USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1 > Part 39
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OWNSEND, JOSEPH B., Lawyer, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, December 13th, 1821. His parents were natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania, where they spent their lives, with the exception of about two years, when they lived near Baltimore, and during which period he was born. Ilis ancestors were English, Joseph Townsend, of Berkshire, England, with his wife,
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Joanna England, of Burton upon Trent, having come over | He was detailed, May 5th, 1864, as operating Surgeon of the with William Penn and settled near West Chester, Penn- First Division Hospital, Ninth Army Corps, in which he con- tinued until after the close of the war, being mustered out of the service, June 6th, 1865. IIe thereupon returned to Beaver county, and resumed the practice of medicine. In 1869, he was elected a member of the lower branch of the State Legislature to represent Beaver and Washington counties, was re-elected to the same, in 1870, and during both terms served on several important committees. At the close of the session of 1871, he returned to his professional duties, from which he was called, in January, 1874, to fill the position of Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, and served as such during its long session, terminating in May of that year. After the close of the session of 1874, he was commissioned Surgeon-in-Chief of the 19th Division National Guards of Pennsylvania, with the rank of Lieu- tenant-Colonel. IIe is a member of the Beaver County Medical Society, and also of the State Association. He gives particular attention to surgical and obstetrical practice. Ile was married, May 11th, 1858, to Rebecca C., daughter of George and Sarah Dilworth, of Beaver county, Penn- sylvania. sylvania, where their descendants now compose a large por- tion of the population. He was educated in Chester county, receiving the larger part at Bolmar's Academy, in West Chester. After leaving school, he studied law with Eli Kirk Price, of Philadelphia, and having been examined, December 13th, 1842, the day he attained his majority, he was admitted to the bar the same month. Though he has enjoyed a large miscellaneous practice, his extended know- ledge and research in the laws pertaining to real estate have led him principally into that field, where he has been eminently successful. IIe has for some years resided con- tinuously at a handsome country seat at Overbrook, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, where he finds a happy relief from the cares incident to a large practice. He has been so wedded to his profession that the proffer of political honors failed to draw him from it, and he has never sought nor held a purely political office. IIe was for four and a half years a Member of the Board of Guardians for the Poor, and has been for four years a Manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital. He is also identified with many other charitable and benevolent associations, and with true public spirit lends his influence to the promotion of every public and private enterprise commending itself to his judgment.
IIURLOCK, WILLIAM CHARLES, M. D., late Surgeon United States Volunteers, and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of Penn- sylvania, was born in Beaver county, Pennsyl- vania, January 6th, 1835, where he has ever since resided. Ile was also educated in his native county, and obtained a liberal store of learning at the Darl- ington Academy, which he left, in 1855, to enter the office of the late Dr. William S. Cochran of Darlington, whom he had selected as his preceptor, and with whom he engaged in the study of medicine. He matriculated, in 1856, in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which insti- tion he graduated, March 9th, 1858, and returning to Darl- ington was engaged in the practice, of his profession until August Ist, 1861. At this date, being then the first year of the War of the Rebellion, he entered the army as Cap- tain of Company D, 100th Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teers, familiarly known as the "Roundheads," with which he served until December 16th following, when he re- signed, at Beaufort, South Carolina, on account of ill health. Ile thereupon returned home, where he remained until his health was re-established, and, in June, 1862, returned to the same command, having been commissioned Assistant- Surgeon, and continued there until December 28th, 1863, when he was made a Surgeon with the rank of Major, and was assigned to the 5Ist Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
cCREDY, BERNARD, Manufacturer, was born in County Derry, Ireland, in January, 1775. After due preparation, he studied six years in the Dublin University, whence he graduated in his twenty-first year. He soon after came to the United States, and settled in Philadelphia, where for three years he taught a private school, on Twelfth street, above Chestnut, then a suburban district. He then asso- ciated with his twin brother, Dennis McCredy, in the wholesale grocery business, on Second street, but after two years withdrew, and is said to have established the second cotton mill operated in this country. In partnership with Samuel R. Wood, he purchased the site of the Wyoming Mills, May 2d, 1825, and an additional property July 5th of the same year. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, on the 4th of February, 1826, but on the 30th of November, 1844, Bernard McCredy became the owner of the part previously set off to Samuel R. Wood. In 1846, he associated with him his only son, Thomas McCredy, under the firm name of B. McCredy & Son. He was also the owner of an extensive property and several mills at Rockdale (now Glen Riddle), Chester county, Penn- sylvania. Early in life he married Martha Newlin, a daughter of Dr. Nicholas Newlin, of Delaware county, Pennsylvania. He died November 29th, 1854, and by his will, admitted to probate December 4th, 1854, all his real estate descended to his son. He was a thorough and eminently successful business man, and yet he never seemed so happy as when seated by his own fireside in the enjoyment of the society of his family and friends. His generous hospitality was
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extended to the pure and good of all classes, and his bene- volence was manifested in the hearty support he gave the church, and the active and practical sympathy he always showed to the suffering and needy.
