USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 34
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remarks, sometimes turning the discussion by making a suggestive inquiry of a speaker upon the floor. During the late war, he was in the service as Lieutenant-Colonel of the roth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving until the expiration of the time for which the regiment enlisted. Hle again served twice subsequently, each time as Colonel of regiments in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. Ile was one of the original builders and owners of the Fulton Cotton Mill, and retained an interest in it for five years. Ile is also Solicitor for the Inland Insurance Deposit Com- pany of Lancaster county. Ile was married, in 1857, to a daughter of Christian Spenk, a well-known citizen of Lan- caster county. Ile has been engaged upon a great number of the causes celebres of Lancaster county during the last twenty years, and has always been an active politician, having been a member of fifteen State and two National conventions ; one of them bciug that which met at Chicago and nominated Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency. He is attached to the Republican party.
REENOUGHI, EBENEZER, Lawyer, was born in Canterbury, New Hampshire. At the beginning of the present century, from ISoo to 1825, there was a very noticeable accession to central Penn- sylvania of many persons of the cultured and higher classes of New England, and among them was Ebenezer Greenough, then in his twenty-second year, and a graduate of Harvard College. The force and self- reliance of his character were indicated in some of the cir- cumstances attending his journey. It was performed in the saddle, and he declined accepting from his parents a larger sum than that which would suffice for his travelling expenses, preferring to depend in the future upon his own exertions, Ile was furnished with several letters of intro- duction from persons of position and influence. In one, written by Abiel Foster, these words occur : " He is a young gentlemen of a respectable family in this town. His moral character is fair and unimpeachable, his disposition modest and amiable." Referring to the memoranda of his early life, it appears that his father was a merchant, and was born at Ilaverhill, Massachusetts, December 11th, 1783. Ilis mother was the daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Flagg, of New Ilampshire, and the family consisted of eight children- four sons and a like number of daughters. Consonant with the laudable desire of the mother, each son received a careful collegiate education, and each in due course ac- quired considerable wealth and influence. Except when in the academy, or college, the youth of Ebenezer was passed with his parents. During the vacation period, he taught school, and applied his earnings to the expense of his own training. At Wilkesbarre, he was tendered the Principalship of the Academy, which he accepted, continu- ing to act in this capacity for three years, and discharging
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its duties with ability and success. While in this town he | during two years; meanwhile, following the advice of in- entered upon the study of the law, in the office of Ebenezer Bowman; and, upon removing to Sunbury, in 1807, he finished his legal course under the tuition of Charles Hall of that place. January 19th, ISOS, he was admitted to the Sunbury bar, and immediately took high rank in his pro- fession. In ISII, he moved to Danville, but, in 1815, returned to Sunbury, where he thereafter resided perma- nently. He was a Federalist, in a fervidly Democratie county and State, and although averse to holding office, was elected to the Assembly in 1829. ITis shrewd and superior intelligence was in constant requisition during the term of his legislative service; also in various other rela- tions regarding the drafting of important bills, and the support of certain provisions calculated to meet the special demands and exigencies of the time. The beneficial influ- ence which he thus was enabled to exercise unostentatiously upon the material interests of the State, when in an incipi- ent stage of its development, can not be too highly praised or appreciated. As a lawyer, he was one of the most suc- cessful and distinguished in the State, and his record is free from stain or blemish. With unusual powers, enriched and strengthened by a familiar acquaintance with men and literature; with a thorough knowledge of the details, subtleties, and complications of the law, he possessed a judgment at once clear and impartial, great calmness under the most perplexing circumstances, keen shrewdness, and penetrative mental perceptions that seldom erred. In the latter years of his life, his health became much impaired ; but the immediate cause of his death was an accident that happened while in his carriage, from which he was thrown with much violence. This event occurred in the spring of 1847, and, wherever he was known, occasioned great sor- row and regret. His family consisted of seven children, one of whom, an only son, is now a counsel of high repute at Sunbury
