Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 131

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192

USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania > Part 131

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The McConway and Torley Company, manufacturers of Janney car couplers, buffers and malleable iron castings, was organized January 1, 1869. It was then known as Lewis & Co., composed of Samuel Lewis, William McConway and John J. Torley, and their business was the manufacture of saddlery, hardware and malleable iron castings. After a short time Mr. Lewis withdrew from the firm and was succeeded by John Heath and William Dilworth, Jr., the firm name then becoming McConway, Torley & Co. Upon the withdrawal of Mr. Dilworth the firm continued without change until the death of Mr. Torley, shortly after which Mr. Heath disposed of his interest to Mr. McConway, and the business was then conducted under the title of McConway & Torley, composed of William McCon- way and Frances B. Torley, the widow of John J. Torley. In 1887 the McConway and Torley Company was incorporated, succeeding the firm of McConway & Torley. The growth of this concern is shown in the following comparisons: In 1869 thirty-five men were employed; at the present time one thousand are on the pay-rolls. The plant covers four acres under roof with eight acres adjoining for yard and storage purposes. In 1873 the manufacture of saddlery hardware was abandoned and since then their attention has been confined to the railway supply trade. The present annual tonnage of the concern amounts to 25,000 tons of malleable iron castings and wrought iron and steel forgings. Much of the success of this corporation is attributable to the president, William McCon- way. Mr. McConway was born February 14, 1842, in the parish of Desermartin,

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County Derry, Ireland. He came with his parents, John and Isabella (Kissick) McConway, to the United States in 1849, and until twelve years of age, attended the public schools of Pittsburg. In 1854 he entered the employ of the old Novelty Works, but six months later found service with Olnhausen & Crawford, who, with the Novelty Works above named, were the pioneer manufacturers of mallea- ble iron castings west of the Alleghany Mountains. He enlisted as a private, in September, 1861, in Company M, One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, for the suppression of the rebellion, and participated in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac up to and including the battle of Peters- burg. In 1863 he was commissioned second lieutenant, and in September, 1864, was honorably discharged by reason of expiration of his term of service. With the exception of the time while in the service, Mr. McConway continued with Olnhausen & Crawford, which later was succeeded by John Crawford & Co., of which firm Mr. McConway was the junior partner, until he became identified with the house of which he is now president. He is sometimes classed as Scotch- Irish, but never so without incurring his displeasure. He is Irish, "pure and un- defiled," and very properly declares there can be no such person as Scotch-Irish.

John J. Torley, who for many years was connected with the enterprise con- ducted under the title of McConway & Torley Company, was a product of Roches- ter, New York, born April 14, 1831; son of Michael and Catherine Torley. When a lad of nine years he accompanied his parents to Pittsburg, and in the public schools of that city received the principal part of his education, attending Old South Ward School. He learned the trade of molding at the Pittsburg Novelty Works, about 1845, and later was engaged as surveyor on the Connellsville Rail- road. Following this he was engaged as traveling salesman for Reynolds & Co.'s Malleable Iron Works where he got a thorough insight into the business, and then filled the same position for Weldon & Kelly for some time. Still later he became connected with the malleable iron firm of Lewis & Co., and when Mr. Lewis retired a new firm was organized about 1868, composed of William Mc- Conway, John J. Torley and John Heath, as above mentioned. Mr. Torley was also interested in the Kloman Steel Works. His success in life was the result of his own industry and good management for he commenced life at the foot of the ladder. Many a young man, struggling onward and upward, found in Mr. Torley a true friend whose counsel and advice led them to renewed exertions. Not only did he assist them with advice but often in a more substantial manner. His pleasant, genial disposition won him friends on every side and he held them with "hooks of steel." His unusual energy led him early to take part in all enterprises that had the interests of the city at heart and whether as volunteer fireman, fire commissioner, city councilman, and finally as one of the most successful iron manufacturers in Pittsburg, or as plain citizen, John J. Torley, he left the impress of his character and individuality on everything with which he came in contact. He was in the City Councils-both common and select branches -- for many years and for two terms, or six years, was a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners. At the time of his death he was a member of Select Coun- cil from the First Ward. Mr. Torley was one of the members of the first Board of Fire Commissioners and was one of the organizers of the paid fire department. He was also an old member of the Vigilant Fire Company, and in the early days of the volunteer system he was an active fireman. In politics Mr. Torley was a Democrat, but was never a bitter partisan and had many warm friends in the Republican ranks. When in the Common Council (from Third Ward) and also member of the police and fire alarm committee, he was presented with an elegant set of silverware, as a testimonial in behalf of his friends and fellow councilmen, for his services as councilman and for improvements made on various city offices.