CCREDY, THOMAS, Manufacturer, was born in Philadelphia, October 18th, 1825. At the age of four years, owing to the loss of his mother, he was sent to Burlington to school, and when nine years old entered St. Mary's College, in Baltimore, Maryland. From that institution he graduated in his sixteenth year. He then became a student in the Law School at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and, after pursuing the usual three years course, graduated, and was sent to Europe to receive the benefits to be derived from foreign travel. At the age of twenty-one he became asso- ciated with his father in the manufacturing business, under the firm name of B. McCredy & Son, but continued to de- vote his evenings and leisure time to study. He married Emma Wilson, of Santiago, Cuba, December 9th, 1850. Upon the death of his father, November 29th, 1854, he en- herited the large estates at Norristown and Rockdale, and associated with him his brother-in-law, John D. Ewing, under the style of Thomas McCredy & Co. He died May 29th, 1856, just in the prime of manhood. He was a man of great talent, but so unassuming and retiring that his worth was known to few.
ONRAD, ROBERT T., Judge, Orator and Author, was born in Philadelphia, in 1809. He studied law, and on being admitted to the bar, speedily took a place in the front rank of the Philadelphia lawyers of the day, acquiring an extensive and lucrative practice. In 1840, he was elevated to the bench, and while upon it distinguished himself by the learning and impartiality of his decisions. In 1854, the American party nominated him for Mayor of Philadelphia, and elected him by a handsome majority. As a brilliant and forcible orator he achieved a distinguished reputation. ITis arguments were clear and convincing, his illustrations most happy and his manner of delivery exceedingly impres- sive. . He understood the fine art of appealing both to the intelligence and the sensibilities of his hearers, and his speechies are remembered by those who heard them as among the most impressive specimens of forensic eloquence ever heard at the Philadelphia bar. He however was not only a learned lawyer, an impartial judge and an eloquent orator, but a poet of more than ordinary ability, and by far the best play-writer that America has yet produced. He frequently contributed poems to the newspapers, and some of his verses became very popular : his poem of The Fire- road, and President of the Southern Pennsylvania Road.
man, in particular, enjoyed great favor. In 1854, Judge Conrad published a small volume of poems, which was warmly commended by the press, and met with a cordial reception from the reading public. The titles of Judge Conrad's plays are, Conrad of Naples ; Aylmere, and Jack Cade, the Kentish Bondman. All of these were acted with success, and the last named furnished Edwin Forrest with one of his most striking characters. Jack Cade was written in response to the offer from that artist of a prize for the best play suited to his purposes, and it is certainly a work of remarkable power. It was a decided favorite with the great tragedian, who frequently performed the leading character, and kept it in his repertoire up to the time of his final exit from the stage. Its author was also a prose writer of very great ability, and a frequent contributor . to the magazines and other publications. His death oc- curred in 1858.
