USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 42
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ILLER, GEORGE F., Lawyer, ex-Congressman, and President of the Lewisburg and Tyrone Rail- road Company. The exact date of his birth is not certainly known, its record having been sub- sequently destroyed; it is supposed, however, to be May 9th, 1809. IIis birthplace is Chillisqua- que, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Ilis parents were John and Sarah Miller, and their family being large while their income was small, he was compelled to depend chiefly upon his own exertions. Ilis carly life he passed alternately upon a farm as an assistant and in the town common schools as an industrious student. For a time, he was tutored by Mr. Kirkpatrick in the academy at Milton, an institution enjoying a superior reputation as an educa- tional centre. Among its former scholars were ex-Gover- nors Pollock and Curtin, Joshua W. Comly, S. I Comly, Colonel David Taggart, and others who have since risen to distinction. Before entering upon the preparatory study for his profession an interval of a few years succeeded, during which time he was engaged in school teaching. IIe studied law in the office of James F. Linn, of Lewisburg, and, in 1836, was admitted to the bar of Union county. At this time the legal profession in central Pennsylvania was noticeable for the number of persons of reputation and conspicuous ability to be found in its ranks. Yet despite a formidable rivalry he soon received an extensive practice throughout the neighboring counties ; and repeatedly was proffered public stations and nominations, which were, how- ever, invariably declined. Later, in 1864, he was nomi- nated by the Republican party to represent the Fourteenth District of Pennsylvania in Congress, being elected by a majority of five hundred and seventeen votes over his Demo- cratie opponent, who was a member of the Thirty-sixth Congress. In 1866, he was re-elected by a majority three times greater than that gained at his former election. In the Thirty-ninth Congress, he was a member of the Com- mittee on Railways and Canals and Public Expenditures. In the Fortieth Congress, he was a member of the Com- mittee on Railways and Canals, the Pension Committee, and Revolutionary Claims and Pensions. Ile took an active part in the establishment of the University at Lewis- burg, Pennsylvania, now one of the leading colleges of the country; elected Secretary of its Board of Trustees, he served in that capacity for sixteen years. At present, he is President of the Lewisburg & Tyrone Railroad Company. Owing to a temporary derangement of its affairs, the work upon this road was suspended for a time; when, at the urgent solicitation of its stockholders and various interested capitalists, he endeavored to restore its former prestige and success. At once he devoted himself to the work with his accustomed energy, practical judgment, and shrewd fore- sight. Since, a large measure of success has attended his persevering efforts. Eleven miles of the road are already completed, while its entire length will be eighty-seven iniles. Hle was one of the Stockholders and Directors of
the Northumberland Bank-now the First National Bank of Sunbury. Ile was married, September 27th, 1836, to Amanda Bright, daughter of Daniel P. Bright, deceased ; a former merchant of the borough of Milton, Pennsylvania. Ile has two sons, both of whom are members of the bar, and actively engaged in the practice of their profession.
OVODE, JOHN, Member of Congress, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 17th, ISOS. Ile received only a limited and imperfect education, but, notwithstanding this drawback, succeeded by dint of energy and na- tive good sense in raising himself to a position of both affluence and political eminence. Ile was brought up on a farm, and afterwards learned the trade of a woollen manufacturer. IIe was connected with many important public works and enterprises; especially the State Canal, the establishment of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the Westmoreland Coal Company, of which latter company he was the President. IIe first became a candidate for poli- tical office in 1845, when he was the Whig nominee for the State Senate. In 1854, he was the Whig candidate for the Thirty-fourth Congress, for the then 19th Congressional District, and was elected by a large majority. Ile was also re- elected on several subsequent occasions. Ile held many highly responsible political positions, among many others, being member of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War. Ilis name became particularly well known in con- nection with the Kansas-Lecompton controversy during the administration of President Buchanan, in his early service in Congress. In political circles he was particularly noted for his sturdy honesty and straightforwardness, which earned for him the sobriquet of " Ilonest John Covode." He died suddenly of heart disease, at Harrisburg, January 11th, 1871.
