USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of contemporary biography of Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 7
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
have ensured his success in politics, had he aspired to office, but his tastes did not run in that direction. He was a Republican in principles, and was hon- orcd by his fellow-citizens in that party by being placed on the electoral ticket in the campaign of 1876, and as a Presidential Elector cast his vote for Hayes and Wheeler. Mr. Disston's five sons, Ham- ilton, Albert H., Horace C., William and Jacob S., all grew to manhood and inherited the ambition and business tact of their father. After his death "they took charge of the business and pushed it with such characteristic vigor that in ten years it had increased in volume and pecuniary results fully fifty per cent. The second son, Mr. Albert H. Diss- ton, a young man of great promise, died October 21, 1883. The surviving brothers now conduct the business. The honored founder of this great indus- try will always hold a high place among those who have laid broad and deep the basis of American manufacturing prosperity. A born mechanic in the comprehensive meaning of the term, he com- bined in his business ideal aims with the greatest attainable practical excellence. He had the faculty of observing wherein a familiar tool, implement or machine was defective, and the genius to devise the means for improving it, with the skill to perform the manual work necessary to carry his own device into effect. He was thoroughly in love with his craft and to the last days of his life was never above doing with his own hands any of the labor incident to it. His qualities were of that sterling character which stamp true manhood and, not only com- mand success but also the admiration of mankind. A day or two after Mr. Disston's death an editorial appeared in the Philadelphia Ledger, which is so full of truth and eloquent eulogy of this worthy man, that it is quoted here as a fitting conclusion to this imperfect sketch of his useful and honorable life. It reads as follows :
" Although the great establishment founded by Henry Disston will continue to occupy the front rank it has now among the work-shops of the world, it is still a serious loss to Philadelphia that he is no longer among her living citizens. The death of a man useful as he has been, in what is generally the prime vigor of manhood, is an event to be marked by universal public regret. He was one of the men whose works have made our city famous for the superiority of the products turned out from our work-shops, foundries, factories and laborato- ries. Wherever the Disston saws have been carried (and that is everywhere on this side of the Atlantic and to many foreign countries) they have carried the name of the city also, and their good name as the best products of the saw manufacture in the world has added so much more to the high credit of Philadelphia. In the foreign countries to which the Disston saws have made their way they have not only increased the reputation of our city, but
have contributed largely to the credit of the whole country-they were not only 'Disston's Philadel- phia saws,' but they were 'Disston's American saws.' * * * We have spoken of Mr. Disston individually, apart * from the associates and partners gathered about him as a nucleus as his house grew in importance. Doubtless he had the aid in recent times of many a quick eye, ingenious mind and skilled hand, for he was the sort of man to attract tlicse, and to train them up; but his was the devising and moving power-the creative and impelling force. When he came to the close of his self-imposed apprentice- ship the saw manufacture, especially in this coun- try, was crude, a very few varieties of implements, and none of them of superior quality, being made to do service in all kinds of work. Under his guid- ance the manufacture grew into a refined system and he left it almost an art. The production of such work will go on, now that he has passed away, just as it did while he was living, for he has given the impulse, shown the way and lighted the track a long way into the future. It is among the Provi- dences that the impulses given by such men do not cease when their hands are stilled by death."
ELWOOD WILSON.
