GENEALOGICAL
AND
PERSONAL HISTORY
OF
Western Pennsylvania
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JOHN W. JORDAN, LL. D.
Librarian of the Historical Society of ennsylvania, Philadelphia; Editor of "Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography"; author of various historical works.
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
NEW YORK
LEWIS HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
I915WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
January 22, 90o3. He was the owner of considerable other property in
Brackenridge, from which he added considerably to his income, and was
actively interested in community affairs, aiding to the best of his ability in
all projects for the public good. He was a member of the German Lutheran
Church, and his political allegiance was given to the Republican party.
Mr. Kammerer married, in I868, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Mary
Alf, born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 27, I846 daughter of Marcus
and Theresa (Marger) Alf, who were born, lived and died in Germany.
Mrs. Kammerer came to the United States in the same ship with her intended husband, their marriage taking place in the same year, I868. Nine
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer, namely: I. Frederick,
-deceased. 2. Wilhelm Christian, a resident of St. Louis; married Mary
Nady; children: William, Clyde, Gladys. 3. August F., a resident of Etna,
Pennsylvania; married Sarah Hartung; children: Charles, Sarah, Mary,
Braun, deceased. 4. Minnie C., wife of John Page Dieffenbach, of Milton,
Pennsylvania; children: Harold, Elizabeth, Rubie, Catharine. 5. Mary M.,
wife of Alvin B. Kline, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; children:  Mary,
Martha, Jane, Alice. 6. John F., unmarried. 7. Louisa A., died November
8, I913; she was the wife of W. A. Gauter; children: Edwin and Gladys.
8. Lillian O., died January 31, I9I4. 9. Elsie D., wife of Wesley L. Atkinson, of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania; children: Linn, Eugene, John,
Blair. The family have always held an honored place in the social life of
the various communities in which they have resided, and have been active
factors in every worthy undertaking.
The late Walter Henry Smith, of Tarentum, where he reSMITH  sided for the last nine years of his life, was a man of great
integrity of character, upright and honorable in all his transactions, a man who won and retained the confidence and good will of all
with whom he was brought in contact. He was a native of Leeds, England,
born January I6, I845, son of John and Mary (Marshall) Smith.
John Smith, father of Walter Henry Smith, was born in England, was
there reared and educated, and subsequently emigrated to the United States,
settling first in Wheeling, Pennsylvania, where he resided until I850, when
he removed to Pittsburgh, South Side, locating on Fourth avenue, where he
established a dyeing and scouring business, in which he was very successful,
his patronage steadily increasing year by year, owing to his thorough business methods. He there spent the remainder of his days, his death occuring May IO, I889, aged seventy-four years. He attended the Presbyterian
Church, although he was reared in the faith of the Episcopal Church. His
wife, Mary (Marshall) Smith, also a native of England, died in Pittsburgh,
July I2, I887, aged sixty-six years. They were the parents of six children:
Walter Henry, of whom further; Joseph; Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth; Samuel; Charles.
Walter Henry Smith accompanied his parents to this country, residing
536I
IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the owner of the property, and has since conducted the same in a successful manner, the patronage steadily increasing, owing to the fact that
everything is done for the comfort and pleasure of the patrons, the rooms
are neat and cheerful in appearance, and the table is supplied with the best
the markets afford. Mr. Lippert is one of the organizers and directors
of thle Mutual Union Brewery Company of Aliquippa, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, one of the leading industries of that place. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, and a staunch adherent of the
Republican party, but has never sought or held public office, preferring to
devote his entire time to his business pursuits. He is a man of substance
and influence, and is held in high esteem by all who are brought in contact
with him, either in public or private life. Mr. Lippert is a member of the
Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, McKeesport Lodge, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose,
also a member of the local Turn Verein.
Mr. Lippert married, in I888, Annie Weil, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of Ludwig and Mary Weil, both of whom are now deceased. They are the parents of three children, all living at the present
time (1914): Mary Elizabeth, Leonard, George.
Arthur Ball is one of a family which represents the best type
BALL of English character, which, from the earliest days of Colonial
history, has formed the solid foundation of the American citizenship, and upon which, today, we are erecting securely the amazing fabric
of a population the most composite the world has ever known.
Thomas Ball, father of Arthur Ball, was a native of Staffordshire,
England. He began life as a miner in the coal deposits of his native region,
and through sheer force of character and native ability, worked himself
into the position of prominence in the adopted community across the sea.
He soon rose from the rank of miner to be a foreman in the English mines,
and in the year 1879 he came to the United States and settled in the city
of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His first employment in this country was in
the great steel works, the industry which has done so much to render the
Pennsylvania city famous, but later he returned to his old occupation of
coal mining at Banksville, Pennsylvania. He made this change about I892,
and it was not long before the skill derived from natural ability and long
experience drew the attention of his superiors to him and he was once more
given the position of foreman. But Mr. Ball was not content to remain
employed in the service of others. His fertile brain was ever on the outlook
for an opportunity to embark upon an independent enterprise, and it was
not a great while before the occasion offered. In 90o6 he was the prime
organizer of the Builders' Supply Company, and since that time has been
actively engaged in managing this very flourishing business. He was the
company's first president and has remained in that capacity ever since. To
the original venture was later added a retail coal business, and the whole
607WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
enterprise has prospered greatly and now employs twenty men in its service. But Mr. Ball has not by any means confined his energies to the conduct of his personal affairs. For a time he was a resident in Hays, Pennsylvania, and while there took an active part in the local politics. He is
a member of the Republican party and on that ticket was elected a member of the first borough council of Hays, and became its first president.
Since I904 he has lived in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania. He is a member
of the local lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Knights of
Pythias. He married, while in England, Charlotte Burroughs, also a native
of Staffordshire, and by her had ten children, as follows: Edward, now
a resident of Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, where he is engaged in the insurance business; Rachel, deceased, became Mrs. Frederick W. Simmons,
and died February, i9o8; Sadie, unmarried, a teacher at West Homestead,
Pennsylvania; Arthur, of whom further; Lottie, a school teacher, died at
the age of twenty years; a child who died in infancy; Bertha, a musician,
performer upon the piano and organ and a teacher of her art, lives at home
with her parents; a child who died in infancy; Clifford, employed by a
feed company and lives at home with his parents; Albert, who resides
with his parents and is employed in his father's business.
Arthur Ball, fourth child of Thomas and Charlotte (Burroughs) Ball,
was born February 25, I879, in Staffordshire, England. His parents emigrated to the United States, however, in the same year as his birth, and it
thus happened that his earliest associations are with the state of Pennsylvania in that picturesque region lying beyond the Allegheny Mountains.
He received his education in the public schools of Banksville, Pennsylvania,
and at an early age commenced work with his father in the collieries of
that locality. During the time he was so employed he continued his studies,
attending night school, a task which, considering the difficult nature of the
work in the mines, must call for unqualified admiration. In the night school
he applied himself diligently to the study of stenography, and later of
bookkeeping. In I907, as a result of these efforts, he secured a position
with the Mercantile Trust Company of Pittsburgh, with which concern he
remained five years, learning much that was to be of use to him in later
years, of the conduct of the business of large financial institutions. He
then accepted the offer of a better position with the Monongahela Trust
Company of Homestead, Pennsylvania. and made his home in that city for
a year. T,he skill which he displayed in the performance of his duties in
these concerns did not pass unnoticed, and it was in I9o4 that the Hays
National Bank of Hays, Pennsylvania, offered him the position of cashier.
This offer Mr. Ball at once accepted, and he has held the office ever since
to the entire satisfaction of the management and the great advantage to
the business. Some idea of the increase in the volume of business done by
the bank since Mr. Ball became its cashier, an increase with which his skill
and capability has had much to do, may be gained from the fact that at
the beginning of the period the deposits of the bank amounted to $47,ooo,
6ogWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
while in the year I913 they had grown to the sum of $I74,ooo. When he
accepted the position with the Hays concern, Mr. Ball removed his residence
to that town, and has there made his home ever since.
Besides his connection with the bank he has been made a director of
the Builders' Supply Company, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, of which his
father is the president, and at one time he filled the office of treasurer to
the same concern. Notwithstanding the great demands which his business
and financial associations make upon his time and attention, he gives generously of both to the life of his community in its various aspects. He is
a member of the Republican party, and takes an active part in local politics
and the conduct of his community's affairs. His skill and experience in
financial matters fit him for many difficult positions in the gift of the town,
nor has he held back from accepting them. Just at present he is serving
his fellow citizens in the capacity of borough treasurer, and as treasurer
of the school district. He also occupies a prominent place in social and
fraternal circles in his town, being a member of the local Masonic Lodge,
the Knights of Pythias, and the Knights of Malta.
Mr. Ball married, October I4, I9o09, Bertha Olive May, a native of
Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ball is a daughter of Albert and
Jennie (McKarney) May, of Sulphur Springs, Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are the parents of one child, Charlotte May,
born November 29, I9IO. Mr. Ball is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Ball belongs to the Christian Church.
The Rev. Father Holosnyay is a member of a race
HOLOSNYAY which, although it has been represented in the past
by a comparatively small element in the composite population of the United States, has of recent years contributed a large and
valuable addition to the formation of what in years to come will be the
American race. The Kingdom of Hungary lies in a part of Europe, perhaps the least well known to the average American, a region, indeed, of
which the very names sound to our ears like gates to the land of romance,
the abode of Prince Florizel and his care-free crew.  But despite this
thoughtless impression, it is doubtful if there could be found in the world
today a more practical and capable people than that of Hungary. The
history of the land has been one long record of struggle for independence
and recognition against powerful and oppressive neighbors, during the
course of which their purpose has been accomplished and a wholesome
respect for their ancient rights and privileges been impressed upon all with
whom they came in contact. Today the Hungarians are chiefly engaged in
that basic industry, agriculture, and it is safe to assert that they are the
equal of any farmers in the world in the practical use they make of their
land, and the high percentage of return they secure to the given area.
Father Holosnyay, son of Antonio and Emelia Holosnyay, was born
March 28, I867, at Ungvar, Hungary, and here received his education.
6ogWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
His family had always belonged to the Greek Catholic Church, and he,
being of a strongly religious nature, it was decided that his studies should
be of such kind as toi prepare him for the priesthood. Accordingly his
education was pursued with this end in view, and in I892 he was ordained
a priest. For about seven years thereafter he spent his time ministering
to the spiritual needs of the people of his own land, but in the year I900
he received a call from the United States, and to this new field of duty
he at once repaired. Father Holosnyay arrived in the United States just
at the opening of the twentieth century, and made the year an important
anniversary in the history of the Greek Catholic Church in Pennsylvania
by organizing the first congregation of the kind at Homestead, Allegheny
county, in that state. Going to that city at once, upon reaching this country,
he accomplished this work, the members of his little flock consisting of the
hundred families, more or less, who shared his faith in the city of Homestead. In a very short time the Church of St. John the Baptist was erected
on Third avenue. This first building was very small but served the purposes of the congregation for about five years, when it became apparent
that a larger building would be required. In the year I9o5 a site on Dixon
street between Eighth and Ninth avenues was chosen and the present
beautiful church and parsonage were erected. The buildings are both in
the Byzantine style of architecture, characteristic of the Greek Catholic
churches the world over, and as usual with this style the detail is mlost
ornate. The interior particularly is very elaborately and beautifully decorated, being truly a monument to the artistic skill and taste of the designer
and those who carried out his conception, and the whole church is a worthy
place of worship for the devout congregation, which now numbers some
five hundred families. Under the intelligent and efficient management of
Father Holosnyay, the parish has not only grown numerically, but is a
thriving, active religious center, holding out high promise of future development. Besides his firmly established place in the hearts of his congregation,
and the good work he is doing in the home parish, Father Holosnyay is a
conspicuous figure in the more general organization of the Greek Catholic
Church in America, and holds the office of director in the Greek Catholic
Union of America, which has its headquarters in Homestead.
Father Holosnyay is a naturalized American citizen, votes the Republican ticket, is keenly interested in the questions of politics of the day and
hour, both those of local and national significance, but most especially has
he become wrapped up in the work that he is doing as priest here so far
away from his native land, among those of his own faith and race, who
have come to this far western republic to modify and enrich with their
character, customs, traditions and religion, its evolving life. Father Holosnyay, himself, is a fine example of the type of man which these produce,
earnest in his work, highly educated, possessing that genial courtesy which
is well nigh the definition of the gentleman, and with an open heart for all
men, even strangers, which is one of the last and best fruits of religion.
6ioWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
In the formation of the Greek Catholic diocese of the United States of
America, Father Holosnyay took a great part and for these worthy services
he received from his bishop the title of canon; and has been chosen as one
of the bishop's consultors and nominated as a deacon in Homestead district.
The name of Wagner is identified with niany enterprises
WAGNER of importance in this country, as well as in Germany, from
which land the family came. The various members of the
family have always, when occasion demanded, shown their worth as devoted and patriotic citizens.
Henry Wagner, who lived and died in Germany, was the father of
Henry Wagner, who was born near the river Rhine, Germany, and died in
Allegheny, Pennsylvania, at the age of eighty-two'years. He came to the
United States in early boyhood and located at Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, later removing to Allegheny, in both places following his
occupation of shoemaking. He married Mary Elizabeth Shide, born in
Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Shide, both
natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Sharpsburg,
where he was a carpenter and gardener, and where his death occurred.
Henry J. Wagner, son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Shide) Wagner,
was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 26,
I864. He was educated in the parochial schools of his native city, and upon
the completion of his studies, entered the employ of the Erie Ice Comipany,
of Allegheny, and Chautauqua Lake Ice Company, and is now secretary and
treasurer of the Diamond Ice Company, of Braddock, Pennsylvania. He
is an active and progressive man, and is at the present time a member of
the Board of Health of Braddock, Pennsylvania. He is a devout member of
the Catholic Church, to which he is a liberal contributor, and he is also a
member of the following named organizations: Knights of Columbus,
Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, Knights of St. George, Knights of the
Maccabees, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Mr. Wagner married,
in I888, Catherine Mary Elizabeth Heyle, of Allegheny City, and they have
had children: Mary E., Joseph H., Edwin M., Gertrude M., Lucy M.,
Agnes M., Catherine M.
The name of Butler is well known in the United States.
BUTLER  Researches in Great Britain claim the descent from the famous Duke of Ormond, who was lord lieutenant of Ireland.
His descendants are numerous in various portions of Great Britain. No
definite connection between this family and the one under discussion here
can be established, but it is a reasonable supposition that they came of this
well known stock.
James Butler, born in Ireland, came to America about I880, in order
to establish a home for his family who were to follow later. He located
at Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he found occupation
6iiWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
as a furnace man in a steel mill, and died there about I886. He married
Mary Shehan, who came to America with the children in I88I, and died
about I888. They had four sons: I. Edward. 2. Richard J., of whom
further. 3. John. 4. Peter, married Laura Joyce, and they have three
children: Laura, Lawrence, deceased, and an infant not named. All the
members of this family belonged to St. Thomas' Catholic Church.
Richard J. Butler was born in Ireland, April II, I877. He was about
four years of age when brought to this country by his mother, and he had
but few educational advantages, these being acquired at the parochial
schools of Braddock. At the early age of nine years he commenced the
active work of life by carrying water to the blast furnace, and from this
employment he gradually worked up to the position of a furnace man, and
later becamle foreman, a position he retained until I9oo; when he resigned
in order to establish himself in the hotel business, with which he is still
identified on Braddock avenue. He is a member of St. Thomas' Roman
Catholic Church, and of the following organizations: Fraternal Order of
Eagles, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Turner Club and the Braddock Social Club. Mr. Butler married,
in I896, Mary McCarthy, and they have had children: Edward A., Joseph,
Helen, Richard, James.
The name of Brennan, or Branin, as it is sometimes spelled,
BRENNAN  has been known in Ireland for many generations, and the
possessors of this honored name have their full share of
that versatility and mother wit for which the sons of the Emerald Isle are so
justly noted.
