USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 29
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Stillians Cleaver
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BIOGRAPHICAL
mately fifty acres and has been laid out as a beautiful and carefully restricted residential section, Mr. Halford's own home being erected there.
A public-spirited and energetic citizen, Mr. Halford takes the greatest interest in every movement tending to the public good or adding to the general welfare of the community. He is a Republican in politics and a consistent supporter of constructive legislative policies. He is a member and a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. In religious faith a Presbyterian, he is a member of the Presbyterian church at Jeffer- sonville, Pennsylvania, which he serves as trustee and as superintendent of the Sunday school. A Mason of long standing, Mr. Halford is also a Shriner and belongs to Kora Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Lewiston, Maine. His college fraternity is Zeta Psi, and he is a member of the Norristown Club and the Plymouth Country Club. A warm friend of the Boy Scout movement, he is at present scoutmaster of the troop at Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania, and his activity in arranging hikes, contests of various descriptions, and camping expeditions for his boys is greatly appreciated not only by the scouts themselves but by their parents and the officers of the organization.
On November 24, 1914, Mr. Halford married Hannah More Kellett, daughter of John and Jane (Tetley-Davis) Kellett, her father a real estate dealer of Philadelphia. Mrs. Halford is one of a family of five children, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Halford are the parents of two children: John H., born April 6, 1916; and Jane Tetley, born February 2, 1918. The Halford home at Norristown contains a fine collection of early American furniture, many of these pieces having been exhibited in museums in all parts of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Halford are both connoisseurs in antiques of this class, and their collection is both rare and valuable.
WILLIAM CLEAVER-For more than half a century William Cleaver, mill foreman of the Schuylkill Iron Works, has been associated with the business of manufacturing iron. He was only fourteen years of age when he entered the rolling mill of J. Wood & Brothers, and with the exception of two years has been identified with the Wood interests to the present time (1923). Mr. Cleaver is a member of one of the old Pennsylvania families which traces descent from Jonathan Cleaver.
William Cleaver, grandfather of William Cleaver, of this review, was engaged in agricultural activities in Chester county, Pennsylvania, throughout his life. He married Jane Thomas, and their children were: Jonathan, of further mention; William ; Mary ; Rebecca.
Jonathan Cleaver, son of William and Jane (Thomas) Cleaver, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1825, and died March 3, 1862. Like his father before him, he was engaged in farming in Chester county, Pennsylvania, throughout his active career. He married Anna Jane Wood, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and died December 16, 1900. They were the parents of six children: Anna W.,
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who married James Eberhardt, deceased; William, of further mention ; Jonathan, deceased; Mary, deceased, married John De Haven; Harry, died at the age of six years ; and Jennie, married Elwood Lee, deceased.
William Cleaver, the son of Jonathan and Anna Jane (Wood) Cleaver, was born in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1852. After receiving a good practical education in the public schools of Consho- ·hocken and Norristown, Pennsylvania, he began his active career as a clerk in a grocery store, where he remained for one year. At the end of that time, when he was fourteen years of age, he began his lifelong association with the iron manufacturing industry by entering the employ of J. Wood & Brothers, in whose rolling mill he remained from 1867 to 1876. In the latter year he for a time made a change in his occupation, associating himself with the North Pennsylvania railroad (now a branch of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad) and he maintained that connec- tion until 1878, serving as brakeman for one year, and as baggage master for one year. In 1878 he entered the employ of the Schuylkill Iron Works, a branch of the Allan Wood Plant, in the capacity of shipping clerk. One year later, in 1879, he was made foreman of the mill, and that responsible executive position he has continued to efficiently fill to the present time (1923). He knows his department of the industry thoroughly, and his two years' experience in railroad work proved to be of value to him in his present position. He is one of those men who are most successful in "getting things done," and he has won the confi- dence and esteem both of his employers and of those whose work he directs. Few men in Pennsylvania understand better the conditions under which iron men work and the difficulties under which iron pro- ducers get the work done than does Mr. Cleaver. Politically he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republican party. Though he has never desired public office, still he is not one of those who refuse to bear a share of the burden of public affairs. For the past thirty-eight years he has served as a member of the Board of School Directors, which body he has served for the past five years as president. He also served as a member of the Board of Health for six years. Fra- ternally Mr. Cleaver is well known in Masonic circles. He is a member of Fritz Lodge, No. 420, Free and Accepted Masons, of Conshohocken ; of Norristown Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; of Hutchinson Command- ery, Knights Templar ; and of Philadelphia Consistory, in which he holds the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Veterans of Masons, of Philadelphia. His club is the Pennsylvania of Conshohocken ; and his religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church of Consho- hocken, which for the past thirty years he has served as vestryman.
