USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of contemporary biography of Pennsylvania, Vol. I > Part 30
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faith in the stability and growth of Pittsburgh's distinctive industries, and, unlike business men generally, he made his customers before he had established himself or manufactured anything to sell them. His "proper time" did not arrive until after he had made himself known half the length of the Mississippi and at the commercial metropolis of the South. Starting thus confidently in business for himself, when twenty-four years old, he still further testified to the hopefulness that ani- mated him five years later, when, in 1837, he sought Miss Sarah Wherry in marriage. Two children were born of this marriage, William W. Speer and Joseph T. Speer, both of whom survived their father and are continuing his work and record. In view of the humble beginning and the results ac- complished, it was but natural that the death of Mr. Speer should be sensib'y felt by the community with which he had been so long and closely identi- fied. The event created profound sadness in the manufacturing and industrial circles of Pittsburgh, where the influences of Mr. Speer's life were gener- ously accorded, and brought a larger degree of at- tention to his two sons, upon whom devolved the filial and business duty of perpetuating his good name as a citizen and his spotless fame as a manu- facturer. Brought up in the business and trained by his experienced and extensive knowledge, they were able in all respects to receive their heritage worthily, and they have since conducted it in con- sonance with their honored father's policy.
WILLIAM MORRISON.
WILLIAM MORRISON, a prominent citizen of Allegheny City, and for many years an honored member of the First Methodist Protestant Church, Pittsburgh, died at his home in Allegheny City, April 29, 1887, after an illness of several months. Mr. Morrison's parents came from Ireland many years ago, and settled in Pittsburgh. They were Methodists in the Old Country and their home was often visited by the early Methodist preachers; Wesley, Coke and other great leaders of Methodism finding there, not unfrequently, welcome and rest. On settling in Pittsburgh they and all of their chil- dren after a time united with the Methodist Church, and when the separation on account of lay delega- tion took place, the Morrison family withdrew and united with the Reformers in organizing the Metho- dist Protestant Church. Mr. William Morrison became a member in August, 1830, and continued in its fellowship until his death. Although he had
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William Morrison
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not, owing to his loss of hearing, attended its ser- vices for several years, he always took a warm interest in its prosperity and contributed liberally to its support. Being in his early life a man of industry, great energy and business sagacity, endowed with a sound judgment and foresight, he succeeded in his affairs and amassed a large fortune. Foreseeing the future prosperity of Pittsburgh, his investments were safe and remunerative, and hav- ing secured, at a comparatively early period in life, a competence, he retired from all active business and spent the remaining years of his life in ease and comfort, though not forgetting to do good with his means as he had opportunity. It may seem a little strange that although he never desired great wealth and never craved, as he often said, more than a competence, abundance came into his hands. Yet so it was, and what is infinitely better, it may be said with perfect confidence in the truth of the statement, that there was never a soiled dollar in his hands. He was a man incorruptible in his integrity, stainless in reputation, the soul of honor and truth and uprightness. Of all who have ever spoken of him in his business career none could utter the first whisper against his good name. IIe was very liberal with his means, giving constantly, and to every good cause that appealed to him for aid and which commended itself to his judgment. Indeed his benefactions flowed forth in a constant stream ; physical pain and want kindled his sympa- thies and drew forth his generous help, and while other forms of beneficence were not forgotten, these seemed to have for him the strongest attractions. Hence, hospitals, homes for orphans and for the aged, asylums and all kindred institutions shared largely in his kind deeds. The blessings of many who were ready to perish came upon him while living, and now that he is gone will rest on his memory. Having been all of his life a great reader and his reading having gone into almost all direc- tions, he was, without any doubt, one of the best informed men outside of the professions. On all current questions of public interest, indeed, liis in- formation was full and surprisingly exact ; and the growth of the country, the development of its rc- sources, the expansion of its agricultural, manufac- turing and commercial interests were matters in which he took great pleasure to the last. Had he been a young man, just entering on his life work, he could not have kept a keener eye on such subjects. In general literature his reading and knowledge were wide, and it was not easy to strike a subject of which he had not very considerable knowledge and on which he had not formed an intelligent judgment. His habits of reading kept his mind bright, clear
and strong, and liis memory retentive to the end of his life. During his last illness one who knew him well and visited him said, "IIis confidence in the wisdom and goodness of God was unshaken, and he expressed himself as willing to go hence or to tarry here a little longer. He left all in the hands of God." Mr. Morrison, on July 27, 1843, was married, in Allegheny City, Pa., to Miss Mary J. Fitzsimons, daughter of Mr. David Fitzsimons. This lady still survives him. His children, a son and daughter, died before him. Their death was to the parents an irreparable loss. Mr. Morrison was interred among his kindred in a beautiful spot in Allegheny Ceme- tery, a large number of his friends following him to his grave.
