USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume II > Part 48
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Rose Baré Sheridan, third child of James H. and Rosina (Bare) Sheridan, was educated in the public schools of South Bethlehem, completing her high school course with graduation, class of 1900. Deciding upon a profession, she entered the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, whence she was grad- uated M.D., class of 1905. For eighteen months thereafter she was resident physician at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then for one year at Woman's Hospital, Philadelphia, followed by four months as physician to the State Hospital for the Insane at Norristown, Pennsylvania. This service was followed by a term as physician in charge of the Evening Dispensary in Baltimore, Maryland, this being her last position prior to her establishing in practice in her native Bethlehem in 1908. She has a large and loyal clientele to whom she ministers as a general practitioner, and is held in highest esteem as a physician of skill and honor. She is medical inspector
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to the Holy Ghost Parochial School in South Bethlehem, and is an ardent apostle of the gospel of prevention of disease by sanitary precaution and liv- ing. She serves as medical director of the Episcopal Children's Home, hav- ing served this institution since 1914. She is a member of the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and Northampton County Medical Society.
ALEXANDER C. GRAHAM-The association of the Grahams, father and son, James and Alexander C., in real estate operations in the Bethlehem region, extending as it did over a period of more than half a century, was a business combination productive of unusual benefit to their district. Con- ducting in partnership dealings that resulted in the development of several of the most popular residential sections about Bethlehem, the death of the elder Graham left Alexander C. Graham in sole direction of their affairs, and until his death, nine years later, in 1918, he occupied a prominent position in the business fraternity of Bethlehem. Nor was the association of James Graham and Alexander C. Graham confined to business dealings. Both gave of their time, thought and labor to the improvement of civic conditions and to the advancement of their city in all departments. Particularly was it given to Alexander C. Graham to further the good and promote the welfare of Bethlehem as a public official, and when the union of the boroughs was effected, his service as burgess of South Bethlehem, was followed by his elec- tion to the City Council of Bethlehem and his appointment as superintendent of the Department of Accounts and Finances. Mr. Graham took time from pressing business and industrial connections for the service of his fellows, and was widely known and highly regarded as an official and citizen with high ideals of municipal standards, who diligently strove for the attainment of these ideals in the practical administration of city affairs. His great public spirit and loyal patriotism found worthy expression in his efforts in the support of the financial campaigns of the government during the great war, while the war chest and other calls in aid of the common cause, victory, met with a ready and generous response from him. His death, occurring when he was in the prime of life, contained an added element of sadness in that it came but three days before the armistice ended hostilities, preventing his participation in the common joy over the result for which he had so faithfully striven.
James Graham, father of Alexander C. Graham, was born in Scotland, coming to the United States about 1861, and making his home for a time in New York City. In 1864 he moved to South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and established in real estate and insurance dealings, a pioneer operator in these lines, and became the head of a large business. He was a man of keen fore- sight and large faith in the future of the Bethlehems, which development history amply justified. James Graham was one of the carliest advocates of the consolidation of the three boroughs, and although this did not occur during his lifetime, his son, Alexander C., was an important factor in the ultimate success of this long-cherished plan. His labor of forty-five years was of the nature best described as constructive, both in private business and in support of civic improvement. His popularity was widespread, based no inore on his geniality and kindliness of manner than upon sterling qualities of mind and heart. His death occurred on his seventy-ninth birthday, August 9, 1909. James Graham and Eliza (Ferris) Graham, his wife, also a native of Scotland, were the parents of: James F .; Alexander C., of whom further ; Elizabeth J .; George Tinsley, deccased ; and Mildred.
Alexander C. Graham was born in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1865, and died November 8, 1918. After the completion of his education, his business carcer began in the employ of Wolle & Leinbach, real estate dealers of old Bethlehem, with whom he remained until attaining his majority.
