The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-01-13

,ue Pennsyl-
could never understand
-.4u McCrea. Even when he was q
Todman he was the same as he is now,
always busy. always busting about.
never satisfied with himself in the posi-
ton that he occupied, and always striv-
ing for something better. His big voice
and his frame could be seen ana heard
everywhere. AS a rodman, so it will
probably be as president. he served in
almost every position between the two
Mr.. McCrea had good early training
His father was 4 physician in Philadel-
phia, was successful and drifted into
banking. lie, too, could never be CON
tent with one thing. He made money.
but not a big fortune. James McCrea
was given a good education, was gradu-
ated from the University Of Pcnusylva-
MIA jUst as the civil war was closing, the
university comforting a signal honor on
him IN later years
He was elected a trustee Of the Uni
versity of Pennsylvania February ]. 1895,
being the first man so honored while not
a resident Of Philadelphia The vacancy
10 which he was elected was caused by
the death of former United States Sena-
tor John Scott. Mr.. McCrea only filed
the position Of trustee short time, when
he resigned, as his many interests would
not permit him TO devote any OF bis time
10 his alma mater.
Home Life Ideal.
Mr.. McCrea's home life is ideal He
married Miss Ada Montgomery, Of this
city, a niece OF Gen. Moorhead who rep
resented the Pittsburg district in Congress
many years Three children have been
born to them, james a. McCrea, general
manager Of the Long Island Railroad;
Archibald VI. McCrea, president Of the
Pittsburg Spring Company. and Miss Ada
McCrea. The McCrea home is on Ellis
worth avenue, in the fashionable East End
district. In addition to his railroad inter
ests. Mr.. McCrea is a director in a num-
Der Of banks and financial institutions Of
Pittsburg.
Mr.. McCrea was close friend Of the
late a. J. Cassatt, and it was through
Cassatt that he was made director Of
the Pennsylvania Railroad He always
had magnificent executive ability, and the
1877 is still remembered. Mr. AIcCrea was
at that time superintendent Of the middle
division, which runs from Altoona to Har-
risburg While riOting and bloodshed were
almost daily occurrences in the western
division. Mr.. McCrea, by his wonderful
influence over his men. prevented any
thing Of a similar character. and il was
largely due to his efforts that the strike
finally was settled.
All Took Interest.
Frank Thompson. George B. Roberts.
and Mr.. Csssatt all took an interest in
McCrea and assisted in his advancement.
In later years the friendship Of Henry
Clay Frick had much 20 do with his ad-
vancement and undoubtedly largely as
sisted in placing him in his present posi-
ton
Mr.. MeCrca's kindness OF heart is exeu-
pliied by the story OF a newspaper re-
porter who went to his home late one BIT
ter winter night. Mr.. McCrea had retired,
and the butler refused 10 admit the re-
porter As the door was closing Mr.. Nc
Crea appeared at the TOP of the stairs in
his pajamas-
Let him come in" he commanded. If
he takes the trouble to come out to see
me on such bitter night as this I GER
tainiy can do no more than come down
stnsrs in u warm house 10 see him"
That was jim McCrea through and
through. and these are the kind of acts
that have eudeaTed him to every one wis
ever came IN contact with him.