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He was a charter member of Torley Lodge (named in his honor), A. O. U. W. On the 19th of June, 1860, he married Miss Frances Zimmerman, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of five children- Kate, Mary, Maggie, John, Jr., and Frank. His wife and two children (Mrs. B. F. O'Callaghan and John J. Torley) survive him He was very domestic in his taste and was happiest and appeared at his best when at home. He and his daughter Kate were killed in a railroad disaster on the evening of November IO, 1880. His funeral was the largest ever seen in Pittsburg. Thus died an honorable and useful citizen.

Hon. Christopher L. Magee. This gentleman comes of a family that has been prominent in Western Pennsylvania for many years; in fact, the municipal and political history of Pittsburg cannot be written without frequent mention of this name. The proceedings of the City Councils and the scope and character of municipal improvement, have in a large degree been directed by some member of this well-known family. The gentleman who heads this sketch, even as a .young man and without other aids than his own ability and the family renown, easily distinguished himself by his capacity for political leadership and his sagacity in gaining control of important public interests. As a matter of history, it must be stated, much to his credit, that he is the undoubted leader of the Republican party of Pittsburg and vicinity.

He was born in this city April 14, 1848, and was here reared and educated. His father died comparatively poor in 1863, and he was thus thrown upon his own resources. He accepted a clerkship in the office of the city controller, and here he first gained an insight into the wonderful shifts and manipulations of city politics. He enjoyed the battles for political control from the start, and an ambi- tion in that direction took possession of him.

In.1869 he became cashier of the city treasury and in 1871, though but twenty- three years of age, was elected to the office of city treasurer by a majority of eleven hundred, the mayor on the same ticket being defeated by fifteen hundred majority; this election at once attested his popularity and indicated what the future had in store for him. He was wise enough to outwit his political enemies and make the most of his opportunities. In 1874 he was reëlected to the same office, running eighteen hundred votes ahead of his ticket. He then turned more of his attention to business, though, for ten years, he was a member of the fire commission and part of the time its president. He was the author of the regula- tion that the city debt can be increased only by a vote of the people. To a remarkable degree he had the capacity of anticipating, preserving and enforcing the wishes of the people even at this early stage in his career. His strength and skill in the political arena would not permit his relinquishment of public service. His friends, knowing his power, repeatedly brought him forward, much to the advantage of municipal improvements. Through his persistent efforts the city debt was immensely decreased and qualifications for public service were greatly improved. He served as secretary of the Republican State committee, many times as delegate to the Republican State Convention and to the Republican National Convention. In the famous fight in the national convention at Chicago in 1880, under the leadership of Roscoe Conkling, he was one of the 306 who held out so long for General Grant. In 1884 he clung to General Arthur until the defeat of the latter, and in 1888 engineered the break of Pennsylvania from Sherman to Harrison, leading off with the five Allegheny votes. In 1896 he was nominated for the State Senate by his party, which act was ratified by the opposition, and was elected by an overwhelming majority. In the early use of natural gas, he became interested and gained much money and afterward made excellent in- vestments in real estate which likewise yielded him large profits. He is still the

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owner of valuable realty in this city. In 1884 he bought The Times, which he rescued from death, and made one of the strongest journals in this part of the State. He caused to be erected the fine building in which The Times is now published. He is interested, also, in several banking, insurance and electric com- panies. As a builder of city street railways and as manager thereot, he has been actively and prominently engaged for many years. In effecting the union of many lines in this vicinity recently into the Consolidated Traction Company, he per- formed valiant service in the interest of harmony and public comfort and in this new organization owns a large block of stock. From a life of unusual activity, care and responsibility, he finds time to enjoy his beautiful home and the society of his accomplished wife, formerly Miss Eleanor L. Gillespie, daughter of a promi- nent merchant, deceased. He loves art and books and welcomes all the light which society and wealth can cast upon life. In the struggle for success, whether in politics or business, he is broad and just enough to harbor no revenge toward a fallen foe; on the contrary he helps him to his feet, washes the blood from his face and assists him with means and influence.