ELWOOD WILSON, M.D., a distinguished American obstetrician and gynecologist, and for nearly fifty years a practitioner of medicine and sur- gery in Philadelphia, was born near Attleboro, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1822, and died at his country seat near Philadelphia, July 14, 1889. He was the second son of Mardon Wilson and Ann Dewees Wilson, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but descendants of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His parents were farmers and in comfortable circum- stances, and he lived with them upon the farm until he was nineteen years of age. His early education was obtained in the village schools, and being a lad of studious habits he made considerable use of the village library. Possibly the knowledge gleaned at this early period from the books that fell in his way determined him in the choice of a profession. At all events he left home at the age of nineteen, and proceeding to Philadelphia placed himself as an ap- prentice in the drug store of Edward Parrish, one of the most skillful pharmacists of that day. Aided and encouraged in every way by Mr. Parrish, who, finding him an excellent as well as studious young man, took pleasure in inducting him into the mys- teries of his craft, he made rapid headway and finally qualified as a pharmacist. He remained with Mr. Parrish until 1845, in which year he was grad- uated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Jefferson Medical College, where he had regularly attended the lectures and demonstrations for four
Ellenno Milano
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
years. Upon graduation he was appointed Visiting Physician to the Philadelphia Dispensary, and held this position several years. In 1846 he became as- sociated with Dr. Warrington in the Obstetric Insti- tute of Philadelphia. Here, besides developing re- markable energy and skill, he demonstrated superior ability as a teacher of obstetrics, and attracted a large following of students. His private classes soon became the largest in the country. Upon the retirement of Dr. Warrington he succeeded him as head of the institution, and remained connected with it in this capacity until 1862, when he resigned, owing to the demands made upon his time by his private practice, which had become by this time very large. After they had acted upon his resigna- tion, the Managers elected him President of the Board, and this position he filled until his death, paying close attention to the interests of the institu- tion and to the welfare of its inmates. Quite early in his practice his skill as an obstetrician attracted the attention of the late Prof. Charles D. Meigs, himself one of the most distinguished obstetricians living, who invited him to become his assistant. This flattering offer was gratefully accepted by Dr. Wilson, and through his early and intimate associa- tion with this eminent medical man- he was led to greater achievements. His connection with Dr. Meigs gave him rare advantages, not the least val- uable being an enlarged practice and an increased reputation. When Dr. Meigs died a large portion of his obstetrical practice fell to Dr. Wilson. As an obstetrician Dr. Wilson's experience was re- markable. "He personally delivered more than fourteen thousand women, and saw all the difficult labors of more than twenty thousand deliveries in connection with the Philadelphia Dispensary and the Laying-in-Charity, besides being frequently in consultation in labor cases with other practitioners." He early perceived the need of skillful female as- sistants in medical work, especially in midwifery, and with Dr. Warrington he was the first in this country to found and conduct a training-school for nurses. Dr. Wilson was a gynecologist as well as an obstetrician, and his abilities in this branch were of an immensely high order. His pupils in both these departments may be found in all parts of the United States. He was not only thorough and skillful but progressive. To him belongs the honor of being the first in the United States to establish a - dispensary for the treatment of the diseases peculiar to the female sex, and also of taking the initiative in teaching gynecology clinically. He was a persist- ent and out-spoken advocate of extending the ad- vantages of medical education to women, and his countenance and efforts had much weight in dissi-
pating the lingering prejudices entertained against this startling but greatly needed innovation. For a number of years prior to his death he was one of the Consulting Physicians to the Woman's Hospital in Philadelphia. He was also Consulting Physician to the Preston Retreat in the same city, and one of the Managers of the Jefferson Medical College. In the latter capacity he strongly favored the advanced curriculum since adopted by that college. Dr. Wilson was a member of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, of the County Medical Society, of the State Medical Society and of the American Med- ical Association. He was also a member of the American Gynecological Society, and at one time Vice-President. Before this Society he read seve- ral valuable papers on subjects bearing on its work, one being on " Tarnier's Forceps," and another on " The Treatment of Recent Laceration of the Cer- vix." In the field of obstetrics Dr. Wilson was one of the greatest workers this country has ever seen. It is probable that he had as large an obstetrical practice as any of his distinguished contemporaries In Philadelphia or any other American city. In the discharge of his duty to his patients he hesitated at no sacrifices of personal comfort. It is recorded that in one day he attended as many as nine cases of labor. His opportunities through actual practice for observation and study were practically unlimi- ted, and