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At this time he became associated with his father, soon afterward entering into partnership with him as James Graham & Son, a relation that continued uninterrupted until the death of the elder Graham. In the extensive activity. and usefulness of the firni, he played an important part, and. conducted. the business in continued success and prosperity until his death .. The exclusive Fountain Hill district is one of several beautiful residential districts developed' under his direction. In the real estate, fraternity he bore reputation, as an operator with. a keen sense of values, of sure, and decided judgment, and, of. confident courage. In a long career in the real estate field he achieved lead- ing position, accorded him through right of operations of the first magnitude! and success almost unvaried. Mr. Graham filled the position of director in the E. P. Wilbur Trust Company and the Brown Borhek Lumber Company. Extending his interests into industrial fields, he became owner of the Halcyon Knitting Mills, and directed the South Bethlehem Knitting Mills as president, both concerns of the first standing.
He served South Bethlehem as a member of Council from the First Ward for several terms, and in 1900 was the Democratic candidate for the office of burgess. So general was his popularity that political opponents as well as the members of his party came to his support and placed him in office for a three years' term by a practically unanimous vote." During his membership in Council and as, burgess he worked effectively for the remedy of faulty conditions in the borough, especially in connection with streets, railway: grade crossings, and the installation of a creditable water system. When the borough was incorporated with the city of Bethlehem in 1917, he became a member of the 'City Council, and his business talents were recognized in his appointment as superintendent of tlie Department of Accounts and Finances. His administration of the important and exacting duties of this office was satisfactory to the utmost degree, Bethlehem's citizens fortunate in the service of an official of his capacity and ability. He gave to his weighty responsi- bilities the careful, earnest attention that his private interests received, and discharged in full conscience his official obligations.
As a member of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce he was impressed , into service on leading committees. "He was an energetic worker in support of the famous "hill to hill" bridge project, and subsequently was appointed . by the Pennsylvania Public Service Commission a member of the Bethlehem Bridge Commission, of which body he was chosen vice-chairman., Among the other institutions of the city that received his interested, generous backing were St. Luke's Hospital, of which he was a trustee, and the famous Bach Choir, of which he was a guarantor. During the World War lie proved his patriotism by untiring efforts in government work, and contributed largely to relief and welfare organizations, making his gifts from a boundless enthu- siasm for his cause and an unswerving confidence in its final triumph.
Mr. Graham fraternized with the Masonic order, in which he held the thirty-second degree, and Bethlehem Lodge No. 191, Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks. His memberships .were in the Lehigh Country Club, the Northampton Club, the Manufacturers' Club of Philadelphia, and the Penn- sylvania Socicty of New York City. He was a communicant of the First Presbyterian Church of South Bethlehem, adding a close 'interest in its activities to his many benevolences.
Alexander C. Graham married, May 27, 1891, Georgia C. Chrisman, daughter of John and. Caroline' (Reifsnyder,) Chrisman ... They were the par- ents of three children : Katharine, married Lieut. Carl Siebecker, who served with the United States Expeditionary Forces in France, now general manager of the Halcyon Knitting Mills; George T .; and Ruth Jackson, deceased.
REV. JAMES ROBINSON, D.D.^^The influence, the life and example one man can exert over a community is oftentimes strikingly illustrated, and
James Graham
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one way to approach an appraisement of the value of that influence is to attempt to estimate what its removal over any period of years would have meant. If that test be applied to the part Rev. James Robinson has played in the religious and civil life of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, an idea may be gained of the extent of the work he has performed and the workers he has inspired during his fifteen years' (1905-20) residence in the city.
