George Westinghouse was born at Central Bridge, New York, October 6, 1846. Ten years later his parents removed to Schenectady, where he was educated in the public and high schools, spending much of his time in his father’s machine-shop. During the Civil war he served in the Union army. At its close he attended Union college, Schenectady, for two years. In 1865 he invented the device for replacing railroad cars on the track. In 1868 he invented and successfully introduced the Westinghouse air-brake. From time to time he has modified and improved this, one of the most notable of his inventions. He is also the inventor of many other devices connected with railroads, such as signals, automatic and otherwise, electric devices of several sorts and other things which make for the efficiency of transportation in general. He is the president of twelve corporations, a member of many scientific societies, and is also the recipient of medals and decorations from the king of Italy, the king of Belgium and other European notables. It is not too much to say that without the Westinghouse inventions railroading as we know of it to-day would hardly be possible. Apart from adding much to the safety of railroad travel, the Westinghouse brake permits paradoxically enough of speeds being attained which would not be possible under old-time conditions. Mr. Westinghouse’s inventive genius has been largely rewarded in a financial manner. MERCHANTS. EDWARD COOPER. Edward Cooper, one of the more prominent merchants of New York, was born October 26th, 1824. He is the son of Peter Cooper, the philanthropist, and, like his father, has, during the course of a busy life, done much for the well being of the people of the municipality in which he lives. Mr. Cooper was educated in New York public schools and is a graduate of Columbia university. Throughout his life he has been more or less active in New York political affairs, and, while a consistent Democrat, has had no hesitation in putting principle before party. He was one of the leaders of the successful movement which overthrew the infamous Tweed ring. From 1879 to 1881 he was mayor of New York and added to his reputation by the honesty and energy of his administration. Mr. Cooper is associated with his brother-in-law, Abram S. Hewitt, in the conduct of the Trenton Iron Works, New Jersey Steel Works and other enterprises of a like nature. He is a good example of the man who does not permit his business affairs or his wealth to interfere with his obligations as a citizen. ROBERT CURTIS OGDEN.