USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 17
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Thomas C. Fry, the father of Henry C., was born in the city of New York, and during his early years was connected with the firm of Curling, Robinson & Co., glass manufac- turers, of Pittsburg. He spent the remainder of his life at the "Elms," at Lexington, Ky. He married Charlotte Fry, who died at the age of fifty-six years, and among their large
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family of children, was Henry C., the subject of this record.
Henry C. Fry, endowed with superior tal- ents, a sturdy constitution, and an ambitious temperament, at an early age sought activity in the business world. He was sixteen years old when he went to Pittsburg, bearing good recommendations, and obtained employment as a shipping clerk for the firm of William Phillips & Co., manufacturers of glass. He continued in their service until 1862, when he enlisted in the 15th Reg., Pa. Vol. Cav., as a private. Upon being mustered out of serv- ice in 1864, he became a member of the firm of Lippencott, Fry & Co., manufacturers of glass, which was afterward changed to Fry & Scott, and still later, to Fry, Semple & Reynolds. In the spring of 1872, he, with others, went to Rochester and purchased the Lacock property of ten acres, which had for- merly been a beautiful maple grove, and a por- tion of which was, at a later period, the brick- yard of G. Agner. The Rochester Tumbler Company was formed by these gentlemen, and they built a plant on this property,-all of the members of the company taking an active interest in the work. The company comprised the following well-known business men: H. C. Fry, G. W. Fry, S. M. Kane, William Moulds, S. H. Moulds, Thomas Carr, Will- iam Carr, Thomas Matthews, John Hayes, J. H. Lippencott, and Richard Welsh. Two years later their establishment was burned to the ground, but was immediately rebuilt, the following men being then added to the firm: George Searles, Robert Carr, and John Carr.
They manufactured both pressed and blown glass tumblers, and their work met with such success that they have been obliged to enlarge the plant and increase their facilities from time to time, so that it is now the leading establish- ment of its kind in the world. They ship di- rect to all parts of the United States, Eng- land, and other portions of Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, China and Japan, -sending out from three to ten carloads per day. A switch runs through the middle of the plant, and thus the loading is all done under cover. They do not depend upon others for the material they use in the factory, but make their own barrels, boxes and crates for shipping ; they grind clay and make pots, and also manufacture their own molds. They have a private electric light plant, using 1.000 incandescent lights daily ; they have their own water works, and a tank with a capacity of 3.100 gallons, which is also connected with the city water works; they have an ice house for drinking purposes. They employ a per- manent force of twelve hundred men and women, and have an output of 150,000 dozen of blown goods per month, and 150,000 dozen of pressed goods. Each department of the works is kept at a high state of efficiency,- nearing perfection,-as the most skilled men in the business are in their employ. While the best of order is maintained throughout their establishment, each employee, from the skilled cut-glass worker to the apprentice, feels free from constraint, and wears a contented ex- pression upon his countenance. The firm has been considerably changed since it was first
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organized, and as it exists today, is: H. C. Fry, president; William Moulds, general manager; S. H. Moulds, assistant manager; J. H. Fry, secretary; and Clayton Vance, treasurer.
In June, 1883, Henry C. Fry actively as- sisted in the organization of the First Na- tional Bank, of Rochester, with a capital of $50,000, and it has been a successful institu- tion from the start,-having at the present time a surplus of $40,000. The subject of this writing has served as president since its in- ception, and his skilful management has been a prime factor in its prosperity. I. T. Mans- field is vice-president, and T. H. Fry is cashier. Henry C. Fry is also a director and stock- holder of the Olive Stove Works, and of the Rochester Electric Light Company, of which he was at one time president. In 1876, Mr. Fry built his residence on a part of the orig- inal Pinney estate, one of the most desirable locations in the borough, situated on the cor- ner of New York and West Jackson streets. At one time he owned the adjoining lots, hav- ing a large and beautiful lawn, and also the corner property opposite his residence, on which there is located a noted spring which furnishes his house with an abundance of pure water. The spring has quite a history, and is well remembered by the early settlers in that vicinity. Indians were wont to camp about it, and it was known as the "Cure All." It is now under cover, and a beautiful lawn and vineyard add to the delightful spot. Mr. Fry is a man of pleasing personality and great strength of character, one of his chief char-
acteristics being to make others happy.
