USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1 > Part 22
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rank of Major as a Staff officer, and was in command of the 75th Regiment after the battle of Bull Run, in 1862. On returning from the army he re-entered the store of Ridgeway, Heussner & Co., as bookkeeper and assistant salesman, and so continued until January 1, 1865, when by the enlisting of a young man who had been a book. keeper in the firm for a long time, he was left in full charge of the books, had the conduct of the German cor respondence, and sold most of the goods. The senior member of the firm dying in April, 1866, he was given the control of the business with a power of attorney. In January, 1868, he engaged in business for himself, and sold goods on commission for New York houses; but he soon began to receive direct consignments from Germany, and took into the business an old friend, R. Oelbermann, and the firm of Oelbermann & Tiedemann was established on the Ist of October, 1868. They are the only direct importers of woollens in Philadelphia, and enjoy an ex- cellent business reputation. He has taken a warm interest in reforming the Municipal Government of Philadelphia, and is now a Councillor at Large, from the Thirteenth Ward, to the Municipal Reform Association.
EARON, JOSEPH, Merchant, was born in Phila- delphia, December 30th, 1819. His parents, James and Ellen M. Fearon, had both emigrated from Ireland early in life, and located in Phila- delphia. They gave to their son the best educa- tion then to be had in the city, in the Friends' school in Fourth street, a seminary of renown in its days. On leaving school, in 1837, he commenced his business career at the age of eighteen, as clerk in the wholesale grocery store of Reilly & Smith in Water street. Ile acquired there a thorough knowledge of business, and became imbued with the habits of caution and application which have largely contributed to his subsequent success. After an apprenticeship, as clerk, of eleven years' duration, he decided, in the year 1847, to make the talents hitherto so profitable to others, a source of gain to himself, and with this view, in the above year, he opened a wholesale grocery store on his own account, in Water street. In this enterprize he secured the cooperation of his brother, and the new firm took the name of Fearon & Brother. In the . following year an accession of business talents and capital was secured by the admission of James M. Smith into the co-partnership, when the style of the firm was changed to Fearon & Smith. This house has continued, for twenty-six years, with varying fortunes, to do business on the same spot on which it originally started, and has earned a large measure of success. In 1848, he married Catharine G., daughter of Samuel Hufty, a prominent citizen of New Jersey, at present City Treasurer of Camden in that State. IIe is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
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IRST, WILLIAM L., Lawyer, was born in Phila- delphia, on April 23d, 1804. He is descended from the Moravian settlers at Bethlehem, Penn- sylvania. His father and grandfather were both engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was educated at Lee's Academy, in Philadelphia, until the year 1818, when he became the clerk in the office of the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, where, for six or seven years, he was the only clerk. He then studied law under Hon. Josiah Randall, and was admitted to the bar, in December, 1827. He was first brought prominently before the public in the prosecution of Dr. Dyott, for
fraudulent banking, which commenced early in 1839. This
was followed, in 1840-41, by his defence of Dr. Eldridge, who was tried for alleged forgeries on twelve of the city banks; there were three trials, occupying respectively, five, nine, and seven weeks, and the case ended in the discharge of Dr. Eldridge. In these cases he proved himself quick, ready, and tenacious, while his exhibition of superi- ority and power as a pleader, fully established his repu- tation. These cases were speedily followed by a largely increased and lucrative practice. He entered the political arena in 1851, and was elected a member of the State Convention that nominated the Judges of the Supreme Court. In 1852, he was a member of the Democratic State Convention, and became the Chairman of the State Central Committee, which conducted the presidential cam- paign resulting in the election of Franklin Pierce. He was elected President of the Democratic State Convention, in 1853; re-elected Chairman of the State Central Committee for that year; and became President of the State Conven- tion which re-assembled during the summer of the same year. In January, 1858, he was elected City Solicitor, to fill the place of Hon. Wm. A. Porter, who was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court. In 1868, he was nominated for President Judge of the District Court against Judge Hare, who was elected by a majority of twenty-five votes, in a poll of over one hundred and twenty thousand. He
. was, for six years, a prominent and useful member of the Board of City Gas Trustees. With these exceptions he has eschewed politics except as a duty, and has led a purely professional life. Although in his seventieth year, he appears to have lost none of his vitality, and labors as assiduously in his professional duties as he did thirty years ago. In personal appearance, he is a plain, unassuming, grave, business-like man ; but, his presence and deport- ment give evidence of marked ability, and show the active, determined, and thoroughbred lawyer. He is about five feet seven- inches in height, with squarely built and broad set frame, and quick, nervous action. Ilis features are regular, and their expression pleasing, while his head is large and finely developed. The sharp, penetrating glance of his eyes indicates great mental activity, tact, and con- centration of mind. As a speaker he is effective and earnest, and his utterances are peculiarly pointed and keen.
