The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-12-11

Lewis x. Torbet, the promoter of the
tin plate company now in process of
organization in this city, is a very
good type of the aggressive American
man of affairs. Though only AZ years
old he has met with success in a num-
Der of the varied fields of human ac-
tivity. having been a teacher, lawyer
and finally business man. He has
also been prominent in the political
field having been connected with the
National Republican league since its
organization in 1887. He was chair
man and resident member of the ad-
visory committee of the league Gs:-lng
the campaign of 1896, with offices in
Chicago. He is also well known Ma
sonically, being a Knights Tamplar
and Shriner He is also an odd Fell
low.
Mr.. Torbet was born in Indiana for
ty-two years ago. He entered and
graduated from the National Normal
university at Lebanon. Ohio. in 1879.
He was admitted to the bar in 1880.
In company with others he organized
the Equitable Accident and Insurance
company of Cincinnati and was its
special agent for about four years.
In 1884 Mr. Torbet married Miss
Ida Eastman. of Cincinnati. Ohio II
niece of the late Benjamin Butter
worth, and removed to that city,
where he successfully praCtiCed law
for five years. During the first two
years of his residence in that city h
took a supplemental law course and
graduated from the Cincinnati Law
school, which is the second oldest in
the United States.
Too close application to business in
terests undermined Mr.. Torbet's health
and he was forced to give up the prac-
tiCe of law in 1890. He then travelled
extensively throughout the country for
about two years and in 1892 became
interested in one of the first 0Im-
panes organized in this country for
the manufacture of tin plate.
From that time to the present he has
been actively engaged in numerous en-
terprises and is at present the seCre-
tary of the Chicago Pneumatic COM
pany, which intends in a short time
to install the pneumatic tube mail
system in the Windy City.
Since 1892, however, tin plate has
been his hobby and he has made
most comprehensive and complete
study of this industry and is at pres
ent almost a Veritable walking enCy-
clopedia of information and data re-
! Earding its manufacture. During the
| last five months he has made careful
| and thorough inspections of nearly all
| the tin plate plants in the country.
Ever courteous and obliging, Mr.
Torbet has already made many friends
in this city and there is no doubt but
that his permanent residence in this
| city will be welcomed with pleasure
| by many. He says he likes Scranton
very much, indeed because It gives
| him the impression of a live and hust-
/ ling western town, and being a west
ern man. born and reared, he, of
! course, likes a place where he can
imagine himself to be in his native ele-
| ment.
Richard II. Williams. select council
man from the Fifth ward, is seeking
a denomination at the hands of his
constituents, and thus far no oppOsi.
! ton has been mentioned 10 his candi-
dacy Mr.. Williams has hoeu a menu
Der of the upper branch for the past
]
ficer of that body, which Office he has
| filled with dignity and grace since his
| election.
He is one of the SOLID conservative
men i'm the councils, and his word is
as good as his bond. During his long
| career as city father he has served
his constituents well and faithful. Mr..
Williams is prominently identified
with several secret ana beneficial So
cieties and has always manifested the
greatest interest in oisreddfodic mat
| terS.
During his long connection with the
! Delaware, LackaWanna and Western
| company he has been Il faithful and
trusted emplOye and is admired and
respected by the men under him. M.
Williams has been an active factor in
securing improvements for the West
Side and has usually been found on
the right side of the many important
questions that come before the select
| council.