(I) Thomas Brennan was a farmer in Ireland, and emigrated from
that country to America. Later he returned to his native land and died
there. He married Mary, a daughter of James and Ann (McDonald)
Henry, also natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America, and made their
home at Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he followed his occupation as
a stone mason.
(II) John Brennan, son of Thomas and Mary (Henry) Brennan, was
born in Ireland, educated there, and became a skilled florist while in the
employ of the Duke of Hampshire. He emigrated to America in I88I or
I882, and made his home at Oakland, now the Fourteenth Ward of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He established himself in business as a florist, with
which he was successfully identified until his death. He married Mary
Gallagher, and they had four sons and three daughters: I. Martin, deceased. 2. Thomas. 3. Ellen, married W. L. Elford, and has children:
John, Mary, Eleanor, Anita, William. 4. James P., of whom further. 5.
Patrick J., married (first) Mary Boyle, one child, Mary; Mrs. Brennan
died and he married (second) Minnie Rosetta. 6. Bessie, deceased; married M. J. Clochhloska. 7. Mary, deceased.
(III) James P. Brennan, son of John and Mary (Gallagher) Brennan,
612I)Y/W6ia  ~//erwin  WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was born in Ireland, October I6, I868. His earlier education was received
in Ireland, and it was completed in the public schools of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was occupied in various ways until he had attained an age
when he could become a member of the police force of Pittsburgh, was
then appointed, and served for a period of six years. He then decided to
establish himself in the hotel business, and he did this about I894 at No.
309 Thirteenth street, Braddock, Pennsylvania, at which place he is still
located. His hotel is conducted along up-to-date lines, and is one of the
finest of its kind and size in the section. Mr. Brennan is also an extensive
real estate dealer, in which line of business he has also been eminently successful. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and he and his family are
members of St. Thomas' Catholic Church. Mr. Brennan married, in I903,
Mary Forsythe, and they have had children: John, William, Howard, Mary
Margaret, Robert, Betty, Paul.
The Sherwin family has been ably represented in this
SHERWIN country for several generations, and they have freely given
their services in defense of the country of their adoption.
John Sherwin, the first of this branch of the well known Sherwin family of England to come to this country, was born in Dunton, England,
where he lived many years, died in Braddock, Pennsylvania, September I9,
I899, and is buried in the Versailles Cemetery, at McKeesport. He emigrated to America in 1844, bringing his family with him, and settled in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Later he removed to Lorain
county, Ohio, lived there for three years, and owned a farm there, and another across the line in Lucas county, Ohio. In I853 he returned to Pennsylvania, and settled on Alcott avenue, Braddock, later removing to Braddock avenue, where he built a house in I86o. This house stood there until
I892, when the business section of the city having encroached upon this
property, he had the house removed to the back of the lot, facing Wood
Way, and it is there at the present time. Mr. Sherwin followed his trade
of tailoring until his death. He married Hannah Ford, who died in Braddock, January 3I, I882, and is buried beside her husband. They had children: William, of further mention; Mary, widow of Robert Bates, lives
in Youngstown, Ohio; John, died in Braddock; Hannah, widow of George
Van Horn, lives in Edgewood; Elizabeth, married Joseph Jamison, and
lives in Butler county, Pennsylvania; George, died at the age of thirty-six
years; Sarah, married John Orr, and lives in Braddock; Charlotte, married John Alexander, and lives in Plainview, Texas; Samuel, died in infancy.
William Sherwin, son of John and Hannah (Ford) Sherwin, was born
in Leicestershire, England, May 4, I844, died in Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was an infant when brought to this country by his
parents, and was the only child of his parents born in England. After completing his education, he worked in the mines in various capacities for a
number of years, and was then engaged in teaming for a time. Later he
6I3WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
first in Wheeling and then in Pittsburgh, and his education was acquired
in the public schools of the latter named city. Upon attaining a suitable
age he entered his father's employ, gaining a thorough knowledge of the
business in which he was engaged, and upon the death of his father was
qualified to continue the business, which he conducted for two more years
in Pittsburgh, then removed to Tarentum, still continuing the same line of
work, from which he derived a comfortable livelihood, and remained a resident of that city until his death, May 5, I9oo, aged fifty-five years. He was
an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and he was a
staunch upholder of the principles of the Republican party. He was active
in community affairs in both Pittsburgh and Tarentum, and his influence for
good was manifest in many directions.
Mr. Smith married, in I877, Emma McKnight, born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, June 24, 1845, daughter of David Sterrett and Elizabeth
(Wageley) McKnight, and they were the parents of four children: I.
Mary Elizabeth, died in August, I882, aged twenty-two months. 2. Oliver
J., a sheet worker, resides at home. 3. Loretta Elizabeth, wife of Harry
Smith Rishel, an employee of the Tarentum Lumber Company. 4. Lida
Marie, died June Io, I89o, aged one year, five months, five days.
James McKnight, paternal grandfather of Emma (McKnight) Smith,
was a native of Ireland, from which country he emigrated to the United
States, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, being the owner of seven hundred acres of land there. His wife,
Jane (Sterrett) McKnight, was also a native of Ireland. David Sterrett
McKnight, father of Emma (McKnight) Smith, was born in Meadville,
Crawford county, Penns'ylvania, died in I878, aged seventy-four years; his
wife, a native of Brookville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, died in I897,
aged eighty-two years. She was a daughter of John and Sarah (Clauson)
Wageley, who erected the second house in Meadville, where his death occurred, the death of his wife occurring in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
David Sterrett and Elizabeth (Wageley) McKnight were the parents of ten
children:  Sarah Catherine, dPceased; David Sterrett, deceased; Robert
Prime; Harriet Melissa, deceased; infant, deceased; Emma, aforementioned;
Anna Eliza; Mary Elizabeth; John Albert, died January 20, I9II, he was a
Congregational minister; William Wageley.
In the death of John Adams, for many years a prominent resiADAMS  dent of Tarentum, the community lost not only a singularly
successful man, but a most worthy and honored citizen. He
was not only successful himself, but was largely influential in the success
of others, and he has left to posterity that priceless heritage, an honored
rarne.
John Adams was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in I834, son of
Adams, whose death occurred many years ago, and Sarah (Adams)
Adams, who after the death of her first husband married Isaac Milligan, by
whom she had a large family, all of whom are now deceased. She died in
537WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
became a merchant in Braddock, with which line of business he was connected until October, I882, when he retired from business life. During the
Civil War he served in Company M, Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, his term being of six months' duration near the close of
the war. He was very active in local political matters in the interests of
the Republican party, served two years as a burgess, and for a number of
years as a member of the school board and the common council. He and
hiis wife were members of the United Brethren Church. In I866 he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was still
affiliated with it at the time of his death.
Mr. Sherwin married (first) in I867, Ann, born in England, died in
I902, a daughter of John and Hester (Turner) Bates, the former coming
to America in 1874, the latter died in England. They had children: Hannah, married Charles Jones, both died in Braddock; William, who came to
America in I867, lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Robert, now deceased, married Mary Sherwin; Mary, who came to America in I86o, married Ozro Wilkison, both now deceased; Ann, mentioned above; Rebecca,
married Edward White, and died in England; Martha, who became the
second wife of Mr. Sherwin; John Turner, who came to America in I874,
lives in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sherwin married (second) in
I903, Martha, a sister of his first wife. There are no children by second
marriage. By the first marriage there were: William Turner, an engineer
by profession, married Mildred Barr, and has: May B., who married A.
J. Pancook, and William Everett; Hannah, lives in Braddock, married William Stringer, has children: Robert, Albert and George; John W., lives
in Braddock, is a draughtsman, married Victoria De Nardo; George, a
bookkeeper, lives in Monessen, married Charlotte Williams, and has a
daughter, Charlotte G.; Robert, a bookkeeper, narried Mary Major, has
children: Robert, George, Martha, William, and lives in Monessen.
Some branches of the Diehl family have been represented in
DIEHL  this country for many generations, and they have all brought
with them from their native land of Germany, and transmitted
to their descendants, those habits of thrift, industry and integrity which
are so characteristic of the natives of that country.
Peter Diehl was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and emigrated to
the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century. He settled at
Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and there engaged in farming.
Thrifty, economical and industrious, his savings soon amounted to a considerable little capital, and he then settled in Pittsburgh, and later in Butler county on a farm. He later took a position in the iron mill of Jones 
Laughlin, in Pittsburgh, but had only held this a few days when he suddenly died. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the German
Protestant Church.  He married Mary -     and of their two children,
Philip was killed in an accident, on South Side, when about fifty or fiftyfive years of age, and Adam, of whom further.
6I4WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Adam Diehl was born at Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania,
August 17, 1837, died December 3, I908. His entire attendance at schools
consisted of three days spent there, and he is in the truest sense of the word
a self-educated man. Naturally of an ambitious and energetic nature, he
overcame the obstacles which lay in his path to an education in his early
youth, and at the time of his death was one of the best read men in his
section, well informed on all important questions of the day, and a more
than ordinarily fine mathematician. About I874 he opened a grocery store
at Fourteenth and Carson streets, but shortly afterward removed to Sarah
street, where he conducted a grocery and a feed store near to each other,
and was personally identified with these until he retired from business in
I893. In I899 he purchased one and three-quarter acres in Baldwin township, on Brownsville road, now Carrick borough, and there his death occurred. He was a leader in the organization of Carrick borough, and was
elected its first burgess. He was a director of the Birmingham Fire Insurance Company; director and treasurer of the Keystone Brewery; treasurer of the local lodge, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; treasurer of the Masonic Mutual Association. He was a member of the German Evangelical Church, of which he was treasurer upwards of thirty
years, and of which his wife is a member, and he was chiefly instrumental in
making the purchase of the German Evangelical Cemetery in Carrick borough.
Mr. Diehl married, April 2, I856, Philippina Sutter, born in Germany,
March 30, I841, and brought to this country by her parents the following year. She is the daughter of Peter and Philippina (Doeckler) Sutter, the former a shoemaker all his life. Both were born in Germany,
died on South Side, and are buried in the German Evangelical Cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Diehl became the parents of children as follows: Amelia,
married W. H. Shaffer, and lives in Carrick; Philip, died in infancy;
George, a gold mine operator, lives in Carrick; Jacob, Caroline and Henry,
died in infancy; Louis, a feed merchant, resides in Carrick; Matilda, married Lawrence Schaefer, and lives with her mother; Lillian, married Walter Hartman, and lives with her mother. At the time of the death; of Mr.
Diehl, the directors of the Birmingham Fire Insurance Company sent a
morocco-bound memorial volume to the Diehl family, expressing their
appreciation of the services of Mr. Diehl in his business life, and as a man,
in civic and religious life. T!he family prizes this very highly, as it indicates the opinion held of him by his fellowmen, especially those with whom
he had close business relations.
To the country of Sweden we owe much of the early
BURKMAN  prosperity of this country, especially in the states of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, and to those who
have come to the United States in more recent years, no less credit is due
for the admirable qualities of industry, thrift and integrity which they
have brought here.
6I5WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Johannes Burkman spent his entire life in Sweden, and was engaged
in conducting a general store. In later years he became the owner of a
farm, which he cultivated with much success. He married Pamelia Johnson, also a native of Sweden, where her death occurred. They had children: Swan; August; John, of further mention; Alfred; Adolph; Augusta, lives in Sweden; Josephine, lives in Sweden; Hannah, deceased.
John Burkman was born in Sweden, May I, I86o. He was educated
in his native land, where he remained until he had attained his majority,
then in I88I he emigrated to the United States and made his way at once
to Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he arrived May 8,
and at once found employment in the Carnegie Steel Works, where he remained six years. He then established' himself in the grocery business, with
which he has been successfully identified since that time. Five years after
establishing this business, he erected the brick building at the corner of
Ninth and Washington streets. He is a member of the Lutheran Church,
to which he is a liberal contributor, and is also a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows; Royal Arcanum; Swedish Society; Scandinavia
Society of America, in which order he has been treasurer of the Supreme
Lodge for the past twelve years. Mr. Burkman married, July 3I, 1885,
Lydia Peterson, of Sweden, and they have had children: Edgar, is in the
employ of his father; Charles, a salesman, of North Braddock; Gertrude;
Paul, attends high school; Elmer, attends the elementary public schools.
John Lovett was born, lived and died in Staffordshire, EngLOVETT  land, where he was occupied during the active years of his
life as a laborer. He married Ruth Chatterton, and had children: Joseph, of further mention; Ralph, John, Sarah, Jane, Mary, Ellen.
Joseph Lovett, son of John and Ruth (Chatterton) Lovett, was born in
Cheshire, England, September 9, I840, died in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania,
June 9, I9II. He emigrated to America in I869, settling at Sandy Creek,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he followed his occupation as a
painter. Later he opened a wall paper store in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania,
this being the first store of this kind in the town, and conducted this with
great success until his death, since which time his widow has been carrying
on the business. Mr. Lovett married, in England, Nancy Howard, descendant of an old family, and had children: John H., born in England in i862,
married Maude Erwin; Ralph E., born in i865; Charles, Benjamin, Walter, Harry, Emily, Lillian.
David Dorleman was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main,
DORLEMAN  Germany, October 20, I828, died in Mount Oliver, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December 24, I913. His
mother died when he was but five years of age and he was raised to maturity
by an elder sister and his father. He served in the German army for a time,
and remained in Germany until about I86o, when he emigrated to the United
6i6WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
States and settled in Pittsburgh, in the section then known as Riceville. He
was a cabinet maker by trade, and followed this calling successfully until
about I873. In I864 he had purchased two acres of land in what was then
Lower St. Clair township, now Mount Oliver borough, and in I873, when
he abandoned cabinet making, he selected gardening as his future occupation, of which he had made a study for some time previously. He built one
greenhouse, to commence with, and finding his methods successful almost
beyond his expectations, he built another, etc., and was identified with this
industry until his death. He and his wife were members of St. Paul's
Lutheran Church, and he had at one time been a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Dorleman married (first) ~, who died May I, I894, and he married (second) July 26, 1894, Mary (Nauman) Markman, a daughter of
Henry and Elizabeth (Flock) Nauman, natives of Germany, who canme to
America in I86o, settled in Pittsburgh, where Mrs. Dorleman was born in
I86I. Mrs. Dorleman had married (first) in I882, Nicholas Markman,
who died June 23, 1887, and by this marriage there were children: Eleanora, married John Loadmnan. and has children: James, May and John;
Ida, died in I888 at the age of ten weeks.
Mayer is a name of frequent occurrence in this country, and
MAYER was mainly brought here from Germany, as well as the
varied forms of spelling, such as Meyer, Myer, Myers,
Maier, Meier, etc.
John Mayer was born in Wuerttemberg, Germany, in I8oo, where he
learned the trade of shoemaking, a calling with which he was identified in
Germany all his life. He and his wife were members of the Catholic Church.
He married Barbara Kestler, also born in Wuerttemberg in I8oo, and they
had fifteen children, of whom the following named grew to maturity:
Leonard, a priest of the Benedictine Order, died in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania;
Wilhelmina, married George Hertzog, and died in Germany; Joseph, died
in New York City in I912; Fredericka, married John Hise, and died in
Germany; Charles, who was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in
the Fifth United States Infantry, died while in the regular army; William,
of further mention; Juliane, married a Mr. Waltz, and died in Germany.
William Mayer, son of John and Barbara (Kestler) Mayer, was born
in Wuerttemberg, Germany, May I8, I840. He received his education in
the parochial schools of his native country. At the age of sixteen years
he came to the United States, and completed his education at St. Vincent's
College. He then engaged in the profession of teaching, the various fields
in which he labored being as follows: Pine Creek, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania; Tonawanda, Erie county, New York; Richmond, Virginia;
St. Joseph's School, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Bloomfield School, in Pittsburgh; Temperanceville, Pennsylvania; St. Peter's School, South Side,
Pittsburgh. In T88o he came to Braddock, Pennsylvania, taught there for
617WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
some years, and played the organ in St. Joseph's Church for a, number of
years, resigning the position of organist in I9O6. In I883 he established
himself in the saloon business, continuing this successfully until I9O6, when
he retired from active business life. Politically he is a Democrat, fraternally
a Knight of St. George, and he and his wife are members of St. Joseph's
Catholic Church.
