Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-16

Washington business circles. He has seen
the city grow TO it's present proportions and
prosperity and his business is ever the
Increase. The men who can boast of such
an uninterrupted record 1t is said, are few
and far between.
Mr. Topham is practical leather worker.
having mastered his trade at the house of
William s. Hansel of Philadelphia. Firmly
believing in the future destiny of the ma
tionaI capital. he came here and with a
small capital, but with youth, abundance
OF energy and business sagacity, began his
business career on the 10th of September,
1855 at 422 eth street northwest.
The civil war coming on, his business SO
increased, coupled with government con-
tracts for the army, that larger quarters
were required and in 1861 he built the four
story pressed brick building at 42o 1th
tteet, adjoining Odd Fellows Hall. and
remained there nineteen years. Expanding
b., siness demanding a better location and
coEveniences, he removed in October, 1882.
to 1231 Pennsylvania avenue, and in 1898
took in and annexed the adjoining property
at 1893 Pennsylvania avenue.
Purchases Business Site.
In 1901 Mr.. Topham. recognizing the
trend of Washington trade toward +
street, purchased the old Hanson property
1918 f street for many years owned ana
occupied by an old colored woman, Julia
Hanson This building was removed and re-
placed by the present modern business
structure. which he now occupies Tor MS
store and factory, manufacturing on THESE
premises trunks, bags. suit cases and an
infinite variety of fine leather goods. be-
sides repairing about two thousand trunks
arnuallysand other wares in his line.
Mr. Topham, the veteran of the Washing
ton leather trade. was seventy-three years
of age June Is last. and Is still active ana
daily attends to his business affairs, as
sisted by his sons, who. like himself. have
from youth thoroughly learned the trade
and business.
During the civil war and Spanish Ameri
can war. and at other times, he did o large
business in government work for the army
and navy, as stated. one of his notable con-
tracts being 6ooeo pairs OF army leggings.
He has also Supplied all the Presidents
since Lincoln with leather goods, furnish
Ing the travelling outfit for Gen. Grants
tour of the world. He also supplied him
his first trunk when appointed TO the COM
mand of the Army of West Virginia In
1880 he bought out. manufactured and adj
yertised extensively the Paragon frameless
leather coin purse which has had con-
siderable sale all over the world, and on
which the royalties alone have amounted
to thousands of dollars. In addition to his
retail business Mr.. Topham manufactures
travellers and leather goods of wide range,
wholesaiing and shipping to nearly every
state In the Union. As he has been so long
identified with the history and development
of Washington, it is both interesting and
entertaining to hear Mr.. Tophams reminds
cences OF the capital city.
Mr.. Topham will appropriately observe
his important business anniversary next
week. having a special discount sale, and
offering TO every purchaser Wednesday, the
Goth, pretty souvenir leather purse OF his
his patrons and the public to inspect his es-
Establishment, whether purchasing or not.