William Cleaver married (first), January 16, 1889, Emma L. De Haven, who was born in Gulf Mills, and died January 27, 1897, daughter of John and Mary De Haven. He married (second), June 14, 1899, Lillie Lee, who was born January 20, 1863, and died March 2, 1923, daughter of Bradford and Sarah (Rayson) Lee. Children of the first marriage are: Fannie E., married Barry Barkydt; and Mary L.
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HARRY JOSHUA BAHR, president of Jacob S. Bahr & Son, Inc., the son of Jacob Shaner Bahr and Anna Barbara (Hartman) Bahr, was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1888, and there was educated in the public schools and business college. He began his business life in the employ of the Glasgow Iron Company, in the purchasing depart- ment, and after three years, assumed similar duties with the McClintic- Marshall Construction Company. In both of these connections he received considerable practical mill training. In April, 1911, he became associated with his father, and the firm of Jacob S. Bahr & Son was formed.
The business of Jacob S. Bahr & Son, Inc., is the outgrowth of an insurance and real estate agency started by Aaron K. Shaner in 1859, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, on the site of its present main office. In 1903 Aaron K. Shaner relinquished control of the business, and it passed into the hands of his cousin, Jacob Shaner Bahr, under whose supervision and through whose untiring activity and careful attention the business reached such a state of efficiency that it became recognized and looked upon more as a professional organization than an institution of mere barter and trade. In April, 1911, Harry Joshua Bahr, son of Jacob Shaner Bahr, was admitted to the firm, and in May, 1911, the sudden death of Jacob Shaner Bahr threw the entire responsibility of the busi- ness upon the son, who builded upon the solid foundation established by his father. In 1915 Hubbard Hartman Bahr, the younger son of Jacob Shaner Bahr, who graduated from Pottstown High School in 1912, and Pottstown Business College in 1913, was admitted to the firm. In 1918 the business organization again suffered through the death, in the serv- ice of his country during the World War, of Hubbard Hartman Bahr. In 1919 Samuel Francis Bahr entered the employ of the firm, and the following year in March, 1920, when the business was incorporated, was elected as vice-president and secretary. The business conducted is that of general insurance and the selling of mercantile and manufacturing real estate. The organization prides itself on being a real service agency, and in addition to the selling of insurance and real estate, the offices of the company have become places for the adjustment of the business dif- ficulties of merchants and manufacturers and aid and assistance is con- stantly being rendered in the perfecting of plans of operation and reor- ganization of various business institutions. This business has existed for more than sixty years in Pottstown, and has added much to the upbuilding and business development of the community, while the per- sonal service rendered by the firm's associates in various business organ- izations and the community life as a whole, has proved of great value. The business stands for "service and security," not as a mere advertis- ing catch phrase but in actuality, and it is this spirit of sincerity that has built up and stands back of this successful and prosperous business. The operations of the organization have extended throughout the Schuylkill Valley, while in addition, offices are maintained in Philadelphia and New York, in which cities they bear an enviable business reputation.
