USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 58
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consultation and preparations, by four o'clock he was in the [ oeeasion a worthless Indian threw live coals upon the saddle and on the way to Bear Creek, where he met Captain top of a keg of powder in one of his stores, with the purpose of blowing him up; but the courage and ad- dress of a clerk averted the explosion. The Indian is said to have lost his life afterwards in an encounter with the same elerk on a foot-bridge across the river. Many similar aneedotes were related, but the memory of them is now lost. A few years after the war, when the re- nowned chief Red Jacket passed through Wyoming on his way to I'hiladelphia, he paid Hollenback a friendly visit, accompanied by his braves; the host's surviving daughter, now in her eighty-seventh year, still remembers the visit and the courtesy of the noble savage. In July, 1788, Hollenback was present at the treaty of Buffalo, between the Six Nations and the State of Massa- chusetts, represented by Oliver Phelps. At the same treaty were present also Colonel John Butler, the British leader at Wyoming, and Capt. Joseph Brant, the celebrated Mohawk leader. In 1787, IIollenback was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel by Benjamin Franklin, President of the Supreme Executive Council; two later commissions are dated 1792 and 1793. In 1787, he was also com- missioned Justice of the Peace and of the Court of Common Pleas; and in 1791, upon the adoption of the new State Constitution, an Associate Judge, which position he filled with honor and respect throughout the remainder of his life, a period of thirty-eight years. Prominent in publie affairs, as in private business, his house was the home of a generous and courtly hospitality, where were entertained many eminent persons on their visits to Wyoming. For many years it was his custom to give an annual dinner to the bench and bar of Luzerne eounty; at which " the Madeira flowed like water, and the cares of business were laid' aside for the pleasures of hospitality and social enjoyment." In politics, the sympathies of Judge Hollenback were with the Demo- cratic party. Ilis last vote was cast for General Jackson, in November, 1828, only three months before his own death : the ballot was taken from his hands by the election board as he sat in his carriage, the incident calling forth enthusiastic cheers from the Democratie spectators. Ile died on the 18th of February, 1829, aged seventy-seven years, leaving to his children a large estate and an honorable name. Ile was a man of strong mind, indomitable energy and unconquerable will; "a patriotic man and brave soldier, a true type of that representative elass of Americans who subdued the wilderness and founded the Republic." In person he was of the middle stature, with a compact and vigorous frame, capable of the extremes of exertion and exposure. His habits were simple and abstemions, and his dress plain, but worn with a careful regard for personal neatness. Ile was not a member of any Christian church; but was attached to the Pres- Spalding with his company, and urged him to press on to the relief of the fort at Wilkesbarre. That offieer declining the risk, with a few men whom he indueed to join him, HIollenback started on the return. On regaining the verge of the valley, however, he found that he was too late, the town and his own house being in flames and the fort al- ready in possession of the savages. Ile now devoted his exertions to the relief of the fugitives, and supplying them with bread in their flight to the Delaware; in which his untiring energy evoked the gratitude of many sufferers. After tranquillity was restored, he was of the party who returned to the valley and battle-field, and attended to the burial of the slain, whose bones now lie under the monu- ment at Wyoming. Ile now again embarked in trade; marrying one of the widows of the battle, by whom he had three daughters and a son, the late G. M. IIollenback. The house and store which he then erected, and in which he laid the foundations of an ample fortune, is still shown on Main street, in the city of Wilkesbarre. In the year 1791, he established the first trading-post at Newtown- now Elmira, New York-upon the oceasion of Colonel Pickering's treaty with the Indians at that place. About six years before, or somewhat earlier, he established stores at Tioga Point-now Athens, Pennsylvania-Wysox and else- where. All the goods for his numerous stores were brought in wagons from Philadelphia to Middletown, and then "pushed " up the Susquehanna in Durham boats; which, returning, brought down the various artieles of barter, furs, produee, ete., received from the settlers and Indians in exchange for goods. As his ventures prospercd, he ex- tended his operations with wonderful vigor. No amount of hazard, travel, or fatigue, seems to have daunted this daring and energetic pioncer. At each of his trading-posts he acquired land, and carried on also the cultivation of the soil. Clearly foreseeing the progress of the country, he invested his earnings in the purchase of farms and unseated lands, thus becoming ultimately one of the largest land- holders in the valley of the Susquehanna. Upon hearing of peace with England, in 1782, he gathered and took to. Niagara a drove of eattle, for the purpose of supplying the garrisons there. But so prompt were his movements, that he preceded by some weeks the official news of peace, and was held as a prisoner by the British garrison. Upon his return, in 1792, from his last enterprise of this kind, he narrowly escaped from a plot of the Doane gang of des- peradoes to waylay and kill him for his money; his relation of this trip and of his adventures upon the return is said to have been full of thrilling interest. Ilis journeys were made in the saddle ; his money, often large sums of gold and silver, being carried at the pommel. A sword-cane, attached to the saddle when on the journey, was generally his weapon of defenee ; it is still preserved and shown in his | byterian denomination, of which he was a constant and only portrait. Ilis life was often in imminent peril. On one I liberal supporter.
