H. H. TAGGART, conductor on a passenger train of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., April 14, 1842, a son of' Washington and Mary Ann (Havens) Taggart, former a native of Pennsylvania, and latter of New York, of English descent. His father dying when he was in his childhood, he was reared by relatives, living in his native State until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted in April, ]861, in the First Pennsylvania Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, known as the First Pennsylvania" Bucktails," as a drummer, and participated in many hard fought battles, among others Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettys burg and the .Wilderness. At the close of his term of service he went to Lawrenceville, Tioga Co., Penn., where he remained but a short time, going from . there to Erie, Penn., where he was employed by the Lake Shore & Michigan ; Southern Railroad until 1872, when he accepted a position as conductor on the B., N. Y. & P. R. R., now known as the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad. and in 1881 he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Taggart was married in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1869, to Fannie Clark, daughter of George R. and Caroline E. (Howard) Clark, and they have one daughter, Emma Henrietta. Mrs. Taggart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Taggart is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Union Veteran Legion, and was the first chaplain of the Brad ford Legion. He is also a member of Excelsior Lodge, No.4, E. O. M. A., of Buffalo, N. Y.

JOHN A. THEETGE, of the firm of McIntyre & Theetge, proprietors of a meat. market, Bradford, was born in Chemung, Chemung Co., N. Y., in October, 1844. a son of Oliver and Polly (Robberts) Theetge, former a native of New Hampshire, and latter of Maine. He remained in his native county until he was twentyfour years old, and when thirteen years of age began the carpenter's trade, working at same seven years and six months before reaching his majority. He came to McKean county in 1868, and commenced working for the Lafayette Coal Company as foreman under Gen. N. J. Jackson; was superintendent for the same company until 1872, and then lived in Elmira, N. Y., until 1876, when he located in Bradford. where he worked at his trade four years, or until 1880. when he went to Custer City. same county, where he kept the Custer City Hotel seven years. Returning to Bradford in 1887, he became associated with :Mr. McIntyre in the meat market business, and they have built up a good trade, having one of the hest markets in the city. Mr. Theetge was married in Cattaraugus county. N. Y.. in 1872, to Ellen, a native of East Randolph. that county, and daughter of M. and Mary (Curns) Callahan, and they have two children: S. L. and Gracie G. In politics Mr. Theetge is a Democrat. He is a past noble grand in the I. O. O. F. His parents are still living in Chemung county, N. Y., at the ages of seventyseven and seventynine years, respectively, but the parents of Mrs. Theetge are both deceased.

MYRON ALLEN TODD, M. D., was born at Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., February 11, 1847. His parents moved to Angelica, N. Y., in the year 1848, where he received his academic education. At an early age he ably filled the position as manager in his father's store, consisting of drugs and general merchandise. In May, 1873, he commenced the study of medicine under his father, attended lectures at the university of Buffalo, N. Y., and the Homoeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from the latter February 16, 1876. He was associated afterward with his father in general practice at Angelica, N. Y., until May 1, 1878, when he located at Bradford, ,Penn. January 3, 1879, he was elected health officer and city physician of Bradford, Penn., was reelected May 22, 1880, and June 14, 1881, and served continuously till August 8, 1882. The Doctor is a member of the board of surgeons of the Bradford City Hospital, and medical examiner for the following secret orders: K. of P., K. of R., I. O. R., K. & L. of H., O. G. C., A. O. U. W., R. T. of T., S. K. of A. O. U. 'V., I. O. S. of B., I. O. R. M., 1. O. F. S. of I., besides several regular and accidental insurance com panies. He has confined himself exclusively to homoeopathy and is considered one of the representative men of the city. The Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Anna Helena, daughter of J. O. Akerlind, of Trade Lake, Wis., January 6, 1873. His father, who successfully practiced medicine at Angelica, N. Y., thirtyseven years, was born at Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., July 12, 1819. His only brother, Dr. W. S. Todd, Jr., located at Belfast, N. Y., is a practitioner of the same medical school. In politics the Doctor is a strong believer in the Democratic principles as far as they pertain to the government of the country.

