tition. In this direction he was the recognized leader of the anti-monopolists, and, though tempted to withdraw his opposition to the monopolists, by prospects of ample financial returns in the way of business facilities, he consistently stuck to his principles, and refused to be cajoled in any manner. In 1879 he went to Europe, and made a thorough investigation of the oil fields of the Baku region in Russia, to learn, if possible, what its competition with American oil would ever attain. In 1881 he made a second visit to Europe, this time traveling through France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and up the Nile 1,000 miles, as far as the second cataract. He has also traveled extensively in this country, and in the Canadian provinces, and has equipped himself with a vast store of general information as to the needs and capability of the country. While traveling he was always a keen observer and a painstaking student of the men and things he met. He is a man of broad views, a ready reasoner and most determined in execution. His philanthropic work, while it has been very extensive, has been directed in a modest and unostentatious manner, and many are the institutions and private personages who have felt the influence of his quiet beneficence. In his personal habits, as in his public actions, he is plain and unpretentious. His home life is one of domestic peace and happiness, and furnishes him a harbor from the labors of business and public service, to which he always hies with pleasure unfeigned. His public spirit, coupled with a firm conviction that the rights of the common people must be sustained against the encroachment of individual or corporate gain, has made him an object of admiration among the people, and one to whom they have always shown a readiness to entrust their welfare. He is now engaged in the production and refining of petroleum on a very extensive scale in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn.; merchant flour-milling in Three Rivers, Mich.; has large wheat land interests in Northern Dakota, and is lumber milling in Farmers, Rowan Co., Ky., and is owner of a large oil well and general supply store in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn.

J. B. FARREL, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Erie county, N. Y., April 8, 1844, a son of Robert and Mary (Wells) Farrel, natives also of the Empire State, and of Scotch-Irish descent. He remained at home until after the breaking out of the Rebellion, when, in 1861, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixteenth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged in 1863 on account of wounds received in battle, which incapacitated him for active service. Soon after his return home he came to the lower oil fields of Pennsylvania, and drilled wells at Petroleum Centre, remaining in that vicinity until 1876, when he removed to Bradford, where he has since lived, owning a number of wells near the city. He has been a successful business man, is one of the leading citizens of Bradford, and has served as a member of the select council. He is a Republican in politics.

JOSEPH FISCHER, of the firm of L. A. Fischer & Co., wholesale and retail grocers, Bradford, is a native of Alsace, Germany, born February 18, 1857, the youngest of seven children of Anthony and Catherine Fischer, former of whom died in 1869; latter still living on the old homestead in Germany. Joseph was reared in his native country, and there received a good commonschool education. After coming to America he took a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Buffalo, N. Y. In 1880 he came to Bradford and clerked for his brother in a wholesale and retail grocery business, continuing in that capacity until 1884, when he was admitted to the firm as a partner. This firm have a large retail trade, giving employment to thirteen men and three delivery wagons. Mr. Fischer was married in Buffalo, April 11, 1888, to Miss Lucy A. Diebolt, daughter of George A. Diebolt, a

prominent boot and shoe merchant of Buffalo. In politics Mr. Fischer is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is treasurer of the Catholic Benevolent Legion.

JOHN FLANAGAN, dealer in oil well supplies, Bradford, Penn., was born in Ireland, in 1850, a son of John and Bridget (Kelly) Flanagan. His parents came to the United States in 1851, and settled in Armstrong county, Penn., where the father died April 7, 1864, and where the mother still lives. Left fatherless at an early age, the subject of our sketch was obliged to rely on his own exertions, and began working in the mines, which he continued until 1883. He then came to Bradford, where for a few months he worked at plumbing; then opened a junk shop, and has been successful in that line of trade, also handling a full line of oil well supplies. Mr. Flanagan was married April 24, 1873, at Brady's Bend, Penn., to Anna, daughter of Manasseh Boyle, and they have eight children: Anna, Mary, John, James, M. J., Rosella, Stephen and William. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican.

