The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1, Part 58

Author: Robson, Charles. 4n; Galaxy Publishing Company. 4n
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Philadelphia : Galaxy Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 908

USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1 > Part 58

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OGERS, GEORGE W., Lawyer, was born in Warrington, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, June 15th, IS29. Ile is the son of David Rogers, a native of Connecticut, and a member of one of the oldest families in that State : on his mother's side, he is of Irish descent. When quite young, his father removed to Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and he placed his little son at first in the common schools of the district to receive his preliminary education, which was afterwards completed at an excellent private academy in Little Britain township. At the age of twenty years, he commenced life as an instructor of youth, which pursuit he

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followed in both Bucks and Montgomery counties for about three years. In January, 1852, he entered the office of Joseph Dorrance, of Norristown, as a student of law, and remained there until the death of that gentleman, in the following month of November, when he chose David Krause as his preceptor, and with him completed the usual course, and was admitted to practice at the bar in January, 1854. IIe at once opened an office in Norristown, and commenced the practice of his profession. Ilis business qualifications were recognized at once, and during the spring of this same year he was elected Chief Burgess of the town, which office he held for a year. In the autumn of 1856, he was elected District Attorney, and served in that capacity for the full term of three years with credit to himself, and gave great satisfaction to the community who had selected him for so responsible a position. Ile was the Democratic candidate for the additional Law Judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Pennsylvania, in 1873; but, although he secured a handsome majority in his own county, he failed to be elected, owing to the preponderance of Republican voters in the other portions of the district. He was elected a director of the Stony Creek Railroad Company, and was a member of the Board for one year. IIe was married, July Ist, 1858, to Cara, daughter of Jesse Bean, of Norristown, Pennsylvania.

LKINS, WILLIAM LUKENS, Oil Refiner, was born in Western Virginia, May 2d, 1832. He is of Quaker parentage, and the son of George W. Elkins, one of the earliest paper manufacturers of the country. When he was eight years old, he came with his parents to reside in Philadel- phia, and obtained his education in the public schools, though he devoted his leisure hours to private study, and may almost be termed self-educated. At the age of fifteen, he left school and went into a store as entry clerk, where he remained about a year. He next engaged in the lumber business, but here he was unfortunate, a freshet occurring which swept away the fruits of his toil and industry. About the year 1851, he went to New York, where he embarked in the produce business, and was successful in this under- taking. In a year's time, he returned to Philadelphia, where he associated himself with Peter Saybolt, under the firm of Saybolt & Elkins, in a similar calling, with their establishment at Callowhill and Second streets, and where, in connection with their house in New York, they trans- acted probably the largest produce business in the country. The firm continued prosperously until 1860, when, by the purchase of his partner's interest, he became sole proprietor, and so remained until the "oil fever " broke out, when he repaired to Western Pennsylvania, baving previously pur- chased certain shares in various oil companies. He then [road), about two and a half miles from Alleghany City.

made an unbiassed investigation of the region where petro- leum was said to abound, and became convinced that it would be a growing business; but he believed that his proper sphere was in the refining of the crude article. He accordingly returned to Philadelphia, and was the pioneer in this branch of the trade. He erected works at his pres- ent location, near Lancaster avenue and Fiftieth street, Hlestonville, Twenty-fourth Ward, in March, 1862, and gave them the name of the " Belmont Oil Works." There was no other establishment of a similar character save the " Crescent " (since out of business) for some time, and he then had almost the whole field to himself. His buildings and yard scarcely occupied the extent of half an acre, and he was possessed of four or five stills of the small capacity of twenty-five barrels each, producing-by the then slow process-only about 150 barrels per week, and giving em- ployment to about twelve hands. For the past twelve years, the business has wonderfully increased, necessitating enlargement of the buildings from time to time, as also of the area required to carry on the establishment to the large proportions it has assumed, so that at the present time (1874) it covers an area of two and a half acres. There are six stills in operation, each of the capacity of 300 bar- rels, and capable of refining about 10,000 barrels per month. The tankage capacity is about 20,000 barrels. The average time required to convert the crude article into a marketable commodity is about three days. The works give employment to over thirty hands. The crude oil is received in tank cars, which are run upon a siding directly into the works, and are so arranged that the contents can be spontaneously emptied into a large iron tank holding 5000 barrels. lIe. has provided an abundant supply of water by sinking wells in various parts of the premises; it is raised by steam power. The engine is of fifteen horse power, and, besides being utilized as above noted, is also employed for the blowers used in agitating the oil in pro- cess of refining. The works are in operation night and day, never stopping for any purpose whatever. The first gasoline ever manufactured was produced at these works. Notwithstanding that the greatest care is exercised at these works, he has had the misfortune on three several occasions to be burned out, but each time he has rebuilt without delay, improving on the character of the buildings so de- stroyed. In 1866, he established the " Park Refinery," which he operated till March, 1869, when the property was sold to the Park Commission. It had a capacity of nearly 5000 barrels per month. He purchased, in March, 1867, of Bowers & Kitchenmar, the Monument Oil Works, which he disposed of during the February following, to Taylor, Harbert & Co. While he was in possession of this property, he increased its capacity from 200 barrels to 11,000 barrels per week. In 1870, he purchased of James Miller the Riverside Oil Works, which are situated on the Alleghany river, at Willow Grove Station ( Western Pennsylvania Rail-