His manner is imperturbable and calm, while his language flows in a smooth, steady current; with no attempt at oratorical display, he speaks right on, and his great suc- cess attests his peenliar argumentative powers. Ilis public spirit has done much to advance the interests of his munici- pality, and he was mainly instrumental in bringing about the important measure of consolidation. He has filled all the publie offices conferred upon him with great credit and marked ability, but the law is his forte and his pride. Ile has achieved the summit of his ambition-to be a leader at the Philadelphia Bar.
ONG, JAMES, Manufacturer, was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 1822. He is a son of James and Jane (Nelson) Long. His father was proprietor of a large linen manufactory, be- side being extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. The son's educational advantages were very limited, and even these were soon curtailed by reason of his departure, when only fifteen years of age, from his native soil. He turned his face, like so many of his countrymen, towards the shores of the great Western Re- publie, and sought in this country an improvement of his pecuniary condition. He arrived at a most unfortunate period, for business was paralyzed ; the banks had all sus- pended specie payments; trade was stagnated, and the commercial spirit of the people had grown feeble, listless and despondent. Instead of situations being vacant and clerks and salesmen in demand, merchants and manufac- turers were discharging their employees, while the number of those applying for the benefit of the insolvent laws seemed to be constantly increasing, and these-owing to the necessities of their cases-ceased to require any clerical or other force. The young adventurer, of course, experi- enced great difficulty in finding an opening; but, after some time passed in a fruitless search, his efforts were finally crowned with success, and in the early part of the following year, 1838, he was engaged as a clerk in the house of Glenn & Fraley. From these he passed to the establishment of Isaac Barton; and after some time had elapsed, he filled a position in the store of Adam Moffit, in the (then) District of Kensington. But his ambitious spirit was never at rest, notwithstanding that each change was for the better; he sought a higher station, which he finally achieved by being appointed to fill the position of head salesman in the wholesale and retail grocery store of Edward P. Frick. Here his duties were excessively ardu- ons, by reason of the great number of hours devoted to the business. Each week-day his continued presence was de- manded for seventeen long hours, from 5 A. M. to 10 P. M., and faithfully did he serve his employer during that long business " day." Meanwhile, his uncle, James Nelson, a manufacturer of cotton goods, noticed his steady habits, His
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earnest attention to business, and his capabilities for even a higher and more extended sphere; and in 1843 offered him the situation of General Superintendent of his mills, as well as that of head salesman in his establishment. The proposal was accepted, and by the great business tact, en- ergy and industry he displayed in his uncle's employ, so won upon the latter that in three years' time he was given an interest in the firm. The co-partnership lasted for two years, when the senior member, in 1848, retired from the house, and the entire management of the concern devolved upon his shoulders. For several years he was wholly oc- cupied with the manufacture of cottons, but other business demanding his attention, he was obliged to divide his time accordingly. Having been one of the original subscribers to the stock of the Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad Company, he was elected, in 1858, a Director of the same, which official station he has continuously held until the present. He was likewise one of the original subscribers to the stock of the Frankford & Southwark Passenger Rail- way Company (the first laid down in Philadelphia), and is also a Director in the same. He was, in 1865, one of the original founders of the Eighth National Bank, was elected a member of its first Board of Directors, and is now Vice- President of the corporation. He also fills the responsible position of Treasurer of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. In the approaching International Exposition for the Centennial Celebration of American Independence, to be held in Philadelphia in 1876, he has been selected to the very important position of Chairman of the Committee of Cotton and Woollen Manufacturers. As a member of the Board of Education, he is, in all probability, more frequently consulted, and with much greater satisfaction, than any of his colleagues. In religious matters, he is also greatly in- terested. He is a prominent and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Trustee of the Church Extension Society; in this latter connection he has shown, by his benefactions, a most remarkable and liberal spirit. He is also a Manager of the Tract Society, controlled by this denomination, and is a member of the Missionary So- ciety, whose sphere of operations are under the management of the Philadelphia Conference.
