USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1 > Part 28
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In his family, his fund of humor, and his nicely stored mind imparted vivacity to the household gathering. He was twice married. He died November 22d, 1854, leav- ing behind him a spotless record, immense wealth and a numerous family.
OWNSEND, HENRY CLAY, Lawyer, was born at West Chester, Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 22d, 1822. His parents, Jolin W. Townsend and Sibylla Price, were worthy mem- bers of the Society of Friends. He attended the West Town Boarding-school, in Chester county, and subsequently spent five years in the French Academy of A. Bolman, at West Chester, where he prepared for the sophomore class in Yale College, entering it in 1839. His class graduated in 1842, but ill health prevented him from continuing to the end of his course. In appreciation of his ability and character, his alma mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of M. A., in the summer of 1873. He became a student of the law in the office of Eli Kirk Price, in 1841, and was admitted to practice at the bar of Phila- delphia, September 4th, 1844, where his labors have been almost unremitting. He was married July 21st, 1847. During the war he was an active promoter of the Union cause, and was appointed by Governor Curtin a commis- sioner for the care of soldiers' orphans. Although he has taken an active interest in public and political affairs, he has never been an aspirant for official honors, and has uni- formly declined all political preferment. He is an indus- trious worker in office business, chiefly in connection with the settlement of estates and care of trusts. He is an active manager in various corporations and charitable institutions, to the usefulness of which he has contributed much by his counsel and business ability.
EEBE, MANLY C., Lawyer, was born at Fabius, Onondaga county, New York. Ilis parents were natives of New England, but of English and Welsh descent. After receiving his edu- cation at the Fabius Academy, he removed to Pennsylvania, at the age of eighteen, where he pursued the avocation of teacher, until his twenty-second year. He qualified himself for the practice of law, in Pleasantville, Venango county, Pennsylvania, and now oc- cupies a high rank in his profession; his character for honesty and benevolence being also well known and ap- preciated. He early occupied himself with municipal affairs, and, when still very young, was in the positions of Justice of the Peace and Burgess, and has always been a director of the public schools. From the commencement of his career, he has taken an active part in politics, voting originally with the so-called old line Whig party, but with
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strong anti-slavery convictions, which induced him to poll his first vote for John P. Hall, as President of the United States. He afterwards joined the Republican party, being one of its pioneers in Venango county, where he materially assisted in the defeat of the Democrats, who had thereto- fore been predominant. He has always displayed a lively interest in the public school system, especially since its re- vision in 1854, and was elected as the first county superin- tendent under the new system, serving in that capacity for three years. From 1861 to 1864, he represented his dis- trict in the State Legislature ; in 1872, was nominated as delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and elected by a very large majority. In that body he has shown himself animated in debate and indefatigably industrious on com- mittees. His political honesty is so well known that, even in the most closely contested elections, he has never had more than three votes cast against him. His benevolence is on a par with his honesty; his purse is always open to the afflicted, and, during the war, his handsome mansion, near Pleasantville, was the headquarters of the sick and wounded soldiers. At the age of twenty-four, he was married to Maria Tebbits, of Manlius, New York, a lady universally esteemed. The issue of this marriage has been four children, two only of whom are living.
OYD, COLONEL JAMES, Lawyer, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 29th, 1823. His parents were Virginians, descended from an old English stock, and gave their son a liberal education, which was commenced at 'Crawford's
Academy, Philadelphia, and completed at the Haddington College, Germantown. At this early age, he evinced that talent for wit and humor, with that quickness of perceptive faculties, which have characterized his legal ' career. On leaving college, he commenced the study of law, and, after passing his examination with much credit, was admitted to the bar in Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, where he has practised with much success for thirty years. ITis physical powers are uncommon, as, during the whole of that period, he was never absent from court a single day on account of illness. He was elected as dele- gate to the Constitutional Convention of 1872-73. In poli- tics, he was an "old line Whig," until that party was united with the Abolitionists. Since that junction, he has stead- fastly abstained from holding political office, though by no means neglecting his duties as a citizen, having served the section in which he resides in various capacities. Wealthy and generous, he has been of much service in public move- ments, especially so in sustaining the Centennial Comniis- sion and the Fountain Society, both with his purse and his influence. In 1848, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Jeremiah Jamieson, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and by that union has two sons, Wallace and Howard.
