Biographical review : v. 24, containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburgh and the vicinity, Pennsylvania, Part 35

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 954


USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Biographical review : v. 24, containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburgh and the vicinity, Pennsylvania > Part 35


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54



M. A. ARNHOLT.


1


1


ak 343


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


iam B. in Covington, Ky. Judge Mooar was formerly a prominent attorney at the Kenton County bar in Kentucky, and the County Judge for three terms.


Clarence C. Mooar grew to manhood in Covington. After obtaining his early educa- tion in the public schools of that town, he pre- pared for Dartmouth College. In 1875 for the benefit of his health he went to Europe, where he remained for nearly two years, visit- ing Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Scotland. Having spent thirteen months in Munich, he knows German very well; and he also acquired a good knowledge of the French and Italian languages. On returning to America, he went into the office of the United States Marshal at Louisville, Ky., as Deputy. After a time he engaged in journalism, and has since filled various positions on important papers. He was on the Pittsburg Dispatch for six years, serving in the capacities of night editor, telegraph editor, and city editor. He then went to the Pittsburg Commercial Gasette as financial editor, and remained for one year. This position he resigned on May 1, 1894, to accept the one he now occupies.


On January 26, 1881, Mr. Mooar was united in marriage with Miss Mary Alma Weaver. Four sons and one daughter have been born to them; namely, Clarence C., Jr., Ernest E., Walter W., Myrtle Marie, and Harold II. Mr. Mooar is a member of several fraternal organizations. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, in politics a Democrat. A domestic man, he is entirely devoted to his home and family. His genial and hospitable manners have gained him many warm friends, and the efficient manner in which he has served the public in his present position has won for him the confidence of the business community and a recognition of his unmistakable execu- tive ability.


m A. ARNHOLT, M.D., one of the prominent physicians of Pitts- burg, was born December 25, 1836, in Alsace, then a province of France, son of Michael and Sarah (Anton) Arnholt. The father, who was a farmer, came to Amer- ica in 1849, locating in Joliet, Ill. In the following year he went to California by the overland route. Taking up his residence in St. Julien valley in 1874, he was engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of sheep for some time. Eight years later he removed to Adin, Modoc County, where he lived upon a ranch during the remainder of his life, and died April 5, 1891. His wife died in France, at the age of thirty two. Their two children were: M. A. and George H. The latter lived at Whitehall, Jefferson County, Mont., where he was Deputy Sheriff at the time of his death.


M. A. Arnholt came to America with his father at the age of thirteen years. He at- tended the public schools at Joliet, and gradu- ated from the West Side Academy in the year IS53. After some time spent in travel in the West, he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. H. Reece, and attended the Eclectic Institute, from which he graduated in 1855. In the fall of the same year he returned to his native country and entered Ecole des Médicins at Strasbourg, remaining until 1862. Upon his return to the United States he opened an office at Birmingham, Huntingdon County.


Dr. Arnholt is an ardent Republican, and has been active in furthering the interests of his chosen city and State. He was State Senator for the Forty-fifth District from 188o to 1884, served for nine years as president of the School Board in the Twenty-sixth Ward, and was a member of both the Common and Select Coun- cils. He has also been a most useful member of the Board of Health, and is now serving on


344


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


the hospital staff, holding the positions of con- sulting surgeon and chairman of the Executive Committee. He is an ex-president of the South Side Medical Society, and a member of both the Allegheny County Medical Society and the State Medical Society. A well-known fraternity man, the orders with which he is as- sociated include sundry Masonic bodies; the Royal Arcanum, of which he is examining physician for his district; and the Ancient Essenic Order.


On August 7, 1862, he married Sarah, daughter of Michael J. Ermwein, of Pittsburg. They have one daughter, named Clara. Dr. Arnholt is a cultured gentleman of advanced opinions, as well as a most successful practi- tioner.


RMEN YARDUM, of Pittsburg, a leading wholesale and retail dealer in Oriental rugs, was born in Sivas, Turkey, April 30, 1870, son of Ovagim Yardum. The grandfather, who was one of the best known silversmiths of that country, made some of the most famous gold and silver vessels, for holding the sacraments, now in the Greek and Armenian churches.


