USA > Pennsylvania > Prominent and progressive Pennsylvanians of the nineteenth century. Volume III > Part 12
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and preparing for his entrance into a professional career, he was appointed a cadet and assigned to Saterlee Hospital, located at Forty-second and Pine streets, West Philadelphia. It was then the largest military hospital in America. Notwithstanding the distractions incident upon such an assignment, Doctor Grier pursued his studies with undiminished vigor, and graduated, in due season, in 1863. Immediately upon his graduation he was appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon in the United States Army. He was assigned to duty in the institution he had previously served, remaining there until the close of the War, in 1865. At the same time he was attending to the duties of his official position, he was also acting as assistant to his former preceptor, R. A. F. Penrose. His duties were largely in the Depart- ment for the Diseases of Women and Children, of the University of Pennsylvania, in which post he served for three years, when he entered upon the general practice of his profession.
While still an undergraduate and assisting in Saterlee Hospital, in 1862, he began the use of electricity for curative purposes, and, meeting with success, he has kept up the study of electro-therapeutics in connection with nervous diseases, until to-day he is known as one of the most expert electro-therapeutists in the United States. During President Harrison's administration, he was made Surgeon on the Third Examining Board of Philadelphia, in which capacity he served with all the zeal and fidelity which he has shown in his private practice.
On the 22d day of February, 1872, Doctor Grier was married to Ella Reyburn, the daughter of an old and respected Philadelphia family. His wife died on May 6, 1885. On July 2, 1890, the Doctor was married to Ida B. Goodwin, of Rochester, New York. His one child is dead. More than thirty years ago Doctor Grier began his searching investigations, and, finding the use of electricity almost invaluable in certain classes, particularly affections of the nervous organism, he delved deeper into the mysteries and conducted countless experiments that have resulted in largely adding to the knowledge of electro-therapeutics. Indeed, his discoveries and his many inventions in this field form an example of excellent individual achievement. The appliances for the application of electricity to the uses of medical practice, which are the results of his inventive genius, include many
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desirable improvements in use by the profession, and are of sufficient importance to give him as high a rank as an electrician as he enjoys as a physician.
As a result of Doctor Grier's investigations, he has devised many mechanical modifications in the development of the current as needed in its use as a medicinal agent, and possesses some highly developed models and devices necessary in electro-diagnosis and therapeutics. In accordance with the by-laws of most medical societies, their members are prohibited from securing patents on inventions for the benefit of suffering humanity, consequently, Doctor Grier's inventions have been always open to the use of the profession. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, of London ; the College of Physicians ; the Franklin Institute ; the Pathological Institute, and many other medical and scientific societies.
BENJAMIN W. GRIST.
T HE part played by machinery in the advancement of the world is second to no other physical factor, and in no other grand division of the army of progress are there such constant and rapid changes, each marking a stride in the onward march of civiliza- tion. The world is indebted not only to the man who, by his inventive genius, confers blessings upon the people, but to the designers, the constructors, the builders as well. Inventions are not infrequently the fruits of accident and chance; the designing and construction of machinery is the work of absolute mathematical exactness. Mathematics and mechanical drawings are essentials in the making of machinery, and the knowledge of both is necessary to the constructor. The calculation of strength, force, resistance, gravitation and friction, followed by the drawing, are the prelimi- naries to the actual work of building, but they are necessary pre- liminaries. The man who can begin with the primary essentials, construct and put together the machine, set it in motion and see that it runs properly, is a master machinist indeed, and such a one is Benjamin W. Grist, the subject of this biography. From early youth he has been familiar with machinery. His father was a mill- wright, and, when twelve years of age, the son was apprenticed to a machinist and draftsman. He worked himself up through the various grades until he reached the position he now holds in con- nection with a great industry.
