USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 51
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OODWARD, THOMAS CARRINGTON, Prin- cipal Examiner United States Patent Office, was born near Westchester, Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, September 30th, 1829. ITis early educa- tion was at common schools and academies ; sub- sequently, he entered Union College, New York, and, in July, 1854, graduated under the Rev. Eliphalet Nott, D. D., LL.D., President, and received the degree of
RANKLIN, JOIIN, Colonel in the Revolutionary Army, one of the earliest settlers in Connecticut, was born in Canaan, Litchfield county, Con- necticut, in the middle of the last century. In 1774, he removed to l'lymouth, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, bringing with him his wife and children; and, in all probability, accompanied by his brothers, one of whom, in the following year, was slain at the battle of Nanticoke. Removing thence in the spring
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of 1775, he penetrated alone into the wilderness, and on | ing in 1803, he was also one of the most active and fearless the banks of Huntington creek, now embraced within the members. Throughout the eventful period elapsing be- tween 1774 and 1831, when he died at the age of eighty- two years, he was ever prominent as a gifted and dauntless exponent and defender of American liberties and rights ; possessing an amiable and generous heart, he was easily stirred to wrath by wrong and oppression ; and his chronicle as settler, soldier and official, is filled with deeds of noble- ness and loyalty and unfailing courage. Ilis was an acute and capacious intellect, and in the exercise of its unerring faculties, when exposing the evil hidden in the fallacies of the Trenton Decree, dealt a death-blow to trickery and cor- ruption. Almost entirely a self-educated man, his natural abilities, developed by stirring experience and keen powers of observation daily exercised, made him more than a match for some of the shrewdest men of his time. In those memorable days, the Legislative body met at Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, and along the dangerous and rugged route leading thither from his home Colonel Franklin's tall and muscular figure was constantly looked for by the ad- miring inhabitants, who would greet him with smiles and cheers. Throughout Pennsylvania and Connecticut he was renowned as " the Great Yankee Hero," invincible on the field and in the Assembly. township of that name, erected his log cabin, cleared several acres of ground, and sowed them with grain. Later, he participated actively in Plunket's battle ; and, at the head of his company, under the famous Sullivan, fought valiantly against those who had slain his friends and relatives on the Wyoming battle-field. Early in 1776, his wife and family removed to the hut which he had prepared for them ; and from that time until he was arrested by the Tories and im- prisoned at Philadelphia, he resided with them at Hunting. ton creek, surrounded by hostile Indians and Royalists. The following short extract from Miner's History presents a characteristic view of his mode of life during this momen- tous period : " Not long after his removal to Wyoming, his wife died, leaving three small children, one an infant of a week old. Having no person to take care of them, he de- termined to place them in charge of his kind friends in Canaan. Harnessing a horse to a little cart, he put in the three children, tied a cow by the horns to follow, and drove on, having a cup in which, as occasion required, he milked the cow and fed the babe. Thus he travelled the rough way, more than two hundred miles, in safety, exhibiting all the patience and tenderness that might be expected from a mother." He was opposed to accepting the confirming law of 1787 ; and, during a meeting held at Wilkesbarre, Jude IIollenback, who was an ardent partisan of this measure, angered by his persistent refusals to advocate the advisa- ONES, ISAAC, President of the Real Estate Saving Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Steel Manufacturer, was born in Cardigan Spire, South Wales, January 25th, 1807. Ilis parents were natives of South Wales, and possessed the affec- tion and admiration of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. ITis earlier education was acquired abroad, and, in October, 1830, while in his twenty-fourth year, he left his native country and came to the United States. Two years later, in August, 1832, he visited Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, and