USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Vol. VII > Part 10
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American War, and was first State com- mander of the Order. For three succes- sive terms he was president of the Na- tional Guard Association of Pennsylvania.
General Dougherty married Miss Anna Posten, of Wilkes-Barre, February 6, 1883. They have two children, Helen and Marion (wife of James M. Rutter).
JESSUPS, The,
Three Generations of Lawyers.
The Susquehanna county bar, that home of strong lawyers and distinguished judges, has been for nearly a century adorned by the Jessups of three gener- ations. The first of a great family of lawyers was William Jessup, born at Southampton, Long Island, June 21, 1799, a graduate of Yale, class of 1815. He came to Pennsylvania in 1818, set- tling at Montrose, where he entered the law office of Almon H. Read. The fol- lowing winter he taught the first term of the Montrose Academy, and in February, 1820, was admitted to the bar. His progress was at first slow, there being no occasions of stress or excitement, needed to bring out his ample, but at that time, latent powers as an advocate; yet the doubts and struggles of his early years at the bar but strengthened and prepared him for his later successful career. On January 2, 1824, he was commissioned register and recorder of Susquehanna county by Governor Shultze, and by re- appointment of Governor Wolf held that office nine years, declining another ap- pointment in 1833. In 1838 he was ap- pointed by Governor Ritner, President Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District of Pennsylvania, composing the counties of Luzerne, Wayne, Pike and Monroe. A change was later made by which Sus- quehanna county was added and Luzerne county detached, and on April 10, 1844,
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Monroe was also placed in another judi- cial district. At the expiration of his first term of ten years in 1848 he was reap- pointed by Governor Johnston, President Judge of the Eleventh District, which on April 5, 1849, was changed to comprise the counties of Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wyoming. He presided most ably and conscientiously until the first Mon- day of December, 1851, when his term expired, a constitutional amendment having made the office an elective one. He had given general satisfaction as a judge and had gained a wide celebrity in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which had extended throughout the State. His popularity gained him the nomination of the Whig party for judge of the Supreme Court, but being in the minority, the entire Whig ticket was defeated. Judge Jessup thereupon retired to private practice, en- riched by the prestige and experience gained upon the bench. At this time his reputation as a learned and able lawyer was second to none in his section of the State. He was chosen counsel for both the Erie, and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroads, and from 1853 to 1857 was president of the Lackawanna Railroad Company, with an office at the corner of Wall street and Broadway, New York. He was one of the noted men of his time, and conducted many celebrated cases. He was very eloquent, and had great power with a jury. One of his most brilliant forensic triumphs was his de- fence of Rev. Albert Barnes, the leader of the new school movement in the Pres- byterian church, who was charged with heresy and tried before the General As- sembly of the church.
As a judge, "he was remarkable for clearness and readiness upon any sub- ject within the range of his profession, and for his prompt dispatch of business before his court." "No official entrusted
with the power of a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of this State ever held the balance with a deeper settled purpose to administer the law with purity and impartiality."
He was absorbed in the law, but not so buried as to be unmindful of the social, educational, agricultural, religious and military interests of the county. Socially he was affable and courteous, making many friends. He aided in every way the cause of education; and delivered addresses before agricultural fairs and associations, ever upholding the dignity of labor. He was colonel of a regiment of militia in his earlier years, and his was the best drilled regiment in the division. In politics he was a Democrat, and in 1836 he was the unsuccessful candidate of that party for Congress. He sided with Clay in the fight between Jackson and Adams, and affiliated thereafter with the Whig party until the formation of the Republican party. He was a friend of General Scott, and visited him in Wash- ington when the war between the States broke out. In 1861 he wrote Jeremiah Black, Secretary of State, that the people "demanded bold, strong and decided measures in sustaining the constitution, the laws and the Union, against all ag- gression." He was zealous in his sup- port of the government during the war, and in 1861 was appointed, in connection with Colonel Swaim and Judge Swan of Ohio, to visit Washington and present the views of the "Nine War Governors" who held a meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. sending assurance to President Lincoln of their support and co-operation. He was an eloquent advocate of the cause of temperance, and for many years was ruling elder and Sunday school superin- tendent of the Presbyterian church at Montrose, being widely known and highly honored in his church. He was.