BENJAMIN W. GRIST was born at Boston, Lincolnshire, England, August 27, 1842. His parents were James Edmund Grist and Mary Ann Grist. He attended the public schools at the town of his birth until 1854, when he was apprenticed to Tuxford & Sons, of Boston,
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England, for seven years, to learn the draftsman and machinist trade. At that time the firm of Tuxford & Sons was admitted to be the foremost engineering concern in Great Britain. They manu- factured steam and road engines that were noted for their excel- lence, and the great variety of other machines built by them enabled Mr. Grist to secure a great deal of valuable knowledge. He soon gave evidence of being possessed of more than ordinary ability and judgment, and was frequently deputed, though still in his teens, to visit various places where, through lack of information, the machinery constructed by them could not be properly operated. During the term of his apprenticeship he attended night school for tradesmen, where he rapidly advanced in mechanical drawing and acquired his technical engineering education. After the expira- tion of his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in the shops of the London and Northwestern Railway, and also at the Great Northern shops. In those positions Mr. Grist greatly enlarged his practical knowledge of heavy machinery and the manner of its construction.
About thirty years ago Mr. Grist came to this country and engaged with Bement, Miles & Company, Philadelphia, manufac- turers of high-grade machinery tools. There he remained for one year, when he accepted a position with the Weimer Machine Works Company, at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, constructors of fur- nace machinery, in the capacity of General Machinist and Erecting Engineer. The superiority of his work, while thus engaged, led to his being offered the important position of General Superintendent and Designing Engineer of the Lebanon Manufacturing Company, which position was accepted by him. This concern was chiefly engaged in the building of steam engines. He retained that posi- tion until 1877, when he went to the Mellert Foundry and Machine Company, at Reading, as Superintendent of their plant, remaining there about three years, when he accepted the position of General Machinist and Erecting Engineer with the Reading Iron Company. The firm of B. W. Grist & Company was organized at Reading at that time, and he officiated as the head for six years, success- fully conducting the business of manufacturing steam engines and
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general foundry work, also being engaged as Consulting Engineer to numerous concerns in the interior of the State.
On October 28, 1886, the Pennsylvania Iron Works Company was organized, and the firm of B. W. Grist & Company was merged into that corporation, Mr. Grist having been engaged as Superinten- dent, and successively rising in various positions to that of Vice-Presi- dent and General Manager of the concern, which office he has filled for several years to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders and directors of the company. Their immense plant is located at Fiftieth Street and Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia. That Mr. Grist is not an idle man is evidenced by the fact that, in addition to the offices already mentioned, he is President of the Globe Gas Engine Company, Direc- tor of the Hygeia Ice and Cold Storage Company, and General Man- ager of the Siemens & Halske Electric Company of Chicago. The latter company manufactures all kinds of electrical apparatus. The Penn- sylvania Iron Works, among other things, manufactures high-grade steam engines and have installed with them nearly all the princi- pal cable roads in the United States. Notable among them are the Broadway, Third Avenue, Lexington Avenue lines, in New York, and several other companies in Chicago and Baltimore. The company has also equipped important lines in Philadelphia and Pittsburg. The corporation is engaged in the manufacture of ice machines, and in full charge of this plant is Mr. Grist, who, forty years ago, was an insignifi- cant apprentice to the machine trade in England. His keynote for success is "Work with might." His principal characteristic faculty is that of coping with mechanical emergencies.
On October 10, 1863, Mr. Grist and Jane Luddett, of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, were married. They have had seven children, James E., Annie, Molly, Rosa, Jennie, Bessie and Lou O., of whom four survive. The only son, James E., died May 23, 1897, aged thirty- three. He had been associated with his father in various engineering capacities, and was a Philadelphia Common Councilman at the time of his death.
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Mio. W. Hall
The Rembrandt. Eny Ce Poda
GEORGE W. HALL.
LWAYS highly respected by his fellow-citizens and often honored with public office, a sacred trust to which he has ever been true, George W. Hall, the subject of this sketch, has attained renown as a representative of his native city, of Philadelphia. " Educated in a select school and brought up in mercantile pursuits, from which he retired to accept office at the hands of his constituents in the Tenth Legislative District of Philadelphia, he reached a degree of eminence that marked him as one of the most prominent men of the State. Retiring from public service, he became largely interested in railway and financial affairs generally, and is now numbered among the most progressive Pennsylvanians of the day.
