Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Pennsylvania, renowned as the birthplace of American democracy, is a city steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage. Founded by William Penn in 1682 as part of the Pennsylvania Colony, Philadelphia played a central role in the early history of the United States. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787, within the walls of Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital from 1790 to 1800 before the government relocated to Washington, D.C. Located in Philadelphia County, the only county in the state with the same boundaries as its city, Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city and the sixth-most populous in the U.S. Geographically, it is situated at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, providing a strategic location that has contributed to its historical prominence as a port and commercial center.

Biography of William Schwartz

William Schwartz was one of the pioneers of Eastern Kansas. Many of his activities identified him with Miami County and the City of Paola, though in later years his interests were widely extended. Throughout his career the traits of industry and enterprise are strongly pronounced. He was born in Nassau, Germany, May 4, 1838, and there obtained his early education. He was one of a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters. When he was eighteen years of age, in 1856, William Schwartz set out for the land of promise, crossed the ocean and landed in Philadelphia. He … Read more

Biography of Capt. John Harper

Capt. John Harper was a native of Philadelphia; and followed the sea for many years after he was grown. In 1750 he settled in Alexandria, Va., where he died in his 87th year. He was married twice, and had twenty-nine children, eighteen sons and eleven daughters. Charles, the youngest son by his first wife, married Lucy Smither, who was of Scotch descent, and by her he had two children. He was married the second time to a Miss January, by whom he had nine children. The second son of his last wife, whose name was Charles B., was born in … Read more

Life and travels of Colonel James Smith – Indian Captivities

James Smith, pioneer, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1737. When he was eighteen years of age he was captured by the Indians, was adopted into one of their tribes, and lived with them as one of themselves until his escape in 1759. He became a lieutenant under General Bouquet during the expedition against the Ohio Indians in 1764, and was captain of a company of rangers in Lord Dunmore’s War. In 1775 he was promoted to major of militia. He served in the Pennsylvania convention in 1776, and in the assembly in 1776-77. In the latter year he was commissioned colonel in command on the frontiers, and performed distinguished services. Smith moved to Kentucky in 1788. He was a member of the Danville convention, and represented Bourbon county for many years in the legislature. He died in Washington county, Kentucky, in 1812. The following narrative of his experience as member of an Indian tribe is from his own book entitled “Remarkable Adventures in the Life and Travels of Colonel James Smith,” printed at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799. It affords a striking contrast to the terrible experiences of the other captives whose stories are republished in this book; for he was well treated, and stayed so long with his red captors that he acquired expert knowledge of their arts and customs, and deep insight into their character.

Biographical Sketch of E. Miller France

France, E. Miller; insurance; born, Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 30, 1866; son of A. J. and Annie Ainsworth France; educated, Philadelphia public schools, and Pierce School; after entering business, took full course in telegraphy and shorthand at night school; married, Roslyn, Long Island, July 7, 1891, Alice H. Leys; one son, Leys, and one daughter, Helen; from 18 to 42, was telegraph operator New York Division of The Pennsylvania R. R.; three years stenographer and private sec’y, four years as see’y and treas. the Standard Wheel Co. (the Vehicle Wheel Trust), of Indiana; 1897, entered the life insurance business, spending two … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Charles E. Pool

Pool, Charles E.; coal operator; born, Irwin, Pa., July 8, 1881; educated, public schools; married, Philadelphia, Feb. 18, 1911; business career, real estate, Allegheny City, Pa., 1890-1902, W. Y. Bygate Co.; vice pres. one year; 1903, owned and operated coal mine at Gorman. Md., on the West Va. Central; 1904, organized The Continental Fuel Co.; 1906, owned and operated Quaker Valley mine, Rogers, O.; 1908, owned and operated Shamrock mines, Moro, Pa.; sold to Pittsburg Cambria Co.; same year, took over Russell Hill at Delroy, O.; 1910, operated mine at Clements, W. Va.; 1912, organized Claybrook Coal Mining Co.; Banner … Read more