USA > Pennsylvania > Prominent and progressive Pennsylvanians of the nineteenth century. Volume I > Part 10
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GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN.
paper before the Parliament of Religions, at Chicago, on "Christ the Unifier of Mankind." He is also well known as one of the organizers of the "League of Catholic Unity;" and is a special student of Christian Sociology.
In addition to his many religious lectures this distinguished divine has in similar ways indicated his interest in the cause of education. He has served as Trustee of many institutions, includ- ยท ing the Rochester Theological Seminary, Crozer Theological Seminary, University of Pennsylvania, American Baptist Educa- tion Society, Columbian University, Society of Providing Christian Literature for the Blind, and others. His educational service includes courses before the University of Pennsylvania on "The Ten Commandments; " and "On the Minor Prophets ; " and another before Temple College on "Ethics of the Body Life." Dr. Boardman has also served as Professional Lecturer at the University of Chicago and has delivered many baccalaureates and other addresses before institutions of learning in all parts of the country. He is a fertile author, having published "Studies in the Creative Week," "Studies in the Model Prayer," "Epiphanies of the Risen Lord," "Studies in the Mountain Instruction," "The Divine Man," "University Lectures on the Ten Commandments," "Coronation of Love," besides numerous addresses, religious writings, etc., on ethical and literary subjects. In May, 1897, Dr. Boardman left for England, with his wife, to supply a leading London pulpit during June and July. There is a pleasing signifi- cance in this, the latest tribute paid to Dr. Boardman's long- continued and earnest endeavors in behalf of peace, ecclesiastical and national, and, at the same time, it is a further indication of the growing spirit of international comity. He fills a position in the State's foremost rank of eminent men, uniquely his own. Since his resignation from his thirty years' pastorate of the First Baptist Church, in 1894, he has directed his energies into other channels of religious and social work of a high importance to the prosperity of his State, the nation and mankind.
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HENRY K. BOYER.
ENRY K. BOYER was never a private in the ranks of politics. Qualities of leadership, not for pre- cinct, ward or district machinery, but for execu- tive duties in public office, or at the head of an organization with a broad field of political work, were discerned in him at the outset. Mr. Boyer is of German stock, Pennsylvanian for a century and a half. His father was Ephraim D., blacksmith and farmer, and his mother Rebecca Kline, whom their neighborhood highly respected. Born at Evansburg, Montgomery County, February 19, 1850, the son was educated in the public schools and Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College), Collegeville, in the vicinity of which he lives on the old homestead part of each year, though his voting residence is in the Seventh Ward, where he first entered politics. Though his parents were comfortably provided he insisted, at the age of sixteen, upon becom- ing a teacher of a district school near by. He next transferred himself to Philadelphia as teacher of a classical academy, after which he taught a school in the Quaker settlement of Byberry. He was later made Principal of the Grammar School at Kaighn's Point, Camden, and when only eighteen he had acquired a gram- mar school teacher's certificate, and was offered the principalship of such a school in this city, but preferred to stay in New Jersey until 1871, when he registered as a law student in the office of Benjamin Harris Brewster. He was twenty-three years old when admitted to the Bar in the fall of 1873, confining his practice then, as he has done ever since, to civil cases.
His growing liking for public affairs prompted him, in the spring of 1882, to attend a meeting which the Young Republicans
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HENRY K. BOYER.
held under the leadership of Edwin S. Stuart preparatory to elect- ing delegates to the State Convention which nominated General Beaver for Governor. So enthusiastically did he enter into the dis- cussion that he declared himself a candidate for State delegate from the Seventh Ward. He gave no political assessments and held no consultation with ward leaders, appealing to the people. He was defeated, but won several delegates to the District Nominating Con- vention. So his candidacy for State Representative in the fall of that year resulted in election by a handsome majority, which was swollen when he ran in 1884 and again in 1886. Mr. Boyer's influence in debates of the House and in committee work, and such special accomplishments as his part in framing the revenue act of 1885, made him the favorite candidate for Speaker at the opening of his third term, 1887. The Board of Health law and the Bullitt charter for Philadelphia had been among the subjects of his vigorous advocacy, though it was his amendment that post- poned the operation of the charter until the end of Mayor Smith's term. The revenue law section declared unconstitutional by Judge Simonton, whom the Supreme Court reversed, was an amendment inserted by Mr. Boyer. So, at thirty-seven, he was unanimously nominated in caucus for Speaker, and his election by the House was also made unanimous after the formality of the Democratic members in voting for a candidate of their own. At the close of the term Representatives of both parties testified that Speaker Boyer's rulings had always been just and fair, that he had dis- played rare knowledge and ability as a parliamentarian, and that even when partisanship ran high and controversy was hot and acrimonious, he wielded the gavel and pronounced decisions with justice and impartiality.
