USA > Pennsylvania > The Book of Prominent Pennsylvanians; a standard reference > Part 21
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Since coming to Pittsburgh he has interested himself and a number of others in the organization of an insurance company that is now doing business as the United Mutual Life Insurance Company. Eventually the company will go on a stock basis and operate as the United Life Insurance Company. The concern will be a $1,000,000 capital stock company, and expects in a short time to acquire the strength of the older and more prom- inent concerns of the country. Mr. Bryan is the vice-president of this new company, Joseph A. Langfitt is the president, and W. A. Roberts is secretary and treasurer. These two men are Pittsburghers. In the board of directors are men high in the financial life of Pittsburgh. To Mr. Bryan alone, who incidentally occupies the position of secretary and treasurer of the West Penn Securities Company, is due the successful launching of this new company, and insurance periodicals the country over predict for it a career of unprecedented success as long as it bears the stamp of so efficient an organ- izer and vice-president.
Mr. Bryan is widely and favorably known as an insurance man of great forceful- ness. He is not quite 28 years old, but is one of that energetic kind that never gets tired. Being a man of splendid address and adaptable to all conditions, he is peculiarly fitted for the work of organizing and successfully carrying forward a big general agency. The sending of Mr. Bryan to Pittsburgh by the International Company was in keeping with its plan to get hold of wide awake, experienced men who are known to be efficient.
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EDWARD DAVISON, JR.
Edward Davison, Jr., well-known steamboat captain and one of the fore- most men in the sand and gravel busi- ness in Pittsburgh, is at the head of the firm of J. K. Davison & Brother. Steamboating on the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny rivers is a strenuous oc- cupation, and by the time a man has fol- lowed it for a few years he has devel- oped a hardihood and resourcefulness which will bring him success in most any line of endeavor, if it be combined with business instincts and intelligence. Mr. Davison secured a position on a steamboat when a youth and rose rapid- ly until he became a captain. Soon he became interested in dredging for sand and gravel and at length embarked in this business, becoming the active part- ner in a firm of the highest business standing. The company was first or- ganized in 1870 under the name of J. K. & E. Davison. Later the volume of busi- ness became so great that a reorganiza- tion was necessary and the present com- pany was incorporated.
J. TONER BARR.
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J. Toner Barr is one of the best known civil and constructing engineers in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Barr was born in Philadelphia in 1876. His father and mother were John C. Barr and Mrs. Sarah Toner Barr. At an early age he entered the Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania as a special stu- dent. After this he was given the im- portant post of city engineer of Pitts- burgh, and later became identified with much important construction work. He occupied positions with the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company, the Eureka Fuel Company, the Mellon interests in Pittsburgh and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. In 1907 he began business for himself. Among much im- portant work, he has constructed by con- tract over 15 miles of underground con- duit system for the Bell Company. Mr. Barr is a member of the American So- ciety of Civil Engineers and the Engi- neers' Society of Western Pennsylvania.
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C. C. HAMILTON.
Charles C. Hamilton, Real Estate man of Pittsburgh, Pa., was born in Northampton county, Virginia, Novem- ber 18, 1869, the son of Thomas and Henrietta (Bell) Hamilton. He was educated at the public schools of his native State. Beginning work at 17, he learned the hotel business; then real estate in Hampton, Virginia, and came to Pittsburgh, Pa., in September, 1900. Mr. Hamilton is notable as the origi- nator of the Penn Avenue Produce Dis- trict. The opening of that district where the produce men are now grouped, was rapidly and successfully accomplished by him, an achievement that thoroughly introduced Mr. Hamil- ton to the newspapers and the public. Many Pittsburgh modern apartments were built by him. He is Third Vice- President of the Real Estate Board; Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council Ma- son ; a Knight Templar and Shriner. His offices are in the Union Bank Building.
C. L. SAXTON.
Among the most progressive real estate brokers of the city of Pittsburgh ยท
is Clarence Leland Saxton. He was born November 10, 1877, at New Frank- lin Springs, Beaver county, Pennsyl- vania. His parents are Samuel J. and Isabella A. Saxton. For 15 years Mr. Saxton has been engaged as a real estate broker in Pittsburgh, having been lo- cated on the North Side for 12 years, and the last three years having offices in the Union Bank building. He is a di- rector of the Pittsburgh Real Estate Board as well as being head of the C. L. Saxton Company, a realty organization that has completed some of the largest deals ever made in the Smoky City. From the age of three until seven years ago Mr. Saxton resided in Sewickley, and since that time has had his resi- dence in the East End, Pittsburgh. Mr. Saxton is a member of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Allegheny Lodge No. 223, F. & A. M., Allegheny Council and Bellevue Chapter of that order, and Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.
