USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of genealogy and biography of the state of Pennsylvania with a compendium of history. A record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Volume II > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
JOHN H. GRAHAM.
John Harris Graham, a native of Strabane, county Tyrone, Ireland. was born December 4. 1829. the son of James Graham, who emigrated to America, bringing with him his son, in infancy, to Philadelphia, where he located.
John Il. Graham received his education in the public schools of this city. AAt the age of fourteen he connected himself with the seed establishment of Robert Buist, and later entered the agricultural imple- ment and seed house of Boa & Spangler, afterwards purchasing the interest of Mr. Boa.
637
OF THE ST.ITE OF PENNSYLE. INI.I.
In 1858 he established the firm of Graham, Emlen & Passmore. becoming the semor member of a house of most favorable reputation and standing in this city. the business having been successfully con- ducted for many years, and from which the members of the firm re- tired. Mr. Graham transferring the important feature of the business to his two sons, who are to-day established in the manufacture of "The Genuine Philadelphia Lawn Mowers" of world-wide reputation. One son, Walter E. Graham, is the president, and another son. John W. Graham. the secretary and treasurer, of the corporation known as the Philadelphia Lawn Mower Company.
-
Mr. Graham in his early life was a hard worker, and knew the value of a conscientiously acquired dollar, which he accumulated by industry and perseverance, and slowly but surely forged to the front. He was a liberal contributor to worthy enterprises and charities, and was from his early manhood a member of the Presbyterian church and an elder therein for more than twenty years.
He was a strong anti-slavery man, and adhered to the principles of the Republican party during his life. He never sought political pre- ferment, but served his constituents, at their earnest request. in select council of this city, for a term of eight years, becoming a prominent leader in that body as the chairman of several committees of impor tance.
He served as a member of the board of trade for many years. and was also a member of the board of trustees of the Northern Dis- pensary, in which he took a special interest. He was a director of the Corn Exchange National Bank for twenty-five years, and was an im- portant factor in the successful management of that institution. After retiring from the old firm located at 631 Market street, he devoted his time to financial affairs, having his office in the Drexel building. Ile
38
638
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENE. ILOGY
was a well known figure in business and financial circles, and his sturdy manhood and business probity were always conspicuous in his dealings with his fellow men, never sacrificing any of his well defined principles of justice and humanity in his business relations, and thus having built up a character that made his life work not in vain. He died honored and respected by all who knew him on the twenty-eighth day of Sep- tember, 1848, leaving seven children, five daughters and two sons.
ALFRED W. WILLIAMS.
Alfred W. Williams, attorney-at-law at Sharon. Pennsylvania. was born in Brookfield, Ohio. December 22. 1851. and is a son of Riley and Rachel ( Porter ) Williams. The Williams family came from Con- necticut. and settled in the Western Reserve, while the Porter family were pioneers of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. To Riley and Rachel Williams were born four children, namely: Alfred W .; Wilbert M .. of Cleveland: Ella, widow of John Service: and Julia, wife of W. K. Naylor, of Bellaire, Ohio. Riley Williams died in Sharon. October 26. 1865. and his widow is still a resident of the borough. Ile was a pio- neer in the development of the Pennsylvania oil country, and was post- master of Pitthole Center when that oil town was at the height of its prosperity, and he was very prosperous. The ancestry on the paternal side is traced back to Sir Roger Williams.
Alfred W. Williams came to Sharon with his parents and grew to manhood in that locality. On the death of his father he was thrown on his own resources, and worked in one of the rolling mills of Sharon for several years. At the age of eighteen years he began learning the trade of carpenter and architecturai drawing, and worked as carpenter and builder from 1870 until the close of 1881. In December of that
639
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
vear he received an appointment as paster and fohler in the fokhng department of the house of representatives at Washington, D. C., but was soon afterwards promoted to a clerkship, which he filled until January. 1884, and was afterwards appointed to a position in the architect's department of the United States treasury department. For a number of years he had a desire to enter the legal profession. and accepted his first appointment at Washington with the intention of studying law. In February, 1882, he entered Columbian University. Washington, D. C., where he took his degree of B. L. in June. 1883. In June, 1884, he took the degree of M. L., having gone through the post-graduate course, and on the fourth of the same month was admitted to the supreme court of the district. He at once returned to Sharon. and on June 10, 1884. was admitted at Mercer and opened an office at Sharon, where he has since practiced his profession. He has since been admitted to practice in the supreme and superior courts of Penn- sylvania. For the past two years he has been borough solicitor and has been the supreme solicitor of the Protected Home Circle ever since its organization. He is also attorney for the Sharon Building & Loan Association, which position he has held for fourteen years, and has been attorney for the street railways in Sharon ever since the organ- ization of the various companies. Mr. Williams is a Republican, and has never sought public office, but was an unsuccessful candidate for judge of Mercer county, in 1894, being defeated by the present incum- bent. Hon. Samuel H. Miller.
