Biography from the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings site, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Tom Stokes]]> Ogden served his apprenticeship with the carpenter John Callaghan (99 North 4th Street). His inclusion in this project is determined by three surviving drawings at the AIA Foundation in Washington, DC. On one Ogden has written, "these buildings Designed & Erected by John M. Ogden in the year 1812 for John McCalla at the South West corner of 4th & Cherry St Phila Being the first Buildings Erected by J.M. Ogden In Business on His Own account He being 21 years old on 1s mo. 19, 1812." The Philadelphia directory for 1813 confirms that storekeeper McCalla was in business at 66 North 4th Street.
Another drawing shows the residence of Edmund Physick at 207 N. Third Street and is inscribed, "This House occupied by Doct Phillip Physicks Father and after His Death by George W. Morgan." Since Physick died in 1804 and Morgan occupied the house in 1806, this drawing must have been made after the building was already several years old. Another note -- "Built by J Calahan" -- suggests that the drawing may have been an apprentice's exercise.
Ogden was elected to The Carpenters' Company in 1816 and continued his membership without interruption until his death in 1882.

Biography from the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings site, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Roger W. Moss.]]>
Written by Roger W. Moss, from the Philadelphia Architects and Builders website. ]]>