The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2, Part 47

Author: Robson, Charles. 4n; Galaxy Publishing Company. 4n
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Philadelphia : Galaxy Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 894

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licans of Luzerne for the same position ; and the election which followed fully demonstrated his strength and popu- larity. Ilis competitor was the Hon. George W. Wood- ward, ex-Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court, who had been elected to Congress, in 1868, by a majority in Luzerne county of more than 3000. Yet notwithstanding there was a large Democratic majority in the District, and despite Judge Woodward's pre-eminent ability, and pure and spot- less character, Judge Harding was elected by a majority of 2365 to the position he now fills. On the bench, he is dis- tinguished for his great dispatch of business, for his industry, his legal acquirements, his devotion to the public weal, his strong and even handed dispensation of justice, and for that fearless, earnest, and undeviating judicial course which comes from a clear mind, a vigorous body, and an honest purpose. In private life he is generous and charitable, de- voted to his family and his books, a faithful friend and an out-speaking opponent, In fine, he is a worthy representa- tive of those men whose stout hearts and arms made the valley of Wyoming classical ground, and whose vigor of body and mind, force of character, and native integrity, still bloom and flourish among their children.

USELTON, W. S., M. D., Physician, was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, Au- gust 20th, IS40. Ilis father, a well-known farmer and agriculturist, was born in the State of New Jersey, his mother, in Pennsylvania. On the paternal side, he is of Scotch, and on the maternal, of Dutch extraction. When in his fourteenth year, his parents moved to Butler county, Pennsylvania, and in the common schools of this place, and also in the Wither- spoon Institute, he acquired a thorough elementary educa- tion. After teaching school for more than a year, he commenced the study of medicine under the tuition of the late W. G. Lowmen, M. D., in the town of Butler. Later, he studied in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and in the Medical Department of Georgetown College, Washington city, District of Columbia. Upon the comple- tion of his medical education, he graduated at the latter college. In the carly part of the war, August, 1862, he entered the Union army as Surgeon. He was then assigned to duty in the Department of Washington, in hospital service, As surgeon, he held several prominent and im- portant positions, and remained in the service until the termination of the conflict. After returning to his home, he resolved to enter the United States Regular Service for life ; bat, owing to the representations of his parents and friends, he was induced to relinquish his intention of leading a military existence. Establishing himself as a civil practi- tioner, he resided for one year and six months in the town of Butler, where a large portion of his practive was located in the country districts. In the spring of 1867, he removed

thence, and settled in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he has since practised with great success, and attained a prominent and honorable position among his fellow-practi- tioner. Ile is a member of several medical association-, of the Society of Natural Sciences, and is Medical Director of the Iron City Life Insurance Company of Pennsylvania. HIe is noted for his extensive knowledge of medicine and surgery, and is honored and admired by a large circle of acquaintances and friends.

ANGFITT, WILLIAM J., M. D., Physician, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 23d, 1838; of this county, also, his father and mother were natives. His grandfathers, both on the paternal and maternal sides, were soldiers in the war of the American Revolution. Until six- teen years of age, he remained on the farm with his parents, receiving, meanwhile, a common school education. Subse- quently, he became a pupil in Mount Union College, in Stark county, Ohio, then under the direction of President O. N. Hartshorn. After the completion of his collegiate course, he taught school during one term in his native place, and was the recipient of many encomiums for his energy and ability. He then commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John McCarrell, at Frankfort Springs, Beaver county, Pennsylvania; attended medical lectures, and, finally, received his medical diploma from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, Illinois. Immediately, in 1861, he began the practice of his profession in his native county, in the village of New Scottsville, where he soon acquired an extensive and remunerative practice. In 1867, he removed to Allegheny City, where he is at present, and engaged in the active and successful pursuit of his profes- sion. Ile is a prominent and influential member of the Beaver County Medical Society, also a member of the State Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and of the American Medical Association. He is, moreover, connected with the Society of Natural Sciences of Western Pennsylvania; holds several positions of trust and honor in various other societies and organizations, and is President of the Woods Run Savings Bank,

ARKER, T. S., was born near Carlisle, Pennsyl- vania, April 20, 1840. He is the son of the late Rev. Joseph Parker, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His ancestors settled, on or about the year 1775, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Rev. Joseph Parker died, in the prime of his life and usefulness, in the summer of 1842, in the thirty-first year of his age. He left two children, T. S. and J. B. Parker. The latter is now a surgeon in the United States Navy. On his mother's side, T. S. Parker is a Virginian.