James (2) Robinson, son of James and Rebecca (McCaw) Robinson, was born twelve miles east of Belfast, Ireland, October 6, 1864, both parents now deceased, as are two of their six children. James (2) Robinson, until his fifteenth year, attended the public schools, then became a pupil teacher at the Model School at Clonmel, in County Tipperary. He was also a student at the Teachers' Training College in Dublin for one year, then was appointed teacher at Glennan, in County Monaghan. There he taught three months without salary, being too young to be put on the payroll, but the experience gained was valuable, and his next position was one far better than he could have obtained without teaching experience. This school was at Millisle, in County Down, and, morcover, had the advantage of being near his father's home. He was principal of that school for four years, and each day walked the three miles between the school and the old home. During that period of his life he was himself a student, having as tutor, Rev. Thomas Eddington, M.A., a graduate of Edinburgh University. He specialized in Latin and Greek under this able tutor, continuing until 1886, when he forsook the classroom as a teacher, but remained as a student, entering the Royal Aca- demical Institution at Belfast. He remained a student there one year, having then won in competition the Sullivan Scholarship in 1887, that scholarship entitling him to the courses of Qucens College in Belfast, now the Belfast University. He spent three years in Queens College, receiving his degree B.A. from the Royal University of Ireland in 1890. In the autumn of 1890 he came to the United States, and at once began studies in divinity, entering for and completing the three years' course of Princeton Theological Seminary, at Princeton, New Jersey. He was graduated in the class of 1893, and was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian church, May 20, 1893. His first pastoral charge was Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, a congregation he served four years, one tangible evidence of his usefulness there being the present edifice of the First Presbyterian Church. In 1897 he accepted a call from Olivet Presbyterian Church of Reading, Pennsylvania, continuing the successful and highly estcemed pastor of that congregation until December, 1904. One fruit of his labor there was the extinguishment of a ten thousand dollar debt which had long been a heavy load upon the church. He entered ardently into other good causes while in Reading, serving as president of the Law and Order League and of Hope Rescue Mission, and also as a director of the Humane Society.
Having accepted a call from the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he was installed pastor January 1, 1905, and for fifteen years has faithfully, acceptably and successfully served that church. The member- ship has more than doubled during that period, and the congregation worships in a beautiful new brick church edifice well planned and furnished, which has since been enlarged to meet the growing needs of the congregation. On May 19-20, 1918, he celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination as a minister of the gospel. The occasion was made one of general rejoicing, and a flood of congratulations poured in from many friends of the pastor and of the church.
A man of deep learning, powerful and eloquent as a preacher, Rev. James Robinson possesses also those elements of a successful minister of the gospel, a pleasing personality and a democratic spirit. His friends are legion, and he thus opens a wider field for usefulness. He has served the church-at-large as moderator of the Lehigh Presbytery ; as delegate to the General Presby-
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terian Assembly, attending the convention at Denver, Colorado, and Dallas, Texas, in that capacity ; member of the executive committee of the Presbyte- rian Synod of Pennsylvania ; chairman of the Synodical Home Missions Com- mittee of Lehigh Presbytery, and at the annual meetings of the synod has served on all important committecs. He takes a deep interest in local affairs, is a constant and valued contributor to the newspapers, is editor of the reli- gious page of the Bethlehem Times, and enters enthusiastically into all local interests, even to designing the emblem which decorates the police of the city, and the city flag. He is a member of the board of trustees of St. Luke's Hospital and the Public Library, member of the Bethlehem Executive Com- mittee for the Red Cross, chairman of the Publicity Committee, and one of the "four-minute men" who stirred the people to such deeds in "going over the top" financially as the world never saw. He is an Independent in political action, although he has decided opinions on all subjects, and is not averse to letting his opinions be known, but he affiliates with no party, except for the time being. He has won the confidence and esteem of the business men of the city, and his name is a pillar of strength to any cause to which he lends it, and if he does espouse a cause, he is its powerful advocate. He is a mem- ber of the Bethlehem Rotary Club, and greatly interested in that organization.
Rev. James Robinson married, February 20, 1902, at Reading, Pennsyl- vania, Ella Kerr MacElmoyle, daughter of William and Martha (Dougherty) MacElmoyle, of Summit Hill, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four daughters: Margaret, born June 25, 1904; Ella, born May 30, 1906; Mary Rebecca, born May 9, 1911 ; Victoria Louise, born May 14, 1913.
THOMAS McKEEN CHIDSEY-After a year's experience in law prac- tice gained at the Philadelphia bar, Mr. Chidscy opened offices in his native Easton, where during the ten years which have since elapsed he has won honorable distinction at the Northampton bar. He is a son of Andrew D. Chidsey, and a descendant of the ancient English family of Chidsey, a family seated in Chertsey, England, for centuries. He traces descent to John Chid- sey, who in 1644 left his native Chertscy, and with his wife Elizabeth came to the United States, settling in New Haven Colony, Connecticut, where he became a deacon of the First Church.