Ovagim Yardum, who was born and reared in Sivas, became a general merchant. Later he engaged in the importation of European goods, and also dealt in rugs. A prominent and wealthy member of the community, he served on the City Council. He was also con- nected with an association which assisted in the bringing of teachers to the city schools to instruct the Armenians. He was an Elder of the St. Sarkis Church and one of the pro- moters of the reforms of that church. A highly educated man and well-versed in the Armenian language, he has done much to help the people of his country. He now resides in Constantinople, near the residence of Mission-


ary Hubbard and United States Consul Jewett. He married Hamaspure Desteyian, who has had four sons by him. The eldest child, Mardisos, lives in Constantinople; George, who was for some time a resident of this coun- try, is also there; H. B. resides here. The mother is living, and is with her sons in Con- stantinople.


Armen Yardum was educated at Sivas, grad- uating from a high-class school there at the early age of twelve. While his brothers re- ceived a college education, he is a self-edu- cated man to a large extent, though his fine knowledge of languages was obtained in the school referred to. Upon finishing school, he joined his brothers in business at Harpoot. In 1885 he returned to his native place, and was associated with his father in business until 1887, when he went to Constantinople. After a short time in that capital he removed to Baltimore, Md., where his brother, H. B., had established himself in business. Here they continued in partnership for some time. In 1891 he began a successful business in Alle- gheny; and in the following year he started in Pittsburg, sending agents out into the country, while retaining an interest in the business conducted by his brothers in Balti- more. The business rapidly increased in both places; and in 1894 George returned to Con- stantinople and established a direct agency, becoming the native buyer for his brothers in America. In 1895 Mr. Yardum opened a wholesale house on Broadway, New York, now one of the largest rug houses in New York City. He is connected with various other business enterprises, both exporting and im- porting ; and he is a member of both the New York and Pittsburg Chambers of Commerce.


Mr. Yardum, on June 27, 1895, married Miss Maud Beatrice Morgan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Lowry Morgan, of Pittsburg.


345


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


. . She was educated at the Pennsylvania Semi- nary, Washington. Both she and her husband are members of the Christ's Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Yardum has been active in the work of the Epworth League. He is also an interested supporter of the Allegheny General Hospital and the Pittsburg Newsboys' Home, and he is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Yardum is not only a talented man of business, but he shines in literary and social circles. He is a member of the Pittsburg Club, and has written many articles for publication, in addition to some creditable poems.


---


-


OHN EVANS, of Pittsburg, Boiler In- spector for Allegheny County, was born here, February 14, 1845, son of Will- iam and Mary (Donnelly) Evans. The family is an old one in Pittsburg, but of Welsh de- scent. The father was born in Centre County, at a place called Bald Eagle, in 1818. When a child he was taken by his parents to the home of his grandfather in Jefferson County. He left the farm soon afterward, and served an apprenticeship to a carpenter and joiner in Pittsburg. Then he went into ship-carpenter- ing and the outfitting business on the Point, and in time became very prosperous. He was one of the first Republicans of the place, served on the Council and the School Board, and went as delegate to many Republican con- ventions. He was a member of the St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M .; also of the I. O. O. F., in which society he was very active in his younger days. He died December 29, 1889. By his wife, who received her education in Pittsburg, there were five children : William, of Pittsburg; John, the subject of this sketch ; Mary J., the widow of Captain Alexander Mc- Ginnis; Kate, the wife of T. J. O'Keefe; :


. and Ellis, a resident of Pittsburg. The mother died July 4, 1889.


John Evans, after receiving a good common- school education, was apprenticed to James Rees, an engine builder. In 1865 he went on the river as engineer in the coal trade; and for twenty-five years afterward he plied up and down the river, where he was among the oldest and best known engineers in point of service. After he left the river, in 1891, he was chief engineer of the Western Pennsylvania Exhibi- tion Society of Pittsburg, which kept engines running to supply the power for all the differ- ent exhibits. Here Mr. Evans remained for three years. Then he took charge of the erecting department of the Heime Safety Boiler Company of St. Louis. While so em- ployed he travelled all over the country, and put in boilers in various cities, embracing a circuit, from Houston, Tex., to New York City, and including large plants at Chicago, Joliet, Pittsburg, Johnstown, Altoona, and Philadelphia. After four years he resigned ; and on May 9, 1896, he was appointed Boiler Inspector of Allegheny County by Governor Hastings. All the stationary steam-boilers of the county are examined by him once every year. Mr. Evans has been an active worker for the Republican party. He was a member of the National Marine Association of Engi- neers, and its first vice-president. He is also a member of the branch of the National Associa- tion of Stationary Engineers in Pittsburg. He belongs to several fraternal societies; was one of the original members and founders of the Marine Lodge; is a member of the Dallas Lodge, No. 508; of Duquesne Chapter, No. '193; and of Tancred Chapter, No. 48, K. T.


