USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
INGSBURY, C. A., Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a native of East Windsor, Connecticut, his an- cestors being among the earliest settlers of New England. Amariah Kingsbury, his father, was a lineal descendant of Henry Kingsbury, who came to this country from Groton, England, in 1630, in one of the vessels which conveyed hither Gov- ernor Winthrop's company. Ilis mother was the daughter of Captain Erastus Buckland, of East Windsor, and pos- sessed sterling qualities both of mind and heart. Her superior natural endowments pre-eminently fitted her for the responsible duties of a mother and a teacher. When eight years of age, she removed to northern New Hamp- shire, taking with her her son, and from this period until his sixteenth year he remained upon his step-father's farin, his mother having married a second time. Ile possessed here the facilities for receiving instruction common to the sons of New England farmers; but, being passionately fond of books, and of investigating those hidden fields of knowledge, glimpses of which rapidly began to break upon his mind, he soon acquired an education far more liberal and comprehensive than any of his associates. He com- menced to teach in the public schools of New England in his sixteenth year, employing his leisure time alternately at the. Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and Newbury Seminary, Vernfont, until his eighteenth year, in preparing himself for a collegiate career. During the win- ter of 1837-38, he taught a very large school in his native town ... In the -latter. year, he visited Trenton, and there fornfed- the acquaintance of the late Dr. Nathaniel Bunn, engaged then in dental practice. The associations growing out of this new and most friendly intimacy had much to do in deciding his subsequent career. With Dr. Bunn he be- came a student of the dental science, though still filling the vocation of a teacher in the common school. Ile devoted his leisure hours with the utmost industry, in order to master the contents of the text books on dental surgery, then quite limited in number. So rapidly and yet so thor- oughly did he progress in these that, at the end of the first year of his application to this science, he became a more than ordinarily successful practitioner. Notwithstanding the popularity of Garengeot's key for extracting teeth with dentists at that time, he rejected it altogether as an improper and barbarous instrument, and invariably used the forceps. It was during this first year of his dental ex- perience that he conceived the idea of applying electricity as a therapeutic agent to relieve aching teeth, and soon succeeded in constructing an apparatus which more than realized his expectations. It is believed that he was the first to apply this subtle agent towards the mitigation of pain in dental practice. In the spring of 1839, he relin- quished his engagements as a teacher, and went to Phila- delphia, obtained a position with a gentleman who had a large practice in mechanical dentistry, and became very successful in the insertion of artificial dentures. He
1
mr thila
-
435
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.
returned to New Jersey, and, after a shout but profitable application to his new profession, commenced under a private tutor the study of languages and natural sciences, following this with a year's devotion to the classics, under the supervision of the late John II. Wakefield, of Boston, a ripe scholar and most successful teacher. In 1841, he recommenced his dental practice in Bordentown, New Jersey, and iu the ensuing fall removed to Philadelphia, where he soon obtained a large and lucrative business. In 1842 dawned a new era. Ilis earlier education had been directed with special reference to the high calling of a Christian minister, and while at Newbury Seminary, being then scarcely eighteen years old, he received a lay commis- sion and officiated frequently in publie. In this year, he sacrificed all secular pursuits, and united with the New Jersey Conference, being assigned to Haddonfield. IIe entered upon his work under most promising auspices, but within a short time was so shattered by malarial fever, his voice being especially impaired, that he was compelled to relinquish his pastoral labors. During the four years fol- lowing, he studied medicine with Dr. B. II. Stratton, and graduated with distinction at the Philadelphia College of Medicine. ITis objeet in prosecuting his researches in the wide domain of medicine, was simply to fit himself more thoroughly for his labors as a dentist. In 1857, he re- moved to Philadelphia, where he has resided ever since, devoting himself to the duties of a large and constantly in- creasing practice. He aided materially in the organization of the American Dental Association, the Odontographie Society of Pennsylvania, and of the Dental Society of Pennsylvania. Ile is a leading member of the Pennsyl- vania Association of Surgeon Dentists, and of the Academy of Natural Sciences. In company with Dr. William C. Ilead, in 1867, he made an extended European tour, and gained much interesting and valuable information pertain- ing to dental science. Ilis contributions to the literature of this science have been numerous and valuable, and the results of his careful investigations have proved highly beneficial to the profession.