his humblest patient received the fullest benefit of his vast experience and knowledge. Few men in his specialties were as competent as he to enrich medical literature by a recital of their ob- servations and experiences, but his busy and active life interfered with literary work, and in conse- quence his published papers are few in number- a matter of sincere regret to his colleagues and to the profession generally. He was one of the found- ers of the Philadelphia Obstetrical Society, and in its early days a frequent attendant at its meetings and an active participant in its proceedings; and becoming engaged with a fellow member, Dr. Wm. Goodell, in a discussion upon " the relative value of podalic version and forceps delivery in narrow pelves," submitted to the Society several well writ- ten papers in defence of his views, which, with the replies of his opponent, awakened a wide interest in the profession. Like most energetic workers, Dr. Wilson was a man of positive character. He did not allow himself to feel sure of anything until he had tested it in every manuer possible, but once having become convinced that it was right, he re- maiued firm iu his conviction, whoever opposed him. His conduct in the sick room was autocratic, but the end in view was always the welfare of the patient. Underneath his decided professional ex-
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
terior beat a heart warmly in sympathy with the suffering aud neglected, and his patients, instinct- ively perceiving this, were firmly attached to him, and reposed the most absolute confidence in his judgment and skill. By untiring energy and per- sistent application, added to his remarkable abili- ities, he achieved exceptional success, aud at his death stood among the leaders in his profession in a city loug renowned for the eminence of its medical men. In 1846 he married Miss Hannah Paul Shall- cross, who survives him. To them were born five sous and oue daughter, all of whom are now living, with the exception of a son who died in infancy. Three of the sons are physicians: Dr. James Corne- lius Wilson and Dr. Chas. Meigs Wilson, who are practicing their profession in Philadelphia, and Dr. William Reynolds Wilsou, who is pursuing post- graduate studies in Europe. The second son, El- wood Wilson, is a lawyer by profession, and resides iu Tennessee. Dr. Elwood Wilson was reared as a member of the Society of Friends, but during the latter years of his life he was a regular attendant of the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
GEORGE DAWSON COLEMAN.
HON. GEORGE DAWSON COLEMAN, a distin- guished and patriotic citizen of Pennsylvania, five years a member of the State Legislature, and wide- ly known as one of the most enterprising and suc- cessful iron manufacturers in the United States, was born in Philadelphia, January 13, 1825, and died at his home, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 9, 1878. His ancestors were early identified with the iron interests of the State of Pennsylvania, his great-grandfather, James Old, having had large iron-works near Reading and Norristown. His grandfather, Robert Coleman, was for some years associated in business with Mr. Old, whose daughter he married. Iu October, 1776, Robert Coleman purchased the Elizabeth Furnace in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he manufactured am- munition for the Government during the Revolu- tionary War. For the shot, shell aud steel which he supplied to Washington he received prisoners of war in payment, who were afterwards redeemed by the British in coin, which they paid to him. Among the war material manufactured and sup- plied by him was the great iron chain which was stretched across the Delaware River, below Phila- delphia, to prevent the approach of the British war- ships. Robert Coleman was the first of the Cole- man family to obtain an interest in the Cornwall
orc-bank, purchasing the same from the Grubb family. He was a man of wealth and prominence in his day and had thic friendship of some of the most able men of his time, including many of the worthies of the Revolution, both civil and military. He had several sous. James, the father of the sub- ject of this sketch, passed his life iu the iron busi- ness in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, worthily succeeding his father and grandfather in this great industry, to which his personal energies and labors gave a decided impetus. He too, like his father before him, supplied the Government with "shot and shell" for use against British invaders, this houor falling to him during the War of 1812, when his "iron castings" were in large demand and played an important part. He married a Miss Dawson of Philadelphia, who bore him two sons, Robert and George Dawson Coleman. The last named, the subject of this sketch, was given every educational advantage possible from his earliest youth. After a thorough preparatory course at Princeton, New Jersey, he entered the Collegiate De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1843. Subsequently he visited Europe aud while in Germany took a scien- tific course at a celebrated School of Mines in that country. In 1846, being then of age, he entered into partnership with his elder brother Robert, and together they erected the North Lebanon Furnace, at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the man- ufacture of iron. This was the first anthracite fur- nace built in that section and one of the very first built in the United States. When it was erected the enterprise was considered hazardous, as, until that period, no one had attempted to manufacture iron from the "Cornwall ore" with anthracite coal. But the proprietors were sanguine of success, for they were watchful, well-informed and untiring in their endeavors ; moreover, they were able to com- mand a supply of the finest ore in the country, as they together owned a fifteen-forty-eighths interest in the famous " Cornwall ore " deposit. Their haz- ardous enterprise was attended with perfect suc- cess, insomuch that, in 1848, another furnace was added and the quantity manufactured doubled. In 1852 Robert Coleman retired from the business and spent the remainder of his life in Europe, making his residence in Paris, where he died in 1878. From the date of the retirement of his brother until his own death the North Lebanon Furnaces were operated by George Dawson Coleman, aud are now owned and operated by his widow and heirs. During the War for the suppression of the Rebellion, Mr. Coleman supplied the Government with shot and shell in large quantities, as his father
