USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; genealogy-family history-biography; containing historical sketches of old families and of representative and prominent citizens, past and present, Volume I > Part 3
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practicing in every court in this part of Pennsylvania and also before the vari- ous United States courts. In 1864 he was appointed district attorney of the county, to succeed Franklin B. Gowen, whose duties with the Philadelphia & Reading Company assumed such proportions that he was obliged to relinquish his local connections. When Mr. Gowen became president of the road, F. W. Hughes assisted him in the prosecution of those members of the famous "Mollie Maguire" organization who had caused much loss of life in the county and surrounding country.
When the Schuylkill Valley division of the Pennsylvania railroad made an effort to enter Pottsville, Mr. Farquhar represented that company in the memorable legal fight which was undertaken by the Reading Company in order to prevent the Pennsylvania from entering this territory. The company opened its lines in 1884, Mr. Farquhar winning the memorable decision which permitted this action. Under his supervision the company purchased all of the property on Coal street, and from that time forward he continued as solicitor for the company. His private practice was wide and varied, and as a legist he ever held the respect of his fellow members of the profession and the esteem of the general public. At a specially called meeting of the Schuylkill Bar Association, of which he was for long years the president, President Judge H. O. Bechtel said in part : "I have the sad duty of announcing that death has again invaded our ranks and taken a brother. I cannot help but be impressed, and it cannot be other than a sad duty. Under all circumstances the death of Mr. Farquhar has been a shock and it serves to impress us what a slender hold we have upon life. This time Providence has seen fit to take one whom we loved to call the Nestor of the bar. He had reached the highest pinnacle of his profession and had the love of the members of the bar and everyone with whom he associated. He was taken in the zenith of his glory and removed, as we may say, in the twinkling of an eye. I feel that I can say that Mr. Farquhar was prepared to go. During several talks with him recently and in which he dwelt at length upon his belief in the future, I can say that he felt that it was but a step to that reward which he was striving to obtain. He always looked at the bright side of life and trials that would have afflicted other men only developed in him a power to rise above and see the good in the chastening. He never murmured or complained during his afflictions, but looked forward to that reward which is taught is the result of all good service. It was a pleasure to have known Mr. Farquhar, and you felt good from having associated with him."
In his younger years Mr. Farquhar took an active part in Democratic politics, but when corruption and graft entered so largely into the political workings of the county he quietly withdrew, although he ever faithfully dis- charged the duties of good citizenship. From its organization he was a helpful and earnest member of the board of health. In upholding law and order in the county he was always one of the most active workers, and for years participated in the withholding of licenses, by procuring evidence which would aid the organization in decreasing the number of licenses permitted in the county. He was the general counsel for the taxpayers' association which secured the convictions in the famous ballot box stuffing case. Press, bench, bar and public united in deploring his death. The Chronicle, in its issue of June 18, 1913, said editorially :
"In the demise of Guy E. Farquhar, the Nestor of the Schuylkill county bar, there is lost to the legal profession one of its mainstays, extending through
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the years of a long life in which his legal counsel was much sought after, he having figured in many important cases, in addition to being solicitor for great railroad corporations. Aside from the high place which he occupied in his chosen profession, he was possessed of those sterling qualities which endeared him to all with whom he came into contact. In the home circle, in the activities of a busy church life, in the tasks imposed upon him because of his being the head of the board of managers of the Pottsville hospital, and in many other avenues of usefulness, with which his life was closely associated for more years than are allotted to those of present generations for strenuous work, he was prominent, and his presence will be sadly missed. He was a true citizen, whose loyalty to his town was proverbial."
Mr. Farquhar was a man of the highest ideals, both professionally and personally, and his honesty was never questioned. In the editorial columns of the Journal the following tribute was paid to him: "The day has closed for a fine, courtly, scholarly gentleman of the old school, Guy Edward Farquhar. Yesterday we had the man with us; to-day, we have only the memory of the man. But that memory is very sweet because he was so much of a man, because he always stood unalterably for such high ideals, because he was a good citizen, a fine, upright lawyer, a good husband and father, and because he was God-fearing in his every act. He did not live in vain. It is said of him to-day that he was more generally looked up to and respected than any other man in Schuylkill county. That, in itself, was worth living for."
