USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Volume I > Part 52
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Mr. McCurdy is also prominent in the Masonic order; is past master of Wil- liamson Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons; a member of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania; is chairman of the Temple committee of the Grand Lodge ; prior to that he was a member of the Library and Museum committees, and the Stephen Girard Bequest. His clubs are the Athletic, the Photographic Society of Philadelphia, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the Revolution. This record briefly outlines the career of one of Philadelphia's useful citizens, and one
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who has richly earned all the honors in his profession, or in public life, that have come to him. Considered as lawyer, politician, citizen or friend, he is the tru- est type and one whose only boast is pride of American citizenship.
LAUGHLIN, Samuel Scott, Business Man, Public Official.
The Laughlins, originally from Scot- land, settled in Ireland, where they are of record in County Down. One branch of that family came to the United States in 1819, settling in Western Pennsyl- vania. A brother, James Laughlin, came in 1829, settling in Pittsburgh, and founding the Laughlin family, famed as iron masters. The name is a shortened form of MacLaughlin, and under that name formed a part of the clan Owen in Scotland. In Ireland the name became McLaughlin and in this country Laugh- lin in some instances.
The great-grandfather of Samuel Scott Laughlin, of Clarion, Pennsylvania, was a Scotchman, who settled in Ireland, where he reared a family.
His son, the father of James Laughlin, settled in Eastern Pennsylvania. Prior to the year 1800 he was married and left issue, including four sons, all of whom settled in Clarion county.
first started in merchandising in 1839, in partnership with Samuel John and Stew- art Wilson, whose interests he purchased in 1846. The mill built by the Wilsons in 1839 he purchased from them February 9, 1855. In 1856 he built the first black- smith shop in the village. He was a lib- eral, upright, courteous gentleman, and held the confidence of all who knew him. The mill, store, postoffice and black- smith shop became the business center of not only the village, but of the sur- rounding country, and for his industry and energy in establishing and develop- ing these interests he deserved great credit. After 1850 the store was oper- ated with a partner, Manasseh Arnold, who came with Mr. Laughlin as a clerk, July 10, 1846; was made a partner in 1850, and after Mr. Laughlin's death in 1870, became sole owner, but later the business returned to the family name, being owned and conducted by W. A. and S. S. Laughlin. James Laughlin was a member of the Presbyterian church and abounded in good works. He married Susan Mckinney, daughter of the Center county family who came to Kishacoquil- las Valley in 1791. Isaac Mckinney was the first of the name, coming from Sun- bury, Pennsylvania, where his parents settled in 1770. He was a millwright, later a merchant; was commissioned as- sociate judge in 1819; became interested in the early iron furnaces, and died Sep- tember 11, 1840. He married Jane Flem- ing in 1794. Two of his sons, David and John, became eminent ministers of the Gospel, ordained in the Presbyterian faith. From Isaac sprang Susan Mc- Kinney, wife of James Laughlin.
James Laughlin, son of the emigrant Laughlin, was born in Eastern Pennsyl- vania in 1802. He grew to manhood in his native county, coming to Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, settling at Strattanville, where he remained two years. He then located at Leatherwood, the same county, there engaging in mer- cantile business; also owned and oper- Samuel Scott Laughlin, son of James and Susan (Mckinney) Laughlin, was born at Leatherwood, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, July 29, 1861. He at- tended the public schools until fifteen years of age, then entered Carrier Semi- ated a mill. He was a man of good business ability, conducting his various enterprises successfully until his death, March 7, 1870. Ile was postmaster at Leatherwood from the establishment of the office in 1840 until his death. Ile nary at Clarion, whence he was gradu-
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ated, class of 1878. After leaving the seminary he at once entered business life, beginning as a clerk in the store of his brother W. A. Laughlin, who was en- gaged in the general mercantile business in Leatherwood, remaining with him one year. He then entered the employ of D. L. Corbett, a general merchant of Turkey City, Clarion county, remaining with him two years and acquiring a de- tailed knowledge of the business of a country general store. He then returned to Leatherwood, joining his brother, W. A. Laughlin, and becoming a partner in the firm W. A. Laughlin & Company, general merchants and dealers in agri- cultural implements. He continued in successful business until 1890, when he withdrew from the firm, entering public life. In 1899, after serving Clarion county as register and recorder for six years, he established a fire insurance agency in Clarion, Pennsylvania, contin- uing successfully until 1909. Since that date he lias devoted himself to the life insurance and bonding business, in which he has made a most excellent record, now holding the position of district man- ager for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York.