GLE, WILLIAM HENRY, M. D., Historian, was born in Ilarrisburg, Pennsylvania, Septem- ber 17th, 1830. Ilis parents were John and Elizabeth Egle, and his descent on the paternal side is French, on the maternal side German. Ilis early education he received in the public school near his birthplace, whence he was transferred to the Ilarrisburg Military Academy. When in his seven- teenth year, he entered the printing office of the Telegraph, and remained connected with that journal until he had at- tained his majority. Subsequently, he was for several years a student in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1859. Ile then commenced the active pursuit of his profession in Harrisburg, continuing thus until 1862, when, at the time of the second battle of Bull Run, he was telegraphed for to assist in the field.
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Upon his return, he was commissioned Assistant Surgeon, and afterward Surgeon, and served actively in 1866. Re- turning to Harrisburg subsequently, he partially resumed his former practice, and met with much success. Being warmly attached to literature and literary pursuits, he early produced many essays and sketches which were published in Graham's MMagasine, and in the Knickerbocker, of New York. Several of these articles attracted considerable at- tention upon their appearance, and were highly commended by the press and the public. At present, his time is given wholly to historical researches. Noticeable, among others, are his sketches of Parson Elder and Colonel Timothy Green of the Revolution. Ile is now editing the Revolu- tionary War Records of Pennsylvania, a task which was assigned him by the last Legislature. Ile is engaged also on a History of Dauphin County, and the Paxstang Boys. During many years he has been actively connected with many of the most important enterprises emanating from Harrisburg, and is ranked among the most influential and honorable citizens of the State capital. He is a member of the Agricultural Society, and also of the State Historical Society. In this latter institution his unusual store of his- torical knowledge, his familiarity with bygone details and data, and his cheerful readiness at all times in laboring upon vexations and little-known questions concerning his- tory and historical research, have won him the affection and esteem of all. He was married, in 1860, to a member of the Beatty family, of Harrisburg.
IIIRAS, ALEXANDER EAKIN, Major- General United States Army, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 10th, 1812. Ilis father, a prominent merchant, resided in this city, and traded with the West Indies and the South Ameri- can countries, At an early date his parents moved to Mount Holly, Burlington county, New Jersey, where his rudimentary education was conducted under the excel- lent tutorship of John Gumerie, A. M., Principal of the Burlington Academy. Subsequently, he was appointed from New Jersey to the Cadet Military Academy-from July Ist, 1829, to July Ist, 1833. In this latter year he was graduated, and promoted in the army to Brevet Second Lieutenant in the 4th Artillery. During the greater por- tion of this year he served in garrison at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, in the Artillery School for Practice. Later, he served in the Creek Nation, and, during a portion of 1834- '35, was again in garrison at Fortress Monroe, Virginia. In 1835, he served at Fort Washington, Maryland, and, from 1835-'37, was at Fort Columbus, New York. In 1837-'38, he was on commissary duty at New York harbor. Mean- while, May Ist, 1837, he had been promoted to the First Lieutenancy in his detachment. While emigrating the In- dians to the West, in 1838, he was stationed in the Cherokee
nation. From 1839-'43, he served in the Military Academy, and from August 13th, 1839, to January 4th, 1840, was As- sistant Professor of Mathematics, and from this date until August 29th, 1843, served as Principal Assistant Professor of Mathematics. In 1843-'44, he was in garrison at For- tress Monroe, Virginia, and, in 1844-'45, was engaged on the recruiting service. In 1845-'46, he was again in gar- rison at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and in the latter year was sent to the West in charge of subsistence for the volun- teers engaged in the Mexican War. From October 13th to April 27th, 1847, he was on commissary duty at New York city; having, March 3d, 1847, been promoted to the rank of Captain. The position he retained until Septem- ber 27th, 1850. From April 27th, 1847, to April 12th, 1861, he served as Assistant to the Commissary-General of Subsistence in the Bureau at Washington, District of Co- lumbia. During this time he was, for a short time, on tem- porary duty at St. Louis, in 1857. During the Rebellion, he served in the Subsistence Bureau at Washington, Dis- trict of Columbia, from April 12th, 1861, to February 9th, 1863, and since the latter date has served as Assistant Commissary-General of Subsistence; and also, from June 13th, 1861, has been a member of the United States Sani- tary Commission. September 6th, 1874, he was appointed Brevet Brigadier-General United States Army for meri- torious and distinguished services in the Subsistence De- partment, and in supplying the armies during the war. March 13th, 1865, he was appointed Brevet Major-General United States Army, for " faithful, meritorious and dis- tinguished services during the Rebellion." May Ist, 1874, he was appointed Brigadier-General and Commissary- General of Subsistence. Ile is unmarried.
