USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > Bradford > Illustrated history of Bradford, McKean County, Pa. > Part 12
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the city. Mr. Dennis is also engaged in the real estate business and now owns some valuable real estate in the city.
In politics Mr. Dennis is a third party prohibitionist. He has also assisted in the organization and support of the Young Men's Christian Association of Bradford and was for a number of years in succession elected its president.
Marion J. Benjamin is the manager of the building operations of the Tuna Mfg. Co. He was born in Alleghany county, N. Y. Fourteen years ago he became a resident of Bradford and engaged in the building business. Mr. Benjamin is a republican in politics and has served the city for a number of years as a member of the Poor Board for his district. He is also a prominent member of the Odd Fellows and Maccabee societies
William A. Warner, manager of the Tuna Mfg. Co. planing mill and factory is a native of New York state, being born in Alleghany county, from
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EMPLOYEES TUNA MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
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J. H. Bauschard, W. J. Dickson, H. H. Bower, G. M. Thomas,
L. R. Benjamin, J. J. Kurtz, B. J. Osgood, A. E. Benjamin, W. I. Benjamin, F. A. King, R. W. Brown, Samuel Wood, M. J. Benjamin, J. R. Lentz Raymer, P. D. Decker, H. E. Warner, Chas. Dennis, Chas. Bornig, N. A. Shelgren, E. J. Connolly, H. E. Lloyd, C. W. Brown, M. J. LaCour, H. M. Kelly, W. H. McQuown, Frank Warner, W. A. Warner.
GEO. H. HOLLEY ON HIS MOTOR CYCLE.
which he came to reside in Bradford in 1890. Since coming here he has been continuously em- ployed as foreman and manager of various man- ufacturing establishments of the city. When the company was organized he was selected to take charge of the plant and has continued in that capacity ever since.
THE HOLLEY MOTOR CYCLE.
The " Holley Motor Cycle, or to use a more comprehensive term, the Autobike, is. a machine of unique construction, the result of five years of careful study and experiment and the first of the kind for practical every day use that has yet been built.
This machine combines the conveniences of a common cycle with the power and speed of the automobile. in fact a combination of the best of both without the annoyances of either. To quote from the circular the manufacturers have deviated from the common custom of bolting a motor to some part of an ordinary bicycle and instead have made it an integral part of the frame by brazing it at the crank bracket the lowest and strongest part of the bicycle. By this means the motor will generate its full power and the scientific distribution of the weight doing away with the vibration, adding to the durability of the machine and increasing the speed and easy run- ning qualities.
The Standard model motor of 2} horse power, will propel the machine at the rate of thirty-five miles per hour over an ordinary country road and will ascend a 20 per cent. grade without the aid of the pedals. The gasoline tank has a capa- city of one gallon, which is sufficient to run the motor fifty miles. The frames are either 22 or
GEO. H. HOLLEY ON HIS MOTOR CARRIAGE.
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24-inch and the wheels 28 inch and all the equipments are made espec- ially for this machine.
The motor cycle is manufactured in Bradford by the Holley Motor Company, which has a factory on Davis street. The business was started in September 1899 and has now passed the experimental stage. The factory is equipped with the best machinery and has a capacity of five cycles per day.
The general manager of the company is George M. Holley. He was born at Port Jervis, N. Y. in 1878, and his life since leaving school has been devoted to work of this character. The present machine which he builds is the result of his research and experiment.
ROSS J. HOFFMAN.
ROSS J. HOFFMAN
Was born in Clinton, New Jersey, in 1843 and educated in the public schools of Clinton. He engaged in the business of manufacturing oil well lubricators and oil well specialties in Binghamton, N. Y. in 1877. He located in Bradford in 1883 and engaged in refining of lubricating oils which he has continued ever since. The refinery which is located in East Bradford, being known as the Penn Lubricating Company.
Mr. Hoffman also operates some extensive oil properties at present, owning the lease of the Miller farm, consisting of 75 acres containing a number of good wells and also a stockholder in the Bradford Flint Glass Bottle Co. Mr. Hoffman is at present building a fine home on Jackson avenue.
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THE BRICK MANUFACTURERS.
Three brick plants are in active operation at Lewis Run, owned by Bradford capitalists. One is idle. The three are the the Alumina Shale Brick Company, P. B. Broughton's plant and the Bradford Pressed Brick Company. The other is the plant formerly owned by the Bradford Enameling Co. This plant was erected for the purpose of manufacturing an enamel brick, and after some experimenting, it was shut down.