A compliment not bestowed since the adoption of the new Con- stitution came to Mr. Boyer in his unanimous re-election to the Speakership in 1889. Again was the caucus nomination unani- mous, likewise the election by the House. After the formal ballot of the Democrats for their distinguished candidate, Samuel M. Wherry, the latter made the motion for unanimity. From both sides of the House at the end of the term came a repetition of
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HENRY K. BOYER.
the compliments paid to Speaker Boyer two years previously. Only a few weeks later he was called before the Republican State Convention when it had just nominated him unanimously for State Treasurer. Though 1889 was an off year, with Mr. Boyer the only State candidate in the field, his majority at the polls was 60,926.
During his term as Treasurer Mr. Boyer became the author of the revenue act of 1891. Going out of the office in May, 1892, he was returned as a member of the House in the fall of that year, and was made Chairman of the Ways and Means Commit- tee as well as a member of the Rules Committee, the Judiciary General and other leading committees. Notable among his labors of the session of 1893 was his successful opposition to the pro- ject of a costly new capitol, and the enactment of his bill to erect the present executive building. After battling for Senator Quay in the State Chairmanship fight of 1895, and later for Mr. Elkin as a candidate for State Chairman against Frank Willing Leach, Mr. Boyer succeeded the latter at the head of the Executive Com- mittee of the State organization, holding that position until Mr. Quay and his lieutenants agreed that the one man to be at the helm in the Capitol during the anticipated troubles of the Legislature of 1897 was the ex-Speaker. Mr. Boyer was, therefore, again elected Representative from the Seventh Ward in the fall of 1896. Mr. Boyer is of quiet, unobtrusive manner, fine social inclinations, with the qualifications that give charm to company. His school- day brightness in mathematics changed later on to an exceptional devotion to literature and history. The versatility he displayed in an address to the literary societies at his Alma Mater's commence- ment in 1887 caused an immediate meeting of the Faculty to give him the degree of Master of Arts. He is fond of field sports, hunting and fishing. He was one of the founders of the Art Club, which he frequents. In addition to practicing law he is con- nected with several financial institutions, being a fellow officer with General Frank Reeder in the State Insurance Company.
I .- 9.
JEROME L. BOYER.
HOSE must surely be encouraging lessons to the T youth of the Commonwealth which are pointed out in the lives of the prominent men of to-day, when it is considered that but a few score years ago these same representative Pennsylvanians were but struggling lads, all, perhaps, imbued with the determination to win, yet none with any greater opportunities than to-day are afforded to those who are urged on by ambition. Forty years ago Jerome L. Boyer, the subject of this biography, who is now one of the leading men of eastern Pennsylvania, was a boy in a country store, with an outlook anything but bright. The history of his success is an interesting and instructive one, and is similar to that of many another man of the same period, blessed with like determination and ability.