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vice-president of the Foreign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church, and gave two of his sons to that cause as missionaries. He was recognized as a scholar by Hamilton College in 1848, that institution conferring the degree of LL. D.
Judge Jessup married, in July, 1820, Amanda Harris, of Long Island, who died June 13, 1883, in her eighty-fifth year; Judge Jessup died at Montrose, September 1I, 1868, aged seventy-one. Children: Jane R., married Colonel J. B. Salisbury, of New York; Mary G., married F. B. Chandler, of Montrose ; Harriet A., married Isaac L. Post, of Scranton; Hon. William H. (see for- ward) ; Rev. Henry H., D. D., professor of the Theological Seminary at Beirut, India; Rev. Samuel, who was in charge of the printing department at Beirut; Fannie M .; George A., vice-president of the Scranton City Bank; Phoebe Ann; Hunting C.
Hon. William H. Jessup, eldest son of Judge William Jessup, was born at Mont- rose, Pennsylvania, in February, 1830. He was a graduate of Yale, class of 1849; studied law under his honored father; taught in Montrose Academy; and was admitted to the Susquehanna county bar November 15, 1851. He was at once admitted to a partnership with his father, as William and William H. Jessup. He was an able, laborious, successful lawyer from the date of his beginning practice until his death, January 16, 1902. He at first took charge of the Pike county business of the firm, and gradually took all his father's practice, succeeding him also as counsel for the Erie, and Dela- ware, Lackawanna & Western railroads ; the Delaware & Hudson Canal, and the Montrose railroad companies. He also had many important trusts, the greatest of these being the trusteeship of the Jo- seph Fellows estate. In 1879 he asso-
ciated with his brother, Hunting C. Jes- sup, in law practice, and January 1, 1885, established a law office in Scranton in partnership with Isaac L. Post, who shortly afterward died. He then formed a partnership with his son, William H. Jessup, and Horace C. Hand. He was a man of restless energy and force, one of those nervous organizations whose mind can never remain idle. He was brusque, yet businesslike in manner, impressing one with the idea that here was a man with no time to waste on petty things. He was a good corporation lawyer and special pleader, never trying to cajole or win a jury save by the soundness of his legal position, array of precedents, and the justness of his cause. He was re- garded by his contemporaries as the fairest man at the bar to try a case against, as they felt secure against trickery of any kind or jury fixing. Dur- ing his short career on the bench he gained the same reputation for fairness and quick dispatch of business held by his father.
In addition to winning laurels as a lawyer, he held important public office, and was active in church work. He was a Republican, and a member of the con- vention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for a second term, as his father had been of the Chicago convention that first nominated him.
On August 7, 1863, he was appointed assessor of the Twelfth Internal Revenue District, to succeed his father, who had been appointed the year before by Presi- dent Lincoln, but had resigned. He held this office until 1865, when he was super- seded by an appointee of President John- son. On May 11, 1871, Governor Geary commissioned him major-general of the Tenth Division of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and in August, General Jessup was appointed President Judge of the Thirty-fourth Judicial District to fill
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out the unexpired term of Judge Streeter, deceased. Judge Jessup served about sixteen months until January, 1879, when his successor was appointed, and the judge returned to private practice. Dur- ing the invasion of Pennsylvania in 1862 and again in 1863, he was in active service as major of the Twenty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia. At the age of thirteen years, Judge Jessup united with the Presbyterian church, which he served as elder for over thirty years, and as teacher and superintendent in the Sunday school for forty-five years. He frequently attended meetings of the higher courts of the church, and was active in both home and foreign mis- sionary work, here again following in the footsteps of his father. During his pro- fessional life, Judge Jessup was also a practical farmer, and president of the County Agricultural Society, rendering valuable service to the farmers by adopt- ing and suggesting new methods.
He married Sarah W. Jay, of Belvidere, New Jersey, who bore him: Lillie, mar- ried Albert Leisenring; William H., Mary, George, Louisa, and Ann.
