USA > Pennsylvania > The Biographical encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 66
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TRUTHERS, THOMAS, Lawyer, Capitalist, Coal, Iron and Railroad Operator, was born in the Connecticut Western Reserve, in 1803. Ilis father, John Struthers, was of Scotch extraction, and, originally from the State of Maryland, settled .
in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1776. As a practical land-surveyor, he was one of the most useful men in the community, and commanded a company of Mounted Rangers who greatly aided the Government in its conflicts with the hostile Indians. In the above-mentioned reserve he was one of the first settlers, and ultimately be- came one of its most prominent and influential citizens. Thomas acquired in his native place a practical and useful education, attending school during the winter months and working on his parent's farm during the summer season. ·
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Thomas Struthers was noted as an able and tireless advo- cate and supporter, and to him must be mainly credited the ultimate completion of the line. Prior to this time he was connected with General Wilson in the construction of the first railroad in California, from Sacramento to Folsome, or Negro Bar, procuring all the needed rails and equipments from Boston, Massachusetts. He was also interested with others in the construction of street railways in the city of Cincinnati; and, with O'Reilly, Brooks and others, under- took the improvement of the Des Moines river for steamboat navigation. Operating extensively in wild lands, he met with great success, and in 1857 sold his interest in the pur- chase of 130,000 acres from A. M. Jones, of Philadelphia, subsequently becoming largely interested in railroad con- tracts. Later, he originated and successfully organized vari- ous railroads of great importance, viz. : the Oil Creek Rail: road, of which he is President; the Cross Cut Railroad and other branch roads in different parts of the State. In 1863, he purchased a farm of over 400 acres, in Mahoning county, Ohio, and since his return from Europe, in 1867, has erected on it the largest and most successful furnace in the State, and founded a village called Struthers, containing a post- office, saw-mill, church, hotel, store and a station on the Laurence Railroad, besides a thriving and industrious population. He has a large interest in a neighboring coal field, in several furnaces and rolling-mills, the furnaces consuming 1000 tons of coal per diem and yielding nearly half that amount of metal. The Brown & Struthers Iron Works, of which he is the President and largest share- holder, is one of the most prosperous institutions in Western Pennsylvania, its engines and mills being found from Mus- kegon to Florida. In politics, he is a zealous and influ- ential advocate of the Whig and Republican principles, and warmly supports the protective tariff system. Ile was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1872, and while acting in that capacity served ably on several im- partant committees. In addition to the various interests and businesses mentioned, he is proprietor, part owner and director in many other enterprises. Ile was married, in 1831, to Emma Eddy.
of angers, is well known and highly respected. Ilis edneation, which was a thoroughly practical one, was acquired at the Newton Grammar School of West Phila- delphia. Immediately after quitting school he was, at his own request, apprenticed to the gas-fitting trade, in which he continued as a learner and employe, mastering the details of the business with the quickness of an intelligent mind, until he attained his majority. Ile then opened an
establishment of his own, and was soon engaged in mect- ing the demands of a rapidly increasing trade. Having from his early manhood evinced a strong interest and taken an active part in politics, his services were soon rewarded by position. In April, 1861, he was appointed, by the Trustees of the Philadelphia Gas Works, Registrar of Gas for West Philadelphia; this post he filled for two years, when he was retired in consequence of a change in the political complexion of the trust. Ile was almost immedi- ately commissioned Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for the District of West Philadelphia, and performed the duties pertaining to that office to the satisfaction of the de- partment during the administration of President Lincoln. Upon the accession of Andrew Johnson to the Presidency, his political views not being in accord with the administra- tion, he was retired from his office, and returned to the trade he had relinquished. Ile continued at his business pur- suits until the election of General Grant, when he was again appointed to the post from which he had been re- lieved, and held it until January Ist, 1873, when he ten- dered his resignation, having been elected to the State Legislature as Representative from the Eighteenth District. This honor was again conferred upon him by a well- satisfied constituency in the ensuing year. So creditable was his record and so effective his services in behalf of his section that he was renominated, without opposition, for the sessions of 1875-'76. IIe is now a member of the Republican State Convention from the Fourth Senatorial District of Pennsylvania.
