USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Vol. III > Part 26
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 | Part 55
to the further development of Emaus, and good citizenship in general.
Mr. Kidd married, in September, 1906, Mary Alice, born in Paterson, New Jersey, January 8, 1870, daughter of Edmund A. Stansfield and his wife, Mary H. (Knive- ton) Stansfield, of Macclesfield, England. Edmund A. Stansfield was born in Man- chester, England, in 1843, and when a young man of about twenty-six years emigrated to the United States, locating in Paterson, New Jersey, and later establishing himself in a silk manufacturing enterprise in Midland Park, New Jersey. In 1892 he was called upon to take charge of the Keystone Silk Mills in Emaus, Pennsylvania, and under his competent supervision the business increased to large proportions, he keeping abreast with modern improvements, and winning and retaining the respect and good will of those in his employ. Mr. Stansfield has since retired from active business.
MORRIS, George W., Manufacturer, Financier.
The wealth of Pittsburgh, fabulous as it is, is from base to capitol, real, and the rea- son of this is not far to seek. It is found in the simple statement, "Pittsburgh's wealth is real because it is the work of real men"-men of the type of the late George Washington Morris, for many years promi- nently associated with the A. French Spring Company and identified with a number of other industrial and financial concerns of the Iron City. The entire career of Mr. Morris was interwoven with the annals of Pittsburgh and he was largely instrumental in the promotion of her leading and most vital interests.
George W. Morris was born June 14, 1849, in Pittsburgh, and was the son of Colonel David Boyd and Margaret E. (Grissel) Morris, of that city. It was in public and private schools of Pittsburgh that the boy received his education, and at
876
3
Gro, Willorry
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
an early age he entered upon a business career. He started upon the business of life as an employee of Lloyd & Black, iron men, and after a time spent in their employ, he went with the Culmer Spring Company, manufacturers of railroad springs, where he had charge of the sales. This last con- cern was bought out by the A. French Spring Company, and Mr. Morris became general manager of the A. French Spring Company. For years he was influentially associated in this concern, in which, next to Aaron French, he was the largest stock- holder, and to the prosperity of which his remarkable business acumen contributed to a very great degree.
This justly celebrated concern was organ- ized by Aaron French in partnership with Calvin Wells, the object being the manu- facture of car springs. The work was at first limited to the elliptical springs of the Hazen patent, but in four years the business attained such proportions as to oblige the firm to provide more spacious quarters and they accordingly erected the part of their present plant known as No. I. In 1893 the working force was over three hundred, and the output now embraces all styles of spiral and elliptical springs for locomotives and passenger and street cars. Quantities of springs are sent to Sweden, and until re- cently this company furnished all the Pull- man equipment in Europe. This manu- factory is said to be the largest of the kind in the world, the works occupying two blocks between Nineteenth and Twenty-first streets and one block on Smallman, between Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth streets.
This phenomenal growth was in large measure the result of Mr. Morris' extra- ordinary executive ability, clear perception and aggressive methods, modified as they were by prudence and forethought. Ability to read the future was one of his salient characteristics and to this is to be attributed much of his success. Another potent factor in the results he was able to accomplish was his capacity for discerning the motives and
merits of men. This enabled him to put the right man in the right place, while the strict justice and kindly consideration which marked his treatment of his subordinates insured their zealous cooperation.
In all things pertaining to the welfare and advancement of Pittsburgh, Mr. Mor- ris' interest was deep and sincere and all movements having these ends in view were assured of his influence and support. An advocate of the principles of the Repub- lican party, he found the responsibilities of business too engrossing to allow him to take an active part in politics or to become a candidate for office, though frequently urged to do both, at one time being ad- vanced as a candidate for mayor of the city. He was a major in the Pittsburgh Light Guards, at the head of which was the late General A. L. Pearson, and on Octo- ber 1, 1870, was presented with a sword by his company. Among the financial institu- tions with which he was connected was the Lincoln National Bank of which he was a director. He was prominent in the Masonic fraternity, affiliated with Tancred Com- mandery, Knights Templar, and was a mem- ber and vestryman of the Church of the Ascension.