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The capacity was about 500 barrels per week at the date of purchase, which has since been increased to 6000 barrels per month. In December, 1871, he associated with him George W. Elkins and David Bly, under the firm i ame of Elkins, Bly & Co., who now operate the works. Ile is also the part owner of some ten producing oil wells, and has, from time to time, assisted in sinking many others, at least fifty in number. IIe has now invested in his various oil enterprises about $300,000. When it is remembered that he embarked in business primarily with no capital, except his energy and ability, his present abundant means is an ample proof of what industry will accomplish. In the midst of his oil operations he found time to engage in another enterprise. In 1865, he purchased of Robert Culin an establishment at Coates and Third streets, where he manu- factured alcohol and vinegar for four years, disposing of the concern in March, 1869, to George O. Beach. He is likewise an active promoter of various publie enterprises, and is known everywhere as a thorough, active, energetic business man. Ile was appointed, in 1873, by Mayor Stokley, one of the Commissioners to represent the city of Philadelphia at the Vienna Exposition, and the results of his observations, together with those of his colleagues, are embodied in an able Report, containing most valuable suggestions for the management of our own Centennial Exposition.

IIOMPSON, THOMAS, Merchant, was born in England, and emigrated to the United States, arriving in Philadelphia March 11th, 1834. He was a marble mason by trade, and commenced that business on a limited scale on Seventh street, north of Coates street. He had no cash capital whatever, but relied upon his industry, energy and perse- verance to accommodate and please his patrons. From the first he was successful, as his undoubted talent and skill was recognized, and fortune smiled upon his efforts. . In a short time he rented a piece of ground at the northeast corner of Green and Thirteenth streets, where he erected a work-shop, and here his business prospered and increased. In November, 1836, he associated himself with his brother, Lewis, forming the firm of T. & L. Thompson, and very shortly afterwards opened a branch of their establishment, which included marble work of every description, in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, and which latter they con- tinued with the most flattering success for several years. In 1842, the brothers purchased land at Ridge avenue and Thirteenth street, and, in 1845, erected a spacious marble and mahogany saw-mill and turning shop, which in May, IS48, was totally destroyed by fire, entailing a heavy loss upon the enterprising firm. It may be mentioned that this destruction was caused by an incendiary, who was subse- quently arrested, tried, convicted, and imprisoned for the