Mr. Farquhar devoted a great deal of his time to public matters of all kinds and was noted for his charity and benevolence, all of which was performed in a quiet and unostentatious manner. He never sought public praise or com- mendation for what he accomplished, but went along quietly, well satisfied in the success of the things which he undertook and repaid with the successful accomplishinent of his efforts. He, with the late William L. Sheafer, prac- tically attended to all the details of the management of the Pottsville hospital, of which they were the founders. Some years ago there was an epidemic of typhoid fever in a suburb of Pottsville, and they secured an old frame building in Mount Carbon which they fitted up as a temporary refuge. From this beginning the hospital developed, Mr. Farquhar becoming the first presi- dent of the board and filling the position until his death. He ever took a keen interest in the welfare of the Phoenix Fire Company, the charter of which he had himself secured.
The following is quoted from the editorial page of the Republican, issue of June 18, 1913: "When any town, no matter how large, suffers the loss of a man of the type and character of Guy E. Farquhar, a loss is sustained which even the most optimistic of citizens feel cannot be replaced. Mr. Farquhar was of that type of man which unfortunately is too infrequently encountered. His example of manliness, fearlessness and sympathy are lessons which we wish every citizen would even in a small way emulate. Possessing one of the finest minds and finest characters, and a busy man whose moments of recrea- tion are few, he was a man most easily approached, no matter by whom or on what mission, and a respectful hearing was assured, after which, in that kindly, fearless and manly way, he delivered his answer with true judicial mind and bearing, speaking not that which was wished or that which would please most, but the truth, tempered with all kindness. He will be missed in many ways, but his character will live with those who knew him and make better
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men and citizens and more honorable lawyers of all men who were blessed with his personal acquaintance."
All his lifetime Mr. Farquhar was a faithful and devoted member of the Episcopal church. He taught Sunday school from the time he was sixteen years old until within seven or eight years of his death. An excerpt from the editorial page of the Trinity Church Monthly for July, 1913, will give an idea of his work in the church. "In the death of Guy E. Farquhar, Esq., this parish and this community as well have suffered a great loss, a loss which will be felt all the more because in these days there are very few men of Mr. Farquhar's ability and position ready and willing to give so much of their time and thought in such an unselfish way for the good and welfare of the church and the community in which they live. As a young man, Mr. Farquhar was superintendent of the St. John's Sunday school, Fishbach, a little later and for a longer period the superintendent of St. Paul's Sunday school, Mechanics- ville, and still later superintendent of the church school. For thirty-three years he served as vestryman and for twenty-one years of that time as one of the wardens of the parish. Such a record of service is seldom equalled in any parish. For he was at all times the wise counselor and adviser of the vestry and rector ; he was ever ready to help in any work or any undertaking that gave promise of building up and strengthening his parish church, aud he was not only willing, he was often most desirous, of keeping himself well in the background. He was content, indeed it was his pleasure, to render the service and allow the organization or some other individual to receive the praise and gain the reward. Mr. Farquhar was not content to limit his service to his own parish, however. He was in the truest sense of the word a Churchman. He knew what the Church is and what the Church stands for. In the delibera- tions of the Diocesan convention few men exercised such an influence as he. At the meeting of the Standing Committee and the Board of Missions, from which naught but the most important engagements could keep him, his opinion and advice were frequently sought and almost invariably followed. No one rendered a more willing service to the diocese than he, and no one served in so many different capacities. The example of his life and his services ought to be given a prominent place, for in these days far too many Christian men, occupying positions of trust and responsibility, are seeking wealth or name and fame, rather than the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Surely nothing is more to be desired, at least when our earthly lives are brought to a close, than the record of a good life well lived, a life of unselfish, sincere, honest service for God and our fellows."
