USA > Pennsylvania > Prominent and progressive Pennsylvanians of the nineteenth century. Volume II > Part 3
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WILLIAM H. ANDREWS.
A STRIKING instance of the power of energy well directed is that which is furnished in the career of William H. Andrews, State Senator from Craw- ford County and conspicuous in the recent politi- cal episodes of Pennsylvania. Mr. Andrews comes of one of the oldest families in this country and his services to the people, coupled with his excellent genealogical connections, place him high upon the roll which embraces the leading men of the Commonwealth. In the earlier part of his career he was prominent as a business man and in the commercial world was recognized as an energetic and enterprising man.
WILLIAM H. ANDREWS, of Titusville, Crawford County, was born in Youngsville, Warren County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1842. One of his paternal ancestors fought under the banner of William the Conqueror, and was knighted for gallantry and meritorious service in the battle of Hastings, October 14, 1066. On his mother's side Mr. Andrews is of Puritan descent, the first of his maternal ancestors in this country dating his advent in America to the earliest settlement made by the Massachusetts Pilgrims. A great-grandfather on his mother's side served in the Continental Army during the Revolution, and under Montgomery at the storming of Quebec; was with General Gates at the sur- render of Burgoyne at Saratoga, and with Washington at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Another ancestor served under Washington throughout the struggle. In the War of the Rebellion, also, the family name was well represented among the defenders of the Union. His father, Doctor Jeremiah Andrews, was born in Michellstown, Ireland, educated in Dublin, and emi-
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grated to this country when twenty-five years of age. He was recognized as a skilful practitioner, and possessed to a remarkable degree the esteem and confidence of the community in which he lived. Doctor Andrews' wife, the mother of W. H. Andrews, was the daughter of Doctor Noah Weld, a member of one of the oldest families, and one of the best known and respected citizens of Warren County.
After obtaining that rudimentary education which the public schools of his time and section afforded, W. H. Andrews entered upon a mercantile career, and, up to the year 1880, was largely engaged in the pursuits thereof, part of the time at Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently at Meadville and Titusville, Pennsylvania. His many commendable traits soon brought him into association with the local managers of his political party, and in this way he developed a liking and fitness for political work and he became one of the most earnest and zealous of Republican leaders of the county. In 1880 he was elected Chairman of the Republican County Committee-a position he held for three successive terms. He was again unanimously elected in 1886. He served with credit to himself and advantage to his party as First Assistant Secretary to the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania during the years 1887 and 1888, and so ably did he discharge the duties to which he was assigned that his work obtained hearty recognition from the older party leaders. They were so favorably impressed by his qualities for work and organization and his prac- tical common sense, that he was made Chairman of the State Com- mittee in 1888 and was unanimously re-elected in 1889, and again in 1890. In 1889 he further demonstrated his ability as a party leader and organizer in the election of Henry K. Boyer, State Treasurer, by the uncommonly large majority of over sixty thou- sand, notwithstanding the fact that it was an "off year."
In 1888 he was elected to the Legislature from Crawford County; again elected in 1893, and sent to the State Senate in 1895, which position he now holds. During his first session in the Legislature he at once displayed an ability which early placed him in the front rank as a parliamentarian and leader of more than ordi-
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nary capacity. He was also a Delegate from the Twenty-sixth Congressional District of Pennsylvania to the Republican National Convention held at St. Louis, June 10, 1896, that nominated William McKinley for President of the United States. In politics, as in business, Mr. Andrews is scrupulously exact in discharging his obligations and fulfilling his promises, and his word is regarded as good as his bond in any transaction.
Mr. Andrews has been twice married. His first wife was Rose A., daughter of James H. Eddy, of Warren, Pennsylvania, to whom he was united October 18, 1862. She died March 14, 1879. On June 30, 1881, he married Mary Adelaide Fry, a grand- daughter of Thomas Atkinson, a member of the first Legislature of the State and editor of the first newspaper published west of the Allegheny Mountains. Three children were born to the first marriage: W. H., Jr., Frank E. and Belle R., only the last of whom is living. She is the wife of J. W. Witherop, formerly of Titusville, but now residing in Spokane, Washington. Two chil- dren have been born to the second marriage-a son and a daughter. The son, William Stanley, is living; the daughter, Margurite L., died in 1886.
