USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1 > Part 5
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" Ist, Labor gains increased productiveness in the pro- portion that capital contributes to its efficiency.
" 2d, Every improvement in the efficiency of labor, so gained by the aid of capital, gives so much increased facility of accumulation.
" 3d, Increased power of production lessens the value in labor of capital already existing; bringing it more easily within the purchase of present labor, for the reason that value can not exceed the cost of re-production. These simple, self-proving propositions were felt to have the power of revolutionizing the science of political economy, by taking from it the dismal prediction of a constant ten- dency in the distribution of wealth, under a law of neces- sity, toward greater destitution of labor, and correspond- ingly enormous increase in the power of capital. This law of labor value was, however, destined to obtain a still wider and grander application-its fundamental principle an universal range. The commonly accepted doctrine that men, in the settlement of land, choose the best soils first, and, acccording to Ricardo's theory, are empowered by such priority of possession to charge, as rent, the difference between the productiveness of the last and lowest grade that comes into occupancy and that of those previously in use, was full of despair to the on-coming generations of men. Of what avail to humanity was the beneficent law of distribution governing the joint products of labor and capital if the law governing the occupation of land were really at war with it ? "
Confronted with this apparent contradiction in the system of Providence, II. C. Carey challenged the facts on which it had been supposed to rest, the results of his inquiry having been given to the world, in 1848, in a volume en- titled, The Past, the Present, and the Future, which must be regarded as the most rigid and exhaustive instance of application of the inductive method to be found in the whole range of economic literature. As early as 1838, he published his work on The Credit System in France, Great Britain, and the United States, and in 1851, The Harmony of Interests, recommended to all who wish to investigate the causes of the progress or decline of industrial com munities. In 1853, appeared The Slave- Trade, Domestic and Foreign : Why it Exists ; and How it may be Extin- guished. Concurrently with these systematic treatises in book form, his pen was busy with pamphlets and news- paper contributions, applying his doctrines to exigencies of the passing time. They covered every topic of the times in any way related to the philosophy of business, currency, politics, internal and international affairs, the subjects of his studies for nearly half a century. In 1857, he digested the doctrines of his previous productions into a single work of three volumes, octavo, entitled Principles of Social Science,-published 1858-59-which was under his own supervision, condensed into a Manual of Social Science, by Miss MeKean; and in an introduction to one of the German editions of this latter, which he entitled
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Review of the Decade, 1857-67, he gave a most remarkable vindication of its leading doctrines. The principal and some of the minor works here named were translated and published in one or other, and some of them in several of the following languages : Italian, French, German, Swe- dish, Russian, and Ilungarian. In Germany particularly, they were frequently reprinted. Enjoying an enviable popularity, surrounded by the most charming domestic influences, and having earned, by years of public service, the confidence of every one that knows him, his power for good is wide-reaching and acknowledged.
ORNEY, COL. JOHN W., Editor, Author, and Politician, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, September 30th, 1817. His parents possessed neither wealth nor social position, but his mother was a lady of nature's own forming. He received no more than an ordinary common school educa- tion. At the age of thirteen he engaged as a shop-boy, but in a short time, following his natural inclinations, he entered, as an apprentice, the office of the Lancaster Four- nal, then one of the most influential papers in the State ; here he remained until his twentieth year, when he pur- chased the Lancaster Intelligencer, a strong Democratic sheet, with which, a few years after, he consolidated the Journal and, by his energy and ability, soon made the new paper one of the most powerful in Pennsylvania. He was appointed Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, of Lancaster county, in 1839, but held the position for a short time only. Returning to his editorial duties he remained absorbed therein until 1845, when he removed to Philadelphia, on receiving from President Polk the ap- pointment of Deputy Surveyor of that port. Unable to resist his enthusiasm for journalism, he, the same year, purchased one-half interest in the