School at 22nd and Pine Streets, where he remained until 1907, when he entered the Lawrenceville, N. J., School, in which he was a pupil at the time of his
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Biographies of Deceased Members
death. At the entrance examination he took high honors in Greek and Latin.
The St. Andrew's Society, in appropriate resolutions passed when his death was reported, said, " that in his death the Society feels that it has lost a young member of great promise, whose record as a manly, courteous, Christian boy endeared him to all who knew him, and won for him the confidence and esteem of his classmates and associates."
PETER BOYD, EsQ., Life member 1880. The following minute, prepared by the President, John Gordon Gray, was read and unanimously adopted by a rising vote at the Quarterly Meeting, February 29, 1912 :
Peter Boyd was born in Scotland in 1854 and came to Philadelphia with his parents in early childhood. Educated in the public schools, his manifest bent toward a profession led to his entrance into the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated. He was admitted to the bar in 1876, and at once commenced the practice of his profession, in which he soon gained a recognized place. He joined The St. Andrew's Society August 31, 1880, and was elected Counsellor 1890 to 1894, when he became Secretary 1895-1899, Vice-President 1900-1903, and President 1904-1905. On retiring as President, he was again elected Counsellor and was so serving at the time of his death. From the first his interest in the Society partook of the nature of an enthusiasm. As Secretary he was steady in his attendance at the meetings and indefatigable in his work for the Society's benefit. He made its affairs part of his office system, and was exceedingly jealous of its honor and reputation, extending its influence and adding to its mem- bership. As President he maintained the high traditions of the Society and was an able and dignified presiding officer.
Mr. Boyd was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he took an active interest. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he had many friends and to
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PETER BOYD, ESQ. Member 1880 President 1904-1905 Counsellor 1906-1911 Died December 9, 1911
Biographies of Deceased Members
whose work he contributed. And he was an active member of the Union League, serving on various committees.
His legal position, known probity and sagacity, and numerous affiliations brought him many valuable trustee- ships, and, becoming counsel for a trust company, he was, on the death of its president, induced to accept the presi- dency of that company for himself. Inheriting in its man- agement a system and conditions from which it was found impossible to escape, he bore the burden of the company for a number of years, until, at its collapse, he sank under the weight, dying on the afternoon of December 9, 191I.
He was three times married.
Such in brief outline is the story of a singularly vivid and active life.
Peter Boyd possessed much of what is usually called personal magnetism. Somewhat under the middle height, his erect and manly form, striking head and face, and easy manner made him everywhere a noticeable figure. Gifted with a strong and masculine understanding, which he had cultivated by considerable reading and study, and possessing wit and humor, he was welcome in any circle of men and easily held his own in any company. He was well read in the history of Scotland and of the United States, and, at the quarterly meetings and the annual dinners of The St. An- drew's Society, made many interesting and eloquent addresses. At the Union League, where he made one of a coterie largely composed of men of Scottish descent, he was very much at home, and there, with his chosen associates, in his moments of smiling relaxation, he showed his most attractive side. In the councils of the political party to which he gave his allegiance he had a voice and influence, and in times of political contest was often heard on the platform. In all the relations of life, and in his case a many-sided life,-whether as member of the bar, member of his church, officer of The St. Andrew's Society, Mason, member of the Union League, public-spirited citizen,-he easily took and held a conspicuous place. And when he
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Biographies of Deceased Members
passed to his account, although he might have been deemed to have reached that time of life when middle age lay behind him, yet he impressed his associates not as one who had fin- ished his career but as one who had possibilities of usefulness and distinction yet beyond him, so that his death, coming when it did, seemed the abrupt and untimely ending of a life whose principal expression still lay in the future. That in a great and conservative city like Philadelphia, Peter Boyd, without adventitious aids of any kind, should have taken and held the position which he occupied is at once the measure and the proof of his ability and worth. And the affectionate regard in which he was held by his friends was amply shown by the unusual gathering and demonstration which accompanied the last rites paid to him.