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John E. Shaw, of Pittsburgh, was born in North Versailles township, Allegheny county, February 8,
JOHN E. 1851. His education was started at the
Newell Institute at Pittsburgh and con- SHAW. tinued at Yale, from which he was grad- uated in 1873. Later he entered the law school of Co- lumbia University and graduated there in 1875. The same year he began the practice of law in Pittsburgh. Leaving the legal profession, he entered into real es- tate, and, in addition to much other important work, manages the real estate interests of H. C. Frick. In 1893 he organized the Provisional Committee of the Lake Erie and Ohio River Ship Canal Company in the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and secured the sur- veys of the canal. In 1905 he secured the incorporation of the canal company. Mr. Shaw is a member of the Union Club, the University Club of Pittsburgh and the Stanton Heights Golf Club.
William Wilson Giffen, only son of Jesse and Rebecca (Fisher) Giffen, was born in East Huntington township, Westmoreland county, Penn- WILLIAM WILSON sylvania, August 22, 1866. He attended the Mt. Pleasant Classical and Scientific GIFFEN Institution, graduating in 1884. In 1889 he came to Pittsburgh, entering the employ of T. Mel- lon & Sons, bankers. In 1891 he formed a partnership with Samuel W. Gault in the real estate business, under the firm name of Gault & Giffen, which continues at the present time; they have since been very actively engaged in the real estate business, with offices at 442 Fourth avenue. Mr. Giffen is president of the First National Bank of Trafford City. Mr. Giffen's firm was one of the pioneers in bringing the modern apartment house to Pittsburgh, and have a large number of this class of construction to their credit.
Henry Graff Hugus, eldest child of Paul and Priscilla Sophia (Graff) Hugus, was born in Pitts- burgh April 3, 1847. He attended Ober-
HENRY
GRAFF lin College, Oberlin, O., afterward HUGUS. studying at the Western University, and graduating from Eastman's National Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Following identification with the stove and range firm of Graff, Hugus & Company, Pittsburgh, Mr. Hugus in 1881 es- tablished a retail store on Smithfield street under his own name. With his brother he was successfully en- gaged in the manufacture of steel hollow ware and steel gongs. Mr. Hugus retired in 1895. He is a Mason, member of Grace Reformed Church, Pittsburgh Coun- try Club, Pittsburgh Board of Trade and the Gentle- men's Driving Club of Pittsburgh and Allegheny. He married Sarah Ann Harrison, their children being J. Harrison and Mary A. Hugus.
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WILSON A. SHAW.
Among Pittsburgh's chieftains of finance is Wilson A. Shaw, the son of James and Nancy M. Shaw (nee Wilson). Mr. Shaw was born at Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 18, 1846. He received his educa tion in the public schools and pursued his higher studies in the Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania.
It was March 16, 1866, that M1. Shaw embarked in the field of business, entering the Merchants & Manufactur- ers National Bank as a clerk. His dis- play of industry and judgment brought him proper recognition, and in 1874 he became cashier of that banking institu- tion. Bigger honors awaited him, and in 1902 he was made president of that bank.
The advisability of the consolida- tion of the Merchants & Manufacturers National Bank, the Iron City National Bank and the Bank of Pittsburgh be- came plainly evident in 1903, and it was effected, being one of the biggest bank- ing mergers in Pittsburgh in years. Wilson A. Shaw was decided upon as the man to guide the destinies of the big financial institution. He was named for President January 1, 1904.
Mr. Shaw continued in that capac- ity until February of 1910, when he resigned as president of the Bank of Pittsburgh. He was thereupon elected chairman of the board of directors and vice-president of that big institution. Mr. Shaw has not confined his banking activities alone to that bank, but is a director of the Fidelity Title & Trust Company of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Shaw is a prominent figure in the club and social life of Pittsburgh, being a member of the Duquesne Club, the Pittsburgh Country Club and the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. He is also a member of the Railroad Club of New York city, and the Pitts- burgh Chapter Sons of the American Revolution.
His entire life has been one preponderating with unusual achievements, and his rise in the banking business was phenomenal. At every turn he displayed great ability and happily, in his case, merit was rewarded by proper advancement. Pittsburgh is proud of his record of rapid progress and has showered on him numerous honors in order to show its appreciation.