Pennsylvanian, the leading Democratic organ of the State. With this paper he was connected until 1853. In December, 1851, he was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives, and, re- moving to Washington, there remained for several years:, discharging the duties of his office, under many trying and exciting circumstances, to the entire satisfaction of all with whom he was brought in contact. Joining the Wash- ington Union as one of its editors, he remained in that position until the nomination of James Buchanan, in 1856, for the Presidency. He was then elected Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee of Pennsylvania. Naturally sagacious, his schooling among the leading political minds of the country had developed his genius as a politician, and at this time, John W. Forney was ac- knowledged as ranking with the shrewdest of the shrewd. His voice and pen were all-powerful in behalf of the Democratic nominee, and it is generally admitted that to him, more than to any other one man, J mes Buchanan
owed his elevation to the Presidential chair. In 1857, Col. Forney was nominated by the Democratic members of the State Legislature as their candidate for the United States Senate. Ile was defeated by Simon Cameron. Circumstances causing a rupture in the friendly relations between Mr. Buchanan and Col. Forney, and the public actions of the then President not meeting his approval, he joined the opposition, where his caustic pen and wonder- ful vigor made him a welcome ally. He was, in Decem- ber, 1859, a second time elected Clerk of the House of Representatives, but, uneasy out of the editorial chair, he started a weekly paper, called the Sunday Morning Chronicle ; this was soon turned into a daily, and was one of the most successful journals ever published in Washing- ton. Fully identified and in sympathy with the Republican party, but few ever rendered more effective and enthusiastic support to the government during the rebellion. He had been, in 1861, elected Secretary of the United States Senate, which position he held for several years; and never was it more ably filled. During all this time he continued to edit and publish the Washington Chronicle and the Philadelphia Press, which he had established in these cities, and which, from the date of their first publication, exerted a powerful influence. Upon the death of President Lincoln, Col. Forney continued to give his support to his successor, Mr. Johnson; but it appearing to him that the new Executive was swerving from the principles of the party to which he owed his election, the editor's batteries were turned upon him with their usual damaging effect. A few months after his return from Europe he resigned the Secretaryship of the Senate and returned to Philadel- phia. In March, 1871, he accepted the position of Collec- tor of the Port of Philadelphia, tendered by President Grant. Ilis administration was a marked success; but the chair of the editor possessed more charms for him than the post of Collector, and in March, 1872, he re- signed, and again resumed active labors on the Press. Col. Forney was, at the conception of the scheme, appointed one of the Directors of the Southern Pacific Railroad, his influ- ence and energy being invaluable in successfully carrying out great enterprises. After leaving Washington he travelled much, and with his eyes open. The published letters of his observations, in our own country and Europe, are delight- ful reading, and exhibit the cultivated discernment, talent and native elegance of thought and feeling, marking a poetic yet practical mind; on old and much trodden ground he contrives to be original, giving his own impres- sions, not those of others; what he felt, not what he ought to have felt. As a newspaper writer, few men ever penned more readable or, when he pleased, more scathing articles. The writings of his later years, less pungent, possess a deeper human wisdom and a sunnier glow of benevolence, making them equally enjoyable and much more welcome to the community at large. Col. Forney, throughout his public life, has ever received his full share, if not more, of
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abuse, but has always lived it down. In 1872, he seemed | Academy, he has been making strong efforts to give the to take a fresh political start, from a new stand-point : to refuse obedience to the tyranny of authority, to abandon the beaten paths of the past, and to recognize the public good, as he understood it, to be paramount to party.
fine arts a new and worthy local habitation, and success is now well assured. He has himself expended large sums in securing an extensive and fine gallery of paintings, drawings, engravings, and sculpture. In it both the old and modern masters are represented, and American artists hold a proud position. Ile is a very public-spirited man, and stands ever ready to promote any project having for its object the advancement, political or social, of the com- munity. As a member of the Board of City Trusts he has rendered good service.