In September, 1873, Mr. Evans married Miss Sophia Schroeder, of Pittsburg, by whom he has three children - W. A., John, Jr., and May L. W. A. is now a clerk in his father's


346


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


office. He attends and assists in the support of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member. Since he was appointed inspector, his office has been in the Carnegie Building. The family resides at Duquesne Heights.


RANK H. GUFFEY, a well-known lawyer of Pittsburg, was born on May II, 1859, son of John and Catherine (Stoner) Guffey. The Guffey family trace their ancestry back to William Guffey, who was born in 1698, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, within a short distance of Glasgow. The clan of Guffey, of which he was a member, was very large and influential, and occupied, and their descendants still occupy, one of the most fertile parts of the Scottish Lowlands. In 1738 William, with his wife and son James, then aged two years, came to America and set- tled near Philadelphia. In 1758, when Brig- adier-general John Forbes made his expedition against Fort Duquesne, William Guffey, with a few other hardy spirits, accompanied by their families, followed the expedition of Brig- adier-general John Forbes against Fort Du- quesne, until they reached the Loyalhanna Creek. Here he and his companions made the first permanent English settlement in West- moreland County and the first west of the Alleghanies except that made at Mount Brad- dock six years before. In that district, which is rich in all that constitutes enduring wealth, the family has multiplied beyond the average. In the words of one of the living descendants, "They came when the county was a wilder- ness, and braved the danger of savage war- fare, and were exposed to all the vicissitudes of the 'Dark and Bloody Ground,' where Briton and Frenchman, Indian and settler, were en- gaged for twenty years in mortal conflict for supremacy. During all that period, from


1758 to 1781, the tramp of horses, the roll of the drum, the noise of battle, and the terror of savage warfare were familiar scenes. This long-protracted and appalling tragedy gave rise to hardy virtue. The blood of the men of the Revolution and the frontier never trembles for the fate of the Republic." William Guffey died in January, 1783, at the age of eighty- five years, and was buried in Ligonier Valley.


James Guffey, son of William and the grandfather of Frank H., was born in 1736, and died in 1806. In 1780 he purchased a tract of land, now a portion of Sewickley township, for the sum of twenty-one hundred pounds. He was a well-informed man for those days, having received his education be- fore coming West. For several years in the earlier part of his life he was a Magistrate, deriving his commission from King George III. His will, written by himself in 1806, shortly before his death, is still in the pos- session of the family, and is as good an exam- ple of legal skill and technicalities as can be found even at the present day. James and his son John were among the first to en- gage in the business of whiskey distilling in this part of the country: They commenced the business, as nearly as can be ascertained, about the year 1785. In those times distilling was looked upon by all as most useful to the community. The usual price then obtained for the whiskey was fifteen cents per gallon. James was married in 1763 to Margaret, a daughter of William Campbell, who also came with Forbes's expedition. She was the mother of three children - John, May, and Isabella. Margaret died in 1791. In the following year James married Mary Findlay, who bore him two children-Sarah and William. John, the eldest son, later known as Squire Guffey, was for many years a Justice, and was greatly be- loved and respected by all who knew him.


347


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


He married Agnes, daughter of Colonel Lowry; and she had eleven children. After her death he married Rebecca Stewart, who had two children. It is related of this period that a cousin of Squire John Guffey, named Robert Campbell, was carried off by the Ind- ians at the age of fourteen; and that, after spending seven years in captivity, he bribed a friendly Indian to guide him back home; that he subsequently attained the remarkable age of ninety-nine years, and was widely known for his piety as an Elder of the Presbyterian church. A remarkable fact about the Guffey family is the tenacity with which they have retained family names. At the Guffey re- union held on the old Guffey farm near Suters- ville in September, 1886, it was stated that there were at that time, in the family and con- nections, twenty-one bearing the name of John, nineteen bearing the name of James, and nine that of William. At this reunion eight hun- dred guests, direct descendants or connections of the Guffey family, were present. A sketch of the family, that had been prepared for that memorable occasion, was read by Frank Guffey; and many interesting reminiscences were recalled. Since the time of the first William Guffey the family have stoutly ad- hered to the Presbyterian belief, and many of them have occupied official positions in that church. The men of the family have been noted for their adherence to the political principles of Thomas Jefferson; and it is said that at one time there were thirty-two of the family who voted in one precinct, sup- porting the same candidates. The family ranks among the pioneers of the lower river coal trade. The second salt well in this locality was drilled by a Guffey in 1831, the first one having been drilled in 1824, near what is now Guffey's Station, by William Campbell, a relative.