CRARLES E. TUCKER, oil producer and manufacturer of ladies' and misses' fine shoes, Bradford, was born at Bath, Me., December 26, 1848, a son of George W. and Mary (Read) Tucker, descendants of early settlers of Maine. He was educated for the Universalist ministry, attending the St. Lawrence Theological University, and after completing his course entered the ministry, for thirteen years following his calling in Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He received a call to the church of Titusville in 1875, and four years later was called to Aurora, Ill., where he remained two years, and in 1881 he retired from the ministry to attend to his old interests. He then moved to Bradford, Penn., where he has ever since been actively engaged in business; he is also a member of the firm of Tucker & Marvin, Jamestown, N. Y. He was married in 1874 to Mary D. Drullard, daughter of Solomon Drullard, a wealthy iron manufacturer, of Buffalo, and now have four children: Charles M., Edwin D., Alice M. and Solomon D. In politics Mr. Tucker is a Prohibitionist.

W. N. VALENTINE, agent for the American Express Company at Brad ford, was born in Fort Plain, Montgomery Co., N. Y. , January 5, 1854, a son of Peter and Eliza (Van Slyke) Valentine, natives of New York. and of Ger man descent When W. N. Valentine was a child his parents moved to Erie City, Penn., where he lived till manhood. His first work was as clerk in a grocery store, and then he went west, and for two years clerked in a hotel. He has been in the employ of the American Express Company since 1879, first as porter, and by promotion has finally reached his present position. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

MARTIN W. WAGNER, owner and manager of the Wagner Opera House, Bradford, and also a member of the firm of Wagner & Reis, who have the management of eleven theaters in towns in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio, was born in Allegany county, N. Y., November 28, 1844, a son of H. and Eleanor (Sears) Wagner. Early in life he learned the carriagemakers' trade, at which he worked until 1862, when he went to Venango county, Penn., and became interested in the production of oil. Later he opened a hotel in Pit hole, Penn., and also dealt in coal and lumber. In 1866 he removed to Brad ford, where he built the Wagner Opera House in 1876, which he enlarged in 1879, making it one of the best houses for dramatic, operatic and other entertainments in the State. He became associated in 1879 with Mr. Moses Reis, and they have made a success of their business above mentioned. Mr. Reis gives his entire time to procuring talent. for and managing their various theaters, while Mr. Wagner gives part of his attention to his farm, on which he now lives, near Limestone, N. Y. Mr. Wagner was married in 1868 to Miss Mary D. Frank, and they have three children: Frank M. (who is local manager of the theater at Olean, N. Y.), Fred W. and Charles A. In politics Mr. Wagner is a Republican. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Knights of Pythias and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

T. L. V. WAGNER, farmer, P. O. Bradford, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., April 19, 1822, a son of John and Sarah (Van Alstine Wagner, who . moved to Steuben county, N. Y." in 1827, and engaged in farming there until their death. T. L. V. Wagner remained on the homestead until 1843, when he married Miss Eliza, daughter of James Slocum, of the town of Pultney, Steuben 00., N. Y. In 1844 they came to McKean county, Penn., overland, bringing all their goods and chattels on a sled drawn .by two teams of horses. They purchased a farm in Bradford township, and after living on it for some years and clearing and improving it, they traded for their present farm, where they have since resided. They were among the early settlers of Bradford town ship, there being but three houses in the present city of Bradford 01:). their arrival in the township. Eleven children were born to their union, seven of whom are living: John, in Cattaraugus county, N. Y.; Diantha, wife of Joseph Story, in Bradford township; Albert, Arthur, Frank, in Bradford; Isabella and Della, at home. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

J. A. WALDO, wholesale and retail dealer in flour and feed, hay, straw, oats, corn meal, etc., Bradford, was born in Portage county, Ohio, May 17, 1843, a son of H. A. and Christiana (Kilpatrick) Waldo, former a native of New York, and later of Vermont, of Irish and Welsh descent, respectively. J. A. Waldo learned the carpenter's trade with his father, working at it until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, June 13, 1861, he enlisted and was assigned to the First Ohio Artillery. He participated in many hard fought battles, among the more important being Fort Donelson and Pittsburgh Landing. He was discharged in 1863 on account of disability, and returned home. He soon after came to Pennsylvania, first to Corry and then to Brad ford, of which place he has been one of the leading citizens, and has served as a member of the select council He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Malta. In politics he is a Republican. When a boy at home in Ohio, his Sunday school teacher was James A. Garfield, afterward president of the United States. Mr. Waldo was married January 3, 1864, to Eunice Johnson, daughter of Anson Johnson, and they have two children: Anson S. and Delia.