William Latham Abbott was born April 29, 1852, at Columbus, Ohio. He is the youngest son of Timothy Dwight Abbott and Mary Cutler Crosby, whose families were prominently identified with the early settlement of Columbus. Mr. Abbott is a descendant of Robert Abbott who came to America from England in 1634, and who was one of the first settlers of Branford, Connecticut. His lineage connects him with the families of the Turners, Yales, Atwaters, and Ives, all prominently and honorably connected with the history of Connecticut from its earliest settlement. Mr. Abbott's parents removed to Illinois in 1859, sub- sequently locating at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His educational opportunities were limited to an academic school. In 1871 he came to accept a clerical position in the office of Carnegie, Kloman & Co., whose business then was limited to the Union Iron Mills. Mr. Abbott was made superintendent of those works in 1876. Later he became a partner, and on the organization of the firm of Carnegie, Phipps & Co., Limited, was elected one of the board of managers, and chosen vice-chairman. Upon the retirement in 1889 of John Walker as chairman, Mr. Abbott succeeded to that office. In that capacity he had the general supervision of the entire interests of the firm, which embraced the Homestead Steel Works, Upper and Lower Union Iron Mills, Lucy Furnaces, and Beaver Falls Steel Works. At the same time he was a member of the board of managers of the firm of Carnegie Bros. & Co., Limited, operating the Edgar Thomson Steel Works, and was also managing director of the Keystone Bridge Works. It was during this period that the Carnegie industries grew from a comparatively small iron manufacturing concern to one of the few great plants of the world. In 1892 Mr. Abbott, desiring to retire from active business, severed his connection with the firm with which his entire business career had been identified. The following five years were devoted to foreign travel and rest. While no longer actively · connected with manufacturing, Mr. Abbott is largely interested in important business enterprises in Pittsburg, being director of the Pittsburg National Bank of Commerce, Lincoln Foundry Company, and Duquesne Manufacturing Com- pany. He is also a director of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Art Society, of the Western Institution for the Blind, and other social and charitable organi- zations. In 1877 Mr. Abbott was married to Annie Wainwright, youngest daugh- ter of the late Zachariah Wainwright of Pittsburg.

Charles M. Schwab was born at Williamsburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania, on February 18th, 1862. His parents afterwards located at Loretta, Pennsyl- vania, where he was educated at St. Francis College, graduating with high honors at the age of nineteen. In 1880 he secured a position at the Edgar Thomson Steel

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Works as assistant engineer and afterward was appointed chief engineer of these works. His first stepping stone to the success he subsequently attained, was the superintendence, designing and erection of the magnificent blast furnace plant at that works, and also the designing and erection of a new rail mill which has be- come famous for its tremendous output of steel rails. He is also the inventor of many valuable rolling mill devices which are now being used all over the world. In October, 1887, he was made general superintendent of the Homestead Steel Works. In October, 1889, he was appointed general superintendent of the Edgar Thomson Steel Works. In October, 1892 (in which year the Homestead Works became renowned owing to the great strike then in progress), he was appointed general superintendent of both Edgar Thomson and Homestead Steel Works with headquarters at Homestead. On April Ist, 1897, he was made president of the Carnegie Steel Company, Limited. He is a mathematical genius; a man of exceptionally strong character and possesses wonderful executive ability.