The word shale is defined by the dictionaries as a species of late clay, generally of bluish or yellow gray color, more rarely of a dark blackish, or reddish gray, or grayish black, or greenish color. The shale used by the companies at Lewis Run is of a peculiar character that makes the hardest kind of brick. It is found in large quantities in the rugged hills surrounding the factories, and since the discovery of its util- ity as material for the manufacture of brick, hosts of workmen have been busily engaged in transforming it into the finished product.
Some of the advan- tages of brick manufac- tured here are outlined as follows: First, mate- rial-pure shale without coloring matter of any kind, free from lime, magnesia, salt peter and other ingredients that induce discoloration. Sec- ond, the use of natural gas in combination up and down kilns which in- R. J. HOFFMAN'S LOCOMOBILE. sures a brick with ends and faces equally good, a convenience which is readily appreciated by build- ers who wish to do fine work and lastly, familiarity with the processes of man- ufacture which insure the best possible quality.
That this brick is superior to any other kind is evinced by the tests to which it has been subjected by the ordnance department of the United States army and by eminent civil engineers. The report of mechanical tests made with the United States testing machine, capacity 800,000 pounds, at Watertown arsenal, Mass., January 11, 1894, shows an ultimate strength of 451,600 pounds, the first crack occurring at 345,000 pounds. Regarding these tests, Messrs. Estrada and Gray, inspecting engineers from Pittsburg have this to say :
The results obtained by the tests of these bricks are remarkable; there are no records, to our knowledge, of any brick tests giving such high results
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as yours. Had you been particular in selecting the specimens, we venture to say that an ultimate strength of 25,000 pounds per square inch would not have been improbable. You have undoubtedly succeeded in manufacturing a brick which in every respect meets the requirements for buildings of modern construction.
Respectfully yours, ESTRADA & GRAY.
THE ALUMINA SHALE BRICK COMPANY.
The Alumina Shale Brick Company was incorporated April 27, 1893. It has an office at No. 3 Berry and Melvin block. The officers are: C. P. Collins, president; A. P. McConnell, vice-president; T. J. Melvin, secretary
J. J. MELVIN.
MILTON F. MELVIN.
and treasurer; J. P. Melvin, assistant secretary and treasurer; Milton F. Melvin, manager. The directors are: C. P. Collins, T. J. Melvin, W. W. Bell, C. N. Royce and A. P. McConnell. The company manufactures four million brick annually.
Thomas J. Melvin, secretary and treasurer of the company, was born at East Bradford, August 18, 1847, educated in the Bradford public schools and Bryant & Strattons business college, Buffalo, N. Y., and embarked on his business career as clerk in the stores, becoming proprietor of one of them in the early days of the city. Subsequently he became interested in the oil business and the manufacture of brick. He has lived in Bradford all his life and at the present time takes much interest in a splendid 450 acre dairy farm which he owns near East Bradford. Although not an active politician, he
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has always taken an interest in public affairs and has served on republican committees. He is a member of the various masonic bodies in Bradford.
Milton F. Melvin, manager of the company, was born in Bradford, May 10, 1876, educated in the Bradford pubic schools, Clinton Liberal Institute of Fort Plain, N. Y. and State college, Pa. He has been connected with the brick works for several years and his thorough familiarity with the details of the business, has placed him in the important position of manager, the duties of which he has discharged with conspicuous ability. He is a member of the masonic bodies of Bradford.
Charles C. Melvin, 2nd, was born at Limestone, N. Y., June 10, 1872, and after a course in the public schools of Bradford, he entered the Lehigh University at Bethlehem, Pa. In 1896 he went to California and engaged in the photograph business In 1899 he located in Bradford, where he now resides. He has held the position of county tax collector and is recognized as one of the enterprising and progressive business men of Bradford.
PLANT OF THE ALUMNIA SHALE BRICK COMPANY.
P. B. BROUGHTON.
Mr. Broughton is the successor of the National Brick Company. He manufactures at Lewis Run, a brick which his circulars describe, as "the best in the world." He originated the process of manufacturing dry pressed brick over twenty years ago and after exhaustive experimenting with material decided to locate in Bradford on account of the superior quality of shale to be found in the Mckean county hills. The first plant was erected in 1892, the second, the one now owned by the Alumina Shale Brick Company and the third the one owned by the Bradford Pressed Brick Company.
Mr Broughton's plant has a capacity of 20,000 brick per day, and the works are running on full time with a full force.
Mr. Broughton was born in Crawford county, Pa, July 12, 1842 and spent his early life on a farm amid the huge forests of western Pennsylvania. At the outbreak of the civil war, he responded to the first call for volunteers and for nearly four years endured the perils and privations of army life. After the war was over he made a brief visit to his old home, to see his loyal
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old inother, who had given six of her sons to the service of the nation and then he struck out for the far west to seek his fortune.