JEROME L. BOYER, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was born in Boyerstown, Berks County, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1843. His father was Colonel Jacob K. Boyer, of the State militia, and his mother was Lucy Ludwig Boyer. They were descendants of the French Huguenots, and people of admirable character. Jerome was a pupil of the public schools of Boyerstown during two win- ters, attending three months each winter, and then he passed seven months in the public schools in Reading. He was in a country store at seven years of age, and, until he was eighteen, pursued that dull and uninteresting course. He entered a dry- goods store at Reading, where he remained six years, and then spent two years in an important position in a bank. He engaged in manufacturing for two years, all the time advancing himself towards material prosperity, and then he embarked into the fur-
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Fame Le Boyer
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JEROME L. BOYER.
nace business and iron ore mining, in which he has been active for twenty-six years. The history of his progress can be read in this record of promotions. After having passed his boyhood in the general store of D. B. Boyer and then of Samuel Landis, he engaged in the dry-goods business with Kline & Eppihimer, and then went to the Reading Savings Bank and the First National Bank, where his close attention to the duties of his office won for him the high esteem and admiration of his superiors. The Reading Fire Brick Works next afforded him an opportunity for the development of his business faculties. The Temple Iron Com- pany, the E. & G. Brooke Iron Company and many others enlisted his services in a managerial capacity. He was Treasurer and General Manager of the Temple Company; Superintendent of the Chestnut Hill Iron Ore Company; has been President of the Port- age Coal and Coke Company; President of the Reading Fire Brick Works, a Director of the Western Maryland Railroad and of sev- eral other railroad companies. He has been President of the Read- ing Electric Light and Power Company since 1891. He has also served as President of the Bachman Valley Railroad. Although these interests occupy a considerable portion of his time, Mr. Boyer has found opportunity to direct a portion of his energy into other channels, which have unfailingly proven profitable. He is Vice-President and Director of the Citizens' Bank of Reading, and his judicious financial counsel has tended in a great measure to bring the organization into successful prominence. As Trustee of the Homoeopathic Hospital he has given that institution the same care and business-like attention which his own more personal busi- ness matters have received. As a public man Jerome L. Boyer has won not a few honors. He was elected Commissioner of the Board of Public Works on December 14, 1895, to serve two years, and he has served on the Reading Board of Trade for two terms, lending his superior abilities and his remarkably even judgment to the affairs of that organization with unfailing good results. In church matters Mr. Boyer has also demonstrated his earnestness, having been a member of the vestry of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading for twenty-one years. He is now an Elder.
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JEROME L. BOYER.
While devoting so much of his time and attention to busi- ness affairs and other matters dear to him, Mr. Boyer has been a wide and observing traveler. He has covered this country from Maine to California, and from Canada to the Gulf, and he has traversed the greater part of Europe. Since he was seven years of age he has been occupied, and from his "teens" he has ever been busied in commercial affairs; yet he has had sufficient time to enjoy life, having found this world, as he himself says, "a rather pleasant one." The effects of his industrious life are indi- cated by his excellent health to-day, for, although he has lived fifty-four years, he genially tells his many friends that he feels as he did at twenty-five. His chief interests to-day are found in the Chestnut Hill Iron Company, of which he is General Super- intendent; the Reading Electric Light and Power Company, of which he is President, and the Bachman Valley Railroad Company, of which he is also President. Mr. Boyer occupies as well the offices of President in the Reading Fire Brick Works, and he is Director of the Western Maryland Railroad and one of the Com- missioners of the Reading Board of Public Works.
Mr. Boyer was married, October 20, 1868, to Susan E. McHose, daughter of Isaac and Lititia McHose. They have two sons, William McHose Boyer, aged twenty-six, and Frederick J. Boyer, who is twenty-two years old.
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Thomas Bre
THOMAS BROMLEY, JR.
IN the last United States census it was computed that the carpet product of the United States was valued at $47,477,193, of which there was produced in Pennsylvania alone #22,886,416 worth, or more than in the two next largest States combined. Ninety per cent. of the carpets manufactured in the world are made in the United States, and nearly fifty per cent. of that are turned out in the mills of Kensington, Philadelphia's greatest in- dustrial section. There are nearly twelve thousand operatives en- gaged in the manufacture of carpets in Kensington, and these figures outline what is undoubtedly one of the greatest sources of commercial and financial activity in the United States, and which combine to place this country far in advance of any other manu- facturing centre in the world. One of the most widely known firms devoted to the manufacture of carpets is the Bromley Brothers Carpet Company, founded many years ago by Thomas Bromley, whose name is synonymous with progress in the in- dustry. This great manufacturing organization has its tentacles of trade reaching into all sections of the United States and Europe, and it is a notable tribute to the energy and able judgment of Thomas Bromley, Jr., the subject of this biography, that some of the most important interests of the firm are under his direction, and owe their perfection of detail to his careful supervision. Mr. Brom- ley is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Bromley Brothers Car- pet Company, and so considerable is his familiarity with this branch of American progress that he was delegated by the repre- sentative carpet manufacturers of the United States to be one of the committee to go before the Tariff Committee of Congress in 1897.
