USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of contemporary biography of Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 8
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Grac Q Sheppardy
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
one organization in Frankford, Pennsylvania, in 1831, he united with others in the establishment of a Saving and Building Association. In 1849 he se- cured a lot on Sixth Street, below Girard Avenue, and built a house thereon, into which he moved af- ter his marriage in the following year, and where he has since resided. While still employed at his trade Mr. Sheppard made a close examination of the relative advantages of general partnerships and corporations, and arrived at the conclusion that the former were preferable. Accordingly, when ready to enter business upon his own account, he chose that form, and in association with Jonathan S. Bid- dle, James C. Horn, William B. Walton and John Sheeler, he organized, in 1860, the firm of Isaac A. Sheppard & Co., which, having secured an eligible site at Seventh Street and Girard Avenue and pur- chased the necessary machinery and patterus, es- tablished the Excelsior Stove Works of Philadel- phia, and six years later the Excelsior Stove Works of Baltimore, Mr. Sheppard having the financial control and general management of the business in both establishments. From the beginning of its career the firm encountered the most determined opposition from the older establisliments, which, to drive their young rivals' products from the markets, in many instances sold their own wares below cost. Mr. Sheppard had been too well schooled in trials and adversity in his earlier years to be overcome or even intimidated by those he now encountered. A born manager, as well as a thorough workman, he persevered despite the bitterest opposition, and al- though he was obliged to compete at ruinous prices with much wealthier firms and combinations avowedly seeking to destroy his business at its in- ception, he persevered without flinching, and by the close of the third year had the pleasure of find- ing that his tactics had prevailed, that opposition had been conquered, and that his business was at last firmly established on its merits. During the critical period of the Civil War and the years im- mediately following, Mr. Sheppard's energetic man- agement sustained his business through many and severe trials. His keen perception foresaw the re- sult of the struggle, and with great wisdom he planned to meet the demand for his products which he was convinced would arise in the South at the close of hostilities. From the Baltimore foundry this demand, when it arose, was readily supplied, and their works, opened in August, 1866, were speedily taxed to their full capacity to meet the sales in this section alone, the increase in which was largely attributable to the change in the social condition of the negro. Although the foundry at Baltimore relieved the Philadelphia works for a
timc, the business at the latter increased so steadily that additional facilities were determined upon. In June, 1871, these were obtained by the purchase from the Frankford and Southwark Passenger Railway Company of the entire square of over two and a half acres included within Third and Fourth Streets, Berks Street and Montgomery Avenue, with the capacious buildings thereon. In 1878 the first death occurred iu the firm, that of Mr. Sheeler. Iu 1882 Mr. Biddle died, and in February of the next year, Mr. Walton. Mr. Horn died in October, 1886. The firm still retains its original name, and as at present composed consists of Mr. Sheppard, the founder and senior member, Mr. Franklin L. Sheppard and Howard R. Sheppard, sons of the senior partner. The works at the pres- ent time employ, altogether, no less than five hun- dred workmen, and use about eight thousand tons of iron yearly, worked up principally into stoves, heaters and ranges, although other castings have always been and still are made. The business of the firm is reputed to reach nearly one million of dollars annually, and the works rank with the most extensive in the country, standing as a brilliant ex- ample of the fruits of energy and perseverance and a noble monumeut to American enterprise and in- dustry. Besides conducting this large business, Mr. Sheppard has for many years taken an active part in political, financial, educational and benevo- lent enterprises. He entered political life as far back as 1858, when he was elected by the People's party to the State Legislature, in which he took his seat the following year. He was twice re-elected to the Legislature, serving in all three terms. This period was one of the most eventful in the history both of the State and Nation, and during it business of the most vital importance came up for legis- lation. Mr. Sheppard proved a most influential member, and aided iu the introduction aud passage of many bills having a direct and important bearing on the public welfare. In January, 1861, he became Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and as such patriotically gave the weight of his position and influence to carrying forward decisive meas- ures for the support of the National Government. In March, 1861, during a protracted illness of the Speaker of the House, Mr. Sheppard was unani- mously elected Speaker pro tem, aud exercised the functions of that high office with dignity and credit for more than one-third of that session. In May, 1861, he was oue of the Committee that pre- pared and reported the bill entitled " An Act to create a Loan and Provide for Arming the State," under which the Pennsylvania Reserves were or- ganized. He was Chairman of the Committee on