Mr. Laughlin is a lifelong Democrat, of the sturdy, uncompromising Clarion county type, and has always been active and influential in party affairs. In 1890 he was elected chairman of the county committee, and so ably guided the party that year that he was re-elected in 1891. In the fall of 1893 he was the nominee of his party for register and recorder, winning a favorable verdict from the voters of the county at the polls the fol- lowing November. He served most ably and satisfactorily his term of three years, receiving the reward of a renomination and election, completing in 1899 six years of faithful and efficient service in this most important office. He has held other positions of honor and trust in his native Clarion.
town and county. He served nine years on the board of trustees of the State Normal School, located at Clarion; for seventeen years was secretary of the Clarion County Fair Association; took an active part in the promotion of the rural telephone system, and was instru- mental in merging the different com- panies in a union agreement by which they became one system, giving sub- scribers communication with every part of the county. His public service has been valuable and almost continuous from his first becoming a voter.
He is a prominent member of the Ma- sonic order, belonging to the York and Scottish Rites, and active in the various lodges to which he belongs. He is a member of and a past master of Clarion Lodge, No 277, Free and Accepted Ma- sons; a companion and past high priest of Eden Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Clarion; a Sir Knight of Franklin Commandery, No 45, Knights Templar, of Franklin, Pennsylvania; member of Coudersport Lodge of Perfection, four- teenth degree, and Past T. P. Grand Mas- ter; member of the Coudersport Con- sistory, thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite ; member of Penn- sylvania Council of Deliberation, of Philadelphia, and a noble of Zem Zem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Erie, Pennsylvania. In religious faith he is a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Clarion, and has been an active worker in the church and Sunday school of Clarion county and of his own church for many years, serving as a member of the board of trustees and for fifteen years has been superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Laughlin married, December 20, 1882, Christena C. Kaster, born at Curlls- ville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1860, died December 8, 1908, and is buried in Cottage Hill cemetery at
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LEWIS, Fred E.,
Man of Affairs, Lawyer, Congressman.
Hon. Fred E. Lewis, a member of one of the old and prominent Lehigh county families, was born in Allentown, Penn- sylvania, February 8, 1865, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Lewis. He was edu- cated in the public schools, at New England Military Institute and Muhlen- berg College, after which he took up the study of law in the offices of Hon. Robert E. Wright. He was admitted to practice at the Lehigh county bar in 1888, and by reason of his conspicuous talents almost immediately commanded recognition in his chosen profession.
Mr. Lewis' remarkable political career began early, so early, indeed, that he was not taken seriously by the politicians until, in 1896, he secured the Republican nomination for mayor, and at the polls defeated the late Hon. William H. Sow- den, a former member of Congress and a man of national reputation. Mr. Lewis was then just past thirty, but to his op- ponents, who had tried to make political capital out of his age and lack of experi- ence, he soon demonstrated that he had a man's head on youthful shoulders. In- deed, self-reliant, courageous and pro- gressive from the hour he took up the reins of government, he faithfully per- formed his duties as he understood them, with the result that his administration was not only masterful, but notable for striking reforms and improvements. The evils of Sunday liquor selling and drunk- Mr. Lewis' second administration, if anything, surpassed the first in brilliancy and usefulness. There was snap, vigor and progressiveness in abundance. Ham- ilton street was paved from Twelfth to Seventeenth, and Chew street almost its entire length; the police force was doubled, so as to give adequate protection during the day and night; the police pa- trol telegraph system was installed; the enness were reduced to a minimum, the Central Fire and Police Station was built, engine houses were improved and mod- ernized, a new fire engine, a combina- tion chemical and hose truck and a double line of hose were purchased, and the fire department altogether placed on a higher basis of equipment and efficiency. The first serious movement for street paving was inaugurated, new sewers were built, pipe-line was laid from Schantz's Spring
Schantz's Spring was bought, a new standpipe was erected, and the position of house sergeant and night sergeant were created, so that for the first time in the history of the city, the Police Depart- ment was open to the public at all hours of the day and night. The city was notably free from criminals, and order was maintained on the streets by one of the best organized and efficient forces of officers the Police Department of the city has had before or since.