(I) John Chidsey, born 1621, died 1688, is the ancestor of all the Chidseys in this county of carly Colonial ancestry. John and Elizabeth Chidsey were the parents of cleven children, the line of descent to Thomas McKeen Chid- sey being traced through the seventh child and fourth son, Caleb.
(II) Caleb Chidsey, son of Jolin Chidsey, was born in East Haven, Con- necticut, November 20, 1661, and died there February 20, 1713. He married (first) Anna Thompson, (second) Hannah Dickerman. The line continued through his second son Caleb.
(III) Caleb (2) Chidscy, son of Caleb (1) Chidscy, was born in East Haven, in 1697, and died there in 1785. He married Abigail Smith, and they were the parents of two sons.
(IV) Israel Chidsey, second of the sons of Caleb (2) Chidsey, was born in East Haven, Connecticut, in 1731, and there died in 1814. He was known as "Captain" Chidsey, his title believed to have been won through Revolu- tionary War service. He married Sarah Bradley, and they were the parents of nine children, the eldest son, Samuel.
(V) Samuel Chidsey, son of Israel Chidscy, was born in East Haven, Connecticut, in 1773, and there died in 1861. He, too, was always known as "Captain" Chidsey, his title probably gained through service in the War of 1812. He married Betsey Holt, the line continuing through their eldest son, Russel Smith.
(VI) Russell Smith Chidsey, son of Samuel Chidsey, grandfather of Thomas M. Chidsey, of Easton, was born at "Faxon," East Haven, Connecti-
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cut, in 1802, and died at Easton, Pennsylvania. He continued his Connecticut residence until 1827, then moved to Geneva, New York, and three years later to Easton, Pennsylvania, where he became conspicuous in manufacturing and finance. He was one of the founders of the Thomas Iron Company, of Hakendaqua, Pennsylvania; one of the organizers of the Wanen Foundry & Machine Company, and an incorporator of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, now the well known strong and conservative First National Bank of Easton. These were but his principal activities, he having large interests in Western mines and railroads, ranking with the leading capitalists of his day. He married (first) Elizabeth Woodin, of Green River, Columbia county, New York, who died in Easton in 1846. He married (second) Lucy Morris Street, of East Haven, Connecticut.
(VII) Andrew Dwight Chidsey, eldest son of Russell Smith Chidsey, and his second wife, Lucy Morris (Street) Chidsey, was born at East Haven, Connecticut, September 30, 1848. He prepared at Lawrence, New Jersey, then entered Sheffield Scientific School, Yale University, whence he was graduated. He then began his long and honorable business career as mer- chant and banker, a member of the firm, Hackett & Chidsey. He is a director of the Easton National Bank and of the Easton Trust Company, also inter- ested in many Easton business enterprises and organizations, ranking with the foremost men of the city as a public-spirited citizen and progressive man of affairs. For many years he has been a trustee of the Second Presbyterian Church of Easton, and is interested in all good works. Andrew D. Chidscy married, October 7, 1875, Emily Stewart McKeen. They are the parents of the following children : Helen Street, Andrew Dwight, Jr., Thomas Mc- Keen, of further mention, and Harold.
(VIII) Thomas McKeen Chidsey, son of Andrew Dwight and Emily Stewart (McKeen) Chidsey, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1884. He passed the grades of Easton public schools, completing his course of high school study with the class of 1900, then entered Lafayette College, whence he was graduated A.B., class of 1904. Choosing the law as his life work, he prepared at the law school of the University of Pennsyl- vania, completing his studies with graduation, class of 1907, then receiving the degree of LL.B. He was at once admitted to the Philadelphia bar, and for one year practiced in the courts of that city. In 1908 he located for practice in his native city, where he is well established in public estecm. His practice extends to the State and Federal courts of the district, his clien- tele a well satisfied and most satisfactory one. He has been solicitor for Northampton county since 1916, and prior thereto was solicitor for the Easton School Board. He is a member of the Local and State Bar associations, and has the full esteem of his brethren of the profession. Mr. Chidsey is a Republican in politics, and in 1915 was the candidate of his party for district attorney. At college he was active in athletic, dramatic and musical teams and clubs, and in the fraternities, Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Delta Phi. He retains his love of out-of-door sports, and finds that golf and tennis are yet his favored recreations. He is a member of the Pomfret and Northampton County Country clubs, and of the College Hill Presbyterian Church. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the city, and is one of the young men of the Northampton bar whose future is bright with promise.