offence. With that undaunted zeal which had' thus far carried the firm so safely on the tide of prosperity, they at once commenced rebuilding their establishment ; and, like the fabled Phoenix emerging from its ashes, the new mill arose more beautiful in appearance and grander in its pro- portions. In its interior arrangements many very important and valuable improvements were introduced, such as ma- chinery for the manufacture of furniture on a large scale, and for various other purposes. Prior to the last named (late, viz., in 1848, Thomas Thompson had commenced a new line of business at No. 134 Dock street, for the impor- tation and sale of upholstery goods, being the first to en- gage in this line, not only in Philadelphia but in the United States, as it comprised not only a complete stock of up- holstery goods but also that of cabinet findings. He pur- chased the properties Nos. 236, 238 and 240 south Second street, and upon it erected the magnificent five-storied brown-stone store now in his occupancy, and since known as No. 240 south Second street, which has been, and con- tinues to be, the most extensive establishment in this country for the manufacture and sale of the articles named above. The combined business of the mill and store having become of so vast a nature, it was deemed advis- able by the firm of T. & L. Thompson to dissolve the co- partnership, that each brother might assume the control of a separate branch ; Lewis taking charge of the manufactur- ing business at the mill, while Thomas should continue the warehouse. In thus briefly narrating the business changes that have occurred during the residence of Thomas Thomp- son in Philadelphia, it is well to remark how steadily he has progressed from comparative poverty to affluence, and that this is entirely owing to exertions that have never flagged, notwithstanding the heavy disaster that in a few hours laid waste the accumulation and industry of years. It is a most gratifying feature of his career that as he has prospered so he has given, and given generously to the various and manifold charities for which Philadelphia is so eminently noted. He has acted the part of a faithful steward " in doing good to all men, especially to those of the household of faith." During his long connection with the " Church of the Na- tivity," he has not only given his personal services towards its well-doing, but has contributed to its funds to the amount of thousands of dollars. He has also been for many years a member of that noble charity, the "Society of the Sons of St. George," and his purse is ever open to assist the needy and comfort the suffering stranger in our midst. True to the needs of the country of his adoption, when its unity was endangered he manifested as ardent a love for the maintenance of the cause as the most ardent of those of na- tive birth, and devoted a large amount of his fortune for the purpose of raising recruits, thus, with others, relieving the Fourteenth Ward from the inconvenience and hardships of a draft. Having, of late years, the valuable assistance of his two sons, Thomas M. and Lewis A. Thompson, who are now partners in the active management of his large and

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ever-increasing business, his position has become merely supervisory. Through life his greatest solicitude has been to maintain a spotless name, and the importance of ever keeping this object in view he has thoroughly impressed upon his sons, who may succeed him.

ILL, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Corporation President, was born in Hulmeville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 27th, 1831. He is the youngest of eleven children, and the only one of the family born in this country. His father, John Hill, was by birth an Englishman, a manu- facturer of cotton goods, and was noted for being pos- sessed of the strictest integrity. His mother's family is somewhat remarkable for the longevity of its members, one instance of which is presented in his great-grandmother, who is yet alive (November, 1873) at the great age of over one hundred years. He received his education at the Rittenhouse Grammar School, in Germantown, Charles S. Wilson, Principal. ITis moral and social life was, in a great measure, shaped by his intimate companionship dur- ing his boyhood with a most estimable young man, the son of a clergyman, and through such associations he was led, at the early age of fourteen years, to join the Methodist Church. After leaving school he was placed by his father with a confectioner, in Philadelphia, to learn the trade, but was not satisfied with it, and in the course of a year left that employment. He resolved to start in business for him- self, buying and selling yarns on commission. In this he proved moderately successful, but knowing that " in union there is strength " he associated himself with his brothers, and commenced the manufacture of cotton yarns. The copartnership lasted three years, when it was dissolved, and he entered into the business of carpets and yarns, on Third street, in which he was most successful. After eight years of great prosperity he retired from active mercantile pursuits, although he yet retains a large interest in the firm which succeeded him, as a special partner. In 1866, he was elected President of the Seventh National Bank, which position he ably filled for three years, giving the most en- tire satisfaction to the Board of Directors, as well as to the numerous stockholders and patrons of the institution. After his connection with the bank had terminated, he resolved upon a season of relaxation, and with his family sailed for Europe, remaining abroad for eighteen months, during which time they visited many countries, and extended their tour as far as the Holy Land. Soon after his return he was elected President of the American Life Insurance Company, which position he still holds. He never aimed at political distinction, although he has held the honorable office . of Elector, having been elected thereto on the Re- publican ticket in the campaign of 1868, which resulted in the choice by the people of General U. S. Grant for his : Hill," in compliment to the donor. It had previously been