LEONARD SAMPSON FOSTER, deceased, was a native of Townsend, Mass., born March 25, 1792. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and he a soldier in the war of 1812. He was one of a family of twelve children, who were noted for their longevity. His mother lived to be over one hundred years old, and two brothers lived to be ninety, and one sister to the age of eighty-three years. Mr. Foster moved with his family to McKean county, Penn., in 1827, and settled in what was afterward Foster township, the same having been named in his honor. He first embarked in the lumber business, but afterward devoted his attention to agriculture. He died at his residence at Foster Brook, June 13, 1882, in the ninety-first year of his age. March 27, 1817, he married, at Watertown, N. Y., Miss Betsy Hinds, and they spent together a happy married life of over sixty-five years. They had a family of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. One son, A. G., laid down his life for his country during the war of the Rebellion. Seven of their children and over thirty grandchildren are now living.

HON. C. H. FOSTER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., September 5, 1826, a son of L. S. and Betsy (Hinds) Foster, his father a native of Massachusetts and his mother of Vermont, of English descent. In 1827 his parents moved to McKean county and made this their home the rest of their lives. The father died June 13, 1882. He was a prominent man in the county, and Foster Brook and Foster township were named in his honor. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. C. H. Foster was the third born in his parents' family. He was reared on his father's farm, attending the district school, and early in life embarked in the lumber business on his own account, which he continued until 1872, and since then has been largely engaged in the oil producing business. In 1845 Mr. Foster married Miss Euphemia Snider, daughter of William Snider. She died in 1867, leaving five children: Charles C., C. M. (of Michigan), C. H. (of Findlay, Ohio), Effie (wife of Otis Kingsbury) and Emma E. (wife of L. A. Smith.) In 1870 he married Evaline A., daughter of John F. Melvin. Mr. Foster is a Republican in politics and has held different positions of trust. He has served his town as school director and treasurer, his county as treasurer one term of three years, and as auditor one term of three years, and in 1877 and 1878 was a member of the State legislature. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. His brother, Capt. A. G. Foster, was a member of the Pennsylvania Bucktail Regiment during the war of the Rebellion, and after a service of three years and three days was killed at the battle of the Wilderness.

A. T. FOSTER, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Bradford township, McKean Co., Penn., February 28, 1841. His father, Ephraim Foster, was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., and married Miss Lydia Bliss, who was born in the State of Vermont, Orange county, but moved to New York State with her parents when a child. About 1836 they came to McKean county and purchased a farm in Bradford township and engaged in farming and lumbering. The father and mother are still residing in Bradford township, although retired from active life. Ten children were reared by them, eight of whom are still living: David B. (of California), Mary Etta (wife of Patrick Shady, of Panama, N. Y.), Noah (of Chautauqua county, N. Y.), A. T., Ulissa (wife of A. J. Brooks, of Guffey, Penn.), Willard G. (of Bradford township), Augustus (of Michigan) and Eugene (of Bradford township). A. T. Foster received a common-school education, and has principally followed farming and lumbering. In 1861 he mar ried Miss Ellen R., daughter of G. W. Watrous, of Lafayette township, and to them have been born eight children: Elvira (wife of G. W. Dieter, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.), Alice (wife of Donald Kidd, of Potter county, Penn.), Alida, Elmer, Lulu, Laura, Charles and Olive. Mr. Foster has always been identified with the Republican party. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church.