Under his administration the question of increasing the debt of the city for pav- ing and sewerage purposes was submitted to the people, and, while the project was not favorably voted upon, the agitation was measurably followed by good results. Also, an ordinance drafted by Mr. Lewis and personally championed by him before Council, was passed, compelling trolley companies to vestibule their cars, thereby protecting motormen and conductors, and insuring greater safety to passengers. Needless to say, with such a record of achievements Mr. Lewis was no longer regarded as an experiment. He had ex- ceeded even the most sanguine expecta- tions of his friends, as well as made him- self a commanding figure in the commun- ity. Indeed, his popularity was so great that his renomination for mayor in 1902 was practically demanded by the mass of Republican voters, and foreshadowed his triumph at the polls in perhaps the most desperately waged contest in local political history.
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to the city ; a new pump was purchased for the Water Department; the tax rate was reduced; and, altogether, municipal affairs were conducted on sound and eco- nomical principles and for the best inter- ests of all the citizens. One of the se- crets of Mr. Lewis' success was that he gave his almost undivided time and at- tention to the duties of his office, careful- ly studied the needs of the municipality, conferred freely and frankly with the people, and always sincerely sought to better their conditions and promote the general welfare. Of course, he was not infallible, but his bitterest enemy could not impute to him improper motives in any plan he advocated or in any act he performed. He retired from office with the respect and confidence of the people, and it may be truly said of him without disparagement of any of his predecessors, that he was equal to the best mayor Al- lentown ever had.
As a business man Mr. Lewis has a number of notable achievements to his credit. He organized the Lehigh Tele- phone Company, since absorbed by the Consolidated Telephone Companies of Pennsylvania; he established the Mer- chants' National Bank of Allentown, and was its first president for a period extend- ing over seven years; and as a former president of the Allentown Board of Trade he did much to arouse public in- terest and action, and so helped mate- rially to increase the industrial and finan- cial prosperity of the community.
Mr. Lewis is a Republican of the stal- wart type, always active with his voice and influence in the interests of his party, and for years has been a strong personal factor in every important campaign. On May 5, 1912, he was nominated for Con- gressman-at-Large by the Republican State Convention at Harrisburg, and at the November election following won a triumphant success. Ile received the fol- lowing vote: On the Washington party
ticket, 277,624; on the Republican ticket, 258,320; on the Bull Moose ticket, 45,066; on the Roosevelt Progressive ticket, 26,691-a total of 607.701 ; his highest op- ponent received 357,562 votes; and his plurality was 250,139 votes.
Mr. Lewis' engaging personality, gen- erous nature and unaffected democratic manner have made him perhaps the best- known man in Allentown. He is especially popular with the working classes, and on several occasions was instrumental in bringing about a settlement of serious la- bor dissensions, notably the Lehiglı Val- ley Traction Company and Pioneer Silk Mill strikes. An enthusiastic volunteer fireman from boyhood, Mr. Lewis is one of the best-known members of the State Firemen's Association, and was a member of the executive committee of that body which secured the State law donating money for the relief of sick and injured firemen. He is also a member of many social organizations, as well as of a num- ber of protective and beneficial societies, and was a factor in reestablishing the Church of the Mediator, in the Sixth Ward.
Mr. Lewis was married, April 16, 1892, to Miss Juliet M. Hammersly, of Allen- town, a daughter of Captain James B. Hammersly. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have one son, Samuel Lewis, nineteen years of age, a cadet at the Pennsylvania Mili- tary College at Chester, Pennsylvania; and one daughter, Anna Marie, sixteen years of age, a student at the Allentown College for Women, at Allentown, Penn- sylvania.
NEVIN, David Williamson,
Lawyer, Public Official, Financier.
David Williamson Nevin, Mayor of Easton, Pennsylvania, is a man who en- joys the two-fold distinction of a political leader and a leader of the bar. Mr. Nevin's professional standing is high,
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both in his city and county, and before in 1905 was chosen to represent the same his election to the very important posi- tion which he now occupies he was chosen by his fellow-citizens to fill many minor offices of trust and responsibility.
David Williamson Nevin was born Sep- tember 9, 1853, near Shippensburg, Frank- lin county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Samuel Williamson and Harriet (Balch) Nevin. His primary education was re- ceived in the public schools of his native place, and he afterward attended the Tus- carora Academy, Academia, Pennsylvania. Thence he passed to Chambersburg Acad- emy, later entering Lafayette College in the class of 1874. After two years, illness forced him to leave, and on his recovery he accepted a position in the United States Pension Office in Philadelphia. After an interval he returned to college, graduating with the class of 1875. He then studied law under the preceptorship of Edward J. Fox Sr., and on June 14, 1877, was admitted to the bar.