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Her maiden name was Sheerer, and her ancestors were among the early English settlers of Virginia. After the deccase of his father, his mother moved to Carlisle. Ile there attended the common school, and in 1855 entered Dickinson College. At this time-honored institution he graduated in 1859. He soon afterwards commenced the study of law in Carlisle, and finished his studies with an attorney in Virginia. Shortly after the battle of Antietam, he was taken prisoner in the Valley of Virginia, and after several weeks' imprisonment he made his escape, with several others, to the Union lines. Ile was chosen Prin- cipal of Fairview Academy, which position he held with credit for some time, and then resumed the practice of the law in Erie county, Pennsylvania. He married the eldest daughter of Samuel R. Brick, of Philadelphia. In 1869, he removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and opened an office, and by his industry and energy, his studious habits and devotion to business, has acquired a large and lucra- tive practice. Ile seems to possess all the qualities essen- tial to a highly successful professional career in the future.

HITE, GEORGE R., Merchant, was born in Ireland, December 22d, 1802. Originally, his G) father's family came from England, having crossed to Ireland with the Prince of Orange. His mother's family, Aston by name, came from Scotland, and settled subsequently in the north of Ireland. After receiving a liberal education in his native country, he emigrated to the United States in Sep- tember, 1821. Arriving in Philadelphia, he secured em- ployment in a grocery store, owned and conducted by John Manderson, in Kensington. At the expiration of four montlis, he left this place and entered the store of Samuel & William Chesnut, wholesale grocers, located at Eighth and Market streets. After a short experience in this em- ployment, he removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 16th, 1822, where he connected himself with William Mc- Knight, for the purpose of acquiring an insight into the workings of the dry goods business. With this firm he served for two years as an apprentice, and later as a clerk and salesman, until January Ist, 1828. At this date his former employer formed with him a partnership, under the firm-name of George R. White & Co. Subsequently, a branch store was opened by the firm at Diamond and Mar- ket streets, which was placed under his care. Here he continued until 1833, at which date the business was re- moved to Market street, between Fourth and Diamond streets, where he remained until the dissolution of the partnership, this event occurring January Ist, 1837. He then purchased the entire business, and removed it to Mar- ket street below Fourth, continuing to prosecute it alone until the admission into the firm of his brother, Thomas White, when the firm-name of George R. White & Co. wa,

again adopted. This brother dying shortly afterward, he associated with him as partners another brother, James White, and also John F. Loy. Subsequently, owing to the purchase of his interest in the business by William W. Ward, the last-named partner retired, and the firm remained so constituted until January Ist, 1861. At this time George R. White disposed of his interest in the establishment, the purchasers being his brother, James White, William W. Ward and Robert Orr, and the name of the house became White, Orr & Co. But the real estate connected with the business he retained in his own hands, and of this he is still the sole and entire owner. For many years he was a Director of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Bank, and continued to fulfil the duties of that position until 1861. He was for several years a Director of the Pittsburgh Gas Company, and for a time President of that institution. This respon- sible position he subsequently resigned, preferring to remain on the Board simply as a working member. For two years he was Inspector of the Western Penitentiary, and at the expiration of his term, in 1866, was solicited to undertake the superintendence of the Allegheny County Workhouse and Inebriate Asylum. Since, he has been the President of the Board of Managers of this establishment, and is dis- tinguished for his close attention to the manifold duties attached to that position and for his able executive abilities. Ile interests himself warmly in all local improvements, and in many public movements has been one of the foremost and most energetic movers. He is the Senior Warden of Calvary Church, at East Liberty, and in 1822 was im- portantly connected with the management of Trinity Church, being for many years one of its representative members. He has been the Treasurer of the Board of Missions for the Diocese of Pittsburgh since its organiza- tion, and is deeply interested in all charitable and benevo- lent enterprises. His great success in life is attributed by him to his undeviating integrity and unswerving truthful- ness, especially in his capacity as salesman. He has trained many young men for business life, and has ever striven to impress upon their minds the value of those sterling quali- ties whose importance his own career has so strongly demonstrated.