Harry Joshua Bahr is a director and one of the leading spirits in the
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Schulz Baking Company and is recognized as one of Pottstown's public- spirited and progressive citizens, being active in everything that con- cerns the welfare of the community as a whole. In politics, Mr. Bahr is a Republican, but maintains his independence in political actions. He is affiliated with Lodge No. 254, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pottstown Chapter, No. 271, Royal Arch Masons; Philadelphia District, The Joshua Association ; Joppa Council, No. 46, Royal and Select Masters; Nativity Commandery, No. 71, Knights Templar; Philadelphia Consistory, thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry ; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Pottstown Lodge, No. 814, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Pottstown Lodge, No. 369, Loyal Order of Moose; Manatawny Lodge, No. 214, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Young Men's Christian Associa- tion; Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration; Pottstown Rotary Club; and Brookside Country Club. He is active in the various business organizations devoted to his business interests, including: The Philadelphia Association of Life Underwriters, the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Association of Insurance Agents, the National Association of Insurance Agents, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Association, the Pottstown Real Estate Board, of which he is vice- president, and the Pottstown Business Men's Association.
Harry Joshua Bahr married Lena Emily Johnson, on June 26, 1918. Their home is situated at No. 68 North Hanover street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bahr is an active member of the Century Club, of Pottstown; the Young Women's Christian Association; and the Brook- side Country Club.
REV. JOHN FRANCIS McELVENNY-In few cities of its size are the men at the head of their Catholic churches of such power and ability as are those of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and eminent among these is John Francis McElvenny. Eloquent, capable, versatile, and of an engaging personality, he has made a name and place for himself in the city with people of all classes and races. He is the son of Bernard L. and Margaret M. (Gormley) McElvenny, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was born in that city, October 19, 1893. He has the education and preparation that characterize the clergy of his church, having had his early schooling from the Parochial School of Our Lady of Mercy, Phil- adelphia, from which he went to St. Joseph's College in 1907. Upon his graduation from college in 1909, he matriculated in the St. Charles' Seminary, remaining there until 1918. His ordination took place on June 23, 1918, and he at once began his service with St. Vincent De. Paul, at Minersville, Pennsylvania. Then followed appointments at St. Raphael's, Philadelphia ; Holy Child, Logan, Philadelphia; and finally at St. Mat- thew's, of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, and is prominent in the many endeavors looking toward the betterment of the community in which he lives.
Howilliams. M. D.
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HORACE OSCAR WILLIAMS, M. D .- Few among the physicians of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, have taken so prominent a part in such varied phases of activity as has Horace Oscar Williams, M. D. In his pro- fession, in the financial world, in fraternal circles and in civic affairs he has been a conspicuous leader. He is the son of Jacob and Hannah (Cook) Williams, the former of whom was an agriculturist and veteran of the Civil War, in which he was a member of Company F, 27th Penn- sylvania Volunteers. He, for a number of years, held the office of super- intendent of public roads in Upper Providence township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.
Horace Oscar Williams prepared for college in the Ursinus Acad- emy, then attached to Ursinus College, from 1890 to 1892, and was grad- uated from Ursinus College on June 17, 1896, with the degree of A. B., as valedictorian of his class, when he was awarded a scholarship to Hahnemann College. Attending Hahnemann Medical School from 1896 to 1899, he was graduated May I0, with the degrees of M. D. and M. H. D., and licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania on June 10, 1899. He located in Lansdale, opening an office in the borough in the same year, and for twenty-three years has been busy with his large clientele. After his coming to Lansdale, Dr. Williams taught the class in chemistry in high school for four years, without com- pensation. Although a general practitioner of medicine, Dr. Williams specializes on catarrhal troubles and diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and gives a great deal of attention to optical refraction and the fitting of lenses to the eye. He is in close association with his brothers in the profession as a member of the medical societies, among which are : The North Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical Society, the North Penn- sylvania Clinical Society, the Tri County Medical Association, the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, and the American Institute of Homeopathy.