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OORIIED, IION. JAMES KENNEDY, Manu- facturer, Corporation President, and ex-Congress- man, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, September 7th, 1806. His father, William Moor- head, came to this country from Ireland, in 1798, and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Young, whose maiden name was Kennedy ; she belonged to the Scotch- Irish family of that name, whose members were well known as early settlers in the Pequea Valley, of that county. In 1806, he purchased and removed to a farm situated on the banks of the Susquehanna, in Halifax township, Dauphin county, where his son James was born. William Moorhead was an enterprising and talented man, and took an active part in the political movements of the day; in 1814, he was appointed by President Madison, Collector of Internal Revenue for the Tenth District of Pennsylvania, fulfilling its duties with marked ability and judgment ; in 1815, he removed to Harrisburg, where he chied in 1817. In the following spring, Mrs. Moorhead, with a family of six young children, returned to the farm on the Susquehanna; and on James Kennedy, while in his twelfth year, devolved its management, and also the duties connected with a ferry established by his father, and widely known as the Moorhead Ferry. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to William Linville, of Lan- easter county, to learn the art of tanning and currying leather. After the expiration of his term of apprentice- ship, he pursued his trade as a journeyman tanner for a short time; and, in 1827, engaged as a Contractor on the Susquehanna Division of the Pennsylvania Canal, when he became an ardent advocate of the Internal Improve- ment system. In 1828, he obtained contracts on the Juniata Division of the above-named canal, and removed to IIuntingdon in order to facilitate his business. . Upon the completion of his contracts, he was appointed by the Central Commissioners, Superintendent of the Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Canal ; and held that posi- tion until 1838, when he resigned it to take charge of the Pioneer Packet Line, an enterprise established through his instrumentality for the carrying of passengers from Phila- delphia to Pittsburgh. This responsible interest neces- sitated his removal to the latter city in 1836, where he has since chiefly resided. In the meantime, he had become an active, ardent, and influential member of the Demo- cratie party, and was recognized as an eminent ally and astute leader. In 1839, he was appointed by Governor Porter, Adjutant-General of the State of Pennsylvania; and, in the summer of 1840, President Van Buren ap- pointed him Postmaster, at Pittsburgh, which last office he held until the accession, in 1841, of the Ilarrison adminis- tration. At this date, the improvement of the Mononga- hela river by dams and locks was commenced; to him was awarded the first contract therewith connected, and he became a stockholder in the company. In 1846, he
was elected President of the company, and still retains the position after twenty-eight years of continuous service. In the History of the Company, recently written by a dis- tinguished lawyer of Western Pennsylvania, appear the following lines : " It is so obvious as hardly to justify its mention here, that much of this company's success and efficiency is owing to the energy, skill, and unceasing vigilance of its President. . . . . Indeed, so completely has he become identified with the 'Slackwater,' that it has given to him his most familiar sobriquet, 'Old Slack- water.' To what extent this Slackwater navigation of the Monongahela river has contributed to the growth and prosperity of Pittsburgh, and the development of the great interests in the Valley of the Monongahela, need not be told in Western Pennsylvania." In 1840, he established the Union Cotton Factory, in Allegheny City, but in 1849, it was devastated and entirely ruined by fire. From 1849 to 1873, he was largely interested in the Pittsburgh Novelty Works. At an early date, he became identified with the telegraph enterprise, and, for many years, was President of the Atlantic & Ohio Telegraph Company; and of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & Louisville Telegraph Company ; he was also, for a number of years, President of the Chartiers Valley Railroad Company. For a lengthy period, he served as one of the Inspectors of the Western Penitentiary ; and has been a Director and Manager of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and of the flouse of Refuge at Pittsburgh, since their establishment, and still holds a position in the former. To the founding and support of these two institutions he contributed largely, both by pecuniary assistance and personal effort. He is one of the Trustees of the Western University, and also one