terested friends, he devoted much attention to the study of medicine. At the expiration of two years, he moved to Philadelphia, in order to enter upon a course of medical studies; but, finding that his tastes and feelings were wholly opposed to medicine as a profession, he abandoned ~ its pursuit, and seeured a situation in a printing house, purposing to learn the trade, which he had admired from carliest boyhood. In this establishment he remained for two years, working industriously, and neglecting nothing which he thought might advance or benefit him. Several years previous to this, and while a mere lad, he had con- tributed occasionally short articles to different newspapers and journals, and these juvenile efforts had attracted gene- ral attention, and elicited many favorable commendations. July 4th, 1844, he returned to Lancaster, and edited the American Reformer, but not possessing a sufficient amount of capital to carry on successfully an enterprise so costly, he was obliged to abandon it with reluctance and regret. In 1846, he went to Harrisburg, and edited with marked ability a campaign paper called the Yeoman. At the close of this campaign, he settled in Philadelphia, and became Assistant Editor for the Quaker City Journal-a literary publication-until its suspension, when he was appointed Editor of the Sunday Globe, and subsequently became one of the publishers of the Sunday Mercury. While Editor of the Sunday Globe, such was the ability he displayed that, in a short time, the circulation of this journal advanced from about one thousand copies per week to nearly twenty thousand. In February, 1852, he returned to Laneaster, and was employed by John II. Pearsol to edit the Weekly Express, a position which he filled with his accustomed ability until 1856, when he entered into partnership with his employer, and established the Daily Express, in con- neetion with the weekly. Since that period, this journal has been one of the most successful and popular papers in the interior of the State. John HI. Pearsol is the indefati- gable business manager, while his partner attends strictly to the editorial department, which he is so eminently quali- fied to fill. Although in principle a Republican, he is laudably independent, and no false party feeling can re- strain his pen when truth demands the exposure of corrupt politics or politicians. It is through this loyal course, ever maintained, that the journal has ripened into such a power- ful moulder of opinion, and political guide and adviser. Ile is Vice-President of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, and energetie Chairman of the Library Committee ; and it is to his ingenuity in devising means that the exist- ence of this flourishing library must be credited. Ile is a member of St. John's Free Episcopal Church, and has been a vestryman for upward of eighteen years. He is interested greatly in its Sunday school library, and is the inventor and patentee of " Geist's Patent Index System for Sabbath School Libraries," the most complete, yet simplest index in ex-
C SEIST, J. M. W., B. D., Journalist, was born in Bart township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 14th, 1824. On the paternal side he is of German, and on the maternal Scotch de- seent. His parents being in humble circum- stances, he was unable to acquire that education which he had desired. But, afflicted by delicate health, and evincing an unusual aptitude for study, he was fortu- nately accorded a longer period for self-advancement than fell to the share of his more robust brothers and sisters. When quite young, his father lost his eyesight, and there- after became noted for the mechanical ingenuity which he displayed in fashioning many articles requiring the use of delicate tools; he was also noted as a superior violinist, and possessed a quick and unerring ear for melody and harmony. He began life as a school teacher, when but sixteen years of age, and followed that calling successfully listence, requiring but a few moments' time to " keep" the
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books of a large library, yet, with an ordinary amount of | care, perfectly and absolutely correct. This index has received many high encomiums from pastors and Sunday- school officers in every instance where it has been used. In the fall of i849, he was married to Elizabeth Markley, daughter of Dr. George B. Markley, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Lancaster.