ENNEDY, THOMAS B., Lawyer, was born in August, 1827, in Warren county, New Jersey. Ilis father, Hon. James J. Kennedy, removed, in 1839, to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in the academy of which town the son was fitted for college. He entered the sophomore class of Marshall College, at fourteen, and graduated with honors, in 1844. He read law with the Hon. Alexander Thomson, of Chambersburg, and was admitted to the Franklin county bar, in 1848. The next year he crossed the Plains as the leader of a company bound for California. There he en- tered upon the practice of law, in Downieville. In 1851, he returned to Chambersburg, opened an office, and speedily grew into practice. He served one term as District At- torney with general approbation. He married, and spent a year travelling in Europe. On his return, he became the partner of Hon. James Nill, one of the leading practitioners of that day. The business of the firm rapidly increased, so that, upon the elevation of Judge Nill to the bench of the district, in 1862, his partner found himself in control of the largest and most lucrative practice at that bar, which he has steadily maintained ever since. Notwithstanding the incessant labors of his professional life and the demands upon his time, arising from the care of his large private estate, he has been prominently identified with every move- ment tending to the advancement of the section of the country in which he resides. While aiding liberally in all local measures, as a Master of the Academy, one of the originators and founders of Wilson College, and a Trustee in its management, he has effectively aided the cause of education. The two railroads, recently completed in the county, owe their success, in a great measure, to his influence and public spirit. He has lately been elected Vice-president of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, with the control of the
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OUDINOT, ELIAS LOUIS, Lawyer, was born at Burlington, New Jersey, October 2d, 1843. Ile is a son of the late Elias E. and Jane Mary (Kip) Boudinot, both natives of Newark in the same State. His early education was received at home until he had attained the age of eleven years, when he entered St. Paul's School, at Con- cord, New Hampshire. At this seminary he passed eight years, and was thoroughly prepared for college. His father having removed to Philadelphia, in 1853, he returned, at the age of nineteen, and entered the sophomore class of the University of Pennsylvania, at its final term. About the middle of the closing term of the senior class he left the University without taking the usual degree. Soon after attaining his majority, having determined to embrace the profession of the law (as had been done by his father and grandfather), he entered the office of Morton P. Henry, and after a full and systematic course of reading was admitted to practice as an attorney, in 1867. As soon as he was eligible to membership, he became connected with the " Union League," and has been constantly ,associated with the same for upwards of eight years. From the commence- ment of the " Reform movement " in the government of the city, he has become much interested, and has taken an active part in the labors of the association which, at no distant day, is destined to make its influence felt at the several municipal elections. He is a zealous; churchman, and a member of St. Clement's Episcopal Church, of which con- gregation he is a vestryman. ; He was married in April, 1868, to Coleman Hall, of this city.
ILER, WILLIAM, Manufacturer of Stair-rods, etc., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was born in the old District of Southwark, in that city, July 9th, 1822, on Second street below Christian. His parents, John and Mary Wiler, were both natives of this country, and his grandparents lived in the Wyoming Valley during the war of the Revo- lution. They were spectators, and experienced all the horrors of the dreadful massacre of the Wyoming Valley, from which his father and aunt were only saved by the timely flight of his grandfather on horseback. After com- pleting his education (in Walnut street below Fifth), he was apprenticed, at the age of seventeen years, to Edward Jones, a manufacturer of stair-rods, on the south side of Library street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, with whom he served his time; then worked as a journeyman, and finally became foreman in the factory. On leaving that employment, he commenced business for himself, without one cent of capital, at No. 225 South Fifth street, under the name of Wiler & Thomas. This firm existed for two years, when it was changed, by the admission of Henry Billington, to Wiler, Thomas & Co., remaining thus
for another two years. A second change took place, and the business was permanently established, with the title of Wiler & Moss, an association which lasted for twenty-one years, and was only dissolved by the retirement of the junior partner, on July Ist, 1873. The concern is now carried on by the senior partner, who has, through a busi- ness experience of some twenty-five years, steadily main- tained his position and credit, notwithstanding all the monetary shocks sustained during that period, and his firm has been able at all times to meet its obligations "on sight." IIe is a director in the Sixth National Bank (Second and Pine streets), and has occupied that position for the last eight years. In politics, he formerly belonged to the Democratic party, being an active member of that body; but of late has associated himself with the Municipal Reform party, with which he now cooperates. He was married in the year 1843, to Mary A. Day, daughter of Joseph Day, of Philadelphia.
