Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-07-10
Did Not Seek the Place

He Is not a practical road builder, but
he is an executive of ability and has long
regarded the State Highway Department
as one Of the most important branches of
the State government. He takes his new
Job so seriously that he has for the first
time In his life turned his extensive pri-
vate interests over to others and will give
his whole time TO highway Improvement
Black was not an applicant for the high.
way place. When the news reached Som.
erset that he was being considered he
was surprised, but he did not hesitate to
let It be known that he would take the
office II 1t came to him. To all those
who express surprise over the unexpected
appointment OF him instead of Secretary
of Agriculture Patton, who was appar.
emily slated for the place, 1t is pointed out
that Black has long been confidential
friend and adviser of the Governor.
THE position OF State Highway Com.
missioner Is one of great Importance"
Black is quoted as saying. 'It is one
no man can fill to the satisfaction of
everybody, as the results to be accom-.
plished are naturally limited to the
amount OF money available for road
ham realized this when he took the place.
but he made an excellent start, and had
he lived there is no doubt that the State
would have greatly benefited by his capa.
BILE and honest administration. Taking
this job means that I will have to give
up personal management of my private
business. But when I think of the good
/ may be able to do feel dare not shirk
the duty"
Getting an Appetite for Breakfast
The new Commissioner likes to tell q
story. On the day he took office he out
lined his ideas to his subordinates at inter-
walls and said he intended to pay close
attention even to minor details.
II like to know what is going on about
me-" he said. "One time when I was
prospecting one of my engineers came to
me with complaint of the long distance
he had to walk to work and gave that as
an excuse for a rather lame report. Next
morning 1 thought I'd go over before
breakfast and see for myself, and dis
covered a mighty fine vein OF coal. II
was only 10 miles, and 1 not only got
the information first hand, but had an
appetite for breakfast"
Frank B, Black was born April IT, 1854,
in Somerset County, where he has re-
sided all his life. At an early age his
family moved TO Meyersdale, where he
attended school. His father was engaged
in the manufacture OF bricks and tile
drain. Young Blacks first business ven.
ture was when he bought out his fathers
business, which he developed and con.
tinued. successfully for IL years His
father was once elected Associate Judge
of Somerset County and was also once
County Treasurer. After disposing of his
brick business Mr.. Black began the de.
velopment OF his Somerset County coal
interests, with which he has been proml-
nently identified for many years. With
two associates he began the prospecting
and opening up Of coal mines. which when
developed he sold at profit. Later, how
ever. with these associates he formed the
Stalantic Coal Company, with offices In
Somerset and New York, and entered
heavily into the producing end of the
business Two Of his brothers and two
Of his sons are now associated with him.
Mr.. Black served one term as a member
OF the Borough Council of Meysrsdals,
and this. with his service as member OF
the State Agricultural Commission. created
by the last Legislature. constitutes his
entire experience In public offlcs prior to
his appointment as State Highway Com.
missioner