Mr. Mayer married, in I865, Emma T. Passaquay, born at Niagara
Falls, Niagara county, New York, September 8, I846, died in I9o09. She
was a daughter of Felix and Melanie (Heinz) Passaquay, the former born
in St. Louis, Missouri, of Spannish descent, the latter born in France, and
they lived all of their married lives at Niagara Falls, where he was a well
known and reliable guide, and conducted an art store. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer
had children: William, a bandmaster, lives in Knoxville, Allegheny county,
married Anna Beckman, children, Dr. William H., and Melanie, a school
teacher; Mary, died in infancy; Joseph L., a musician, living in Braddock,
married Elizabeth Loew, no children; Emma and Leonard, living with
father; John, a noted flutist, also lives with his father; Felix, died at the
age of two and a half years.
This family has been represented in this country but a few
WIGMAN generations, but they have beneficially influenced business
in several directions, and their worth to the community
has been shown.
John Henry Wigman was born in Hanover, Germany, and there he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits, being the owner of a small farm. In I846
he came to America, bringing some of his children with him, and there set
to work to prepare a home for his wife and the others of the family. He
located at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he was a boatman on the Ohio
river, and died during the cholera epidemic of those years. While still
living in Germany, in addition to cultivating his farm, he had been accustomed to take charge of the mail service in his section during the winter
months. He married Christina Mohrhoff, born in Prussia, Germany, died
in Hanover, Germany, while her husband was in America. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. They had six children, three of whom died
young in Germany. The others were: I. William, of further mention. 2.
George L., who came to America after the death of his mother, and was
engaged in the grocery business for some years in Allegheny; later he removed to Pattersons Mills, Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was
also a grocer, and the postmaster of the town; he died there in I905; he
was the father of twelve children. 3. Wilhelmina, who died in Allegheny
in I895; married Henry Ahler, and had thirteen children, of whom five are
now living.
William Wigman, son of John Henry and Christina (Mohrhoff) Wigman, was born in Hanover, Germany, August 6, I832. He was educated
in the public schools of his native land. He came to America in I848, and
for two summers worked in a brick yard, then learned the carpenter's trade,
6i80
1IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
which he followed for some time. In 1865, in association with James McMasters, Harry Gearing, Samuel Hamilton, George D. Sharp, Henry Winkle,
William Hunter, D. F. Schuette and Frederick Baxmeyer, organized a
corporation known as The Union Planing Mill, of which Mr. Wigman was
manager until I882, and then elected president, an office he held until the
association was dissolved in I895. This concern, which was located at No.
48 South Eighteenth street, started in a small way with a capital of $20,000,
every member of the association being a carpenter with the exception of Mr.
Baxmeyer. The business grew to large proportions, and when the town of
Wilmerding was built, the Union Planing Mill Company did all the mill
work for the Westinghouse Works. They made a specialty of shop work,
and accomplished wonderful results in hardwood'finishing materials. In
I895 Mr. Wigman purchased the mill yard from the company, which had
then dissolved, tore down the mill, and erected a retail business on the
corner of Eighteenth and Fox streets, the lot being one hundred and twenty
by one hundred and ninety-two feet. He took his eldest son into partnership, and the concern was known as the Wigman Lumber Company, and is
so known at the present time. In more recent years a small mill has been
added as an adjunct to this large business. Mr. Wigman retired from the
active personal conduct of affairs in I9o9, and since then his son has had
sole charge of affairs. He has lived in Carrick since I906, and there has
built a comfortable, buff brick house on the Boulevard. In political matters
he has always been a staunch Republican, and has served as school director
in the old Twenty-eighth ward. He and his wife both affiliated with the
German Lutheran Church.
Mr. Wigman married, January 3, I856, Caroline Logeman, born in
Prussia, Germany, died August 27, I907. She was a daughter of William
and Margaret (Langhorst) Logeman, who came to America in I847 and
settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he died of cholera in I852, and
his widow married (second) Frederick Baxmeyer, and died in Carrick. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Wigman were: Mary, died in infancy; Elizabeth;
Wilhelmina; two sons and one daughter, died in infancy; a daughter; Annie,
born January 30, I86I, died in Carrick, unmarried, February I, I908; William Henry, who succeeded his father in the lumber business, married
Gwendolen Prosser, and has children, Dorothy and Donald; Harry F., a
resident of Knoxville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, is cashier of the
People's Trust Company, and married Alma Hamm, and has had children:
Ruth, James, Helen and Harry; Caroline, lives in Brookline, married Frederick Klinzing, and has daughters: Elizabeth and Annie; Edward, lives
with his father in Carrick, is a traveling salesman for the lumber company,
married Bertha Rattelman, and has children: Robert, Edward, Louise.
This name is probably a variation of Dinsmore or DinsDENSMORE  moor, the more common forms. It is among the noted
Scotch-Irish families which have contributed many prominent citizens to Pennsylvania as well as to many other states.
6IgWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(I) Robert Densmore was born in Scotland, and very shortly after his
marriage emigrated to the United States, where all his children were born.
He settled at Valley Furnace, and later moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, making his home at Fairchance, where he and his wife died and
are buried. He married Hannah Glenn, also born in Scotland, and they
had children: Nathaniel, died in Fairchance, many years ago; Elizabeth,
married a Mr. Warman, and died in Fairchance; Samuel, is retired from
business affairs, and lives in Youngstown, Ohio; Hughes Oliphant, of further
mention.
(II) Hughes Oliphant Densmore, son of Robert and Hannah (Glenn)
Densmore, was born in Fairchance, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February
T4, 184I. In his earlier years he was employed in a rolling mill in Pittsburgh, retaining this connection many years. He then became engineer in
the power house of the H. C. Frick Company, at Fairchance, where he is
still living. The Pittsburgh firm for whom he worked for thirty-eight years
was Chess, Cook  Company. He is a Democrat, a member of the Knights
of Pythias, and the Protected Home Circle, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Elizabeth, a daughter
of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ryland) Goldsborough, who were both born in
Maryland, but were early settlers in Fairchance, and who had children:
Eliza, married Bard Abel, and lives in Fairchance; William, died in Fairchance; John, lives retired in Fairchance; Julia, now deceased, married John
Wilson; Elizabeth, who married Mr. Densmore, as above stated; Margaret,
married Frank Rogers, and died in Fairchance; Harriet, married Samuel
Shinaberry, and died in Fairchance; Robert and Burton, died in Fairchance;
George, a carpenter, resides in Fairchance; Ellen, died unmarried; and
three others, whose names are not given. Mr. and Mrs. Densmore had
nine children, of whom the following named attained maturity: Harry
Thomas, of further mention; William, is a boss at the tube works, and
lives in Carrick.
(III) Harry Thomas Densmore, son of Hughes Oliphant and Elizabeth (Goldsborough) Densmore, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 9, I864, died in Carrick, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August
4, I912. He was educated in the public schools, and upon the completion
of his education obtained a position in the same mill in which his father
was working, and remained there sixteen years. He then entered the employ
of the Carnegie Steel Company, at Homestead, becoming head clerk in the
shipping department, and held this position until very shortly before his
death. His residence, however, was at Carrick. He was an active worker
in the interests of the Republican party, and was president of the board of
health of Carrick at the time of his death. In I9OI he had built a fine house
at No. Io35 Brownsville road, Carrick, and in this he was living when his
death occurred. He was a member of the Protected Home Circle and of
the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and he and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Densmore married, November 2, I882, Sophia, born in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Benjamin and
62oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sarah (Hoffman) Vandergrift, and they had children:  Benjamin, born
June I9, I885, is a draughtsman for the Westinghouse Company, and is
unmarried; Elsie Elizabeth, also living with her mother.
(The Vandergrift Line.)
Jacob Vandergrift, a native of Holland, came from Amsterdam in
that country, in I664, and settled in New York City, where he lived and died.
From him the Pennsylvania Vandergrifts are descended.
(I) Jacob Vandergrift, a lineal descendant of the immigrant ancestor,
came to Pittsburgh, with his wife, from the eastern part of Pennsylvania,
prior to I8oo. He was a boat builder and constructed the first steamboat
to go down the Ohio river. He resided on the North Side, and continued
actively as a boat builder until his death. He married, in Philadelphia,
Mary Hart, a granddaughter of John Hart, one, of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence.
(II) William K. Vandergrift, son of Jacob and Mary (Hart) Vandergrift, was born on North Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January I2, I8O5,
died at Oil City, Pennsylvania, February I8. I877. He grew to maturity
in his native city, then became associated with his father in the boat building
business, from which, however, he retired rather early in life. He married Sophia Sarver, born on North Side, Pittsburgh, July 5, I804, died at
East End, Pittsburgh, June I9, I895.
(III) Benjamin Vandergrift, son of William K. and Sophia (Sarver)
Vandergrift, was born July 29, I833, at South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died November 5, I862. He was a captain on a river boat, and died a
year after his marriage from the effects of yellow fever, contracted while
in the South. He married, December 25, I86I, Sarah Hoffman, born on
South Side, Pittsburgh, September 30, I84I, died May 5, I909. They had
one child: Sophia, of further mention. Mrs. Vandergrift was a daughter
of Joseph and Catherine (Page) Hoffman, early residents of Pittsburgh,
when South Side was all farm land. He was a machinist, and followed
his calling until he was about fifty years of age. Mrs. Vandergrift married
(second) Samuel Wheaton, who died in I9o8, and by this marriage she
had children: John, a river man living in Carrick, who married Mrs. Annie
Garland; Joseph, also a river man, is unmarried, and lives in Carrick;
Samuel, a river man, lives in Carrick, and married Margaret Riter; Grace,
married Frederick Stone, and lives at Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
(IV) Sophia Vandergrift, only child of Benjamin and Sarah (Hoffman) Vandergrift, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, I862,
and in that city received her education. She is a woman of much public
spirit and a natural grace and charm of manner, which endear her to all with
whom she comes in contact. She married Harry Thomas Densmore. She
and her children are members of the Society of the Descendants of the
Signers of the Declaration of Independence, she and her daughter are members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and her son is a member
of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mrs. Densmore is also an active
worker in church matters, and all affairs of a charitable nature, or which
621WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Tarentum, I9O4, aged ninety-three years. Alexander Adams, brother of
John Adams, enlisted from Tarentum, under Captain Boyd, in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; he
married Belle Thompson and had two children: Charles, vice-president of
the Postal Telegraph and Cable Company of New York City, a self-made
nan, married and has two children; Harry, died aged four years.
John Adams was reared in Freeport, Pennsylvania, educated in its
public schools, and came to Tarentum, in I859, unmarried, and he and his
brother Alexander were engaged in the foundry and contracting business
until the Civil War broke out when Alexander went to the front, and John
Adams sold out his interest' in the business, after which he became a coal
operator, owning a farm which was underl'aid' with coal, and he also operated
a stone quarry,` from which' he derivred a handsome income, becoming a
well-to-do man, although starting out with no capital, but with a large stock
of perseverence; energy and thrift. For ten years prior to. his death he led
a retired life, enjoying the fruit of his many years of toil. He owned property in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, erecting a house in i865, in which he resided until his:death; December 2I, I912, and in which his widow and children are residing at the present time (I914). He was also the owner of' a
farm in the state of Virginia. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, as is also his wife, and in politics he adhered to the principles of
the Republican party.
Mr. Adams married, December II, I859, Helen Marr Calpass, born in
Miami county, Ohio, March 26, I842, daughter of Christopher and Mary
Ann (Ford) Calpass, the former "named born in England, in I8Ii, died in
Tarentum, Pennsylvania, in I889, and his wife was born in Virginia, in
I817, died in Powhatan county, Virginia, in I879, and there buried. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs'. Calpass settled in Miami county, Ohio; in
I85I removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; resided for a short period of time
at Monaca, Pennsylvania, removing from  there to Bridgewater, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade of tailor; in I854 removed
to Tarentum, Pennsylvania, and some years later purchased a farm  in
Powhatan county, Virginia, but subsequently returned to Tarentum, where
his death occurred. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the
Episcopal Church, his wife having been a member of the Baptist Church.
Their children were: Helen Marr, aforementioned; William Wallace, of
Mount Chestnut, Butler county, Pennsylvania. Christopher Calpass was the
son of Robert and Mary (Blackburn) Calpass, the former named of whom
came from England to Tarentum, Pennsylvania, and died there at the home
of his son, and the latter named died in England.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams were the parents of ten children: I. Ella Amanda,
widow of Matthew Shields Adams. 2. John Christopher, a resident of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania; married and is the father of ten children, all of
whom are living: Charles, Lewis, Le Roy, John, Helen, George, Howard,
Mabel, James, Paul. 3. Charles Albert, a resident of Farr, Pennsylvania;
married and is the father of two children: Clifford and Welty. 4. Harry
538WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
further the welfare of the community in any manner, engages a share of her
time, service and attention.
The particular branch of the Rose family, under discussion
ROSE here, has been in this country almost a century, greatly to the
benefit of the numerous communities in which various members
of the family have resided, where they have borne their share in the development and improvement of the section.
Thomas Rose, who was born in Northamptonshire, England, about
I8II, was brought to America by his parents when he was about ten years
of age. His earlier years in the United States were spent in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed
there until about I832. He then made his way to Pittsburgh, on foot, and
as he was obliged to support himself by working at his trade while making
this journey, progress was necessarily somewhat slow, and he spent two
years en route. Upon his arrival in Pittsburgh he continued as a manufacturer of shoes until I839, then opened a store near the market house, remaining in this business for a period of forty-seven years, at which time
he was the oldest merchant in Pittsburgh. His death occurred in I886 and
he is buried in Homewood Cemetery. He was a Republican, and a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he had passed through all the
chairs in the Masonic Fraternity. Mr. Rose married Amelia Glenn, of
English descent, born in Rochester, New York, about I8II, and they had
children: Elizabeth, married Frank Harland, and died in Brushton, Pennsylvania; Amelia, married John M. Buck, and died in Brushton; William,
a shoe merchant, died in Braddock; James, a shoe merchant, died in Pittsburgh; Albert N., a shoe merchant, died at Mount Lebanon; Charlotta,
widow of James Dean, lives in Brushton; Charles, of further mention;
Alice, married Lawrence Sloan, and died in Bellevue; Emma, married James
Taylor, lives in Brushton; Kate, married Samuel Gracey, and lives on the
Allegheny river, a few miles from Pittsburgh; Margaret, a widow, lives in
Brushton; Ida, died in childhood; Thomas H., lives in Brushton and is a
clerk in the Homestead Steel Works.
Charles Rose, son of Thomas and Amelia (Glenn) Rose, was born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 8, I849. He attended the public schools
until the age of eleven years, when he commenced assisting his father in
the shoe manufacturing business, and was thus occupied until I88I. In
the meantime his brother William had died, and Charles Rose was sent to
Braddock to take charge of the business which had been established there,
at the corner of Ninth street and Braddock avenue. He remained in this
locality six years, then moved the business across the street, where he has
been successfully engaged since that time. He is now the oldest retail
shoe dealer in the entire town. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
for many years, during this period serving once as trustee. In I89I he
built a commodious house at No. 4I9 Holland avenue, in which he still
622WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
resides. Mr. Rose married, in I870, Annie A., born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Margaret Nugent, descended from old
Scotch families, who came to America about 1850. Children: Charles Jr.,
died in infancy; William, in business with his father, lives in North Braddock, married Dora Bowser; Mildred, married Alfred A. Corey, and lives
in Munhall; Ida Beatrice, married R. J. Mills, lives with Mr. Rose; Charles
E., a dentist, living in North Braddock, married Mollie Lindenberg.