WILSON M'CANDLESS.
HON. WILSON M'CANDLESS, LL.D., a distin- guished citizen and lawyer, and for many years United States District Judge for the Western Dis- trict of Pennsylvania, was born in the city of Pittsburgh on the 19th of June, 1810. His grand- father, Alexander M'Candless, was one of the early settlers of Western Pennsylvania, having emigrated from Scotland before the Revolution. His father, William M'Candless, was a merchant and prominent citizen of Pittsburgh. Wilson was educated at the Western University of Pennsylvania, studied law in his native city, and was admitted to the bar on his twenty-first birthday. He practiced law with diligence and success until the 8th of Febru- ary, 1859, when he was appointed by President Buchanan, District Judge of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania, from which position, having resigned on account of failing health, he retired on the 24th of July, 1876, during the sitting of the Court at Erie, participating in the ceremony incident to the qualification of his suc- cessor. He died at his residence on the bank of the Allegheny River, in the suburban part of Pittsburgh, on the 30th of June, 1882. Judge M'Candless was not only noted as a lawyer of eminence, but during the earlier period of his life was widely known as a politician. In 1844, 1852 and 1856 he was Sena- torial Elector for President and Vice-President of the United States ; twice President of the Electoral College of Pennsylvania, and Chairman of the Penn- sylvania delegation in the Democratic National Convention of 1848, at Baltimore. A friend, refer- ring to this period of liis life, has written of him that " although at times politics ran very high, engen- dering angry and bitter animosities, yet he was
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always so much of the gentleman and so little of the demagoguc, that he ever retained the respect and love of his fellow citizens." As a public speaker he was conspicuous, and his orations on several oc- casions are by many remembered. His address of welcome to John Quincy Adams, in 1843, his culogy on General Jackson in 1847, and his address at the Allegheny Cemetery, on the occasion of the reinter- ment of Commodore Barney and Lieutenant Parker of the U. S. Navy, are, perhaps, the most noted. The degree of LL.D. was conferred on him by Union College, New York. He was for fifteen years an Inspector, and part of the time President of the Board of Inspectors of the Western Penitentiary of Pennsylvania ; was for many years a trustee of the Western University of Pennsylvania ; one of the originators and a manager of the Allegheny Ceme- tery at Pittsburgh, from the time of its organiza- tion until his death ; first President of the Pittsburgh Homeopathic Hospital, and a Vestryman of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church. Wilson M'Candless was married to Sarah North Collins, also of Pitts- burgh, December 4, 1834, and their children, who survived infancy, were named Mary Elliott, Stephen Collins and Margaret Duncan.
JAMES W. HAILMAN.