TRAWBRIDGE, HON. JAMES D., M. D., Physi- cian and Congressman, was born in Liberty town- ship, Montour county, Pennsylvania, in 1824, and was the son of James Strawbridge, and Mary (Dale) Strawbridge ; his father being a farmer in comfortable, if not opulent, circumstances. When nine years of age, James was sent to Danville, where the educational facilities proffered were superior to those in his birthplace ; and here, at the expiration of four years, occu- pied in attending school and farming, he was placed under the tuition of Mr. Conklin, of Danville, to be fitted for a collegiate examination. With an early fondness for books and study, he manifested a strong inclination toward mechanical pursuits. In 1841, he entered the Sophomore class of Princeton College, and graduated in the class of 1844. Professor Henry, now of the Smithsonian Institute, was, during his stay, the head of the scientific department, and was cordially liked and esteemed by all his pupils. He studied for his profession under Dr. McGill, of Danville, and subsequently, under Dr. William Pepper, of Philadel- phia, both physicians of large practice and high repute. The degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon him by the University of Pennsylvania, and immediately after this, in 1847, he began to practise at Danville, where he soon occupied the foremost rank in his vocation. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he received from President Lincoln, the appointment of Brigade.Surgcon, afterward serving as Medical Director in the army of Occupation, at West Virginia, and in the Southwest and Mississippi. IIe also served sometime as Medical Examiner in the office of the Provost-Marshal at Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and as Medical Director of the Eighteenth Army Corps. Cap- tured in front of Richmond, he was during three months a suffering inmate of Libby Prison ; after his release, he was assigned to the Board of Medical Examiners in Philadelphia, and in that capacity continued to serve actively until the close of the war. In 1868, he resumed the practice of medicine at Danville, where he was warmly welcomed by his old associates. He was nominated for the Legislature in 1860, but failed to secure an election. In the fall of 1872, he was elected to represent in Congress the Thirteenth Pennsylvania District. He was married, July Ist, 1851, to Emily Agnew, of Philadelphia ; and again to Ellen Butler, of Wilkesbarre, October 10th, 1872. At one time he was attached to the Staff of General Rosccrans; and in
August, 1862, was sent by General Halleck to organize sundry hospitals in Jackson, Tennessee; there he remained until ordered by General Grant to Columbus, Kentucky, to superintend the arrangements for building hospital boats for usc at Vicksburg. Owing to failing health, he was ordered to Annapolis, where he underwent a course of medical treatment. His application to be assigned to active field duty was entirely ignored, and he applied for a discharge from the service. He was then ordered to report to the Assistant Provost-Marshal of Philadelphia, where he re- mained for two months. On February Ist, 1867, he was assigned to duty at Harrisburg, there superintending the examination of recruits. Having recovered his health, in May, 1864, he was assigned to General Butler's command in the Eighteenth Army Corps at Cold Harbor, where he assisted as Operating Surgeon in the hospital; finally, when the advance on Petersburg was ordered, he was appointed Medical Director of this corps, and worked laboriously and heroically to soothe the sufferings of those stricken by disease and wounds. During a short period, he remained in Phila- delphia as a valuable witness in certain prominent cases of bounty frauds; and in consequence, was temporarily as- signed to duty in the Department of Pennsylvania, where he remained as senior officer until the close of the war. Throughout the course of his eventful life, he has evinced many admirable qualities as a man, a soldier, and a surgeon ; and wherever known, he is esteemed and respected as a brave, learned, and courteous gentleman
ATMOUGH, JAMES HORATIO, Pay Director of the United States Navy, with the rank of Cap- tain, Acting Paymaster-General of the United States Navy, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1822. His family has long been identified with the history of the army and navy. Ilis father was John G. Watmough, an officer of artillery during the war of 1812, and who subsequently represented his district in Congress. A brother, Pendleton S. Watmough, now United States Collector of Customs, at Cleveland, Ohio, was for many years an officer in the navy. Still another relative, his cousin, William N. Watmough, has long served as an efficient naval officer. Hon. John G. Watmough was the grandson of a captain in the British army, who died prior to the Revolutionary War, and who was connected with the Hope family of England, whose business in Amsterdam, Holland, was managed by the grandfather of James Horatio. James attended college at Andover, New Hampshire, at Westchester, Pennsylvania, and finally completed his education by a two years' course of study in the University of Pennsylvania. After leaving college, he studied medicine for two years under the instruc- tions of the celebrated Dr. Franklin Bache of Philadelphia. In 1843, he was appointed Acting Midshipman in the
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Acting Paymaster-General, in charge of the bureau of pro- visions and clothing, at the Navy Department, during the absence in Europe, on special duty, of Paymaster-General Bradford. lle was married in IS48, to a daughter of George Shecaf, of Pennsylvania, who is a granddaughter of Frederick O. Muhlenburgh, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and who was afterward the first Speaker of the House of Representatives in Congress.