The Gorham family traces its genealogy back to the De GorGORHAM   rams of La Tanniere near Gorham in Maine, on the borders
of Brittany, where William, son of Ralph de Gorham, built
a castle in II28. During the reign of William the Conqueror several of the
name moved to England, where many of them became men of learning,
wealth and influence. From England various members of the family migrated to Ireland, and ultimately to America, in which country the name has
an ancient and honorable record in many directions. It is not always possible to establish uninterrupted connection with earlier generations, but
there is no reasonable doubt but that all bearing the name had a common
origin.
Michael Gorham was born in county Galway, Ireland, where he became
a boat builder, and spent his entire life. He married Barbara Gorham, and
they had children: Matthias, a boat builder, who lived and died in Ireland;
Valentine, a retired boat builder, now living in Ireland, county Galway;
John Henry, of further mention; Richard, was also a boat builder, and died
in Ireland; Patrick, who is employed in the steel works near Braddock,
Pennsylvania, lives in Braddock Park.
John Henry Gorham, son of Michael and Barbara (Gorham) Gorham,
was born in county Galway, Ireland, in I845, died in Braddock, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, July 27, I902. He was educated in the public schools
of Ireland, where he assisted his father in the boat building business until
the age of twenty-two years. Deciding that the United States afforded a
better field for an ambitious, energetic young man to advance to prosperity,
he then emigrated to this country, and located in Illinois, where he became
a coal miner. He then followed various occupations until I882, when he
came to Braddock, Pennsylvania, and there opened a saloon, which he conducted successfully for a period of five years. Removing then to, Braddock
avenue, he built a hotel there at Nos. I8-20, and conducted this personally
five years, when he sold out and was living retired from business at the
time of his death. He was a Republican in political opinion, and he and his
wife were members of St. Brendan's Church, later affiliating with St.
Thomas'. He built a beautiful house at No. IoI Mills avenue, in which
Mrs. Gorham has now been living for the past nineteen years. Mr. Gorham
married, August 26, I883, Johanna Hillgrove, born at Cresson, near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and they had children:  Michael, died in infancy;
Barbara, lives with mother; Patrick, died in infancy; Mary, married James
Keenan, has two children-Winifred and John-and lives in Braddock;
John and Brendetta, died in infancy.
623WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Luke Hillgrove, father of Mrs. Gorham, was born in county Cork, Ireland, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 6, I883. He came to America
in I847 in order to make a home here for his wife and family, and located
in Cresson, where he lived some years, then removed to the Broad Top
coal region, and finally to Pittsburgh, where his death occurred, and where
he is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. He was a coal digger by occupation.
He married, in Ireland, Catherine Carroll, born in county Waterford, Ireland, came to America in December, I849. She died April 4, I892, aged
eighty-four years. They had children: Henry, a soldier during the Civil
War, was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, returned to his home,
and died soon thereafter as a result of his wound; Bartholomew, lives retired at Homestead; Catherine, married James Brannigan, and died at
Broad Top; Thomas, a railway engineer, died in Pittsburgh; John, an engineer, died in Pittsburgh; Mary, died in childhood; Johannah, married Mr.
Gorham, as above stated; an infant, died unnamed.
The Bullions family has been resident in this country but
BULLIONS a comparatively few years, yet in this short space of time
they have demonstrated that they possess in a marked degree the pronounced ability, forceful individuality and the perseverance of
purpose which win success in business circles, and command universal respect.
Leonard Bullions was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, where he was
engaged in business as a baker during all the active years of his life, and
died at an early age. He married Christina Murray, also a native of Dunfermline, who married (second) William Drysdale, a cousin of Andrew
Carnegie, and also died in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Bullions had children:
John, died at the age of sixteen years; Leonard, of further mention; two
daughters, who died in infancy; Margaret, married James Gow, and died in
Scotland; Jessie, lives unmarried in Dunfermline; a daughter, died in infancy.
Leonard (2) Bullions, son of Leonard (I) and Christina (Murray) Bullions, was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, December I, I855, died in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, November 5, I9II. His early education was received in
the public schools of his native town, and he then took a classical course in
Edinburgh, and commenced the study of law. Having, however, received
a very favorable offer from Andrew Carnegie to come to America, he
abandoned the study of law and came to the United States when he was
nineteen years of age. The limits of this review will not permit a detailed
account of his activities, but they are, in brief, as follows: Settling at
Pittsburgh, he was bookkeeper for the Union Mills at Twenty-eighth street;
employed in a similar capacity at Larimer Coke Works; later at Latrobe,
where he had charge of the coke works; then in charge of the Scotia Iron
Ore Mines; in charge of the Carnegie Company's interests at Beaver Falls;
cashier and treasurer of the Carnegie interests in Pittsburgh; superintendent
of the nineteen-inch plate mill at the Homestead Steel Works; in charge of
624WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Redstone Coal  Coke Company, at Brownfield, for a period of five
years; back to Pittsburgh as claim agent and metallurgical engineer for the
last thirteen years of his life. All of these positions were in the interests
of the Carnegie Company, and altogether they covered a period of thirtysix years. He was considered the most versatile, accurate and experienced
man in his field in his day. In I9oo he removed to Swissvale, where he had
purchased an acre of land facing the railroad. He is buried in the cemetery at Homestead. His political affiliations were with the Republican
party, and he and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Fraternally he was a Mason, having attained the Knight Templar degree.
Mr. Bullions married, July 3I, I875, Nancy McIntyre, born in Larimer,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 25, I856, a daughter of William
and Anna (Long) McIntyre, both born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania,
and married there. Mr. McIntyre was a farmer, and later removed to Westmoreland county, where he purchased a fine farm, and died there in I875.
He was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife,
who was also a member of the Presbyterian Church, died in I885. They
were the parents of fourteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Bullions had children:
Leonard Palmerson, a machinist, living at Swissvale; George L., treasurer
of the Philadelphia Street Railways Company, lives in Edgewood; Andrew
Carnegie, a foreman in the Bessemer Works, lives in Swissvale; Christina,
married Charles C. Lewis, and lives in Swissvale; Nancy C., married
Howard Graham, and lives in Pitcairn; Jessie L., married Wilbert Milligan,
and lives in Braddock; Charles Schwab, a machinist, living with his mother;
Jean Margaret; Oscar Wallace; Clara Mozelle; and Hilda, who died in
infancy.
The name of Dell has been honored and has stood for definite
DELL accomplishment in connection with the civic and business activities of the State of Pennsylvania since the early days of the
nineteenth century, when the family first made its appearance here.
(I) Philip Dell, a native of Germany, came to the United States as a
young lad, and settled near Philadelphia. He operated a stage coach route
from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, which he inaugurated about I820, and conducted many years. Finally he removed to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, continuing the coach line, and at the same time engaged in stock
breeding, and the buying and selling of stock. Finally he removed to Allegheny, where his death occurred in I842. He was a member of the Lutheran
Church. lie married Mary  -, a native of France, who died some time before her husband, and they had children: John, went to Australia, and remained there; Joseph, a coal miner for many years, also boated on the canal,
died aged about seventy-six years; Philip, went to,Texas in I85I, and died
there some years ago; Jacob, of further mention; Henry, a farmer, died in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I904.; Rachel, died unmarried about
I909, at the age of ninety years; Eliza, married John Brown, and died in
I9io, at the age of eighty-six years; Mary, married William Bailes, and
625WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
died in Cleveland, Ohio, after having spent the greater part of her life in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; Margaret, married David Conner, and died
in Allegheny, at the age of seventy-five years; Catherine, married John
Faust, and died in Allegheny at the age of seventy-five years.
(II) Jacob Dell, son of Philip and Mary Dell, was born in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, in I829, and was killed by a train at Duquesne, in
I9O4, having gone there to make his home with his son William F. Shortly
after his marriage he settled at Bolivar, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
and was a boatman on the old Pennsylvania canal for a number of years.
He then engaged in brickmaking at Bolivar, continuing in this occupation
until he retired from active work. As stated above, he met his death in a
most tragic manner. He was a soldier from the time of the first call for
volunteers until June 25, I864, being a member of Company I, Eleventh
Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, and was present at the battles of Bull
Run, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania Court House,
Cold Harbor, and numerous other engagements of scarcely less importance.
He was captured, and detained four months in Libby and Andersonville
prisons. He was slightly wounded three times, on one occasion being knocked
down by the force with which a bullet hit his canteen. He was a member
of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Junior
Order of United American Mechanics, and he and his wife were members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He married Mary A. Harmon, born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I83I, died in Duquesne, in February, I9IO. She was a daughter
of Philip and Margaret (McClain) Harmon, the former born in Germany,
the latter in Ireland. Both came to America in their youth, and settled in
Westmoreland county. He came with his parents, who were among the
pioneer settlers, and his father was killed by the Indians, and was buried
under the tree where he had fallen. Philip Harmon was a cabinet maker by
trade, but a farmer and land owner as well, and after his marriage lived for
a time in Westmoreland county, later removing to Bolivar. He and his wife
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were the parents of
children: Jackson, a manufacturer of brick in Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
died in I9IO, at the age of seventy-three years; James, resides on Hazlewood avenue, in Pittsburgh; Rosa, married Dr. John Glover, and died in
Missouri; Mary A., who married Jacob Dell, as mentioned above; Nancy,
married Harry Blackburn, removed to Kansas in I885, and died there in
I9o8; Elizabeth, married Alexander Wynn, and died in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Dell had children: Philip, an engineer in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; William F., of further mention; Maggie, widow of Thomas Edwards, lives in Duquesne; Henry, a
railroad conductor, lives in Duquesne; Rosa, died unmarried at the age of
forty years; Viola, married Samuel Wynn, and died in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in I889; Susan, died in young girlhood; Kate, married William
Horton, lives in Clairton, Pennsylvania; John, an engineer, lives in Duquesne.
626WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) William F. Dell, son of Jacob and Mary A. (Harmon) Dell, was
born in Bolivar, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, August 2I, I853. He
attended the public schools of his native county, and upon the completion
of his education obtained employment in the brick works in Bolivar and in
Clearfield county. In I889 he came to Duquesne, and there entered the
employ of the Carnegie Company, his first position being that of foreman,
and then superintendent of the transportation department, discharging the
duties of the latter position until I906. He retired to private life for a
period of three of four years, and was then elected justice of the peace in
I9II, an office he is still filling with great benefit to the community. In I9II
he also engaged in the real estate and insurance business, the former branch
being connected entirely with local matters, and in the latter he represents
five distinct companies. He has been a member of Clearfield Lodgel No.
314, Free and Accepted Masons, since I882; and is a member of McKeesport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons.
Mr. Dell married, July I, I875, Mary, born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
a daughter of Robert and Mary Bain, an ancient family of Scotland, who
came to America in I854. Mr. and Mrs. Dell have had children, all of whom
were graduated from the high school: Robert, a borough engineer, lives in
Duquesne; Lillie, married Edward Lytle, lives in Washington, Pennsylvania;
Russell, died at the age of twenty-one years; Willa, at home; Mabel, was
graduated from the Duquesne High School in I9I4.
The Noble family is supposed to descend from Scotch ancestry,
NOBLE and many of the name are now to be found scattered all over
the Union.
(I) William Noble was probably born in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, and came over the mountains in his earlier days, while yet unmarried. He settled at what later became Noblestown, and went to Pittsburgh
soon after his marriage. There he was a teamster for a time, and about
the early forties removed to Baldwin township, where he purchased three
hundred acres of woodland, which is now the present site of Carrick borough. He built a house where Buck Tavern now stands, and maintained a
hotel there by that name for some years. About I853 the tavern was
destroyed by fire. He rebuilt it, however, and this building has been recently remodeled, and is still conducted under the same name. He rented
the new tavern, and built a house for himself facing the land now known
as Linwood avenue, and also built houses for his sons, and divided his property among them and his grandchildren. He and his wife were members
of the Concord Presbyterian Church. He died in I866. Mr. Noble married
Margaret Gilliland, who died in I870 or I87I, and they had children: John,
of further mention; Ann Eliza, married John Doolittle, died in the Pittsburgh district; two who died in infancy; William G., lived and died on a
part of the homestead, and is buried in Southside Cemetery.
(II) John Noble, son of William and Margaret (Gilliland) Noble, was
born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, died May 27, I884. He
627WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
grew to maturity on the homestead farm, and his father then gave him a
farm of eighty-two acres, land which lay between Laughlin and Birmingham avenues, and extended to Beck's Run. A fine house was also erected
on this property for him, and he was engaged in the cultivation of this farm
until his death. He was a Republican in politics, and once served as school
director. He married (first) Jane Cowan, born in Baldwin township, in
I828, died in I865; married (second) Elizabeth West, who is now living in
Muskogee, Oklahoma. Children by first marriage: Annie E., married
John Bennett, and lives in Carrick; Thomas A., an attorney, died in Carrick
in I907; Margaret, married Sterrett Work, and lives in Chicago; William
Caldwell, of further mention; Calhoun Franklin, is an oil well driller and
lives in Robinson township; John Burns, died in infancy; Oliver, died in
infancy; a child unnamed, died at birth, and the mother died at the same
time. Children by second marriage: James, died in Homestead in early
manhood; Matthew Lowrey, lives in Matamoras, Illinois; John Knox, is a
farmer in Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; West, was
at one time chief of the police of Homestead, now resides in Muskogee,
Oklahoma; Arthur E., a carpenter, living in Homestead; Joseph, a physician
in Muskogee, Oklahoma, resides with his mother; Elizabeth, unmarried,
living with mother; Jane, married Andrew Jackson Good, lives in Sulphur,
Oklahoma; Sarah, lives with mother; Abbie, married John Dudgeon, also
lives in Oklahoma.
William Cowan, father of Mrs. Noble, was a son of David Cowan, and
was an early resident of Baldwin township. His home was near Point
View Hotel, where he owned one hundred and fifty acres. He was a blacksmith and farmer. He died about I883. For many years he was secretary
of the Concord Presbyterian Church, to which he and his wife belonged.
He was a strong supporter of the Republican party, and served as treasurer
of Baldwin township. He married Margaret Calhoun, whose death occurred
many years before his own, and they had children: Margaret, married
(first) William Wilson, (second) William Moore, and died in Baldwin township; Jane, who married Mr. Noble, as above stated; Noble Calhoun, a toll
keeper in Baldwin township, where he died; David, a farmer, died on the
homestead in Baldwin township; Sarah Elizabeth, never married, is now
living on the homestead, and is more than seventy years of age; William T.,
lives on a part of the homestead.
(III) William Caldwell Noble, son of John and Jane (Cowan) Noble,
was born in Baldwin township, now Carrick borough, December 5, I855.
His education, which was a liberal one, was acquired in the public schools,
the old Jefferson Academy, at Canonsburg, and Newell's Institute, a business college. He continued living on the farm until I890o, having, in association with his brother, purchased the interests of the other heirs. About
this time the Birmingham Land Company bought about twenty-five acres
of this property to turn into building lots, and a large part of Carrick has
grown up on this. Some time later Mr. Noble sold what remained of his
share to his brother, and retired from active business interests. He built
628~(2IPCWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a house on what is now Woodlawn avenue, on a small plot left by his grandfather, and has lived there since that time. He has been a staunch Republican always, and has served as assessor of' Carrick borough. He and
his wife are members of the Concord Presbyterian Church. Mr. Noble
married, in I882, Maggie J., born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a daughter of
Anthony Simonton. Children: William Anthony, a lumber dealer, lives in
Memphis, Tennessee; Margaret Jane, died just after her graduation from
the Indiana State Normal School; Clara, married Ira Greaves, and lives
in Carrick; Harry Ralph, died in 1913, was married and left one child;
Thomas H., twin of Edward F., lives with parepts; Edward F., twin of
Thomas H., is a clerk for Jones  Laughlin; Anna Marie, married George
Howe, and lives on Taft avenue, Pittsburgh.