first term. His selection for this position was made with- ont his knowledge or consent. He has also served as School Director of the Twentieth Section for five years. During the war he espoused most warnily the cause of the Union ; he also labored earnestly on behalf of, and con- tributed generously to the funds of, the Sanitary and Chris- tian Commissions, besides donating largely to other chan- nels of benevolence which were instituted for the welfare and comfort of the soldiers. Having been, as already stated, a member of the Methodist Church from boyhood, he has been prominent in matters connected with that de- nomination. For six years he was President of the Board of Trustees of the Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church. Ile has also been a Manager of the Church Extension So- ciety ever since its formation ; and likewise Manager of the American Sunday School Union, which has done so much to promote the well-being of the young. Dickinson College, at Carlisle, which is a denominational institution of the Methodist faith, numbers him among its friends and patrons, and he has served on the Visiting Committee for some time. Ife is identified also with the Masonic Order, his membership therewith dating back some seven years. His relations with all with whom he has been connected have been of a pleasant nature, exhibiting his benevolent and amiable disposition. As a merchant, he never en- gaged in speculations of any kind, his rule being to avoid , all that was hazardous, and confine himself strictly to legi- timate profits. Judging from his life and character, he has inherited the strict integrity which was so markedly dis- played in his father's character. He was married, Septem- ber 21st, 1852, to Sarah J. White. ITis children all give great promise ; his eldest son especially bids fair to honor- ably sustain the name he inherits. One daughter, of seven- teen years, has already made her mark as a superior musician.

GEORGE, JESSE, was born in Philadelphia, No- vember 23d, 1786. IIe was a son of Edward and Sarah George, both of whom were of English descent, and whose ancestors emigrated to Penn- sylvania at an early day. He was, at the period of his death, the last survivor of a family of eight children, two of whom died young, and all unmarried ; the only representatives of the family now living are his cousins, who are also his executors. He led a quiet, unostentatious life on the estate which his father had devised to him, on the right bank of the Schuylkill river, within the pre- sent city limits, and was noted for his cheerfulness, urbanity and charities. His name, however, was not brought prom- inently before the public until 1868, when he presented the corporate authorities with the munificent gift of eighty- three acres of land, now included within the limits of Fair- mount Park, and thenceforward designated as " George's

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called " Chestnut Hill," and had come into the possession of the family in the year 1721, and was a portion of a tract of 455 acres which his father had divided among his three sons. Ile died February 14th, 1873, leaving a large and valuable estate, which, after various legacies to his kins- men, was bequeathed chiefly to charitable and benevolent societies.

AYLOR, ENOCH, Lawyer and Conveyancer, was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, April 25th, 1818. He is the son of Maris Taylor, for- merly of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and his mother was the daughter of John Elkinton, a far- mer of Cumberland county, New Jersey, of which he was a very prominent and influential citizen. , When he was four years of age his mother died, and subsequently, in 1828, his father with his family of small children re- moved to Norristown, Pennsylvania, where he received his elementary education. In 1833, he was placed in the pri- vate academy of Professor Roach, in Philadelphia, and there remained two years. After leaving school he entered the office of Samuel J. Curtis, conveyancer, and, in. 1838, being twenty years of age, commenced that business on his own account. IIe afterwards read law, and was admitted to practice at the bar of Philadelphia, in' July, 1841. Since that period he has been engaged in the practice of his profession, giving particular attention to conveyancing and the law of real estate. In May, 1840, he was elected one of the Managers of the Monument" Cemetery and Se- cretary of the Board, and has held both positions ever since. In October, 1852, he was appointed by Samuel Allen, High Sheriff of the county, as his Chief or Law Deputy. This was the most important position in the office, as in his hands were placed all the responsible business necessitating the utmost care in the performance of the duties required. In October, 1862, he was elected to represent the Twenty- second Ward in Common Council, and re-elected in Oc- tober, 1864. In December, 1867, he was appointed by Henry C. Howell, High Sheriff, his confidential Law De- puty, being the same position he had occupied fifteen years previously under Sheriff Allen. Again in December, 1870, this important post was placed in his possession by William R. Leeds; and once more in December,' 1873, he was called upon to fill the same position by William B. Elliott. In June, 1868, he was elected by Councils a Director of Girard College, and remained in that position until the