GRAY, REV. JOIN, D. D., Clergyman, was born in Ireland, in December, 1799, from Scotch and Irish parentage. Ilis education was a careful, comprehensive, and liberal one, being received principally, during his earlier years, at the fine University of Edinburgh; but, with a natural talent for study and introspection, his whole life became devoted to scholastic acquirements. In the year 1822, in company with his wife, nee Jane Lewers, of Ireland, he emigrated to this country. Mrs. Gray was a lady of more than ordinary refinement and culture. Inheriting a faculty for versification, she wrote a large number of poems, which, from their flowing harmony and beauty of sentiment, se-
eured wide publicity, being translated into the German and French languages. She was the daughter of William Lewers, of Castle Blayney, Ireland. Dr. Gray became the first pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, the pulpit of which, up to the time of his ordination, had been filled by " supplies." Easton was then a small village, very remote, by reason of the obstacles to casy and rapid travelling, from the centres of civilization. Here it was, with everything to excite doubt and misgiving, that he commenced a ministry which, during its long continuance, was blessed with the richest fruits of divine gift. For forty-five years, up to his death, in January, 1868, he labored with true Christian zeal, endearing himself, by the sweetness of his manners, to the congregation under him, which grew constantly in numbers. As a tribute to his memory, the church erected a chaste monument over his remains, which rest in the yard adjoining. A man of fine literary ability, he wrote clearly, elegantly, and forcibly upon all topics. IIe contributed to many of the religious miscellanies during the earlier period of his life. . Ile took a very deep interest in educational matters, and his gene- rously applied industry is a part of the history of Lafayette College. Of this excellent collegiate institution he was for many years a .trustee. As a pulpit orator, he had few superiors, possessing in a rare degree that magnetie influ- ence over an audience which so many speakers seek for in vain. Ilis widow survived him four years, her death taking place in 1872.
ASII, MAJOR JOIIN C., U. S. Marine, was born in Philadelphia, March 15th, 1817. His father, Thomas Cash, of English parentage, was an ohl and highly estcemed citizen of that city. Ilis mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Mirtle, was of German lineage. Ile received a thorough and comprehensive education at Lafayette College, Easton, and gained more than ordinary distinction for the industry with which he pursued the various courses in its fine curriculum. After his graduation, he entered, at the age of nineteen years, the office of his brother, A. D. Cash, conveyancer, and remained in this business some time. While thus employed, he was honored with a commission as a Special Agent of the Post-office Department, the ap- pointment coming direct from the Postmaster-General, IIon. E. A. Wickliffe. Ile filled this important station with rare diseretion, receiving the commendation of the department. Surrendering eventually to what had been his inclination for years, he entered the United States Marine Corps, March 14th, 1845, as Second Lieutenant, stationed on board the " Columbus," then under orders for the Pacific. This vessel, under Commodore Biddle, pro- ceeded according to the bill of instructions, and cruised in the Pacific until the close of the Mexican War. Soon after he was advanced to the First Lieutenancy. At the
1
436
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.
breaking out of the late Civil War, he was appointed Cap- tain of Marines, and stationed on board the " Sabine," Captain Adams, Commander. He participated with dis- tinction in almost all of the exciting events which occurred along the Gulf Coast during the first stages of the Rebel- lion. Hle commanded the troops of the squadron which was ordered to re-enforce Fort Pickens, and conducted him- self with such gallantry in carrying out the instructions given him as to receive a high compliment in the " General Orders," for "efficiency and valuable services." Ile re- mained in Fort Pickens, meanwhile retaining charge of it, until ordered home, which he had scarcely reached when he was prostrated by a serious and prolonged illness, result- ing from physical exhaustion. Upon his recovery he was rewarded by President Lincoln with a commission as Ma- jor and Paymaster, service to date from November 20th, 1862. At present he is stationed at the Washington Navy Yard. Ile is a fine disciplinarian, a man of undaunted courage and genial manners, who stands in high esteem both in military and naval circles. Ile has been twice, mar- ried, his present wife a Miss Farr of Philadelphia, being a lady of fine culture, and the mother of an interesting. family.
