USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families > Part 36
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Mr. Riley at once sought work at his trade, finding employment with Rhinesmith & Rupp. and later with G. W. Rhinesmith, remaining with the latter for twenty-five years. Having by this time acquired suffi- cient capital to enter the business world for himself, he in partnership with Peter W. Morris, under the firm name of Morris & Riley, started a tin and stove business, in which they have met with pronounced suc- cess. The business is conducted on the lines of strict integrity and unfailing prompt- ness, and easily ranks as one of the most important in its line in the city. The pro- prietors are thorough business men, fully
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conversant with the goods handled, and both are pleasant. genial men, with whom it is a pleasure to do business.
Mr. Riley is, like his parents before him, a member of the Reformed Church, and is active in all the good work undertaken by his Church. Fraternally. he belongs to Post No. 201, G. A. R., and to Lodge No. 56, K. of P. His political faith is that of the party of Lincoln, and he is one of its stanch supporters.
In Carlisle, in 1869. Mr. Riley was united in marriage with Ellen H. Harris, who was born in that city. daughter of Robert and Ellen (Cornman) Harris, the former' now deceased. but the latter still living. having attained to more than four score years. Mrs. Riley died April 21. 1900, in the faith of the Reformed Church. Six children blessed their union: Josephine Clare, who married William Harper. and lives near Pittsburg: Morris T., who lives near Pittsburg; Mollie E., wife of William G. Mahon, of Carlisle ; and John C .. Nora L. and Sarah Kathleen, all at home.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER (deceased ) was, in his day, one of the prosperous farm- ers and business men of Carlisle, where lic died in 1865. He was of the third genera- tion of the family in Cumberland county, his grandfather having settled here on his emigration from the North of Ireland, where he was born. He was one of five brothers, four of whom came to America, the other remaining in Ireland to care for the widowed mother. The Alexanders came to this coun- try about the same time as the Eges, who were also from Ireland, but the latter fam- ily settled in the mountains, where they en- gaged in burning charcoal, while the Alex- anders devoted their time to tilling the soil.
John Alexander, father of William, was
born Aug. 14. 1753, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. On May 8, 1781. he married Jane Byers, who was born April 27. 1758, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom we have the following record: (1) John, born April 21, 1782. be- came a distinguished attorney of Greens- burg, Pa. He married a Miss Smith. (2) James, born May 22. 1783, died unmar- ried. (3) Thomas, born Oct. 9. 1784, died unmarried. (4) Isabella, born Sept. 2. 1786, married Andrew Carruthers, of Car- lisle, who was known as the "honest lawyer." She died in Carlisle. (5) Rebecca, born May 9. 1788, married Eli Coulter. of Greensburg, Pa., and died there. (6) Will- iam is mentioned below. (7) Samuel, born Sept. 20. 1792, married Ann Susan Blaine. a descendant of Col. Ephraim Blaine, and cousin of James G. Blaine. Samuel Alex- ander was a noted attorney in Carlisle, was in command of the, home militia, and became known as Gen. Alexander. (8) Robert. born Aug. 13. 1794, died the next day. (9) Jane Mary, born Oct. 11. 1795, mar- ried Rev. William Anderson, a Presbyterian minister, and died in the West. Their son. John, was also a Presbyterian minister. (10) Margaret Elizabeth, born Dec. 8. 1800, married Joseph Kuhns, an attorney of Greensburg. where she died.
William Alexander was born May 7. 1790. in Dickinson township, on the Spring road, on what is known as the old Byers home farm. He was reared to farming, and received only a limited education, for he was obliged to begin work early, being a mere boy when his father died. Learning the saddler's trade, he followed same for some years, and after his marriage bought the home in which his daughters now live, at the corner of East and Louther streets, a strongly built house of stone, and gave up
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his trade to engage in farming with his brother-in-law, George W. Shaffer. They bought land in South Middleton township, which they cultivated, and Mr. Alexander also had a brewery on North East street, which he carried on for a number of years, continuing thus until his death, which oc- curred at the old home just mentioned in June, 1865. He was a successful business man, and one of the most respected citizens of his day, and a faithful supporter of the Whig and Republican parties in politics.