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the attack upon citizens of Pennsylvania in passing through Baltimore en route to Washington, and made an able report thereon. Throughout the con- tinuance of the Civil War he was distinguished as a warm friend and zealous upholder of the Federal authorities, to whose support lie freely contributed in personal services and by his influence and money. In 1867 he was elected by the Councils of Philadel- phia to represent the interests of the city in the Northern Liberties Gas Company, and still holds the position, to which he has been repeatedly re- elected by acclamation. In 1870 he took a leading part in organizing the National Security Bank, and was elected a Director therein. Two years later he was chosen Vice-President of the institution, and held that office by annual re-election until 1885, when he was chosen President. Another financial trust with which he is prominently connected is the Northern Safe Deposit and Trust Company of Philadelphia, of which he was elected a Director in 1881. In 1879 Mr. Sheppard was chosen by the Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas in the city of Philadelphia, (who hold the appointing power) a member of the Board of Public Education of the First School District of Pennsylvania for a term .. of three years, and has served in the Board by suc- cessive re-appointments down to the present time, being chosen President of the Board in January, 1889. During his connection with the Board he has served nine years on the Committee on Property, and has also rendered most efficient service on the Committees on Boys' High School, Manual Training School, Industrial Art Education, and Night Schools, being Chairman of the last named for six years. He has been most active in guarding, im- proving and advancing the educational interests of the city, and has particularly identified himself with the introduction of manual training in the public schools, of which he has been a persistent and earnest advocate. Early in life Mr. Sheppard be- came affiliated with the great social and beneficial or- ganization known as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and after receiving nearly all the minor honors was, in 1874, elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania. In 1877 he was elected the Grand Representative from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Order, and after sitting as such eight years he was elected Grand Treasurer of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and now holds that position. This office is one of great responsibility and trust. Mr. Sheppard has filled it with eminent satisfaction to the Order and with high credit to himself, and from published expressions of approval of his man- agement it may be inferred that he has discharged
his duties in a manner to materially strengthen the organization financially. For a number of ycars he has been one of the Trustees of the Widows' and Orphans' Asylum Fund of the Order, in the con- servation and growth of which he takes a deep in- terest. Other organizations with which he is con- nected are the Masonic Order, in which he is a Past Master; and the Order of United American Mechanics, in which he has attained to the high distinction of Councilor. He is also President of the Sixteenth Ward Association of the Philadelphia Society of Organized Charity. In the city of Balti- more, where he owns and controls extensive busi- ness interests, he is a member of the Board of Di- rectors of the Workingmen's Institute. Notwith- standing the increase in his wealth, consequent upon the brilliant success which has attended all his business enterprises, Mr. Sheppard continues to occupy the modest home into which he moved as its owner upon his marriage nearly forty years ago, and around which cluster so many delightful mem- ories. Mr. Sheppard has been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church for nearly forty years, and a Sunday-School Superintendent for thirty years, and for many years has been a Dclegate to the Diocesan Convention of Pennsylvania, always taking an active interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of Christianity. As a citizen he has demonstrated his worth no less ably than as the head of a family, a husband and a father. In his business career, as well as in his public life and in all the places of honor and trust to which he has been called, he has proved himself worthy of the fullest confidence. His reward in wealth has been great, but he prizes more highly that which he finds in the esteem and love of all with whom he has held or holds close relationship, in whatever field. It has been truly said that liis history affords a con- spicuous illustration of the splendid possibilities which lie within the grasp of those who have moral courage, fidelity to principle, and untiring energy and enterprise ; " and it cannot be gainsaid that such lives are full of the best kind of encourage- ment to young men." In personal appearance Mr. Sheppard is of medium stature and robust frame. In his countenance there is a calm dignity and earnestness which speaks volumes to the beholder. His manners are kindly, and he wins friends easily since his heart readily interests itself in all that is worthy and honorable. Mr. Sheppard married in 1850 Miss Caroline M. Holmes, a native of Phila- delphia, whose parents were from Devonshire, England. This estimable lady, who has shared lier husband's trials and successes for so many years, has presented him during their happy married life
26Bocaux.