EALE, EDWARD FITZGERALD, of Chester, Pennsylvania, was born in Washington, District of Columbia, February 4th, 1822. He is deseen- ded from ancestors distinguished in the history of our country. He is a grandson of Commodore Truxtun, of the United States Navy, and son of Paymaster Beale, of the same service, both of whom had re- ceived, as the reward of conspicuous gallantry, medals from a grateful country through the Houses of Congress. His carly education was acquired at Georgetown College, wI'ye he continued until he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, in 1836. Ile graduated in IS4. and was assigned as Midshipman to the line-of-battle-ship " Columbus," and in her made a cruise to the Mediterra-
EWELL, JAMES, Mechanic and Legislator, was born in West Philadelphia, February 13th, IS35. Ilis parents are also loth natives of the same place ; the father, Samuel Newell, having been for many years engaged there in the manufacture | nean. He afterwards accompanied Commodore Stockton to California, and served both upon land and sea under Stock- ton and General Kearney during the Mexican War, being an active participant in the Conquest of California and per- forming deeds of soldierly valor that read as a page of romance. At the termination of the war he received from his brother officers a handsome sword of honor and cpau- lets, with a petition for his promotion for gallant conduct. The sword bears the following inscription :
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Presented by the officers of the United States Navy, on | you to accept my most grateful acknowledgment. Under the Station at San Diego, California, to Lieutenant Edward Beale, of the United States Navy, for his gallant conduct in the charge upon the Mexican forces at San Pasquale and San Bernardino, and his carrying intelligence to San Diego of the position of General Kearney, through the enemy's lines at great personal risk, on the 6th and 7th of Decem- ber, 1846.
lle was detailed by Commodore Stockton to bear to Washington the despatches containing the intelligence of the Conquest of California. The following is the letter notify- ing him of his assignment :
UNITED STATES FRIGATE " CONGRESS," HARBOR OF SAN DIEGO, February 9th, 1847. 5
SIR :- I have selected you to be the bearer of the accom- panying despatches to the Navy Department in consequence of your heroic conduct in volunteering to leave General Kearney's camp (then surrounded by the enemy) to go to the garrison of San Diego for assistance, and because of the perils and hardships you underwent during that dangerous journey to procure aid for your suffering fellow-soldiers. You will proceed, etc., etc. Faithfully, your obedient ser- vant, R. F. STOCKTON.
At the conclusion of the Mexican War he resigned his commission and was immediately appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for New Mexico and California, on retir- ing from which position he received at the hands of his associates a service of plate bearing the following in- scription :
Presented to Lieutenant Edward F. Beale, from those who served under him during his administration of Indian Affairs in California. A tribute of affection and respect to one whose plan for Indian civilization was conceived in the purest spirit of philanthropy, pursued with self-sacrificing devotion and energy and crowned with the most pre- eminent success-1854.
Under Governor Johnson, and at the especial request of Major-General Wool, United States Army, he was ap- pointe l a Brig klier-General and commissioned to bring to a conclusion the Indian war in California, which delicate service he performed with his usual discrimination, and most satisfactorily. IIe made many highly important ex- plorations across the continent, and was appointed to run out the thirty-fifth parallel of latitude from the Mississippi river to the Pacific Ocean, with a view to the establishment and construction of a national highway or wagon road. II: was also detailed by the President and Secretary of War to examine and report on the efficiency of camels as a means of overland transportation, all of which matters he investigated thoroughly, mastered fully, and satisfactorily reported upon. In 1861, he was appointed Surveyor- General of California and Nevada by President Lincoln, but applied for active service during the Civil War in the following letter :
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, 24th July, 1851.
A short time ago you did me the honor to appoint me to a most important and responsible position, for which I beg
any other condition of public affairs, you have left me nothing to desire. But to the flag under which I have re- ceived honorable wounds-under which my father and grandfather fought for the honor and glory of the country- I think I owe something more in this hour of trial than a mere performance of duty in a position of ease and quiet. To the Government I owe early education and support ; for I entered its service almost a child, and I feel towards it a filial affection and gratitude ; all that I have -- even my life-I owe to it, and it is a debt I am willing gratefully and cheerfully to discharge. From fourteen to twenty-five my life was passed at sea, and for the past fifteen years principally on the great plains and on the Rocky Moun- tains. I served during the Mexican War, and at its close resigned and have been engaged in many positions of im- portance since. I know that I am resolute, patient and active, and if I had not courage my love of country woukl supply the want of it in such a time as this. Devoted to my country and owing it everything I have in the world, I write to offer my services to you in any capacity you may wish to use them until the present Rebellion is crushed out of the land. You cannot add to the distinction you have already conferred upon me by any appointment, for there is none within your gift more distinguished or more honor- able, nor do I desire any change except that I may more efficiently serve the United States. In a word, I simply wish to offer my life for the flag.