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T. HENRY ASBURY.
ANY of Philadelphia's business men, including some of the best known industrial leaders in the coun- try, began life endowed with good business oppor- tunities, while others have carved their own way to success and fortune. T. Henry Asbury, the subject of this biography, was born in Birmingham, England, and when a boy worked for two shillings a week. At the age of eighteen he came to America, landing in Philadelphia practically penniless. The history of his progress is best indicated in the position he holds to-day in the manufacturing and mercantile circles of Pennsylvania. From this struggling boy he has advanced to the Presidency of one of the largest manufacturing companies in Philadelphia, and has similar high positions in other organi- zations.
T. HENRY ASBURY was born October 19, 1838, in Birming- ham, England. His father was Paul Asbury, and his mother Sarah Ann Whitehouse. He was raised in an atmosphere of commerce, so it seemed only natural that he should develop into one of the most representative manufacturers and industrial leaders. For forty years his father was a toll collector on the Birmingham canal, and his mother's parents were known in that great manufacturing district as the owners and operators of a number of canal boats. He never attended school after reaching the age of eight years, when he obtained employment with a silversmith at two shillings per week. He was next employed by a gunlock maker, then by a gun finisher, and, in fact, worked in a number of shops where parts of guns were made. To make a complete gun at that period required not less than twenty dif-
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ferent little shops. He then went to work for his brother Charles, and afterwards was employed at the Vulcan Foundry, in Birming- ham, as machinist. From the experience and knowledge gained there he became a practical mechanic.
He attended a lecture and panorama on America at the Town Hall, Birmingham, and, concluding that England was not the place for him, turned his eyes and thoughts toward the new land across the sea. When he spoke of going to America his father said, "My lad, a rolling stone gathers no moss." His reply was, "Yes, I know, but it gets bright." When he had reached the age of eighteen years, in February, 1856, he came to Philadelphia in the ship "Tonawanda," and, after a very rough voyage of seven weeks, set his feet on a foreign land. He obtained employment with Thomas Stuart, a machinist, who had a small shop in Drinkers' Alley, at the agreed wage of five dollars per week. At the end of the first week his employer voluntarily paid him six dollars instead of five dollars, and at the end of the month he was advanced to eight dollars per week. Under the circumstances this was won- derful progress, but the young man was too ambitious to remain long in a small shop, and obtained new employment at Sharp's rifle fac- tory, in West Philadelphia, where he remained until the panic of 1857, which closed the establishment. He was then employed by Bement & Daugherty, machine tool builders. From there he went to Dr. Gallagher, the inventor of the famous Gallagher rifle, thousands of which were made, and used in the Civil War. Mr. Asbury made the first Gallagher rifle under the direction of the doctor. He again was employed by Sharp's Rifle Company, where Henry Disston sought him at the commencement of the war, in 1861, and employed him to make some tools to manufacture cavalry bridle bits, Henry Disston having received an order from the government for 30,000. In a very short time he was appointed foreman of the machine depart- ment, which position he occupied until 1864. Through all these stages of progress Mr. Asbury had one aim in view-the establish- ment of his own business, and all that he lacked was capital. He was master of the various branches of his trade, and, having laid by enough money to give him a start, he began business for himself
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in 1865, in his third-story attic at the corner of Thirty-seventh and Haverford streets, Philadelphia. Shortly after, he took John G. Baker as partner, and they removed to 402 Library Street, and started a small jobbing machine shop. From this modest beginning developed the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, of Pennsylvania, which to-day is one of the best known concerns in the country. Mr. Asbury became President in 1870, and has served as such ever since. The Company has an immense plant devoted to the manufacture of patented hardware specialties, and its productions are known throughout the world. Mr. Asbury gives his chief attention to the affairs of this Company, but is still identified with other successful concerns. He has been Treasurer of the Florida Land and Improvement Company, President of the Kissimmee Land Company, a Director of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Canal and Okeechobee Land Company and a Director of the Philadel- phia Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has a large interest in the Cheltenham Electric Light, Heat and Power Company, and is also a Director of the Manufacturers' Club.