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CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
with five children, of whom the two survivors, Mr. Franklin L. Sheppard and Mr. Howard R. Shep- pard, are associated with their father in his busi- ness.
JOHN C. LUCAS.
JOHN C. LUCAS, a prominent banker and busi- ness man of Philadelphia, and for ten years pre- ceding his death President of the Keystone National Bank of that city, was born there, March 16, 1847, and died at the Monmouth House, Spring Lake Beach, New Jersey, August 18, 1888. From a repu- table and prosperous ancestry Mr. Lucas inherited a sturdy physique, strong intellectual powers, great strength of will, and a genial disposition. From his earliest youth he was conspicuous for his energy, in- telligence, leadership and executive ability. He was a graduate of Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport. His business career began early and was exception- ally active and successful. Enterprising to a degree far in advance of many of his competitors in business, fearless in assuming risks which his judgment ap- proved, and actuated by liberal views in all his deal- ings, he realized profits where others made no gains whatever or possibly sustained losses. By the time he was twenty-five years of age he had built up a business which yielded a most satisfactory income, and personally had achieved a prominence in the commercial world which many would have esteemed a gratifying reward for the labors of at least a score of years. In 1873 he enlarged his mercantile inter- ests by assuming full charge of the business of Mr. W. C. Hamilton, at that time a large paper manu- facturer of Philadelphia. Up to this period Mr. Hamilton had entrusted the sales of the output of his extensive mills to an agency. Mr. Lucas, upon taking charge of the business, reorganized it ac- cording to his own plans, and managed it success- fully for several years, relinquishing it, finally, ow- ing to the demands upon his time and attention growing out of his acceptance of an important financial trust. About the year 1875 Mr. Lucas be- came interested in the Spring Lake Beach and Sea Girt properties, and to a great extent controlled and directed these valuable interests up to the time of his death. In 1878 he was elected President of the Keystone National Bank of Philadelphia. This position called for so much of his attention that in justice to its demands he gave up his connection with other enterprises and devoted his whole time to them. The bank prospered under his excellent management, and its capital, deposits and reserves
were all largely increased. About a year preceding - his death he purchased the property on which the bank stood, and, soon after, matured plans for the erection of a magnificent seven-story building to take the place of the old structure. The architec- ture, style and general arrangement of this new edi- fice were the subjects of his constant thought and study, and from the time its construction began he daily watched the gradual upbuilding of that which now remains as a beautiful and fitting monument to the enterprising and energetic spirit which con- ceived it, and brought it virtually to completion. In the latter part of June, 1888, during an exces- sively hot spell, Mr. Lucas, following out his daily custom of inspecting all parts of the work, ascended by means of the temporary ladders to the roof of the structure, where he remained for some minutes exposed to the fierce heat of the sun. He then de- scended to the cellars, where new boilers were being put in, to inspect, personally, the progress of the work. The sudden change from the excessive heat of the roof to the cold and dampness of the cellars proved more than even his strong constitu- tion could bear, and within a few hours he was prostrated by pneumonia. Notwithstanding every care, the best medical attention, and final removal to Spring Lake Beach, where it was hoped the salu- brious atmosphere would prove helpful, the patient steadily failed, and despite the great strength of his own will and his intense desire to live to complete the work in which he was engaged, he succumbed to the inroads of the disease and, on the 18th of August, 1888, "he fell into the sleep of death." Thus passed away a man who, though young, had in his brief span accomplished much. " He lived," said the Rev. Wm. V. Kelley, D.D., of Brooklyn, New York, in his eloquent address at the funeral of Mr. Lucas, "long enough to make his mark and impress himself on affairs. He demonstrated the quality of his manhood and proved himself to be cast in a large and noble mold; so that, though he died young, the world has fully appraised and cer- tified what manner of man he was." Continuing, the reverend speaker added : "He did not die un- known, and the amount of manly force which the Creator condensed in him is clearly registered by effects where all can see them. *
* * He was one of the men who are born to do, and to make things come to pass. * * There was a valiant * will to resolve, and a brave heart to undertake; there were practical energies to exccute ; there was sagacious judgment to conduct affairs prudently and safely ; and there was patient persistence to labor severely and ceaselessly. All these possessed powers he had handled, practiced with, and tested