ultimately selected that eity as a permanent abiding place. Here he began and completed a more thorough course of studies, and learned the trade of machinist. While occupied in this manner, he evinced those powers of quick perception, the shrewd perseverance, and the technical ingenuity, by whose means he has since acquired such a large share of fame and fortune. In 1840, being at this date thirty-three years of age, he began the manufacturing of steel; and was engaged in this business in Pittsburgh until 1865. During this time he was cmi- Dently successful in the production of all grades of the finest quality, and was indefatigable in his efforts to manufacture an article which should eclipse the merits of every other ; to achieve this desirable and important end, it was necessary to exercise the closest attention, the minutest research, and the most patient laboriousness; in none of these required qualifications was he deficient, and in due time his com- mendable efforts met with a signal and deserved success. bility of the law, struck him with a loaded whip. Ulti- mately, however, his opinions prevailed and were accepted as correct and just by the majority of those interested in the application and operation of that law. When Patterson expelled the Connecticut people from the valley, in 1784, he was advancing in his canoe to meet Congress at Anna- polis; upon the return of the patriots they encamped in Kingston, on the banks of Abraham's creek, where they erected four strong log structures for both occupation and defence. When Armstrong attacked this position he met with a strong resistance, and was compelled to retreat ; on this occasion, William Jackson, an intimate and valued friend of Franklin, was severely wounded ; seeing this, the latter, then Captain and Commander of the fortification, took upon himself an oath full of pathos aud solemnity : " I will never lay down my arms until death shall arrest my hand, or Patterson and Armstrong be expelled from Wyoming, the people restored to their rights of possession, and a legal trial guaranteed to every citizen by the Consti- tution, by justice, and by law." Later, at " a parade on Shawnee," he was unanimously appointed Colonel of the regiment, and became one of the most admired and trusted leaders of the Revolutionary heroes. The general scope and tenor of the compromising law of 1799 owed their origin to his efforts ; and, as a member of the General As- sembly of that year, he evinced admirable qualities of mind and heart. For the four succeeding Assemblies, terminat-
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The indirect, and also direct good, arising from such ope- rations is scarcely appreciable by those unacquainted with the more important generalities and details of the steel manufacturing industry ; but from those who are in a posi- tion which enables them to judge rightly concerning the value of his enterprise and experience, he will receive high praise and grateful commendation. For sixteen years he was a member of the City Council ; and of one branch was chosen President. While acting in this latter responsible capacity, his actions and deportment were marked by great ability and firmness. He was a member of the Pittsburgh Board for several years, also President of the Pittsburgh & Steubenville Railroad Company. For many years he was on the Board of Directors of the National Bank, and for the past twelve years has acted as the President of the Real Estate Savings Bank of Pittsburgh. In the discharge of the various functions and manifold duties attached to these positions, he has ever distinguished himself by his unde- viating integrity and efficient administration ; while in his relations with all, whether as business man, official, or citizen, his record is without stain or blemish. Ile is an able and active mover in matters conducive to improvement in affairs moral, educational and political; and interests himself generously in the welfare of the poor and deserving.