Educated for the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church,
McHUGH  Rev. Henry McHugh, a twentieth-century representative of
the ancient McHugh family of Ireland, has ever since his
ordination in I868 faithfully and efficiently served the church of his choice
in Western Pennsylvania. Monuments to his untiring energy, faith and
devotion are to be found in every parish he has served in the form of church
edifices, schools and school buildings, convents and chapels, as well as inl
the spiritual growth of the people he has served. Seventy-eight years have
passed over his devoted head and the term "father" is no less one of respectfor his holy calling, than one of affection given him alike by Catholic andcl
Protestant. Cultured, pious and enthusiastic, he has served his communities well, not alone as a minister of the gospel and spiritual leader, but as
citizen, friend and neighbor, he has shown the broadness of his nature and
the depth of his love for his fellowmen. "Father" McHugh is a greatgrandson of Patrick McHugh, who married a Miss McManus and with her
lived and died in county Fermanagh, Ireland.
(II) Matthew McHugh, son of Patrick McHugh, was born in county
Fermanagh, Ireland, there married and lived for several years thereafter.
He then came to the United States, settling in Center county, Pennsylvania.
He was superintendent of a foundry later owned by Andrew G. Curtin,
father of the war governor of Pennsylvania, and engaged in business for
himself as a manufacturer and dealer in charcoal. His sons were: Michael,
of further mention; James, a soldier in the English army and fought under
Wellington at Waterloo; also had three daughters who came with him to the
United States.
(III) Michael McHugh, son of Matthew McHugh, was born in county
Fermanagh, Ireland, in 179o, died in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in I865.
He grew to manhood in Ireland, not coming to the United States with his
father, but came later, bringing with him a wife and one child. He located
in Center county, Pennsylvania, for a few years, where he engaged in charcoal making; later located in Cambria county, where he engaged in farming and where some of his children were born, and baptized by the Rev.
629WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA                             539
Hamilton, a resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania; married and is the father
of two children: Gladys and Russell. 5. Robert Alexander, a resident of
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; married and is the father of four children:
Carl, Helen, Marion, Kenneth. 6. Edward Thomas, a resident of Tarentum,
Pennsylvania; married and is the father of one child, Laura. 7. Fulton Lee,
a resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania; married and was the father
of two children: Walter, deceased; Violet. 8. Mary, wife of Samuel Clark
Morgan, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 9. Violet Iola, wife of Arthur Walter
Waltenbaugh, of Tarentum, Pennsylvania; children: Arthur Adams and
Belva Marr. io. Frank Ford, deceased.
The two generations of this English family that have had AmerSAINT  ican homes have, in the line here followed, been alike in one
respect, that father and son were both engaged in contracting
operations in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.  This was the calling of
James Saint, born in England, who after coming to this country made his
home in Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was in business until his death, in November, i888. James Saint was a communicant
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was identified with the Republican
party. He married Emily Seavey, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
who now lives in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. Children of James and Emily
(Seavey) Saint: W. J. T.; Emma, married Dr. S. P. Barnes, of Massillon,
Stark county, Ohio; Josiah Seavey, of whom further; Anna T.
Josiah Seavey Saint was born in Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 6, I862. That place was his boyhood home, and there he
passed his later years. His education was obtained in the public schools and
the Sharpsburg Academy, his studies being completed in Allegheny College.
Mr. Saint's first occupation was that which had previously claimed his
father's attention and labors, contracting, and after withdrawing from this
line he established in Sharpsburg as a hardware merchant, there being proprietor of a store for thirty years. His position as one of the foremost business men of the borough was an assured one, and his store received the
generous patronage that invariably rewards courteous attention, good service and fair value. Mr. Saint was prominent in the founding and organization of the Citizens' Deposit and Trust Company, of Sharpsburg, at the
first election of officers being made its president, administering this important office until his death, November 14, I913. The resolutions of appreciation and condolence passed by the board of directors of this institution at this time were echoed in sincere sympathy by his numberless friends,
to whom his life, passed in honest effort and the favor of his fellows, had
been at once an object of true admiration and earnest emulation. To his
family he was the kind, loving and devoted husband and father, the affection
that was lavished in the home circle nerving and strengthening him for his
daily tasks and duties. Mr. Saint affiliated with the Republican party, and
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Saint married, March 29, I888, Kate C., born at Etna, AlleghenyWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Demetris Gallitzen, in St. Mary's Church, where they were all reared in the
practice of their religious duties. He was a communicant of the Roman
Catholic Church, as were his wife and all members of his family. He
married, in Ireland, Elizabeth McManus, who was also born in Fermanagh
county, Ireland, lived to a good old age and died with her son, Rev. H.
McHugh, at Wilmore, Pennsylvania, in I889. Her brother, Patrick McManus, also came to the United States and lived near Philadelphia. Children of Michael McHugh,:  I. Patrick, born in Ireland, now deceased.
2. Mary Ann, born on the Atlantic Ocean, married John Francis, soldier
of the Mexican War. 3. Mathew. 4. Rose, born in Pennsylvania, where
she yet lives. 5. James, died in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 6. Eliza, married
John Sander, and lives in Cassandra, Pennsylvania. 7. John, died in I873.
8. Henry, of further mention. 9. Catherine, died young.  io. Michael,
deceased.
(IV) Rev. Henry McHugh, now the veteran pastor of St. Canice
Roman Catholic Church at Knoxville, Pennsylvania, was born in Cambria
county, Pennsylvania, December 8, I835, eighth child and fifth son of
Michael and Elizabeth (McManus) McHugh; baptized by Rev. Gallitzen.
His early education was obtained in the country public schools; then
he entered St. Francis' College at Loretto, I857. Later he entered St.
Michael's Seminary at Glenwood, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in February,
I859. He was ordained, June 6, I868, by Bishop Dominic, of Pittsburgh.
His first charge was at Loretto, Pennsylvania, where he served from, July
12, I868, to February, I869. He was assigned to his first charge as regular
pastor at Myersdale, in the southern part of Somerset county, an important
town on the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad, where'he officiated along the line
of the Baltimore  Ohio and from Sand Patch to Ohio Pyle Falls, administering to the spiritual needs of the railroad employees then constructing the
Baltimore  Ohio Railroad. He was then sent to the church at Brownsville,
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, a large parish including missions at Waynesburgh and Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where he caused a church to be
erected at Waynesburg during the three years he was pastor of that parish.
In I873 he was assigned to the church at Wilmore, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and for twenty-three years labored in that parish. During that
year the church grew wonderfully in numbers and spirituality, the church
property was modernized and enlarged, and at Ernfelt a church and parish
house was erected. In March, I896, Father McHugh was appointed to the
parish of St. Agnes, Fifth avenue, Pittsburgh, and there he completed in
I913 a successful pastorate of seventeen years. Under his guidance, St.
Agnes became a large and flourishing parish of seven hundred families.
His first care was to clear off a debt of $2I,ooo; this being done he built a
fine, spacious parish house. Later he secured a desirable location on which
he built a large up-to-date school, with a basement which now' serves as a
chapel for the accommodation of the parish, since the destruction of old
St. Agnes by fire. On December  I, I9I3, he became pastor of the church
630IX       /WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of St. Canice at Knoxville, where he is now located. One of the results
of his work in Knoxville has been the erection of the beautiful convent of
St. Canice, one of the finest and most modernly arranged convents in
Western Pennsylvania.
From New England to New York and thence to PennMATHEWSON sylvania, in which state the family is represented by
Dr. Franklin Wayne Mathewson, a member of the
medical fraternity of Allegheny county.
(I) The first of this line of whom authentic record is obtainable is
David Mathewson, born May I I, I760. He and his wife, Betty, were the
parents of: I. Elijah, of whom further. 2. Thomas, born March 7, I784,
died August I8, I834. 3. Joanna, born Novembler 28, 1785, died April
26, I865. 4. Sarah, born April I3, 1788, died May 28, I864. 5. Lucena, born
April 7, I79o, died October 7, 1822. 6. Mary, born August 25, I792, died
March 2I, I8I3. 7. David, born November 30, I794, died December 31,
1822. 8. Laban, born May 27, I797, died January 3, I886. 9. Betty, born
June 27, I799, died August Io, 1841. IO. Rhoda, born July II, I80i, died
March 22, I8I3.
(II) Elijah Mathewson, son of David and Betty Mathewson, was born
November 6, I782, died March 14, I833. He was at one time a resident of
Otsego county, New York, his home probably being near Hartwick. He
married, among his sons being Albert, of whom further.
(III) Albert Mathewson, son of Elijah Mathewson, was born in Otsego
county, New York, and there died, aged thirty-two years. He was a farmer
by occupation, and, desirous of moving to Pennsylvania, made a trip on
foot to Erie county, where he purchased a tract of land in Franklin township, returning to his New York home in the same manner that he had
come. This expedition so weakened him that he contracted typhoid fever,
from which he died at an early age, in I846. His widow did not marry
a second time, but reared her family in Hartwick, New York, in I865, when
her youngest son, Albert (2), was a youth of nineteen years, moving to the
farm in Franklin township, Erie county, Pennsylvania, that her husband
had bought more than twenty years before and to which she still held
title. The farm is now occupied by Ceylon, the elder of the two sons of
Albert and Mary (Robinson) Mathewson, who married Clara Howard.
Mary Robinson, wife of Albert Mathewson, was born in Otsego county,
New York, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, dying
aged sixty-seven years.
(IV) Albert (2) Mathewson, son of Albert (I) and Mary (Robinson)
Mathewson, was born in Hartwick, Otsego county, New York, May 9, 1846,
died in Franklin township, Erie county, Pennsylvania, in I907. In his
native place he attended the public schools and later became a student in
the Hartwick Seminary, where his education was completed. At the age
of nineteen years, his mother, his elder brother, and he moved to a farm
63IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in Erie county, Pennsylvania, which the two brothers cleared, later jointly
undertaking its cultivation. To this tract they added more land as the opportunity presented, and for many years conducted farming operations in
partnership, at length dividing the property, Albert Mathewson's share being
one hundred and twenty acres, on which he conducted general farming until
his death. He was a successful agriculturist, and found time for much
public service, as a Republican holding, among others, the offices of township assessor, township auditor and school director. He married Aiice
Mills, born near Edinboro, Erie county, Pennsylvania, September 9, I846,
her parents members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, her father the
owner of a one hundred and fifty acre farm in Franklin township, Erie
county, Pennsylvania. Albert and Alice (Mills) Mathewson were the parents
of: I. A child who died in infancy. 2. Franklin Wayne, of whom further.
3. Ida, married (first) Ernest Porter, deceased, (second) James H. Phillips,
and lives on a farm in Erie county, Pennsylvania. 4. Jeannette, unmarried,
a school teacher. 5. Cora, met an accidental death at the age of twenty-four
years through being thrown from a carriage, the horse she was driving having run away. 6. Clinton, principal of the North Strabane township high
school, Washington county, Pennsylvania; married Grace Donaldson, of
Cononsburg, Pennsylvania, June 30, I914.
(V) Dr. Franklin Wayne Mathewson, son of Albert (2) and Alice
(Mills) Mathewson, was born near Edinboro, Erie county, Pennsylvania,
January I, I875. After attending the district schools in the neighborhood
of his home he pursued a course in the Edinboro State Normal School.
The following four years he was a school teacher in his native township,
and for the following year and a half was employed in the drug store owned
by Dr. S. B. Hotchkiss, at the same time studying under the preceptorship
of that gentleman. In I899 he entered the medical department of the University of Western Pennsylvania and was graduated therefrom M.D. in the
class of I903. It was then the custom in that institution to award to ten
members of the graduating class, chosen for the general excellence of their
work, the privilege of one year's work in the City Dispensary and Maternity
Hospital, Dr. Mathewson being one of the number selected from his class
for this work. This completed, for four months he was associated with the
Pittsburgh Board of Health, in November, I903, locating in the practice of
his profession at Oakdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Since that time
he has been an active practitioner in that place, is now a member of the
Oakdale Board of Health, and holds a prominent place in the medical profession of the county. His political tendencies are Republican, although at
the polls he confines himself to no one party ticket. He serves the Presbyterian Church in the capacity of elder, his wife also being a member of
that organization, and he belongs to Oakdale Lodge, No. 669, Free and Accepted Masons.
Dr. Mathewson married, September z7, I905, Margaret Wilt, born near
Oil City, Pennsylvania, daughter of Simon and Mary Wilt, both of her
632WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
parents living to the present time, her father an oil gauger. Children of
Dr. Franklin Wayne and Margaret (Wilt) Mathewson: I. Simon Wilt,
born December 27, I906, died October 26, I9O8. 2. Alice, born March I2,
I9Io. 3. Franklin Wayne, Jr., born February 17, 19I2. 4. John Wilt, born
April 2, I9I4.
The history of the Coursin family in Pennsylvania begins
COURSIN with Peter Coursin, who came to Allegheny county from his
native state, New Jersey, prior to the year I8oo, and there
lived to the wonderful age of one hundred and one years. He had sons and
daughters: Mrs. Belum Grimes, of West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; Mrs.
Catherine Hamilton, whose age near equalled that of her honored father,
she reaching the age of ninety-nine years, two months, twelve days; Nancy,
married Leo Cunningham; Isaac, who was drowned when a young man;
Benjamin.
(II) Benjamin Coursin, son of Peter Coursin, became a boat builder,
becoming foreman of the yard of Samuel Walker at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
When steam vessels made their appearance on the river, he formed a partnership with James Irwin and Richard Stephens, as contractors and builders
of such vessels. They conducted a very successful business until I849, when
the firm dissolved. Mr. Coursin then moved to McKeesport, locating on the
Reynoldton side of the Youghiogheny in what is now the tenth ward of
McKeesport. There he erected a saw mill and started a shipyard on his own
account. He prospered abundantly and became interested in steamhboat lines
of the Youghiogheny, Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers. After the
war he sold his mill and shipyard to Hammitt, Milliken and Chrissinger, and
devoted his time to the management of steamboat lines, in which he was interested. He was a director of the Northern Line Packet Company, which
ran twelve large steamboats from St. Louis to St. Paul; director of the
Pittsburgh, Brownsville and Geneva Packet Company; president of the Elizabeth and Pittsburgh Packet Company, also owning shares in several large
steamboats plying the Ohio and Mississippi as far south as New Orleans.
He was an ardent Republican and gave free passage on his steamers for the
voters of Elizabeth township, which then included a very large territory,
causing many of the voters to travel long distances to reach the polling place,
Elizabeth. He died at his home in Reynoldton in his eighty-eighth year.
He married Christina, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Rhoads, of an
old Peters Creek family. Children: Isaac, a boat builder and lumberman,
later internal revenue collector; Benjamin Biddle, of whom further; Frederick H., a prominent real estate dealer of McKeesport; John McD., a
veteran of Company I, Pennsylvania Reserves, died in I864; David, died in
infancy; James P., deceased, was proprietor of the Hotel Ringgold in McKeesport; Mary E., married B. D. Downey, now living in New Philadelphia,
Ohio.
(III) Benjamin Biddle Coursin, second son of Benjamin and Christina
633WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Rhoads) Coursin, was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 22, I837. After preparatory courses in public schools, he
completed his studies at Waynesburg College. He became a printer and
eventually editor and proprietor of the McKeesport Times, which he owned
and published in association with Bartley Campbell, later a well known playwright. In connection with the Times he ran a large job printing office, and
held the contract for the county printing which amounted to about $I2,ooo
annually. Until I865 he was also engaged in the coal business, operating the
Aliquippa mines in Mifflin township, Allegheny county. In i895 he sold out
his interests to Bailey Whigham  Company for $Io2,ooo, then until I889
was heavily engaged in real estate operations, and for years was McKeesport's largest property owner and tax payer. In I889 failing health caused
him to seek the aid of the baths at Mount Clemens, Michigan. He was so
pleased with the improvement in his health and with the town itself, that he
decided to make it his home. He purchased land there and erected the
Clementine Bath tIouse and the Eastman Hotel, owning both until stricken
with paralysis, when he sold the bath house but retained the hotel and
other interests he had there acquired.