HORNTON, JOSEPH DYSON, Builder, was born in Frankford, Pennsylvania, December 21st, 1828. His parents came from England to the United States a short time previous to his birth and settled in Frankford. After receiving a limited education, he worked upon a farm from his tenth to his sixteenth year, receiving two months school- ing each winter, and then became an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, with George W. Search, of Frankford. Having finished his trade and attained his majority, in 1849, he removed to Philadelphia, where he took small contracts, and so continued in business until 1861, having in the meantime, on January 13th, 1851, married Anna E. Ensor, of Philadelphia. In 1861, he resolved to engage in busi - ness on a large scale, and began to erect houses for him- self. Struggling against all discouragements, he persevered until his ability and energy won for him the implicit confi- dence of the community. From 1863 to 1870, he was in- timately associated in business with the late Amos Ellis, and within ten years he erected about one thousand dwell- ing houses in the northern part of the city. He has made his own fortune, and well deserves the success he has won. Blocks of handsome edifices stand as testimonials of his skill, progress, energy and great business capacity.
ATSON, GEORGE W., Carriage Builder, the third son of Charles C. Watson, was born in Philadelphia, March 1, 1805. His grandfather was a native of England, and for many years car- ried on an iron foundry, which he had erected in Kensington, Philadelphia. He was educated in his native city, finishing his course in Tathem's Boarding- school, near Frankford. After leaving school he became an apprentice with Thomas Ogle, a coach maker, with whom he remained until after he attained his majority, when he engaged in business for himself, in Prime street, and subsequently removed to Laurel court, now Levant street. His close attention to business and mechanical genius readily acquired for him a steadily-increasing business in this location, and at the death of his former preceptor, Thomas Ogle, he became associated with the son, William Ogle, and removed to the factory on Sixth street, above Chestnut. This partnership was dissolved after some years, and the business continued by George W. Watson, who purchased the property of the heirs of Thomas Ogle. He pur- sued this prosperous career, occupying a factory at the Falls of Schuylkill, and subsequently building the establish- ment at Thirteenth and Parrish, now occupied by William D). Rodgers, but still owned by his heirs. About the year 1850, he erected the buildings on Chestnut street, above Twelfth-now occupied by Jacob Laudenslager, who was connected with him from 1837 until his death, and by whom I the business is still continued-and Concert Hall, which he
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purposed to use as a repository and for show-rooms. He thus became the business pioneer of west Chestnut street, and his prosperity proved the wisdom of his movement. He was the first successful builder of the light trotting wagon, and excelled all others in the mathematical precision of his wheels and the accuracy of their revolutions, for his ex- perienced eye was able to detect the slightest defect in a moment. His fame spread far and wide, so that his in- dustry and skill reaped the reward of a handsome estate. He married on October 15th, 1840, the daughter of William Christie, of Philadelphia. His death occurred in February, 1857. He was devoted to business, but found time to assist in the promotion of public enterprises and interests. Though not a politician, he was an adherent of the old Whig party and an earnest advocate of its principles. For many years he was an active member of the Pennsylvania Fire Company and the Washington Greys.