Hunting C. Jessup, son of Judge Wil- liam Jessup, was born at Montrose, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1843. He prepared at Montrose Academy and Cortland (New York) Academy, entered Yale University, and was graduated in July, 1864. After graduation he began the study of law under his father, but soon afterward enlisted in the Union army, serving nine months and attain- ing the rank of first lieutenant. He com- pleted his law studies after the war; was admitted to the bar of Susquehanna county at the November term in 1868, and after the retirement of his brother, William H., from the bench, became his law partner. He is a well read, able lawyer, and has been connected with many important cases. He was judge
advocate of the State militia, and a man of high standing, both as lawyer and socially. During the war he married the daughter of Dr. Cobb, of Nashville, Ten- nessee.
William H. Jessup, son of Judge Wil- liam H. and grandson of Judge William Jessup, was born at Montrose, Pennsyl- vania, July 24, 1858. He prepared at Wilteston Academy, and entered Yale University, where he finished his classical education. Son and grandson of two great lawyers and judges, it was but natural that his ambition should lead him toward a similar career. He read law with his father, and in 1886 was admitted to the bar. He was a member of the law firm of Jessup & Hand from 1886 to 1896, a firm that after the latter date became Jessup & Jessup. Their business is largely corporation law and is a very large and well managed one. Mr. Jessup was for a number of years a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard and held the rank of first lieutenant. Polit- ically he is Republican.
THAW, William, Jr.,
Philanthropist, Friend of Science.
Seldom indeed is it that a man by force of character and greatness of nature leaves a deep and lasting impress upon the life of his community, but in the late William Thaw, Jr., Pittsburgh had the good fortune to possess such a citizen. Mr. Thaw was a dominant figure in the business world, and as a capitalist his influence was felt in matters financial, educational and scientific-in the last- named to a degree rarely attained by one not of professional standing. The record of Mr. Thaw appears doubly remarkable when considered in connection with the comparatively few years allotted to him for the accomplishment of all that he brought to pass.
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William Thaw, Jr., was born December 14, 1853, in the old family residence on Fifth street, Pittsburgh, and was a son oi the late William Thaw, Sr., a biography of whom, together with the genealogy of the family, appears else- where in this work. The boy was edu- cated mainly by private tutors, and was a graduate of the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh), and always manifested a studious disposition. On reaching man- hood he became an active contestant in the business arena. He was chairman of the board of the Hecla Coke Company and a director of the Bank of Pittsburgh and the Monongahela Insurance Com- pany. He had excellent judgment, adher- ing with staunch consistency to sound, conservative and unquestionable methods of finance, and his name was known in the highest circles of the business and financial world as that of a man who could be trusted and with whom it was a satisfaction to transact business.
As a citizen with exalted ideas of good government and civic virtue, Mr. Thaw stood in the front rank, ever lending his co-operation and support to any move- ment which, in his judgment, tended to advance the progress and welfare of Pittsburgh, and always taking a deep interest in those matters which furthered the well-being and happiness of the people, elevating their tastes and improv- ing their habits. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Western University of Pennsylvania (now Uni- versity of Pittsburgh) and an active worker in its behalf; a member of the Geographical Society; and for many years a director of the Mercantile Library. Widely but unostentatiously charitable, the full number of his bene- factions will, in all probability, never be known to the world, albeit their influence is lastingly felt in the lives of many.
Comprehensive as was the scope of his interests it might be said that Mr. Thaw's dominant taste was for scientific research and in the promotion of projects for this purpose he found, to all appear- ance, his chief delight. He was chair- man of the observatory committee of the Western University of Pennsylvania, and at the observatory, aided by his friend, Professor John A. Brashear, he was enabled to gratify his scientific tastes. Speaking of his work there, Professor Brashear said, "Mr. Thaw did all in his power for the observatory. He greatly assisted Professor Keeler in procuring new instruments for important researches of the nebulae-researches which the pro- fessor was about to begin with his aid. He had already furnished some of the most valuable instruments in the observa- tory. His loss will be greatly felt by the staff, for not only did he assist us with his means, but his heart was in the con- tinuance of the work started and carried on by his father." These words, uttered after death had put an end to the benefi- cences of this noble man, found an ache in the heart of every true friend of science.