ALDEMAN, ISAAC, Bank President, was born in Charlestown township, Chester county, Penn- sylvania, in September, 1797. : His parents were Abram Haldeman and Mary Showwalter, both members of the Meunice Society. At an early age he was sent to the common schools of his native township, where he remained until his fourteenth year. Ile made rapid progress in his studies, and soon secured an education far in advance of his associates. Knowing that his means for its attainment were narrowly circumscribed, he improved every opportunity for increasing his store of knowledge which naturally or by accident was afforded him. In this landable pursuit he overcame many obstacles which would have intimidated less deter- mined minds. From his fourteenth until his twenty-first year he remained with his parents, securing from the fruits of his labor a great degree of comfort for them. Then he was thrown completely on his own resources. After va- rious trials, experiencing in his efforts to obtain an honor- able livelihood many severe vicissitudes, he determined to try his fortunes in another section, and removed to Dela- ware. Here in various capacities he labored for some time, until by his unceasing industry and the careful ad- ministration of his finances, he managed to lay up $150. This hard-earned sum-limited as it was-formed the nu- cleus of what has since become a respectable fortune. With it he set up a country store, and shortly after the commence- ment of this enterprise, then very doubtful of success, was enabled to enlarge it by the voluntarily given aid of a number of gentlemen who learned to admire his integrity
and indomitable perseverance. This aid, by the growing popularity of his store, he was enabled in a few months to repay with interest. By a careful attention to the details of a business which in a country town was of necessity compelled to cover a range of articles each of which would have made a specialty for a city store, he soon obtained the patronage of a large section. The country town to which he had first migrated was now a city, and his estab- lishment, one of the finest, still retained its early-won popularity. He grew up to a position of prominence as a citizen, entering actively into all schemes for municipal im- provement, and contributing largely of his means in furthe- rance of them. Ile continued as proprietor of the store which had been founded through the most zealous appli- cation until 1856, when his son succeeded him. He was among the original movers in the establishment there of one of the soundest banks in the country, being one of its most painstaking directors, and for a number of years its President. While taking no active part in politics, nor making any effort to secure office, he has been repeatedly honored with an election to the Town Councils, his services in them covering a period of eighteen years. In the capa- city of a municipal legislator he acted intelligently, and with a conscientious regard for the interests of his fellow- citizens, securing in each successive re-election a gratifying endorsement from the voters of both parties. He invested largely in building improvements, and some of the finest structures in the city of his residence are conspicuous evi- dences of his enterprise and liberality. Ile is one of the few men who have carved out a fortune under the most trying of adverse circumstances. In his dealings he was always prompt, filling all contracts in the spirit and to the Ictter of the agreements. He soon won a reputation for sterling integrity, the lustre of which time has not served to diminish. Ile is an able and far-sighted financier, and his opinion as such is frequently consulted. He married Eliza West, daughter of Thomas West, of Delaware county, January 31st, 1828, their union being a very happy one.
ARLINGTON, HON. EDWARD, Lawyer and Congressman, was born near Westchester, Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 17th, 1795. Ilis futher, Jesse, came from the well- known Sharpless family, which at a period long antecedent to his birth took up a large tract of land in Middletown township, the major portion of which has lineally descended. His ancestors on both sides came over with the Penns. Ilis first instruction was received in a log school-house, where he continued to study until his fifteenth year. Text books at that time were few in num- ber and poorly constructed, but by patient application he succeeded in securing the highest benefits from the rude means placed within his reach. From Middletown, where
.