of its most active and efficient upholders. While a member of the Democratic party, he was distinguished for his Anti-Slavery Extension and Protective Tariff Doctrines. On the formation of the Republican party, in 1856, his principles and convictions induced him to side with that organization ; and, in 1858, he was elected a Representa- tive to Congress from the Pittsburgh District, and subse- quently was re-elected four times. In 1868, he declined a renomination, and at the end of the Fortieth Congress withdrew from active public life. In the Thirty-sixth Congress, he served on the Committee of Commerce; in the Thirty-seventh, on the Committee of Naval Affairs, and was made Chairman of the Committee of National Armories. In the Thirty-eighth Congress, he was con- tinued on the Committee of Naval Affairs, and appointed Chairman of the Committee on Manufactures. In the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congresses, he was a member of the Committee of Ways and Means, while retaining the last-named Chairmanship. Throughout his various terms, he distinguished himself as a shrewd and brilliant orator ; and delivered able speeches on the subjects of the Tariff, Finance, Reconstruction, Impeachment of ex-President Johnson, and other engrossing subjects of the day. He
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possessed, in the highest degree, the respect and confidence | in this venture, he removed his establishment to a more of Abraham Lincoln, and of Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary extensive building situated on Chester creek, and began operations there with 3000 spindles, and all the necessary machinery. Ultimately, he became one of the largest manufacturers in the State, and established, in 1842, the well-known Glen Riddle Mills. His success in life is attributable to his energy, perseverance, prudent and far- seeing enterprise, and an undeviating integrity in all rela- tions with his fellow-men. He is one of the most promi- nent and influential men in that region of Pennsylvania where he resides; and as a business man has the entire confidence of a wide circle of merchants and capitalists, who find in him a prompt, trustworthy, and generous associate. of War, the latter having been, for twenty years prior to this time, his intimate friend and legal adviser. During the progress of the Civil War, he was noted for his un- tiring and generous attention to the wants and interests of the Pennsylvania soldiers; and ever evinced a fearless loyalty and an inflexible determination to sustain the rights and honor of his State and country. While actively en- gaged as a contractor, manufacturer, political leader, as President of a Navigation Company, of one Railroad and two Telegraph Companies, he has managed to devote much time and attention to charitable movements and enterprises of a philanthropic nature; and has always been an energetic participant in all movements calculated to ad- vance the welfare of the State and country. Ilis leading traits of character are indomitable energy, strength, talent, and ability; in its tendencies his clear and vigorous in- tellect is eminently practical, and his nature is aspiring and progressive. He was married, in 1830, to Jane Logan, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
IDDLE, SAMUEL, Merchant and Cotton-Mill Operator, was born in the township of Park- mount, County Antrim, Ireland-situated two and a half miles from Belfast-in the year 1800. After acquiring a varied and useful education in a private academy, he became employed, when in his fourteenth year, in a cotton factory at Belfast. During the nine years which were passed in this establish- ment, he was a shrewd and attentive observer, losing no opportunities to obtain an insight into the principles and details involved in the business, and he rapidly acquired a practical and valuable knowledge of the art of cotton manufacture. Judging that the new country offered more ample fields for profitable operations, he sailed for the United States in May, 1823, but was shipwrecked, while en route, at Sable Island. In the ensuing August, how- ever, he landed safely at Philadelphia, with a capital con- sisting of the meagre sum of four Spanish dollars. Pos- | salesman, time-keeper and overseer for the above firm, re- sessing an exhaustless store of hope and energy, and animated by strong self-reliance, he visited Manayunk ; immediately obtaining work in one of the large cotton factories located there, he was industriously occupied until stricken by fever and ague. Upon regaining his health and strength, he moved to Pleasant Mills, New Jersey, where, obtaining similar employment, he worked diligently for more than three years. In 1827, he decided to invest his earnings in some remunerative enterprise, and com- mence business on his own account. Moving to Spring- field, Delaware county, he rented a building in that place, and began the spinning of cotton yarns, with nearly 500 spindles, employing about ten hands. Prospering greatly