Settling at once in Easton, Mr. Nevin entered upon the active practice of his profession, and the same year was nomi- nated for District Attorney on the Re- publican ticket, a fact which speaks vol- umes for his rapid rise into professional prominence, and also indicates that he was already beginning to be regarded as a political leader. A defeat at the polls, the opposing candidate, C. M. Anstett, Esq., being elected, in no degree lessened Mr. Nevin's popularity or influence, and in 1879 he was elected town clerk of Eas- ton for three years; he was also chosen secretary of the board of health, which office he filled for five years. In 1886 he was elected to represent the second ward of Easton in the borough council, and in 1887 was elected to the common council from the same ward, this being the first common council of the city, and he was also chosen its first president. From 1893 to 1897 he served as a member of the common council from the third ward, and
ward in the select council for a term of four years. In 1897 he was appointed Deputy Prothonotary of Northampton county and served three years. In 1911 he was elected by his fellow citizens to the highest office in their gift, that of Mayor, and has not yet completed his four years' term. In these many important and responsible positions in which Mr. Nevin has been called to serve his city, he has given evidence of rare administrative ability and unwavering adherence to the strictest principles of integrity. His ten- ure of the office of the mayoralty has thus far been marked by substantial benefits to the city, and his administration has re- ceived the hearty approval and vigorous cooperation of all the friends of good gov- ernment. To Mr. Nevin belongs the credit of having constructed, in 1887, an electric railroad which was not only the first in Easton, but preceded those of New York and Philadelphia. IIe is a di- rector in the Easton National Bank, and secretary and treasurer of Easton and South Easton Suspension Bridge Com- pany, the Lehigh Bridge Company and the Weygadt Mountain Railroad Com- pany. He belongs to the Sigma Chi col- lege fraternity, and is an elder in the Presbyterian church. In February, 1913, he was elected president of the North- ampton County Bar Association.
In November, 1863, Mr. Nevin, then a boy ten years old, was privileged to hear President Lincoln deliver his immortal oration on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Little did the future Mayor of Easton then think that this occasion, exciting as it was to his boyish imagination, was to remain forever enshrined in his memory as one of the most sacred and memorable events of a lifetime. Musical ability is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Nevin family, which is of Scotch- Irish origin. Mr. Nevin has a brother, George B. Nevin, of Easton, who is a
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composer of church music, and Ethelbert Nevin, the well-known composer, is their cousin.
Mr. Nevin married, June 10, 1879, Lil- lias G., daughter of John D. Patter- son, a merchant and representative of one of Easton's old families. Mr. and Mrs. Nevin are the parents of three sons : John Denison, late lieutenant of the United States Marine Corps; Samuel Williamson, a chemist of Easton ; D. Bur- rowes, florist.
Mr. Nevin's administration, thus far so productive of beneficial results, seems the auspicious inauguration of an era of prosperity and good government.
WHITMER, Robert Forster,
Prominent Lumber and Coal Manager.
The Whitmers, father and son, al- though native born Pennsylvanians de- scend from ancient families, both ma- ternally and paternally. The Whitmer ancestor settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1747, coming from Hol- land with the Huguenots, but previously from Alsace-Lorraine. On the maternal side the Forsters came to Pennsylvania in early colonial days, a Scotch-Irish fam- ily. Grandfather William Forster was a soldier of the War of 1812, a private of Captain Donaldson's company. Great- grandfather Major Thomas Forster was a Revolutionary soldier, and one of the associators who signed the document re- nouncing allegiance to King George III., of England, in Lancaster county, May, 1775; was very prominent and active in public affairs in colonial days. Robert M. Forster was killed in the second day's figlit at the battle of Gettysburg, during the Civil War; he was a member of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment, and was in the Army of the Potomac. Peter Whitmer had an excellent Revolu- tionary war record: Pennsylvania Artil- lery, 4th Battalion, February 6, 1777:
Private Peter Whitmer, May 1, 1777; depreciated pay escheated to the State. Roll of Captain Andrew Porter's com- pany, of the 4th Pennsylvania; received bounty of $20, time of enlisting ; Matrosses: Peter Whitmer, discharged May 1, 1777. Roll of Captain William E. Godfrey's regiment, at Philadelphia, June, 1780; Matrosses: Peter Whitmer, mustered July 10, 1780. Roll of Lieu- tenant Benjamin Hoye's company, at Philadelphia, November, 1780; Ma- trosses: Peter Whitmer. Soldiers who received depreciation pay, Northumber- land county militia: Peter Whitmer, private. (Pa. Archives, v. ser. iii. 1026, 1032, 1072, 1075; iv. 384).