A.. B. WALKER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Harrisville, Butler Co., Penn., February 28,1847, a son of R. R. and Jane H. (Wallace) Walker, natives and still residents of that county. A. B. Walker received his education at the common and high schools of Harrisville, leaving his home permanently at about twenty years of age, and after going through all the practical workdrilling and contracting for wells, etc.he tried his first venture as a producer near Petrolia, in 1873, and in 1875 came with three others to Brad ford, where they drilled their first well on a leased piece of ground, taken from P. T. Kennedy, and this well really started the Bradford oil excitement; later he became a member of the firm of Melvin, Walker & Co., who developed and held an interest in 7,000 acres of land, called the Moody tract. Mr. Walker also assisted in organizing the Bradford Oil Exchange, and was then and still is one of its directors; he is also a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, F. & A. M., of Bradford Chapter, R. A. M., and of Trinity Commandery, K. T., No. 50; he was also one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank of Bradford, and has always been one of its board of directors. In 1877 he married Miss Effie, daughter of James E. Blair, of Bradford, and to this union have been born three children: Gertrude, Nellie and Ruth. In politics Mr. Walker is a Republican.

JAMES A. WALKER, of the firm of Bodine & Walker, hardware merchants, Bradford, is a native of Butler county, Penn., born in Harrisville, June 11, 1854, a son of Robert R. and Jane H. (Wallace) Walker, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch and German descent, respectively. He was reared in his native town, attending school until fifteen years of age, when he began clerking in the store of J. N. Culbison, remaining with him until his majority. He then came to Bradford, and was employed at the oil wells until the present partnership of Bodine & Walker was formed. Mr. Walker was married in 1881 to Miss Lizzie Elrick, daughter of Dr. .J. H. Elrick, and they have two children: Charles and Bessie. In politics Mr. Walker is a Republican; he is a Knight Templar. Mrs. Walker is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

LOYAL WARD, attorney at law and collector, Bradford, was born in Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., January 4, 1827, the fourth in the family of eight children of Charles and Lydia A. (King) Ward, natives of Rut land county, Vt., and of English descent, the former of whom died in Great Valley in 1848. The subject of these lines was reared on his father's farm, and in his youth attended the common schools and the seminary at Springville, Erie Co., N. Y., after returning from Racine county, Wis., where he visited three years during his father's residence in the West. In early life we find the youthful aspirant teaching school at Tarport, Littleton, Limestone and Salamanca, being principal of the high school at the latter place for a time. In 1850 he came to Bradford, Penn., where he taught for two years in the academy, and in the meantime he read law. In 1871 he was elected associate judge of his county, serving a full term, and it may be remarked that during his incumbency much care was exercised in granting licenses. The Judge has given his attention mainly to the settlement of estates, and to the abstract and collecting businesses. He was married in 1853 to Adaline E., daughter of John F. and Lucretia (Farr) Melvin, who were of English descent, and pioneers of McKean county, settling here in 1826. Mr. Melvin became one of the wealthy men of the county, and at his death, which occurred in 1857, was the owner of 472 acres of valuable land. He was also proprietor, for many years, of the only store at Tarport. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have had seven children, four of whom are living: Bernice E., wife of Brewer Button; Wilber, in Lima, Ohio; Edna M. and Charles M.; one daughter, Edith (wife of S. D. Weaver), and two infants are deceased. Mrs. Ward is a member of the Methodist Church, the Judge of the United Brethren in Christ. In politics he is a Republican, and has been a member of the school board of Bradford several years. He is an earnest advocate of temperance, but not a third party man. In 1873 Judge Ward purchased the Porter farm, in Bradford, and in 1879 he became posses sor of a few oil wells on the Babcock & Hulings FosterBrook tract, by paying a nominal price. In 187879 he sold the oil privileges on his farm to the Enterprise Transit Company, who opened six producing wells, clearing heavy profits, and in 1884 he retired from the oil business. In 1875 the Judge was appointed agent of the Newell estate, subsequently, in 1880, of the Edson estate, and later was trustee of the Kingsbury estate, for four years. In February, 1890, the popularity of Judge Loyal Ward was made manifest by his election to the office of mayor of Bradford.