ARR, MATTHIEW ROBINSON, Merchant and Stove Manufacturer, was born at Harbor Creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania, December 25th, 1817. Ilis grandfather, James Barr, cmigrated from Antrim county, Ireland, in 1755; was married to Elizabeth Kirk ; and lived in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, until 1802, when he removed to Erie county with his father, James Barr, Jr .; in 1812, the latter was married to Polly R. Kelly, and acted as a Captain in the War of 1812; subsequently, April Ist, 1830, the two last- named persons moved to Mill Creek, Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather, John Kelly, was a Revolutionary soldier, and noted for loyalty and intrepid bravery. After completing his . early education, Matthew R. Barr, then in his nineteenth year, became engaged in teaching school, and pursued this occupation for several years. His father dying, in April, 1835, he attended to the management of his mother's farm, continuing to teach meanwhile until 1842. In 1845, he was elected Constable of Mill Creek, and was re-elected for the terms of 1846 and 1847, at whose expiration he declined a re-election. He was sub- sequently connected as salesman with the principal busi- ness men and mercantile firms of Erie ; notably with Les- ter, Sennett & Chester, who prosecuted the foundry business in that place. In the summer of 1848, he became general ceiving for his services $300, later $400, and, finally, $600 per annum. The copartnership of Lester, Sennett & Chester expiring March Ist, 1851, hic, in conjunction with Conrad Brown, purchased the interest of the firm, and at once com- menced business under the name of Sennett & Co. In 1856, he became interested with others in a contract to build sixty. miles of the Philadelphia & Erie Road. They were in- structed to begin operations in September of that year, in order to influence certain desired legislation ; the company failing to secure this legislation, however, in the following June the President, S. V. Merrick, instructed them to cease work until further notice. Much dissatisfaction arose, and Matthew R. Barr was appen'ed to for advice regarding the
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inability of the company to comply with its original engage- ments. On this occasion he advocated earnestly the con- tinnance of the enterprise; " determined to aid in building a road to Philadelphia," he encouraged his associates to proceed, and trust in the ultimate success which it seemed probable the company mnight secure. Acting in concert with him, the building was constantly prosecuted, the desired legislation was obtained in 1858, and, in 1859, the contract was suceessfully completed. In 1855, the style of the firm was changed to Sennett, Barr & Co. In I857, the partners lost heavily by the failure of their Western customers, and later, by fire, over $10,000, the Insurance Companies failing to comply with their agree- ments; they lost also an additional sum of $10,000, by the sinking of a cargo of stone in Lake Michigan. These heavy losses involved them so seriously that, in 1858, it was necessary to demand an extension of time, and their indebtedness was not entirely liquidated until after M. R. Barr received the profits arising from his railroad contracts. In 1858, Brown and Sennett retired from the firm, when the copartnership of Barr & Johnson was formed. The real estate was then sold at Sheriff's sale, and purchased by John R. Cochran ; in 1862, it was redeemed from him, and ultimately, after acquiring by purchase his partner's entire interest, M. R. Barr retired from active business in 1872. Prior to 1862, the usual and general mode of pay- ment for workmen consisted. in supplying them with pro- visions and dry goods kept in store; but, believing that it would be to the benefit of his employés to pay them in cash, he did so; the beneficial results arising from this measure far exceeded his expectations; and subsequently produced a long and sorely needed revolution in the reli- tions existing between the employer and the employed in that region. In 1852, he was elected a member of the City Council, occupying that position for nearly ten years ; he was also for several years President of the Common Council. IIe has been an influential member of the Board of Trustees of the Erie Academy; and, in 1866, was elected a School Director, being appointed, in 1866, 1872, and 1873, President of the Board. To the latter position he declined a re-election in the present year, and he is now a member of the Water Commission. Ile was married, in the spring of 1842, to Laura W. Wright, of Mill Creek, Pennsylvania, and has a family consisting of three children.