WILLIAM BROCKIE, member 1900. The son of William Brockie, member 1869, who was born in Edinburgh and, after being educated in that city, entered the large shipping firm of Richardson, Spence & Co., at Liverpool. There his son William was born, June 28, 1864, and in the year following the father came to Philadelphia as agent of the Dominion Line of steamships.
His son, after attending the public schools, entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1885.
After the death of his father, in 1890, Mr. Brockie car- ried on the business under the firm name of Brockie & Welsh, until he entered the firm of Johnson & Higgins, average adjusters and insurance brokers. When that firm was incor- porated in 1899, Mr. Brockie was elected vice-president and removed to New York. At the time of his death he was president of that corporation.
Mr. Brockie was a member of a number of leading clubs in Philadelphia, was especially interested in athletic matters, and represented the Germantown Cricket Club on a team which visited England some years ago.
Prior to his removal to New York he was a vestry-man in the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Ascension.
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REV. DUNCAN McLENNAN BUCHANAN Member 1901 Died in Baltimore, Md., March 12, 1908
Biographies of Deceased Members
His charming personality made for him hosts of friends, and his great business ability commanded the confidence of all with whom he was associated. He was survived by his wife, who before her marriage was Miss Agnes Morgan (a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Morgan), and two daughters.
REV. DUNCAN MCLENNAN BUCHANAN, member 1901.
Born in Elmira, Illinois, February 3, 1861. Died in Baltimore, Maryland, March 13, 1908, and was buried in Loudon Park Cemetery of that city.
He was the son of Alexander Buchanan of Jeantown, Ross-shire, and his mother, Mary (McLennan), was a native of Conligan, Loch Carron, both in the Highlands of Scot- land. His descent on both the paternal and maternal sides traced back through many generations of noted Highland families. Many of them were ministers of God.
After attending the high school at Kewanee, Illinois, Mr. Buchanan spent one year in Knox Academy in prepara- tion for the ministry. He was graduated from Knox Col- lege in June, 1886, and from the Union Theological Semi- nary in May, 1889.
He was licensed to preach April 9, 1889, and ordained by the Presbytery of Nassau, New York, June 6, 1889. He served as pastor of the church at Ocean Side, Long Island, until 1891. In September, 1891, he was called to the First Presbyterian Church, Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, and in- stalled as its pastor November I, which was an anniversary of the organization of the First Church. He was its pastor until September, 1902, nearly eleven years, in which time he did a marvellous work for the cause of Christ and his fellow-men. By his kindly ministrations and genial disposi- tion he endeared himself to every one in Mauch Chunk. His work there was of inestimable value, and the touch of his life will long be felt.
In September, 1902, he was called to the pastorate of the Lafayette Square Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, one of
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Biographies of Deceased Members
the largest and most important churches in that city. During his pastorate he largely aided in building up that church in every particular. He took an active part in the church life of Baltimore and was held in very high esteem by his fellow-members of the Presbytery. He was conducting a two-weeks' series of evangelistic meetings when he was stricken with the fatal illness.
He took a great interest in literature and was a well-read man. He was the author of a book entitled "Historic America " and a leaflet " About 3 Minutes ago," which was published by the American Tract Society.
On April 24, 1894, during his pastorate at Mauch Chunk, Mr. Buchanan married Miss Isabella Margaret McLennan, who was also descended from an old Highland family from the vicinity of Ben Nevis.
At the Anniversary of The St. Andrew's Society in Philadelphia in 1902, Mr. Buchanan was the orator, with " Scotland " as his theme, and his eloquent, impressive, and instructive address was a feature of the evening.
ROBERT BUIST, JR., member May 31, 1875. Mr. Buist was born in Philadelphia, September 15, 1837, the son of Robert Buist, florist, referred to in volume one, " Historical Catalogue, St. Andrew's Society."