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until he knew their shape and measure and was the skillful master of them. I remember one summer day when he took me riding for miles up and down the sea-coast, as I sat beside him, listening to his carefully chosen words and controlled voice, and watched him managing with a firm hand his spir- ited horses, I thought within myself : ' This man beside me is master of himself as well as his beast ; he has his own faculties equally well in hand, and under a steady rein.' With such a fine equipment of well disciplined abilities, he was prepared and available for large undertakings and honorable ser- vice. The powers which he possessed did not fail of recognition. A few years sufficed to demonstrate his value, so that it was publicly well known. By sturdy endeavor he made his name a synonym for whatever is strong and true in manhood. * * * The confidence which he commanded is indicated in the magnitude of the interests entrusted to him, and the positions to which he was advanced. Such trusts prove beyond question the faith which men had both in his ability and his integrity. Capacity and honesty must unite to make trustworthiness, and John C. Lucas finished his earthly career crowned with the respect and confidence of men who know strong manhood when they see it. * * * He was strong not for himself alone. There beat in his bosom a warm, brotherly heart. *
* * He was accustomed to carry other burdens than his own. How many looked to him, how many leaned on him we cannot know. * * * He cherished gratefully the remembrance of even the smallest kindness done to himself, and waited his opportu- nity, sometimes for years, to repay it four-fold if
possible. * * * One thing more is to be said concerning his life, the best and worthiest thing of all ; and that is this,-at the outset he adopted a Christian conception of character and duty. Very early he chose Christ for his Saviour and Lord, and laid out his plans for all coming years on Christian principles under his Master's guidance. * * * We have only one grievance against him, and that is that he was so unmerciful to himself. It is im- possible not to admire the sort of men who have the stuff in them to ' scorn delights and live labor- ious days.' It can scarcely be questioned that his bright career was cut short by its intensity, broken off in the middle by too strenuous toil. * *
* This gives us our keenest regret; but such regrets are now unavailing, and after all we cannot helpre- membering that it is no low type of manhood in which the spirit is able to tyrannize over the flesh and out-work the power of bodily endurance. Every nature must take the risks of its own consti- tution. The body must submit to the stress of the
mighty will and the severe exactions of the high pitched ambition, if a spirit of such quality and power tenements within it."
JAMES M. WILLCOX.
JAMES M. WILLCOX, Ph.D., a distinguished citizen of Philadelphia, prominent for many years as a manufacturer, inventor and author, and late partner in the firm of James M. Willcox & Company, was born at Ivy Mills, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1824. His paternal ancestors for several generations have resided at Ivy Mills, where, in 1727, his great-grandfather, Thomas Willcox, es- tablished a paper manufacturing business, which has descended from father to son without interrup- tion through five generations, and is to-day not only one of the most flourishing but also the oldest busi- ness concern in the United States. Mr. Willcox is the fourth son of the late James M. Willcox. His mother-who was the second wife of his father- was Mary, the eldest daughter of Captain James Brackett, of Quincy, Massachusetts, whose ancestor, also a Captain Brackett, born in Scotland, in 1611, came to America with the early Puritans. "This ancestor figures in Hawthorne's 'Scarlet Letter' as captain of the soldiery and custodian of the jail in which Hester Prynne was confined." Mr. Willcox's maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Odiorne, descend- ed from a gentleman of that name who came over in 1623 with the Church of England colony that founded Portsmouth, N. H. The old family man- sion at Odiorne Point, Portsmouth, still standing, is one of the most interesting antiquities of that local- ity. The subject of this sketch was born in the house in which his father and grandfather before him first saw light. He received his early education under the supervision of Anthony Bolmar, an in- structor of considerable note, whose excellent board- ing-school at West Chester, Pennsylvania, he at- tended for several years. After leaving this school he entered Georgetown College, in the District of Columbia, and at the close of his classical training entered upon the study of medicine. Before com- pleting the course he changed his intention in regard to a profession and went abroad, where he spent three years, chiefly in Rome, devoting himself mainly to the study of ancient and modern lan- guages, the higher mathematics and philosophy. His opportunities for mastering these could scarcely have been excelled, since there existed nowhere bet- ter schools of instruction than the Roman Propa- ganda and the Sapienza, in which the Latin language
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was not only the text of the books employed, but also the sole medium of communication between teachers and pupils. In these world-famous schools Greek and Hebrew, the sciences and philosophy were expounded and taught by the ablest profcs-