NELSON M. FRANCIS, oil producer, Custer City, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., February 8, 1836. His father, Paul Francis, was a native of England and a currier by trade. He immigrated to America in 1830 and married, in Chautauqua county, N. Y., Mrs. Polly Willoughby, formerly Miss Polly Boss; he was married three times. He died in 1887. Nelson was the only child reared to maturity. He was educated in Chautauqua county, N. Y., and remained there until eighteen years of age. In 1854 he went to Bellevue, Wis., where he taught school during the winter and worked on a farm during the summer, until 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin, Company H, served thirteen months, and on account of sickness was honorably discharged. He then located near Forestville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he engaged in farming and dairying until 1869, and then for one and onehalf years followed the butter and cheese business at the same place. In 1871 he went to Petroleum Centre, and in partnership with Mr. J. Hurlbert purchased the McClintock House, which they conducted for about two years. Since that time Mr. Francis has been engaged in oil producing in Venango county, Penn. In 1877 he came to McKean county and has since resided at Custer City, operating from twelve to thirty-five wells most of the time. Since 1882 he has been a member of the Bradford Rock Glycerine Company, is a member of the Ohio Rock Glycerine Company, of Lima, Ohio, and is also a member of the firm known as the Western Drilling Company. In 1858 he married Miss Tyrella M., daughter of Edward and Tyrella (Blair) Durand, of Ohio, and they have four children: Edward Paul, Nelson Thornton, Egbert Earl and Grace Louise. Mr. Francis is a member of Hanover Lodge, No. 152, F. & A. M., and of the A. O. U. W. of Custer City, also of Post 141, G. A. R., and Iron Hall of Custer City; politically he is a Democrat, and for nine years has been school director of Bradford township.

D. U. FRASER, watchman for the Erie Railroad at the Elm street crossing, Bradford, is the oldest railroad man in the employ of the Erie Road at Bradford. He carried the chain in the survey of the road, then worked on its construction, and when the road was completed was appointed baggage master at Bradford, holding that position until 1887, when he resigned and was appointed watchman at Elm street. This is a post of great responsibility, and one that few could fill, even if they desired it. Mr. Fraser has been in the

employ of the Erie Company for over a quarter of a century, and is one of their most reliable men. He was born in Scotland in 1832, a son of Alexander B. and Margaret Fraser, being the eldest of six children. When twentyfour years old (in 1856) he left his native country, and as the ship that brought them across the ocean was leaving port, the bells were ringing in the town and the people were rejoicing at the glad tidings of the close of the Crimean war, and the proclamation of peace. He landed in New York City, where he remained a few months, and in 1857 came to Bradford. Mr. Fraser was married at Forestville, N. Y., in 1858, to Ann McKenzie, a native of Scotland, and they have one child, Margaret. Mr. Fraser is a Republican in his political views.

F. F. FRENCH, dealer in nitro-glycerine and torpedoes, Bradford, was born in Allegany county, N. Y., September 4, 1854, a son of Sanford and Usley (Holdridge) French, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. He remained in his native county until 1876, when he came to Bradford and was here employed in the oil fields. Later he bought a lease and began to operate for himself. In 1878 he became associated with Mr. Gormley, and has since been engaged in his present business. In politics he votes with the Democratic party, but is in no sense a politician, devoting his entire attention to his business interests.

G. GARDELLA, restaurateur, Bradford, is the proprieter of a first-class fruit and confectionery establishment. He started in business in Bradford in 1878 in a small way, has been successful and now carries a good stock, and well merits the patronage he receives. Mr. Gardella was born in sunny Italy, March 10, 1849, a son of Stephen Gardella, and on his father's farm he spent his youth. On coming to the United States he located in New York City, and the same year went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but remained there only a short time. Returning to New York City, he was employed for a time on the Brooklyn bridge, and then began business for himself by keeping a fruit stand. In 1873 he went to Middletown, Conn., where he continued in the fruit business until his removal to Bradford. Mr. Gardella was married in Italy to Mary Gardella, and they have five children: Rosa Ella, Amelia, Anna, Andrew and Lewis. In politics Mr. Gardella is a Republican. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.