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ITER, JOHN, Merchant, was born August 6th, 1791, in the township of Radnor, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Wil- liam and Mary Siter. His early education was limited to the schools of his native place. At an early age he removed to Philadelphia and en- tered the dry goods, importing and jobbing house of Cook & Cresson, in ISIo. In 1817, he became a partner in the firm of Cresson, Wistar & Co (Elliott Cresson, Bartholo- mew Wistar, John Siter and Richard Price). He was also a member of the successive firms of Wistar, Siter & Price, and Siter, Price & Co .; these copartnerships being the successors, in direct line, of others dating back over one hundred and twenty-five years. Ile was always greatly interested in all movements tending to the advancement of the prosperity of Philadelphia. Ile was mainly instrumental in the establishment of the " Philadelphia Merchants' Ex- change," and through life continued an active and influen- tial member of that organization. He died December 5th, 1862. The style of the firm (Siter, Price & Co.) is still
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continued, and the immense business which they transact; is, in a great measure, the result of the honest dealing and wonderful ability of him whose name still remains at the head of the house. He was a perfect type of a Philadelphia merchant, a man whose whole life was stainless ; a hard and earnest worker in whatever he attempted, he forced success.
RICE, RICIIARD, Merchant, was born May 10th, 1795, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the son of Joseph and Ann Price. After receiving a fair education in the schools of his native city, at the age of sixteen he entered the business house of Cook & Cresson, afterwards Cresson & Wistar. With these firms he remained until he became a partner in the house of Cresson, Wistar & Co., composed of El- liott Cresson, Bartholomew Wistar, John Siter and Richard Price. IIe afterwards was a member of the successive firms of Wistar, Siter & Price, and Siter, Price & Co. IIe was actively engaged in business during his entire life. IIe also filled many honorable and important positions in politics, as well as in charitable and commercial institutions. For many years he was a Director of the Bank of the United States; was a member of the City Councils prior to the con- solidation of the city and districts, and was called upon to serve the public in numerous other ways. Always an active and prominent member of the " Hicksite " branch of the Society of Friends, both in his commercial and private life he filled the entire duty of a member of that body. IIe died in July, 1865. Over fifty years of active labor in a constantly enlarging business field only enhanced his repu- tation as a man and a merchant, and his memory is held in loving reverence by thousands whom his kind encourage- ment and generous assistance advanced in the world.
ICKSON, THOMAS, Farmer, Contractor, and Merchant, was born in the County of Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 1790. IIe received such education as was afforded by the village school of his native place, and then turned his attention to farming. With the exception of an occasional venture in commercial enterprises, he continued his agri- eultural pursuits until the date of his emigration to the United States. The death of both his parents, shortly after he had attained his twentieth year, placed him in possession of the homestead, and also imposed upon him the care of a younger brother and two sisters. About this time he was married to Mary Brown, who shared with him the joys and sorrows of his life for over fifty years. It was not until he had reached the age of forty years that he conceived the idea of emigrating to the United States, with the view of bettering his condition and that of his family, which then
consisted of five sons and four daughters; the success of his former commercial ventures warranting him in the be- lief that in a new field his talent for trade would bring him material prosperity. In 1830, he started upon a tour of observation, leaving the home farm in the care of his wife and sons. Landed on the shores of the United States, he made his way from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, visiting also the western portion of Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. The next year he returned to Europe, taking with him a cargo of flaxseed, the profit upon which was sufficient to pay all his expenses and leave a handsome margin. Disposing of all his possessions in Ireland, in the spring of 1832, he re- turned to this country with his entire family and settled in Pittsburgh. Anxious to engage in a business in which the services of his sons, now grown to manhood, could be made available, he turned his attention to contracting for public work, opening new streets, etc., and also for building the canal then being constructed by the State. In undertakings of this nature he remained engaged, with considerable suc- cess, until the "panie year of '37 " caused the suspension of all public improvements. IIe suffered heavy loss, but, engaging in merchandising, gradually recovered his capital, and, in 1852, was anxious for new investments. At that time he conceived the idea of transporting coal to market via the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, then just finished. At that time all the coal carried to the cities was transported either by wagons or canal boats. Purchasing coal lands within twelve miles of the city of Pittsburgh, he procceded to open mines, and, in January, 1853, the first coal carried over the rail was shipped from his mines. This first invoice consisted of six dump-cars, containing about 150 bushels each, and in six months, contrary to the predictions of many, the train had increased to twenty-eight cars, with a capa- city of 4200 bushels per day. The business steadily ad- vancing, he associated with him his sons, John Robert, Thomas C., and Joseph C. Dickson, and his son-in-law, J. S. Stewart ; with them he continued prosperously until his death, which occurred February Ist, 1865. His surviving partners are still engaged in the coal trade. During his connection with the coal interests eight different coal works were erected and carried into successful operation under his supervision, employing from 800 to 1000 hands, and producing about 5000 bushels daily. IIe was a cool, clear- headed, far-seeing man, strictly temperate and of great de- termination of purpose, modest and retiring in manner.