EMPLE, JOIN, M. D., Physician, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 16th, 1823. Ilis parents were Robert and Mary Semple; the former-being born in East Liberty, Pennsylvania, December 14th, 1793-was one of the earliest of those native American pioneers who redeemed from savage wildness this section of the country. The lad received a regular and systematic edu- cation in Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Washington county, and upon the completion of his course of studies, in 1846, he began the study of medicine under the tuition of Drs. Speer and Books. With these able practitioners he

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remained for one year, and subsequently finished his medi- cal education in Philadelphia, graduating at Jefferson College. In the spring of 1848, he removed to Evansburg, Butler county, Pennsylvania. Thence, after a short stay, he moved to Wilkinsburg, where he has since remained in the constant practice of medicine. As a medical practi- tioner, he stands in the foremost rank of his profession, and his incessant and tireless rescarches and investigations con- corning the intricacies and vexatious problems of his calling entitle him to high praise. As a public man, he has ever been warmly interested in all local and general movements having for an end the welfare and happiness of his fellow.citizens or the advancement of Pennsylvania's interests.

AVISON, LUKE B., Merchant, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 29th, 1819. Ilis parents were Thomas and Mary Ann Davi- son, both of Irish extraction. He was educated in the Western University, a well-known institu- tion of his native city. When in his fifteenth year, he became engaged in the grocery business, and in this continued for more than twenty-five years, mecting with great success. In the spring of 1858, he moved to Wilkinsburg, where he has since chiefly resided. In the commencement of 1862, he was elected Justice of the Peace, was re-elected in 1867, and in 1872 was again chosen to fill this honorable position. Ile is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Wilkinsburg, and in all matters concerning its welfare and improvement has ever been a prime and energetic mover. As a business man, he has, by his shrewdness and enterprise, largely and beneficially influenced the commercial interests of the places where he has resided, and, upon many occasions, has manifested a laudable willingness to assist, by shrewd counsel and pecuniary help, those less fortunate than him- self. As a public officer, his conduct has always been distinguished for its uprightness and unblemished integrity.

EWMYER, IION. JOHN C., Lawyer, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 14th, 1848. The family, which were of Swiss descent, were among the early settlers of Penn- sylvania, where they lived prior to the Revolu- tionary War. About 1853, John C. Newmyer removed from his native county to the county of Allegheny, where he received his preliminary education, and was, in 1863, admitted to the Freshman class in the Western Uni- versity. Having graduated in 1867, he engaged at once in the study of the law, under the direction of Kirkpatrick & Mellon, and, after having completed his course with S. Schoyer, Jr., was admitted to the bar November 14th,

1869. He then engaged in the practice of his profession in Pittsburgh, where he continues, except when absent in the discharge of official duties. Ile entered the field of politics early in life, and in 1872 was nominated and elected by the Republicans of Allegheny county to the Pennsylvania Legislature, where he at once took high rank and won flattering recognitions of his rare abilities. Ilav- ing been re-elected by a large majority, in 1873, he became an influential member of the House during the session of 1874. A fitting testimonial to the faithfulness and efficiency of his services to his constituency was his nomination, in IS74, by the Republicans of the Forty-fourth Senatorial District for the State Senate. Ilis great personal popu- larity, coupled with the large numerical strength of his party, indicate for him a signal victory in the coming con- test, in November, 1874. Few men so early in life have so much honor thrust upon them, or bear the burdens of weighity and perplexing cares with a greater grace and equanimity. In IS74, he was elected a Trustee of the Western University of Pennsylvania for three years.