In the discussion of scientific questions Mr. Thaw was always logical and lucid, resolving them into geometrical proposi- tions which he demonstrated with rare skill. He belonged to the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania, and was a member and councillor of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in both of these institutions he took a deep interest.
With great tenacity and extraordinary force of character Mr. Thaw combined exceptional intellectual ability, possess- ing mental powers which made him a leader in all the scientific work in which he was interested. His mind was broad- ened by foreign travel and the energy and enthusiasm of his nature rendered
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him a tireless and effective worker in the many fields of endeavor which he cov- ered. Of fine personal appearance, re- fined and cultivated, genial and sym- pathetic, and withal possessing a rare magnetism, he was one who drew men to him, the dignity, cordiality and kindliness of his manner winning all who ap- proached him.
Mr. Thaw married, November 16, 1876, Elizabeth, daughter of Frank A. and Elizabeth (McGunnegle) Dohrman, and they were the parents of two children: William Thaw, third of the name, who married Gladys Virginia, daughter of Charles E. Bradley ; E. Burd, now the wife of Henry L. Collins, a prominent business man of Pittsburgh. Mr. Thaw was devoted to the ties of family and friendship, regarding them as sacred obligations.
In June, 1892, Mr. Thaw attended the National Convention of Engineers at Plattsburg, New York, and soon after went abroad. On September 3, at Cologne, Germany, this gifted and lovable inan passed away, mourned as sincerely by high and humble as ever falls to the lot of any. His story is that of God-given ability directed into the channels of a pure and honorable life, and by multi- tudes his name is held in grateful re- membrance.
Mr. Thaw ever took a special pride in the Allegheny Observatory, and his family, mindful of this, gave to the insti- tution a sum of money for the purchase of a telescope which, when placed, will be the second largest in the world. Stand- ing in the noble structure in beautiful Riverview Park, it will constitute a most fitting memorial to the one in whose honor it is placed there.
Had William Thaw, Jr., been granted greater length of days and a larger meas- ure of health and strength there is little doubt that he would have turned his
attention more fully to matters of busi- ness and achieved, in the commercial world, a reputation not inferior to that of his father. As it is, his name shines with the pure and radiant lustre of intel- lect consecrated to the highest uses and benevolence directed by the truest wis- dom. His character and work are best described in the simple and most noble words-philanthropist and friend of science.
McMURRAY, John Boyd, Eminent Physician.
Dr. McMurray is a native son of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and one who by professional attainment promises to rival the eminent men of the medical profession who have won fame in the years gone by. He is a son of one of Washington's hardy farmers, William E. McMurray, born in Washington county, married Katherine Armstrong, in 1876, and spent his life on the farm. He died in April, 1882, his widow sur- viving him until June 20, 1904. He was a Republican, a man of high standing, and both were members of the Presby- terian church.
Dr. John Boyd McMurray was born in Independence township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1878. He grew to youthful manhood at the home farm, and attended the public schools of the township until seventeen years of age, then in the fall of 1894 he entered Ohio University at Athens, Ohio, remaining two years. He decided upon the profession of medicine, began study in Baltimore Medical College in 1897, later entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1901. Both of these colleges are now united with the University of Maryland. He at once began the practice of his profes-
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sion, locating at Houston, Washington county, Pennsylvania, remaining there two years. He then took a course at the Philadelphia Polyclinic and Hospital and Post-Graduate School of Medicine, mak- ing a special study of diseases of the eye and ear. In 1905 he attended Jefferson Medical College and the Post-Graduate School at Philadelphia, specializing in the study of the same diseases. In 1904 he located an office at Washington, Penn- sylvania, and after other special courses in institutions of high standing, settled there permanently, devoting his entire time to treatment of diseases of the eye and ear. He is thoroughly qualified to specialize in these diseases and has gained an enviable reputation as a most skillful practitioner along these lines. He is a member of the American Medical Associ- ation, Pennsylvania State Medical Society, Washington County Medical Society and Pittsburgh Ophthalmological Society, and belongs to Lodge No. 623, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Chapter No. 164, Royal Arch Masons, and Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar, and to the Bassett Club, Washington. He is a Republican in politics, and although well informed and interested in questions of public in- terest has never sought nor held public office except as a member of the East Washington School Board.