ELTON, SAMUEL K., Merchant, was born July 8th, 1832, in the village of Feltonville, Phila- delphia county, a place which derived its name from his father, John Felton, who was born there, and became one of its most distinguished citizens. The family is of German extraction, Philip Felton, his grandfather, having arrived with his parents in this country from Germany when only six years of age. In the rapid growth of Philadelphia, the name of Feltonville, like many others which formed well known landmarks around the old city, has disappeared, and the village is now included in the Twenty-second Ward. The
rudiments of his education were given him at the public school of his native village, and he afterwards studied at the Clarmount Academy, near Frankford. Having finally left school at the age of seventeen, he in the year 1849 ol,- tained a clerkship in the store of Christian Shrack, on Fourth street, and thus commenced his business career. For fourteen years he was unfaltering in his close applica- tion to duty ; and thus having gained the favor and confi- dence of his employers, he was admitted as junior partner in the firm during the last two years of his connection with them. In the year 1863, he formed a co-partnership with Conrad F. Rau and Edward A. Sibley, both men of enter- prise, talent and good standing, and the three commenced business on their own account in paints and varnishes. Limited in extent at first, their business soon acquired greater proportions through the application and energy which they constantly bestowed upon it, until they now do one of the largest trades in their line in the State, besides being the most extensive varnish manufacturers in Phila- delphia, they having given especial attention to this par- ticular branch. In 1856, he was married to Anna M. Sickler, daughter of Christopher Sickler, of Camden county, New Jersey, and has four sons and two daughters. In religious convictions, he is a sincere and consistent Chris- tian, and is a prominent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, for the advancement of which his efforts have been earnest and constant. As a local preacher, class- leader, and trustee of the church of Olney, he has done much to forward the cause of religion and morality.
TTING, EDWARD J., Jr., Merchant, was born in Philadelphia, November 4th, 1840. His father, Horatio Etting, was a prominent mer- chant of that city, a sketch of whose life will be found in this volume, while his mother, Frances, was the daughter of Joseph Marx, a highly re- spected citizen of Richmond, Virginia. Having been edu- cated at the private academy of J. W. Faris, on leaving school he entered the office of E. & F. C. Tarnall, exten- sive wholesale dealers in drugs and chemicals. His stay here, however, was limited to one year. He next became engaged with his uncles, Edward J. Etting & Brother, pro- bably the oldest and certainly among the most extensive iron dealers in the city. In this practical school he ac- quired that thorough knowledge of business, and those habits of industry and application without which mere natural aptitude is apt to fail. On attaining his majority, in 1861, he quitted the employment of his uncles, formed a co-partnership with Charles Cabot, and under the firm name of Cabot & Etting commenced business on their own account at 106 Walnut street. For the succeeding seven years they did an extensive trade in iron of every descrip- tion. As in business generally, their fortune was varied.