Mr. Farquhar was united in marriage with Frances Elizabeth Hughes, the daughter of Francis W. Hughes, his law partner, and she died in 1910, the mother of six children: Elizabeth H. died when four years old; Frank H. died in Pottsville in 1909; George W., a graduate of the University of Penn- sylvania, for some time practiced in Pottsville, and is now located at Mount Alto, Pa., where he is engaged in his profession ; Annette is the wife of Frank Wells, and resides in Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Otto E. is mentioned below ; Marion, who is a trained nurse, is now located at the Naval hospital, Brooklyn, New York.
At 2:30 o'clock on the afternoon of June 17, 1913, while seated at the side of his colleague, James J. Moran, in hearing the trial of the New Phila- delphia school directors' case, before Judge Koch, in courtroom No. 3, at the courthouse, Mr. Farquhar was suddenly stricken by apoplexy, and in spite of prompt medical attendance died a short time later, without regaining conscious-
.
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ness. Judge Koch, when informed of his death, immediately ordered a juror withdrawn, and the court was adjourned. The widely attended funeral serv- ices were simple, the bereaved family and friends feeling that it would have been his wish to have no ostentation or display. After the services held at the family residence, at No. 912 West Mahantongo street, the cortege moved to the Episcopal Church, where the simple and impressive ritual for the dead was followed; the interment was in the Charles Baber cemetery, where this great and good man was laid to rest at the side of his beloved wife.
OTTO E. FARQUHAR, attorney at law of Pottsville, son of ' the late Guy E. Farquhar, was born Dec. 7, 1876, at Pottsville, and gained his prepara- tory education in the public schools there. Graduating from high school as a member of the class of 1895, he then took a course in the law department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, graduating in 1899, in which year he was admitted to the Schuylkill county bar. He has ever since been actively engaged in professional practice there, maintaining offices in the new Thompson building. His legal work and standing are such that he may be called a typical member of the Farquhar family. He is retained by the Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania Railway Companies. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and the local lodge of the B. P. O. Elks. Mr. Farquhar married Emily Y. Parker, daughter of Hiram Parker, of Pottsville. They have one child, Julia Frances.
RUBENS H. PEALE owns and resides upon the old Peale homestead in North Manheim township, Schuylkill county, settled by his grandfather, Rubens Peale, in the pioneer period of this region. His great-grandfather was Charles Willson Peale, the celebrated American portrait painter, who was born April 16, 1741, in St. Paul's parish, at Chestertown, Queen Anne Co., Md., and died at Philadelphia Feb. 22, 1827.
Charles Willson Peale is buried in old St. Peter's Church at Third and Pine streets, Philadelphia, and his tomb bears the following inscription :
"CHARLES WILLSON PEALE
Born April 16, A. D. 1741. Died February 22, A. D. 1827. He partici- pated in the Revolutionary struggle for our Independence. As an artist contributed to the history of the country. Was an energetic citizen, and in private life beloved by all who knew him."
Thus briefly is outlined a career whose influence in American art and patriotism is still felt. Mr. Peale began life as a saddler, at Annapolis, Md., and it is related that he determined to devote himself to art after viewing a portrait for the first time, while visiting, at Norfolk, Va. As there was little oppor- tunity in America at that time for art instruction he had to train himself for the most part, trusting to his good taste and artistic sense for guidance until he could visit the art centers for practical assistance. On his return to Annapolis from Norfolk he painted a likeness of himself which turned out so well that he gave up his trade and made up his mind to apply himself to portrait painting. He had some instruction from Copley at Boston, and from Benjamin West when he went abroad, in 1767, being one of a group of American artists of subsequent fame who were among West's pupils and followers. Returning to America in 1770, Peale remained in his native land until 1774, meanwhile, in 1772, painting his first portrait of Washington, as a Virginia colonel. For this purpose he visited Mount Vernon by invitation. How little could either
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the subject or the artist foresee at that time the varying vicissitudes through which their country was to pass, or the exalted future in store for Washington ! Peale has indelibly associated his name with that of his great countryman, through the products of his brush, painting him in the retirement of Mount Vernon, amidst the stirring scenes of camp life, and when president of the United States. When painting the General in camp at Valley Forge Mr. Peale was a soldier himself, and incidentally rose to be a captain of volunteers. In this year (1777) at Valley Forge, he painted portraits of his fellow officers. He was in action at Germantown, Trenton and Princeton, which probably explains the account given of him by a companion in arms who, in describing Peale's habits, remarked, "He fit and painted and painted and fit."