Dr. McMurray married (first) May 23, 1902, Bird Virginia Hanna, who died December 1, 1904, daughter of James C. Hanna, of Independence, Pennsylvania. Child, Boyd Hanna, born June 20, 1904. He married (second) July 26, 1907, Minnie E., daughter of Gottlieb and Frederika Scheu, both born in Germany, but residents of Washington county, Pennsylvania. She is a trained nurse, graduate of Washington Hospital and Training School for Nurses. Children of second marriage : John S., born Novem- ber 10, 1908; Katherine F., August 26,
1910, and Louis Edward, March 9, 1916. Dr. McMurray's office is in the Washing- ton Trust Building, his home at No. 214 North avenue, Washington.
SWEARINGEN, Joseph M., Prominent Jurist.
Judge Joseph M. Swearingen, Presid- ing Judge of Court of Common Pleas No. 4 of Allegheny county, is one of those men who bringing to the office much, give to it, as the years go on, in- creasingly more. Judge Swearingen is a representative of a family which, tracing its origin from the colonial period of our history, has aided in the evolution of our revolutionary era and our national life.
Gerrett Van Sweringen, founder of the American branch of the family, came from Holland in the year 1657 to Dela- ware, and was one of the officials in the Dutch settlement established at what is now the city of New Castle. After the English captured New Amsterdam (now New York), they drove the Dutch away from their settlement in Delaware. Ger- rett Van Sweringen removed into the province of Maryland, where he was naturalized as a British subject, by act of the General Assembly of the Province of Maryland, passed April 14, 1669. His great-grandson, Samuel Swearingen, who was born in the year 1732, emigrated from Rock Creek, Montgomery county, Maryland, about 1783, and settled in what is now Hanover township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Among his chil- dren was a son, John Van, who left a large family, his youngest son being William Van.
Joseph M. Swearingen, eldest son cf William Van and Nancy I. (Shannon) Swearingen, was born September 5, 18:4. upon the homestead of his great-grand- father, Samuel Swearingen, above men-
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tioned. Joseph M. Swearingen received bis preparatory education in the local common schools and at Frankford Springs Academy, and then entered Washington and Jefferson College, graduating with the class of 1879. He studied law with the Hon. Boyd Crum- rine, at Washington, Pennsylvania, and there, on June 13, 1881, was admitted to the practice of his profession. He was admitted to the bar of Allegheny county on July 2, 1881.
The legal acquirements of Mr. Swear- ingen, as he then was, and the reputation which he had made for himself in the conduct of many important cases led to his elevation to the bench. The legal business of Allegheny county required another court, and in response to the de- inand, the Legislature created Common Pleas Court No. 4. . On April 4, 1907, Governor Stuart appointed as the presi- dent of that court and one of the three judges, Joseph M. Swearingen, of Pitts- burgh. Mr. Swearingen was indorsed by the Allegheny County Bar for the posi- tion. At the general election in Novem- ber of the same year, Judge Swearingen was chosen to serve for a term of ten years. The greater portion of that period has now passed into the legal history of the county.
To the requirements of his high office, Judge Swearingen brought not only pro- found legal learning, great knowledge of men, and an exceptionally judicial mind, but a broad and general culture and a deep human sympathy hardly less essen- tial to the perfect fulfilment of his duties. Of all these attributes his countenance is expressive, as well as of the genial nature and companionable disposition which have drawn around him a large circle of friends both within and with- out the pale of his profession.
Judge Swearingen married Sarah, daughter of Archibald Wherry, of Pitts-
burgh, and they are the parents of two children: William Van, born September 17, 1887, and Nancy Isabel.
On the bench of a county the judges of which have ever stood second to none in the United States, Judge Swearingen has presided with a singleness of devo- tion to the highest interests which im- parts an additional lustre to the judiciary of the Keystone State.
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