OUSTON, GEORGE PORTER, Captain and Brevet Major of Marines, United States Navy, was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, September 12th, 1839. Ilis father was Dr. Samuel A. Ilouston, who was for many years an Examiner in the Auditor's Office for the Post-Office Depart- ment at Washington. 1His mother was a Miss IIumes, of Lancaster, a niece of ex.Governor George Porter-after whom the Captain was named-and on both sides his family was descended from old families of the Scotch Covenanter immigration. Ile was educated at various private schools and seminaries until 1857, when, under orders of Secretary of the Navy, Toucy, he entered the Washington Navy Yard to study naval engineering. After one year of study, he passed his examination and was appointed Third Assistant Engineer in May, 1858. lle was attached to the frigate " Minnesota," and made a cruise in that vessel in the East Indies, when, his health failing, he resigned and returned home in February, 1860. October 23d, 1860, he was ap- pointed by President Buchanan Second Lieutenant of Ma- rines, and was ordered to duty at head-quarters of the corps, at Washington. Ile remained at this point until April, 1861, when he was sent with a detachment on the sloop " Pawnee," under Captain Rowan-now Vice-Admiral-to Norfolk, Virginia, and assisted in the destruction of the property and stores at that yard, to prevent their falling into the hands of the rebels. Returning, he commanded the guard at the Washington Navy Yard until May 30th, 1861,
when he was ordered to the New York yard on the same duty. July Ist, 1861, he was ordered on board the sloop- of-war " Jamestown," at Philadelphia; sailed thence to Charleston for orders, and after remaining off Savannah till August, was sent to Fernandina, Florida, where the ship remained until October, 1861. During this time he parti- cipated in a boat expedition which chased, captured and destroyed the barque " Alvarado "-a prize of the rebel cruiser " Jeff. Davis "-under the heavy fire of the rebel batteries. Ile returned North in the " Jamestown," and was thence ordered, in the same vessel, on blockade, off Wilmington, North Carolina. Ile remained on this station until May, 1862, when he returned North, and in June fol- lowing was detached and ordered to the head-quarters at Washington, to instruct the newly-appointed officers of his corps. In the meantime, September Ist, 1861, he had been promoted First Lieutenant. In September, 1862, he was ordered to Admiral Wilkes' Flying Squadron, on board the flag-ship " Wachusett,' and was in the West Indies in chase of rebel cruisers until July, 1863. During this period, in December, 1862, a slaver was discovered at Mu- heures, Mexico, which was about being sold to the rebels ; Admiral Wilkes sent Houston on board with fifteen ma- rines, and these obtained possession of the vessel and as- sisted the Lieutenant, who got the ship under weigh and out of port, when she was surrendered formally by Lieuten- ant Houston to the Admiral as a prize off the coast of Yu- catan. Ile was next, in August, 1863, sent to the Navy Yard at Pensacola, Florida; while there, he commanded in several expeditions up the Blackwater and the Escambia rivers, and destroyed the principal salt and other important works of the rebels. In December, 1863, he was invalided home to Philadelphia from the effects of yellow fever, and, in January, 1864, was ordered to the sloop-of-war " Brook- lyn," Captain Alden. Ile was promoted Captain, February 6th, 1864. The " Brooklyn " was sent, in May, 1864, to the blockading fleet off Mobile, and he participated in the fights with the rebel iron-clad ram " Tennessee," the " Selma," the bombardment and capture of Forts Morgan and Gaines, from August 5th to August 23d, 1864. During these fights the " Brooklyn " was struck fifty-six times, re- ducing her almost to a wreck, and she was sent North for repairs. In October, 1864, the " Brooklyn " joined Admi- ral Porter's fleet in Hampton Roads, and participated in the attacks on Fort Fisher, December 24th and 25th, 1864, and in the attack and capture, January 13th, 14th and 15th, 1865. Ile was detached February Ist, 1865, and ordered to the New York barraeks, and in May following to the temporary command at the Philadelphia barracks. In August, 1865, he was ordered to the head-quarters at Wash- ington, and in October, on recruiting duty at Philadelphia. From here, in June, 1867, he was ordered to the frigate " Minnesota," Commodore Alden commanding, on a spe- cial cruise to Europe, which lasted until February, ISGS, when he was detached and sent to the New York Navy
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Yard. December 30th, 1869, he was ordered to command the marines on the Darien Canal Exploring Expedition, under Commander T. O. Selfridge, to determine available canal routes, and was detached in October, 1870, and sent to the receiving ship " Vermont," at New York. In Sep- tember, 1871, he was ordered to command the marines of the European Squadron, on board the frigate " Wabash," and returned to the United States in August, 1873. In the following November, he was ordered to the command of the Marine Guard at the Washington Navy Yard, where he was stationed in August, 1874.