On October 3, 1857, Mr. Asbury married Mary Elizabeth Swann. They have three daughters and two sons, both of the latter being actively engaged with their father in the Enterprise Manufacturing Company. Mr. Asbury has large interests in real estate at Oak Lane, where he resides, together with his sons and daughters, who surround him in their delightful homes.
SAMUEL H. ASHBRIDGE.
OR many years Samuel H. Ashbridge has been F widely and honorably known as Philadelphia's Cor- oner, figuring largely in the history of the State, not alone for his attainments, but for the posses- sion of those qualities which endear him gener- ally to the people. He is an apostle of patriotism, and preaches love of country with a dignity and wholeheartedness that public men do not always display. He is an orator of rare ability, and while this is among the least of the qualities which tend to make him a successful public man, yet it has been a strong factor in establishing his popularity. He declaims for the doctrine's sake and not to curry favor, and he misses no opportunity to drop a word where there is a chance to find good soil for American pride. It is as such a speaker that he has been called upon at nearly every meeting of patriotic bodies for many years.
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SAMUEL H. ASHBRIDGE was born December 5, 1849, in the northern part of Philadelphia, and that city has ever been his residence. He is the son of S. Howell and Jane P. Ashbridge, both members of old and prosperous Quaker families. Samuel received his education in the public schools, and advanced rapidly in his studies until he became filled with the desire to enter the business world. Accordingly, when hardly more than a boy, he made his start in life as a clerk in the employ of the drug firm of Robert Shoemaker & Company. He left that position after a time to accept a more advantageous one as bookkeeper for the firm of Joseph Hancock & Company, who operated large coal yards, and by close application he soon made himself master of all the details of the business. It had always been his ambition to
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become independent and to establish himself on a practical footing in the commercial world. The subordinate positions which he filled in business life were regarded by him as stepping stones, for the spirit of leadership has always been a strong factor of his char- acter. He began business for himself as the proprietor of a coal- yard at Eighth and Girard Avenue. This venture was a modest one, but the trade grew through unflagging attention and hard work. In business, Samuel H. Ashbridge was a success. When Thomas J. Powers was appointed as Coroner for the unexpired term of Dr. Gilbert, deceased, he chose Mr. Ashbridge as his Deputy. Mr. Powers had been a warm friend, and saw in him the material for a successful man. When Mr. Powers' term expired, Mr. Ashbridge, who, as Deputy, had lost no time in familiarizing himself with every detail of the position, was retained by Dr. Janney, the next Coroner, as Chief Clerk. Years later, Mr. Powers again became Coroner, and made his friend Deputy, an office which, though it had not been considered of much importance before, was gradually raised by his energy and force to a degree of responsibility that relieved the chief of many of the routine duties and minor details. In the election of 1886, Mr. Ashbridge, who had demonstrated his ability, was elected to succeed Mr. Powers. In him was recognized a character and force eminently fitted for public service, and his election was considered a matter for congratulation by the people. He has held the office from that time, through each term giving additional evidence of his ability and worth. The fact that he has been returned to his duties at the end of every three years, being elected for the fourth time in the fall of 1894, may well be considered as an unqualified endorse- ment by the people of his fidelity and business-like management. While Coroner he inaugurated many changes in the administra- tion of the methods of his department, making indeed an almost complete re-organization in the holding of inquests. The record of cases and evidence is far more precise than ever, and the cases are disposed of expeditiously, while care in every investigation is never relaxed. The Coroner has had no medical degree, and until his appointment as Deputy had never interested himself in that science.
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He realized, however, in the first few days of his work, that if he were to perform his duties with thoroughness he should have to study both medicine and law. In a year or so he was both sur- geon, toxiologist and lawyer so far as the requirements of the position demanded.