ALEX WATSON, one of the prominent oil producers of Bradford, and
also proprietor of one of the manufacturing industries of the city, was born in Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, October 23, 1842, the eldest of five children of James and Ann Watson, who came to America when be was a young child, settling in Canada, where the father died in 1882. The subject of our sketch was reared in Cowansville, Canada East, coming to the United States in 1865, and in August of that year to the oil districts of Pennsylvania, where, being a carpenter, he found employment making derricks. He bought property which proved to be rich with oil, and he has been one of the successful men in the field, being now a member of three companies. In 1879 he began the manufacture of wooden tanks and bull wheels for oil wells, and now employs twenty men, his foreman being C. F. Madison, at Bradford. He also employs about twenty men in Washington, Penn., where his brother, R. D. Watson, superintends the works. Mr. Watson was married August 15, 1871, to Mary A. Madison, a native of Pennsylvania. The parents of Mrs. Watson are Charles A. and Hannah A. (Winegar) Madison, both born and reared in Washington county, N. Y., the former family coming from Rhode Island, and the latter being of Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children: Berdie, Earl, Clara and Clifford. Mrs. Watson is a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Watson is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and also of the Improved Order of Heptasophs.

W. R. WEAVER, hardware merchant and oil producer, Bradford, was born in Hillsdale county, Mich., March 24, 1840, a son of William and Mercy (Willetts) Weaver, former a native of Vermont, and latter of New York, both of English ancestry. His father died in Michigan in 1886, at the advanced age of eightysix years. W. R. Weaver was the sixth of seven children, and was reared in his native county, attending in his boyhood the district school,. As soon as competent he began teaching in order to acquire means to further pursue his studies. In this way he attended for a time Hillsdale College, and then the State University at Ann Arbor, teaching alternately with attending school to defray his expenses. After leaving school he again taught for a time, devoting in all about four years to this vocation. Preferring a business life to the school. room, however, he accepted a position in the store of Lewis Emery, Jr., at Hudson, Mich., which he managed from 1867 to 1870. In 1870 :Mr. Emery sold out and discontinued the business. Mr. Weaver then joined Emery at Titusville, and took charge of his financial interests there until 1876, when he became a partner with him at Bradford, Penn., in the hardware and oil supply business, conducted under the firm name of L. Emery, Jr., & Co., and that of oil producing under the name of the Emery Oil Company. Mr. Weaver is the financial manager of this vast business, and his qualifications in this connection are well established by the marked success which is the result of his management, and also by the fact that from an employee he has risen to a partnership in the business. In addition to attending to the management of his business Mr. Weaver is secretary and treasurer of the Citizens' Light and Heat Company, which succeeded to the plant of the old Light and Heat Company of Bradford in 1888. He is a Republican in politics, in 1888 and 1889 was chairman of the McKean county central committee, and the county gave the largest Republican majority at. the November (1888) election ever given since its organization. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs of both lodge and encampment. He is also a representative member of the F. & A. M., member of lodge, chapter, council and commandery, is past high priest of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M., and captaingeneral of Trinity Commandery, No, 58, K. T. He is also a member of the thirtysecond degree, Pennsylvania Consistory, at Pittsburgh, A. & A.. Scottish Rite; a member of Syria Temple A. A. O. U. M. S., as well as member of thirtythird degree, ninetieth degree and ninetyfifth degree Sovereign Sanctuary of U. S. Royal Masonic Rite. Besides these he is president of the board of school control, and secretary of the Bradford Driving Park and Fair Association. He was married April 19, 1865, to Helen A. Gilson, and they have three children: Genevieve, Clarence E. and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are members of the Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman.