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THOMAS BROMLEY, JR.
THOMAS BROMLEY, JR. was born August 23, 1864, in Phila- delphia. His parents were Thomas and Annie Bromley, the former of an old English family of that name, who began the manufac- ture of carpets in Kensington. The mother's maiden name was Hendrixson, and she came of a prominent Delaware County family. Thomas, Jr., received his education in the public schools, graduating from the William H. Hunter Grammar School in 1881. He de- cided to learn the carpet business thoroughly, and with this plan in view entered the mill of Bromley Brothers in 1882, in the humble capacity of a loom apprentice, working his way through every department and acquiring a thorough and complete know- ledge of the business in its every branch. He gradually rose to a responsible post in the firm's employ, and shortly enjoyed its entire confidence and esteem. When, in 1891, the firm was incor- porated under the name of the Bromley Brothers Carpet Company, Thomas Bromley, Jr., was made its Secretary. In 1894 he was made Treasurer of the corporation, and now holds the dual office of Secretary and Treasurer. The Bromley Brothers Carpet Com- pany occupy several of the largest mills in Kensington, situated at York, Jasper and Taylor streets, and the firm's products are known everywhere for their general excellence and originality.
In 1889, after a number of experiments, Mr. Bromley invented a power loom for weaving Smyrna rugs, which has since become one of the standards of the trade. Previous to that time all rugs in this country were made on hand looms, and so great a revolu. tion has this power loom wrought that now no rugs, except the cheapest grades, are woven in the old style. The first power loom that ever wove rugs in America was made under the personal super- vision of the subject of this biography, and was partly constructed by him. Ever since his entrance into the commercial field, Mr. Bromley has taken a large interest in all that concerns the carpet industry, and when he was chosen one of the committee to repre- seut the carpet manufacturers of America before the Tariff Com- mittee of Congress, he took such an active part in the propagation of the doctrines of the manufacturers that he was elected to the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Committee.
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THOMAS BROMLEY, JR.
While Mr. Bromley is one of the leading figures in the car- pet world, his participation in the politics of his city has been rather passive than otherwise, since he has never sought office, and has never, with one exception, entered into the active manage- ment of political affairs. That he could make himself felt as a politician he thoroughly demonstrated in 1896, during the exciting campaign of the Mckinley-Crow organization, when he held the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Mckinley-Crow Com- mittee. It was largely owing to the indefatigable efforts of this organization that Alexander Crow, Jr., was elected Sheriff of Phila- delphia against the powerful combination of political leaders who opposed him.
Mr. Bromley's interest in the business, political and social affairs of his city is further outlined in his Directorship in the Automatic Mutual Fire Insurance Company, his membership in the Manufacturers' Club, the Columbia Club and the Athletic Club of Philadelphia; and as a member of the Executive Assembly of the Customs' Textile Association of the United States. He is largely inclined to athletic sports and holds several medals for his prowess in this field. Among these trophies are several medals and cups won in running and rowing contests. Being fond of travel, in 1883 he decided to visit all the principal cities in the United States, and while on the Plains of Amargo he won a foot- race from the crack runner of an Apache Indian Tribe. In Cali- fornia he broke to saddle a wild mustang which had never before been handled. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Barge Club and of the Schuylkill Navy Wheelmen. Mr. Bromley is an ardent horseman and keeps a crack thoroughbred runner for private use.
In 1888 Mr. Bromley was married to Lydia Agnes Roden, daughter of George and Lydia Roden, of Palmyra, New Jersey. Mrs. Bromley's father holds an enviable war record, and she her- self is a highly popular and accomplished lady, and a clever horse- woman. They have one son, Thomas Roden Bromley, born May 14, 1890.