ING, JAMES, M. D., Physician, was born in Bed- ford county, Pennsylvania, January 18th, 1816. Ilis father was John King, iron-master, a very prominent and influential citizen and business man. His education was acquired at the'Bedford Classical and Mathematical Academy, then pre -. sided over by the Rev. Boynard R. Hall, well known for his scholarly attainments and able administration. Ile subsequently studied medicine in Lexington, Kentucky, under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin W. Dudley, the dis -- tinguished American Lithotomist and Professor of Anatomy and Surgery in the Pennsylvania University. Upon the completion of a course of studies in this institution, he graduated, and, March 14th, 1838, took his degree in medicine. He immediately commenced the practice of his; profession in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; in 1844, how -; ever, he moved thence to Washington, Pennsylvania, where he resided for about six years, securing a large and lucra- tive practice ; during a portion of the time passed there, he was Lecturer, in the College of Washington, on Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene. Ilis health being undermined by a severe attack of fever, he resigned his chair in the institution, and in 1850 removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. Until the breaking out of the Civil War, he prac- tised his profession in that city ; then, influenced by ardent patriotic motives, entered the service of the United States as a Surgeon. Ile was successively Surgeon at Camp Curtin, Division Surgeon of the State, and Medical Director of the Pennsylvania Reserves, a position which he occupied during the major portion of the time elapsing between the date of their mustering in to co-operate with the Govern- ment forces and the occurrence of the battle of Antietam. Ile participated actively in all their battles and operations up to that time, when, at the request of Governor Curtin, he was mustered out of the United States service, in order to take the position of Surgcon.General of the State. This honorable and responsible office he held until August Ist, IS64, when he resigned, desiring to resume his private practice at Pittsburgh. As Surgeon-General, he was charged with the examination of the medical officers sent by the State into the field during that period, and, in the
performance of its onerous and important duties, evinced great ability, firmness and conscientious impartiality. He was an influential member of the first Examining Board organized by his predecessor, Surgeon-General Smith. Subsequently, his unequalled reports as Surgeon-General of the State were taken by the Surgeon-General of Ohio as a model for his reports, and their style and method were copied throughout. Not only did he accomplish faithfully the ordinary routine of duties attached to that position, but, in many and various ways, systematized and improved the scope of its management and regulation. After his return to Pittsburgh, he at once entered upon a laborious and re- munerative practice, which has, up to the present time, been constantly thriving and increasing in extent. While en- gaged in the field or hospital, he was distinguished for his entire abnegation of self in the performance of trying and perilous duties, for his indefatigable endeavors to resusci- tate the dying and restore to health and strength those stricken down by disease or wounds, and for his exhaustless self-possession and heroism when environed by the most imminent danger, arising from hostile foes or the subtle poison' of. plague and fever. On several occasions he risked his own' life to save the lives of others-suffering and disabled soldiers; and in no instance would he consent to absent himself from his post at the hour of danger, or retire to a place' of safety when his services were in any degree necessary. In civil life, he is honored for his thorough scholarship and intimate knowledge of the surgi- cal and medical arts; and for the innate and courteous modesty which prevents many from fully appreciating the weight and worth of his natural talents and acquired abilities. Apart from his acquaintance with professional subjects, he is well versed in the various departments of general literature ; is a keen and competent critic when pressed for his thoughts and opinions; and is endowed with unusual perceptive and discriminative powers. He is one of the most widely-known and venerated practitioners and citizens of Pittsburgh, and is ever willing to assist and forward, by his means and influence, all charitable and benevolent undertakings. Although always actuated by a fervid loyalty and love of country, he has never sought publie office or political preferment, and repeatedly has refused to allow himself to be drawn into prominence as a politician.
PENCER, S. SIIEI.DON, Manufacturer, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, Septem- ber 15th, 1825. His father, Simson Spencer, of English descent, was a well-known farmer of that section, who also interested himself largely in commercial transactions. Fully alive to the requirements of the age, the father afforded the son every facility for the acquirement of a thorough education. After enjoying the advantages of the common schools and
Jos. hing 16.D.
