Israel Wilson Durham (1855-1909)
Israel Wilson Durham | |
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Biography
Israel W. Durham was a Republican Pennsylvania Senator of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pa.
He was also the President of the Philadelphia Phillies when he died in 1909, and delegate to Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1900, 1904, 1908.
From Philadelphia and Popular Philadelphians, By North American. Published by The North American, 1891 [1]:
Israel Wilson Durham
Was born in Philadelphia, October 24th, 1855. He is the son of Thomas Durham, a well known flour dealer. Young Durham received his education in the public schools of the city, entering the senior class in his fifteenth year. After leaving school he entered the well known cloth house of J. B. Ellison & Co., with whom he remained but a short time; the desire to learn a trade predominating with him, he became apprenticed to Silas Emory, bricklayer, under whom he labored assiduously for two years. His father's business meanwhile being largely increased, the son's help was required and he became his father's assistant, in which position he developed excellent business qualifications both as an expert buyer and salesman, and formed a large circle of influential friends.
Becoming of age the Centennial year, he identified himself with the Republican party, since which time he has been active and constant in promoting its welfare. The defeat of Select Councilman Nathan Spering brought Mr. Durham into prominence and changed the political condition of things in the Seventh Ward, when he became recognized as a party leader. In 1885 Mr. Durham became a candidate for office. Was unanimously nominated by the Republican Convention as Police Magistrate, to which position he was elected by the handsome vote of 68,652, running fourth in a total of 15 candidates. Judge Durham's first office was on Fifth street above Chestnut, subsequently removing to Chestnut street above Fifth street. In 1890 he was again unanimously nominated and led his ticket in the election with a vote of 91,776.
Judge Durham is a popular official and citizen, straightforward in his manner and speech, dealing with men and officers with great good sense.
From Sporting Life Magazine, Vol. 52 No. 26, March 6, 1909. Philadelphia
ISRAEL W. DURHAM, New President and Principal Owner of Philadelphia National League Club.
When the Philadelphia National League Base Ball Club changed owners last week the majority of the stock was bought by a man who for nearly a score of years has been the leading factor in Republican politics in this city and State, a lover of base ball and all sports, and an admirable man in every respect Israel W. Durham. Mr. Durham succeeded William J. Shettsline as the President of the club, and having retired from active participation in politics, has decided to give his time strictly to base ball. He will therefore administer the affairs of his club, not merely being a figurehead. No man is better known, held in higher esteem, or is more capable than Mr. Durham, and there is little doubt that under him the Phillies will be successful. Mr. Durham is a Philadelphian by birth, and has made this city his home since he first saw the light of day here in October 24, 1855. His father was a big flour merchant and prominent member of the Commercial Exchange, and lived until the ripe age of 86 years, dying within the past year. His son, the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in the public schools, leaving th« Central High School after one year's study, to engage in the trade of bricklaying. Later he engaged in the flour business with his father, and continued in that calling until he entered politics, about twenty-eight years ago. His first political activity was in the early '80s, but it was not until 1885 that he accepted public office. He was then elected a Magistrate and was re-elected in 1890 hence his title of "Judge." It was at that time that Mr. Durham became a leading factor in the Philadelphia political world. In December, 1894. Mr. Durham urged the nomination of the Hon. Boles Penrose for Mayor of the city, but in the convention which followed his candidate was defeated at the last minute. A split followed in the local Republican organization and Mr. Durham was recognized as the head of the movement which resulted during the year following in the building up of a new and most powerful organization with him as its chief. From that time he was recognized by every Republican worker in Philadelphia as their leader. His judgment in all matters was never questioned, and he succeeded in building up a following of friends and supporters which no other single political leader ever had before or since. After the election of Senator Penrose to the United States Senate in 1897, Mr. Durham was elected to the State Senate, and he served for the balance of. Senator Penroses term at Harrisburg. Upon the election of Governor William A. Stone Mr. Durham was appointed State Insurance Commissioner, to which position he was reappointed by Governor Pennypacker. This high post he held until July 1, 1905. when he resigned in order that he could go West for the benefit of his health. In private life Mr. Durham has always been found to be on« of the most companionable of men. Although unmarried, his home life is ideal. His devotion to his aged father has always been marked and the two were frequently to be seen together.
Obituary
From Sporting Life Magazine, Vol. 53 No. 17, July 3, 1909. Philadelphia
ISRAEL W. DURHAM,
President of the Philadelphia National League Club.
Died, June 28, 1909.
Within ten days after the death of President Dovey, of the Boston Club, of the National League, that organization is bereft just as suddenly and tragically of another member. At Atlantic City, afternoon of June 28, 1909. President Israel W. Durham, of the Philadelphia National League Club, died suddenly while seated at luncheon in his cottage. Without a word of warning Mr. Durham reeled in his chair and fell over. His sister, Mrs. Phillip H. Johnson, wife of the Philadelphia architect, was sitting beside him, and she caught her brother in her arms as he fell. He was unable to speak and died in a few moments. Senator Durham and his sister had returned just before luncheon from an automobile trip. Mrs. Johnson said over the long distance ©phone that the Senator had been cheerful throughout the trip, but when they reached the cottage he complained of shortness of breath. Mr. Durham, in conjunction with Messrs. McNichol and Wolf, purchased the Philadelphia Club last March and Mr. Durham was at once elected President, displacing William J. Shettsline. Strangely, since his ownership of the club Mr. Durham had not seen his team play a game, as just before the local championship series between the Phillies and Athletics he was prostrated by an attack of grip, which confined to his bed for weeks and enfeebled him so that he was compelled to go to Atlantic City for recuperation without seeing his team play, in which he took great pride and interest and with whose doings he kept in close touch even when confined to his sick bed. A comprehensive biographical sketch of the deceased appeared in "Sporting Life," issue of March 6, 1909.
Notes
Some burial information obtained from Mount Moriah Cemetery Records 1856-1978, Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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