On March 29, 1876, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Louisa Hull, who died May 26. 1877, leaving a daughter, Louisa. He was married December 7. 1886, to Miss Ida Boyce, of Sharon. Fraternally Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic Order and the Protected Home Circle.
640
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY .IND GENE. ILOGY
LOUIS ROTT.
Homestead. Pennsylvania, has long been famous in the industrial world, due to the fact of its being the location of the celebrated Car- negie Steel Works. As a center of activity in varied lines of industry and manufacture it yields to no place of its size in importance and inter- est. An immense amount of capital has been invested there, and the organization, management and ownership of its many plants have drawn to its limits some of the highest talent and mest skilful financiers in the United States. Among these Mr. Louis Rott takes high rank. both on account of his long identification with the city's development and the important service he has rendered as an active participant in its progress. In all, he has figured in almost every line which con- tributes toward the life of this busy young metropolis, and in what he Iris undertaken, whether in the financial, industrial or social fields, his success has been such as to give him marked prominence among the citizenship of Homestead. All these sentiments will be fully verified by the appended brief biography covering the more important points of his career.
His parents were Christian and Louisa ( Heiseker ) Rott, natives of the duchy of Brunswick, Germany, and who emigrated to the United States in 1850 and located at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The father was a blacksmith, of steady and industrious habits, efficient as a me- chanie and noted for devotion to his family, taking special interest in the education of his children and in training them to lives of up- rightness. He was of a religious turn of mind, an adherent of the doctrines taught by the Lutherans, and for many years attended the church of that denomination situated on High street, in Pittsburg. As long as health and strength permitted he pursued his trade at Pitts-
Jours Pall
643
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIAI.
burg, where in the fulness of years and honors the lives both of him- self and wife were eventually ended in peace with the world and hope of the happiness that awaits Christians after death. This worthy couple had four children, of whom the three survivors are: Frederick, a resi- dent of Pittsburg: C. Z. F., who is manager of a glass factory in Jeannette, Pennsylvania; and Louis, the immediate subject of this review.
Lonis Rott was born in the duchy of Brunswick, near the Hartz mountains, in Germany, October 22. 1844. and consequently was only about six years of age when his parents crossed the ocean. He received a good education in the Pittsburg schools, and at the age of fourteen years commenced to serve an apprenticeship in the retail drug business. This was completed in five years, when he entered into partnership with the proprietor, which terminated at the end of twelve months by the closing out of the business. His next engagement was with B. L. Fahen- stock & Company, wholesale druggists, which lasted sixteen years, during which time Mr. Rott served the firm in various capacities. In 1882 he embarked in the retail drug business at Homestend, and carried it on for six years, after which he took a step that proved the beginning of what was destined to be a just and influential career. In 1888 he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Homestead, was elected its first cashier. was then made its vice-president, and is now the president of this popular institution. In addition to his banking interests he is connected with the Homestead Brick Company, the Mifflin Land & Improvement Company and the Homestead Baking Company. Another important act of Mr. Rott, both for himself and the community. was his assistance in the organization of the Homestead Building & Loan Association, of which he has been secretary for almost twenty years.