With great respect, your obedient servant, F. F. BEALE. To llis Excellency the President of the United States.
Since the termination of his services as Surveyor-General he has devoted himself to his own individual interests, being entirely employed in the details of his extensive land and cattle business. IIe is one of the largest land-owners and sheep and cattle-raisers in the country. His ranche, about eighty miles north of Los Angeles, California, con- tains 200,000 acres of land and flocks and herds unnum- bered. Ile was married, June 27th, 1849, to Mary E., daughter of the IIon. Samuel Edwards, and for five years resided upon his California possessions with his family. Ile is in all respects a man of mark, as well as a scholar of extensive and varied acquirements. The bare record of the services he has performed impresses the reader with an appreciating sense of his unselfish patriotism and high character.
ILLER, REUBEN, JR., was born in Philadelphia, near Frankford, Pennsylvania, in June, 1805. Ilis parents were Pennsylvanians, and his father re- moved to Pittsburgh when he was about four months old. Having received a very good edu- cation at the Old Academy, under Joseph Stock- ton, he went into his father's store, who had commenced a small business in manufacturing cut nails by hand, Reuben often assisting in heading the barrels. In the summer of IS24, he commenced business for himself, opening a gro- cery store on Liberty street. Ile soon became successful,
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and built a store at the corner of Tenth and Liberty streets, which he still owns. Ile has been member of Common and Select Councils in Pittsburgh and Allegheny C.ty, and for thirteen years was member of the Second Ward School Board, representing that ward at the time of the organiza- tion of the Iligh School therein. There was much oppo- sition at the time, but his perseverance helped to carry the measure. In 1840, he gave up the grocery business, and, in connection with William C. Robinson and Benjamin Minis, founded the Washington Works, in Birmingham, near Pittsburgh, for the manufacture of steam-engines. Ilis firm built the first iron steamboat that was floated in the Western waters. At the organization of the Mechanics' Bank he was a large stockholder, and subsequently was elected President, a position he resigned in 1855. After the great fire of 1845, which broke up the insurance com- panies, the Western was, in 1849, the first to reorganize; he was elected President, but refused to accept the position while continuing a Director. lle was married, in 1826, to Ann Leishman, daughter of Peter Ilarvey, of Philadelphia, and has a grown up family, several of his sons being citizens of prominence.
ANDERGRIFT, JACOB J., Merchant, Manufac- turer and Capitalist, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, April 10th, 1827. Ilis father, William K. Vandergrift, had long resided in that city pur- suing his avocation of carpenter and builder ; later in life, and during the childhood of the son, he engaged in steamboating upon the Ohio river, be- tween Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Jacob's educational ad- vantages were very meagre, for, owing to the pecuniary misfortunes of his father, he was at an early age thrown upon his own resources to gain a livelihood. At sixteen years of age he obtained a situation upon a steamboat plying upon the Allegheny. The energy and close attention to duty which he at all times exhibited attracted the attention of his employers, and he gradually attained positions of higher importance until, in 1853, he had risen to the com- mand of the " Hail Columbia," at that time one of the finest steamboats upon the Wabash river. In this position he remained for several years, trading between Pittsburgh and Lafayette, Indiana. In 1860, he retired from river life, and, going to Western Virginia, became interested in the oil sections of that country, and was proceeding in his arrangements for obtaining that product when interrupted by the commencement of the Civil War. Ile was finally forced to leave the State, abandoning his operations and sacrificing his investments. Nothing daunted by the dis- couraging circumstances attending his first venture after oil, in 1862, he moved to Oil City, Pennsylvania. This locality at that time was almost a wilderness, the great business in the earth's product being then in its infancy and the market supply limited. Here he engaged in trade as a dealer and
shipper, and in this line continued until 1865, at which date he commenced operations as a producer in connection with his already established business, associating with him a partner and dealing under the firm-name of Vandergrift & Co. This copartnership continued for two years, when it was dissolved and a connection formed, in 1868, with George V. Forman. The new firm immediately entered upon most extensive operations, laying miles of pipes from different points for the purpose of facilitating the transporta- tion of the oil from the wells to the shipping depot. This was meeting a want long felt, and the reward of the ener- getic projectors of the improvement was a large and satis- factory increase in commercial reputation, business, and money. In 1872, the Imperial Oil Refinery Works, one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in the State, was placed in operation ; the erection of this industry being mainly due to Mr. Vandergrift, who was one of the original projectors of the enterprise, and whose time, means and influence were all exerted to render its success assured. To his sagacity and prudent management is to be credited the high position which these works maintain amongst the manufactories of Pennsylvania. Ile was married, in 1854, to Henrietta V. Morrow, of Pittsburgh.