Firm in principle and loyal to obligation, Mr. Morris was a man of strong convic- tions, using his talents and opportunities to the utmost in every work which he under- took. Of fine personal appearance, he was of a nature so genial and sympathetic as to possess a rare magnetism, and his naturally fine mind was broadened and strengthened by reading and travel. He was friendly and companionable, a man whom it was a de- light to know and the number of his friends was legion. Of a charitable nature, he gave largely of his means, but in a quiet way. At his death he left bequests to the News- boys' Home and to the Humane Society.
Mr. Morris married, January 14, 1869, Mary E., daughter of Reese and Catharine (Hubbard) Jones. A full account of the genealogy of the Jones family is to be found
877
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
elsewhere in this work, under the biography of David Aiken, deceased, whose wife was a daughter of Reese Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Morris were the parents of one son : George Jones Morris, who married, January 26, 1895, Miss Mary E., daughter of David B. and Mary E. (Jansen) McKeny, of New York, and they have one child, Mary Evia. Mrs. Morris is a woman possessing much individuality and distinction and gifted, to a degree unusual among her sex, with fore- sight and business ability. She is endowed, moreover, with the charm of domesticity, and created for her husband-the governing motive of whose life was devotion to his family-an ideal home. It was their delight to gather their friends about them and many can testify to their charm as host and hostess. Mrs. Morris is active in church circles and in deeds of charity, continuing in hier widowhood the benevolent work in which she and her husband were so long united. Mr. Morris had a charming sum- mer home in Machipongo, Virginia, where he spent his summers and part of the win- ters, and in the appearance of which he took great pride.
The death of Mr. Morris, which occurred July 8, 1899, removed, in the prime of life and at the zenith of his career, one of the most influential and public-spirited citizens of whom Pittsburgh was able to boast-a man of sterling integrity, irreproachable in his domestic and business life and one who was identified with any movement looking to the relief of suffering humanity. Ostenta- tion was foreign to his nature and he was of incorruptible fidelity, fulfilling to the let- ter every trust committed to him and gen- erous in his feeling and conduct toward all. Some lives are to be measured not by years but by results, and in this category belongs the life of George W. Morris.
ROBERTS, Alexander, Civil Engineer.
The history of such men as Alexander Roberts, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
proves conclusively that, with a reasonable amount of mental and physical power, suc- cess is bound eventually to crown the en- deavors of those who have the ambition to put forth their best efforts, and the will and manliness to persevere therein. The course of his active, useful and honorable career is characterized by watchfulness of his oppor- tunities. He has utilized them to the best advantage, has applied himself closely to the work in hand, and has overcome all ob- stacles by persistent and untiring purpose. Alexander Roberts is the son of Colonel John and Mary Hunt (Chambers ) Roberts, and was born at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, December 1, 1823. According to public record he represents the fourth generation in a direct line to reside in the State of Pennsylvania. His education was an excel- lent one, and was arranged with a view to his following the profession of law. He attended the public schools of his native city, and was then a student at the Harris- burg Academy, Professor Alfred Arm- strong having charge of the institution at that time. He commenced reading law in the office of his father, but took up the studies of surveying and civil engineering at the same time, and pursued these with considerably more ardor than the former, as he had always had an inclination for out- door life. During this period of prepara- tion he assisted his father as one of the sur- veyors or regulators for the borough, and also surveyed and laid out any lands in the vicinity in which his assistance was re- quired. A portion of his time was also de- voted to the duties of chief clerk in the office of the register and recorder of Dau- phin county, and he made the first index of all deeds recorded from the origin of the county until the year 1846. In the winter of 1846 Mr. Roberts was appointed com- pass man for a surveying party in the em- ploy of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, the object being to explore a route leading from Shippensburg westward through Roxbury Gap, this to be a part of a railroad between Pittsburgh and Harris-
878
OClelland
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
burg. This route was found to be imprac- ticable and the plan was abandoned. In the spring of 1847 Mr. Roberts was appointed a member of the engineering corps of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and for this reason finally abandoned the idea of entering the legal profession. During the next five years he made preliminary surveys for the location and construction of the railroad, completing his last division at Pittsburgh, after which he resigned his posi- tion. His next field of activity was to be in the engineering work on a road to be constructed between Vicksburg and Jack- son, Mississippi, but as the health of his father had become greatly impaired about this time, Mr. Roberts refused to accept a position which would take him so far from his home, and accepted that of relocating and reconstructing the Chester Valley Rail- road from Bridgeport, opposite