Mr. Buist learned the business under his father, who was one of the noted florists of his time,-in fact, a leader in every branch of horticulture. His son Robert entered into business on his own account when eighteen years of age and succeeded so well that in two years he had paid back the large sum of money advanced by his father for that purpose.
When Robert Buist, Sr., retired on a well-earned com- petence, his son bought out the business and later organized the firm of Robert Buist Company, at the head of which Mr. Buist continued until his death.
In 1861 he married Miss Hermenia Mathieu, who died some four years prior to Mr. Buist's decease. Their chil- dren are all dead.
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Biographies of Deceased Members
Mr. Buist died in Philadelphia, December 13, 1910. He was a member of the Union League, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Merion Cricket Club.
FRANK BURNS, member 1900. Mr. Burns was born in Philadelphia, April 6, 1844, and died in that city March II, 1913. He was a son of Charles Marquedant Burns and his wife Eliza Van Dyke Roussean. His great-grandfather, Peter Burns, came from Scotland to America about 1740.
Mr. Burns attended classes at the Episcopal Academy and at the University of Pennsylvania when located on Ninth Street, leaving at the close of the Junior year (Class of '62).
Soon after,he enlisted in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, known as the Anderson Troop. After his dis- charge from the service, he was for a time in business in New York and afterward in Philadelphia.
In August, 1892, Mr. Burns entered the service of the City of Philadelphia in the Bureau of Surveys, being assigned to draughting work in the bridge division. From that time until the general break-down of his health in the latter part of 1912-more than twenty years-he was steadily engaged in this particular class of work. He was an architectural draughtsman and, before engaging with the city, was connected with a number of steel and iron companies, and had also been a manufacturer of iron rail- ings. When he entered the city service, his employment with these firms and the consequent experience gained was of much value to the city. He designed the railings and other ornamental iron structures used in bridge construction, and his architectural knowledge and artistic perception were of great advantage in the progress of the work of designing.
Many notable bridges-such as the bridge over the Schuylkill at Gray's Ferry, the widening of Chestnut Street bridge and its approaches, and the great concrete span over the Wissahickon at Walnut Lane, for which he made the original design-were built by the city during Mr. Burns's long connection with the draughting division, and in all
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Biographies of Deceased Members
these structures his particular branch of designing was car- ried on with fidelity to the interest of the municipality and to the utmost of his ability.
Mr. Burns was endowed by nature with a love for his fellow-man, ever ready and willing to do each one a service if it lay in his power. Always in good spirits, loved and respected by all, he had a most abundant sense of humor, and was always ready to hear and tell a good story. Even when, toward the close, he was confined to his room, he was still cheery and bright, interested in all the happenings among the " boys." With brave heart and dauntless spirit he met the future as he had faced his every-day lot.
He was not married. A brother, Charles M. Burns, is a Life member of The St. Andrew's Society. Mr. Burns was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, the Naval Order of the United States, the Alumni Society of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia.
DR. ROBERT BRUCE BURNS, member 1882, Physician 1884-1896. Dr. Burns was born in Frankford, Philadel- phia, May 5, 1815, and died June 15, 1912, at Atlantic City, N. J., where he had been residing during his illness.
His father, Doctor Robert Burns, became a member of The St. Andrew's Society in 1856, and, after serving as Physician of the Society for many years, was elected Vice- president in 1880 and was so serving at the time of his death. He was an earnest and influential member.
His son, Robert Bruce, was graduated from the public schools and then studied medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, and began practice before he was twenty-one years of age. He soon gained the confidence of the com- munity where he lived and built up a large and growing practice, to which he devoted himself with unusual ability and skill of a very high order. While the practice of Doctor Burns was of a general character, he had the reputation of
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ROBERT BRUCE BURNS, M.D. Member 1882 Physician 1884-1906 Died June 15, 1912
Biographies of Deceased Members
being a very skilful surgeon and this gave him a wide range of experience.
While testifying in a case in court, Doctor Burns was stricken with paralysis and was at once removed to the Pennsylvania Hospital, was then taken home, and later to Atlantic City, where he died.
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