644 - COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENE.ILOGY
But Mr. Rott's energies have not by any means been confined to his achievements in the business world, his activities in other lines being equally active and helpful. Few citizens of Homestead have been so conspicuous and influential as he in connection with the various fra- ternities of the city, many of which he helped to organize. He holds membership in Lodge No. 991. Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Boaz Council. Royal Arcanum. AAmity Conclave, Heptasophs ; and Lin- coln Castle, Ancient Order of the Knights of the Mystic Chain. Ile is also a member of the Free & Accepted Masons. Homestead Lodge. Knights of Pythias, and Shiloh Chapter. He has been treasurer of Homestead borough for about ten years, served for about two terms on the school board, and for three years represented his ward in the city council. His financial interests are numerous and important, and few of its citizens have done so mach for the upbuilding and popularizing of the institutions of Homestead.
Mr. Rott was married July 19. 1876. to Miss Arabella J. Mc- Candless, a daughter. of Robert MeCandless, and they had three sons. L. Edwin. the eldest, is cashier of the Homestead National Bank: R. George is clerk of the Homestead Steel Company: and Albert John is an invalid. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 20th of November. 1889. and May 17. 1891. Mr. Rott was united in marriage to her sister, Margarett Virginia MeCandless. Like his hon- orable parents before him, Mr. Rott is a man of religious inclinations and holds the position of senior warden in St. Matthew's Episcopal church at Homestead. In business affairs, fraternal and social con- nections and in all the walks of life Mr. Rott is regarded as a high-minded and Christian gentleman.
645
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DANIEL CHARLES CLARKE.
In the field of political life Daniel C. Clarke has won distinction. and is now numbered among the leading, influential and honored citizens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a state lies not in its machinery of government nor even in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens. in their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. Such a man is Mr. Clarke, whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number.
Daniel C. Clarke was born in Annville. Lebanon county, Pennsyl- vania, and his ancestors, of Scotch-Irish origin, were among the first settlers of the Derry and Paxtong Colony in Dauphin county, Penn- sylvania: in 1720 they erected the old Derry church, in which they worshiped, carrying with them to their services their rifles for defense against the frequent raids of the Indians of the forest. His father. Walter Clarke, was a well known and prominent citizen of Lebanon county, having been twice honored by his fellow townsmen to serve in the capacity of commissioner of the county. He was als , instru- mental in the organization of a battalion of troops, of which he was elected captain, known as "The Annville Guards," celebrated in the military annals of the state. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Stroh.
Mr. Clarke acquired his literary education in the Lebanon Valley Academy, after which he accepted a position as bookkeeper at the Corn- wall Iron Works, one of the largest iron establishments in the state of Pennsylvania; subsequently be removed to Philadelphia, and engaged in the wholesale fancy goods and notien trade, with the okl established
616
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENE. I.OGY
house of Brooke. Fuller & Company, then located in Third street, the center of the wholesale dry-goods district of the city at that time. Upon the retirement. from active business pursuits, of his associates, he be- came their successor and proprietor of the business, which he success- fully conducted for twelve years. Mr. Clarke's prosperous career gave him prominence not only in business circles but in social and political life. He was chosen to represent the thirteenth district in the legislature of Pennsylvania, and was appointed by Judge Folger. then secretary of the United States treasury, an examiner of customs, which position he filled in an efficient and capable manner satisfactory to the depart- ment and to the merchants of Philadelphia. this fact being well attested by them in a large petition in their recommendation to the president of the United States for his appointment as United States appraiser at this port. He was appointed assistant United States appraiser by President Harrison, and during the four years of his administration displayed an executive ability of a high order, giving satisfaction to everyone with whom he was brought in contact, and at the same time he fear- lessly considered the interests of the government. With due appre- ciation of his services, an application was made to President Mckinley for his appointment as appraiser of the port by almost every representa- tive and prominent business house, embracing the manufacturing and importing interests of the city, together with many personal letters from leading and influential citizens.
Mr. Clarke possesses a vigorous constitution, has many social qual- ities that endear him to a large circle of friends, is very positive in his likes and dislikes, of strong will power and decided personality. On September 3. 1867. Mr. Clarke married Miss Mary C. Knisell, a dangh- ter of Benjamin and Eliza J. M. (Culp) Knisell, the former named being a descendant of a New Jersey ancestry. Jacob Culp, grandfather
647
OF THE ST.ITE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
of Mrs. Clarke, was one of the pi neer wholesale grocers of Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, conducting business for many years at the corner of Second and Callowhill streets, on the site of the old Black Horse Inn. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, Walter Knisell Clarke. who is associated in business with his father.