In 1895, Mr. Ashbridge, who by that time had become one of the most prominent figures in Philadelphia political life, was an aspirant to the Mayoralty, but in the Republican Convention Charles F. Warwick was nominated. His intense loyalty to the party was indicated in his activity on behalf of the successful candidate. During the entire campaign that followed he was one of the most active of the speakers at ward meetings, and in many other ways displayed his earnestness in Mr. Warwick's behalf. In the ante-convention canvass he taxed his energy so severely that his health was undermined, permanently, his friends thought, and many of them hardly anticipated that he would survive the cam- paign. In the middle of the contest his physician advised him to travel, and he spent several months in Bermuda and the West Indies. He is now, as a result of his naturally strong constitution and the care which he exercised, nearly as robust as he was when urged into the Mayoralty canvass. In the fall of 1896, after James L. Miles, the regular Republican nominee for Sheriff, had resigned the nomination, Mr. Ashbridge was requested by his party to accept it. Yielding to the solicitation of the Republican leaders, he accepted the nomination, and in the election of that year was defeated. He has continued, however, to be an active participant in the higher work of the Republican Party, while he has given his attention to the duties of the Coroner's office ever since.
Mr. Ashbridge is a prominent figure in patriotic societies, and has been pre-eminently a man of social instincts ever since he began his career. From his early manhood he has taken an active part in the promulgation and establishment of such organizations as have tended to increase and further the love of country. He is a member of a number of fraternal orders, and is affiliated with twenty-three societies in all, being an officer of many. He is a member of the Union Republican and Young Republican clubs.
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Leo. F. Baen
GEORGE F. BAER.
IN the legal annals of Pennsylvania there are enrolled the names of some of the most brilliant barristers in the country; and it would seem that the practice of law in the Keystone State has ever been pro- ductive of the most substantial results, financially ; and most pleasant and powerful associations, politically and socially, to those, at least, who are cast in the mould for success. Since 1864, George F. Baer, the subject of this biography, has been building a record for himself along these lines by dint of unflag- ging zeal and tenacity of purpose. He has raised himself to the ladder's top round by a series of legal victories, patriotic services and ambitious advancements until today he is one of Reading's most honored citizens.
GEORGE F. BAER was born on the 26th day of September, 1842, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. His father was Major Solomon Baer, and his mother was Anna Maria Baer, whose family name was Baker. His great-grandfather came to America from the Duchy of Zweibrucken, in the year 1743, and during the Reforma- tion this branch of Mr. Baer's ancestry took an active part in and were prominently identified with that great religious movement. The author of the Heidelberg Catechism, Dr. Ursinus, was of the same family. Mr. Baer received his education at the Somerset Insti- tute, the Somerset Academy, and Franklin and Marshall College. At the age of thirteen he entered the office of the Somerset Demo- crat, and worked at the printing trade for a little over two years. In the beginning of 1861 he and his brother, Henry, purchased the Somerset Democrat. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, his brother joined the army as an officer of Colonel Campbell's
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regiment, leaving him in sole charge of the business. During this time he worked at the printer's case every day, editing the paper and studying law at night. In August, 1862, he raised a company and was elected Captain of Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in Humphreys' Division of the Army of the Potomac. Joining the Army of the Potomac at the second battle of Bull Run, he par- ticipated in all the engagements of that army up to and including the battle of Chancellorsville, when he was detailed as the Adju- tant-General of the Second Brigade. Upon the completion of his term of service he returned to Somerset and finished the course of his legal studies in his brother's office, and was admitted to the Bar in April, 1864. He removed to Reading in April, 1868, and has resided in that thriving city ever since, taking an active part in the upbuilding of its interests.
In 1870 he was made Counsel for the Philadelphia and Read- ing Railroad Company, which position he has retained under all administrations. As his law practice increased, Mr. Baer was enabled to extend the field of liis operations, and so successfully did he embrace the opportunities offered to him that he is to-day President of a very large number of the State's best known manu- facturing concerns, besides being a Director in a number of other companies of scarcely less importance. Withal, he still gives most of his attention to his immense law practice, which assumes larger proportions yearly.