P. L. WEBSTER, surveyor, Bradford, was born in Lebanon, N. H., Au gust 6, 1830, a son of Philip H. and Lucy J. (Dix) Webster. His father was a nephew of Daniel Webster, and his mother was a sister of Gen. John A. Dix, who was famous for having said" Whoever attempts to tear down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." His father died in October, 1830, leaving two sons, Charles D. and P. L., and in 1837 his mother married Co1. L. C. Little. The Colonel was employed as their agent by the United States Land Company, who owned 140,000 acres of land, considerable of it lying in McKean county, and soon after his marriage started for Pennsylvania, where he .established headquarters at Bradford, which town was called Littleton until about 1859. This country at that time was a wilderness, and the trip from New Hampshire was made with a team. Co1. Little was a good father to his stepsons, and the subject of this sketch was given good educational advantages, taking an academic course at Springville, N. Y. The Colonel died in 1854, and his wife in 1858. After his stepfather's death, Mr. Webster was employed by the land company, and spent some time settling up the business. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for a time. For twentyfive years he was engaged in the undertaking business, and has few superiors as a funeral director. In all his enterprises Mr. Webster has met with success, and is now one of the leading business men of Bradford. He has a fine orange grove in Florida, where with his family he spends his winters. He was married in 1871 to Mrs. Ellen (Johnson) Morrison, and they have one son, Frank Morrison. Mr. Webster is a Republican in politics, and has held most of the offices in the city of Bradford, among others those of treasurer and burgess. In 1862 he was appointed military storekeeper at Fortress Monroe, and had charge of twenty assistants, serving in that position until 1865. His brother, Charles D. 'Webster, was captain of Company E, Fiftyeighth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the war, and now lives at Tarpon Springs, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are among the prominent citizens of Bradford, both in social and religious circles, Mrs. Webster being a member of the Baptist Church.

W L. WELLS, ticket agent for the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad at Bradford, was born in Dunkirk, N. Y., January 7, 1855, a son of W. R. and Ann (Lippencott) Wells, former of whom died in 1880. W. L. Wells, who is the only surviving member of his father's family, when a boy began learning telegraphy, and in 1872 he entered the employ of the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company at Dunkirk, N. Y., remaining with them four years, and since 1877 has been in the employ of the Erie Railroad Company, with the exception of one year, during which he was a clerk in the Bradford postoffice. He was married in Summit, N. J., in 1882, to Nina Effie, daughter of Rev. J. W. Loane, but she died March 30, 1884. Their only child, William Snow, died February 29, 1884. In December, 1885, Mr. Wells married Frankie Holt, daughter of J. T. Holt, and to this union have been born one girl and one boy, Coral Vane and Hugh Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Prohibitionist.

C. B. WHITEHEAD, postmaster, Bradford, was born in Lawrenceville, Tioga Co., Penn., January 8, 1840, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Lugg) White head, former a native of Massachusetts, of Swedish ancestry, and latter a native of England. His father moved to Tioga county in 1830, and made that his home until his death, in ]1848. He was twice married, and had a family of three children, C. B. being a son by his second marriage. C. B. Whitehead was reared in his native county, where he attended the common schools, and afterward became a student at the high school at Spring Mills, N. Y. In 1860 he went to Titusville, where he was employed by Brewer, Watson & Co., oil producers, two years, and then for four years was in the employ of Fisher Brothers at Oil City. He then returned to Tioga county, and with his uncle, A. W. Lugg, was engaged in mercantile business at Nelson, four years. He sold his interest in 1870, and went. to Blossburg, Penn., where he carried on a hotel four years; but not liking that business he opened a drug store in Wellsboro, Penn., which he conducted until 1878, when he removed to Bradford, and has since been engaged mainly in oil producing. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served three terms as a member 'of the select council, a part of the time as chairman of the board. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1875 he married Miss Mary Ferris, daughter of H. W. Ferris, and they have two children: Sarah and Waldo M.

E. E. WHITELEY, manager of the Star Publishing Company, Bradford, was born May 5, 1838, at Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., whither his parents (who came to the United States in 1823) had removed from Philadelphia about 1837. Mr. Whiteley was educated in the lastnamed city, to which the family returned in 1843, and in 1859, when twentyone years of age, he moved to the lumber woods of Maine where he followed lumbering until September 28, 1861, at which date he enlisted in the First Maine Cavalry. During Banks' retreat from the Shenandoah Valley he was captured at Middletown, Va., and imprisoned at Lynchburg and Belle Isle from May 24 to October, 1862, when he was paroled. In December of same year, being exchanged, he rejoined his old corps at Frederick, Md., and served with it until mustered out in November, 1864. During the three years following his discharge from the army he was in the employ of the C. & A. R. R., and then embarked in business in Jersey City. Mr. Whiteley was married in 1866 to Allie E., daughter of Joshua King, of Smethport, and nine years thereafter moved with his family to Port Allegany, McKean county, taking up his residence in 1876 at Brad ford. Later Mr, Whiteley became paymaster during the construction of the Tide Water Pipe Company's line, and in 1880 he was engaged in a similar position during the construction of the Buffalo Company's pipe line. From 1881 to 1885 we find him filling the position of deputy sheriff of McKean county under Col. A. I. Wilcox, and in June, 1885, he assisted in organizing the Star Publishing Company, in Bradford, of which he is manager.