GEORGE W. HALL was born in Philadelphia on May 18, 1829, his parents being George and Margaret Sturgis Hall. His paternal ancestors were Scotch and emigrated to this country in 1802, settling in Philadelphia. His mother's ancestry were English, her family dat- ing their settlement in Maryland over a century ago. His father was a trusted official in the first United States Mint and was engaged in the service of the Government in that institution for over forty years. Mr. Hall received his early education in a private school, conducted by Edward Goodfellow, of Philadelphia. At the age of fourteen he branched out in the world, entering the wholesale hardware house of Price, Newlin & Company, where he remained for nearly four years. He then entered the wholesale dry-goods house of Spering, Good & Company, where he paid strict and accurate attention to his duties, acquiring the full details of the business. Uponr eaching his majority, he resigned his position and accepted an appointment as Assistant Coiner of the United States Mint under the administration of President
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Taylor, remaining there for a period of seven years, when he resigned to re-enter mercantile life. In 1857 he formed a co-partner- ship under the firm name of Brown, Kunkel & Company for the purpose of dealing in woolen goods. The firm retained its title until the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, when it became Kunkel, Hall & Company. Mr. Hall followed this business very successfully until 1868, when he retired from mercantile life. In November, 1868, he was elected a member of the Councils of Philadelphia from the Tenth Ward, and was active in that body for three terms of two years each. He first entered upon legislative duties in 1875, being elected a member of the House of Representatives from the Tenth District of Philadelphia. He served his native city in that capacity for five terms, and, while a member of the body, was appointed on all the prominent committees, being Chairman of the Committee on Appro- priations for three sessions. At the end of the fifth term he declined renomination and has not since held public office.
Mr. Hall has always been a Republican in politics, and during his long participation in the proceedings of the House, he gained the reputation of being very thorough in his attention to legislative duties, with ever a guardian eye to the interests of his constituency. Since his retirement from public service he has been repeatedly urged by his many friends to allow his name to be presented for various important offices, but has always declined, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to charitable interests and to his private affairs. Mr. Hall is a very active man. Besides being a Director in several banks, insurance companies and railway corporations, and Trustee for several estates, he is an extensive holder of real estate. He is one of the Directors and Treasurer of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. He is one of the Managers of the Pennsylvania Training School for Feeble-Minded Children, and one of the Managers of the John C. Mercer Home for Disabled Clergymen, at Ambler, Pennsylvania. He has been an Inspector of the Philadel- phia County Prisons for ten years. He is President of Monument Cemetery, Vice-President of the Public Education Association, Presi- dent of St. Andrew's Society, and has been, for over thirty years, an active member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. * He has been one
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of the Managers of the Art Association of the Masonic Temple since its organization. He is President of the Board of Trustees of the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, and also of the Darby Borough Presbyterian Church in Delaware County. For over thirty years he has been a prominent member of the Union League, and is as well known in social circles as he is in the business world. He takes a deep interest in all charitable and educational affairs, and is a constant upholder of truth and justice in the every-day life of his com- munity. He has for many years occupied leading positions in the Masonic Fraternity, and is especially active in his own Lodge, Union, No. 121, and takes a deep interest in the affairs of the Grand Lodge. He has also been for years one of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the Masonic Temple.
Mr. Hall has been twice married and spends all the leisure time allowed by his diversified business interests in the enjoyment of his home life. He possesses an agreeable and attractive personality, and during his public career acquitted himself very creditably as a speaker, demonstrating himself to be the possessor of a readiness in delivery and a smoothness in language that always won for him respectful attention from his hearers. His utterances may be said to be always well timed, and his general appearance is expressive of intelligence as well as of a benevolent disposition.
JOHN E. HANIFEN.