Mr. Shaw is not narrowed by his long continued promotion of banking interests, but on the other hand, is a broad, well-balanced citizen who has a general interest in the af- fairs of the city, whether they touch his special line of activity or are directly opposite.
For his charitable activities he has won to himself considerable esteem. The repu- tation he has made for himself is not, however, confined to Pittsburgh, but throughout the State, and even in the busy marts of the nation Wilson A. Shaw is known and recog- nized as a keen-minded financial man.
While he was not born in Pittsburgh, the greatest portion of his life has been spent in that city, and his brilliant business career has been exclusively staged there.
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Louis G. Rankin is a leading real estate operator of Pittsburgh. He was born March 3, 1883, in Aiken ave-
nue, Pittsburgh, a son of Dr. John S.
LOUIS G.
RANKIN. Rankin and Louisa G. Rankin. He at- tended the Liberty school (Twentieth ward), and continued his studies in the Pittsburgh Central high school. Later he attended Washington and Jefferson College, Harvard University and Boston University.
After leaving college he entered the wholesale lumber and later the real estate business, at which he has been very successful.
Edward G. Lang, of North Side, Pittsburgh, was born in old Allegheny, the son of John Henry Lang and Caroline Cole Lang. After leaving EDWARD the public schools, Mr. Lang became in- G. LANG. terested in the fire insurance and real estate business, in which he is now engaged. He is a director of the Second National Bank, the Ohio Valley Bank, the Union American Cigar Company, the Peo- ple's Land Company, the Monongahela Oil Company, and the Dollar Savings Fund & Trust Company. For several years Mr. Lang was Director of Public Safety of Pittsburgh under the Mayor Guthrie administra- tion, and represented the Eleventh ward of Allegheny in Council. He was disbursing officer of the United States government in the construction of the North Side Post Office building. He is affiliated with several Masonic organizations, being a Knight Templar and a Mystic Shriner.
George H. Hershey is a retail grocer of the East End, Pittsburgh. He is an active member of the Board
GEORGE H. of Trade, and has real estate interests-
HERSHEY. residence property - throughout the city. He was born in Circleville, West- moreland county, March 10, 1867, and brought up on his father's farm in Irwin borough. He attended the common schools of Irwin, mastered the carpenter trade, but finally in 1895 engaged in the grocery busi- ness. His business and apartment building is located at Center avenue and Graham street and he has built a residence at 539 Graham street. He is a member of the Friendship Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has served as steward and trustee. He was mar- ried February 27, 1894, to Miss Kate M. New, and they have one daughter.
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ROBERT JAMES DAVIDSON.
To financial Pittsburgh the name of Robert James Davidson is one big in meaning. In fact, Robert James Davidson is one of the biggest figures in Pittsburgh's financial circles.
He is an officer and director in three of the biggest concerns of their kind in the city, and knows banking from bottom to top, experience being his teacher, so that he is not only a familiar figure, but is a leader as well, in his chosen field of endeavor.
Mr. Davidson was born in Wam- pum, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, a son of R. D. Davidson, a prominent resi- dent of that place. He attended the grammar schools there, and as a young man secured a position with a bank.
Since that time Mr. Davidson has been a banker. He has performed prac- tically every duty of a bank employe, in his various positions, during his long career, and points to a long record of service with pride. For three years he worked in different positions in a pri- vate bank. Entering the employ of a trust company, he worked in different trust companies for nine years. For 10 years he has held responsible positions with national banks, and for years has been a bank president.
As president of the Columbia National Bank, and a member of the bank's directorate, Mr. Davidson found he had more time at his command than his duties exacted, and he became interested in the Republic Bank Note Company, of Pittsburgh, and besides being a big stockholder became vice-president and a director.
Mr. Davidson then further proved his versatility and capacity to care for widely scattered and varied interests, when he became treasurer of the Fort Pitt Malleable Iron Company. He also is a member of the board of directors of the latter concern.
Not only is Mr. Davidson prominent in business and financial circles, but he is well known socially as well. He is prominent as a member of the Duquesne and Allegheny Clubs, and has a wide acquaintance and circle of friends, both in Pittsburgh and through- out the State of Pennsylvania.
Few people have the capacity for winning friends who will stick in adversity as well as in prosperity. Such a gift is the possession only of the man of character and pleasing personality. The multitude of men and women who claim the friendship of Mr. Davidson is proof of his standing in the community which none can successfully refute.