WHITNEY & WHEELER, Bradford. Among the representative oil producers in the city of Bradford mention should here be made of the wellknown firm of Whitney & Wheeler. This firm is composed of Charles S. Whitney and Samuel A. Wheeler, both of whom have been identified with the oil producing interest at Bradford from its infancy, and are among the largest producers at the present time. Mr. Whitney, who has been in the oil country since the "sixties," at present resides at Belmont, N. Y. Mr. Wheeler came to the oil country in 1871; he was formerly a wholesale dealer in dry goods in Toledo. Ohio, and his present residence is in Buffalo, N. Y.

C. A. WILBUR. merchant., Custer City, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., December 6, 1850, a son of Simeon and Christina (Griffith) Wilbur, natives of Otsego and Chautauqua counties, N. Y., respectively. His father, who Was a farmer by occupation. was one of the early settlers of Chautauqua county; he was a supporter of the Republican party, and filled various town ship offices; was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in Chautauqua county; his widow is still living on the homestead. C. A. Wilbur and his brother and partner in business, were the only children born to their parents. They were reared on the homestead farm, and received a common school education. C. A. Wilbur engaged in mercantile business in Chautauqua county for a number of years, and in 1876 came to McKean county, establishing a general store at DeGolier. In 1883 Mr. Wilbur moved to Custer City, where he has since conducted a general storeoil well 'Supplies, etc. In 1871 Mr. Wilbur married Miss A. Damon, of Chautauqua county, N. Y., who died in 1873, leaving one child, Florence E. He was again married, on this occasion, in 1883, to Miss Adell Carrier, daughter of Timothy Carrier of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and to them have been born two children: Ralph and an infant unnamed. Mr. Wilbur is a supporter of the Republican party.

FRANK S. WILBUR, was born in Chautauqua county, N.Y., July 20,1862. In 1878 he came to McKean county, where he engaged in mercantile business with his brother C. A: This partnership still exists, under the firm name of 'Wilbur Bros. They are also uil producers, owning at the present time fifteen wells. In 1880 Mr.. Wilbur married Miss Jessie. daughter of John Cobb, of Chautauqua county, N. Y., and they have two children: Daisy and Lillian.
Our subject is a member of Columbia League of Custer City, E. A. U., and is an active supporter of the Republican party.

COL. A. I. WILCOX, vicepresident of the Bradford, Bardell & Kinzua Railroad, Bradford, was born in Herkimercounty, N. Y:, March 22, I819. the only son of William P. and Betsy (Paine) Wilcox, who were natives of the New England States, of Irish and English descent. His father was a merchant in Connecticut when a young man, and thence moved to Nunda, N. Y.. where he lived until 1832, when he came to McKean county, Penn., and settled in Williamsville, but removed to Port Allegany, where he died. He was a prominent Democrat, was speaker of the State senate during the administration of Gov. Porter, and for many years took an active part in State politics. The subject of this biographical record was reared under Democratic doctrine, and adhered to the faith of his father until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he became a strong Union man, and has since voted the Republican ticket. He was given good educational advantages, first attending the common schools, and then the academy at Lima, N. Y. After reaching his majority, he embarked in the lumber trade, in which he was very successful until the flood of 1861, when, in one night, $100,000 worth of his lumber was swept away. He had built a neat and substantial residence at Wilcox (a place which had its origin in his lumber interests, and was named in his honor), at that time the best private residence in the county. After his loss by the flood, Mr. Wilcox began contracting and building railroads, becoming superintendent of the construction of a large part of these roads. He next embarked in the oil interests, as a producer, and he has carried on an extensive business in this line. Col. Wilcox has experienced many ups and downs in his business career, having seen fortunes vanish in a few hours, then made fortunate investments, and thereby retrieved his losses. He has not been soured by misfortune, but through all the varied vicissitudes of life, his manliness and integrity have been manifest. He has taken an active interest in the prosperity of Brad ford, and it was largely through his influence that the Board of Trade, of which he is now general manager, succeeded in establishing many new industries in Bradford. He earned his title of colonel by serving on the staff of Gov.William F. Packer, and Gov. John W. Geary. In 1847 he represented Warren, Elk and McKean counties in the legislature as a Democrat, and was reelected, serving two terms; and in 1871 he represented Jefferson, Elk and Cameron counties as a Republican, although at that time those counties were strongly Democratic. In 1881 he was elected and served one term as sheriff of McKean county. He was married in June, 1845, to Miss 'Louisa Horton, daughter of Judge Isaac Horton, of Elk county, Penn. She died in 1880. Their only child, Ida, is the wife of Ernest Koester, an attorney of McKean county.