Among his McKeesport activities was the organization of the McKeesport  Youghiogheny Ice Company, and the erection of its large plant, holding a majority of the stock of that company. He was sole owner of the
Crystal Ice Company, also of McKeesport, and so continued until his death.
At Mount Clemens, in addition to his buildings mentioned, he organized and
was president until his death of the Lakeside Street Railway Company, and
built the road from Mount Clemens to Detroit. He also secured a charter
for the Pittsburgh, Virginia  Charleston Railroad, now a branch of the
Pennsylvania Railroad system. A Republican in politics, he was actively
interested in politics, served as burgess and councilman several terms, and
was influential in party councils. He belonged to the Masonic order, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, Knights of Honor, Heptasophs, and other organizations, social,
fraternal and political. He loved horses, and his greatest sport was in seeing well-matched running horses. He was fond of baseball and out-door
sports, thoroughly enjoying contests of skill and strength, even in his latter
years. He died May 23, I9I3, deeply regretted.
Benjamin Biddle Coursin married, June 2, I858, Sarah P. Haney, who
died June I9, I9io, daughter of John and Sarah (Lewis) Haney. Children:
Mary V., resides in McKeesport, unmarried; Benjamin Lawrence, of further
mention; Edwin S., a clerk, residing in Milwaukee; Charles E., an oil well
driller of Warren, Ohio; Blanche M., married Robert J. Black, ex-mayor
of McKeesport; Clyde C., a physician of St. Louis, Missouri; Nellie J., who
met a tragic death by drowning at the age of twenty-six years.
(IV) Benjamin Lawrence Coursin, eldest son of Benjamin Biddle and
Sarah P. (Haney) Coursin, was born in Elizabeth township, Pennsylvania,
September 23, I86o. He was educated at Mansfield Academy and Iron City
634WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Business College, received his diploma from the latter institution in I879.
He was connected with the United States internal revenue service until I888,
serving in I88o and I882 as tobacco inspector of the twenty-second Pennsylvania district under William Windham. In I884 he became manager of
the Crystal Ice Company in McKeesport, a company founded and owned by
his father, continuing until I89,6, when he was elected alderman from the
third ward of McKeesport, an office he yet holds through successive elections,
being the second oldest alderman in the city. He also conducts a real estate
business, dealing principally in local properties. In political faith he is a
Republican and is an active influential member of his party.
Benjamin L. Coursin married, in I884, Martha A., daughter of Captain Eli and Catherine Cook, of McKeesport. Children: Allen E., died
aged eleven years; Benjamin Biddle (2), died in infancy; Sarah Haney,
a graduate of Pittsburgh Academy, lives at home.
The first that is known of the name of Foster is about the year
FOSTER Io65, when Sir Richard Forrester went from Normandy over
to England accompanied by his brother-in-law, William the
Conqueror, and participated in the battle of Hastings. The name was later
changed to Forester, then Foster. It signifies one who had care of wild
lands; one who loved the forest, a characteristic trait which has marked the
bearers of the name through centuries. The Fosters appear to have located
in the northern counties of England, and in the early centuries of English
history, participated in many an encounter with their Scottish foes. The
name is mentioned in "Marmion" and the "Lay of the Last Minstrel."  In
later years some members of the family migrated to Ireland, and founded
families there.
(I) Alexander Foster Sr. was born in county Londonderry, Ireland,
June 3, I773, died in Pennsylvania, March I4, I849. He emigrated to the
United States in early manhood, arriving at Philadelphia, July I2, I793, and
for a time lived in Chester and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania, later drifting to Pittsburgh. With some others he took a flatboat loaded with provisions down the Ohio river to General Wayne's headquarters, and upon the
return trip they were attacked by Indians near Marietta, but escaped. They
made their way to Erie, where they helped erect a blockhouse, and soon afterwards he returned to Pittsburgh, where he settled on the Bower Hill farm,
and Chartiers creek, and lived there thirteen years. Removing to Somerset
township, Washington county, he lived there twenty-one years, then moved
to a farm in Versailles township, Allegheny county, where the remainder
of his life was spent. He and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and both are buried in Versailles Cemetery, at McKeesport. He married, in 800oo, Sarah Davis, born in Ireland in I777, died in
Indianapolis, Indiana, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Forsythe,
December 25, i858. She had come to this country in the same ship as Mr.
Foster, in company with her parents, Samuel and Martha (Morrison) Davis,
and her brothers, Walter, William and John.
635WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(II) Samuel D. Foster, son of Alexander and Sarah (Davis) Foster,
was born on the Bower Hill farm, December I9, I8o2, died on a farm near
McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 14, I886. Until he
was eleven years old he lived on the old home farm, then until the age of
twenty-three years in Washington county. Removing to Pittsburgh, he was
in the government employ around the garrison, and after his marriage settled
at Smith's Mills, Washington county, on a farm. Later he was engaged in
the mercantile business for a time at Beallsville, and in I834 purchased the
farm on which he died. On this farm were about twenty acres of coal land,
which he worked, and sold in McKeesport. He was a strict temperance
man, and a ruling elder of the Associate Reformed Church at Turtle Creek,
later at McKeesport. He married, March 12, 1829, on the present site of the
Union Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad in Pittsburgh, Martha McCullough, born January 7, I8o6, died June 5, I864. They had children: Sarah,
born July I9, I830, married Samuel Stewart, and lives in Versailles township; John McCullough, born January 5, I832, was a lumberman, and died
in Kansas City, Missouri; Alexander Davis, of further mention; William,
born March 12, I836, died in I840; Walter, born November Io, I838, is a
farmer in Versailles township.
(III) Alexander Davis Foster, son of Samuel D. and Martha (McCullough) Foster, was born at Beallsville, Pennsylvania, November 23, I833,
died in McKeesport, January 14, I9o9. He was a glassblower by trade, following this calling many years in Pittsburgh in the McCullough factory in
which he held the rank of foreman a long time. Upon the outbreak of the
Civil War he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war, and participated in
the following engagements: Yorktown, Williamsport, Fair Oaks, Frazier's
Farm, Malvern Hill, second battle of Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North
Ann River, Petersburg. Mr. Foster was wounded at Petersburg, June i8,
I864, his head being struck by a minie ball, and he was carried off the field
and transported to Washington, and discharged, September 9, I864. After
the war he went west and entered the employ of Thomas Frazier, of Ohio,
being engaged in freighting with ox teams between the Missouri river and
Denver, Colorado. Upon his last trip he sold the oxen, and then spent some
time mining in the gold region of Montana. Upon his return to the east
he married, followed his trade of glass blowing for a time, and then engaged
in the mercantile business until his death. He married, July I3, I87I,
Amanda L., born in Pittsburgh, April 22, I849, a daughter of David and
Rhoda (Jennings) Auld. They had children: Martha Matilda, born November 30, I872, married E. P. Junker, and resides in McKeesport; David
Auld, of further mention; Samuel Davis, born September ii, I880, a state
highway engineer, and member of Governor Tener's staff; Edwin Alexander, born July I6, I882, an employee of the state highway department,
married Stella Hamptons and lives on Lincoln Road, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania.
636WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(IV) David Auld Foster, son of Alexander Davis and Amanda L.
(Auld) Foster, was born in Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 22, I874. He was educated in the public schools and at
Iron City Business College, from which he was graduated about I891.
Having accepted a position with the R. E. Stone Furniture Company, in
McKeesport, he remained with this concern eleven years, then, in I902,
formed a partnership with Victor A. Auld under the firm name of Foster
 Auld, and has since that time been located at Nos. 523-525 Walnut
street. They carry a stock valued at $40,000, consisting of furniture, and
house furnishings of every description. Mr. Foster is a director of the
Versailles and McKeesport Cemetery Association, being the fourth of his
family, and the third in generational number to fill this office. The first to
hold it was his grandfather, Samuel D. Foster, who was a member of the
first board of directors; at his death his son-in-law, David Auld, was elected
to succeed him; the next to fill the office was his son, Alexander D. Foster,
who was succeeded by his son, David Auld Foster. He is Republican in
politics, and he and his wife are members of the First Baptist Church. His
fraternal associations are as follows: McKeesport Lodge, No. 582, Free
and Accepted Masons; Benevolent and Protectice Order of Elks; Knights
of Malta; Workmen of the World; Youghiogheny Country Club and the
McKeesport Cyclers.
Mr. Foster married, June I6, I904, Elva Woodall, born in McKeesport, a daughter of Captain Oliver C. and Alice (Holt) Coon. They have
no children.
About the time of the "whiskey insurrection" in Western
VAN KIRK  Pennsylvania, the ferry across the Monongahela, above
Elizabeth, near present Lock No. 3, a crossing known as
MacFarlane's Ferry, was operated by Major John Walker, and there he
ferried many of the soldiers across, who were bound for the seat of war.
This Major John Walker was the maternal grandfather of Samuel Walker
Van Kirk, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, formerly of the mercantile firm of
Van Kirk  Walker. The Walkers came to Western Pennsylvania from
the state of Delaware, the Van Kirks from New Jersey.
(I) The early Van Kirk settler was Joseph Van Kirk, who at an early
date made his way on horseback from New Jersey to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. He was a young man of education and for a time taught a
school located about seven miles from Elizabeth. Surveying was also one
of his accomplishments and many of the present township and county lines
were run by him as well as many farm boundaries of the district. He owned
a farm of about two hundred acres, largely cleared and brought under
cultivation by himself and sons. On this he built a long one-story house of
logs, which later he covered with weather boards. This farm, adjoining
Round Hill Church grounds, was a favorite stopping place for travellers
who were most hospitably entertained by their educated and genial host.
637WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
county, Pennsylvania, July I4, I86I, daughter of James L. and Mary (Corns)
Henderson. Children: I. Marie Anna, born December I9, I889; educated
at Oberlin College; married George F. Smith, of Denver, Colorado. 2.
James Henderson, born August 23, I891; a hardware merchant of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. 3. William Seavey, born July 25, I893; connected
with the Citizens' Deposit and Trust Company, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. 4. Isabella Catherine, born February 2, I895; a student in high
school. 5. Charles C., born October 8, I897; a student. The family residence continues at No. iII Eastern avenue, Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.
Huntingdon, York and Washington counties, PennsylJOHNSTON vania, early knew the name of Johnston, and the members
of this branch have since made the name a common one in
all parts of the state and county. It appeared in York county with James
Johnston, who about I879 moved to Washington county, where his death
occurred. He married Elizabeth McCalley, a native of Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. They had several children, one of whom, Andrew, is mentioned further.
(II) Andrew Johnston, son of James Johnston, was born at Peach
Bottom, York county, Pennsylvania, in I787, died in I866. In manhood he
became a miller, but spent the greater part of his active years in agricultural
pursuits. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, while
in politics he was first a Whig and then a Republican. He married Rebecca,
daughter of Joseph Robb, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
Toseph Robb was a son of John Robb; he settled in St. Clair township,
where he died. One of his sons, Isaac, settled in Westmoreland county,
where he laid out the town of Robbstown, now West Newton. Joseph Robb
inherited the homestead, and there lived until his death. He was the father
of: Chesterfield, a physician of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Harvey, inherited the homestead, at one time register of wills in Allegheny county;
Rebecca, of previous mention, married Andrew Johnston, and died in I884.
Children of Andrew and Rebecca (Robb) Johnston: William Robb, of
whom further; Alexander Finley; Thomas, died aged eighteen years; Ada,
married John D. Carson, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
(III) William Robb Johnston, son of Andrew and Rebecca (Robb)
Johnston, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November I2, I843,
and lived on the farm in that county until he was eighteen years of age.
The outbreak of the Civil War finding him at the age necessary for enlistment he became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Forty-ninth
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in August, I862, and he fought
in all the battles in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged from that
time until the declaration of peace. Chancellorsville and Gettysburg saw him
in action, and on May 8, I864, he was wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, and rejoined his regiment on the 6th of the following August before
Petersburg. On September I, I864, he became a sergeant, and received an
honorable discharge at the close of the war with this rank. Mr. Johnston
540WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was scribe for the surrounding neighborhood, writing the deeds, contracts and legal papers for the farmers as well as doing their surveying.
He died about I845, death resulting from a stroke of apoplexy. He married
a Miss Williams, who long survived him. Children: I. William K., of
further mention. 2. Gertrude, married Isaac Wycoff, a farmer near Elizabeth, where both died. 3. Joseph, a farmer, lived to be ninety years of age,
dying in Elizabeth. 4. Asher, lived to be over eighty years of age, dying
in McKeesport, but spending his active life as a farmer. 5. John, moved to
Ohio, where he died. 6. Samuel, lived to the age of ninety-two years, dying
on his farm near Elizabeth.
(II) William K. Van Kirk, eldest son of Joseph Van Kirk, was born
in West Newton, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1799, died in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, November I I, I88I. He obtained a good education under his
father's teachings and in the neighborhood schools, and until his marriage
was his father's assistant on the farmn and on his surveying trips. After
his marriage he located at Millsboro, Washington county, Pennsylvania,
where he worked in the shipyards, aiding in the construction of the flatboats used in the early days. He also built or helped to build some of the
small river steamboats. In I839 he moved to Elizabeth, where he bought a
house built in I8Io by a Mr. McConnell from New Jersey, the house adjoining the hotel kept by his father-in-law, John Walker. This site on
Water street, Elizabeth, is now occupied by his son, Samuel Walker Van
Kirk. In Elizabeth, William K. Van Kirk engaged in mercantile business
at the corner of Market and Second streets, then after many years of successful trading, he retired and passed his after life relieved of business
cares. He was a member of the Masonic Order, a Republican in politics,
and both he and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, and both are buried in the old Walker burial plot.
William K. Van Kirk married Matilda Walker, born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 5, I805, died August 2I,
1874, daughter of Major John and Diana (Craighead) Walker. John
WValker was born in Wilmington, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, coming
when young to Western Pennsylvania. For a time he operated MacFarlane's, Ferry across the Monongahela river, later settling in Elizabeth. In
I8I9 he built a brick hotel on the site overlooking the river, that is still
standing, and there for many years conducted a well patronized and popular
house of entertainment for travellers. He was also engaged with his
brother-in-law, John Craighead, in the lumber business. He died June 4,
I856, aged eighty-six years, three months, twenty-six days. He married
Diana Craighead, who died October 7, I853, aged seventy-three years, five
months and four days. Seven children: I. Samuel, a steamboat builder,
died in Elizabeth. 2. Mary, married Solomon Speer, and died in Peoria,
Illinois. 3. Matilda, married William K. Van Kirk, of previous mention.
4. Sarah, married D'r. William Penniman, and died in Elizabeth. 5. Diana,
married Samuel Frew, and died in Western Pennsylvania. 6. John, a mer638WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
chant, died in Colorado, aged ninety-three years. 7. Robert C., a major
in the Union army during the Civil War, died in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Children of William K. and Matilda (Walker) Van Kirk: I. Angeline,
married her cousin, John S. Walker, died at their residence, Walker's
Heights, Elizabeth. 2. Samuel Walker, of further mention. 3. 4. and 5.
died in infancy.
(III) Samuel Walker Van Kirk, only son of William K. and Matilda
(Walker) Van Kirk, was born in Millsboro, Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 22, I832, and now at the age of eighty-two is living retired,
after an active business career, in the house built in I8IO, purchased by his
father in I839, adjoining the old brick hotel erected by his grandfather,
Major John Walker. He remodeled and enlarged the old house in I875, and
there, venerable in years, honored by his townsmen and highly respected
wherever known, he resides, living anew the scenes of his youth, memory
being aided by the scenes and surroundings to which he came as a boy of
seven years.
He attended in youth the public schools and Sewickley Academy, then
presided over by Dr. Trevella. He then entered Waynesburg College, continuing until twenty years of age, then entered his uncle's employ in I852
as clerk in the latter's store in Elizabeth. A few years later he formed a
partnership with his cousin, Samuel Walker, and established a general store
in Elizabeth and as Van Kirk  Walker they conducted a very profitable
business for thirty-five years. In I899 this long and mutually agreeable
and prosperous partnership was dissolved and Mr. Van Kirk retired to a
well-earned relief from business cares. At the time of his retirement he
was one of the oldest merchants of his town and one who had aided in
every movement for the improvement or advancement of his town.