Klauson Coleman,
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and grandfather before him had done in the War of | his family ; and the large opportunities which he 1812 and the Revolutionary War, respectively. But his services in the defense of the Union were not confined to business dealings with the Federal Gov- ernment. From the very first rumor of war he staunchly supported the National authorities, and during the progress of the struggle he contributed freely of his means for every patriotic purpose. He was particularly liberal in subscribing towards defraying the expenses of organizing aud equipping the different regiments recruited in his section of the State. For one regiment alone, the Ninety- third Pennsylvania, he contributed the munificent sum of ten thousand dollars. The career of this regiment was watched by him with peculiar inter- est and solicitude. To the widows and orphans of those who fell in defense of the Union he was a generous benefactor, freely contributing large sums to funds raised for their assistance. In the labors of the Sanitary Commission he took the deepest interest, furthering them by frequent and liberal donations, and often in person distributing its stores upon the battle-field. During this stormy period he manifested the most unselfish devotion to the interests of the whole people and, suppressing his distaste for political life, consented to serve in the State Legislature that he might more effectively further those interests. In every act he proved that he was actuated by the purest patriotism. His whole career as a legislator embraced five years,- during two of which he served in the State House of Representatives and the remaining three in the State Senate,-and was marked by the faithful and conscientious discharge of all his duties. The old- est and most experienced of his colleagues recog- nized in him a gifted and valuable coadjutor in the work of legislation, and his services were of a char- acter to earn him the lasting gratitude of the peo- ple. The money compensation received by him from the State was invariably turned over, each year, to some charitable purpose. Mr. Coleman was invited by President Grant to enter his Cabinet and accept the Portfolio of the Interior Department, but he could not be persuaded to accept the honor, although a great friend of the soldier-President and in perfect sympathy with his administration. He disliked public life, and said that the President of the United States had no gift to offer that would induce him to go so far from the home he so dearly loved. In his business as an iron manufacturer Mr. Coleman occupied a foremost place and he was known throughout the United States as one of its most enterprising and skillful representatives. He . seemed to inherit a just pride in his vocation, which he was pursuing in the fourth generation in
found in it for the exercise of his humane instincts gave its pursuit an added delight of no mean value to him. But his business labors were not confined exclusively to the iron manufacture. He was also a large shareholder in the Pennsylvania Steel Com- pany at Steelton, Pennsylvania, and was indirectly connected with many other important manufactur- ing corporations. As a financier he possessed rare judgment and sound discretion, and in the position of President of the First National Bank of Lebanon, exhibited these qualities to a degree which not only greatly aided the institution but also greatly ex- tended his personal reputation. He was promi- nent, likewise, as an agriculturist, having a large farm and one of the finest dairies in the State. He paid great attention to the improvement of cattle, of which he was the owner of a large herd, mauy of them of the finest breeds. He also gave considera- ble time and attention to horticulture and land- scape gardening, as is evidenced by the beautiful grounds surrounding the residence of the family on Mount Lebanon in North Lebanon towuship. The natural beauties of the location, adorned by the artis- tic arrangement of a great variety of trees, rare plants and flowers, combine in making this one of the most beautiful country-seats in the State. In the building up and beautifying of this lovely place Mr. Coleman found his greatest and most health- giving recreation. Possessed of a naturally liberal and generous spirit Mr. Coleman felt a deep interest in all movements tending to develop and improve the community in which he resided, and his influ- ence and assistance were always sought and es- teemed in these movements, however originating or for whatever purpose. A work in which he took an especial interest was that of the State Board of Charities, of which he was a member from its or- ganization in 1869 down to the time of his death, he being its President during the later years of his connection with it. He was au indefatigable worker in this capacity and uscd every means at his command to ensure satisfactory management in all the charitable institutions of the State. He seemed to feel a peculiar interest in the insane, and his personal attention to their wants did much to ameliorate their condition. Throughout his whole life he manifested great interest in religious mat- ters, and for nearly half a century was a sincere but unostentatious churchmau. His regard for the religious welfare of his army of workmen led him to spare no pains or expense to furnish them with every spiritual comfort, and for this purpose lie built and supported churches for them at Elizabeth and Lebanon Furnaces. Several years before his death