OLTON, GENERAL WILLIAM JORDAN, Machinist and Engineer, was born in Norris- town, Pennsylvania, October 22d, 1833. He is of English and French descent, and his family were members of the Society of Friends. He was educated under the care of Samuel Aaron, at the Treemont Seminary, Norristown. After leaving school, he served his apprenticeship to the machinist trade, in the repairing shop of the Jamieson Cotton Mills, and, subsequently, became the engineer at the rolling mill of James Hooven. Previous to the breaking out of the war, in 1861, he had been the junior second Lieutenant of the Wayne Artillery. Upon the resignation of all his superior officers, he was elected Captain, and with his command en- listed as Company A, Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, being mustered into the United States service for three months, on the 19th of April, 1861. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Norristown, where he enlisted the first men for the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, again becoming Captain of Company A, which was the first to reach the rendezvous at Camp Curtin, having arrived there September 10th, 1861. They were equipped and mustered into the United States service on the 12th. His merit as an officer soon manifested itself, and his company was al- ways the best drilled and equipped of the regiment. IIe took part in all the battles of his regiment, and while par- ticipating in the gallant charge of the Fifty-first at Antietam bridge, September 17th, 1862, he fell severely wounded by a minie ball, which shattered both his jaw-bones. For gallantry in this and previous actions, he was commissioned Major, September 17th, 1862. Having recovered from his wound, in January, 1863, he rejoined his regiment, which he commanded at Knoxville. IIe was commissioned Colonel, June 26th, 1864, to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Colonel Hartranft. He was severely wounded
on the 30th of July, 1864, by a ball which entered his cheek, passed down his neck and lodged in his shoulder-where it still remains-when about to lead a charge against the enemies' works at Petersburg. After much suffering, he was able to rejoin his regiment, on the first of October fol- lowing. On the 13th of March, 1865, he was promoted to be Brevet Brigadier-General, under the following compli- mentary order :
War Department, Washington, June 15th, 1865.
SIR: You are hereby notified that the President of the United States has appointed you, for gallant and meritorious services during the war, a Brigadier-General of Volunteers, by brevet, in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 13th day of March, 1865.
(Signed) EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of State. Brevet Brigadier-General W. J. BOLTON, U. S. Vols.
At 2 A. M., April 3d, 1865, he detected signs of the eva- cuation of Petersburg, and after sending a single man to reconnoitre, he advanced his regiment, which was the first to enter the city. After the surrender of General Lee, he led his regiment to Alexandria, where he was appointed military Governor, May 27th. His regiment was mustered out July 27th, 1865. On the 25th of February, 1868, he was married to Emma Rupert, of Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and on the 26th of the same month, was appointed by Governor Geary High Sheriff of Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, and served in that capacity until November of the same year. He received the ap- pointment of Major-General of the Second Division of National Guards of Pennsylvania, from Governor Hart- ranft, January 24th, 1873. Ile possesses many interesting relics of the war.
LLEN, HENRY RIGLER, Merchant, was born in Frankford, Pennsylvania, February 9th, 1836, and is the son of Captain Jolin and Alice Ann Allen. He was educated in the public schools of Frankford, and, when sixteen, was preparing for the High School; but was compelled to abandon his intention, and closed his studies in 1852. He then entered the employ of Henry B. Quidssell, who was engaged in purchasing sheep in New Jersey for the Phila- delphia markets. He soon became so valuable an assistant that his employer gave him an interest in the business, which he continued to follow until after attaining his ma- jority. On the 20th of January, 1858, he conducted, over the Frankford and Southwark road, the first city passenger railway car that was ever run through the streets of Phila- delphia. He continued this occupation until 1861, when he went to Perryville, Maryland, and obtained an appoint- ment, on October 18th, as wagon-master, under the com- mand of Captain (now Brigadier-General) C. S. Sawtelle, of the United States army. By him, and subsequently by Brigadier-General R. Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster of the