Outside of his professional interests is his directorship in the First National Bank of Lansdale, to which he was elected on January 10, 1922. In politics his views are Republican and he has been a member of the Board of Health for twelve years, its physician, and from 1913 to 1916 its secretary. When the United States joined the World War he responded to the call of its government for surgeons, but was not accepted because of a physical disability, but on November 9, 1918, was enrolled a member of the Medical Reserve Corps as authorized by the Council of National Defense. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Golden Eagles, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Reindeer, Woodmen of the World, and Modern Woodmen of America. He is president of the board of directors of the Lansdale Memorial Association and holds a like office in the Lansdale-Swarthmore Chautauqua Association. A com- municant of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Lansdale, he is also a member of its church council.
Horace O. Williams married Eva Ray Horton, at Providence Manor, in Arcola, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1903, daughter of James Frank
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and Elizabeth (Plush) Horton. Dr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of a son, Hugh Horton, born March 25, 1904. The family home is at No. 34 Green street, Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
JAMES M. C. SPEIRS-Since his entrance into the business world, Mr. Speirs has been connected with the silk manufacturing industry. That industry, which has had its greatest development in this country in and around Paterson, New Jersey, owes much of that development to William Speirs, born in Girvan, Scotland, who was contemporary with Catholina Lambert, the dean of the silk industry in Paterson, who, in 1860, as a member of the firm of Dexter Lambert & Company, began the operations of a silk weaving mill there. William Speirs married Helen R. Cousin, born in Glasgow, Scotland, daughter of James M. Cousin, and they were the parents of James M. C., of further mention.
James M. C. Speirs, son of William and Helen R. (Cousin) Speirs, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was educated in the public school. He was later brought to the United States, and has spent his life in the silk industry, first in Paterson, New Jersey, then in Hawley, Pennsyl- vania, Washington, New Jersey, Hazelton, Pennsylvania, finally in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, his present location. He is also a director of the Citizens' National Bank of Lansdale. Mr. Speirs is a member of the Masonic order, affiliated with Shiloh Lodge, No. 558, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master; Lansdale Chapter, No. 301, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a past high priest; and Hutchinson Com- mandery, No. 32, Knights Templar. In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Speirs married, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1914, Margaret Geller, born in Skippack, Pennsylvania, daughter of Jacob S. and Isabella H. (Crater) Geller, her father the founder of Geller's Department Store, and a leader in every undertaking for the advance- ment and upbuilding of Lansdale and its manufacturing industries.
JACOB S. GELLER-The department store of Jacob S. Geller, now continued as the Estate of J. S. Geller, was started in July, 1878, when Mr. Geller bought from John Kindig his building, lots, store and fixtures, and rebuilt the entire property, making extensive additions. In the fall of 1878, he rented the three-story building in the Godshall block, later purchasing the building in which he conducted his furniture and carpet department. In 1895 he built the three-story building now occupied as the dry goods and notions department, clothing and men's furnish- ings, rugs and lineoleum, each department having its own floor. He was one of the original members of the Lansdale Water Company, a director and vice-president of the First National Bank of Lansdale, and with A. C. Godshall bought the Cassel-Eddy farm that the Cox Stove Com- pany might obtain the canal they needed along the railroad in order to locate their plant at Lansdale.
Mr. Geller was a Republican in politics, serving his borough two terms as councilman, one term as burgess, and one term as postmaster.
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He was a member of St. John's Reformed Church; a past master of Shiloh Lodge, No. 558, Free and Accepted Masons ; past high priest of Lansdale Chapter, No. 301, Royal Arch Masons; a member of Hutchin- son Commandery, No. 32, Knights Templar; and a thirty-second degree member of Philadelphia Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He was a Noble of Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and for several years played in the famous Shrine Band.
Mr. Geller married Isabella H. Crater, who died April 6. 1897, daugh- ter of Washington and Margaret Crater. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Geller a daughter Margaret was born, who survives them, the wife of James M. C. Speirs. Mr. Geller died January 30, 1916.
ROBERT GORDON (3), whose family has for many years been an important factor in the progress of Montgomery county, is taking a foremost position among the young men of Fort Washington, partici- pating in various lines of industrial activity and organized endeavor. Mr. Gordon is a son of Robert Gordon (2), who was born June 22, 1865, and died July 31, 1918, his entire career one of usefulness and progressive effort, as banker and hotel proprietor. The mother, Laura (Potts) Gor- don, is still living.