ARKER, GEORGE R., A. M., Professor of Science and Mathematics, was born in Wyom. ing Valley, Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsyl- vania, August 30, 1823. Ilis father, William Barker, and grandfather, Captain Asa Barker, were natives of Massachusetts, Chelmsford har- ing been the birthplace of the latter. ITis early and pre- liminary education was acquired at the academies in Kings- ton and Wilkesbarre, where he pursued a course of classical and scientific studies; upon its completion, under the direc- tion of various private tutors, and through the recommenda- tion of Bishop Potter, he received from the Union College the honorary degree of A. M. After a few years experience in teaching, he began the study of law under the guidance of James Lowry, of Wellsboro', Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and, finishing the usual probationary course of legal studies, was admitted to the bar. Removing immediately to To- wanda, in the same State, he entered the office of the Ion. William Elwell, intending to at once practice his profession. A vacancy in the Principalship of the Towanda Academy having occurred, however, he was induced to assume the duties and responsibilities of that office in conjunction with Henry M. Hoyt, afterward Judge of Luzerne county, and Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the United States Army during the war for the suppression of the late Rebellion. While consenting to occupy himself in this institute of learn- ing, he did not purpose to abandon more than tempo- rarily his original profession ; but, becoming warmly in- terested in scientific and literary pursuits, and manifesting
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a marked and natural aptitude for instilling instruction into the minds of his pupils, he has since then willingly con- tinued to act as an educator and tutor. While awaiting the erection and completion of the new building in Towanda, he had taught science and mathematics in the Wyoming Seminary, and was the recipient of many encomiums for his able and efficient services. At the expiration of the first year he became sole Principal of the Towanda Aca- demy, and subsequently remained there for about two years. Thence he moved to Lawrenceville, Tioga county, Penn- sylvania, to assume the Principalship of a new academy then in readiness for inauguration ; shortly after, however, he returned to his former position, and ably fulfilled its duties until August, 1854. Ile then moved to Germantown, Pennsylvania, and, in the following September, opened an English and Classical School; this institution, succeeding from the outset, has since won a high and extensive repu- tation as an educational and training establishment of the first order. At the present time, he is a vestryman in St. Luke's Church, and is noted for his cordial s mpathy with all charitable and meritorious objects. Ile is a man of finished culture and refined literary attainments. He was married, August 3d, 1853, to Anna L .. Morris, daughter of the late IIon. Samuel W. Morris, of Wellsboro', Pennsylvania.
INTZING, TENCII C., Merchant, Banker . and Capitalist, was born in Philadelphia, February 7th, ISIS. His parents (T. C. Kintzing and Eliza Gravenstine) removed to Columbia county, Pemi- sylvania, when he was yet quite young, and in this section he received such education as the times and the neighborhood afforded. Here also he made his first start in life, establishing himself in mercantile business, at which he persevered, with more than average success, until the spring of 1840. At this date he removed to Lock Hlaven, where he continued his commercial pur- suits until 1846, when he became largely interested in farming and the lumber trade, subsequently taking up the insurance business and acquiring a lucrative connection in that line. In 1864, he was an energetic promoter of the organization of the First National Bank of Lock, Haven, and has been the President of the institution since its estab- lishment, much of its success and standing being due to his sagacious, careful and highly intelligent management. In him local improvement has an earnest advocate, and numerous valuable buildings which now ornament the town of his adoption attest the practical nature of his advocacy. Ile is a large stockholder in the Gas Works of the town ; is Secretary and Treasurer of the company, and with one other capitalist controls the entire stock of the works. In the Susquehanna river, about two miles below Lock Haven, is " Great Island," a beautiful spot and a most valuable property, which was purchased many years ago from the
Indians by the grandfather of his wife, William Dunn ; he has greatly enhanced the value of the possession by his im- provements thereon. He was an originator and organizer of the Great Island Bridge Company for connecting this property with the main land; the bridge being built in 1854. Ile was for many years a Justice of the Peace. Is now Secretary and Treasurer of the Lock Haven Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company, in which he is largely inte- rested. Ile is greatly respected as an honest, influential and especially reliable member of society. He was married, in 1844, to Mary Dunn, of that section of the State in which he has so long resided.