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academies of his native county, he entered, at the age of fourteen, a cotton-mill in Chicopee, Massachusetts, as lap- boy. In this position he continued during the summer months of each year, attending school in the winter, until he attained his majority. Thoroughly versed in every detail of his business, he was offered at that time the post of Assistant Overseer of the Conestoga Cotton-Mills, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He accepted the position, and fully met the requirements thereof until the year 1851, at which date he ranked as General Superin- tendent. About that time a second mill was built by the company, and he was appointed Resident Agent, General Superintendent and Treasurer of the entire works. These combined offices he still continues to hold, and so thor- oughly does he understand and satisfactorily discharge the duties pertaining to his position, that the affairs of the entire interest are committed almost exclusively to his hands. Ilis rule over the small army of employés under his charge is parental in its kindness, just consideration and firmness. IIe has erected upon the grounds of the company a large building, and established therein an evening school and a lecture and reading-room, all free to the working people under his supervision. While the establishment of this in- stitution would fully exhibit the character of his heart, his interest in public affairs renders him still more marked as an enterprising, patriotic and philanthropie citizen. IIe was a leading spirit in the construction of the Lancaster Agricultural Park ; is a Director in the Ocean Beach Asso- ciation of New Jersey and of the Lancaster Hotel Com- pany; and is also a Vice-President of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society. During the late Civil War, he aided by every means in his power to retain inviolate the supremacy of the Union. The conspicuous position which he occupies in society has frequently caused him to be urged to accept public office, but he has persistently declined. Ile was married, in 1851, to a daughter of Jacob Bertz, of Lancaster, and after her death, in 1863, he was united to a daughter of Jacob Foltz, of the same city.
UTTON, RHODES STANSBURY, A. M., M. D., Physician, was born July 8th, 1841, at Indiana, Pennsylvania. Ilis father, one of the most promi- nent business men of the State, was ambitious that his son should follow his footsteps in life. Ilis mother, a woman of fine intellectual culture and Scottish ancestry, designed him for a profession. At the age of fifteen he was placed in Tuscarora Academy, from whenee he entered the Sophomore class of Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated at the Commencement, in July, 1862, receiving the degree of A. B. In October, 1862, he placed himself under the tutorage of Professor Agnew, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 1865, receiving
the degree of M. D. Immediately he was chosen one of the Resident Physicians of Blockley Hospital, West Phila- delphia, which position he filled for seven months, when he resigned and began the teaching of anatomy to medical 2 students. He enjoyed the patronage of many students, lecturing in the Philadelphia School of Anatomy during the winter of 1865-'66 and summer and fall of 1866. During the latter year Washington and Jefferson College bestowed upon him the degree of A. M. A severe attack of illness, the result of overwork, compelled him to relinquish his teaching, in which he was succeeded by Dr. William Keen. In the spring of the following year, having re- covered health and married the youngest daughter of James Mccullough, of Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, he began the practice of his profession in Pittsburgh, where he has since remained, and has attained a high position in his profession. IIe is a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, State Medical Society, and American Medical Association.
ERN, PETER, Merchant, was born in Germany, in 1830. Ilis father dying when he was but four years of age, his mother emigrated to this country the following year, and settled in Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania. Until he had attained his twelfth year, he regularly attended the day sessions of a German school in this city, learning, meanwhile, to speak English with a tolerable degrec of fluency. For two weeks he at- tended also the day sessions of an English school, and was then apprenticed to learn the moulding trade. In this business he was occupied until 1866, and during that time was noted for the neatness and elegance of his work. In this year he abandoned his original vocation, and became engaged on his own account in the tobacco business, in which he met with much success. In 1868, he was elected to the Common Council, acting creditably in this capacity for one year; he was afterward re-elected for three terms, and throughout this time was distinguished as a prominent, active and influential member, also as a wise and loyal official, who, while refusing to attach limself to any par- ticular party, opposed inflexibly every measure and move- ment which he deemed might be harmful or prejudicial to the interests and welfare of the general community. When the Pennsylvania Railroad Company secured the passage of a bill giving to it the right of Grant and Washington streets, Pittsburgh, he inserted therein a clause reserving to the city the right to erect one or more inclined plane rail- road, for the convenience of citizens residing on the hill; this clause, highly important in its scope and nature, was adopted, and for his foresight and shrewdness in originating it he deserves great praise. IIe is an active and earnest mover in all matters pertaining to the commercial and political interests of his adopted city, and is invariably among the foremost of those whose aim is to ameliorate the condition of the poorer classes, to improve the resources
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of the artisan, and to secure to all a fair share of educational advantages. In publie, as in private life, his distinguish- ing qualities have been uprightness, undeviating integrity, close attention to the matter in hand, and indomitable perseverance in effecting the desired object. Ile was married, in 1853, to Agatha Zimmerman, daughter of the late Joseph Zimmerman, who participated actively in the Mexican War and was a prominent and influential citizen of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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