as heavy a majority as those on the same ticket for the (old) city were victorious. When the old Whig party ceased to exist as a distinct organization he became a Republican, and has ever since adhered to that party. In October, 1867, he joined the First Presbyterian Church of German- town, of which Rev. J. II. M. Knox, D. D., was pastor. In the spring of 1868, he was elected a Ruling Elder, also Superintendent of the Sunday-school ; and subsequently a Trustee of the church, also Secretary and Treasurer of the Board, all of which positions he still occupies. In fact, every trustworthy office to which he has been called seems to cling to him. He says himself that " the difficulty with him has been that when he once accepted a position, either in his church or corporation (Monument Cemetery), etc., lie was obliged to retain it, from their unwillingness to re- lease him from it." IIe is a retiring, diffident man ; had he not been such, he would probably have held important political stations himself instead of acting for others. IIe is liberal. towards any deserving object that appeals to him for help, and is conscientious to a remarkable degree. He is very guarded, and carefully abstains from speech or act that' might offend or wound the feelings of others. Ile is of a nervous temperament and rather delicate constitution, although he has done, and is still doing, a great deal of mental labor ..

ADSWORTH, REV. CHARLES, D. D., Clergy- : man, is a native of Litchfield, Connecticut. His i early years were passed in the struggle, so com- .mon to New England youth, for self-support and education. The latter was received at Union College, State of New York, where he graduated. HIe subsequently studied for the ministry in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey. He has ministered in the pastorate of four churches. His first call was to the Second Presbyterian Church, at Troy, New York, whence, after some years of labor, he was chosen as the spiritual head of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. When he entered upon the charge of this congregation he found but twelve. families; the church edifice had been recently purchased at sheriff's sale, and the society burdened with the debt for its purchase, together with large sums necessarily incurred for repairs, refurnishing, organ, etc. ; and the last portion of the incumbrance was not removed until during the closing year of his ministry. Having re- stored this church to a state of activity, sound religious swer to an appeal from the Calvary Presbyterian Society of San Francisco. On his arrival in that city he found the congregation deplorably demoralized by internal dissen- sions, which had culminated in the expulsion of the pastor from the pulpit and the city on account of political procli- vities. Under his ministrations the congregation became

manner of holding the City Trusts was changed. In poli- health and prosperity, he turned his face westward, in an- tics, he commenced as an Old-line Whig, his first vote for President being cast for General Harrison. He was twice a candidate on the County ticket nominated by that party for the Legislature previous to its division into districts ; as the majority in the (old ) county was largely Democratic, the candidates of the Whig party were always defeated by

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once more harmonious, and its season of strife came to an end. By his energy it recovered completely from the blow it had received, and under his care and guidance it be- came a happy, thriving and vigorous community. After an absence of several years on the Pacific Coast, he once more returned to Philadelphia, to take charge of the former " Third Reformed," now known as the " Immanuel Pres- byterian Church," so long under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Bethune. After the latter's resignation and death, it gra- dually declined in its numbers and influence, and its Trustees being aware of the name and power of its present pastor for effecting a general reconstruction of a disinte- grating irass, tendered the vacant pulpit to him. . It was accepted, and since his accession he has infused a new spirit into the remaining members; the scattered portions have been gathered in, and the body is gradually becoming sounder and augmenting in numbers. ITis life-work has ever been the building up of weak, or the rebuilding of disorganized congregations : ever pouring the oil of peace on the troubled waters of dissension and strife. During his ministry he has been repeatedly called from his chosen sphere of labor to other positions, self-considered, much more eligible and desirable ; and these from some of the most prominent churches in New Orleans, "Philadelphia, New York, Brooklyn, Boston and Baltimore, but the calls have been disregarded. His additions to the literature of the country consist in the publication of a number of single sermons, as also a volume of discourses preached in Cal- vary Church, San Francisco, during 1869 (12 mo., pp. 367). In the pulpit he is remarkable for the force of his argu- ment, the beautiful imagery in which the subject is presented, and the impressive manner in which it is delivered. iHe is earnest and eloquent, clear as a thinker, concise and powerful as a logician ; and he carries out in his practice that determination which characterized his great ancestor, Joseph Wadsworth, who secreted the Charter of the Con- necticut Colony in the famous " Charter Oak," at Hartford, Connecticut.

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The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1, Part 58

Author: Robson, Charles. 4n; Galaxy Publishing Company. 4n Publication date: 1874 Publisher: Philadelphia : Galaxy Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 908

Author: Robson, Charles. 4n; Galaxy Publishing Company. 4n
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Philadelphia : Galaxy Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 908