LAGHORN, JAMES LAWRENCE, Banker, was born in Philadelphia, July 5th, 1817. He is the second son of John W. Claghorn, of the late firm of Myers & Claghorn, auctioneers and commission merchants. He received a sound education in the schools of his native city. In the fourteenth year of his age he entered the store of REXEL, FRANCIS MARTIN, was born in the Austrian Tyrol, in 1792; educated in Switzer- land and studied art in Milan. When Napoleon invaded Austria, he emigrated to the United States, where he intended to pursue the occupa- tion of a portrait painter. His expectations were justified by the results. Ilis talents and knowledge were quickly appreciated, and secured a revenue that justi- fied marriage. He married a lady belonging to one of the most respectable families in Philadelphia, and resided on the site now occupied by the Public Ledger building, at the corner of Chestnut and Sixth streets. His studio was here for some years, and until he learned that South America promised ample returns to any young artist of ability. So soon as he ascertained this, he sailed for Valparaiso, and after establishing himself, spent his leisure in acquiring the Spanish language. He found remunerative employ- ment in painting altar pieces, portraits, and other works, and visited Quito, Lima, and other cities professionally. He was, of course, as an artist, thrown into intercourse with the most distinguished men of these countries; and contracted a friendship with General Bolivar that lasted during the life of the latter. He painted a portrait of the General that attracted great attention and elicited distinguished praise. It was subsequently engraved in this country. When he returned, he brought to Philadel- phia a fine collection of South American curiosities, with which he enriched Peale's Museum, then in the State House. After two years' residence at home, he was re- called to South America, and took with him the engraved portrait of General Bolivar and renewed the pleasant intercourse he had formerly enjoyed with that distinguished republican chieftain. Many of the pictures he completed still adorn the churches of Chili, Peru, Granada, Ecuador, and Brazil. Returning home, he next visited Mexico, in 1830, and then continued the successful art career he had commenced in North and South America. Having ac- cumulated some capital, he decided, in 1837, to become a broker in order to open a career for his sons. Acting under the advice of a friend he had met in Mexico, he established Jennings, Thomas Gill & Co., auctioneers, as clerk. After a time the firm became, through the death of Mr. Jennings, Thomas Gill & Co. In December, 1836, Mr. John B. Myers and John W. Claghorn withdrew from the house and formed the firm of Myers & Claghorn. James L. Claghorn joined the new firm, continuing as clerk, until its dissolution, December 31st, 1840, by the retirement of his father. A new firm, consisting of Mr. Myers, James L. Claghorn, and Samuel T. Altemus, was formally or- ganized to carry on the business. It continued in existence, though with various changes in partners and interests, until December 31st, 1861, when James L. retired. During these twenty-one years his absences from business were so inconsiderable that every entry in the ledger of the firm was made by him. During this period he had the entire management of the financial department of business. In the following year his senior and much respected partner, Mr. Myers, died, nominating him as one of his executors. On the commencement of the national troubles his sym- pathies were enlisted on behalf of the cause of the Union, and until the close of the war his strenuous efforts were put forth to promote the success of the Union arms. He served the United States Government during this period in various capacities, always with zeal and fidelity. His only child shouldered a musket, fought gallantly in the ranks of the Union army, and came out of the contest unscathed. After the close of the war he visited Europe, Asia, and Africa, remaining abroad during the greater portion of 1865, and during 1866 and 1867. Shortly after his return home, in March, 1868, he accepted the Presi- dency of the Commercial National Bank, of Pennsylvania, a position for which his financial ability and business ex- perience pre-eminently fitted him. He still continues to manage the affairs of the institution. He was among the earliest members of the Union League, of Philadelphia, and has always taken a prominent part in its management. He has also been, for many years, a generous patron of the fine arts, and the interest manifested by him in art matters led to his election of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Since the sale of the old building and site of the / himself in Louisville, Kentucky. His success here did
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not prevent his wife's desire to return to Philadelphia ; and, therefore, he opened an office on Third street, below Market, January 1, 1838. Alexander Benson, Solomon Allen, Thomas Biddle & Co., and Robert T. Bickel, were the leading brokers then. Enoch Clarke had begun business the year previous. Mr. Drexel, essentially an artist, lacked Mr. Clarke's training, though quite equal in business ca- pacity and energy. With all the minutiæ to learn experi- mentally, with a financial disaster at hand, he nevertheless by strict integrity won confidence, and by untiring industry extended his connections. The first year was made hard by failures and worthless bank currency, that demanded incessant vigilance for security. The United States Bank failed in 1841, and stagnation followed. But his manage- ment accumulated money, even during such times. IIe had advantageous transactions in Spanish money, then in demand; and in bills of exchange on Germany and Ire- land, then first sought. He left the home office to his sons, and often travelled to get foreign gold and silver of in-
terior banks in redemption of accumulated notes.