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Army of the Potomac, he was raised, through the various | being such that it could not be increased sufficiently to grades of the civil service, to the superintendency of the meet his expectations, he sold out, and, in company with a partner, engaged in the manufacturing, at wholesale, of cloth hats and caps, at Nos. 125 & 127 North Third street. In the year 1859, he became interested as special partner in the manufacturing of felt hats, at No. 822 Lawrence street. Ilis partner, W. O. Beard, dying, the conduct of the establishment devolved upon him, and, by his energy and good management, he soon placed it in advance of its competitors. On account of failing health, he retired from active business on November ist, 1871, and died at Aiken, South Carolina, February 20th, 1872. He was at various times a director in passenger railway companies and banks, and at the period of his decease Vice-President of the City National Bank. ITis distinguishing characteristics were, attention to business, strict honesty, economy and high moral tone, During all the varied events of an active business life of thirty-six years, he never suffered any one with whom he had dealings to lose a dollar, by any failure on his part to meet his obligations, though three times dur- ing that period he was on the verge of insolvency. Careful in. his dealings, he was simple and unostentatious in his habits, and retiring in disposition. His good qualities were recognized by, those who knew him; his opinions sought, and his judgment accepted to a remarkable extent. Quartermaster's Department of the same army. Under the direction of the above named officers, he managed the de- pot of supplies, furnishing the entire Army of the Potomac with all their land transportation, forage and quartermaster's stores; as many as 25,000 horses and mules frequently passing through his hands in one month. The workshops for repairs, which were under his control, employed about 150 wheelwrights, 200 blacksmiths, 100 carpenters and about as many saddlers, together with from 300 to 500 laboring men. They followed the army, kept transporta- tion in running order, and the animals (consisting of 1000 teams, of six mules each) properly shod. After the close of the war, he was transferred to New Orleans, where he became superintendent of the Quartermaster's Department of that district, under Generals Canby and Sheridan. In 1866, he returned to Frankford and formed a partnership with Ilenry W. Ditman, under the style of Ditman & Allen, for the prosecution of the lumber and coal business, at Bridesburg. His partner dying, on January 7th, 1872, he purchased his interest and remained sole proprietor of the business. In politics he is a Democrat ; has always been a firm and consistent advocate of the principles of that party, and is ever ready to assist in any public movement that promises to benefit the people. He is a director in various corporations, and has contributed much to. public improve- ments. He was married on November 18th, 1858, to Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Thomas Thorn, of Frankford.
ALTON, SAMUEL D., Manufacturer, was born in the old district of the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, on September 8th, 1816, of parents in moderate circumstances. His ancestors were Friends, and among the first settlers of Byberry, adjacent to Philadelphia. His education, com- mon to that of children of that time, was limited to the elementary branches. Ile evinced in early life an aptitude for trading, making small wares in his father's cabinet- maker's shop, and disposing of them in person. At the- age of fifteen, he indentured himself to learn the trade of a hatter to one of some celebrity at the time in that line, Paul Bremond, a native of France, then located on Chest- nut below Third street. At the age of twenty, being thrown upon his own resources by the failure of his em- ployer, in co-partnership with a fellow workman, he com- menced' business at the then No. 61 South Third street, directly opposite the Girard Bank. His companion soon becoming discouraged, he continued the business alone, and by his industry and courteous manners soon won the confidence of many of our best citizens, laying the founda- tion of his future success. About the year 1851, finding his energies cramped, the nature of the retail business | on the business until 1860, when he removed to Philadel-
RY, S. GROSS, Railroad Promoter, etc., was born in the village of Trappe, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, January 24th, 1832. His father, Hon. Jacob Fry, generally known as " honest Jacob Fry," was a public man of much promi- nence; a member of Congress during the admin- istrations of Jackson and Van Buren; member of the Leg- islature during several sessions, and Auditor General of Pennsylvania. He was a popular candidate before the Democratic State Convention of 1860 for the nomination for Governor, but the Convention deeming it prudent to nominate a Western man, his old friend and associate, Ilon. II. D. Foster, was chosen. S. Gross Fry, on his mother's side, is the grandson of Ilon. Samuel Gross, also a member of Congress from the Montgomery district, from about the close of the war with Great Britain until Jack- son's first term. Francis R. Shunk, one of the Governors of Pennsylvania, was a protege of Mr. Gross. S. Gross Fry received an academic education, and subsequently, until reaching his majority, was engaged in his father's store, in his native village. Although but twenty-four years of age, he was at that time elected one of the first directors of the Bank of Pottstown, then incorporated. He was also elected one of the managers of the Black Rock Bridge Company, and held many similar positions of trust and responsibility. He succeeded his father, and carried