Norristown, to Downington, which was not far from his home. When the work was well under way he resigned from this position, having been appointed assistant engineer in the construction of the Susquehanna railroad, about to connect Harrisburg and Sunbury. He was connected with this until he had located the lower end at Harrisburg, the Halifax Division from Powel's Creek to Berries Mountain, and the grading of this division was almost finished, when the com- pany suspended work for several years. In the meantime, the Baltimore & York, the York and Harrisburg, and the Susquehanna roads, were consolidated, becoming known as the Northern Central railroad. Mr. Roberts resumed his work of making local surveys in Dauphin and Cumberland coun- ties, and was identified with this for many years until he retired from the active duties of his professional life. He was connected with a number of other enterprises of im- portance, among them being the Harrisburg Burial Case Company, in which he was one of the board of directors; in 1874 he was one of the promoters of the Harrisburg City Passenger Railway Company, and
served as secretary of that corporation for many years. Since his twenty-first year he has been a consistent member of the Pres- byterian church, and a liberal contributor to the support of that institution.
Mr. Roberts married Charlotte, who died in 1862, a daughter of Bernard Geiger, one of the earliest settlers in Dauphin county. They had children : John B., Alexander H., James and George. In his political views Mr. Roberts has always been liberal, has kept himself well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought public office. He has always taken a deep interest in all that pertained to the advancement and wel- fare of the community, and has been active in giving his support to any plan which was for its benefit.
McCLELLAND, James H., Architect, Builder.
To characterize in few words the achieve- ments and abilities of such a man as the late James H. McClelland, one of the most noted architects and builders that has ever honored the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by residence in it, is to attempt the well-nigh impossible. His life was in large measure an object lesson, teaching plainly his belief in the true brotherhood of man, and the noble ideas which he fostered and promul- gated have been inherited by his sons, whose sketches follow this, the names of Dr. James H. McClelland, Dr. John B. McClel- land and Dr. Robert W. McClelland being blessed by countless numbers. With a soul far above mere business gain, James H. Mc- Clelland was esteemed throughout the busi- ness community for the integrity and hon- esty with which he conducted all his busi- ness transactions, and his word was in truthi considered as a bond. The memory of such a man can never die. The structures he created, the noble ideals to which he gave visible form, will ever arouse a deep interest and an earnest desire to emulate them. The vivid imagination with which so many chil- dren of the Emerald Isle are gifted found
879
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
varied expression in the beautiful creations of James H. McClelland, and it is well for the beauty of the city that this is the case. His sons have inherited the brilliant mind of their father, but have turned these ideas in the direction of assisting suffering human- ity with an equal amount of success.
James H. McClelland was born two miles from Belfast, in County Down, North of Ireland, September 23, 1800, and died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1871. At the age of sixteen years his energetic and enterprising nature would no longer permit him to ignore the opportunities which appeared to beckon from the shores of the New World. He accordingly emigrated to America and settled in Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, in 1816. Earnest and studious in his habits he took up the profession of
architecture, not alone by means of theo- retical study but by actual practical work as an architect and builder. Many of the finest buildings in the city are the productions of his genius, and with his ideal and imagina- tive work as an architect he combined the practical work of a contractor. In numer- ous instances he played the dual rôle of con- tractor and superintendent of construction work, an ordeal which only a man of his fine constitution could have successfully carried out. His designs were repeatedly commended by those best able to judge of such matters, and his promptness in the execution of orders became proverbial. In manner he was simple and direct, coming clearly and concisely to any point which he wished to make. What was characteristic of his speech was also characteristic of his work. His plans were always carefully thought out down to the veriest detail be- fore work was commenced upon them, and In many respects Mr. McClelland was a model in business life. While it was but natural that he should desire success to crown his efforts, he would accept this only if it were founded on truth and honor. False representations were abhorrent to him, and the mere thought of a possible when once begun the work progressed along well defined lines which prevented unneces- sary delay. As a writer Mr. McClelland possessed graphic powers of description which made anything emanating from his pen a pleasure to read, and his intense inter- est in the public welfare made him a fre- greater monetary gain never appealed to
quent and ever welcome contributor to the daily press. Appreciation of his well de- served popularity was shown in 1867, when he was appointed postmaster of the city of Pittsburgh, an office which, although it had come to him without personal solicitation on his part, he filled with remarkable execu- tive ability until his death.