He has always been a close student, not only in the lines of his profession, but in the wider range of literature, as is shown by the number of literary addresses he has delivered and college degrees conferred upon him.
One of Mr. Baer's most important offices is his Presidency of the Reading Iron Company, and the substantial growth of its trade is attributable greatly to his financial foresight and careful guidance. He is President of the Reading Paper Mills, of the Temple Iron Company, and is a Director in the Reading Com- pany, Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company, the Phila- delphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, the Pine Creek
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Railway Company, the Beech Creek Railway Company, the Read- ing Trust Company, the Reading Fire Insurance Company, and a large number of others, which have contributed much to the pros- perity of the Commonwealth. Notwithstanding these business cares, Mr. Baer takes a great interest in public affairs and holds several, though non-salaried, offices. He is President of the Park Commission of his city, and President of the Board of Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College, in which institution he takes con- siderable pride.
In 1866 Mr. Baer was married to Miss Emily Kimmel, a daughter of John O. Kimmel, an able and influential member of the Somerset Bar.
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HENRY BEATES, JR.
HE science of medicine has kept pace with the general progress of Pennsylvania in rapid strides. This is owing largely to the participation in the medical affairs of the Commonwealth of men whose names have stood for all that progress implies in all its branches of the divine art of healing. Dr. Henry Beates, Jr., although he is a comparatively young man and, in spite of the fact that his participation in the development of medicine has only extended for a short period so far as years are concerned, is num- bered to-day among the brightest and most progressive men who are making the history of medicine.
HENRY BEATES, JR., was born December 20, 1857, in Phila- delphia. His mother was Emily A. Baker and his father Henry Beates. When old enough to go to school, the son, Henry, was sent to the Eastburn Academy, where the foundation for a thor- oughly broad and, also, a classical education was laid. In fact, Mr. Beates' education is of an academic nature throughout. After leaving the Eastburn Academy he went to the Classical Institute and West Philadelphia Academy, from which latter, after a special course preparatory to medicine, he graduated in 1876. Mr. Beates was the valedictorian of his class and, leaving his school with honors, entered immediately into the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania under the preceptorship of Dr. Charles T. Hunter. He advanced rapidly in his studies and became one of the most representative of the Pennsylvania University students. He secured the co-operation of about sixty students who pledged themselves to enter upon a prolonged course and augmented curri- culum. This rendered the institution of the three years graded
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course practicable and was the nucleus of the now elaborate four year term. Mr. Beates was one of the foremost students of his day and did more, perhaps, than any other one to aid in the estab- lishment of conditions favorable to the present style and form of university education. 1200333
In 1879 Henry Beates, Jr., among those of distinguished merit, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and at once entered into practice. He was appointed Clinical Assistant to Professors William Pepper, D. Hayes Agnew, William Goodell and John Ashhurst, a quartette of the most prominent, progressive and representative physicians of the day; all of them men who practically made the history of medicine in that age. It is needless, of course, to say that Doctor Beates absorbed from them some of that enthusiasm for the divine art of healing which is the most powerful incentive a physician can possess. At the same time Doctor Beates learned much from his distinguished preceptors, and, being of a studious nature, he continued to advance himself in his chosen profession and devoted considerable time to the several specialties, believing it to be essen- tial to the proper comprehension of general practice, until within a few years he had attained quite a notable fame. On January I, 1894, Dr. Beates was appointed a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners, which was entirely due to his energetic administration of such medical affairs as those which up to that time had come under his care. The appointment was for the full term of three years, by Governor Pattison, and so well did Doctor Beates care for the interests under his charge that in January, 1897, he was re-appointed by Governor Hastings. This he is now serving. Few young men have received the honors which have been given Doctor Beates, and it is quite likely that he will con- tinue until he has attained even greater prominence than that which is deservedly his at the present time.
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