Mr. Van Kirk married, December I5, I864, Florence Power, born in
Elizabeth township, daughter of John and Mary (Howell) Power, of an old
and respected Allegheny county family. The venerable couple will on December 15, of the present year, 1914, celebrate the golden anniversary of
their marriage. Children: I. Edward, now connected with the air brake
department of the Westinghouse Electrical and Manufacturing Company;
he married Catherine Smalley, and resides with his father; children: William K. (2), Helen Catherine. 2. Alice, married George T. Richards,
formerly of the firm of Drake, Stratton  Company, now residing in Philadelphia; children: Florence, George, John Van Kirk, Balleck R., Gwynne,
Wayne. 3. William, accidentally killed at the World's Fair in Chicago in
I893.
Incidents from the life of the great-grandfather of Joseph A.
LUTZ Lutz, of this chronicle, are most interesting, the recital taking
one to the homeland of the family, Germany. This ancestor of
Mr. Lutz was growimg from boyhood at the time when Napoleon I., of
France, had begun his remarkable campaign of conquest, the like of which
639WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
is not recorded in history. At one time the French army, with the Emperor at its head, was encamped within a day's journey of the Lutz home,
where lived the ancestor who is the hero of this story, a lad of seventeen,
large and strong for his age, familiar with every foot of the surrounding
country within a radius miles in extent. While the army was there encamped the lad was required by a priest of his faith, the Roman Catholic,
to conduct him secretly through the lines of the French army, which the
boy was easily able to do. When the two parted the priest, in thanks,
gave the boy his blessing, assuring him that he would say one mass for him
each day until his youthful guide had returned home in safety, and also as
long as he, the priest, lived. While retracing his steps, Mr. Lutz's ancestor
was detected by the French soldiers, and was impressed into the French
service. No opportunity for escape presenting itself, he was compelled to
serve in the army of the Emperor for seventeen years, during which time
he participated in many campaigns and numerous battles, safely surviving
each succeeding war although frequently wounded by the bullets of the
enemy. The power of Napoleon broken, his magnificent army, or its
remnant, disbanded, the unwilling conscript made his way home to a family
who had long despaired him as dead. He married and had children, one
of his sons Joseph, of whom further.
(II) Joseph Lutz was born near Berlin, Germany, and when twelve
years of age left home without his parents' permission or knowledge and
went to sea. For seven years he was a sailor before the snast, at the end
of that time settling in the United States, making his home in Chartiers
Valley, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He became a gardener, his first
land near McKees Rocks, his industry and frugal habits enabling him to
save a large share of the generous profits he reaped. After his marriage he
moved to a farm he had bought in Scott township, Allegheny county, likewise holding title to considerable other property in the county, and was universally known as a successful and prosperous gardener. Both he and his
wife, Margaret (Hartz) Lutz, a native of Germany, were members of
the Roman Catholic Church. Children of Joseph and Margaret (Hartz)
Lutz: I. Mary, deceased, was thrice married, her second husband Henry
Rockenhauser, her third John Shoen; at the time of her death she lived in
Bethel township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 2. John, a farmer of
Bethel township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, died in I899, the victim
of a paralytic stroke. 3. Frances, married Charles Meisey, a farmer and
oil operator, lives near Noblestown, Pennsylvania. 4. Margaret, married
August Haller, died in I903, for many years proprietor of the Pittsburgh
Salt Works, who died after his retirement from business. 5. Jose.phine,
married Ferdinand Dove, a farmer of Baldwin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and has a large family. 6. Joseph A., of whom further. 7.
Martha, married William Lindemeyer, and lives with him on a farm inherited from her father. 8. Matilda, married John Stolze, deceased; was
a farmer; lives near Library, Pennsylvania. 9. Daniel, died aged about
sixteen years.
6Ao0I47~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7~~~~~~~~~~~~WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) Joseph A. Lutz, son of Joseph and Margaret (Hartz) Lutz, was
born on Pittsburgh South Side, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May I0,
I84I. He grew to maturity on his father's farm in Scott township, and on
the death of the elder Lutz inherited a portion thereof, residing on that
place until I874, when he purchased land in Mifflin township, in the same
county, there living retired at the present time. His life-long occupation
has been gardening and fruit growing, and in these callings he has been
uniformly successful, his skillful and careful cultivation of his land bringing him material prosperity. He and his wife were members of the Roman
Catholic Church, of which faith he is still a communicant. He married
Sarah Riley, born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
in I840, died in Mifflin township, that county, in June, Igo6, daughter of
Matthew and Rachel (McPherson) Riley, her father a native of Irelavd
who came to the United States with his parents in boyhood, her mother a
daughter of Irish parents, early settlers of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where she was born. Matthew Riley was a farmer, the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land in Baldwin and Mifflin townships, Allegheny
county, and was also the proprietor of a saw mill. His death occurred when
he was seventy-three years of age, his wife dying two years earlier, at the
same age. Children of Matthew and Rachel (McPherson) Riley: I. James,
met an accidental death when thirty-three years of age, a heavy log in a saw
mill falling upon him. 2. Elizabeth, died unmarried, aged eighty-two years.
3. John, a farmer, died in I913, his wife also deceased. 4. Josephine, deceased; was a sister in a convent at Newark; New Jersey. 5. M. Paula,
a sister in a convent in Kansas City, Missouri. 6. Matthew, deceased, was
an employee in a planing mill; lived on Pittsburgh South Side. 7. Sarah,
of previous mention, married Joseph A. Lutz. 8. Susan, married Edwin
Boyle, and lived in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, until
her death in I9oI. Matthew and Rachel (McPherson) Riley were also the
parents of five other children, who died while young. Children of Joseph
A. and Sarah (Riley) Lutz: I. Daniel A., a carpenter, foreman in the car
shops; lives in Carrick, Pennsylvania. 2. Margaret, married Joseph Jordan;
resides on a farm in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. 3. Joseph A., of whom
further. 4. Mary, married Winfield Haller; lives in Mobile, Alabama. 5.
John, a dairyman of Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 6.
Francis, met an accidental death in I9oo, being struck by a train while crossing the tracks of the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad with a team drawing a
load of lumber. 7. Samuel, married Mary Weber; lives with his father in
Miffin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 8. Charles, married
Mary Harkins; lives with his father.
(IV) Joseph A. (2) Lutz, son of Joseph A. (I) and Sarah (Riley)
Lutz, was born in Scott township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 26, I870. Until he was sixteen years of age he attended a country
school in Mifflin township, then left school and worked with his father on
the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age. At this age he em64IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
barked in an unusual venture, buying a half interest in a circus and conducting this enterprise for one year, the show traveling as Stanley  Lutz,
Mr. Lutz disposing of his interest at the end of the year. His next occupation was as stationary engineer at a coal mine in Baldwin township, a position he held for twenty years, during which time the coal property was
operated by three concerns, the Scully Coal Company, the Robbins' Coal
Company, and the Pittsburgh Coal Company. Mr. Lutz moved to Homestead, Pennsylvania, in I904, five years later becoming owner and manager
of the Floradora Hotel at No. 327 West Eighth avenue, which he conducts
with profitable success at this time. IHe fraternizes with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles, while, with his family, he is a mnember of St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church. He professes no political affiliation, choosing his party by the calibre of men advanced as its candidates.
Mr. Lutz married, December 30, I896, Gertrude Catherine Abel, born
in Miffin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph
and Sarah (New) Abel, her father a farmer, her parents residents of Mifflin
township. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Lutz: Coletta, born February z8,
I898; Joseph L., November I6, I9oo; Norbert, November Io, I903; Leo,
July I4, I905; Gertrude, August I8, I907; Harold, March 22, 191o; Herman, December 2, I9I2.
The fbrebears of Rev. James M. McJunkin, of Oakdale,
McJUNKIN Pennsylvania, were natives of Ireland from whence came
his grandfather, William McJunkin, when a boy. He was
reared by a Mr. McKim, of Baltimore, Maryland, with whom he lived until
eighteen years of age, being at that age a practical wheelwright. He located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in West Pike Run township,
when a young man, worked at his trade for several years, then purchased a
farm upon which he resided until his death at the age of eighty-one years.
He married Mary Hanna, who died in middle age, also of Scotch-Irish
parentage. Seven of their children grew to years of accountability: John,
a farmer of Washington county, Pennsylvania, until his death; James, a
merchant of Washington county until his death; William, died in young
manhood; Alexander, of whom further; Milton, a farmer, first in Washington, afterward in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, deceased; Mary, married a Mr. Gregg, and died in Washington county; Martha, married (first)
Wilson Todd, (second) Daniel Hawk, and died near Livermore, Pennsylvania.
(II) Alexander McJunkin, son of William and Mary (Hanna) McJunkin, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 15, I8I9,
died at his farm in Plum township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 2, I887. He grew to manhood at the Washington county homestead,
attended the public school, and was his father's assistant until his marriage.
He worked the home farm for three years after his marriage, and in I848
6A42WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
moved to Allegheny county, purchasing a farm of 400 acres in Plum township, which he cultivated until his death. He was one of the prosperous
farmers of Plum township, a trustee of Plum Creek Presbyterian Church
for many years, and a man of prominence. He was a Whig in politics until
the formation of the Republican party, acting with that organization thereafter.
He married Margaret Couden Patterson, born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August I2, I819, died July 28, I898, at Oakdale, Pennsylvania.
Children: I. William Patterson, of whom further.,. Rev. James Montgomery, of whom further. 3. George C., secretary of the Home Protective
Building and Loan Association, of New Brighton, resides in Beaver, Pennsylvania. 4. John C., died in boyhood. 5. Mary, died aged nineteen year,s
6. Elizabeth J., died young. 7. Wilson, died aged three years. 8. Ella H.,
died in childhood.
Margaret Couden (Patterson) McJunkin was a daughter of William C.
and Hannah (Crawford) Patterson, her father a farmer of Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, owning a farm near Fayette City, moving about i865 to Allegheny county. He was a well educated, well informed man, a leader and
an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. He died aged seventy-seven
years and is buried near Unity Station. Children: I. Elizabeth, died aged
thirteen years. 2. Martha, married James Patterson, and died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 3. Margaret C., married Alexander McJunkin, of previous mention. 4. Susan, married another James Patterson,
not a relative, a farmer; she died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. Sarah,
died unmarried. 6. Jane, died unmarried. 7. Mary, died unmarried, the
three sisters all buried at Unity Station. 8. George, captain of Company
C, One Hundred and Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was
wounded in battle, died at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and is buried at Unity
Station. 9. Thomas, a farmer, buried with his brothers and sisters at Unity.
(III) William Patterson McJunkin, eldest son of Alexander and Margaret Couden (Patterson) McJunkin, was born in Washington county,
Pennsylvania, October 8, I845. He was educated in the public schools of
Plum township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and until he was thirty
years of age worked on the home farm in that township. He then moved
to Pittsburgh where he conducted a retail dairy business for twenty-five
years. His business grew with each year and he was many times compelled
to seek enlarged quarters, finally at Thirtieth and Liberty streets. In 19oo
the business was incorporated as The McJunkin Straight Dairy Company
with W. P. McJunkin as president. The business became the largest in
Pittsburgh, dairy products being handled in both wholesale and retail. in
1903 Mr. McJunkin retired and for the past three years has resided in
Oakdale. He was the first man in the United States to pasteurize milk for
commercial purposes, and was the first dealer in Pittsburgh to realize the
responsibility of his business and the fact that the health of his patrons
depended on the quality of the milk he served. He accepted this responsi643WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
bility and set an example of sanitary handling and distributing that raised
the business in Pittsburgh to a higher level than former dealers had ever
dreamed of. He is at present a director of the Boys' Industrial Home at
OakdaIe, an institution in which he takes a deep interest, and manager of
its farming operations. He is a Republican in politics, and both he and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. McJunkin married, December 22, I869, Adelaide M. Joyner, born
in England, daughter of Martin Thomas and Susanna Amelia (Taylor)
Joyner. Her parents came to the United States several years after their
marriage, settling in Plum township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
I850. Martin T. Joyner was a blacksmith and the owner of a good farm
which he managed in his later years. Children: Elizabeth H., resides at
New Texas, Pennsylvania, unmarried;'Maria Jane, married D. E. Sheridan,
whom she survives, a resident of Pittsburgh, East End; Adelaide M., married William Patterson McJunkin, of previous mention, no issue.
(III) Rdv. Dr. James Montgomery McJunkin, son of Alexander and
Margaret Couden (Patterson) McJunkin, was born near Brownsville, Pennsylvania, September 2I, i847. He obtained his early education in the public
schools and prepared for college under private tutors and in the summer
schools, one of his tutors being Hon. S. A. McClung. He taught school
for six years, continuing his own studies in the meantime, entering Washington and Jefferson College in I873 in the sophomore year so well had he
prepared himself, and was graduated with highest honors, class of I876. He
then studied theology at Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny City,
Pennsylvania, completed the course and was graduated in class of I879. He
was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church, installed pastor of the
church at Oakdale in May, I879. He continued the faithful pastor of that
congregation twenty-seven years, ill health finally compelling his resignation
in I906. For five years during this period he was also principal of Oakdale
Academy, successfully meeting his dual responsibilities. In I886 he was
chosen as the representative from the P'ittsburgh Presbytery to serve on
the Permanent Home Mission Committee iof Synod of Pennsylvania, becoming in July, I890o, corresponding secretary of the committee, and in
I906 the office of treasurer was added to that of secretary, which dual
position he yet holds. In I898 he received from his Alma Mater the degree
of Doctor of Divinity. He has also served for twenty years as a member of
the board of directors of the Western Theological Seminary from which he
was graduated.
The congregation over which Dr. McJunkin was so long the pastor
erected its first church in I869 on State street. In I884 the congregation
had outgrown the first small church and was compelled to enlarge it. In
I912 the present brick edifice was erected, an imposing structure, and a
splendidly equipped modern house of worship. During his pastorate the
congregation increased in numbers from one hundred and thirty to four
hundred, and all departments of church work prospered under his faithful
644WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
guidance. He has ever been a strong opponent to licensed liquor selling
and it is largely through his influence that there has never been a saloon in
Oakdale. He is a member of the Eclectic Club of Ministers, of Pittsburgh,
and in political faith is a Republican.
Rev. Dr. McJunkin married, December 2I, I87I, Elizabeth Jane Alter,
born in Plum township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of George
B. and Eva (Stotler) Alter, and granddaughter of Jacob and Jane (Braton)
Alter, the latter early settlers of Plum township; Jacob a blacksmith. George
B. Alter was born in Plum township about 1822, his wife in 1824. After
their marriage they bought a farm in Plum township, prospered and became the owners of other farms. They retired to the village of New Texas
in I890 where Eva (Stotler) Alter died in I9o4, George B. Alter in I907.
Both were members of the Presbyterian Church in which he served as
elder for nearly fifty years. They were the parents of nine children, three
dying in infancy: I. Emanuel, a farmer, died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 2. Elizabeth Jane, niarried Rev. Dr. James M. McJunkin, of
previous mention, no issue. 3. Samuel Crawford, now residing on the homestead. 4. William Henry, died in young manhood. 5. Mary Ella, married
W. W. Alter, and resides in Kirkland, Missouri. 6. Margaret Catherine,
married Rev. J. C. Kistler, D.D., resides in Houston, Pennsylvania.
More than two hundred years have elapsed since Isaac
SUMNEY  Sumney, a native of Germany, founded his line in Pennsylvania. He arrived in this country about I7I0, making his
home in the vicinity of Philadelphia, and there joined the original Quaker
settlers in industrious pursuits. He married and was the father of two
sons, Isaac, and Jacob, the line to Dr. Frank Foster Sumney, of Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, continuing through the latter.