Benjamin Bakewell, who was born in Pittsburg, December 25, 1833, and died March 19, 1897, was the son of the late John Palmer Bakewell, and grand- son of Benjamin Bakewell, of Derby, England, who, in 1808, came with his family on the then arduous journey from New York to Pittsburg, to establish here one of the first successful glass factories in the country. Benjamin Bakewell, Jr., was closely identified in every way with the early interests of his city. His life was spent here, save when as a young boy, he went to an Eastern college to receive his education. He was a member of the old firm of Bakewell, Pears & Co. from 1859 until its dissolution in 1877; and did much to promote not only the quantity but the artistic quality of the glassware produced in the factory. Mr. Bakewell was among the first in 1861 to answer his country's call for aid, enlisting im- mediately, in response to the first call for volunteers, as one of the "three-month volunteers," and after his term of service expired, giving of both his time and money to save the Union. At the time of his death he had been for twenty years a vestryman of old Trinity Church, where he had most faithfully labored to secure that which was best for church, rector and people. And for eighteen years he had been a director in the Dollar Savings Bank, where his high principles and clear judgment made him an invaluable co-worker. In politics Mr. Bakewell was always an ardent Republican and decided protectionist, retaining at the same time a deep strain of conservatism, inherited from his English ancestry. His circle of friends and acquaintances was very large, and he was perhaps one of the most familiar figures in the town with which he was always associated.

James Brown (deceased). It is a pleasure to chronicle the history of a man whose life was one of honor and usefulness, and whose strong individuality and mental powers have left their impress upon the community in which he so. long resided. Such a man was James Brown, whose name was synonymous with the advancement morally, intellectually and financially of Pittsburg, where he was one of the first settlers. Mr. Brown was born in the North of Ireland and was descended from Scotch and Irish Presbyterian ancestors. When a young man, in the year 1804, he came on a trip to America and, liking this country, determined to make it his future home. He located at Pittsburg, then a small frontier town, and enjoyed a long and successful business career, being connected with the growing prospects of the city in various lines, including dry goods, real estate, manufacturing iron, and incidentally, banking. He founded the firm of Milten- berger & Brown, of the Wayne Iron Works, one of the earliest of Pittsburg's mills, and which, down to the present day, has been in the hands of his direct descendants. Mr. Brown was also a member of the first board of directors of the Bank of Pittsburg on receipt of its charter in 1814. His grandson, J. Stuart Brown, is a member of the board of directors at the present time. With the

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knowledge gathered in nearly a century of useful observation, James Brown passed away in 1873, at the age of ninety-four. He married Mary Banton and they became the parents of five children who lived to years of maturity, and three of them sons: John H. Brown, afterwards of Philadelphia; Mansfield B. Brown, who originally owned the site and founded the town of Mansfield, Pennsylvania, which is now Carnegie, Pennsylvania; and Joseph S. Brown, who, at the time of his death in 1893, was president of the Carrie Furnace Company. John H. Brown, the eldest son, was born May 28, 1809, in Pittsburg. Early in life he went to Phila- delphia and there founded the well-known dry goods house of John H. Brown & Co. The following years brought him nothing but success in his business, and he continued until 1865, when he dissolved the partnership and retired from the dry goods business. Subsequently he devoted much of his time to his inherited and acquired iron interest in Pittsburg. He married Anna, daughter of Town- send Sharpless, of Philadelphia. Mr. Brown died November 15, 1888, and left three children, as follows: Alice M., now the wife of Dr. Charles W. Fox, of Philadelphia; J. Stuart, and Henry Graham. J. Stuart and Henry Graham Brown moved to Pittsburg and devoted their time and attention to the Wayne Iron and Steel Works which passed to them after the death of their father. Their mother died when yet comparatively young in years. She was an exceptionally bright, charming woman and an authoress of repute. One of her works, a book of verses for children, entitled "Stories for Alice," obtained such favor with the public that the first edition was completely exhausted and a second edition was called for. In her family she was ever the loving wife and mother, the confidante and aid of husband and children. Her death occurred April 11, 1856, at the age of thirty- eight. The Wayne Iron and Steel Works was founded in 1825 and has passed through the firm names of Miltenberger & Brown, Bailey, Brown & Co., and Brown & Co. January 1, 1892, the firm was incorporated as Brown & Co., In- corporated, with J. Stuart Brown as president and Henry Graham Brown as vice-president. The Brown brothers were both born and educated in Philadelphia, but in 1874 they came to Pittsburg where they have since made their home. J. Stuart Brown was born May 18, 1850, and married Lily Shiras Forsyth. They have two sons and a daughter: McCleane, Stuart, Jr., and Lilian Forsyth. Henry Graham Brown was born June 20, 1852, and he married Nannie Pugsley. They have two daughters: Barbara Winston and Elizabeth Sharpless. The boys as they grow up are expected to carry on the business originally developed by their great- grandfather, James Brown, and will be the fourth generation in direct descent that has conducted this enterprise.