sors. The fluency in Latin acquired in them enabled the students to master without difficulty the several European tongues derived from it. . Mr. Willcox, therefore, in addition to his other attain- ments, became an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages with ease and elegance, and in competition with his fellow-students carried off his full share of the honors, winning finally his Doctor's cap. In the Universities of Europe the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is one which is conferred only for high scholarship, and the examinations to which candidates for it are subjected are very severe and include logic, metaphysics and ethics as well as physics and mathematics. The degree is conferred only upon the few who are capable of winning it and is justly esteemed as one of the greatest Univer- sity honors. In 1847 Mr. Willcox received his Doctorate from Pope Pius IX., the diploma issuing not from the Faculty of the Propaganda, but, as a special favor, directly from the Pontiff, as thus set forth in its text: "Pius Papa Nonus, volens eum speciali gratia cumulare, eum Doctorem in Philosophia creavit, cum omnibus honoribus et oneribus quae Phil- osphiae Doctoribus propria sunt." At Rome Dr. Will- cox enjoyed the acquaintance and friendship of some of the most distinguished scholars of that day, among them the celebrated Cardinal Mezzofanti- the greatest of all linguists, ancient or modern-who was master of forty languages, and with whom he had the privilege and honor of studying Anglo- Saxon. To recuperate his health, somewhat affected by close application to study, Dr. Willcox made a brief tour of Europe after leaving Italy, and in the fall of 1847 returned to America. For several years he gave himself up to literary pursuits, in the mean- while carefully building up his health. Having ef- fected a fair restoration of his bodily condition he turned his attention to business pursuits as a means of securing that variety of occupation most condu- cive to the maintenance of mental and physical vigor ; and as the partner of his father and brother in the paper manufacturing business at Glen Mills, he entered upon an active career in which he was destined to achieve most important results and to win additional honors. In his new vocation Mr. Willcox found his scientific knowledge of the high- est value. By means of it he was enabled to revolu- tionize the manufacture and to completely change the character of the business, which he raised out of the time-honored grooves in which it had been
running and placed on a scientific basis in accord with the advanced thought and methods of the present day. After much experimental research, conducted through several years, he succeeded in producing a greater variety of papers than had ever before been made by any one person. He was the first to produce bank-note paper by machinery, and has also the distinguished honor of being the inventor of the "localized fibre paper" which has ever since been employed by the National Government and has proved a more effective check upon, and preventa- tive of, bank-note counterfeiting than all other means combined. For many years the firm of James M. Willcox & Company had the monopoly of the manufacture of this special paper, which was conducted at their mills under the supervision and protection of the Government. Its success at home brought it to the favorable consideration of foreign governments, and "in 1878, under agreement with the imperial Government of Germany, Mr. Willcox sent out an agent to Berlin, near which city was put in successful operation a bank-note paper mill with the special machinery required, as at Glen Mills, for the manufacture of the German currency paper." The German authorities were so highly satisfied with the results following the employment of this invention of Dr. Willcox that it was adopted for the currency of the Empire, as is that in use to- day. They also sent the inventor a testimonial of appreciation in which it is explicitly stated that his contract with the Government had been carried out to their entire satisfaction. At the Paris Exposition of 1878, this distinctive paper, being placed on ex- hibition, won for its inventor the Diploma of Honor, the highest award accorded, and one which was given to very few. Previous to the employment of " the localized fibre paper " the Government relied upon the excellent work of the Bank-Note Compan- ies to prevent counterfeiting; but notwithstanding the high character of this work and the precision of its geometrical lines, the evil was not effectually checked until the genius and inventive skill of Dr. Willcox furnished a perfect check in the paper itself. This check, as is apparent, is of a mechanical nature, but another one, of a chemical nature, is also the invention or discovery of Dr. Willcox. This is the celebrated "chameleon paper," so called by reason of its sensitive changes when tampered with. It has been long in use in the United States Treasury Department for stamps and checks, and effectually put an end to the counterfeiting and re-using of In- ternal Revenue stamps by which the Government had been extensively swindled in the past. Through the employment of his scientific attainments in his business Mr. Willcox succeeded in lifting it to the
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