The Borough Of Media.
The Upland Union, a paper which had long existed at Chester, and which was noted for its numerous suspensions and revivals, was brought to life here on Oct. 17, 1858, and placed temporarily in charge of Charles D. Manley, Esq., who, however, was very soon superseded by W. Cooper Talley, of Aston, later of the Delaware County Democrat, and Mr. Brimner, who had edited the Pennsylvanian at Philadelphia. The publication of the Union was suspended Feb., 19, 1861.
The Delaware County Record was established by J. W. Batting & Co., the company being C. D. Williamson and Joseph Chadwick, on March 23, 1878, as an independent local newspaper. Originally an eight-column paper, twenty by twenty-seven inches, page measure, it was so successful that the proprietors enlarged it to nine columns in less than a year from the time it was started. Mr. Batting died April 2, 1880, and from that time until May 6, 1882, the paper was carried on under the firm-name of Chadwick & Williamson. The former, who was manager and editor from July 1, 1880, became sole proprietor in May, 1882, and continues to conduct the Record as a live local journal.
Banking. - The First National Bank of Media was organized Feb. 22, 1864, chartered March 12th, and opened for business on March 21st, in the second story of Haldeman's store building. Its capital was sixty-five thousand dollars, which, in 1865, was increased to one hundred thousand dollars. Isaac Haldeman was the first president, and Joseph W. Hawley cashier. On the death of the president, in August, 1878, his son, Thomas J. Haldeman, succeeded to the office, which he still holds. The bank was removed to its present location in September, 1870, at which time the building was purchased and suitably fitted for the purpose it was to serve.
The parents of Mr. Haldeman were Abram and Mary Showwalter Haldeman. Their son was born in Charlestown township, Chester Co., Pa., in September, 1797, and at an early age sent to the common schools of his township, where he remained until his fourteenth year. He made rapid progress in his studies, and soon secured an education far in advance of his associates. Knowing that his means for its attainment were narrowly circumscribed, he improved every opportunity for increasing his store of knowledge, which naturally or by accident was afforded him. From his fourteenth until his twenty-first year he remained with his parents, securing from the fruits of his labor a great degree of comfort for them. After experiencing in his efforts to obtain an honest livelihood many vicissitudes, he determined to try his fortunes in another direction, and removed to Marple township, Delaware Co. Here in various capacities he labored for some time until, by his increasing industry and the careful administration of his finances, he had saved a capital of one hundred and fifty dollars. This hard-earned sum, limited as it was, formed the nucleus of what since became more than a respectable competency. With it he opened a country store, and shortly after the commencement of this doubtful enterprise was enabled to enlarge it by the voluntary aid of friends, who admired his integrity and indomitable perseverance. This aid, with the growing popularity of his store, he was enabled to repay in a few months with interest. By careful attention to the details of a business which, in the country, of necessity covered a wide range of articles, each of which would have made a specialty for a city store, he soon obtained the patronage of a large section. About 1840 he removed to the present borough of Media, and, continuing his business at this point, soon won and easily held an extended trade. He grew up to a position of prominence as a citizen, entering actively into all schemes for municipal improvement, and contributing largely with his means to the advancement of the community's interests. He continued proprietor of the store, which had been founded by his most active exertions, until 1856, when his sons succeeded him. Mr. Haldeman was one of the original movers in the establishment of the First National Bank of Media, was a member of its board of directors, and its president from the day of organization until his death. While, as a Republican, taking no active part in politics, nor making any effort to secure office, he was nevertheless chosen as the first president of the borough of Media, and for eighteen years a member of the Borough Council. In the capacity of municipal legislator he acted intelligently and with a conscientious regard for the interests of his fellow-citizens. He invested largely in building improvements, and thus contributed much to the growth of Media. In his dealings he was prompt, filling all contracts in the spirit and to the letter of the agreement, thus winning a reputation for integrity, the lustre of which time has not served to diminish. He maintained in religion the faith of the society of Friends, and was a member of the Friends' Meeting of Providence. Mr. Haldeman was, on the 31st of January, 1828, united in marriage to Eliza West, daughter of Thomas West, of Delaware County, whose children are Thomas J., Elizabeth W., Isaac Lawrence, and Mary H. (Mrs. Edgar T. Miller). The death of Mr. Haldeman occurred Aug. 13, 1878, in his eighty-first year.
John M. Broomall and Frederick Fairlamb established a banking business in 1868, having their office where Samuel Dutton's store now is. In 1870 they purchased a building on the corner of State Street and South Avenue, which they fitted up as a banking-house. On the 1st of January, 1871, the original firm took as a third partner W. Y. Hoopes, and in April Mr. Broomall withdrew, leaving the firm Fairlamb & Hoopes. It so remained until the death of Mr. Fairlamb, on Dec. 25, 1878, after which Mr. Hoopes car-