ABER, CHIARLES, Merchant, Builder and Presi- "dent, was born at New Rochelle, West Chester county, New York, April Ist, 1812. His father, James I. Baber, was a manufacturer of the same place. After obtaining the usual education of the district schools of that period, he learned the trade of cabinet-making, and subsequently carried on that business at Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, to which place he removed in 1830. A year afterwards, he embarked in the lumbering and building trades; and, although he had no capital, he succeeded, by shrewd, skilful management, eminent business tact and ability in taking advantage of opportunities, in making rapid strides towards fortune. Ile had been generally successful in all his undertakings till about the year 1847, when, in common with many others, he was totally ruined by disastrous mining speculations, losing everything he possessed and remaining heavily in debt. His failure was a heavy one; but he ultimately re- deemed all his liabilities in full, and gained, by so doing, a reputation for integrity which enabled him to command three times the credit he had previously enjoyed. About the year 1845, he was prominent as a promoter of the Schuylkill Canal and Railroad (now owned by the Read- ing Railroad Company), and was elected, in 1862, a direc- tor of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. He built the street railroad to Minersville, for the account of some speculators, who, however, failed to manage it in such a manner as to make it pay, and he therefore organized a stock company, of which he was elected President; the road, under the present administration, has become remu- nerative. He was instrumental in taking measures for the erection of the Public Hall, and also for the laying out of the Mount Laurel Cemetery, which latter property he owns. He has constantly held positions of trust both in
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the town councils and the public schools. He has been married three times, his last wife being Mrs. Jacob Esher, of Philadelphia, and has a family of four children. One of his sons ( William) is keeping a store, and destined to succeed his father in his business. Industry, integrity, economy and a progressive spirit have characterized him through life and been the foundation of his success. Although he bought coal lands long ago at low rates, and has since sold them at higher prices, his business has mainly been of a legitimate character.
ROWN, JOIIN A., Merchant and Banker, was born at Ballymena, county Antrim, Ireland, on May 21st, 1788. Alexander Brown, his father, a gentleman of good family and large fortune, left Ireland in consequence of the political agi- tation. Bringing with him considerable capital, he established himself at Baltimore, as a general merchant, about the opening of the present century. At that time the subject of this sketch, the third son of the family, was twelve years of age. Ile had been attending school at Rochdale, England, and, after completing his education in this country, he was taken into his father's counting house, in which his two elder brothers were already engaged. William, the eldest of these, was soon sent to Liverpool, where he established a branch house, became a member of Parliament, was instrumental in founding the free library of the city, and was created a Baronet. The English house, which has also a branch in London, is now known as Brown, Shipley & Co. In 1818, John A. Brown was sent to Philadelphia by his father to establish another branch, and still another was soon after established in New York city by a younger brother, James, this last branch house doing business under the name of Brown Brothers & Co., being the first of the three American establishments to assume that title, which is at present common to all. The second son, George, remained in Baltimore, and, in 1834, succeeded to the head of the house in that city, on the death of his father. The business of all the concerns gradually embraced the leading features of banking, al- NYDER, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Manufac- turer and Coal Operator, was born in Philadel- phia, where he was indentured as an apprentice in the well-known establishment of Rush & Muhlenberg, and remained until he attained his majority. He removed to Pottsville in 1835, and in 1850 became sole proprietor of the works formerly owned by Haywood & Snyder, and has so continued to the present time. He had a contract for thirteen years to build and repair the cars belonging to the Schuylkill Navi- gation Company, and during this period the number con- structed was over three thousand. During this time also he was the heaviest (individual) coal miner in that section, though at one time the Baltimore branch almost monopo- lized the cotton trade between that port and England. John A. Brown commenced business in Philadelphia prin- cipally as an importer of linens, receiving consignments from the manufactories of John Patrick & Sons, and others in the North of Ireland. The Philadelphia house for many years carried on the business of an importing, job- bing and general commission concern, but gradually, like the other branches, became engaged in banking, until at last all the branches were so occupied exclusively. The subject of this sketch soon attained a leading position in the business community, and was elected a director of the old United States Bank, under the Presidency of Nicholas ; employing no less than seven hundred hands. In the