United States Navy, and served as such for one year. December 12th, 1844, he was commissioned a Purser in the navy, and was ordered to join the sloop-of-war " Ports- mouth," attached to the Pacific Squadron, where he served until the close of 1848. At the outbreak of the Mexican war, his vessel was ordered off the west coast of Mexico and California, when the naval forces received orders to take possession of California, and hold it until the arrival of fresh troops. On this occasion, he landed and organized a company of volunteers as mounted riflemen. Taking post at Santa Clara, he held that point for nearly eight months, although surrounded by hostile Indians and the TLEE, WILLIAM AUGUSTUS, Lawyer, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, January 9th, 1832. Ilis father, Dr. John L. Atlee, is still living (July, 1874) in Lancaster, and is one of the most successful physicians in the State; his mother was a daughter of the late Judge Walter Franklin. IIe is, from maternal and paternal ancestors, of English descent. After a preliminary training in the schools of his native city, he became a student at Yale College when but fifteen years of age, and at nineteen, graduated with honors in the class of 1851. Ile then entered the law office of his uncle, Thomas L. Franklin, one of the most prominent legal practitioners in Lancaster ; here he evinced the same industry and ability which characterized his college life, and fitted himself rapidly for the practice of his difficult profession. In 1854, he was admitted to the bar, and immediately entered the political arena by attaching himself to the Republican party. Since this period, he has ever taken an extremely active and prominent part in the politics of his country, and exhibited much talent and sagacity. During the campaign of John C. Fremont for the Presidency, in 1856, he was, though but twenty-four years of age, Chairman of the County Republi- can Committee, and brilliantly acquitted himself of his onerous functions. In October, 1865, he was elected District Attorney for Lancaster county, and, during three years, held this honorable position. In 1869, he was elected Mayor of the city of Lancaster, a post he filled until 1871. In 1861, he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer in the Ist Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the expiration of the time for which the regiment was enlisted. Soon after this, he was appointed Captain of Company A, 12th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. Later, he became Captain of Company F, in the 50th Regiment of the same patriotie militia. At present, he is Solicitor for the Lancaster County National Bank, also for the Peach Bottom Railway Company, and for the Lancaster Board of Trade. He was married, October 14th, 1857, to the daughter of Hon. Benjamin Champneys, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Lancaster county. He stands high at the bar, and has an extensive and Incrative practice, which testifies to the great confidence placed in him by a wide circle of dreaded half-breed Mexicans. When possession was first taken of California, in July, 1846, it was the officers of his ship, with those of the frigate " Congress," who landed at the town of San Francisco, and-hoisting the American tlag in the principal square-formally declared it a posses- sion of the United States. Rejoining his vessel after the arrival of reinforcements, he was engaged in the bombard- ment and reduction of Guaymas. For his valiant services upon this occasion, he was honorably mentioned in the Congressional Reports of 1846. In 1849, he was ordered to the brig " Perry," then cruising along the coast of Africa ; returning to the United States in 1851, he remained here for eight months, then joined the frigate " Constitution," a cruiser on the same malarious coast, continuing with it until 1855. During his service on this coast, he participated in the capture of four slavers, and in a native war with the savages living south of Leape Palwas, occasioned by their maltreatment of certain missionaries. From 1855 to 1857, he enjoyed comparative rest and tranquillity, until he was ordered to the United States steamer "Michigan," the solitary armed vessel which, by our treaty with England, is permitted to sail on the Western lakes. Detached from this vessel in 1858, he was, in 1859, ordered to the sloop- of-war " Saratoga," then stationed in the Gulf of Mexico. ITere he served actively during two years, and participated in the capture of two armed Spanish steamers that were endeavoring to reach Vera Cruz in order to replenish the military stores of the Spanish commander Miramon, the assailant of the Republican army of Mexico. These vessels were sent as prizes to New Orleans, where, upon the out- break of the Rebellion, they were seized by the Confederates, and fitted up as privateers; one of these became the cele- brated cruiser " Sumter." In 1861-'62-'63, he was on duty at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and in the latter year was ordered as Paymaster on board the frigate " Niagara," which was detailed on special service to watch the coast of Nova Scotia. Detached from this vessel in 1864, he was ordered as Fleet Paymaster to the South Atlantic Blockad- ing Squadron. In 1866, he was appointed Inspector of provisions and clothing at the New York Navy Yard, and continued serving in that capacity until IS6S. Ile was afterward, 1869-'70, on duty as Paymaster of the same station. In the fall of 1873, he was ordered on duty as admiring friends. He has been engaged upon many cases
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of considerable local importance, and in caeh and all has exhibited commendable moderation, ability and tireless perseverance, Ilis chronicle as student, lawyer, soldier, official, and gentleman may stand as a model and an ex- ample for his younger brethren to imitate.