-


-


John Guffey, the father of Frank H. Guffey and a grandson of Squire John Guffey and of Elder Robert Campbell, was born January 4, 1825, on the old home plantation in West- moreland County. After reaching maturity, he removed to Allegheny County, and became engaged extensively in farming and other lines of business, in which he has been very suc- cessful, and at the ripe age of seventy-two is now enjoying a well-earned rest after a long and busy life.


His wife, in maidenhood Catherine Stoner, born June 12, 1832, is a member of the large and influential family of that name in Western Pennsylvania, whose ancestors removed from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1782, and settled in Westmoreland County, where their descendants to the number of about one thou- sand now reside.


The youth of Frank H. Guffey was passed on his father's farm. In 1879 he entered Washington and Jefferson College, and gradu- ated at Lafayette College four years later. Twice during his course he represented his literary society as orator, and at graduation was the orator of his class. In 1883 he en- tered the law office of Thomas C. Lazear in Pittsburg, and in the following year he at- tended the law department of the University of Pennsylvania. In June, 1886, he was ad- mitted to the bar. Since he began practice in this city he has won a reputation as an able and conservative counsellor. In religion he is a Presbyterian and a Democrat. Mr. Guffey is a member of the Masonic order, of Delta Kappa Epsilon Society, and of several clubs.


RRIN WINSLOW SADLER, M. D., the noted oculist and aurist of this county, has been located at his pres- ent office in Pittsburg for more than a score of


-


---


348


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


years, and has treated twenty-two thousand cases of eye or ear disease. He was born Jan- uary 2, 1843, in Onondaga County, New York, a son of William Dexter and Nancy (Spier) Sadler. The Sadlers are of English origin, the emigrant ancestor having been John Sad- ler, who came to New England during the French and Indian wars, locating in Massachu- setts, where his death occurred in 1785. Be- sides three sons - John, Joshua, and Noah - he had four daughters. One of the latter be- came the wife of the Rev. John Cross, a Pres- byterian minister; another married Joseph Baker; the third married A. Little; and the youngest married Joshua Porter. Joshua Sadi- ler was born September 26, 1766. On Sep- tember 17, 1784, he married Phoebe Critter- den, who was born April 6, 1768. They reared eleven children, of whom William, the eldest, born May 28, 1786, was the next in line of descent.


William Sadler, who took part in the later Indian wars, had many narrow escapes from capture and death. Oftentimes, hiding in the brush, the redskins passed so closely to him that he could feel their breath. On one occa- sion, when obliged to remain hidden three days, he had no food but the flesh of a squirrel that he caught. On November 16, 1816, he married Huldah Rice, whose five children by him were born as follows: William Dexter, on November 11, 1817; Almira, December 17, 1819; Joseph, February 20, 1822; Austin, August 16, 1828; and Mary, February 2, 1832. Of these Austin enlisted in the regu- lar army of the United States, serving at first on the western frontier in New Mexico, being afterward with General Mcclellan before Richmond in the late Rebellion. Participat- ing in the battle of Antietam, he was killed September 17, 1862, after fourteen consecutive years of army service. William Dexter Sadler


removed from New York to the West in 1846, going by the Erie Canal and the Lakes to Kenosha, Wis., and thence to Millburn, Ill. Here he lived until 1869, when he removed with his family to Marshalltown, Ia., which was the home of himself and wife for twenty- one years, and where they celebrated the fif- tieth anniversary of their wedding. They subsequently came to Pittsburg, where the death of Mr. Sadler occurred December 28, 1892. He married Nancy Spier on January 19, 1842, and by her became the father of three children, namely : Orrin W., the subject of this biography; Alphonso S., now of Los Angeles, Cal. ; and a daughter that died in in- fancy. The mother resides with Dr. Sadler.