OLLENBACK, GEORGE MATSON, Merchant, Banker, Legislator, Capitalist, was born in Wilkes- barre, Pennsylvania, on August 11th, 1791. Ilis father, the late Judge Matthias Hollenback, came from Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, on the Swatara, to Wyoming Valley, about the year 1770, and located in Wilkesbarre, where he resided the remainder of his life. Ile was one of that colony of emigrants, under the lead of Captain Lazarus Stewart, who enme here upon the invitation of the Connecticut settlers to make common cause in the defence of their lands, under the Susquehanna . Company. The reward offered these Immigrants.was the "lands within the limits of the certified township .of . Hanover-the name assigned by Captain Stewart ,and his men after the town from which they emi- grated .. Of the number of these young adventurers Judge Hollenback seems to have been the most successful, as during his residence in the valley he accumulated a vast estate in lands, and, at the time of his decease, 1829, he was one of the most wealthy men of the State. George M. was his only son, and after giving him the best education the grammar schools of the county afforded, he educated him in the pursuit of his own occupation, that of a merchant. And for many years the father and son conducted and managed one of the most extensive mercantile establish- ments in the interior of the State. The business embraced the manufacturing of various articles of trade, lumber, flour, paper; and also included agriculture, mining, and many branches of mechanical industry. So that the house of Matthias . Hollenback & Son was the acknowledged head of every business pursuit in northern Pennsylvania. And it was as successful as it was well-known. It resulted in an immense estate, and richly rewarded the enterprise and industry of the men who conducted and managed its count- less details. George M., often called Colonel Hollenback (having obtained that title as one of Governor Shunk's aids in 1846), commenced business in his own name, about the year ISI8. It was at this time that he laid the foundation of the brick edifice for the double purpose of store and dwelling, which is still standing, on the corner of River and
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Market streets, in the city of Wilkesbarre. At the remote period when this building was erected it was probably the most costly structure on the Susquehanna north of Ilarris- burg. The dwelling part is now occupied by John Welles Hollenback, his nephew, and son by adoption. A building of this character, fifty years since, was not the work of a few months, for many of the materials were hauled a great distance upon road wagons, and skilled mechanics upon the banks of the Susquehanna were scarce. So that the new home was not ready for business and occupation until the month of February, 1820, or about two years after its commencement. At this business stand, with various per- sons in interest with him, he carried on merchandizing some thirty years. His own time, however, was mostly de- voted to the necessary care of a very large landed estate, as well as other matters which were constantly accumulating. About the year 1820, he served two years as the County Treasurer, and the books now in that office show his hand- writing upon every page. He was a perfect model of in- dustry, and never availed himself of the assistance of others, if his hours of labor would permit of his doing the work himself. In 1824 and 1825, he represented the county of Luzerne in the General Assembly of the State. This was at the commencement of the system of internal improve- ments and inland navigation ; and, alongside of such men as Dr. Lehman, James Clark, George Wolf, Philander Stevens, and Joseph McIlvaine, he devoted every energy of mind and body to the accomplishment of this scheme. And in years after he contributed over a hundred thousand dollars, in cash, to the construction of the Junction Canal, at the New York line, in order to complete a northern out- let for the North Branch Pennsylvania Canal. He also subscribed liberally to the Susquehanna Canal, to make an outlet to tide-water. The canal system was one of his pets, and he never tired in furnishing money liberally, and be- stowed much of his time at the sacrifice of his private affairs. On the Ist of February, 1842, Governor Porter appointed him one of the Canal Commissioners of the State, but his other business affairs would not allow him to hold the commission but a short time. And it was at the pressing solicitation of his friends that he would accept the office for even a temporary season. Ile was a good merchant, farmer, manufacturer and banker. Ile was the President of the Wyoming Bank at the time of his decease, and had been for thirty odd continuous years preceding. In fact, for nearly half a century the name of Colonel Ilollenback was connected with all the public affairs of the Wyoming Val- ley. He was in no way a selfish man. It gave him as much real pleasure to witness the succes, of others as his own efforts. He was ever ready to aid and assist young men in commencing the struggle of life, when he found them worthy ; but he had an abhorrence for idleness and dissipation. Several of the best business men of the city of Wilkesbarre to-day were his pupils. They received their first lessons of instruction from Colonel Hollenback. Ile
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