OUGIIRIDGE, JOIIN ALEXANDER, Protho- notary of the Court of Common Pleas of Phila- delphia, was born in the old District of Kens- ington, in the county of Philadelphia, June 2d, IS39. Ile is of Irish descent, his parents, An- drew Loughridge and Jane Wilson, having emi- grated from Ireland to St. John's, New Brunswick, about forty five years since. Shortly afterwards they removed from thence to Philadelphia, where they have ever since re- sided, and where John Alexander was born, he being one of cleven children. Ilis early education was received at the Harrison (boys) Grammar School, which he attended until he attained the age of fourteen. Immediately upon leaving school, he obtained employment in the " Keystone Saw Works " of Henry Disston, where he remained three years. Ilis father, in 1857, removing to Limerick town- ship, Philadelphia county, to engage in farming, he left his position in the saw works and accompanied him, remaining for a year and aiding in the work of the farm. Wearying of the monotony of farm life and ambitious to push his own way in the world, he returned to Philadelphia, in 1858. Ile was at once received again into the employ of IIenry Disston, and placed as foreman in charge of the handle: polishing department of the works. This position (with the exception of the time he was in the military service) he held until elevated by the people to the public position he now occupies. He was prompt to respond to the claims of his country in her hour of need. In 1861, shortly after the declaration of war, he enlisted as a private in the 15th Pennsylvania Regiment-the Anderson Cavalry-and was conspicuous as one of the noble 300 who fought so bravely in the battle of Stone River, December 25th, 1863. . Ile served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the rank of Ist Lieutenant, having filled every intermediate grade and earned by gallant and meritorious conduct each step upwards in the line of promotion. 'During his con- nection with the army he occupied-many responsible posi- tions, and always with credit to himself and his command. HIe served as Acting Provost-Marshal upon the staff of General Joseph R. Stewart, at Richmond, Kentucky, for the Department of the Mississippi. In this capacity he dis- played signal ability in discharge of the onerous duties con- nected with the office, and received encomiums, justly be- stowed, from friend and foe. While he was faithful in the performance of the trusts confided to him, he at the same time, by strict discipline, impartiality, and courtesy, exerted an influence which was most beneficial. His record as a
soldier is one in which he may feel a most justifiable pride. After returning from the United States' service he again entered the works of Henry Disston. Bringing with him so pure a record from the army, and having gained a reputa- tion for intelligence, sobriety and industry before entering it, it was not long before his party friends manifested a dis- position to reward him for past political and military ser- vices .. Always having been an active, working, and pro- minent member of the Republican organization, he was nominated by that party for the responsible office of Pro- thonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of Philadelphia. In October, 1871, he was elected to that office for the term of three years. By the provisions of the newly.adopted Constitution of Pennsylvania, the Pro- thonotary is no longer elected, but is appointed by the judges of the courts. Mr. Loughridge is the last Protho- notary who will serve in that office as the elective choice of the people. Since he has filled the position he has exe- cuted the duties devolving upon him with fidelity, and ren- dered entire satisfaction to the bar and suitors of the courts. Ile is an active member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Order of Odd Fellows, and is connected with various other beneficial and charitable associations. Ile is closely identified with the progress of his native city, and is always ready to contribute, by every means in his power, to the advancement of its material prosperity.
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