Few men take a greater delight than does Mr. Davidson in the society of his friends, and he is always adding to the number. After the trying routine of the day's work in the office is over, Mr. Davidson seeks social companionship for relaxation and rest.
Mr. Davidson possesses a keen insight into human nature. This, with his sterling honesty, optimistic temperament and profound knowledge of the fundamental principles of business, is largely responsible for his success.
225
JOHN A. BELL.
John A. Bell, banker, was born September 30, 1854, in Mansfield (now Carnegie), Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh, where he still resides. His parents were John Bell and Phianna (nee Arner) Bell, who both died before he was eleven years of age. He received a public school education, and of necessity started to work early in life, first taking a position as clerk in a grocery store and later entering business for himself. Mr. Bell served as treasurer of Allegheny county from 1891 to 1893. He after- wards became president of the Freehold Bank, which position he still retains. He is associated with the Colonial Trust Company and the Columbia National Bank as vice-president of each. He is president of the First National Bank of Carnegie, the Carnegie Trust Company, the Burgettstown National Bank and the Grove City National Bank. He is largely interested in producing oil and has an extensive coal acreage.
JEROME HILL.
Jerome Hill, banker, manufacturer and prominent in transportation busi- ness was born May 5, 1878, in Tennes- see. His parents were Jerome Hill and Sallie Wendell (nee Fentress) Hill. When a small lad Mr. Hill was taken to St. Louis, Mo., by his parents. He en- tered the South Academy of St. Louis, from which he graduated. At an early age Mr. Hill became financially inter- ested in the banking business. For years he has been vice-president of the Colonial Trust Company of Pittsburgh and manager of the bond department. On April 1, 1912, he started with the Colonial Trust Company of Farrell, Pa., in the same capacity. Mr. Hill is a di- rector in the Freehold Bank and the Pittsburgh Bank for Savings. He is president of the Indianapolis and Louis- ville Traction Company and the Penn- sylvania Clay Company. Mr. Hill is a member of the Allegheny Country Club, the Pittsburgh Golf Club and the Du- quesne Club. He was married Decem- ber 4, 1907, to Miss Mary Brooks Jen- nings, of Pittsburgh. There are two children.
226
PERCY E. DONNER.
To the ambition and industry of Percy E. Donner, Monessen, one of the rapidly growing communities adjacent to Pittsburgh, attributes much of its remarkable expan- sion. Although a considerable part of the development of Monessen has come as a result of advantages obtained through street railway rights and manufacturing plants, its success has been assisted by the untiring energy of Mr. Donner.
Born in Columbus, Indiana, No- vember 18, 1879, Mr. Donner has spent the major portion of his life in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. His parents, Frederick and Mary J. Donner, gave him the early advantages of a good pub- lic and high school education, at Colum- bus, Indiana, where he received train- ing fitting him for his career in after life. Mr. Donner then came East for the opportunities he sought.
At the time of the organization of the United States Steel Corporation he was placed in charge of the big plant at Monessen on account of his ability, as well as for his pleasant personality, which made the employes of the mill work in harmony with him. Mr. Don- ner remained as the general manager of the Monessen plant until February 1, 1904. Subsequently, he became interested in the development of a number of other enterprises. Among them was the Webster, Monessen, Belle Vernon & Fayette City Railway Company, which was being organized when Mr. Donner entered into its activities. Mr. Donner helped to finance the concern, and as one of its directors gave his attention to matters leading to its success.
Although by this time he was exceedingly busy through his participation in the man- agement of a number of different enterprises of an important character, Mr. Donner was induced to take part in the conduct of affairs of the Pittsburgh Air Brake Company, of which he was made a director. Mr. Donner also became connected with the East Side Land Company, which was the cause for a great deal of the final development of Mones- sen. This company really founded the town of Monessen. Mr. Donner is a director in this company.
Mr. Donner is head of the banking and brokerage firm of Donner, Childs & Woods, being the member for that firm of the New York Stock Exchange. He joined the New York Stock Exchange four years ago, and spent two years on the floor.
Despite the fact that much of his time has been taken up with the pursuit of busi- ness cares, at no time, however, has Mr. Donner relinquished his hold on social and out- door life. He is connected with the Pittsburgh Club, the Allegheny Country Club and the Duquesne Club. Mr. Donner likewise belongs to the Country Club of Pittsburgh and to the Harkaway Hunt Club, where he has many opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the Pittsburgh Press Club.