Biddle. When that institution became embarrassed, in consequence of the withdrawal of Government support, he undertook a mission to England on its behalf; and, al- though he succeeded in accomplishing much, great as was the assistance he secured, it was not sufficient to keep the bank from failure. In 1838, he retired from active business pursuits, but still continued, as long as his health would permit, to take an influential part in the management of many public institutions. He had served as a director of the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society from 1827, in which position he still continued, his name for many years heading the list ; and mainly through his influence the handsome and substantial building at Seventh and Walnut streets, in which its business is now conducted, was erected. He was always active in religious and benevolent enterprises. He acted for many years as President of the American Sunday School Union and of the Sabbath Association ; served as a manager of the Blind Asylum; was chiefly in- strumental, in connection with Henry Baldwin, in founding the Calvary Presbyterian Church, one of the largest and most useful in the city, contributing also the ground and a large share of the money for the chapel; and finally crowned a long career of usefulness and benevolence by donating $300,000 to the Presbyterian Hospital, which was founded in West Philadelphia in 1871. This amount was fully secured to the hospital in August, 1871, by the transfer of bonds and securities of various kinds, on the sole con- dition that the entire income should be devoted forever to the support of the institution, no part either of principal or interest to be used for any other purpose than the payment of its current expenses after its opening. Ile was twice married; first to Isabella Patrick, daughter of the linen manufacturer, of Ballymena, Ireland ; and subsequently to his cousin Grace, daughter of George Brown, M. D., of Baltimore. He died in Philadelphia, on December 31st, 1872, leaving an only son, Alexander Brown, of that city. His generous charities while living were supplemented by large bequests to numerous public institutions by the provisions of his will.
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machine shop, which he still conducts, and which has of late years been largely increased in extent, he manufactures mining engines, pumps and the machinery required in coal mining operations. The number of hands are about one hundred and seventy-five, and the yearly products average in value a quarter million of dollars. Personally, he is of a quiet, retiring disposition, the possessor of a fortune, re- spected as a good citizen, liberal and charitable in all mat- ters pertaining to the public weal.
AHON, THADDEUS McLAY, Lawyer, was born in Green Village, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, May 21st, 1840. Ilis father was Robert Mahon; his mother's maiden name was Jane Wallace, and she came of Scotch-Irish descent. He was educated at the Chambersburg Academy, and entered the law office of Kemmell & McClellan, as a stu- dent, in 1860. He pursued his studies until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 126th Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and served his term, being mustered out at its close. He reenlisted in the 21st Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Company E, was elected First Sergeant, was severely wounded while on picket, Novem- ber 4th, 1864, at Hatch's Run, Virginia, and was honorably discharged, July 15th, 1865. At the close of the war, he resumed his legal studies, and was soon after admitted to the bar, at Chambersburg. In 1866, he was elected Clerk of the Court of Franklin county .. September 7th, 1867, he married Martha Robinson, only daughter of William Rob- inson. In 1869, he began practice at the bar. In 1870, he was defeated on the Republican ticket for the State Legislature ; but in 1871 and 1872 was successful by large majorities. His public course has given great satisfaction to his constituents, and reflects great credit upon him. IIe has always consistently supported all measures he believed calculated to advance the best interests of the State, and has firmly opposed reckless expenditures. When the subject of the Border Claims came up for consideration, he made an able argument in favor of their payment ; and earnestly advocated the passage of the Local Option Law.
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