With a limited education, but a firm determination to succeed, he plunged into the busy life of the rapidly developing country and prosperity rewarded his efforts. While in the west he conceived the idea of a new and improved process for manufacturing brick and he lost no time in putting this idea into execution. It proved satisfactory and as previously stated, after exhaustive experimenting he decided to locate in Bradford and the magnificent brick works at Lewis Run are the result.
THE BRADFORD PRESSED BRICK COMPANY.
The plant of the Bradford Pressed Brick Company is located at Lewis Run, in close proximity to the plants heretofore referred to. The same
C. C. MELVIN, 2d.
P. B. BROUGHTON.
material and the same processes are used as in the others and of course the same results are obtained. The bricks manufactured by this company while very dense and capable of resisting heavy compression strains, can be easily cut, carved and trimmed as required. This density is a most desirable feature as it prevents absorbtion and renders the walls much drier than those laid with a more porus brick.
The company was organized in 1893. The plant is equipped with the most modern machinery and turns out a product equalled by few other manufacturers and excelled by none. Building, ornamental, Pompeii and Roman brick are among the kinds turned out. These brick find a market in nearly all the large cities of the country from Boston to Chicago. The capacity of the plant is six million brick per year. Fifty hands are employed. The officers are: William Hanley, president; P. B. Waters, manager.
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THE P. B. BROUGHTON BRICK PLANT.
BRADFORD PRESSED BRIGHT CO.
THE BRADFORD PRESSED BRICK COMPANY'S PLANT.
EMPLOYEES ALUMINA SHALE BRICK COMPANY.
E. Shaffner, A. M. Peterson, C. A. Peterson, Foreman; F. Stimpson, A. Shaffner, F. Sweeney, E. Sealey, T. Lesser, C. Place, J. Sealy, J. Curcio, D. Cassiday, A. Barrett, E. Travis, F. Hill, F. Cautwell, F. Petro, J. Cook, R. Brooks, P. Dorrey. A. P. Ludwick, E. Panza, P. Rose, D. Pinchey, F. Degelomo, P. Beuedelto, J. Darcro, R. Rose, C. Ross, C. Cannon.
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EMPLOYEES P. B. BROUGHTON'S BRICK WORKS.
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John Fresh, Geo. Waldom, Louis Fresh, Frank Fresh, Peter Benedict, Tony Benedict, Tony Spelly, Philip Suez, M. Wood, T. T. Boyle, Ralph Rose, Anda Ross, Clement Fresh, Frank Bove, Mike Wally, C. Davis, Thos. Cautwell, Wm. McClain, Ira McDonell, R. S. Taylor, Humbert Fresh, Phillip Ross, Joe Ross.
EMPLOYEES BRADFORD PRESSED BRICK COMPANY.
%
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W. Ogden, Joe Pincy,
T. Grill,
M. Paney,
John Pincy, J. Grill, D. Grill, T. Reynolds.
F. Stimson,
Wm. Kelley, F. Gilmore, J. Peeler, E. R. Spencer, M. Walters, G. Ogden, E. R. Dudley, Wm. Stimson, T. Frabel, R. Grill,
WM. R. WEAVER.
Mr. Weaver was born in Hillsdale county, Michigan, March 24, 1840. After obtaining an eduaction at the Hillsdale College and State University at Ann Arbor, Mich., he taught school four years, but preferring a business life, he accepted a position with Lewis Emery, Jr., at Hudson, Mich., with whom he soon rose to the position as manager, remaining there until Mr. Emery sold out his interests in Hudson in 1870. The same year Mr. Weaver moved to Titusville and assumed the management of Mr. Emery's financial interest at that place until 1876, when he became a partner with Mr. Emery at Bradford in the hardware and oil supply business and oil producers, which
WM. R. WEAVER.
interest he still retains. Mr. Weaver is a republican in politics, in 1888-1889 was chairman of the Mckean County Central Committee. He is also a prominent member of the I. O. O F , a representative member of the F. & A. M., is past high priest of Bradford Chapter No. 260 R. A. M. and past E. C. of Trinity Commandery No. 58 K. T., member of the Thirty-second degree Pennsylvania Consistory at Pittsburg, A. && A. Scottish Rite, a member of Synira Temple, A. A. M. U. M S. as well as member of Thirty-third degree, ninetienth and ninety-fifth degree Souvereign Sanctuary of U. S. Royal Ma- sonic Rite. Mr. Weaver was married April 19, 1865, to Miss Helen A. Gilson and now resides with his family in one of the finest residences in Bradford.