JOHN WOOLF JORDAN. LL. D.
John Woolf Jordan. LL. D. ( Lafayette), born in Philadelphia. September 14. 1840, is a son of Francis and Emily ( Woolf ) Jordan. a grandson of John and Elizabeth ( Henry ) Jordan, of Philadelphia : a great-grandson of Hon. William Henry, of Northampton county. twenty years justice of the district courts and a presidential elector of Washington, 1793: a great-great-grandson of Hon. William Henry. of Lancaster county, member of the committee of safety of Pennsyl- vania, member of the old congress and assistant commissary general during the Revolution.
He was graduated from Nazareth Hall in 1856. In 1886 he he- came editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography : in 1885. assistant librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania : in 1903. librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and in 1895 first president of the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania, and is registrar of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution.
He has contributed numerous articles to historical magazines and is the author of: "Friedensthal and its Stockaded Mill. 1749-1767": "Narrative of John Heckewelder's Journey to the Wabash in 1702": "Bishop Spangenburg's Notes of Travel to Onondaga in 1745"; ".1 Red Rose from the Olden Time. 1752-1772": "Something About Trom- bones": "Notes of Travel of John Heckewelder to Ohio. 1797": "Occu-
645 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENE.ILOGY
pation of New York by the British, 1775-1782": "Bethlehem During the Revolution": "The Military Hospitals at Bethlehem and Lititz Dur- ing the Revolution": "Franklin as a Genealogist": and he edited "les- say of an Onondaga Grammar," by David Zeisberger: "Continental Hospital Returns, 1778-1780." He is a member of various historical societies in states: a member of the commission for the preservation of the archives of the state of Pennsylvania. His contributions to the history of the Moravian church in Pennsylvania are voluminons.
GENERAL ALFRED L. PEARSON.
General Alfred 1. Pearson, deceased, an honored veteran of the Civil war, and a lawyer of repute in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, came of a family which was among the very first to settle Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, and whose members were ranked among the most prom- inent and influential citizens of that region. His father, John Pearson, was a talented and highly esteemed man, and his example and influence had much to do in forming the character of his son. Alfred L. Pearson was born in Pittsburg. December 28, 1836. He was educated in the public schools and at Jefferson College. Pennsylvania. His tastes and inclinations led him to adopt the profession of the law, and, after pur- suing his studies under the capable preceptorship of E. R. Jones, was admitted to the bar in 1861.
Just as he was entering upon his legal carcer. the outbreak of the Civil war turned his enthusiasm in another direction, and resulted in his winning fame on the field of battle before he did at the bar. He enlisted in August, 1862, and on August 220 was made captain of Company A. One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He soon displayed the true soldierly qualities of gallantry and leadership.
a 1 Kandin Rartin
651
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLCAINI.I.
and his promotion followed rapidly. On December 31st of the same year he was made major : July 22, 1863. received his commission of lieu- tenant colonel: on the 31st of the following month was promoted to colonel: served in that capacity for thirteen months, and on September 30. 1864. was appointed brigadier general by brevet, and six months later, March 1. 1865. for gallan and meritorious service at Lewis' Farm. Virginia was brevetted major general, and he also received a medal of honor from Congress. He participated in all the movements and en- gagements of his regiment throughout the war. and as brigadier gen- eral commanded the Third Brigade. First Division. Fifth Corps. con- sisting of troops from Pennsylvania and New York, being in com- mand of the latter detachment until mustered out at the end of the war. His record as a soldier is particularly honorable, for he was at all times an efficient, zealous and brave officer, and these three years of military during his earlier years must be regarded as the most memorable of his entire life.
