Sketches in Crude-oil: Some accidents and incidents of the petroleum development in all parts of the globeMcLaurin, John J. (John James)
History
Sketches in Crude-oil: Some accidents and incidents of the petroleum development in all parts of the globe
McLaurin, John J. (John James)
Petroleum -- History; Petroleum industry and trade -- North America -- History
Matches are supposed to be made in Heaven and the inspiration that led
to the choice of such a site for the future city must have been derived
from the same source. Healthfulness and beauty of location attest the
wisdom of the selection. Folks don’t have to climb precipitous hills or
risk life and limb crossing railway-tracks whenever they wish to
exercise their fast nags. Driving is a favorite pastime in fine weather,
the leading thoroughfares often reminding strangers of Central Park on a
coaching-day. Main, Walnut and Perry streets are lined with trees and
residences worthy of Philadelphia or Baltimore. Comfortable homes are
the crowning glory of a community and in this respect Titusville does
not require to take a back-seat. Near the lower end of Main street is
Ex-Mayor Caldwell’s elegant mansion, built by Jonathan Watson in the
days of his prosperity. Farther up are John Fertig’s, the late Marcus
Brownson’s, Mrs. David Emery’s and Mrs. A. N. Perrin’s. Franklin S.
Tarbell, a former resident of Rouseville, occupies an attractive house.
Joseph Seep, who has not changed an iota since the halcyon period of
Parker and Foxburg, shows his faith in the town by building a home that
would adorn Cleveland’s aristocratic Euclid Avenue. The host is the
cordial Seep of yore, quick to make a point and not a bit backward in
helping a friend. David McKelvy, whom everybody knew in the lower
oil-fields, remodeled the Chase homestead, a symphony in red brick.
Close by is W. T. Scheide’s natty dwelling, finished in a style
befitting the ex-superintendent of the National-Transit Pipe-Lines.
Byron D. Benson—he died in 1889—nine times elected president of the
Tidewater Pipe-Line-Company, lived on the corner of Oak and Perry
streets. Opposite is John L. McKinney’s luxurious residence, a credit to
the liberal owner and the city. J. C. McKinney’s is “one of the finest.”
James Parshall, W. B. Sterrett, O. D. Harrington, J. P. Thomas, W. W.
Thompson, Charles Archbold and hundreds more erected dwellings that
belong to the palatial tribe. Dr. Roberts—he’s in the cemetery—had a
spacious place on Washington street, with the costliest stable in
seventeen counties. E. O. Emerson’s house and grounds are the admiration
of visitors. The grand fountain, velvet lawns, smooth walks, tropical
plants, profusion of flowers, mammoth conservatory and Marechal-Niel
rose-bushes bewilder the novice whose knowledge of floral affairs stops
at button-hole bouquets. George K. Anderson—dead, too—constructed this
delightful retreat. Col. J. J. Carter, whose record as a military
officer, merchant, railroad-president and oil-operator will stand
inspection, has an ideal home, purchased from John D. Archbold and
refitted throughout. It was built and furnished extravagantly by Daniel
Cady, once a leading spirit in the business and social life of
Titusville. He was a man of imposing presence and indomitable pluck, the
confidant of Jay Gould and “Jim” Fisk, dashing, speculative and popular.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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