AIILGREN, JOIIN A., Rear Admiral, was born in Philadelphia, and entered the navy in 1826. IIe was the inventor of the ponderous shell guns known as the " Dahlgrens," and also of a bronze howitzer, of light calibre, for throwing shrapnel, shells, and canister shot. Ile was the author of several works, principally on the practice of artillery. On . the breaking out of the War of the Union, Commander
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Dahlgren was placed in charge of the Washington Navy Yard, and in July, 1862, received a Captain's commission and the responsible post of Chief of the Bureau of Ord- nance. In 1863, in recognition of his valuable services to the nation, he was made Rear Admiral, and in the same year was put ir. command of the South Atlantic Squadron. In 1864, he rendered important service in protecting the city of Jacksonville, Florida, whither the United States army had retired after the defeat of Olustee. In 1868, he was again assigned to his old post of Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, and, in the autumn of 1869, the Washington Navy Yard was once more placed under his control as Com- mandant. Ile died suddenly, at Washington, July 12th, 1870.
ORTER, JAMES MADISON, Lawyer and States- man, was born in the year 1792. He was a son of General Andrew Porter, a famous officer in the Continental Army, and a brother of David R. Porter, for six years Governor of Pennsylvania. Like the latter, he was educated for the bar, and opened his office in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he resided for nearly a half century. During the War of 1812, he served in the field, having volunteered as a private, though he was subsequently a commissioned officer. Ilis practice was a large one, not only in Northampton, but in many of the adjoining counties both of his native State and New Jersey. He was a member of the Convention of 1838, which revised the Constitution of the Commonwealth, and in which he took a prominent part. In 1843, he was ap- pointed by President Tyler to a seat in the Cabinet, having charge of the Portfolio of the Secretary of War, and subse- quent to his retirement from that station, in 1845, held many prominent positions of trust and profit. He was one of the founders of Lafayette College (Easton, Pennsyl- vania), and occupied the chair of President of the Board of Trustees of that institution for over twenty-five years. Ile was also a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and for many years held an official position in the Grand Lodge of the State. He died November 11th, 1862.