227
WILLIAM J. JONES.
William J. Jones, president of the Pittsburgh Bank for Savings, was born in Pittsburgh, February 20, 1866, the son of Joseph D. and Carolyn Jones. He has risen from a position as clerk in a department store to the dignity of the official position he now holds. He was educated in the public and high schools of Pittsburgh, and began his business career as a bookkeeper for the Joseph Horne Company. He was a clerk in the postoffice and later inspector in the same office. He has occupied every position in the Pitts- burgh Bank for Savings from a clerkship to the presi- dency. Mr. Jones is a musician of note, being conduc- tor of several amateur singing societies. He was one of the principal sponsors for the Welsh Eisteddfod in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Duquesne Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, the Oakmont Country Club and the Pittsburgh Country Club.
Mr. Jones' advancement has been remarkable. He owes his success to a pro- nounced capability for banking, and combining the qualities of tireless industry, shrewd- ness and foresight. Mr. Jones has largely contributed to the success of the Pittsburgh Bank for Savings. His election in 1913 to the presidency of that institution has met with general approval.
JOHN W. HERRON.
John William Herron was born in Pittsburgh December 1, 1851, the son of William Anderson Herron and Louise Jeanette Herron. Mr. Herron attended the public schools of the city, and later was a student at the old Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania and the Newell Institute. Mr. Herron first was em- ployed in the insurance office of R. Ed- wards & Son. He then went to the roll- ing mill of Zug & Company as mill clerk and paymaster. He later entered the real estate office of his father, after- wards becoming associated with him in the firm of W. A. Herron & Son. In 1900 Mr. Herron's father died and he formed an association with A. J. Kelley, Jr., and George D. Edwards, under the same name of W. A. Herron & Son. In 1902 they organized the Commonwealth Trust Company, Mr. Herron being elected the president. This position he holds at the present time. He is an of- ficer and director of the Commercial Na- tional Bank and belongs to the Du- quesne Club, the Pittsburgh Golf Club.
T
228
W. S. KUHN. Capitalist.
J. S. KUHN. Capitalist.
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W. M. PATCH.
William Moore Patch, managing-di- rector of the Pitt Theater, is a son of Captain Alexander M. Patch, of Leban- on, Pa., and Annie (Moore) Patch; he is therefore the nephew of Joseph Hen- derson Moore, senior partner of the banking firm of Moore, Leonard and Lewis, of Pittsburgh and Boston. Mr. Patch was born in Tucson, Arizona, July 30, 1887. He spent the greater part of his childhood in the West and Northwest with his father, who was an army officer. Mr. Moore was graduated from St. Luke's school, Wayne, Pa., in 1906. In January, 1907, he became sec- retary to the chief of the division of prints in the congressional library at Washington, D. C., and in October of the same year, private secretary to the manager of the Victor Talking Machine company, in Philadelphia and Camden, N. J. Mr. Patch came to Pittsburgh in January, 1909 as assistant dramatic and Sunday editor of the Pittsburgh Dis- patch. He was made dramatic editor of that paper in September, 1909. In 1913 he became managing-director of the new Pitt theatre, projected by a group of wealthy Pittsburghers.
J. A. KNOX.
Joseph Alexander Knox, secretary and treasurer of the Dominion Trust Company, Pittsburgh, was born in Bel- fast, Ireland, January 15, 1867. His parents were Thomas Knox and Agnes (nee Rankin) Knox. He came to Amer- ica in 1889 with his wife and obtained employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad in Pittsburgh in the office of the auditor of disbursements. Later he was employed in the controller's office. In 1900 he became assistant treasurer and assistant secretary of the Fidelity Title and Trust Company, remaining with this concern until 1910 when he left to become president of the United States Glass Company. In 1913, Mr. Knox decided to renew his connection with the banking business, and having resigned from the industrial concern, became the secretary and treasurer of the Dominion Trust Company, in Jen- kins Arcade, Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. Few men have risen more rapidly in the financial and industrial world than has Mr. Knox, and few men have been more worthy of promotion.
230
FRANK A. WESLEY.
Frank A. Wesley, vice-president and director of agencies of the Standard Life In- surance Company of Pittsburgh, was born in Cambridge, Mass., January 14, 1875. He was educated at East Greenwich Acade- my and Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated. After leaving college, Mr. Wesley went into the insur- ance business, in which he has been en- gaged ever since in various capacities.
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