To RECORD the virtues of those who have pre- ceded us, to recount the pathway they trod, the disappointments they surmounted, the victories they achieved, and the triumphs they won, is both pleasant and profitable to those who remain upon the scene of action, and still take part in the drama of human life. The record of a pure and true life furnishes a pattern and an example to the young and rising generation, an encouragement in times of despondency and a stimulus to higher and nobler aims. The life of which we now write is one such, a pure and upright character, and a safe example for survivors to follow. James Workman Hailman was born November 8, 1809, in Washington County, Pa., and was the oldest of a family of three chil- dren. He lost his father when about four years of age, at which time the family moved to Washing- ton, Pa. There much of his youth was passed, and there he enjoyed the only opportunities for acquir- ing an education which he had. Early in life he realized the fact that by his own efforts he must make his way in the world, and at the same time make provision for an aged mother and a younger brother and sister. This necessity curtailed his op- portunity for securing a thorough education, and
caused him at the early age of sixteen, to accept a position in a country store in Waynesburg, Pa. Here his industry, his energy, and his innate abili- ties began to develop, and in the intervals of daily cares and responsibilities he supplemented his edu- cation by studying the classics and higher branches of mathematics, as well as familiarizing himself with the standard authors of the day, in the pcrusal and study of their works. His expanding powers led him in a few years to aim at a wider sphere for their exercise; and at his suggestion his employer opened a house in Pittsburgh about the year 1835, and intrusted to him the management of the busi- ness. His success justified his own anticipations, and with a view of enlarging and extending the business, he entered into a partnership with a Mr. Hood, under the firm name of Hailman. Hood & Co., for the transaction of a wholesale grocery and commission business. This partnership was dis- solved by the death of Mr. Hood, but the business was continued under the name of J. W. Hailman & Co., by associating with him J. R. Blaine, who had married his sister. In the year 1833 he married Miss Mary Lindsey, of Greene County, who died in March, 1837, leaving an only child, a son. His busi- ness steadily progressed and enlarged under his skillful management, and through his energy, indus- try and perseverance. In 1840 he became associated with his cousin, J. W. Burbridge, (now a leading merchant of New Orleans,) under the name and style of Hailman, Burbridge & Co., and in 1841 it was deemed expedient by the firm to establish a house in Baltimore, which was accordingly done, and Mr. Hailman went to Baltimore to assume charge of the business, taking with him his family, he having a short time previously married Miss Catherine Ans- chutz. This project not meeting the expectations of the partners, the business in Baltimore was closed up, and Mr. Hailman returned to Pittsburgh after an absence of about one ycar. His health having become somewhat impaired by long-continued and close application to business, he purchased a few acres of ground in what was then Wilkins Town- ship, but now the Twentieth Ward of the city, and for about a year applied himself to agricultural life, with marked benefit to his health. In 1843 he again embarked in the wholesale grocery business, in connection with John F. Jennings and J. R. Blaine, under the name of Hailman, Jennings & Co. In the great fire of 1845 this firm, together with the majority of other business houses in the city, was burned out. With characteristic energy, however, they gathered up the fragments of dam- aged and uninjured goods, and formed a temporary business place in the house with Mr. C. G. Hussey
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on Liberty street, until their own place of business should be rebuilt. At this juncture an important change occurred, which gave an entirely new direction to Mr. Hailman's business life, and re- sulted in closing out the grocery business entirely, and the formation of a new firm for the manufac- ture of carriage springs, axles and steel, composed of William Coleman, J. H. Hailman, John F. Jen- nings and Samuel Heartman, under the name and style of Coleman, Hailman & Co. He thus became one of the pioneers in this country in the manufac- ture of steel, a trade which has since expanded into colossal proportions, and in which this country is now independent of England. This firm began business in 1846, in a small factory on St. Clair street. They soon after purchased larger works on the banks of the Allegheny River in the old Fifth Ward, and added to it a rolling mill for the manu- facture of iron, and carried on several branches of business together. The interest of Messrs. Jen- nings and Heartman was disposed of to Messrs. Kramer and Rahm, the name of the firm remaining unchanged. This firm then continued, constantly increasing and enlarging their business, and attain- ing a well-earned reputation and a widely extended fame, until 1859. At this time Mr. Coleman retired, and Frank Rahm and George W. Hailman being admitted, the firm was changed to Hailman, Rahm & Co., and so continued until the death of the senior partner, July 3, 1860. During this period of his life his innate qualifications and powers for business had their fullest development and play. The sterling integrity, the sound judgment and marked ability, the untiring energy, the ceaseless industry, and the comprehensive views of men and things naturally belonging to him, found in the con- duct of an ever growing and extending business a true field for their fullest development, and placed him in the front rank of business men, whose coun- sel and advise were constantly sought, and whose abilities marked him, in this and in other spheres of life, as a leader. In 1845 he allied himself with the order of Free Masons. To its precepts and tenets he was enthusiastically devoted, and soon became one of its champions, one of its most zealous advo- cates, and one of the most earnest propagators of its sublime principles. With a steady persever- ance in this, as in all his undertakings, he advanced to the very highest degrees and held, at the time of his death, the position of Deputy Grand Master of Pennsylvania. His zeal and influence were largely instrumental in securing the erection of a Masonic Temple in Pittsburgh ; and for a number of years he was President of the Masonic Fund Society, and was ever active in promoting plans for the practi-