The subject of this biography formed a matrimonial alliance with Emma Matthews, of Pittsburg, a woman attractive in her many virtues, who, by her kindliness of heart, made friends with everyone. She was a loving wife and mother, and their home was one of the greatest happiness until she closed her eyes in final sleep, in 1884. Five children resulted from this union: Harry C., associated with the Rochester Tumbler Company, who mar- ried Rachel Power; Clara, the wife of H. J. Sage; Gertrude, who married A. M. Jenkin- son; J. Howard, who is also identified with the company; and Mabel, who is attending Vassar College. Mr. Fry formed a second al- liance, with Belle McClintock, a woman be- loved for her many excellent traits of char- acter. He is a faithful member, and a liberal financial supporter, of the Baptist church, in which he has served as a trustee and deacon. For the past twenty-four years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday School.
ILLIAM R. HAZEN, who is widely known throughout Western Pennsylvania as superintendent of the Beaver Valley Traction Company, has effi- ciently served that company since 1885, when horse cars were still used. He is a son of Isaac and Mary (Olinger) Hazen, and was born in North Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pa., in 1862.
James Hazen, the grandfather of William
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R., was one of the pioneers of Beaver county, moving here when it was a complete wilder- ness and settling in North Sewickley town- ship. Clearing a place, he built a log house and barns, and lived there the remainder of his life. Among the children born to him and his wife Jerusha, was Isaac, father of the sub- ject of this writing.
Isaac Hazen was born in North Sewickley township and received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools. He learned the occupation of a farmer and assisted his father upon the farm for some time; he then pur- chased a tract of eighty acres for himself, clearing it and constructing thereon good substantial buildings. He improved the place, placing it under a high state of cultivation, and lived there throughout his life. His wife's maiden name was Mary Olinger, and by her he had seven children, as follows: Amariah (Fogle); William R .; Laura (Thompson); Nettie (Nye); Violetta (Miller); Lizzie (Smith); and Howard. Politically, Mr. Hazen was a Democrat and served as school di- rector. He was a Baptist in his religious views.
William R. Hazen was given a common school education and spent his younger days in assisting his father upon the farm, but in 1880 he removed to Beaver Falls and adopted a mechanical career. He was naturally adapted to this and acquired a high degree of skill at it. He was first employed in the cutlery works, then in the axe factory, and later in the file factory. He continued in the file works until 1885, when he became interested
in the street car company at Beaver Falls, and after being connected with the road for one year he was given charge of the stables. He continued in that capacity until 1892, when the horses were supplanted by elec- tricity, and the road was transformed into an electric road. Until the road was placed in good working order he served as conductor for two months, and as such met with a very serious accident which compelled him to lay off for one year. Upon his return to duty, he was appointed to the post of car dispatcher and served in that position until 1898, when he was promoted to the office of general su- perintendent of the road. The responsibilities of the position are many and arduous, but he has ever discharged the duties of his trust to the best of his ability, and to the entire satis- faction of the officials of the company. The lines over which he has supervision extend from Morado Park to the lower end of Beaver, Pa., being mostly double track and contin- uous rails. There are fifty-five men in his employ. The power-house is in Beaver Falls, a one-story brick structure, with dimensions of 120x50 feet, and was built in 1892. It is equipped with two very powerful Buckeye engines of 140 and 125 horse power respec- tively, with four dynamos of immense power, and is fitted with the Thompson-Houston equipment. It also supplies power for the Patterson Heights Inclined Electric Road, and for the Beaver & Vanport line. The car barn is located in Rochester township in a very pretentious building of vitrified brick, the dimensions being 260x120 feet, and besides
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storing all of the cars, it contains the super- intendent's office, the general offices and the mess room for employees. Mr. Hazen resides in a very desirable home at No. 2715 College avenue, which he owns. He is a man of pleas- ing character and his nature abounds in good will toward his employees and his fellow- citizens, by whom he is held in the highest esteem.