While in middle life, in 1805, Peale established his celebrated Peale Museum at Philadelphia, which, in addition to curiosities and natural history specimens, contained a gallery of paintings, the likenesses of distinguished men in both military and civil life, which he began gathering as early as 1785. Peale established it first in his own house at Third and Lombard, then a fairly fashionable neighborhood. When it outgrew the accommodations there he rented rooms in the Hall of the Philosophical Society on Fifth street, near Chestnut street. He gives an amusing and characteristic account of the moving of the collection: "To take advantage of public curiosity I contrived to make a very considerable parade of the articles, especially those which were large. As boys are generally very fond of parading, I collected all the boys of the neighborhood. At the head of the parade was carried on men's shoul- ders the American Buffalo, the Panthers, Tiger-Cats, and a long string of animals carried by the boys. The parade from Lombard street to the Hall brought all the inhabitants to their doors and windows to see the cavalcade. It was fine fun for the boys. They were willing to work in such a novel removal and saved me some expense in moving the delicate articles."
In 1802 the State Legislature moved to Lancaster. This left the State House (Independence Hall) vacant. Peale petitioned the Legislature and was allowed to occupy the building as long as he allowed persons to pass through the Hall into the State House garden. His son, Rembrandt, used the east room on the first floor as his studio (the room now held sacred to the signers), while the entire second floor and tower were given up to the use of the museum. A catalogue of Peale's Museum issued in 1813 shows a col- lection of 235 paintings. In 1816 the city purchased the State House from the State and at once raised the rent on Peale from $400 to $2,000. As Peale could not pay so much a compromise was made at $1,200. The museum ran at a loss for three years and Peale induced councils to reduce the rent to $600. In 1821 the Museum incorporated itself, and after Peale's death moved to the Arcade on Chestnut, above Sixth street, then in 1835 to a fine building at Ninth and Sansom streets (site of present "Continental Hotel").
In 1854 the collection of portraits was sold at auction, the pictures going all over the country, but eventually one of them came back to Independence Hall. It was at this sale that the full length portrait of Charles Willson Peale -representing the artist himself lifting the curtain on a view of the museum- hanging in the academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, was purchased by the late Joseph Harrison, whose widow in 1878 presented it to the Academy of Fine Arts. It was executed by order of the trustees of the museum when Peale . was in his eighty-third year, and it is said he painted it without the use of his glasses.
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Charles Willson Peale was not the only talented member of the family in his generation. He was always referred to as the elder Peale, his younger brother, James Peale, having been also an admirable artist. At a very early period of his career he developed particular aptitude in the art of miniature painting, and his brother on discerning it referred all seeking to have minia- tures painted to him. In fact, the elder Peale abandoned miniature painting, for which he had been quite famous, and devoted himself thereafter to por- traits on canvas. Three of the children of James Peale inherited talent from their father. His son James, while not pursuing painting as a profession, executed works that were exhibited. An excellent view of the old Fairmount waterworks was one of them. The daughters were well known miniature painters. Anna Claypoole painted likenesses of such noted characters as General Lallemand, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson and Commodore Bain- bridge; her sister Sarah, a likeness of Bainbridge also and miniature portraits of Henry A. Wise, Caleb Cushing and LaFayette in 1825.
The vitality of the stock is evidenced in the long lives of the various members of the family. The two women artists just mentioned reached the ages of eighty-seven and eighty-five, respectively, their brother James, eighty- seven, and Franklin Peale, a son of Charles Willson Peale, reached the age of ninety.