Mr. McClelland married, February 12, 1835, Elizabeth Thomson, daughter of Rev. John Black, D. D., who was born in the North of Ireland, but was of Scotch ances- try. He was graduated from the Univer- sity of Glasgow, and came to the United States in 1797. His power as a pulpit orator won him fame all over the country, and for half a century he was pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Pitts- burgh. As a man of learning he had few equals in his day, and his facile and grace- ful pen gained him a large circle of ad- mirers. For a period of twelve years he held the chair of Professor of Languages in the Western University of Pennsylvania, and under his able tuition his daughter, Mrs. James H. McClelland, became ex- ceptionally well read in ancient and modern literature. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland had eleven children: Two sons, each in turn named John Black, both dying in infancy ; Thomas C., who fought bravely in the Civil War and was killed in battle; Mary Watson Pentland; Elizabeth Black, who married Rev. J. S. Kelsey; Sarah Collins; Annie Eva; Dr. James H., who is the subject of a following narrative; Dr. John Black, de- ceased ; William B., deceased, who was an able member of the Pittsburgh bar; Dr. Robert W., who is written of on following pages.
880
AUFHolland
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
him. Characteristic of the man were his industry, his practical mind and his power of organization. His nature was genial and sympathetic and in complete harmony with his fine personal appearance. His language, while rich and imaginative, was simple and unaffected, and a rich sense of humor per- vaded all his utterances.
McCLELLAND, Dr. James H., Physician, Surgeon, Professional Instructor.
The worthy and intellectual son of a worthy and intellectual father,-what higher praise can be bestowed upon a human being ? Dr. James H. McClelland, son of James H. McClelland, whose sketch precedes this, is a man of unusual ability in his profession and in all other relations of life. The clear and cogent reasoning with which he en- forces his views on all subjects, as well as the richness of the language employed, make of him an opponent exceedingly difficult to overcome. His social and official position places him in the foremost ranks of the citi- zens of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his professional work is of the highest order of merit.
Dr. James H. McClelland, son of James H. and Elizabeth Thomson (Black) Mc- Clelland, was born in Pittsburgh, May 20, 1845. After an excellent preparatory edu- cation he received the honorary degree of Sc. D. from the University of Pitts- burgh. He then became a student at the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadel- phia, from which he was graduated with honor in 1867. He at once established him- self in the practice of his profession in his native city, and almost from the commence- ment of his professional career his skill and research and the exceptionally fine results he has achieved attracted widespread atten- tion. In addition to a large private prac- tice he has held numerous official pro- fessional positions, and has been the leading spirit in many professional organizations and institutions. He is associated in his
general practice with his two brothers, a sketch of one of whom, Dr. Robert W., follows this.