General Pearson did not entirely give up his connection with mili- tary affairs after the war. He commanded the National Guard during the riot of 1867: on March 29. 1870. he was appointed major general of the Pennsylvania State Guards, being placed in command of the Sixth Division ( formerly the Eighteenth Division ); in 1888 he he- came commander of the National Union Veteran Legion. He served several terms as a member of the board of managers of the National Home for Disabled Soldiers, and in March, 1902, was elected first vice- president of that institution, in which position he served till death. In October. 1868. General Pearson was elected district attorney for Alle- gheny county, and served as such for three years, showing as great ability in this exacting position as he had before as a soldier. In October. 1871. he was elected by the Fifteenth ward of Pittsburg to the
652
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
select council for two years, and gave much time and attention to municipal affairs while in this office. 'In 1866-67 General Pearson edited the Sunday Critic and otherwise displayed his literary ability by pro- ducing three plays, which have never, however, been staged. From this brief record it may be seen that General Pearson had a versatile char- acter, and while he made an especial reputation as a leader of men he was also able in other departments of endeavor, and ranked among the best of Pittsburg's citizens.
WILLIAM M. BROWN.
William M. Brown, the present lieutenant governor of the com- monwealth of Pennsylvania, was born in Greenville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1850, and is now a resident of Newcastle, Lawrence county. When he was five years old his father died, and his mother shortly afterward moved to lowa, where young Brown began his education in the public schools. He was also a student in the grammar school at Warren, Ohio, at the Power Commercial School in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, and the One Study School of the same city. With the law as his intended profession he studied with Judge McMichael and was admitted to the bar in 1876, and for the following eight years devoted himself to practice.
His career as a public official began in 1883. when he was made special agent of the land office department of the United States, serving from January to August of that year, after which he resigned and re- sumed the practice of law. As the candidate of the Republican party. whose principles he has always upheld, Mr. Brown made the race for member of the house of representatives from Lawrence county in 1876 and again in 1880, but was defeated both times by a narrow margin.
653
OF THE ST.ITE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
In November, 1896, he was elected a member of the state senate from the forty-seventh district, composed of Lawrence and Mercer counties : at the session of 1897 he held a conspicuous position as a leader in that body, making a creditable record as a debater. For six years Mr Brown was a member of the select council of Newcastle. In 1902 the Republican state convention nominated him for lieutenant governor : he was elected in the following November by a plurality of 181.254. and was inaugurated in the office January 20, 1903.
In 1890 Mr. Brown shifted his attention to business, and for the following twelve years he was interested in the building and operating of an electric street car line. Until recently he was president of the Rapid Transit Railroad system of Syracuse, New York. In 1884 Mr. Brown married Miss Margaret Foltz, and they have two children, a daughter and a son.
WILLIAM WRENSHALL SMITH.
The family of this name, represented by three generations whose activities have covered a period of over seventy-two years, have im- pressed themselves in an endearing way upon the commercial, financial, religious and educational life of the community. Besides their suc- cessful achievements in the mercantile world, memorial of permanent value in the shape of a select boarding school for boys, which is a model of its class, will keep the citizens of Washington ever in mind of a philanthropist and public benefactor. The careers of the principal rep- resentatives of this family, including especially the founder and his son. are of such interest that no apology is necessary for setting them forth at some length.
William Smith, who was born near Darlington, Beaver county,
654
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENE. ILOGY
Pennsylvania. August 15. 1800, worked on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. In 1821. in company with his brother James. he came to Washington and opened a general store, but this establish- ment was closed after a year, when the brothers removed to Philadel- phia and reopened in the same line. but on a much more extensive scale. Their location was on Market street, where in the space of a few years they built up a flourishing business, but in 1825 failing health compelled James to a retirement, which led to a disposal of their enterprise. Will- iam subsequently located at Williamtown and re-embarked in mer- chandising. but in 1828 returned to Washington and opened a store where the Watson block now stands. south of the public square. This venture proved so successful from the beginning that an enlargement was deemed advisable, and this was provided for by the purchase from Rev. Thomas Hogue of the northeast corner of Main and Bean streets, to which the enterprising merchant removed his store in 1835. Pre- vious to this, however, he had bought of Judge Baird the "Round Corner," where in 1861 he erected the brick and iron structure on Main and Bean streets now known as the "Iron Hall." In 1853 he took into partnership his only son, and from then until the present time the firm name of William Smith & Son has been one of the most familiar in the financial circles of Washington. Soon after his return to this city the father established and conducted with success a private banking business. which continued to grow in popularity under the management of his son after his retirement from active business in 1867.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.