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E. N. UNRUH.
Was born in Philadelphia, January 7, 1852. Leaving Philadelphia in 1880. He followed church building for about seven years, during which time he erected several of the most imposing and handsome edifices to be found in the country. Two worthy of note are in New York City, one in Brooklyn as well as others in other localities.
Mr. Unruh quit the building business to accept the appointment of assistant superintendent of wood work of the Atlantic & Chicago railroad, the construction of which was commenced in 1885 and after this work was finished he removed to Bradford, locating in the city in 1892.
AUGUSTUS MILLER.
E. N. UNRUH.
Again taking up the building business, Mr. Unruh has been fortunate in securing the contracts for some of the finest buildings in Bradford, a few of which may be noted here, because they are illustrated in this work. Bell's dry goods store, Main street; residence of J. T. Melvin, corner Congress and Corydon streets; Universalist church, Mechanic and Corydon streets; W. R. Weaver's residence; C. V. Merrick's residence; C. P. Collins' residence; David Phillips' residence; Phoenix block; Smith Brother's block; Parker Eloskey block; Moses Cohn block; Newell block; Riddell house; Edgett hotel; Rochester hotel, and the new Holley Hotel.
AUGUSTUS MILLER.
Was born in Union, Maine, in the year 1824, spending his boyhood there, after receiving his education, engaged in the lumber business. Moving to
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Elmira, N. Y., in the sixties, he enjoyed an extensive business there for five years in the same line, subsequently moving to Belmont, N. Y., locating in Bradford in 1878, becoming interested in Bradford's two leading products at that time, lumber and oil, and has enjoyed a successful business in both lines ever since His son, Mr. F. A. Miller, was born in Belmont, N. Y., and after receiving his education joined his father, the firm now being known as A. Miller & Son and occupying yards, offices and ware rooms, 86 Kennedy street, where they carry everything in the line of lumber supplies. Mr. A. Miller has been a member of the school board for 18 years.
J. L. ADAMS.
Of the Bradford Torpedo Company was born in Ossian, Livingstone County, N. Y., October 31, 1847. His education was obtained in the academy at
GEO. H. DANA.
J. L. ADAMS.
Rushford, N. Y., but before graduating he enlisted in the army and went away to war.
After his discharge from the service of the United States Mr. Adam pur- chased an interest in a cheese factory in Bradford. Subsequently he en- gaged in the hardware business and when the Bradford branch of Swift and Co.'s concern was started he was made the manager, a position which he cap- ably filled for some time.
Nine years ago Mr. Adam became connected with the Bradford Torpedo Company. He has also engaged in the oil business, having interests in Brad- ford and in the Alleghany field. He has taken an active interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, that splendid veteran organization whose ranks are slowly but surely thinning out, and is at present commander of James S. Melvin Post No. 141 of Bradford.
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GEO. H. DANA.
Of the Bradford Torpedo Company was born in Buffalo Dec. 30, 1845. He began his business career to Langford, N. Y., in a hardware store. The development of the oil fields and consequent increased demand for high ex- plosives attracted his attention and in 1876 he commenced the manufacture of nitro glycerine and torpedoes in Clarion county, Pa. In 1879 he removed to Bradford where he has since resided.
The development and expansion of the business of this company with which he is identified is due in a large degree to Mr. Dana's energy and fore- sight. He is a member of many fraternities in which he has filled various high offices. In short since taking up his residence in Bradford Mr. Dana
HON. JAMES BRODER.
First Mayor of Bradford.
CHARLES S. WHITNEY.
has proved himself not only a capable business man but also one who has the best interests of the community at heart. He enjoys accordingly in large measure the respect and good will of his fellow citizens.
CHARLES S. WHITNEY,
Was born in Ohio, February 12, 1824, and educated in the public schools of Toledo. He commenced his business career in Toledo in 1849, leaving that city in the fall for California. In 1851 he returned from the west and located at Belmont, N. Y., where he engaged in business up to the year 1865. He then became interested in the oil business, although he retained his residence in Belmont. In 1875 he came to Bradford and one year later engaged in the banking business in company with Samuel A. Wheeler, now of Circleville,
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Ohio. The failure of Grant and Ward of New York in 1884, forced the bank to close its doors, T. P. Thompson being appointed receiver. Time, however, demonstrated that the assets of the bank were sufficient to meet all liabilities, for in 1886 every claim was paid in full with interest. Mr. Whitney remained in partnership with Mr. Wheeler in the oil business until 1889, when Mr. Wheeler retired. The business was continued under the name of The C. S. Whitney Co. until 1896.