William R. Hazen was united in marriage with Irene Jackson, who was born in Beaver Falls, where she attended the public schools. She was graduated from the Beaver Falls High School, and then taught school until her marriage. They became the parents of three children, namely: Earle and Lyle, twins, born in 1891; and Fern, who was born in 1892. Politically, Mr. Hazen is a Democrat, and is a member of the council from College Hill Borough, and also a school director. In religious views he is a Baptist. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the K. of L.
AWN WARD, a very prominent citizen of Beaver Falls, Beaver county, Pa., was for many years one of the most active business men in that locality, be- ing proprietor of a hardware store just prior to his retirement on January I, 1899. He came to the borough when its population numbered less than three thousand, but hav- ing entire confidence in its future, he bought considerable property in what is now the heart
of the town, and conducted the first store in the section. He became a promoter of var- ious industries, and has ever striven for the best interests of Beaver Falls. It is to the efforts of such men that the prosperity of the borough is due.
Mr. Ward is a son of James and Margaret (Cleland) Ward, and was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1836. His grandfather was Robert Ward, who was born in England and moved to the North of Ireland when a young man, buying fifty acres of rich farm land. He engaged in general farming and devoted ten acres to the culture of moss. He was the father of two children by his first marriage, James and Arthur.
James Ward was born in County Down, Ireland, and was instructed in the common schools, after which he bought a small farm of twenty acres. He married Margaret Cle- land, a daughter of Gawn and Agnes Cleland, members of an ancient Scottish family which settled in the North of Ireland, and they had ten children, as follows: Robert; Hugh; Arthur; William ; John ; Agnes; one who died unnamed; Gawn; Thomas; and Matthew. All the boys took to farming and the two girls died in infancy. In 1844, James Ward came to America with his family, locating in New York City, where for sixteen years he con- ducted a bakery and grocery store with con- siderable success. In 1860, he removed to Allegheny City, Pa., where he kept a grocery store for the balance of his life. His death occurred in 1887, and in him the city lost a man prominently identified with its business
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interests, and one who was by everybody highly esteemed. He was a Republican in politics, whilst in religious attachments, he was formerly a Presbyterian, but at the time of his demise, a Methodist.
Gawn Ward was instructed in the public schools of New York City, after which he assisted his father in the store, thus at an early age acquiring a thorough knowledge of busi- ness methods. When he moved to Allegheny City with his father, he conducted a store on his own account, and with good results, for a period of nine years. In 1871, he located at Beaver Falls, which was then a flourishing place of about 3,000 inhabitants. With re- markable foresight, Mr. Ward noted the di- rection in which the town would grow, and purchased a piece of ground in the heart of the present business district, being the first man to open up business there. Merchants in the lower end of the town were accustomed to joke him about being located in the coun- try, but to the intense satisfaction of Mr. Ward, the wisdom of his choice was brought home to them. The men who laughed began to regret that they had not likewise invested. when they saw the center of business grad- ually move in that direction, and they were reluctant to pay prices much in advance of former valuations. Mr. Ward started in a frame building on Main street, now Seventh avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh streets, and there were only two or three other houses in the vicinity, including the Economy Bank. Almost immediately the town began to build up, new factories were located there, and busi-
ness was enlivened throughout that section of the county. The axe manufacturing establish- ment was started, also the Emerson, Smith & Co. Saw Works; the P. & L. E. R. R. came through, and numerous other enterprises started. Mr. Ward became a promoter, and was for nine years treasurer, of the Co-opera- tive Stove Foundry, during which time he also kept a general store. The grade of the street was cut down and he erected a brick store building, which he still owns, and which is occupied by a drug store. He then dropped the general store and conducted a grocery store exclusively, but a short time subsequent thereto, he, in partnership with J. D. Perrot and Jacob Ecki, bought the Howard Stove Works. After running that for some years, he sold his interest to his partners and en- gaged in the hardware business, having a very large trade. He dealt in builders' supplies, house furnishings, hardware and stoves, paints and glass, and for many years was a special agent in the territory, for Baldwin & Graham's supplies, Frankie steel ranges, and Alaska refrigerators. On January 1, 1899, after a most active career, in which he ac- quired a handsome competency, including considerable valuable property, he retired to spend the remaining years of his life in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. He there- fore sold his stock, rented his store, and took up his residence in his beautiful house located on Eighth avenue, above Twelfth street, which he built in 1896. It is one of the most striking residences in Beaver Falls, and is built from plans of his own. Mr. Ward owns most