On Dec. 5, 1803, Mr. Alexander married Mary Aughinbaugh, who preceded him to the grave, her death occurring June 30, 1850, at the old home. Their family con- sisted of six children, viz : Jane Mary, John B., William G., Samuel, Annie I. and Laura E., all deceased but the two last named, who now occupy the old home. Miss Annie I. Alexander is a member of the First Pres- byterian Church of Carlisle. Both ladies are among the most highly respected residents of that place, sharing the esteem in which all the members of this family have been held.
FRANK R. SPECK, the well-known superintendent of the Goodyear Department of the Lindner Shoe Company, Carlisle, is a native-born son of Cumberland county, having been born in North East street, Car- lisle, May 13, 1861, son of Daniel and Maria (Kuhn) Speck, of Franklin county, . Pa., and Germany, respectively.
Daniel Speck was born in the town of Roxbury, Franklin county, in 1824, and from his early boyhood was trained to the arduous duties of a farmer's life. In young manhood he settled at Carlisle, where he carried on farming, but for the last nineteen years of his life he was engaged in' the bot- tling business. He was a soldier in the
Mexican war, and during his service came near dying with the dread yellow fever, an . enemy to the soldier as much to be dreaded as the bullet of a foe. During the Civil war he served as a private, being given the re- sponsible position of wagon master. He was married in Carlisle to Maria Kuhn, who was born in Germany in 1826, and was brought by her parents to America, when she was but six years of age. Daniel Speck died in 1898, preceded by his wife, who passed away in 1891. They were the pa- rents of ten children, namely: Christian : Miss Mary; Maj. William. of Carlisle; John, who went to Arizona when he was seventeen, and has since remained there ; George, who died in Texas in 1902; Adelia, deceased; Frank R .; Sarah, wife of Charles W. Kaufman, of Carlisle; Charles, of Car- lisle; and Fullerton, of the same city.
Frank R. Speck has made his home in Carlisle all his life. He received his educa- tion in the public schools, attending until he had reached the age of fifteen, when he began to assist in his own support by doing whatever he could find to do. He continued in this way until he was twenty-two, when he entered the lasting department of the shoe factory of G. W. Neidich & Co., where he applied himself industriously to master- ing that trade. He remained with that firm (which is now known as the Carlisle Shoe Company) until July, 1891. For the last two years he was in the employ of that firm he was superintendent of the lasting depart- irent. He then became superintendent of the Lindner Shoe Company. a position lie continues to fill to the present time to the very great satisfaction of the members of the firm. From a small beginning Mr. Speck has, by his own industry and fidelity, risen to the top round in the profession he
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has chosen. His success is due to no one but himself. and is the natural reward of honest worth.
Fraternally Mr. Speck is a Mason, be- longing to Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197. and is a past officer in all the Masonic bodies. He also belongs to the Mystic Shrine. He is past chancellor of the K. of P. : past grand of the I. O. O. F. : first ex- alted ruler of Lodge No. 578. B. P. O. E .. Carlisle : and is a member of the P. O. S. of .A .. and of the Maccabees. His religious con- nection is with the Reformed Church. In his political views he is a stanch Republi- can. His first vote was cast for James G. Blaine for President, and he has never swerved in his allegiance to the party. He is very patriotic. and believes it to be the duty of every good citizen of the country to take an active interest in the various move- ments that affect, or seem to affect, the nation's welfare. He is thoroughly posted on all public questions, and while rather re- ticent about expressing his opinions, is able to maintain them with logical arguments when once expressed. For seventeen years he served in the Eighth Regiment, P. N. G., and rose to the rank of battalion sergeant- major. Ilis life has been an upright one, and in the city where it has been passed and his every deed known he is held in high esteem.
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ROBERT J. LAWTON, who was known throughout the Cumberland Valley as a grain merchant, died at his home July 21, 1880. He was born near Orrstown, Franklin county, and for a number of years was en- gaged in mercantile business in that borough. For twenty-five years he was engaged in busi- ness in Shippensburg as a grain merchant. for some time, in partnership with his father- in-law, Hon. Henry Ruby, dealing in both
grain and produce. Later the firm became Lawton & Stewart, the latter member being George H. Stewart. They were the largest grain shippers in the Valley, and the result of their ventures was most gratifying.