Mr. Whitney died at his home in Belmont, April 1, 1900, and thus terminated a busy and successful career.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National Bank of Bradford with an honorable history of twenty-one years, has been closely identified with the progress and prosperity of the city, so closely in fact that an 15 historical sketch of the one could hardly be considered complete without special mention of the other.
WHITNEY, WHEELER &CO.
BANK
The First National Bank was or- ganized in 1880, with a capital of $100,000. It has steadily grown and prospered and is today recognized as the leading banking institution of Mc- Kean county and now has a capital stock of $150,000. The policy of the management has been to grant depos- itors as liberal concessions as consis- tent with sound business principles and this fact is ample explanation of the success of the institution.
FIRST BANK IN BRADFORD. The bank is conveniently located at No. 31 Main street. It is fitted up Established in 1875. Known as the Tuna Valley Bank. in first class style. The directors and officers include some of the most successful and honorable business men of the community and constitute an exceptionally strong directorate. The officers are: F. W. Davis, president; C. C. Melvin, vice-president; George H. Mills, cashier; E. L. Adams, assistant cashier; directors, F. W. Davis, C. P. Collins, Joseph Seep, L. E. Hamsher, C. P. Byron, A. B. Walker, Henry Hamlin, C. C. Melvin, W. W. Bell. The report at the close of business, April 24, 1901 is as follows :
RESOURCES.
LIABILITIES.
Loans and Discounts
$1,094,302.99
Capital
$150,000.00
U. S. Bonds
40,000.00
Surplus
-
100,000 00
Furniture and Fixtures
2,000.00 Profits
-
71,239.78
Due from Banks
102,557.88
Circulation
40,000.00
Due from U. S. Treasurer 2,850.00
Deposits
956,328.75
Cash - 75,857.66
$1,317,568.53
$1,317,568.53
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FRANK W. DAVIS.
President of the First National Bank, is a native of Bradford, and with the exception of four years service during the civil war, has always resided in the city. He is the eldest of four children of R. W. and Sarah Moore Davis, who resided in Chautauqua county, N. Y. prior to 1842, when they removed to Bradford, the father being a cabinet maker by trade.
Young Davis attended the common schools and in November, 1861, he enlisted in Co. E, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and remained
FRANK W. DAVIS.
in the service until the close of the war, having by that time reached the rank of first lieutenant. With his company he participated in numerous battles and skirmishes and for a considerable portion of the time was engaged in the difficult work of fighting bushwhackers.
When the war was over, Mr. Davis returned home and secured employ- ment as a clerk and bookkeeper, fitting himself for the work by a course in Eastman's business college. In 1870 he engaged in the drug business retiring therefrom in 1878. He was one of the original directors of the First National Bank at the time of its organization in 1880 and he has been connected with
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the bank in some capacity ever since. In 1887 he was elected vice president and in 1888 he was elected president.
Mr. Davis was married in 1863 to Albina T. Sanford, daughter of George Sanford of Bradford. They have one child.
Mr. Davis was born in Bradford June 8, 1844 and can therefore claim the credit of being one of the oldest residents of the city.
Besides attending to his duties in the bank he has also operated to some extent in real estate and now has several valuable holdings. He is considered
C. C. MELVIN.
a careful and capable business man and has a large circle of friends in Bradford.
C. C. MELVIN.
Vice-president of the First National Bank was born in Bradford in 1833 and as he has always resided in the city he has had an opportunity to witness its growth and development that is given to but few men. He is the eldest son of John F. and Lucretia (Farr) Melvin. The father was one of the pioneers of Mckean county coming to this section from New Hampshire in 1825 and as will be noted elsewhere in this book, taking a conspicuous part in the development of this region.
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As lumbering in the early days was the chief industry, C. C. Melvin's first business experience was in this line in company with his father. When oil was discovered in 1876, Mr. Melvin took an active part in the production and development in the oil field in and about Bradford. In 1883 he became connected with the bank, being elected vice-president at that time and this position he has held ever since.
Mr. Melvin has taken an active interest in public affairs and has served two terms as treasurer of Mckean county. He married Miss Lina T. Loomis, daughter of E. R. Loomis, December 26, 1874, who died in 1899. They have two children.
THE BRADFORD NATIONAL BANK
commenced business July 25, 1879, with a capital of $100,000, which has been largely increased from time to time.
COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK
was established March, 1890, with a capital of $100,000.
BRADFORD BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION.
On January 1st, 1901, this association purchased the building known at the "Phoenix Block," of which an illustration is shown on page 194, It contains four stores on first floor and 14 office rooms on second and third floors, all of which are constantly occupied, producing an elegant income for the investment.
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