D. J. WILDER, proprietor of the Pierce House, Bradford, was born in Franklin county, Mass., September 18, 1837, a son of Josephus and Louisa (Hastings) Wilder. In 1851 his parents moved to South Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and in 1862 he enlisted in the Fortysecond Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his commander being James A. Garfield. Prior to this enlistment he had served three months in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While in the service he had seven holes shot in his clothes, and one bullethole in his hat, but was never seriously wounded. After the war he returned to Ohio, and for seven years was engaged in the flour and feed business and then for six years was in the ice business at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1878 he came to Bradford, and in 1888 embarked in his present business. He was married, in Ohio, to Miss Lilian Yeager. They have no children. Mr. Wilder is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

E. S. WILLIAMSON, proprietor of Williamson's restaurant, Bradford,
was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 12, 1847, a son of Ely and Elizabeth (Riding) 'Williamson, natives of England. His father was a mechanical engineer, and established the Buffalo Steam Engine Works in Buffalo, N. Y., known now as Tiff's Engine Works. He still lives in Buffalo, and is now eightyone years old. E. S. Williamson was given a good business education, graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo. In 1864 he removed to the oil regions and worked in the oil fields, buying an interest in some wells. He then became manager of the hardware store of D. C. :Backus, and in 1877 established three stores for Kerr, Geider & Co., in Brad ford, and superintended their business till 1879, when he again turned his attention to the oil industry. In 1882 he went to Richburg, Allegany Co., N. Y., and established the Central Machine Shop which afterward burned, and in 1883 he returned to Bradford and opened the restaurant which he is still conducting. He was married in 1878 in Buffalo, N. Y., to Miss Lottie A. Keeler, and they have two children: Pearl and Hazel. Truman Keeler: father of Lottie A., is now deceased; Nancy A. (Hoard) Keeler, her mother, still survives. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Williamson is a Master Mason, and in politics is a Democrat.

THOMAS WILSON, farmer, P. O. Bradford, was born in Pittsburgh,
Penn., July 5, 1825, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Rogers) ,Wilson, former a native of Ireland, latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a stonemason by trade, and moved with his family to Ohio in 1828, where he remained until his death. Thomas 'Wilson received an ordinary education, and came to McKean county in ] 845, and purchased his present farm, where he has since resided. In 1854 he married Miss Amanda J., daughter of Dyer Cranmer. who moved from Steuben county, N. Y., to McKean county in 1844. Five children were born to this union, two of whom are living: John E. (farmer of Bradford town ship, married to Miss Lina Black, and has three children: Fred E., Alice and an infant), Rose B. (wife of Hill Buroughs, of Bradford township, also has three children: Laura, Harry and Nellie). Mr. Wilson has always been identifiedwith the Republican party.