Ile
went to California in 1850, and, entering the firm of Drexel, Sather & Church, continued the business to 1857. Ile then travelled in the State, returned to San Francisco, found the business flourishing, and withdrew from it on his return to Philadelphia. Mr. Drexel was as much re- spected in private as in business circles. He was a gener. ous member of the Roman Catholic communion ; accessible to all, and his manners had the natural refinement gained only from early associations. IIe was a man of note both as an artist and a financier,
OTHERMEL, PETER F., Artist and Painter, was born on the banks of the Susquehanna, in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, opposite Berwick, on the 8th of July, 1817. His father destined him for a land surveyor, and commenced his education with that aim, but at the age of twenty, the family having removed to Philadelphia, Mr. Rothermel determined to devote himself to portrait painting, and commenced lessens under Bass Otis, at that day a well- known teacher of painting and color. After a few years of earnest study be opened a studio in Philadelphia. Ilis unusual talents were soon recognized and led him gradu- ally to essay loftier attempts in art. His first large picture was " Columbus before the Queen." But that which laid the foundation of his reputation was " De Soto crossing the Mississippi." This work secured the highest ecomiums from art critics, Mr. Rothermel is a rapid worker, and a complete list of his paintings would be almost impossible to obtain. Among his earlier productions may be men- tioned, as one of unusual merit, "Cortez haranguing his troops within sight of Mexico," inspired by the perusal of Prescott's Conquest of Mexico; this was followed by
four others, all representing scenes from that most romantic episode of American history; " Cromwell ordering Hitch out of the Pulpit," full of fire and vigor; " Ruth and Naomi;" " Shylock and Portia ; " " Labor's Vision of the Future," a profound and suggestive design; and " Mur- ray's Defence of Toleration," a large canvass (5×7} ft.), representing a striking incident in the life of Mary Queen of Scots. The most famous of Rothermel's pictures, how- ever, is that of " The Battle of Gettysburg." This is the largest battle-picture with, perhaps, one exception, in the world, being 16x32 ft. in size. It was ordered by a Con- mission of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in 1866, and is now in the Capitol Building at Harrisburg. The scene represented occurred on the third day of the conflict, and was " the pinch of the fight." The locality is drawn with the greatest accuracy, and most of the numerous faces represented are portraits. For this painting the State paid $25,000. In appearance Mr. Rothermel is tall and spare, with marked features and keen, blue eyes. Ilis carriage is erect and his manner unconstrained.
CDEVITT, DANIEL, Commission Merchant for the sale of cotton and woollen yarns and domes- tic goods, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, May 3d, 1819. His parents, Daniel and Rebecca McDevitt, are both Irish, but at the time of his birth were making a brief sojourn in Scotland. The McDevitts are an old and well-known family, resid- ing for many generations in Innishowen, in the north of Ireland, and are a branch of the ancient family of the O'Dohertys. On his mother's side he is connected with the Leiper family of Scotch descent, living on the banks the Finn river. Ile received his education in the village of Ballylofey, in the county Donegal, Ireland. At the age of fifteen he was placed in a grocery store to learn the business, which not proving congenial to his taste, he was led to contemplate emigrating to the United States, where he hoped to find a wider field for his energies. Having obtained the consent of his parents, he sailed from Lon- donderry in the ship " Prudence," and landed in Phila- delphia, in July, 1835. Two days after his arrival he entered, in the capacity of clerk, the wholesale trimming and notion store of John MeDevitt, in Third street above Market. At the end of two years, having won the entire confidence of his employers, he was entrusted with the charge of a branch house just established in Baltimore, Maryland. To this place he removed early in 1837, but the new enterprise proved to have been in- augurated at a most inopportune season. The terrible financial crisis that swept over the whole land in that memorable year, caused an utter prostration of business throughout the country, and he was obliged to return to Philadelphia, where he re-entered the service of his eni-