LAKELY, WILLIAM, Lawyer and Soldier, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, March Ioth, 1833, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. Ilis early education was acquired in the common schools of his birth-place; and a course of aca- demical studies was pursued and completed at Witherspoon University, under the able administration of the Rev. Loyal Young, D. D., distinguished for his energy and scholarship. When in his twenty-first year, he entered the office of his brother, Archibald Blakely, then practising law in Butler county, and prepared himself for the legal profession under his efficient guidance. Subsequently, he was admitted to the bar, and removing to Kittanning, Arm- strong county, Pennsylvania, practised his vocation there in 1856. In IS58, he was elected District Attorney in Arm- strong county, serving the full term and winning high praise for his talents and integrity. At the outbreak of the war, he raised and organized a battalion of cavalry, and was appointed Major. Later, this detachment was assigned to the standing cavalry, and finally merged into the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry; when the organization of the regi- ment was effected, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel. While holding this command, he participated actively in several engagements, and upon various occasions was hon- orably noted for his valiant and efficient services in camp and on the field. At different times, and upon different occasions, he was severely wounded, and endured many privations and perilous exposures. He commanded a brigade at White Post during General Averill's raid into Salem, West Virginia; and in the notable affair of the burning of the bridge over Jackson's river, in December, 1863, he gleaned honor and many commendations for his

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skill and bravery. Ile acted under General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley operations, and at other times par- ticipated in the movements and actions of Generals Ilunter, Siegel and Averill. After the surrender of General Lee, and at the close of the war, he resigned his position and moved to Philadelphia. Since that period he has devoted his time and attention to his original vocation, and secured an extensive and remunerative clientage. Although his sympathies are with the Republican party, he has always declined to take an active or prominent part in the political movements and campaigns that continually agitate the country. As a soldier, he was skilful, valorous and enter- prising ; as a lawyer, he possesses a large fund of legal at- tainments and great natural ability. Ile was married, in May, 1856, to Esther Brown, daughter of Joseph Brown, of Butler county, Pennsylvania.

PONYNGHAM, IION. JOHN NESBITT, LL. D., Lawyer and Judge, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in December, 1798. There he received his education, graduating with high honor at the University of Pennsylvania, in 1816. Selecting the law for his profession, he was entered as a student in the office of the Ilon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, whose second pupil he was, the late Judge Petit having been the first. Having completed his preliminary studies in a manner worthy of the highest commendation for the perseverance and talents constantly evinced, he was admitted to the bar, and at once began the active practice of his profession. In 1820, he left his native city and de- cided to establish himself in Wilkesbarre, where he was elevated to the bench and became its President. While travelling thither he came into contact with two persons, one of whom, Samuel Bowman, was a young liw student, who, after his admission to the bar of Luzerne, abandoned legal pursuits for the ministry, and ultimately became the Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania; the other was a grand- daughter of the old Revolutionary patriot and hero, Colonel Zebulon Butler, and who, a few years later, became his wife. Among his ancestry and connections were several prominent divines and prelates of the Church of England and Ireland. His grandfather, Redmond Conyngham, was connected with old Christ Church, Philadelphia, and he, with William Shippen, Charles Meredith, Elias Boudinot and others, aided this church substantially when it was deemed advisable to provide it with a steeple and a set of bells. Subsequently, he was elected Vestryman and Warden of Christ Church, and, in 1758, was one of the foremost to assist in the erection of St. Peter's Church, at Third and l'ine streets, Philadelphia. This church was first opened for divine service September 4th, 1761, and he was a mem- ber of the vestry of the united parishes of both this and Christ Church until his decease. The father of John Nes-