Robert Forster Whitmer is the son of William Whitmer, who was born at Mc- Alisterville, Union county, Pennsyl- vania, December II, 1835, son of Peter Whitmer, a Union county farmer. Wil- liam Whitmer in 1872 settled in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and there formed the mer- cantile firm of Whitmer & Forster, which after Mr. Forster's retirement became Whitmer & Trexler. The Forsters were also from Union county, and owned the first saw mill erected in the county. IIe had a long, honorable and successful busi- ness in Sunbury, entering the lumber business in 1874. He was one of the organ- izers of the Sunbury Trust and Safe De- posit Company, and became a well known, wealthy lumber and coal oper- ator. In 1893 he formed the house of William Whitmer & Sons, incorporated, of Philadelphia, of which he was the first president. In 1894 he moved his residence to Philadelphia, and was ac- tively engaged in the business of William Whitmer & Sons until his death there, October 20, 1896. By his marriage to Katherine Forster, July 19, 1859, he had two daughters, and a son Robert F.
Robert Forster Whitmer was born in Ilartleton, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1864. His early education was obtained
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in the public schools of Union and est producing lumber companies of the Northumberland counties, and being an South. He conducts the affairs of these companies from the office of William Whitmer & Sons, Inc., wholesale lumber, No. 300 Franklin Bank Building, Phila- delphia. apt scholar he gained full benefit from his years of early study. Later he attended Pennsylvania State College, but finished at Lafayette College, whence he was graduated in the class of 1885. After With the interests of these companies to safeguard, Mr. Whitmer has not sac- rificed the social side of his nature. Ile forms warm friendships with men of high standing whom he attracts by his worth of character and unswerving integ- rity. In a day when an accepted legiti- mate form of competition is to tear down and destroy a rival, it is a striking fact, most worthy of note and preservation, that in no business transaction has he al- lowed the rightful interests of another to suffer that he might triumph. Perhaps no other man in competitive business is so thoroughly respected by business rivals as is Mr. Whitmer. Yet he is de- termined and resourceful, and when an avenue of business seems closed, seeks another means of reaching a desired goal. His business methods are above reproach ; in his association with many business men he has gained and held their high- est esteem. He is a successful man, but it is a success fairly earned by hard work and well systemized, intelligent efforts. Mr. Whitmer holds membership in Phila- delphia clubs: Union League, Racquet and Country; St. Andrews Society, Scotch-Irish Society, and in Pennsyl- vania Society, Sons of the Revolution. By above list may be determined his pol- itics, favorite outdoor diversion and an- cestry. The family have ever been connected with the Presbyterian church. leaving Lafayette he at once entered busi- ness life, first in the office of the Whit- mer Company, and there gained detailed knowledge of the office and of their busi- ness. He became his father's valued as- sistant and became equally familiar with the buying of timber lands and all out- door details of lumber manufacture. He was a most efficient assistant and became an authority on value of standing timber and such matters of the lumber business as required expert knowledge and trained judgment. With the formation of the Philadelphia house of William Whitmer & Sons, incorporated, he came to Phila- delphia as vice-president. On the death of William Whitmer in 1896 he became president of the corporation, also suc- ceeding his father as president of other companies dealing in lumber and coal properties. The long training under his practical, experienced father now bore full fruit, and while ably conducting the diversified interests left to his control he also added enterprise, opening up new avenues of business. He is now presi- dent of Whitmer & Sons, Inc .; presi- dent of the St. Lawrence Pulp and Lumber Company Corporation ; president of Parsons Pulp and Lumber Company of West Virginia ; president of Central West Virginia & Southern Railroad Company of West Virginia, which he built, and thereby brought into market a Robert Forster Whitmer married, April 23, 1891, Mary, daughter of John Packer, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, an eminent lawyer and for several years representative in Congress. Children : Martha Cameron; Katharine Forster; Robert Forster (2) ; Rachel Packer, and Ellen Isabel Whitmer. The family resi- vast timber tract overlaying valuable coal deposits; president of the Tennessee & North Carolina Railroad Company ; president of Wm. Whitmer & Sons Co., Sunbury, Pennsylvania; president and manager of the Champion Lumber Com- pany of North Carolina, one of the larg-
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