Orrin Winslow Sadler was brought up to farming pursuits in the agricultural commu- nity to which his parents removed when he was very young. In August, 1864, he enlisted as a volunteer for service in the Civil War. Subsequently, while in Camp Butler, he con- tracted a sickness from which he but partly recovered, and was discharged April 4, 1865. He then studied medicine with Dr. D. B. Tay- lor, of Millburn, Ill., and entered the Michi- gan University. Here he received a certificate for proficiency in chemistry, besides com- pleting the medical course. He was subse- quently graduated from the North-western University of Chicago, Ill. While in Chi- cago he attended a private course of clinics on the eye and ear, to which he now devotes his exclusive attention. He began the practice of his profession in Dodge County, Minnesota, where he remained two years. The Doctor then came to Pennsylvania, locating in Titus- ville, and devoting himself almost entirely to diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat for the next two years. In 1874 he came to Pittsburg, and in the following year estab- lished himself in his present office. Since


JUNIUS A. McCORMICK.


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW


ah 351


then his success as a specialist has been un- precedented.


On May 7, 1867, Dr. Sadler married Miss Emma Josephine Slocum, daughter of George W. S. Slocum, who traces his ancestry back to 1500. The ceremony was performed in Man- torville, Dodge County, Minn., by the Rev. P. S. Ruth. The Doctor and Mrs. Sadler have five children - George Dexter, Lucy Belle, Orrin Winslow, Jr., Samuel Slocum, and Mary Josephine. The Doctor is a member of the Heptasophs and of the G. A. R. In pol- itics he is a loyal Republican. Both he and his family are Episcopalians. Mrs. Sadler is one of the charter members of the Daughters of the Revolution, National No. 736.


UNIUS A. McCORMICK, a dealer in general machinery and a prominent business man of Pittsburg, was born in Allegheny City, March 10, 1840, son of John and Bridget (Menan) McCormick. The father, born in Donegal County, Ireland, about the year 1805, received his early train- ing there. When quite a young man, he emi- grated to Philadelphia, and there learned the blacksmith's trade. Then for four years he was foreman of shops. . Afterward he came to Pittsburg and worked for Mr. Leach, one of the old firms, in the building of engines and ma- chinery. His wife, who was born in 1810, bore him two children - Junius A. and Laura. Laura is now Mrs. John Devine, of Pittsburg. The father died in 1844, of yellow fever caught in the South. The mother's death oc- curred in 1867.


After attending the First Ward schools of Allegheny for a short time, Junius A. McCor- mick, being then an orphan, went to work in Bakewell's glass house at the age of nine years. Here his working day lasted from


12 M. to 12 P. M., and his wages were one dollar and twenty-five cents per week. In a short time, however, he found other employment, which permitted of his attendance at an even- ing school ; and in time he acquired a good edu- cation. About the year 1857 he went to work for John Warden. In this employment Will- iam Warden, afterward in the Standard Oil Company, was a fellow-workman. After serv- ing an apprenticeship here for three years, Mr. Warden having sold the business, Mr. McCor- mick went as assistant engineer in the old Clinton Blast Furnace, now out of existence, which was the first one built in Allegheny County to use coke, and one of the first to take the initiative in the modern way of making cast iron. While Mr. McCormick was there, the enterprise seemed to be an entire failure, for the reason that the coke used was made from coal taken out of Coal Hill, containing too large a percentage of sulphur, and rendering the iron inferior and unsalable. About the time this was discovered, Mr. Kelley, who had a charcoal furnace in Kentucky, and who later became known among iron men the world over, came to Pittsburg, claiming to have dis- covered a process that would refine the iron in the furnace well before casting. This process consisted in introducing a cold blast of air, lasting for fifteen or twenty minutes, into the molten iron, and thereby burning out the sul- phur and other impurities. The first experi- mental test at the furnace produced iron equal to any in the world at that time. The second test was not quite so successful, and after the first dozen blowings the quality of the iron was not improved. This was because the pred- ucts of combustion had been blown up into the burthen of the furnace and there retained, preventing further purification. This process was patented, and was the principle of the proc- ess of manufacturing Bessemer steel. When




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.