HILE, as a general thing, public men are not recruited W from the commercial ranks, yet it does sometimes occur that offices in the government of municipalities or States are filled by incumbents who have won distinction and honor through their identification with the financial and industrial interests of their communities. Whenever such is the case it is an important gain for the benefit of the Com- monwealth. Such a man is John E. Hanifen, who has not only won distinction as a business man and promoter of commercial prosperity, but who has rendered efficient service to his city as a member of both Common and Select Councils. Mr. Hanifen was a member of Coun- cils from 1883 to 1896; and to-day he holds a foremost place among Philadelphia's manufacturers of knit goods.
JOHN E. HANIFEN was born, September 12, 1848, on Front Street, above Poplar, Philadelphia, and was educated at the public schools. His ancestors settled in New York City early in the past century and were successful merchants until the depredations committed by French cruisers left the family without resources. His father, Gregory Han- ifen, came to Philadelphia in 1835, where he married Mary Isling, a native of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. John E. was their fourth child, and Mrs. Hanifen died while he was yet very young. In 1861 his father and elder brother entered the Union Army, leaving him to the care of an elder sister. John E. was a lad of independent spirit and firm determination. Backed by these qualities he resolved to commence life on his own account, which he did at the age of fourteen years, when he obtained employment in the mill of Martin Landen- berger. An humble position was assigned him, but aptness, industry and deep interest in his work procured for him advancements from
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John & Kanfew
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JOHN E. HANIFEN.
time to time, until he was placed in full charge of the hosiery depart- ment, one of the most important in the mill.
Mr. Hanifen, in November, 1874, left the employ of Mr. Landen- berger, and with George R. Jesson, a fellow-employé, commenced the manufacture of hosiery in one room. His own master, free to exercise his abilities as to him seemed best, he prepared new designs which, following in rapid succession, made an ever-growing market for the pro- ducts of the new firm. At the end of one year Hanifen & Company found themselves cramped for space in three rooms. Their business steadily expanded until, in 1876, it became necessary for them to erect a five-story mill at the corner of Savery and Thompson streets. With the largely augmented space and plant, the demand for their fabrics con- tinued to grow until 1881. At that period it had attained proportions of such magnitude as to compel the firm to build an additional struc- ture to their mill. Shortly after this Mr. Jesson withdrew from the firm, leaving John E. Hanifen sole proprietor. Under his management the manufacture of Jersey cloth and knit cloths generally was begun, Mr. Hanifen being a pioneer in their American production. In 1883 Mr. Hanifen introduced new machinery into his mill, and other improve- ments being gradually added, the demand for knit cloths became so great that he devoted the entire capacity of his mill to the manufac- ture of knit cloths and garments. So perfect was this production that, at the request of the Smithsonian Institution, Mr. Hanifen sub- mitted samples of his fabrics to the United States Government exhibit at the New Orleans Exposition in 1884. These samples were after- wards placed in the National Museum, in Washington, D. C. Letters- patent have been granted to Mr. Hanifen for many original designs in knitted cloths, and recently in the manufacture of underwear he has achieved great success. In fact, Mr. Hanifen's faith in new ideas and new machinery, and his production of only the finest grade of fabrics, have made him a leader in the progressive school of American manufacturers.
In his political career Mr. Hanifen has met with the same marked results and the same successes which have characterized his business life. He has always been known as a citizen of highest purpose, and in his public offices his worth and integrity have won for him the esteem
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and admiration of all. Mr. Hanifen was elected a member of Common Council from the Twenty-ninth Ward, first in 1883. So well did he look after the interests of his constituents and the welfare of the city at large that he was re-nominated and re-elected for two successive terms, serving until 1887. He was a member of Select Council from 1887 to 1896. During this period he rendered efficient service on such important committees as Finance, Municipal Government, Water, Electrical and Law, giving to all his duties close attention. For three years he occupied the position of Chairman of the Committee on Com- merce and Navigation, and while in that office advocated the exten- sion of piers along the river front and the improvement of water-ways. Much of this work along the Delaware front can be traced to his efforts. In many other fields Mr. Hanifen has exhibited his marked ability as a business man and a progressive citizen, and it is indeed true that he represents most thoroughly all the elemental qualities that go toward making a representative Pennsylvanian. He is a Director of the Kensington National Bank, and of the Johnston Frog and Switch Company, of Chester, Pennsylvania. He is a member and ex-President of the Columbia Club, and is prominently identified with the Philadelphia Bourse, Union League and other organizations of a social and business nature. In the grave labor troubles of 1876-77, he was President of the Hosiery Section, and is now President of the Stockinette Association. For these and many other important services rendered by Mr. Hanifen to the industrial and political interests of his State, he must be ranked as one of the most prominent and pro- gressive of Pennsylvania's sons.