IsaacHaldeman
437
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA,
these youthful school days were passed, he went to the old academy at Westchester, which at that time ranked as an excellent institution, the professors being gentlemen of un- usual attainments. Here he remained until his ninteenth year, when he had so far advanced in scholastic acquirements as to be capable of teaching, lle was soon solicited to as- sume the preceptorship of a school in Bucks county, and his success evinced that he had acquired the rare art of im- parting to others what he himself had thoroughly learned. For two years and a half he taught in this and Delaware counties, and then surrendered his engagements for the purpose of entering upon the study of law. In Ists, he entered the office of Samuel Edward, of Delaware county, and, in 1S20, having successfully passed the ordeal of a rigid examination, was admitted to the bar. In Novem- ber, 1821, he opened an office in Chester City, and con- tinued in the practice of his profession there until the re- moval of the county seat to Media, in 1850, and succeeded in the latter place in obtaining an extensive and profitable patronage. Ilis ability was early recognized by the citizens of his district, and, in 1833, he was sent to Congress, being successively returned until 1839. While acting in this Con- gressional capacity he filled many important positions on various committees, remaining on that of Claims of the House from 1835 until his retirement from this public office in 1839. Hle filled the position of District Attorney for his county for a number of terms, and in this capacity se- cured a fine reputation as a Prosecuting Attorney. In 1863, he relinquished the practice of the law, being succeeded by his son, G. E. Darlington. In 1827, he married Ann Eyre, a lady of rare culture, descending from a highly es- teemed family of Delaware county. He has been promi- nent in a number of business enterprises, was for many years a Director of the Delaware Mutual Insurance Com- pany, and is a gentleman of rare learning and pleasing address.
OREMAN, HON. ARTHUR INGRAIAM, Lawyer and United States Senator, was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, July 24th, 1823. Ilis grandfather was a native of London, who emigrated to America before the Revolution, and served in that conflict as a private, and eventually as a Paymaster of the Continental Army. Upon the con- clusion of that war, he settled permanently in Waynesburg, and was honored with an election to many positions of trust and responsibility in that town and county. In his childhood, Arthur Ingraham was taken by his father to Tyler county, West Virginia, where, after receiving a com- mon school education, he engaged in the study of the law with his brother and brother-in law in Middletown. He prosecuted his study with great application, and under ex- cellent supervision, and was early prepared for admission to the bar. This event did not take place, however, until
May, 1843. In November following he commenced the practice of his profession in Parkersburg, attaining soon a fine reputation as a jurist and an able advocate, He was retained carly in his career as a lawyer in a number of difficult as well as important cases, and the sterling ability he exhibited in conducting them promised great success as a pleader, which has been more than realized. He has ever since continued in this practice in Parkersburg, save during the intervals when he has been called to perform official duties. In 1855, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, and successively re-elected until 1860. He was a member of the. Legislature which, amid the intense popular excitement of the time, held an extra session, in 1861, to discuss the propriety of seceding, and his efforts against that movement were very conspicnous. During the same year he presided over the Convention as- sembled at Wheeling to re-organize the State government ; and in the ensuing October was elected Judge of the Cir- cuit Court of the State, exercising the functions of that office until his unanimous election as first Governor of West Virginia in 1863. Ile was re-elected in 1864 without a dissenting vote, continued to wield the executive power with a rare conception of the most urgent needs of the State and Nation during that trying period, and was again re-elected in 1866. In 1868, he declined to be a candi- date for the same high office, and was then honored by the Legislature of the new State by an election to the Senate of the United States, taking his seat March 4th, 1869. In politics he is Republican. He served with great efficiency on the Committees on Manufactures, Territories, and Politi- cal Disabilities, and during the 43rd Congress has been Chairman of the Committee on Territories as well as a member of the Committee on Claims. He is a clear and powerful speaker, with a rare power for analysis, which is often exerted in debate. Ile is an industrious worker, a strict adherent to principle, and his liberal sentiments have won the admiration of his colleagues.
EAD, JOIN R., Counsellor and Attorney-at-Law, was born in Philadelphia, January 15th, 1843, descending on his father's side from an old and highly respectable family of New Jersey. Ilis early education was carefully conducted, his parents placing him under the preceptorship of a number of fine scholars who had obtained a long experience in the instruction of youth. He went through the prescribed courses of the Union and Pennsylvania Academy of Phila- delphia, making rapid progress in all his studies. Upon the completion of his academie career he associated with his uncle, Charles HI. Cummings, in the mercantile business, and after passing a period in this relation, during which he obtained a very full knowledge of counting-house details, he entered the house of Billings, Roope & Washington, re-
43S
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.