AUMGARDNER, THOMAS, Coal Merchant and Miner, was born in York, York county, Pennsylvania, December 20th, 1816. Ilis father, Thomas Baumgardner, was a well-known and wealthy hatter of that city ; his mother a daughter of Jacob Gartman, a prominent coach- maker of the same place. On both the paternal and the maternal sides he is of German extraction. llis early
education was acquired in the common schools of his native county, whence, after a short course of ordinary but practical studies, and while in his thirteenth year, he moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and entered the store of Thomas C. Lane, in the capacity of clerk. At the expira- tion of five years passed in this employment, he became- engaged at Lancaster, in the dry goods establishment of Ilenry B. Carson, a widely-respected merchant of that city. Eighteen months later, he purchased an interest in the business, and, until 1840, continued associated in part- nership with his former employer. Purchasing, in the above-mentioned year, the property at the northwest cor- ner of North Queen street and Centre Square, he entered into the dry goods business on his own account. Subse- quently, he associated himself with his brother Henry in the coal trade, prosecuting that calling in connection with the other. In #852, hc disposed of his original business, and greatly extended his field of operations in the last- named trade, opening his present extensive yard, on North Prinee street. Since that date, his trade has rapidly and constantly increased and prospered until he is now re- cognized as the largest and most enterprising coal mer- chant in the city. He is also engaged extensively in mining coal in the Shamokin District, and has an office at 311 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, his sales in this city alone amounting to 18,000 tons per month. IIe is im- portantly interested in the Sand Mining Industry of Lewis- town, Mifflin county, and furnishes to consumers the finest glass sand obtainable in the United States; and, moreover, is a holder of various large interests in the iron founding business of Pulaski county, Virginia. He is a member of the firm of Shenk, Bausman, Carpenter & Co., owners of the " Number 4 Cotton Mill, in Lancaster." He built and was the principal owner of the Junction & Breakwater Railroad, in Delaware, an enterprise he recently sold to the Old Dominion Steamship Company, while retaining an influential share in its management, and acting as Director. In the Lancaster County Bank, in the Lan- caster Bank, and in the Lancaster Savings Institution, he has been a valued Director; and, at the present time, occupies that honorable position in the Northumberland County National Bank, in the Lancaster Fire Insurance Company, and in the Reading & Columbi- Railroad. Ile is the President of the Enterprise Coal Company, and has held that position also in other simily corporations. Ile built the Enterprise Railroad Company, and, until it was consolidated with the Reading Railroad, officiated as its President. . In the Philadelphia & Sunbury Railroad he has been an influential Director; and at this date is en- gaged in milling on a very extensive scale. Ile was mar- wied, March 5th, 1840, to a daughter of John Hoff, a prominent citizen of Lancaster, at one time Cashier of the Farmers' National Bank. From this union sprang seven children, six of whom are now living, five girls and one boy. The son is associated with his father in the coal
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trade, and evidences great shrewdness as a business man and operator. One of the daughters was married to the late Howard P. Smith, Treasurer of one of the prominent western railroad companies; another was married to the late James R. Patterson, son of the well-known Colonel D. W. Patterson
OYES, IION. AMOS C., Lumber Merchant, was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, Sep- tember 17th, ISIS. Ilis parents were Rufus Noyes and Hannah (Clark) Noyes, both residents of the above-named State, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. Until he had attained his majority, he was occupied in agricultural pursuits connected with his father's farm, acquiring meanwhile the rudiments of a useful and a practical education. Ile was then actively engaged for a few years in general mercantile pursuits, meeting with varying success. Removing to Emporium, Cameron county, Pennsylvania, in 1847, he occupied him- self in the lumbering trade; and in this business has since continued, meeting with great and merited prosperity; the firm of Noyes, Bridgens & Co. being at the present time the largest square-lumber dealers on the West Branch. In 1849, Colonel Noyes (taking that title from a militia colonelcy which he hehl some years before) left Cameron county, and took up his abode at Westport, Clinton county, where he has since chiefly resided. During the following twenty years his time and attention were almost exclusively en- grossed by the cares and responsibilities attendant upon a very extensive and prospering business ; also by a growing interest in the momentous public and political questions then agitating the country, and which culminated ultimately in the civil conflict. During the Rebellion he was an active and warmly interested Unionist, and exerted himself to the utmost in aiding to uphold the rights and honor of his State and country. In 1869, he was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, and so satisfactorily and efficiently did he fulfil the important duties connected with this posi- tion that, at the following election, he was once more returned. While acting in this public capacity, he served on several prominent committees, viz. : the Committees on Ways and Means, on Corporations, and Education, besides various others of less magnitude and importance. While engaged in those responsible positions he evidenced, at all times and under all circumstances, the possession of many needed and admirable qualities. When the internecine struggle was at its fullest and most menacing development, he was bold and fearless in speech and action, while he labored incessantly to increase the means and resources of the Government, and effectively denounced the trickery and corruption of faithless partisans and officials. Although devoted to the interests of his party, and an energetic and able ally and leader, he has always sternly refused to use his talents in serving it when conscientiously opposed to its
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