Robert Gordon (3), was born in Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1894. His early education was acquired in the local public schools, after which he covered a compre- hensive preparatory course at Blair Hall, at Blairstown, New Jersey, entering that institution in 1910, and being graduated in 1914. His edu- cation was completed at State College, and Bucknell University, at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1916. His first business experience was with J. W. Hampton & Company, in cus- tom brokerage in Philadelphia, where he remained, however, for only about eight months. Then returning to Montgomery county, Mr. Gordon purchased from Samuel Yeakle his long established business in coal, lumber, feed and building materials, at Fort Washington. It was in April, 1917, that this transfer was made, Mr. Gordon taking over the interest in partnership with Jesse N. Arbuckle, whose life is also reviewed in this work, under the firm name of the Arbuckle-Gordon Company. Mr. Gordon still retains an interest in this concern, but in July, 1918, he established an independent enterprise in the city of Phil- adelphia, at No. 723 North Broad street, in the way of an automobile sales and service station, under the firm name of the Gordon Motor Company. He has since branched out further, becoming proprietor of the Fort Washington Hotel, one of the interesting old taverns of Mont- gomery county. Broadly active in the general advance of the commu- nity, Mr. Gordon is affiliated with the Ambler Building and Loan Asso- ciation, and is a director of the Ambler Trust Company. During the World War he served with the Aviation Corps, enlisting at Langley Field, Virginia, December 1, 1917, and during his period of service rising from private to master signal engineer. He was discharged from the service, December 13, 1918. Fraternally Mr. Gordon is a member of
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Fort Washington Lodge, No. 308, Free and Accepted Masons, and he is a member of the Fort Washington Fire Company, also of the Base Ball Club. He attends the Episcopal church.
Robert Gordon married, at Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, April 29, 1918, Rev. N. Groton performing the ceremony at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church of that place, Margaret Hahn, daughter of Harry N. and Anna (Conard) Hahn. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have one daughter, Anna Mar- garet, born February 5, 1921.
WILLIAM WARNER HARPER-Possibly one of the highest commendations of horticulture is that it is capable of holding the lifelong attention and interest of such men as William Warner Harper, of Chestnut Hill, Norristown, Pennsylvania. To foresee the desires of people years in advance, to choose and care for the right trees, to meet the many difficulties of weather, disease, insects and marketing of their fruits, requires an ability, pluck and industry that wins success in any field of endeavor. Mr. Harper has succeeded in his work, and is now enjoying the results of that labor.
William Warner Harper is the son of Reuben and Sarah N. (Kulp) Harper, born at Germantown, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1867, his father a well known manufacturer of horticultural implements. He attended the public schools of Germantown, and later in his career took a course of study in the Pierce Business College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1884. His love of the land led him into horticulture, and the years spent in that industry have only increased that affection, and he is now known throughout the country as a leader in his line. Mr. Harper has many other interests aside from his busi- ness, being active as county commissioner since 1914, a director of the First National Bank of Germantown, and the Pelham Trust Company of the same city. He is prominent in social and club life, being associated with the Plymouth, Norristown, Philadelphia Racquet, and Whitemarsh Country clubs. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church of Norristown.
At Germantown, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1892, William Warner Har- per married Elizabeth S. Garrett, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Blight) Garrett, well known in that city.
HARRY K. TYSON-In a practical field of mercantile endeavor Mr. Tyson is bearing the part in the business progress of Skippack township, Pennsylvania, as the head of a long established hardware store which has been in the family for forty-six years. Mr. Tyson is a son of Isaac H. and Marcella (Kepler) Tyson. His father conducted the present hardware business in Skippack from the year 1876 until 1897, when he died, leaving the interest in the hands of his son.
Harry K. Tyson was born in Souderton, Pennsylvania, November 16, 1880. His education was received in the public schools of his native place and as a boy he was employed for about one year at Ambler, Pennsylvania, in the hardware store of H. B. Reed & Company. Then
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