R. A. F.
CHARLES L. BROWN.
ECULIARITIES of Pennsylvania politics have made many opportunities within the past decade for young men of ambition, energy, ability and similar virtues to carve for themselves a place in the niche of contemporaneous fame. In Phila- delphia this is particularly the case, for in the legal profession alone there are several instances of what determination to succeed and honesty of purpose will achieve. One of the brightest mem- bers of the Philadelphia Bar, and a man who has demonstrated his worth time and time again in matters political, is the subject of this biography, State Senator Charles L. Brown, who is known throughout eastern Pennsylvania for the many victories he has achieved both in the lower courts and before the tribunal of the people.
CHARLES LINCOLN BROWN was born on July 6, 1864, in the Fifteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia, where he has resided ever since. He is collaterally related, upon his mother's side, to one of Pennsylvania's greatest men, Professor David Rittenhouse, and upon his father's side his lineage can be traced to the old Scotch family of Logans, one branch of which came to this coun- try as private secretary to William Penn. Charles Brown, the father of the subject of this review, was an advanced Abolitionist, and was one of the city's Magistrates from 1880 to 1885. The son's early education was received in the public schools, from which he directly engaged in business life. During this time he prepared himself for entrance into the Lehigh University, studying under Professor A. M. Brown, until illness forced him to abandon this course. Later, however, he entered the Law Department of
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Chas D. Brown
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CHARLES L. BROWN.
the University of Pennsylvania and, after a three years' course, graduated and was admitted to the Bar. He has since practiced law with conspicuous success. In 1891 Mr. Brown began his political career, which has been marked with many brilliant episodes since. In that year he was elected to Common Council to fill the unexpired term of Thomas M. Thompson, the City Controller. He was re-elected in 1892 by a handsome majority, and so good was his record that, in 1894, he was elected to Select Council over an Independent and Democratic candidate, receiving more than 1500 majority above the combined vote of both Demo- crat and Independent. Mr. Brown's familiarity with parliamentary matters, and his knowledge of law, combined to make him a model legislator, the more especially as he is a man of high ideas and one who fully deserves the trust which his constituents invariably place in him.
In November, 1896, Charles L. Brown received a testimonial of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow townsmen in the nomination on an Independent ticket for the State Senate. The contest was a warm one, and a most thorough campaign was waged by both factions of the Republican party. After one of the most bitter political battles that Philadelphia has ever known he was elected over Henry F. Walton.' While in Select Council one of Mr. Brown's most important services, and his last one, was to have passed the twenty-five thousand dollar appropriation for the astronomical instruments in the Boys' Central High School. In 1893, while still in Common Council, he inaugurated a movement for the removal of the Eastern Penitentiary, and after three years of persistent labor succeeded in passing the bill which, however, received the veto of the Governor upon economical grounds. It is his proud record that he has always been found advocating ques- ions of public interest along advanced lines, and, at the same time, that he has been entirely free from any interest in, or entan- glements with, corporations having an axe to grind. Mr. Brown's clean record in Common and Select Council promises for him that he will adhere to the principles which have made his name an honored one. While in Council one of his notable public works
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CHARLES L. BROWN.
was his solution of the Girard College problem, and his assistance in carrying out the plan of tunneling Twenty-second Street from South College Avenue to North College Avenue, for which he secured the approval of the Director of Public Works and the Board of City Trusts.
In his married life, as in his social and professional career, Mr. Brown has preserved the same character which has brought him success. He was married, April 28, 1892, to Susanna Stiles Hemphill. They have one child. In Republican circles Mr. Brown is highly popular, and his many friends and admiring con- stituents do not hesitate to predict for him great things in the way of further advancements. It has been said of him by high and honorable authority that in politics he is industrious, able, brave and successful, and it is the possession of these qualities which, as much as anything else, have put him in the foremost rank of Pennsylvania's sons. Mr. Brown is a charter member of the University Lodge, No. 610, Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences. With several other important institutions of a social and political nature he is closely identified, and in their welfare plays a highly important part.
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