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of the stores on one side of Seventh avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh streets,- among the best known being the offices of the Union Water Company, the Western Union Telegraph office, Schaefer's jewelry store, Nye's barber shop, a drug store and a tailor store. He also owns a corner dwelling with an adjoining office, the hardware store which he conducted for so many years, a building on Twelfth street between Ninth and Tenth avenues, and some very choice building lots in Sewickley borough, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
In New York, Mr. Ward was united in matrimonial bonds with Margaret Orr, a daughter of William and Dorothy Orr, who was born and educated in the North of Ire- land, and they became the parents of ten chil- dren, as follows : Dorothy; Thomas W., who is engaged in business with his father; Mar- garet (Barnes), now deceased ; Charles, a ma- chinist by trade ; James G., who is connected with the Heat & Light Company, of Alle- gheny City; William H., who was also in business with his father; Arthur, who is in the employ of the Union Drawn Steel Company; John E., who follows the trade of a machinist ; and Agnes (Walters), whose husband was a prominent jeweler, of Beaver Falls, and is now deceased. Politically, our subject is a Repub- lican, and has been a member of the council for seven years, but has declined all other offices. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a trustee, steward, and treasurer of the board. He be- longs to the A. O. U. W.
ILLIAM M. DONALDSON, one of the foremost business men of Big Beaver township, Beaver county, Pa., has for some years discharged the multi- tudinous duties of general manager of the firm of H. Donaldson's Sons, manufacturers of white lead kegs, and general coopers, and in this capacity he has displayed unusual abil- ity. He is also a member of the firm and the plant under his control is quite an extensive one, the daily output numbering 700 kegs of various sizes. He is a son of Henry and Ann (Proctor) Donaldson, and was born in Brooklyn. N. Y., January 25, 1849.
His grandfather was Arthur Donaldson, who was of Scotch parentage. He was a cooper by trade and made that his life work. He died at an early age of cholera, when that dread disease was epidemic. He reared four sons : Joseph, a cooper by trade, who was a tank builder for war vessels during the war, but spent his last days in Connecticut in agri- cultural pursuits, dying in 1890; Henry, who was the father of William M .; George, who was engaged in coopering ; and Elisha, also a cooper, in the employ of the Atlantic White Lead Company.
Henry Donaldson was born in New York in 1816, and was educated in the public schools, receiving a good mental training de- spite the fact that his opportunities were very limited. Like his father and brothers, he un- dertook coopering and entered the employ of Christopher Tyler, a New York refiner, who established a refinery in Beaver county, having been given entire charge of the cooper
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plant. He held this position until the com- pany was absorbed by the Standard Oil Com- pany, and in 1878 he started in business for himself as a manufacturer of white lead kegs, which were then made entirely by hand. He was a very progressive man, and as new im- provements appeared, he was among the first to adopt them and test their merit. He started a steam plant in 1879, and as his sons grew up they were instructed in the art of his trade, becoming as thorough workmen as himself. He died in 1890, after a long and prosperous life. His wife was Ann Proctor, who was born in England, and accompanied her parents to this country when she was yet a young girl. This union resulted in the fol- lowing offspring: Henry M .; Edwin Miller; Jane A .; William M., the subject hereof; Emma F. (Piper); Theresa E .; Marcus W .; and Edgar; the three last named are de- ceased. Henry M., who is a mem- ber of H. Donaldson's Sons, was born in Brooklyn, in 1845, and has always been en- gaged at his present occupation. He is a Pro- hibitionist, but was formerly a supporter of the Republican party. He is a school director and a member of the borough council. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and also of the Knights of Pythias. He married Ella McCowin, a daughter of Thompson McCowin, of Enon Valley, and they have four children : Harry, aged twenty years, who works in the shops; Maud, Ethel, and Hazel. Edwin Miller, an- other member of the firm of H. Donaldson's Sons, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1847,
and was instructed in the public schools. He married Mary Davis, and they have three children: Gertrude, Charles, and Byron. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the M. E. church. He is a Republican in politics, and is a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows order, and of the Knights of Pythias. Henry Donaldson was a very devout Christian and was connected with the Congregational church until 1873, when he became a member of the Darlington Pres- byterian church and so continued until his death. He was an Abolitionist and a Repub- lican, serving as burgess two terms, as school director, and as a member of the borough council. He was a member of the Odd Fel- lows order.