INCIIMAN, HIOWARD, Merchant, was born in 1817, in Gloucester county, New Jersey, where he received his education. When in his sixteenth year, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and entered as a clerk the grocery store of Jona- than Mulford, situated at the northeast corner of Front and Market streets. There he gained a thorough knowledge of the business, and, in 1840, commenced a partnership with George F. Reeves, doing business at the corner of Front and Callowhill streets. This connection lasted for three years, when he began business alone, at
the northeast corner of Eighth and Market streets. In IS45, he formed a co-partnership with R. W. Steele, to engage in the flour, seed and grain business, at 423 Market street, the site subsequently occupied by the Farmers' Market. In 1851, he entered into partnership with Walter C. Livingstone, at 812 Market street, and continued this relation for several years. He then associated himself with David T. Peacock, formerly one of the firm of James Steele & Co., and Thomas M. Tell, at 808 and 810 Market street, in the buildings erected by them. David T. Peacock dying in 1859, and Thomas M. Tell in 1865, the business came under his sole supervision and control. In 1869, he asso- ciated with him his son, Harvey K. Hinchman, under the firm-name of Howard Ilinchman & Son. Being completely absorbed in business, and warmly interested in every enter- prise affecting the commercial interests of Philadelphia, he has repeatedly declined, and most positively, to accept any political office or public trust, involving connection with political parties or partisan.s. Ile has held nearly every important position in the Commercial Exchange : has been Director, Secretary and President, and has taken an active part in all movements of importance. Ile was the last President of the Corn Exchange, before its change of title. In April, 1869, he became President of the Chamber of Commerce, and at present holds the position of Director in the same institution. IIe is also a Director of the National Bank of the Republic, and Trustee of the Penn Life Insurance Company. As a business man, he is noted for his energy, sagacity and indomitable perseverance ; as a citizen, for his incorruptible honesty, his stern aversion to political caballing, and his shrewd enterprise.
YSART, JAMES II., Coal Miner and Shipper, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, January 7th, 1832. Ilis father was a native of Mifflin county, but removed to Huntingdon in 1812, where he purchased property and pur- sued the occupation of farming. Anxious to afford to his son every advantage for the acquirement of a thorough education, he placed him, at an early age, under the care of the Rev. J. Y. McGuinness, at Millwood Academy. Here James remained for three years, when he entered college, at Cannonsburg, and there continued his studies in the higher branches for the four years following. At the age of twenty-four, he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, as freight and ticket agent, at Altoona. This position he retained for eight years, giving entire satisfaction to the corporation employ- ing him and to all parties with whom he came in business contact. . Resigning his post after that period of service, he engaged in the coal trade, purchasing, in connection with William C. Keller, the business of Cooper & Co., at Lilley's Station, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. The
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partnership thus formed continued for five years, the firm doing, during that time, a safe and steadily-increasing business. Upon the retirement of William C. Keller from the connection, a new co-partnership was entered into with Daniel Laughman, and this firm still prosperously prose- cutes the business. During his life, he has always been noted for his striet attention to business; in common with other merchants, he has suffered the vicissitudes of trade, but he has never succumbed in any degree to them; diffi- culties he has bravely met, and, by careful consideration, sturdy effort and prompt action, surmounted. These ster- ling qualities, in connection with close attention to his business, have brought him wealth (invested in the mining interests of Cambria county) before he has more than at- tained the meridian of life. He was married, in 1856, to Martha A., the daughter of Aaron Beyers, a prominent merchant of Blair county. He has never taken any promi- nent part in politics, contenting himself with the manage- ment of his business, and satisfied that, with the intelligent discharge of his duties as a citizen, he gains honor suf- ficient for his ambition.
HARP, ALEXANDER, M. D., United States Marshal, District of Columbia, was born near Newville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, July 29th, 1825. His father, Rev. Alexander Sharp, who died in 1857, was a son of Captain Alexander Sharp, who served during the Revo- lutionary War, and soon after its close settled in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, which was then the western frontier. Being harassed by Indians, he removed, before 1790, to Cumberland county, and built the homestead where Alex- ander and his father were born. Alexander's early educa- tion was obtained at various academic institutions until 1843, when he was so far advanced in his studies that he entered the Sophomore class at Jefferson College, Cannons- burg, from which he graduated, in 1846, with the degree of A. B. His father also graduated from the same college, in IS19. IIe next studied medicine, attending lectures at Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and graduated in 1849, receiving his degree of M D. During his studies here, the celebrated surgeon, Dr. Joseph Pancoast, was the Professor of Anatomy. After nearly a year spent in travel, he attended another course of lectures, to perfect himself in his profession, and, in 1850, settled at St. Louis, Missouri, for practice. He remained in that city nearly six years, during which time he married Ellen, the second daughter of Frederick Dent, a resident of the same county, and a sister of the wife of President Grant. Leaving St. Louis, he resided for nearly two years at Frederick Dent's farm, about nine miles southwest of the city, when he removed to Lincoln county, Missouri, where he practised in that and the adjoining county of Pike, with a brief interval, until 1864. Upon the breaking out of the war, he enrolled him-
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