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ployer, who had just engaged in a new business-the manufacture of woollen goods, his mill being situated near Bustleton, Philadelphia. This enterprise was, however, far from prosperous, and in 1839 failed altogether, involv- ing the loss to Mr. McDevitt of his entire savings to that time-some eight hundred dollars. Soon after this misfortune he entered the dry goods store of P. Mead, whose establishment was situated in Second street above Market. Here he remained until 1840, when he accepted the position of book-keeper in the wholesale trimming and hosiery store of James McDevitt in Second street above Chestnut. By this time too close an application to business had impaired his health to such a degree that a period of relaxation was deemed necessary, and he decided to visit his parents in the old home in Ireland. In March, 1841, he sailed from New York in the good ship "Oxford,» returning in July of the same year, sufficiently restored in health to resume his duties in the counting-house of James McDevitt. In 1842, a position was offered him in the cotton and woollen yarn and domestic goods commission house of Isaac C. Field, in Front street below Market. In 1846, the place of business was removed to No. 120 Market street, and, in 1848, he became a partner in the concern, which, however, continued in operation but two years after he entered the firm. In 1850, by the death of Mr. Field, the co-partnership was dissolved, and Mr. McDevitt continued the business alone. In November of the same year he formed a co-partnership with the late William Hay under the firm name of Hay & McDevitt. For a period of twenty years this firm continued to carry on successfully the business of selling cotton yarns and wool on commission, at 120 Market street, their business steadily increasing year by year, until, by the death of Mr. Hay, in August, 1870, the partnership was dissolved. Since that time Mr. McDevitt has carried on the business alone, and maintains one of the most extensive establish- ments in his line in Philadelphia. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Roman Catholic church, and is devotedly attached to its principles. He is deeply interested in all things pertaining to its welfare, and all its benevolent enterprises find in him the most cordial sympathy and generous sup- port. For many years he was a most efficient manager of St. Joseph's Hospital, and is now a director of the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. He is a Trustee of the Semi- nary of St. Charles Borromeo; also a Director of the Beneficial Saving Fund Society. He is likewise a Direc- tor of the Girard National Bank. For several years he was a Director of the Ocean Steam Navigation Company, and it was chiefly through his efforts that in the winding up of the affairs of the concern the stockholders were saved from heavy loss. Mr. McDevitt has proved in his eventful career the power of energy. Possessing a high degree of business tact and ability, he has attained an enviable position in the mercantile community, of which he is a valued and esteemed member. Socially, he is genial,
cordial, and always agreeable. Much given to hospitality, his elegant home is the centre of a most refined and culti- vated circle of warmly attached friends. Unassuming, modest, unostentatious, his benevolence finds many a silent outlet that the world may never know.
ULLOCK, GEORGE, Manufacturer, was born in Philadelphia, March 9th, 1830. His father came from England. Ile was educated in Philadelphia. On leaving school he went into his father's counting-house, and started in a small speculation on his own account, in 1845. This resulted so well that by the time he had reached his majority he had made and saved by his operations eight thousand dollars. With this sum he obtained an interest, in IS51, in his father's business, and he continued with him until his death, in 1859. In his will his father re- quested that the business should be continued in his name, as that of Benjamin Bullock's Sons, and appointed the subject of this sketch and his two brothers as executors. Mr. George Bullock then took charge as manager. On the breaking out of the war, in 1861, the firm went into the manufacturing business, and contracted largely with the government for supplies, such as army clothing, etc. The operations under these contracts, which extended over the whole period of the war, were of a most extensive charac- ter, amounting in money value to many millions, at least, a hundred million dollars. And the contracts were always honestly and faithfully carried out, proving eminently satisfactory to the government. In May, 1871, our subject left the firm of Benjamin Bullock & Sons with his youngest brother James, and established the house of George and James M. Bullock, for the purpose of manufacturing cloths, doeskins, and other fine woollen goods. At the time of the dissolution of the co-partnership of Benjamin Bullock's Sons, the brothers George and James did not wholly sever their connection with the concern, becoming special part- ners. The house of George and James M. Bullock is the only one now in the State of Pennsylvania that manufactures cloths and doeskins. Their returns amount to a million and a half dollars annually. In politics Mr. Bullock is a Repub- lican, and has always adhered strictly to the principles of that party. He has, however, never held office, nor sought it. In October, 1864, just previous to the re-election of Mr. Lincoln, at the solicitation of the President, he consented to be nominated for Congressman, but he was defeated. In the fall of 1872, he was tendered the nomination for mem- ber of Congress, by delegates from Montgomery and Lehigh counties, but declined. Had he accepted the nomination he would have been elected by, at least, four thousand majority, the Republican ticket being overwhelm- ingly successful. With the solitary exception of the occa- sion in 1865, when he felt it a duty to comply with Mr.
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