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though they had to congratulate themselves on generally favorable results. Their past endeavors had met with a fair measure of success and the prospect was bright, when everything was thrown into confusion by the sudden dis- appearance of Mr. Cabot, leaving the accounts of the firm in disorder. Such a blow would have crushed most young men, but in this case it only served to nerve the remaining partner to still more vigorous efforts. He resolved to con- tinue the business at its former stand, and taught by the bitter lesson of the past, his own name alone now appears in the firm. The large measure of success that has atten- ded his subsequent career has been the legitimate result of the cautious enterprise with which the affairs of the firm have been conducted. Though still barely thirty years old, an age at which many, who have subsequently gained a brilliant position in the mercantile world, had not com- menced business for themselves, yet he has already acquired an enviable reputation. The exercise of the same talents that have secured his past success will doubtlessly, in the long career before him, secure to him some of the highest prizes of mercantile ambition. In 1862, he married M. L., daughter of Thomas Ross Newbold, well known as a law- yer, and still better as the chief editor of the North Ameri- can Gazette.
NODGRASS, WILLIAM T., Merchant, was born in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, on September 17th, 1813. His father, William Snodgrass, was one of the most exten- sive merchants in Cumberland county, and was a man of precision and sterling integrity. He is derived from Scotch- Irish ancestry, but several generations have been born and lived in this country. flis preparatory education was conducted with a view to a course of legal study, but at the age of thirteen, a circumstance changed the original design, and he entered his father's store to be initiated into the routine of business, and from constant association with him to imbibe some of that systematic and prompt management of business matters which character- ized him through life. At fifteen, he was left alone in Philadelphia, exposed to all the temptations incident to that early age; but, shunning evil associations, he spent his leisure time in study. For five years it was his custom to devote three hours daily to mental culture, and he thus gained for himself not only a vast amount of the practical knowledge that has so eminently fitted him for the carrying out of his various enterprises, but also formed habits of using up the odds and ends of time that most men allow to run to waste. Starting with a capital of six dollars, and refusing all aid from rich or poor relatives, by the power of his own industry, energy and merit, he has risen step by step and won for himself the proud place in which he now stand,. The fine building at the Northwest corner of Ninth and Market streets is a worthy monument to the
ability of a man who has carved out his own fortune, edu- cated to his business forty-nine young men, and bids fair to live to prepare many more for a successful and useful career. Ile never joined a club nor endorsed any paper outside of his business, which he makes a lifetime work, seeming fully determined to wear out rather than rust out. The opening hour of the day he always spends in medita- tion. He is bound by the ties of no political party, and . has uniformly declined all political honors. He is a mem- ber of the Board of Trade. He is a prominent and useful member of the West Arch Street Presbyterian Church, and has contributed much, by his practical and systematic manner of conducting business matters, to advance its secular interests. This, as well as the old Sixth Church, the lower Arch Street Church, Alexander and Princeton. has been the recipient of his bounty, and they all testify te the efficiency of his labors toward the removal of debts. In this latter field he has labored most assiduously, but the world may never know of the agency through which many such beneficent results are accomplished, so modestly and unostentatiously does he act. His religious sentiments are liberal, and combine the excellencies of the Orthodox Friends, Methodists, Evangelical Episcopalians, Open Com- munion Baptists and Presbyterians. Exacting as an em- ployer, he places every young man upon his own merit, but his active sympathy with all that concerns them draws them near to him and makes them feel that in him they have more than a friend. To the world generally he is a pleasant, courteous and benevolent gentleman.