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phia. The change proved a judicious one. His energy and marked ability enabled him to succeed in whatever he undertook. City passenger railways soon attracted his at- tention, and he was chosen by the stockholders of the Spruce & Pine Street Company as Secretary and Treasurer. In the following year, he and Charles Thompson leased the road, and so admirable was his management that on the expiration of the lease, he was elected President of the company, and was re-elected every year until 1870, when he declined to hold the position any longer. Four years previously, he had been chosen President of the Phila- delphia & Darby Railroad Company, and Treasurer of the Schuylkill Railway Company, the duties of which positions he still continues to discharge with manifest advantage to the corporations. IIe is also largely interested in the staple industry of Pennsylvania-iron production. On retiring from the Presidency of the Spruce & Pine Street Railway Company, he was unanimously elected by the stockholders in the Emaus Iron Company to preside over the manage- ment of its affairs. This company has its works, which are of a very extensive character, on the line of the East Penn- sylvania Railroad, in Lehigh county, near Allentown. The progress of this concern, under his direction, led to his being elected, some time during the following iyear, Presi- dent of the Lehigh Mountain Iron Company, an extensive mining corporation. To railroad projects he has also given considerable attention. He took an active part in the pro- motion of the Perkiomen Railroad scheme, designed to connect the trade of the Lehigh 'with the Schuylkill Valley, and to have its eastern terminus near the Emaus Iron Works. To its construction he. contributed con- siderably in money and time, and is a member of the Board of Directors. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has always devoted himself energetically to promoting its for- tunes. IIe, however, never came before the public as an aspirant for office until 1864, when he was unanimously nominated for the Legislature. The nomination was in- tended simply as. a compliment to his worth and in recog- nition of his labors on behalf of the party, for his district had always cast a large Republican majority. Subsequently nominations were tendered him for various positions, but he always declined them, his refusal on one occasion being based upon the circumstance that the convention and its work had met with much adverse criticism in the party. Upon entering political life, he resolved never to become a candidate before the electors unless unanimously supported by his party, and to this resolution he has always adhered. In the convention of 1871, he received a unanimous nomi- nation for the office of City Treasurer of Philadelphia, and though defeated ran ahead of his ticket in many wards of the city. His nomination was warmly commended by the Democratic and Independent press, while even the princi- pal Republican papers bore testimony to his high character and fitness for the office. In the Democratic State Con- vention of 1872, he was chosen an Elector at large, and in
the ensuing election received a larger number of votes than any of his colleagues. His religious affiliations are with the Lutherans, as were also those of his parents. He was baptized in infancy, and confirmed by Rev. Henry S. Mil- ler, in the old church of " the Trappe," built in 1743, and used by Washington as a temporary hospital during the siege of Germantown. He is an honored member of the church ; holds, and has held, many positions of high trust. From the organization of the Lutheran Publishing Association, in 1861, he has been its Treasurer ; is a Director in the Theological Seminary of Philadelphia ; President of the Lutheran Mis- sion and Church Extension Society; and Treasurer of the General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America.
IDDLE, CHARLES JOHN, Lawyer, Soldier, Congressman and Journalist, a member of an old and honored family, was born in Phila- delphia, in 1819. On completing his prepara- tory education, he entered the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, from which institution he graduated. . He then studied law with the Hon. John Cadwallader, and was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in .. 1840. He entered upon a professional career which gave promise of being very successful, and was enjoying a large and constantly increasing practice when the war with Mexico broke out. Congress having authorized, immediately after the declaration of war, the addition of ten regiments to the regular army, he promptly raised a company for the service in his native city. This company was assigned to the regiment of Voltigeurs, under the command of Colonel F. P. Andrews, subsequently Paymaster-General of the army, and Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph E. Johnston, who acquired a prominent position in the Confederate service. The regiment acquitted itself nobly in battle, and was con- spicuous in all the actions of the campaign for its bravery and discipline. He led the assault at the storming of Chapultepec, leaving a sick bed, against the advice and remonstrances of his commanding officer, to take part in the struggle. In the official report of the battle, he was commended by General Scott as " one of the first in the assault." He was also mentioned by General Worth in honorable terms, in the latter's report on the battle of Molino del Rey. For his "gallant and meritorious ser- vices," he received the brevet of Major, and was selected by General S. W. Kearney as his aide-de-camp. Returning home at the conclusion of the war, he resumed the practice of the law in Philadelphia, this engaging his time until the outbreak of the Rebellion. " A Committee of Safety " was organized by the citizens of Philadelphia, of which he be- came a member, and devoted much time and labor to the duties of the position, in raising troops, and organizing and drilling them, at a time when there were few officers who were qualified for such work. On the organization of the
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