maining with them until July Ist, IS61. At this time he | ticed to the house carpentering trade, under Thomas B. determined to gratify an early developed inclination, and commenced the study of law in the office of St. George Tucker Campbell, an able advocate recently deceased. Under the mentorship of this gentleman, he read the various text-books and digests with marked success, and passed a creditable examination, being admitted to the bar February Ist, 1864. In order to make himself thoroughly familiar with the details of his chosen profession, he supplemented the ordinary legal training by attending the lectures in the Department of Law of the University of Pennsylvania, rc- ceiving in this way the fruits of the experience of many of the ablest lawyers of this country. IIc remained with Mr. Campbell until September, 1867, actively assisting the latter in important cases involving the interests of large corpora- tions. Since his admission, he has secured a large and lucrative practice, being now the senior member of the firm of Read & Pettit. He has always been a consistent mem- ber of the Democratic party, and has an influential voice in its local councils. His first vote was cast for General George B. McClellan, when a candidate for the Presidency. In ISGS, he favored the nomination of the late Chief Justice Chase for the same position, but opposed that of the late IIorace Greeley in 1872 as ill-advised. . Ile was elected Democratic Delegate from the Second . Senatorial District, embracing the 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 29th Ward's of Philadelphia, to the recent Convention to revise and amend the Constitution of Pennsylvania, and was appointed a member and selected as Secretary of the important Coin- mittee on Legislation. The records of that Convention show that his services were of 'no common character. . As a speaker he is clear, earnest and logical. ' Ile particularly urged on the floor and in committee the expediency and propriety of transferring the trials of contested seats in the State Legislature from the houses in which they occurred to the courts, and the remodelling of the Judicial system of the State, as well as the amendment of the aldermanic sys- tem of Philadelphia. In November, 1865, he married a daughter of E. S. Powell, a prominent shipping merchant of New York.
Patterson, a gentleman who had served with John Rice, one of the prominent builders of his native city. This appren- ticeship commenced in March, 1837, and he soon acquired unusual proficiency in the various details of this important trade. After the completion of his term of service, he re- mained with Mr. Patterson, as foreman of that gentleman's establishment, for a number of years. While in this capa- city, he supervised the construction of the first cottages put up by Philadelphia carpenters at Cape May. This was as early as the spring of 1844, when only a few could be found who believed in the ultimate importance of that place as a seaside resort. Upon his return to Philadelphia he con- tinued as house carpenter for some years, and then engaged with Clement Keen & Brother as a shipjoiner. With this firm he remained until 1350. By this time he was not only a well-known but a popular citizen of Philadelphia, whose courage, firmness, and excellent judgment had been tested on many occasions. In that year he was by the City Coun- cils elected as Lieutenant of l'olice, then under the late Marshall Keyser, and continued in this office until the con- solidation of the various districts into one municipality, in 1854, when he was selected by Mayor Robert T. Conrad for the detective branch of the new police force. So ex- cellently did he fulfil all the grave and often onerous duties of that office, that upon the incoming of Mayor Alexander Henry he was among the very first officials re-appointed. He continued under the able administration of this gentle- man in the same position until January, 1861, when Gov- crnor Curtin appointed him Whiskey Inspector for the Port of Philadelphia. In this year the first flame of the Rebel- lion burst out, and he was one of the foremost to offer his services to the National Government. Ile was mustered in, May 25th, 1861, as Captain of Company D, 2nd Penn- sylvania Reserves, Colonel William B. Mann, Command- ing, having been actively engaged in recruiting his com- pany from the date of the firing on Fort Sumter. Ilis regi- ment went to the front, and in all its engagements he con- ducted himself with great gallantry. On October 28th, 1863, he was promoted from Captain to Major ; was bre- vetted Lieutenant-Colonel March 13th, 1864, and was mus- tered out of service June 16th, 1865. During the continu- ance, of his military duties he retained the position to which Governor Curtin had appointed him, and prior to the expi- ration of his term in this office, was appointed United States Revenue Gauger, and held the position until 1869. In January, 1871, he was appointed by IIon. William S. Stokley as Licatenant of the 5th Police District, and so served until the fall of 197 3, when, having been elected by a large majority Chunk of the Orphans Court of Philadel- phia, he relinquished his police duties and entered upon the discharge of those devolving upon him as an important court official. Politically. he was originally a Whig, and ever since its organization has been a staunch and zealous sup-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.