CHAUNCEY W. GARDNER, chief train dispatcher for the Erie Railroad at Bradford, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 13, 1838, a son of Warren and Clarissa (Cooley) Gardner, who were of Scotch and English descent, respectively. His father, who was a contractor and bridge builder, lost his life on the Erie Railroad in 1859, leaving a family of two sons and one daughter. Chauncey W. Gardner was reared in his native county, and was given a good education. Early in life he learned telegraphy, and then went into a railroad office as telegraph operator and clerk, and by the faithful performance of his duties was steadily promoted until he became superintendent of the Susquehanna, Buffalo & Rochester Divisions of the Erie Railroad. He later became interested in the oil business, and in 1877 removed to Bradford, where he invested in property, to which he devoted his attention until 1888, when he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Gardner was married in June, 1859, in Delaware, county, N. Y., to Miss Thelinda V. Lord, daughter of John Lord, and they have two children, Charles H. and Chauncey W., Jr., both employed by the Erie Railroad Company at Bradford. Mr. Gardner in his political affiliations is a Democrat. He is a Knight Templar, and Consistory Mason, and an attendant of the Presbyterian Church, being a member of the choir. His son Chauncey is a member of the Methodist Church.

T. M.GRIFFITH, of the firm of T. M. Griffith & Son, dealers in hardware, Bradford, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., May 22, 1841, a son of Richard and Caroline (Lewis) Griffith, former a native of Wales, and latter of New York, of Dutch and English descent, respectively. He remained at home until 1870, when he came to Pennsylvania and located at Petroleum Centre, where he was employed at drilling oil wells for some time, and then removed to Bradford. In 1878 he embarked in the livery business, which he followed two years, and in 1880 went to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where for four years he was in the hardware trade, and in 1884 moved his business to Bradford, where he also does considerable business as an oil contractor. Mr Griffith was married January 14, 1869, at Petroleum Centre, to Alveretta Smawley, born in Peoria, Ill., June 7, 1852, and a daughter of Ausbury and Mary L. Smawley, of English and Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have four children: W. H., E. M., R. A. and C. E. In politics Mr. Griffith is a Republican. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W.

J. K. HAFFEY, deceased, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, April 27, 1830, and moved to Canada with his parents in 1844. He attended the colleges of Ireland, and afterward his own efforts procured him a fine education. At an early age he came to the United States, and for a time taught in the public schools of New York State. He afterward was ordained a minister, and in 1851 was given charge of the Bradford Baptist Church. He soon resigned the charge, and accepted the agency of the American Bible Union Society, which position he held for many years. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Diantha E. DeGolier, and took up his residence on a farm in Bradford township, following the occupation of a surveyor, geologist, clerk, etc. In 1861 he enlisted under Col. Kane in the Forty-second "Bucktail" Regiment, Company I, and held the position of sergeant. After serving two years his health failed, during the Seven Days' fight near Richmond, and he was honorably discharged. He was afterward appointed major by Gov. Hartranft, and later promoted to colonel and aid-decamp. After the close of the war he spent ten years in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He was a stanch Republican; was a notary for many years. He died November 7, 1881. His widow still survives him and lives on the homestead farm in Bradford township; also three children, viz.: George M. (of Colorado, who married Miss Maggie Higgins), John Nathan (brakeman on the Erie Railroad), and Zillah (now teaching). Mrs. Haffey's parents were Nathan DeGolier, who was born near Saratoga, N. Y., March 25, 1801, and Rhoda Ackley, who was born in Addison county, Vt., January 8, 1801. About 1831 they came to McKean county, Penn., and took up a tract of land in Bradford township. He was a millwright by trade, and erected the first saw and grist-mill at DeGolier, which was named in honor of him. He was also the first postmaster of the place. He was a supporter of the Republican party, and a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church. He died December 2, 1871, and his wife July 11, 1874. Three children were born to their union: Hannah Maria (wife of Truman Sherman, of Bradford township), Diantha E. (now Mrs. Haffey), and James Nelson (who died February 14, 1878).

L. E. HAMSHER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., near the city of Dansville, December 31, 1843, the eldest of four children of Reuben and Martha (White) Hamsher, former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and latter of New York, of English descent. His mother died in 1880, and his father now lives in Elkhart county, Ind. L. E. Hamsher was reared in Elkhart county, where his parents moved when he was a child,