At the time of his death Mr. Lawton was a director in the First National Bank of Shippensburg. He was very progressive and public-spirited, and from time to time leld offices of honor and trust in the com- munity, for a long time being an active and efficient member of the school board. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and took a keen interest in the wel- iare of the Sunday-school. Genial and pleas- ant in disposition, Mr. Lawton was a wel- come addition to any social gathering. He was kind and charitable to the poor and needy, who in his death lost a valued friend. His honor was without stain, and in every walk of life, in business or in society or at . home, he was the same simple, straightfor- ward man, true to every trust.
On Dec. 18, 1855, Mr. Lawton wedded Elouisa Ruby, daughter of Hon. Henry Ruby. and their marriage was blessed by a daughter, Alice Jane, who died in 1884; she was the wife of William Adams, of Shippens- burg.
We append herewith the eulogy of one who knew Robert J. Lawton well. and which appeared in a local paper at the time of his death :
Robert J. Lawton, the trusted business man, the honored citizen, the true friend, the devoted husband and father, the consistent Christian, has passed away. As you truly said in your last issue, this community was never more profoundly stirred than when it was announced that Mr. Lawton was dead. A pall of sadness seemed to fall upon the town, and I saw many shedding tears who rarely do such a thing. No man in all this
ROBERT J. LAWTON
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region was more universally respected and beloved than was Mr. Lawton. He was the friend of everybody and everybody's friend. The principal facts and dates of his business career have already been made pub- lic. It is my desire. therefore, simply to pay a slight tribute to the worth of one who was "a man among a thousand."
As a business man Mr. Lawton was "the soul of honor." His word was as good as his bond. Whatever he said might be de- pended on. He never tried to take the ad- vantage of anyone. The firm of Lawton & Stewart was the most widely known of any firm in the Cumberland Valley, and did the largest business. Farmers came from far and near to sell and buy. Many letters of sympathy and regret were received by the family and Mr. Lawton's partner, from busi- ness houses in Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, etc. Mr. Lawton was thus widely known and everywhere esteemed as a man of the strictest integrity in business. Be- sides this he was a gentleman in the highest sense of that word. He was courteous, affable and kind. No matter how badly he may have felt (and there is little doubt now that he often did feel badly, his disease be- ing of longer standing than anyone thought) he was always the same. He had a smile and pleasant word for everyone. It was a pleasure to meet him on the street, for his cheery face and active step did one good. I can hardly realize that I shall never see him again as he briskly walked from his house to his place of business. As a citizen he was interested in the welfare of the town in which he lived. He never stood in the way of public progress. At the time of his death he was bank director, school director and president of the Gas Light Company of this place. He was a warm and steadfast friend. He was faithful at all times. You
could trust him implicitly. In the social circles his company was always sought. He was exceedingly kind to the poor. What he did he did unostentatiously not to be seen of men. What he did in this way will not be known, in many instances, until the judg- ment of the last day. In his quiet, unas- suming way he went about continually doing good. His home life, too, was just as beautiful as his life before the world. He was not the affable gentleman away from home and the churl at home as so many men are. Wife and daughter had never a more loving, devoted and indulgent husband and father than was he. While his home was filled with every temporal comfort which one could desire, yet he was preeminently its light and joy. His evenings were always spent at home, so far as possible. His con- stant thought was for the comfort and happi- ness of his wife and daughter. Self was forgotten in his care and love for them. But after all the chief charm of Mr. Lawton's character was in his deep-toned piety. Mr. Lawton was pre-eminently a Christian. No one who knew him intimately could for a moment doubt this fact. After his conver- sion a great change came over him. While outwardly he was the same honest, upright man he had been before, yet. from this on there was a new spirit within him: he was actuated in all he did with new motives and desires. His one aim was to glorify his Divine Master. He was a true type of the business man, in that he was "diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." He was honest, not merely because it was the best policy, but because it was right in itself and well-pleasing to God. Like his Saviour in whom he trusted and whom he followed, he "did all things to please Him." There was not one shred of self righteous- ness about Mr. Lawton, although he might
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have pointed to his moral life, and trusted in that, as so many do, yet his whole trust was in a Saviour crucified. He felt that his righteousness was but filthy rags. He was as humble, unassuming and as teachable in his Christian life as a little child. It seems to me he came up as nearly to the standard set by Christ, as any man I ever knew : "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." He was converted and had become as a little child. The char- acter of the man is well illustrated by a little poem which was found in his pocket after his death, and which he had carried for years until it was almost worn out with use. He would often read it to his wife and say that it expressed his feelings. It is based on a declaration and invitation of Christ : "I am the door;" "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." It is as follows :
The mistakes of my life are many, The sins of my heart are more, And I scarce can see for weeping. But I come to the open door.