Adam M. Brown. This eminent lawyer, financier and citizen is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred August 3, 1830. He comes of a dis- tinguished ancestry, his grandfather, Adam Brown, for whom he was named, having served faithfully and honorably in the Continental Army under General Washington. Adam Brown had previously lived in Cumberland County, Penn- sylvania, but about the close of the eighteenth century he removed to Butler County, where he erected the first grist mill in the neighborhood of what has since become Brownsdale. His ancestors were early settlers of Eastern Pennsylvania, having come there far back in Colonial times. His third son, Joseph Brown, upon reaching man's estate, was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of James Marshall, who had come from Ireland to Pittsburg in 1822, and a few years later removed to Butler County. Both the families of Brown and Marshall were people of unusual intelligence and strength of character and purpose. James Marshall was the father, also, of Hon. Thomas M. Marshall and A. M. Marshall, of Pittsburg, and Judge Marshall, of Butler County, all of whom, by their ability and sterling qualities, have made a powerful impress on the public affairs of the

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State. Joseph Brown followed the occupation of farming and after an uneventful though useful life passed away in 1883, his wife, Mary, having preceded him in 1877. They reared several children, of whom Jane, Esther, William, Sarah and Adam M. are yet living. The latter received the most liberal training afforded by the schools of his native county, and finished his education in private schools in Pittsburg. He read law with his uncle, Thomas M. Marshall, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1853. For twelve years he was a member of the firm of Mar- shall & Brown, but since 1865 has been in individual practice. During this long period he became one of the most adroit and successful lawyers in Western Pennsylvania. The firm of Marshall & Brown enjoyed a large and profitable practice which they gained by loyalty to clients, skill and high ability in the con- tentions of the courts and an almost invariable success. Mr. Brown is justly recognized as a leading member of the Allegheny County bar and has achieved many professional triumphs. Although his practice is almost wholly confined to civil cases, he has, for special causes, appeared in important criminal cases, in the trial of which he exhibits the same conspicuous energy and ability which have invariably characterized his professional work in all other courts and cases. Mr. Brown has been a lifelong supporter of the principlesof the Republican party. He was a member of the Select Council of Pittsburg for three years; was a delegate to the national convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for Presi- dent in 1864, and to the one that nominated Grant and Colfax in 1868. He has never sought or desired public office, evidently preferring to confine his attention exclusively to his large legal practice and to other matters of a business char- acter. Energetic and efficient upon all occasions of public emergency; patriotic and public spirited, he enjoys the thorough respect and confidence of all who know him. He belongs to the United Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg. Upon the organization of the Anchor Savings Bank, one of the solid financial institu- tions of the city, Mr. Brown was elected president, and so acceptably did he fill the requirements of this position that he has been ever since retained in that capacity. He is also a director in the Cash Insurance Company and other corpo- rations.

By the superiority of his talents, the strength of his mind, the rectitude of his intentions and his life and the wisdom of his judgment, he has, for many years, stood among the most honorable and conspicuous citizens of Pittsburg. In 1851 Mr. Brown married Lucetta, daughter of Adam Turney, of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and to their union have been born four sons and two daughters: Marshall, William J., Thomas M., John D., Sarah M. and Carrie A. Adam Turney was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and his wife, Hannah, was a daughter of Rev. John William Weber, founder of G. R. M. E. Church, corner of Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street, one of the pioneer churches of Pittsburg.

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 131

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192