cal diffusion of the benefits to be derived from the Order by the widows and orphans of poor and worthy Masons. With him Masonry was a princi- ple and a practice rather than a theory and mere pastime. His religion was part of his life. At an early age he gave his heart to God, and consecrated himself to His service. In profession a Presbyte- rian, he was liberal and tolerant towards other evangelical denominations, and he recognized every true Christian as a brother, by whatever other name he might be called. A deep toned piety charac- terized the every day actions of his life, a large hearted charity led to acts of benevolence to the poor and unfortunate, and a careful study of, and a familiarity with God's Word led to a conscientious observance of divine precepts. Thus his life was a living epistle, known and read of men. In social life he attracted to himself many friends by his genial disposition and liberal hospitality. He was the projector and one of the principal promoters of a social literary club called the "Philomathic," which continued for several years to afford literary entertainment to a large circle, and to extend a kindly social intercourse through the neighborhood in which he lived. In the spring of 1855 he was prostrated by a severe and threatening illness, out of which he emerged slowly, and by the advice of his physician made a voyage to Europe. He spent nearly a year abroad with marked benefit to his health, and on his return felt greatly invigorated and ready for the active duties of business life again. Continuing his usual close attention to business until 1859, the chronic disease of the throat, which he had successfully held in check for some time, began to assume a morc aggravated form; notwith- standing the skill of the best physicians, it took stronger and stronger hold upon him until, in the spring of 1860, he was obliged to relinquish all at- tention to business and to recognize the fact that life was drawing to a close. But the stern messen- ger of death had no terrors for him. His faith was anchored within the Veil, and his rich store-house of biblical knowledge furnished him with the grounds of a well-founded hope of an immortality beyond the grave, and sweet assurance of an eter- nal rest in the mansions above. He died July 3, 1860, and was buried in the Allegheny Cemetery with Masonic honors. In summing up and leaving on record the prominent traits of his character, we find him as a business man, industrious, energetic, self-reliant, prompt in meeting engagements, truth- ful in all his relations, punctual in the performance of duties, with integrity above suspicion, with firm- ness of purpose, sound in judgment, and with great decision of character. In domestic life he was
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firm but gentle, decided yet not severe, cheerful, affectionate and indulgent, and ever active in mak- ing his home tasteful and attractive. In social life he was a dignified, yet genial companion, a sincere friend and a trusted counsellor and adviser. In re- ligious life he was a pure, true Christian and an earnest worker in the Lord's vineyard. Considering himself as God's steward, he remembered that the poor we have always with us, and dispensed freely of his means for their benefit, while the charitable institutions in his vicinity found in him a constant and warm friend. Taken all in all, his character was most symmetrical, an example of business probity, social integrity and religious sincerity, in every sense worthy of imitation.
ROBERT DICKEY.
ROBERT DICKEY, a representative merchant of Pittsburgh, Pa., was born in Londonderry, N. H., December 17, 1809, on his father's farm of High Range. The family descended from Samuel Dickey, one of the early settlers of Londonderry, who had two sons and five daughters. Of these, his young- est son, Robert, married Hannah Woodburn, whose brother was the maternal grandfather of Horace Greeley, the distinguished founder and editor of the New York Tribune. This Robert had eleven children, the eldest of whom, Samuel Dickey, had also-by a curious coincidence-eleven children, third among whom was the subject of this sketch. The Robert of whom we write was educated entirely at the district school of the town of his birth, ex- cepting that he passed three terms of three months each at Pinkerton Academy, Derry, N. H., and here, at the age of nineteen, he taught the Webster district school, and for two seasons later the two schools in the eastern part of Derry and at Pelham, respectively. The lad had an ambition for a better education than his mere schooling gave him, and it is related of him that, in company with a bright young cousin, David Dickey, he used to write a regular weekly composition, the two exchanging their work on Sundays for mutual criticism and correction. He also greatly enjoyed his class in the Sabbath-school, (where his uncle, Jonathan Humphrey, was the teacher,) and was confirmed in the church at Londonderry in 1832. In the fall of 1831 he began his business career by starting a store under the firm name of Batchelder & Dickey, in Londonderry ; and the same winter he taught the district school in his father's district, and that closed his career as a school teacher. He continued his