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
lie presented his grandfather's house at the corner of Front and Pine Streets in Philadelphia-the house in which he was born-together with a large sum of money, to St. Peter's Church, for the pur- pose of establishing a mission. In 1873 there was erected on the site a substantial three-story, brick edifice, together with a comniodious basement, which is called "St. Peter's House." The first floor is oceupied by a spacious hall, fitted up for the accommodation of the Guilds and other religious and charitable soeieties belonging to the parish. A tablet on the wall attests to the munificent act of the donor, while a large memorial window of beau- tifully stained glass at the eastern end serves to adorn the apartment. The upper rooms are in- tended for the accommodation of seamen and others who may be under the care of the parish. In the History of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in which a brief sketch of his life appears, the writer pays just tribute to his kindly nature in the follow- ing eloquent words : " His whole life was an exam- ple of generosity and kindness of heart rarely equalled, and in the community in which he lived and labored no man was more universally respected and beloved." In 1852 Mr. Coleman married Miss Brown, daughter of Mr. William Brown, of Phila- delphia, who, with two sons and five daughters, survives him.
ISAAC A. SHEPPARD.
HON. ISAAC A. SHEPPARD, a leading manu- facturer and financier of Philadelphia, senior mem- ber of the house of Isaac A. Sheppard & Co., of Philadelphia and Baltimore, President of the Board of Education of the city of Philadelphia, President of the National Security Bank in the same city, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and now Grand Treasurer of that body, was born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, July 11, 1827. His great grandparents were among the earliest settlers in that section, taking up lands on the Cohansey River, which forms part of the divid- ing line between Salem and Cumberland Counties. His grandparents were natives of New Jersey and were farmers by occupation, as were also his par- ents, Ephraim and Mary Sheppard. At the com- mon schools of the district in which he was born the subject of this sketch laid the foundation of liis education. At the early age of eleven years he be- gan to do something towards earning his own living by working on a farm. When he was about thir-
teen years of age his parents removed to Philadel- phia, hoping by this step to advance the interests of their children. Isaae now had the privilege of attending the grammar school, but by the time he liad completed one term the continued illness of liis father made it necessary for him to leave sehool in order to obtain work to assist liis mother in main- taining liis younger brothers and sisters. Shortly after this he had the great misfortune to lose his mother. This bereavement broke up the family, the members of which became scattered, and Isaae was obliged to turn his hands to whatever employ- ment afforded him the means of subsistence. After spending two or three years in various situations he apprenticed himself to the trade of stove molding, upon which he entered with high hopes in the month of January, 1844, his employers being Messrs. Charles W. Warnick & Co., stove and hol- low-ware founders of Philadelphia. Encouraged and shielded by his devotion to the memory of his pious mother, whose teachings he revered and followed when left to his own resourees, he prospered from the outset ; and conducting his life systematically, notwithstanding the ordinary temptations which as- sail youth in a large city, he not only successfully mastered his trade in all its branches, but likewise improved his education to such a degree that in later life he can scarcely be said to have felt any serious inconvenience from its interruption. This latter achievement was accomplished by devoting two evenings of each week to the mastery of writ- ing and arithmetic and two more to reading and general intellectual improvement. By paying care- ful attention to the peculiarities of material used in his business the young apprentiee made himself thoroughly familiar with the nature, strength and qualities required to produce the best results. His profieiency in these particulars was noted by his employers, and when his apprenticeship expired they retained him in their employ as a journeyman, and assurcd him that while there was work to be liad in their establishment he should be given it to do. This promise was faithfully kept, and for thir- teen years Mr. Sheppard remained on the pay-roll of the firm an honored and trusted employee, only severing his connection with it upon its dissolution, following the death of Mr. Charles W. Warniek. During all the time he labored as a journeyman he continued his studies and general reading, becoming in this way widely acquainted with the affairs of the world. He also became affiliated with several musical, beneficial and charitable societies and as- sociations, the benefits of which he appreciated and secured. Having read of Scotland's Building As- soeiations, dating back to 1815, and examined the
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