bitt was David Ilayfield Conyngham, who was also con- nected with the last-named church, and was ever prompt to serve its interests with pecuniary assistance or able counsel. In that parish the child was baptized and watched over in his days of infancy and boyhood. While residing in Wilkesbarre, he interested himself greatly in the welfare of St. Stephen's Church, and, in 1821, was elected a Ves- tryman. In October, 1826, a Special Convention, held in St. Peter's, Philadelphia, was called by Bishop White, to take into consideration the expediency of electing an As- sistant Bishop of the diocese; and it was upon this occasion that he first took his seat in the Diocesan Convention as a member of that honorable body. In 1844, he was nomi- nated and elected by the convention to the position of Deputy to the General Convention; in the following October, in company with his lay colleagues, George M. Wharton, Judge Stroud and Ilerman Cope, he took his seat in this body at Cincinnati; subsequently, with but a single exception, he was returned to the General Conven- tion at every session. In the Diocesan Convention he was one of the most prominent and influential members; was placed on many important committees, and was highly re- spected for his carnestness and sterling talents. In the General Convention, a body composed of four clergymen and four laymen from each diocese, and mecting every third year in order to legislate on matters involving the in- terests of the whole church in the United States, he early attained an active and prominent position. In 1862, he was placed on the most important of all committees of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, that known as the Committee on Canons. On this occasion his lay colleagues were Murray Iloffman, of New York, Judge Chambers, of Maryland, and Robert C. Winthrop, of Massachusetts. As a Deputy, he was never absent from his post, ever punctual to every appointment, and always ready to sacrifice all per- sonal considerations to his onerous duties. Calm, logical, and withal liberal in his views, he strongly deprecated extreme views and actions, and was never willing to com- promise, by any unwise alliances, the polity or the ritual of his church. In October, 1868, he was elected President of the American Church Missionary Society. This is one of the most important organizations in the Protestant Epis- copal Church, having its central office in New York, and embracing, in its officers and members, clergymen and lay- men from nearly every diocese. " In this office," says the minute adopted by that society and prepared by the Rev. Dr. Tyng, " his presence has brought commanding dignity to the fulfilment of his duties, his eminent Christian charac- ter has added veneration end respect to his position, and his decided evangelical judgments and expressions have enhanced the confidence with which its operations have been regarded." In every public work or movement de- signed to benefit his brethren or country, he has always been an energetic actor; and in all the questions which have agitated the Commonwealth or the nation in general,

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during the last fifty years, he has never failed to take a decided stand upon what he conscientiously believed to be the rightful and truthful side. In early life he was warmly interested in State and national politics, and, though inva- riably decided and inflexible in his attitude, was respected and admired even by his opponents. For nearly two years he was a member of the State Legislature, and his record there is wholly honorable. It was while acting in this capacity that he won the regard and esteem of Judge Agnew, of the Supreme Bench. In all matters of social advancement and public improvement, and for the develop- ing of the resources of Pennsylvania in the wise utilization of its vast mineral wealth, he was an able and enterprising mover. During the war he was an carnest advocate for the Union ; headed many subscription lists; addressed public meetings; encouraged enlistment; and, debarred from serving himself, gave to his country four sons, two of whom were severely wounded in battle. During the struggle he maintained nobly the reputation of the old mercantile firm of Conyngham & Nesbitt, which, during the sad days of 1780, when Washington could no longer keep the field without money, came forward to the assist- ance of Robert Morris, the financier. As a Judge, he was the recipient of countless encomiums ; and when he resigned his President Judgeship, the whole bar of Luzerne county testified to his rare abilities and attainments, while sixteen judges gave in writing their deliberate judgments concern- ing his character and talents. For thirty years he was President Judge of Luzerne county, and for fifty years a Vestryman of St. Stephen's Church at Wilkesbarre, having since 1826 been the representative of that church in the Diocesan Convention of Pennsylvania, At the time of his death he was President of the Wilkesbirre Tract Society, of the Luzerne County Bible Society, and of the American Church Missionary Society of New York. Ile was also i fourteen dollars per month, Subsequently, upon receiving Vice-President of the American Sunday-School Union and of the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb of Phila- delphia. Ilis death resulted from an accident. While on his way to Texas, to bring home an invalid son, he fell on the railroad track at Magnolia, Mississippi, and the wheels of a passenger car passing over both of his legs, they were so terribly crushed and mutilated that he died within two hours from the time of the accident. This occurred on the evening of February 23d, IS71.

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The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2, Part 47

Author: Robson, Charles. 4n; Galaxy Publishing Company. 4n Publication date: 1874 Publisher: Philadelphia : Galaxy Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 894

Author: Robson, Charles. 4n; Galaxy Publishing Company. 4n
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Philadelphia : Galaxy Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 894