AGNER, GENERAL LOUIS, Insurance Broker, was born in the city of Giessen, Germany, August 4th, 1838. Ile attended school in his native country for five years, but his parents, in 1849, soon after the German Revolution of 1848, came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, where he completed his education, finishing at the Zane Street Grammar School. After leaving school, he served an apprenticeship of four years as a lithographic printer, with L. R. Rosenthall, of Philadelphia ; upon attaining his majority, August 4th, 1859, he married Hattie Slocum, of Philadelphia, and engaged in business on his own account, so continuing till the outbreak of the Rebellion, 1861. Hle entered the service of his country in August, 1861, as First Lieutenant of Company I, Lighty-eighth Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, and, in recognition of his services, was promoted through the successive grades until he became Colonel of his regiment and Brevet Brigadier-General of United States Volunteers. He was severely wounded at the second Bull Run, August 30th, 1862, and, though still suffering from the effects of his injury, rejoined his regiment in January, 1863, and participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, after which his wound broke out afresh, and he was compelled to
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retire from field service. He was detached to organize | the Creek and Seminole Indians, he was commissioned a First Camp William Penn, where he recruited the first colored ! Lieutenant by President Andrew Jackson, June Ist, 1836, and commanded a company of volunteers under General Jessup, United States Army. Having imbibed a love for military life, and desiring to reap the advantages of the sea, he sought and obtained, in the face of the strongest compe- tition, a commission as Second Lieutenant United States Marine Corps, October 17th, 1837, to take rank from October 14th, 1837, and reported at headquarters October 23d, 1837. After active service in various stations, including a cruise to the Mediterranean, he was assigned to the sloop " Cyane," Pacific Station, August 10th, 18.45, and landed at Monterey, California, July 4th, 1846, where the American flag was hoisted and the country taken possession of; he reembarked on the " Cyane " July 26th, 1846, and on the 29th, with his own hands, raised the American flag at San Diego. On August 15th, he landed at San Pedro with a guard of marines, and marched on foot to the Puebla de Los Angelos; after remaining there three days, he was appointed by Commodore Stockton to the command of two companies of volunteer mounted riflemen, with orders to proceed to the north in pursuit of General Alvarado. In a skirmish at San Louis Obispo, he captured and paroled a large number of prisoners, including fifteen officers, among whom were General Baptiste Alvarado, Colonel Manuloti Castro and Captain Peaco. He arrived at Monterey, after a march of 500 miles, on September 10th.
troops who enlisted in the United States service, and, dur- ing a period of two years, raised over thirteen thousand five hundred men. Since the war, he has been engaged in the insurance business in partnership with his brother, George E. Wagner. He has received many evidences of the public · appreciation of his gallantry and patriotism. He represented the Twenty-second Ward in Councils from 1867 to 1873, and was President of the Common Council during 1869-70 and '72, by which he became, ex officio, a member of the Park Commission and of the Board of Public Trusts, the latter position comprehending the duties of a director of Girard College. He was appointed a member of the Board of Public Education by the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia, for three years, in May, 1873. During his life he has always manifested the greatest interest in all movements looking to moral reform, and was early identified with the temperance cause. He joined Friendship Division, No. 19, Sons of Temperance, in 1862, and entered the Grand Division in 1863, where he held the office of Grand Worthy Patriarch in' 1865-6. HIe presided at the State Temperance Convention which organized the Pennsylvania Temperance Union, in February, 1867, and was Chairman of the Twenty-second Ward Local Option Executive Com- mittee, in which position he labored with great assiduity and effect. He is a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars, and Grand Worthy Chief Templar of Penn- sylvania. He organized and commanded the Pennsylvania Grand Army of the Republic, and served as . Junior and Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the United States for two years. He is Brigadier-General of the Fifth Brigade of the First Division National Guard of Pennsylvania. He has been a member of the Ancient York Masons since i865, and has advanced to the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. Ile is a prominent and active member of the Market Square Presbyterian Church in Germantown, and is the efficient Superintendent of the Sabbath school connected therewith. Thus, by the force of his great natural ability, added to his indomitable perseverance and strict integrity, he has risen to high social and public position.
ADDOX, WILLIAM A. T., Captain and Assist- ant Quartermaster of United States Marine Corps, was born in Charles county, Maryland, February 25th, 1815. He is the son of William R. Mad- dox; and his family, who are of English and 'Scotch extraction, were among the very first settlers of Maryland. Ilis mother was of the old and well known Skinner family, of his native State. He was edu- cated at the Columbia College, at Washington, District of Columbia, and at Kenyon College, Ohio; he studied medicine during one full course. Having volunteered in the war with
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