store until the spring of 1834, when he sold out his interest to his partner, and left Londonderry to join his brother Isaiah in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he ar- rived on the 7th of May. His brother had preceded him in Pittsburgh about two years, but had not suc- ceeded in business and, at the time of Robert's arrival, was greatly depressed under the fear of im- pending failure. He had, in fact, after consultation with his friends, about decided to close out his business, when the arrival of his brother, as it hap- pened, put a different face on the matter. As soon as Robert Dickey had been made acquainted with the state of his brother's affairs, he was able to offer him substantial assistance. The young man had all his savings, amounting to five hundred dollars, with him, and this sum he at once offered to his brother to help him out of his troubles. Small as it was, it enabled Isaiah to tide along. Robert went into the concern as bookkeeper, and on the 1st of January, 1836, he was taken in as a partner. The business was wholesale grocery and commission, and with new blood infused it improved and con- tinued to enlarge until 1845, when the great fire took place which destroyed so large and important a portion of the businesss part of Pittsburgh. The concern was at this time carrying about $15,000 in stock, and was uninsured; the result was that the firm lost all they possessed but about five hundred dollars. They were encouraged, however, by the sympathy of their friends and the generosity of their creditors, and were able to go on, and the business progressed without any serious misadven- ture thereafter. Just two years after his arrival in Pittsburgh, Robert married, his bride being a Lon- donderry girl, Mary Ann Nancy Anderson, daughter of Captain William Anderson, of that town. At the time of his marriage the young man was but poorly equipped, in a financial sense, for the trials and re- sponsibilities of married life, but both his wife and himself were prudent, they lived economically, helped each other, and so they were able to live comfortably and even to prosper-despite the great fire of 1845 which, in a moment, wiped out the foundation of the young husband's fortune. In 1855 he had succeeded so well that, his wife's health being poor, he was able to purchase land and build a comfortable house at East Liberty, about five miles from the city of Pittsburgh proper. In 1858 Mr. Dickey sold out his interest in the firm to his brother Daniel, who had been doing business at Nashville, Tenn., but had an interest in the Pitts- burgh house. Robert then started in business for himself ; but the old house did not succeed as well without him, and he therefore returned to it in 1860, at a time when the estrangement of the South,
Robert Dickey
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where much of their business lay, threatened to cripple the concern altogether. By this time Mr. Dickey was blessed with four children, and when, in 1862, there was a call for troops to quell the Rebellion, his son Samuel, then about twenty-one years of age, deemed it his duty to respond to the demand of his country. He served his term among the "nine months' men," and on his return accom- panied his mother to New Hampshire, whither she went in the hope of reviving her failing health. She returned to Pittsburgh, however, at the close of the year, and died on December 3. On April 10, 1867, Mr. Dickey married again, the bride being Miss Orra C. Edwards, of Youngstown, Ohio, a descend- ant in the direct line and of the fifth generation from Jonathan Edwards, the profound New Eng- land scholar and philosopber, and author of the celebrated treatise on the "Freedom of the Will." Gradually, as the years rolled by, the children of Mr. Dickey grew up and married, in most cases remaining in the old home at least for a year or more, but eventually leaving it to make liomes elsewhere for themselves. One of the sons, Samuel the soldier, was bookkeeper for the firm for some time after the close of the war, and he married in 1868, and two years later was taken into the firm as a partner. In 1872 Isaiah Dickey died, and the style of the firm became Robert Dickey & Co., and this continued until 1878, when another son, William A., was made a partner, who, in the course of the fol- lowing year celebrated his advance in life by also marrying. In the meantime, in 1874, Mr. Robert Dickey's second wife had died; and when, four years later, the husband of his daughter also died, Mr. Dickcy concluded to retire from the old home- stead, and thereafter make his home with his wid- owed daughter. In the meantime, his fortunes had so improved that he was able to build on the old estate four other houses ; and in other ways he was recognized as not only a shrewd and far-seeing, and an absolutely incorruptible merchant and citizen, but also as one whose prosperity was a credit to himself, and hardly less so to the thriving city where he liad accumulated his fortune. In 1885 Mr. Dickey's son Samuel died at Colorado Springs, whither he had gone in search of health, leaving the firm to consist of his son William A. and himself, in which condition it remains at present. It is thus fifty-three years since Mr. Robert Dickey entered this firm, then two years old, and of which he is still a member. Truly a most surprising and mem- orable business history. Mr. Dickey has always sustained his interest in religious affairs, being an earnest and faitbful worshiper, and for the past thirty years a member of the East Liberty Presby-
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