National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-05
THE SUPERVISING ARCHITECT.

SKETCH OF MR.. JOHN MACARTHUR.
Secretary Bristow has rendered to Mr.. John
Macarthur, of Philadelphia, the position Of Su-
pervising Architect Of the Treasury Department
made vacant by the recent resignation Of Mr..
Mullett. Mr.. Macarthur has not yet signihed his
acceptance Of the place, but it is understood that
he will do so as soon as he can arrange his private
business. Mr. Macarthur has gained prominence
and distinction in his profession, and the follow
ing sketch Of his life, which We take from the
Philadelphia Inquirer of yesterday, will be read
MI Macarthur was born at Bladenock, in Wig
tonshire, Scotland, May H. 1875. His ancestors
on the fathers side came originally from Oppen,
ArgyleshiTe, in the South Highlands, and those
on the mothers side from Open, Ayrshire. He
came to Philadelphia when only ten years Of age.
AS soon as he was old enough he was appren-
tced to a carpenter, and served out his term:
While learning his business he employed his
evenings in studying drawing and architecture.
His uncle kindly offered to defray the expenses
Of a liberal education, but this favor the nephew
declined TO take advantage OF, preferring to edu-
In connection with the study of architecture he
acquired common school education in the even
iD2s, at the school Of the old Carpenters Hall,
where he learned drawing and designing, for
which he has always felt strong taste. So as
sduOusly did he apply himself to these studies
that he soon attained extraordinary skill. And
this skill soon met with public recognition, for in
1888 he was awarded the FIRST premium for his plan
for new House Of Refuge, and was entrusted
with the entire charge OF the erection oil the DuIu-
ing.
In 1919 he served as foreman for his uncle, who
had secured the contract for the erection Of the
west wing of the Pennsylvania Hospital. About
n year later he was appointed superintendent on
the east wing of the same hospital. These sue
cesscs may be said to have fairly started him in
the pTOf6 ssiOn in which he has since won so much
distinction, and of which he is one OF the acknoW
edged leaders. Philadelphia abounds with mon
uments to his finished art.
Among the more prominent buildings erected
by him may be mentioned the Continental, the
GiTard and the La Pierre hotels; the mansions OF
the late DIR. Jayne and George W. Childs; the
Ledger building the north side Of Chestnut
street between Sixth and Seventh streets; the
old post Office in Dock street, afterWard occupied
the three marble stores on the corner Of Ninth
and Chestnut streets, built upon the Burd estate;
the marble building adjoining the Continental;
the edihce of the Presbyterian Board of Publica-
tion, No. 1884 Chestnut street. and q range of
stores recently completed on Market street, be-
low Seventh.
But not alone in Philadelphia may illustrations
of his genius be met with. He designed and
Superintended the erection OF Jay Cooke * Co.'S
extensive banking house at Washington, d. c.,
and is the architect Of the Pardee building at
Lafayette College, EastOn, Pa, and Of the State
Asylum for the insane at Danville. Pa.
During the rebellion he was architect for the
War Department for hospitals and other Govern
ment buildings in and around Philadelphia, and
after its suppression for the Navy Department,
for which he built the naval hospitals in this city,
Macarthur is also the architect Of the new public
buildings now in course Of erection at Broad and
Market streets, and has been the superintendent
Of the new post office building at Ninth and
| III rI51-St-Streets under Mr.. Mullett. For some
at Washington N-@athe regular representative