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Fattarhanf
FRANK A. HARTRANFT.
F those who have rapidly and steadily risen in profes- 0 sional 'life and who have particularly distinguished themselves in the practice of law in Philadelphia, Frank A. Hartranft is prominent. He is the descend- ant of an old German family, who immigrated to this country early in the Eighteenth Century. While still quite young he connected himself with the Lutheran Church, and has, since his seven- teenth year, been very active in religious work. While he has gained much success and reputation as counsellor and attorney in the practice of his profession, he has been equally prominent in the work of his church. For many years he was active as a Democrat in politics, and stood high in the councils of his party. Courageous, energetic and untiring, Mr. Hartranft is invariably found in the front in all that he undertakes. He served his city well as a member of the Common Council and rendered his party faithful service as a member of Executive Committees and upon the political platform. His church was indebted to his activity upon numerous occasions, when he was a Delegate to Conference and Synods. He enjoys a large and lucrative practice, almost exclusively in civil cases, and deservedly holds the confidence of his clients and brother members of the Bar alike.
FRANK A. HARTRANFT was born February 25, 1855, at Falckner's Swamp, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Aaron Hartranft and Catharine Derr Hartranft (née Saylor). He is able to trace his ancestry back, through Tobias Hartranft, to an ancient German family. At the age of six months Frank A. Hartranft was brought to Philadelphia, and in this city he has ever since resided. He passed through the lower grades of the public schools to the Park Avenue Grammar School and was one year in the Philadelphia High
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School. In 1872 he entered the office of S. Hartranft & Company, manufacturers of flour, as a clerk. For a few years he continued in mercantile life, but determined early to make the law his profession. He studied in the office of Theodore McFadden and was admitted to the Bar, July 1, 1882, when he immediately entered upon the practice of law. Success marked his efforts from the beginning. His early inclinations were in the direction of criminal practice, but for years he has devoted his time and talents almost entirely to civil cases in the Common Pleas, Orphans', Superior and Supreme Courts of the State. Mr. Hartranft's ability on the platform and his cool judgment in counsel soon brought him prominently before the people. In February, 1889, he was nominated by the Democrats, and elected by the voters of the Twenty-fifth Ward to represent them in Common Council, an office which he filled with fidelity and ability for two years. He was successively a member of the Democratic Executive Com- mittees of the Twentieth, Twenty-fifth and Thirty-third Wards, and of the Democratic State Executive Committee, representing the Eighth District, composed of a number of the wards of Philadelphia. Mr. Hartranft was a Delegate to the Democratic State Convention at Scranton that nominated Mr. Pattison for Governor, subsequently being himself nominated by the Democratic party of Philadelphia for the office of Sheriff, as a candidate who would unite the party in Philadelphia County and thus assist in the election of Mr. Pattison, and his efforts in the campaign that followed were of great assistance to his party and aided materially in the election of the Democratic nominee.
Since 1892 Mr. Hartranft has not devoted so much of his time to politics, his increasing law practice requiring much more of his attention, but upon important occasions his services are at the command of his party. He is President of the Hartranft Family Reunion Association, succeeding ex-Governor John F. Hartranft, who, at his death, was President of that organization. He is one of the original stockholders of the first trust company, the Commonwealth, ever organized in Philadelphia. At the age of seventeen years he was admitted to membership in the Lutheran Church, and at once took a great interest in its work. He very materially aided in organizing
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