Dr. James H. McClelland is held in high esteem by his professional brethren, and his services as a consulting physician are in frequent demand in difficult cases. The many students who have profited under his tuition freely acknowledge the benefit gained while studying with him, and by means of these students the influence of Dr. McClel- land is felt in all parts of the world. It is chiefly owing to the individual efforts of Dr. McClelland that the first training school for nurses was founded in the city of Pitts- burgh. From the time of his return to the city of Pittsburgh, after his graduation, he became a member of the surgical staff of the Homoeopathic Medical and Surgical Hospital of Pittsburgh, and has served in this capacity since that time. He organized, and for several years was president and demonstrator in the Anatomical Society of Allegheny County. In 1876 he became Pro- fessor of Surgery in the Hahnemann Col- lege in Philadelphia, and filled this impor- tant chair for a period of two years. Sub- sequently he delivered a course on operative surgery at the Boston University School of Medicine, 1878. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Pittsburgh Homœo- pathic Hospital, a member of the surgical staff of the hospital, and was an active worker in behalf of erecting the buildings which the hospital now occupies. The lib- eral views entertained by Dr. McClelland and the active interest he takes in any project which tends to the betterment of civic conditions make him an important factor in public matters. He has been a member of the State Board of Health since 1885; was vice-president of the Association of Health Authorities, of which the Gov- ernor of the State is president ; is a member of the Sanitary Commission of Allegheny County, the American Public Health Asso- ciation, the Pittsburgh Golf Club, the Uni- versity Club, and was vice-president of the
881
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Hospital Staff Association of Western Pennsylvania. He has been president of : The American Institute of Homoeopathy, Allegheny County Homeopathic Medical Society, East End Doctors' Club, and the Pennsylvania State Homeopathic Medical Society. He is also a member of the Pitts- burgh Academy of Science and Art, Art Society of Pittsburgh, the Civic Club of Allegheny County, and the American Society of Social Political Science.
Dr. McClelland was elected honorary president of the International Homeopathic Medical Congress which met at Paris, France, in 1900, and president of the Con- gress that met at Atlantic City in 1906. In the field of literature he has also earned his laurels. He is a frequent contributor to medical journals, and his articles are always read with interest by his colleagues. One of his writings was an article on "Diseases of the Kidneys," which appeared in the "Sys- tem of Medicine," edited by Dr. Henry Arndt, in Philadelphia, 1886. The pro- fessional duties of Dr. McClelland make too great inroads upon his time, so that he has but little to spare for social functions. Nevertheless he is loved for his genial dis- position and for the readiness with which he throws himself into any scheme for the assistance of those less fortunately situated. The good works done in the name of charity or religion are always assured of his hearty cooperation, and he never appears to be too busy with his important duties to answer the call of a poor patient.
Dr. McClelland married, June 26, 1884, Rachel, a daughter of John P. and Rachel (Paul) Pears. They have been blessed with three children: Sarah Collins, Rachel Pears and Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Mrs. McClelland, who is a member of the Twentieth Century Club of Pittsburgh, is a clever, thoughtful woman of culture and character, and is a charming hostess at the beautiful home of the family, "Sunny Ledge." Her gentle manner and a quiet seriousness which pervades all she does en-
dear her to all who come in contact with her. The home life is an ideal one of refine- ment and intellectuality.
McCLELLAND, Dr. Robert Watson, Physician, Orthopedist, Professional In- structor.
Dr. Robert Watson McClelland, a younger brother of the famous Dr. James H. Mc- Clelland, whose sketch precedes this, has achieved a reputation during the practice of more than a quarter of a century, of which he may justly be proud. His professional brethren freely acknowledge his proficiency in many branches of the medical profession, and honor him with their esteem for the splendid record he has made.
Dr. McClelland is one of the younger sons of the late James H. and Elizabeth Thomson (Black) McClelland, and was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1857. His elementary and college prepara- tory education was acquired in the public schools of his native city, after which he was a student at Lafayette College for a period of two years, and followed this with a course of study at Cornell University, being graduated from this institution in 1882, at which time the degree of Bachelor of Sciences was conferred upon him. His work at Cornell also included a preliminary course in the study of medicine, which en- abled him to enter second year at the med- ical college. He then commenced the study of medicine at Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated two years later with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. A considerable amount of time was then spent by Dr. McClelland in traveling abroad, making special studies in various hospitals. A special course in orthopedics was taken under Professor Wolff, of Berlin, and a special clinical course under the noted Dr. Lorenz, of Vienna, who effected many wonderful cures during his recent visit to this country. Upon his return to his native city Dr. McClelland
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.