F. J. YOUNGS, oil producer and dealer in boots and shoes, Bradford, was born in Normal, N. Y., June 8,1859, a son of Charles and Caroline (Tator) Youngs. natives of New York, and of English descent, who moved to Bradford, Penn., in 1860, and are still residents of the place. They have three children: James, F. J. and Charles. F. J. Youngs has spent the most of his life in Bradford, and since 1876 has been engaged in the production of petroleum, owning several good wells. In 1888 he embarked in the boot and shoe business, and now carries an extensive and well assorted stock. He is a young man of good business ability, and is one of the prosperous and active men of Bradford. He is a prominent Freemason, and has taken the thirtysecond degree in that fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN P. ZANE, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Bridgeport, N. J.,
February 15, 1826. He was the only child born to James and Catherine (Bender) Zane, natives of New Jersey, former of Danish and latter of German descent. His ancestors were among the pioneers of New Jersey who figured in the Revolutionary war. They came to America from the Old World in search of a country where liberty prevailed, and where men's rights were not due to birth, but where everyone succeeded according to his own merits. The mother of the subject of these lines dying when he was eighteen months old, his father married again, but died in 1834. When John P. was but eight years old he went to live with a farmer, and when fourteen went to Camden, where he was bound to a saddler and harness maker, understanding that he was to have three months' schooling. This contract was not kept, as Mr. Zane never attended school a week in his life. Having an innate desire for knowledge, however, his spare moments were given to study, and he is now, purely by his own efforts, one of the bestinformed men in the county. He has been a frequent contributor to the papers, writing extensively on political subjects, and as his position has given him the opportunity of knowing the needs of business men, his articles are read by many, and have been the means of doing much toward helping men in the ordinary walks of life. He was a personal friend of President Lincoln, and was a delegate to the convention that nominated him for the presidency. Mr. Zane was engaged learning his trade until eighteen years of age, when he concluded to start in life for himself. He went to Philadelphia, and served a further apprenticeship of two years at the harness maker's trade; in 1846 he proceeded to New Orleans, where he worked as a journeyman for a time, and then embarked in business for himself. In 1851 he sold out and went via the isthmus to California, where he engaged in various speculations and business enterprises, and became the owner of large landed interests. He was an active member of the vigilance committee, and prominent in political circles. In 1861 he was appointed, by President Lincoln, United States appraiser for the port of San Francisco, and was con firmed by the senate July 29, 1861. He held that office unti11863 when he concluded to resign, on account of business speculations, and was permitted to name his own successor. Mr. Zane built a street railroad in San Francisco, but before doing so was obliged to get a bill through the legislature, granting the charter. The road cost $400,000 ; Mr. Zane put in $100,000 cash and borrowed $47,000 to bear interest at 2 per cent a month, compounded monthly. He found the interest growing so rapidly that he concluded to go to New York and borrow the money to pay the indebtedness. He, however, found that he would have to borrow nearly three times that amount as it was to be paid in gold, and owing to the expansion of currency during the war, gold was at a high premium. Hearing of the oil excitement at Titusville, he concluded to try and make the money instead of borrowing it. He accordingly went to the oil fields, where he took in the situation and bought and leased land. He. soon after sold one half of his land for $200,000 to a Hartford company, but six days before the papers were made out panic came and the price of oil went down, and the company backed out. Mr. Zane lost his all, and was obliged again to commence at the foot of the ladder. He remained in the oil fields,. and September 10, 1877, came to Bradford, bought land and took leases. Since coming to Bradford he has been successful, and is now the owner of a large number of producing oil wells. He has a pleasant home on Congress street, and is counted among the leading business men of Bradford. He was married in San Francisco, November 9, 1854, to Miss Jane Herrington, daughter of John Herrington, and they have one child, Anna Jane, who is now the wife of J. W. Vantine, and has five children.

JOHN R. ZOOK, dealer in wall paper, etc., Bradford, is a native of the State of New York. He was born in Williamsville, Erie county, in 1831, the son of David and Anna Zook, natives of Lancaster, Penn. Joseph Zook, the youngest of the family of seven sons and two daughters, was born in Canada in 1833. John R. Zook married Jennie A. Youngs. of Williamsville, Erie Co., N. Y., daughter of Hon. Jasper B. Youngs, who was elected member of assembly of the State of New York in 1854, was also elected several terms. as supervisor of the town of Amherst, and was appointed one of the commissioners for the building of the city and county buildings, erected in Buffalo, N. Y., and was one of the founders of the Republican party. He died in 1886, at the age of seventyone years. John R. Zook moved., in 1858, to Kansas, was appointed station agent for the Pike's Peak Express Company,. and settled seventyfive miles from Denver City, then a small town. The family, which then consisted of :Mr. and Mrs. Zook and one son, moved back to Buffalo in 1861, and in company with his brother, Joseph, opened a store on Commercial street, where they carried on business until 1877, when they removed to Bradford, Penn., and began a business, dealing principally in wall paper, at No. 68 Main street, where they may still be found. The firm. name is Zook & Co. In politics Mr. Zook is a Republican; he is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the directors of the. new Commercial National Bank of Bradford; his family consists of Jasper F., Florence E., Clara B., Minnie V. and Gertrude G.