"Even in the christening of his children the elder Peale was fired with artistic fervor. Is it not strange to find in one family such a list of Christian names as Raphaelle, Rembrandt, Rubens and Titian, and, more wonderful still, to discover the bearers of them actually, if in varying degrees, fulfilling the hopes engendered by such names? But not satisfied with these excursions into the past, we find the enthusiastic father carrying the glad tidings of art and antiquity to his daughters, in the names of Angelica and Sophonisba."
Mr. Peale left descendants who maintained the prestige of his name if they did not add to it. Rembrandt Peale, the most distinguished of his sons, born in 1778 and painting Washington in 1795, shared to some extent the honors paid his father's name. He lived down to 1860, and his career, in its activity and variety, resembles his father's, although not partaking of its military features. He traveled abroad, settled for a time in London and Paris, and painted many distinguished people. He opened a studio here in 1810. Probably his best American portrait is that of Thomas Jefferson, hang- ing in the room of the New York Historical Society. This society also owns his portrait of Stephen Decatur, but any attempted list of his pictures would be a long one. His activity sought other outlets, and we find him among the first to practice lithography, gaining a silver medal in 1827 at the Franklin Institute for a lithograph portrait of Washington. Then, too, he wrote a good deal. His "Notes on Italy" and "Reminiscences of Art and Artists" are well known and often referred to and quoted from. (This part of the article concerning Charles Willson and James Peale is from a sketch by Edward Biddle.)
Rubens Peale purchased 125 acres of valuable land in North Manheim township and followed agricultural pursuits there to the close of his life. He inherited artistic talent from his father and was himself an artist of some note, but never followed the profession to any extent. He died upon his farm, and is buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at Pottsville. To his mar- riage with Eliza Patterson were born: C. W., Dr. J. Bird, Mary J. (who
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acquired reputation as an artist), George and Edward B. Mr. Peale was an Episcopalian.
Edward B. Peale was born in New York City, and came to Schuylkill county with his parents, spending part of his early life on the homestead in North Manheim township. For a few years he was engaged in business at Shamokin. Northumberland Co., Pa., as a flour and feed merchant, returning thereafter to the home place. He was the first dealer in agricultural implements to engage in business in Schuylkill county, and became widely known among farmers throughout this section, the convenience of having such an establishment in their inidst making a direct appeal which brought him a large business. He also engaged in baling hay, being thus engaged for the long period of fifty years, and acquired a very wide acquaintanceship in that connection. His busy and successful career closed in December, 1905, and he is buried in the Charles Baber cemetery at Pottsville. He was married to Louisa H. Hubley, daughter of Judge Hubley, of Schuylkill county, and they had two children, Anna Frances and Rubens H. The daughter is the wife of Dr. Frederick Carrier, of Philadelphia.
Rubens H. Peale was born Aug. 10, 1872, at the place where he still lives. He had excellent educational advantages, attending school at Orwigsburg and Pottsville, and received a thorough and practical business training as his father's assistant, eventually becoming associated in business with him under the firm name of E. B. Peale & Son. After his father's death he continued the business until 1913, since when he has been giving his time to the manage- ment of his property interests, retaining ninety acres of the old Peale home- stead place. He built the beautiful mansion thereon which he now occupies, adjoining the old home.
By his activity in the promotion of modern institutions and public utilities Mr. Peale has come to be regarded as a man of leading influence, having the executive ability to plan and carry out large projects, as he has demonstrated in his connection with several local enterprises. He was one of the organizers of the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company and one of its original board of directors, still serving in that capacity and taking an active part in regulating the affairs of the bank ; he is chairman of the finance committee. He was one of the organizers and a director of the Schuylkill Haven & Orwigsburg Street Railway Company, whose road was later sold to the Eastern Pennsylvania Railways Company, the present owners.
Mr. Peale was married to Kathryn Moffett, daughter of G. W. Moffett, of Philadelphia, Pa., and they have one daughter, Ethel, who lives with her parents. The family are members of the Episcopal Church.
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