I am lowest of those who love Him, I am weakest of those who pray, But I'm coming as He has bidden, And He will not say me "nay."
My mistakes His love will cover, My sins He will wash away, And the feet that shrink and falter. Shall walk through the gates of day.
If I turn not from His whisper, If I let not go His hand, I shall see flim in His beauty The King in the far-off land.
The mistakes of my life are many, And my soul is sick with sin, And I scarce can see for weeping, But the Lord will let me in.
Think of a man like Robert J. Lawton saying, "I am lowest of those that love Him ;
and weakest of them that pray," yet this man! Who can doubt that
Those feet which shrank and faltered Have walked through the gates of day?
Another favorite hymn of Mr. Lawton was Bliss' Last Hymn. This expressed the same filial, childlike, trustful spirit. He was ever anxious to learn more of Christ. His Bible was his constant companion. He was never absent, unless sick or away from home, from church, the prayer-meeting and the Bible class. He literally adorned his pro- fession by a godly walk' and conversation. His business partner told me that in the many years they were associated together. he had never heard an impure or improper word pass his lips. This is remarkable testi- mony. He was pure in heart. Every one who came in contact with him was impressed with his goodness. It seemed as though he was too pure for earth. He "walked with God," and he was not, for God took him. He was a man of prayer. His wife told me he rarely, if ever, left his house at noon to go to his place of business, without re- tiring to his room and spending a short time in prayer. Thus regularly, three times a day, morning, noon and night, like Daniel of old, he prayed to his God. This was the man whose loss every one mourns. He will be missed in the community, in the business circles, in the church, by his partner in business who loved him as a brother, and especially in his home. But no one can doubt that our loss is his eternal gain. He is to- day in . the Paradise of God, one of the blood-bought and blood-washed throng. Ile bears that new name which none but they who receive it know. He rejoices in the presence of Christ, and his body awaits the resurrection of the just.
I have thus written fully of Mr. Lawton,
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not for the sake of praising him, for I know that he would deprecate such a thing, but because I feel that such a life as his should be held up for an example. Such lives are very rare in this world. If one sinner de- stroys much good, the value of one holy, consecrated life. in inestimable. "The righteous shall be held in everlasting remem- brance." We have a rich legacy in his memory.
CHARLES D. MARQUETTE, one of the patriotic soldiers of the Civil war, who when peace was declared, laid down his arms and resumed the work he abandoned when his country called, is one of the suc- cessful tailors of Carlisle, where he has been engaged in business for many years, conducting his establishment in such a man- ner as to win the high praise of the business men of the town. He is of French Huguenot stock, his grandfather, Henry, or his great- grandfather being a native of France. Henry Marquette was a dry goods merchant in Lebanon, Pa., where he died. His fain- ily consisted of five children.
Henry Marquette (2), son of Henry, was born in Lebanon, Pa., and he received his education in the schools there. By trade he was a blacksmith, and for forty-five years pursued that calling in Campbellstown. His fame as a workman spread all over that sec- tion of the State, and he was called upon to perform work for those who came many miles to profit by his skill. When he re- tired he went to Churchtown, and made his home with a daughter. Mrs. Dunkle. He married Elizabeth Douglas, a descendant of the historic Douglas clan in Scotland. She was born in Dauphin county, on the Horse- shoe Pike between Campbellstown and Hum- melstown, and died in 1872, aged about sixty-five years. Henry Marquette (2) died
about 1869. He and his wife attended the Lutheran and Methodist Churches, but they themselves were Presbyterians. He was a Democrat in politics, and served one term as poor director. They were the parents of fourteen children: (1) John died young. (2) Mary died in infancy. (3) William died at Harrisburg. (4) Henry lives in Callaway county, Mo. (5) Daniel died at his home in Shamokin, Pa., in 1904. (6) Kate married Peter Dunkle, and died in Churchtown, Pa. (7) Caroline is Mrs. Christian Herman, of Harrisburg. (8) John (2) was a soldier in the Civil war. He enlisted first for three months, and served as corporal and sergeant; then re- enlisted in the nine months' service, and in 1863 enlisted for three years or during the war in Company F. 93d P. V. I. In the first day's fight in the Wilderness he was wounded five times in the left leg, and was first cared for in the field hospital, then in the general hospital, and was finally sent to hospitals in Fredericksburg, Washington. D. C., and Philadelphia. After the close of the war he located in Chicago, moving thence to Fort Dodge, Iowa. He married Ella Boyer. (9) Joseph died in the fall of 1862. (10) Charles D. was next in the order of birth. ( II ) Mary married John Hornung, and died in 1902 in Harrisburg. (12) Sally became Mrs. Lewis Raber, and lives in Omaha, Neb. (13) Samuel resides in Philadelphia. ( 14) James is a postal railway clerk.