Mr. Chidsey married, November 14, 1913, Ellen Lea, daughter of Ellis and Louise (Cabeen) Lea, of Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They arc the parents of a daughter, Louise Lea Chidsey.
ROBLEY DUNGLISON WALTER, M.D .- For over half a century Dr. Barnet C. Walter practiced medicine and surgery in Dryland, Bethlehem township, Northampton county, a perfect type of the "country doctor" of romance, traditions and fact. He was a man splendidly equipped mentally
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and physically, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, and wholly devoted to his profession. He was literally everybody's friend, the particular friend of the children of the district, the confidant and advisor of the youthful and middle aged, the hope and comfort of the aged. All sought him, not alone for physical healing, but in their troubles, which were lightened by his sym- pathy, and in their joys which were doubled by his hearty congratulations. He was with them, at birth, made merry at their weddings, and was their consoler when the final summons came. From such a father came Dr. Robley D. Walter, of Easton, a physician imbued with the same spirit of service and helpfulness, and in the twenieth century, in a city instead of the country, he is repeating the success of his honored father.
The Walters came from Holland, the founder of the family also being the father of William Walter, a soldier of the War of 1812, who died in 1861. He was a substantial farmer of Northampton county, his goodly estate accu- mulated through his own industry and thrift. He married Mary Bernstein, of German descent, who survived her husband, and at the age of one hundred and five died in Easton. They were the parents of Dr. Barnet C. Walter, and grandparents of Dr. Robley D. Walter.
Dr. Barnet C. Walter was born at the home farm in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1832, died in Bethlehem township, July 6, 1906. He spent his youth upon the farm, attended the district school, also a private school in Easton, and until the age of twenty-two was his father's farm assistant. At that age he began the study of medicine under the preceptor- ship of Dr. P. F. Arndt, of Williams township, and for three years he studied faithfully under that capable instructor. He then entered Jefferson Medical College, and there was a student until graduated M.D., class of 1859. That same vcar he located at Dryland, a small village of Northampton county, then known as Farmersville. Dryland was merely his official home, his practice extended over a large section of the country, and he became one of the best known physicians and surgeons of that part of Pennsylvania. Like every old school "country doctor" he was physician, surgeon, dentist and veterinarian, compelled to perform his operations without hospital aid or assistance, in fact, was thrown completely upon his own resources, where often a life was at stake and depending alone upon his skill, promptness and resourcefulness. These conditions developed a strong, self-reliant character and produced a physician and surgeon of great skill and ability, one far in advance of his times. He continued his practice until his death in 1906, more than half a century after his beginning practice in the little village of Dryland, where he always continued his residence. While at times Dr. Walter was driven night and day, there were periods of rest and moderate work, these periods giving him time to enjoy his farm of one hundred and four acres at Dryland, a well stocked and well cultivated estate, the superintending of which greatly pleased him. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church.
Dr. Walter married Camilla Bruner, daughter of Jacob and Maria (Bar- ron) Bruner. They were the parents of Robley D., of whom further ; Laura, married Howard Knecht; Delia, married Allen Woodring; William, a physi- cian of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Cora; Mitchell, a physician of South Bethlehem; Nettie; Jacob.
Dr. Robley D. Walter, eldest son of Dr. Barnet C. and Camilla (Bruner) Walter, was horn at the home in Dryland, Bethlehem township, Northamp- ton county, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1859. shortly after the removal to that village, then known as Farmersville. There he completed public school study, preparing for college at Trach's Academy in Easton. He pursued a classical course at Lafayette until graduated A.B., class of 1882, then entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, also his father's professional alma mater, class of 1859, and there received his M.D., class of 1885. IIe then pursued a
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