William M. Donaldson removed to New Galilee in 1861, with his parents. and attended the public schools of New Castle, after which he entered the cooper shops of his father, with whoin he was associated until the death of the latter. The works were left to the children, the three sons purchased the interests of their sisters, and the name was changed to H. Don- aldson's Sons. William M. attends to the financial affairs of the firm, does the buying and selling, and has entire charge of the af- fairs of the plant. A great deal of responsi- bility attaches to the position, but he has been equal to its requirements as the prosperous condition of the establishment indicates. The
business was first carried on in a little shop across the street from where the main build- ing is now located, and the work was all done by hand. What a wonderful change has been wrought! The main building is a two-story
CHARLES W. KLEIN.
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affair, and is so equipped with machinery that it is a difficult matter to pass through it. Its dimensions are 40x25 feet. On the second floor is the machinery for cutting, planing and manufacturing heads. The kegs for white lead are made of white oak and mostly con- tain 25. and 100, pounds ; the firm also make kegs for cider, pickles and vinegar. The boiler room is an annex to the main building, and contains a 25-horse power boiler ; on the first floor are machines for sawing to length, ripping to width, planing and jointing. The kegs are set up by hand and after the hoops are put on, they are taken to the pressing machine for drawing together. They are then put in lathes to be turned smooth, and are headed up and finished. The 100-pound kegs are made in the building across the road, whose dimensions are 26x16 feet. A portion of this building is used as a store house. The firm employs a force of twenty men and turn out 700 kegs per day, shipping mostly to the Sterling White Lead Company, of New Kensington, Pa., and the W. W. Lawrence Paint and Enamel Company, of Pittsburg.
Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage with Jemima Piper, a daughter of Edward and Emma (Proctor) Piper, both of whom were natives of England. Jemima was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and her union with our sub- ject resulted in the birth of the following chil- dren : William H .; Lillie M .; Elsie P .; Nellie P .; and Gladys M. William H. is an accom- plished musician, and a graduate of Dana Musical Institute, of Warren, Ohio. He has superior talent in that line, and expects to
make music his profession, a field in which he gives promise of attaining prominence as a director and composer. Lillie M. is a student of Darlington Academy, and Gladys MI. was born in 1897. Religiously, Mr. Don- aldson is a member of Darlington Presby- terian church, of which he was a trustee for six years. He is an independent Republican, and is auditor and also a member of the coun- cil and of the school board.
HARLES W. KLEIN, the genial and efficient secretary and treasurer of the Co-operative Flint Glass Company of Beaver Falls, Pa., whose portrait appears on the opposite page, is another notable ex- ample of what may be accomplished by per- severance and strict attention to business. The duties that have fallen to his lot during his unusually useful life, have been performed with a cheerfulness and steadiness of purpose that have made his career a source of en- couragement to others, an example for imi- tation. Charles W. Klein was born in Alle- gheny City, Pa., November 15, 1862, and was educated in the schools of Beaver Falls, and at Iron City College, in Pittsburg. While still attending school, he began to learn the trade of a stove mounter, by working in the evenings, on Saturdays, and during vacations. In 1878, young Klein became bookkeeper for the Howard Stove Company, remaining with that company about three months, when he was offered a better situation as bookkeeper of the Co-operative Flint Glass Company
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(Limited), which he at once accepted. He continued thus until the fall of 1886,-accept- ing at that time a position as business man- ager for the Columbia Glass Company, of Findlay, Ohio. In 1888 the Findlay Flint Glass Co. was organized, and Mr. Klein was made secretary of the organization. In June, 1891, the factory of that company was de- stroyed by fire, and was not rebuilt.
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