Charles D. Marquette was born in Camp- bellstown, Pa., Feb. 9, 1845. His literary training was all received in the public schools of Lebanon county, which, however, were exceptionally good for the times. One of his first teachers was Henry Hough, a well known educator of that day. At the age of thirteen he began to learn the tailor's trade
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with Edward Kimmel. of Lebanon, but at the end of his first year he was stricken with typhoid fever. and after a somewhat lengthy convalescence, he again took up the same trade, this time under Raber & Bro., where he worked about two years. The outbreak of the Civil war changed all his plans. On July 4. 1861. he enlisted in Company F. 93d P. V. I .. under Capt. Long and Col. J. M. MeCarter. He was mustered into service at Lebanon Sept. 23. 1861. The regiment was known as the Lebanon infantry. They were first sent to Washington, D. C., and after a brief stay at Soldier's Rest went to Camp Fort Good Hope. Their first arms were Belgian rifles, but in the Peninsular campaign they were giyen Springfield rifles. In the beginning they were assigned to Peck's Brigade. Couch's Command. 4th Corps, all under the command of Gen. E. D. Keyes. On March 10. 1862, the regiment started on the Manassas campaign, and then on March 20th on the Peninsular campaign. In the battle of Williamsburg the regiment lost six killed, and twenty wounded, Capt. George B. Shrove being among the killed, while Lieut. Col. Johnston had his horse shot under him. At Fair Oaks the regiment distinguished itself and suffered twenty killed, one hundred and eight wounded and eight missing. At Chantilly it supported a battery. At Fredericksburg. the regiment, now in the 6th Corps, under Gen. Smith, of Franklin's Grand Division, crossed the river and was held in reserve during the en- gagement. At Salem Heights the 93d, to- gether with the 102d P. V. I., was under a terrible fire the whole time. The 93d pir- ticipated in all the skirmishes and battles in the campaign following Lee into Pennsyl- vania. At Gettysburg it was stationed at the Stone Fence and Peach Orchard, then
being under the command of Gen. Wheaton. After the fight at Mine Run, the men were sent into camp at Brandy Station. In the fight at Sailor's Creek, Mr. Mar- quette was wounded by a musket ball. In 1862 he was made sergeant. and at Brandy Station he was detailed as orderly sergeant and provost guard at Gen. Wheaton's head- quarters, one of his duties being the carry- ing of Division Headquarters' flag on march and in battle. On Feb. 7. 1864, at Harper's Ferry. Mr. Marquette, with three-fourths of the regiment re-enlisted, and then went home on furlough, receiving a great ovation at Lebanon. On March roth following the regiment assembled at Camp Curtin, and eight days later rejoined the Brigade at Hall- town. eight hundred strong. They took part in the fight at Todd's Tavern, Spott- sylvania Court House, and in the campaigns from the Rappahannock to the James, later playing a conspicuous part in the Chickahominy and Petersburg battles. They were also at Weldon railroad, Hatch- er's Run, and supported Sheridan at Five Forks. From May 4, 1864. to June 2d, they marched 350 miles in 26 marches, and were fifteen days without regular rations. In this time they dug thirty rifle pits, fought eight distinct battles, and for only five days of the time were they free from the shots of the emeny. The officers did not take off their clothes or lay aside their accoutrements. When clothes and shoes were worn out they were replaced by those of the dead.
This was followed by Winchester. At Cedar Creek Mr. Marquette as orderly had his horse shot under him. In Bates' "His- tory of Pennsylvania Regiments," appears an account from in front of Petersburg, at daybreak, April 2, 1865 : "In the first charge upon the enemy's breastworks, Sergeant
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