(II) Isaac (2) Sumney, son of Isaac (1) Sumney, grew to manhood at
his father's home near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Montgomery county, where he owned extensive tracts of land. About I755 he
erected a log hotel, which is standing to the present time, the settlement
which grew up in this locality being known as Sumneytown, now located
on the Perkiomen branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. Isaac
Sumney married, the children of his union all daughters, so that the line
from the first Isaac found its only perpetuation through Jacob, of whom
further.
(II) Jacob Sumney, son of Isaac (I) Sumney, after arriving at man's
estate became a farmer, making his home in Berks county, Pennsylvani~
He married and was the father of two sons, Isaac and Jacob (2).
(III) Jacob (2) Sumney, son of Jacob (I) Sumney, passed his life in
Berks county, Pennsylvania, his birthplace. His occupation was that of
his father, agriculture, and he prospered in that calling. He married and
had several children, among them Isaac, of whom further, Jacob, Thomas,
Samuel.
645I iiii-_::~~:i--iii---:~::i ~
I:::::::::::-:! -:     11:   WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(IV) Isaac (2) Sumney, son of Jacob (2) Sumney, was born in Berks
county, Pennsylvania, in I776, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania.
While a youth he made settlement in Westmoreland county, and five years
later, about I8oo, moved to Nottingham township, Washington county,
where he owned and cultivated land. He was a communicant of the Lutheran Church. He married Mary Turney, rearing his five sons to useful
occupations, all of them becoming farmers or artisans. Children of Isaac
and Mary (Turney) Sumney, all of whom, with the exception of Elizabeth,
died in Washington county, Pennsylvania: John; William, died aged ninetytwo years; Isaac, a carpenter; David, of whom further; Jacob, died in boyhood; Elizabeth; Sarah; Mary; Hannah.
(V) David Sumney, son of Isaac (2) and Mary (Turney) Sumney,
was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in i8o8, died in I892. He
was reared to manhood on the home farm, and became a teamster on the
old National Pike, abandoning this calling and becoming proprietor of a
pottery, having learned the potter's trade in young manhood. He passed
his latter years on a small farm, his death occurring when he had attained
his eighty-fourth year. He married Nancy, born in i8o8, died in 9goI,
daughter of John Hand, her father a saddler of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Children of David and Nancy (Hand) Sumney: I. William, a
carpenter, died in Monongahela City, Pennsylvania. 2. John, a veteran of
the Civil War, having been a soldier for three and one-half years in the
One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
now lives retired in Los Angeles, California. 3. David, a farmer and carpenter, lives in Washington county, Pennsylvania; he is also a veteran of
the war between the states, having fought in the same regiment as his
brother, John. 4. Daniel, a farmer, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-five years. 5. Isaac, of whom further. 6. Frank, proprietor
of a livery business and a dealer in feed, resides in Washington county,
Pennsylvania. 7. Elizabeth, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania, married (first) John Helt, (second) Peter Devore. 8. Mary, married John
Young; died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 9. Maria, married James
Gault, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I913. Io. Isabel, married James Gilmore, deceased, and resides in Washington county, Pennsylvania. ii. Julia, deceased, married Isaac Wolf.
(VI) Isaac (3) Sumney, son of David and Nancy (Hand) Sumney,
was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November I3,'I842. After
completing his youthful studies in the public schools, he learned the shoemaker's trade, following this for a time and then forsaking it to engage in
farming. He became the owner of land in Nottingham township, devoting
his entire breadth of acres to fruit culture, in which line he was unusually
successful. Here he passed his remaining years, holding a position in the
front rank of the county's agriculturists because of the excellent results he
obtained from his operations, and receiving the universal commendation of
his neighbors as a man of upright life and honorable motives. His church
646WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was the Presbyterian, and he was a Democrat in politics, fraternizing with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Isaac Sumney died May 30, I912.
He married, April I5, I863, Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Anna
(Keller) Foster, her father having come to Washington county, Pennsylvania, from England about I825, settling in Monongahela City, her mother
a member of a family long seated in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Children of Isaac and Elizabeth (Foster) Sumney: I. Frank Foster, of whom
further. 2. Grace, married Sheldon Wolfe, and resides in Washington,
Pennsylvania. 3. Alice, married B. H. Cannon, their home being in Pittsburgh. 4. Gertrude, married F. W. Scott, and lives in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 5. Harriet, married Dr. Boyd E. Gamble, and lives in Van Voorhis, Pennsylvania. 6. Roy, married Anna Smiley, and resides in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, where he is connected with mining interests.
(VII) Dr. Frank Foster Sumney, son of Isaac (3) and Elizabeth
(Foster) Sumney, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 3,
I866. He attended the public schools, and after there pursuing preliminary
studies entered Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, later
matriculating at the University of Western Pennsylvania (University of
Pittsburgh). In this last named institution he prepared for the practice
of medicine, and was awarded his M.D. in March, I89I. Dravosburg,
Pennsylvania, has been the one scene of his professional activity, his practice
general in nature, and he is accorded worthy place among his medical
brethren. He holds membership in the County and State Medical societies
and the McKeesport Academy of Medicine. Dr. Sumney is identified with
the Knights of Malta, the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
His political preferences are Democratic, and he has filled numerous of the
local offices, and was appointed postmaster of Dravosburg in I9I4.
Dr. Sumney married, June 6, I894, Elizabeth, born in Homestead, Pennsylvania, daughter of James N. and Fannie (Orsborne) Lawson, and has
children: Ruth, a student in the California State Normal School; Weir,
Janet, Frank, died in infancy.
The name of Baird, Bard, Barde, appears in records in various
BAIRD parts of Europe as early as the tenth century and extending
to the fourteenth century. They appear to have migrated from
Lorraine to d'Aosta in Piedmont, and from there to Normandy, finally
settling in Scotland. In his "Irish Genealogy," MacForbes treats it as a
joke that the Bairds claim an Anglo-Saxon origin, his contention being
that their origin is Celtic. In "Irish Pedigrees," of which Dr. O'Hart is
the author, he says: "Owen Mac an Bhaird, of Monycassen, was descended
from Eocha, son of Sodhan. Mac an Bhaird was anglicized Macward, and
modernized Ward. The descendants of Owen Mac an Bhaird rendered the
name O'Bairdam, and that in turn has been anglicized Baird, Bard, Barde,
Barden, Bardin, Barten, Bartin, Berdan, Purdon, Verdon and Warden.
647WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
In io66 Seigneur de Barde was among the followers of William the Conqueror. In 1178 Henry de Barde was a witness to a charter of lands made
by King William the Lion, of Scotland. In I I9I Ugone di Bard, of the
valley of d'Aosta, made allegiance to Francis I., of Savoy. He owned a
castle on Bard Rock, a natural defence, and after bravely defending the
place, was driven out. In II94 Hugo de Baird was one of the subscribing
witnesses to a safe conduct granted by King Richard I., of England, to
King William the Lion, and it is said that a gentleman by the name of Baird
saved William the Lion from a wild beast, and for this deed received large
tracts of land and a coat-of-arms: A boar passant, with the motto: Dominus
fecit. During the Scotch war for independence the Bards were able supporters of the cause with Bruce and Wallace. Robert Bard was captured
by the English, held a prisoner at Nottingham, and an order was issued,
January, i317, for his removal to the castle of Summerton, but his fate is
unknown. A William Bard was routed and taken prisoner with Sir William
Douglass in I333, in a skirmish with Sir Anthony Lacy on the English
border. Jordan Baird was a constant companion to the brave William Wallace from I297 to I305. General Sir David Baird was a contemporary of
Captain D,avid Baird, and held command under Sir John Moore in the
peninsular campaign, and after the death and burial of Sir John, succeeded
to the command and reported the victory at Corrunna. He was the son of
Sir William Baird, the son of Sir Robert, the son of James, the son of
George, who was living in I588. All the Bairds now in America trace from
these ancestors.
(I) Hugh Baird, who lived and died in Ayrshire, Scotland, was a mine
foreman and manager at Annach Lodge, near Irvine, in Ayrshire, but his
death occurred at Port Glasgow.
(II) John Baird, son of Hugh Baird, was born in Ireland, but reared in
Scotland. For some years after his marriage he lived at Dalrye, Scotland.
He also was a miner, became a foreman, and spent the last twenty-one years
of his life at Annach Lodge. He married Margaret Flack, born in Johnston, Scotland, died at Annach Lodge, and they had children: Margaret,
died in Scotland; Isabella, married Alexander McNeil, and died in Motherwell, Scotland; Jeannette, married William Galbraith, and died in Scotland;
Jennie, widow of Robert Weir, lives in McKeesport, Pennsylvania; two who
died unnamed; Hugh.
(III) Hugh (2) Baird, son of John and Margaret (Flack) Baird, was
born at Dalrye, Scotland, January 5, I848. After his marriage he settled at
Annach Lodge, where he was a mechanical engineer for about ten years,
then removed to Garcorsch, where he was similarly employed for some
years. During the next six years he was in the employ of the Clydesdale
Iron Company and then, in I882, came to America and settled at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was in the employ of the National Tube Company two years. Removing to Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, he worked for
the Lehigh Valley Coal Company fifteen years, then returned to McKees48WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
port, and is now chief engineer of the National Tube Works. He is Republican in political matters, and he and his wife are members of the First
Presbyterian Church. He is a charter member of the Scottish clans. Mr.
Baird married, in I869, Elizabeth Chalmers, born in the parish of Falkirk,
Polemone, Scotland, March 27, I849. She is a daughter of William and
Katherine (Benney) Chalmers, both born in Falkirk, Sterlingshire, Scotland. He was a superintendent of collieries for the Grangemouth Coal
Company for more than thirty years, and died and is buried at Falkirk. They
had children: John, died in Scotland at the age of twenty-five years; Jennie,
married Alexander Carr, and died in Glasgow; a child which died in infancy;
Elizabeth, mentioned above as the wife of Mr. Baird; Katherine, married
William Robison, and lives in Dumfermline, Scotland; William, a master
mechanic, died in Annapolis, Maryland; Thomas, chief of police of the
Carnegie Steel Company, lives at Clairton; Margaret, married John Cronney, and lives in Glasgow; Allison, married John Jarvis, and lives in Grangemouth, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Baird had children: John, chief shipper
for the National Tube Company, lives in Lorraine, Ohio; William, a physician, died in McKeesport in I9II; Archibald, died at the age of eighteen
years; Thomas Chalmers, of further mention; Katherine, died at the age of
thirteen years; Hugh, died at the age of seven years; James, a clerk in a
store in McKeesport; Elizabeth, a kindergarten teacher, lives with her
parents.
(IV) Thomas Chalmers Baird, son of Hugh (2) and Elizabeth (Chalmers) Baird, was born in Garcorsch, Lanarkshire, Scotland, March I, I876.
He received his education in the elementary and high schools of Shenandoah,
and at a business college, and was well equipped to engage in the battle of
life. For a time he was a clerk at Packer No. 4, on the Mahanoy Division
of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, and in I897 came to McKeesport, and
was employed in a drug store here for a short period. During six months
he worked for Weir  McIntyre, street and paving contractors, then became
assistant accountant for the National Rolling Mill Company, remaining for
two and a half years. His next position was that of assistant paymaster
at the American Tin Plating Company's plant at Demmler, Pennsylvania,
where he remained one year, when he was advanced to the office of paymaster, which he filled for two and a half years. One and a half years
were then spent in the office of teller of the National Bank of McKeesport,
after which he accepted the position of cashier at the Citizens' Bank at
Braddock, and when this became merged, at the end of two and a half
years, with the Braddock Trust Company, Mr. Baird became the assistant
secretary-treasurer of the latter, and held this position one and a half years.
He was elected cashier of the City Bank of McKeesport, April I, I9o6, succeeding W. H. Coleman, the present clerk of courts for Allegheny county.
This institution has been showing a very satisfactory rate of growth, having
gained almost a quarter of a million dollars during the four years from November I, I9o09, to November I, I913. He is a staunch supporter of the
649WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Republican party, but has never aspired to holding public office. He and
his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church, and his fraternal
affiliations are with the Free and Accepted Masons, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Scottish Clans and Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Baird married, August 5, I897, Ellen, born in Glasgow, Scotland,
a daughter of Richard and Ellen Bow, who came to America about,I88o.
Children: Thelma Margaret, born December 8, I898; Thomas Chalmers Jr.,
born October I I, I903.
The Kessler family, which came to the United States from
KESSLER Germany, has been identified with professional life and high
official position both in Germany and here, and many of the
name have gained distinction. The younger generations in the United States
have added to the prestige of the family name, as is especially shown by the
branch now resident in Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
William Kessler was born in Baden, Germany, and came to the United
States at the age of twenty-one years, in company with his brothers Antony
and Joseph. For a time he lived in Newark, New Jersey, but soon after his
marriage he removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was engaged in
the woolen industry, being part owner of a factory, and continued in this
line when he removed to Loretto, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. In I88o
he removed to Pittsburgh, later to Homestead, where his death occurred
one year later. Mr. Kessler was always independent in his political opinions, and while he consistently refused to accept public office, his fellow citizens held him in such high esteem that, while living in Loretto, they nominated him for the legislature without his previous knowledge. When the
news of the nomination was brought to him, he absolutely refused to become a candidate for the office. He and his wife were members of the German Catholic Church. Mr. Kessler married, in Newark, New Jersey, Mary
Cleamings, who was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, brought
to this country at the age of two years by her parents, and died in Homestead, Pennsylvania, in I905, at the age of eighty-four years. Her parents
died not long after their arrival in America, leaving Mrs. Kessler an orphan
at an early age. Children: Frances, married Henry C. Litzinger, and lives
in Butler county, Pennsylvania; Kate C., principal of the First Ward Public
School of Homestead; Joseph T., an oil operator, living in Butler county;
William A., of further mention; Emma, lives in Homestead with her brother,
William A.; four children died young.
William A. Kessler, son of William and Mary (Cleamings) Kessler,
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 8, I864. His education was
a practical and substantial one, and was acquired in the public schools of
Philadelphia and Loretto, supplemented by a thorough course at St. Francis
College. He was seventeen years of age when he removed to Pittsburgh with
his parents, and there engaged in the grocery business at the corner of
Thirty-fifth and Penn avenues. Removing to Homestead in I88I, he formed
650WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a connection with the firm of Bryce, Higbee  Company, glass manufacturers, which continued until I887. Mr Kessler is possessed of executive
ability of an unusually high order, as is evidenced by the number of important enterprises with which he is and has been connected. He was one
of the organizers of the Bank of Homestead, and was cashier of this institution for a number of years. He was also one of the organizers of the
old Homestead Telephone Company and the German Building and Loan
Association, and of a number of other enterprises. At the present time he
is president of the Pennsylvania Lumber Company, manager and treasurer
of the Cambria Lumber Company, president of the Homestead Mantle and
Tile Company, secretary of Homestead Park Amusement Company, and
director of the High Grade Oil Refining Company of Butler. His first connection with the lumber interests was in I905, his many other official duties
having prior to that time engaged too much of his attention. His success
has been amply attested, and in their extensive operations they employ from
forty to one hundred men. He served as the principal assessor for the
borough of Homestead three years, and in I887 was elected by a large majority as collector of taxes, an office in which he served five consecutive terms.
He has always given his allegiance to the Democratic party, and served as a
member of the board of health three years. During the two terms he was
a member of the school board he did excellent work, and he has also been
a member of the borough council. He has now been in public office for
many years, being at present chairman of the Democratic party committee
in Homestead, and in all this time there has never been the slightest blemish
in his public career. When he received the Democratic endorsement for the
legislature, it was unsolicited by him, but his party recognized the fact
that Mr. Kessler stood high in the opinion of members of all political
parties, and would poll many votes because of his high business and social
standing.
Mr. Kessler's connection with various organizations is as follows:
President of the Firemen's Relief Association; honorary vice-president of
the Pennsylvania State Firemen's Association; ex-president of the Western
Pennsylvania Firemen's Association; president of the Honorary Members
of the Grand Army of the Republic; charter member of the local order of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also of the Owls; member of the Business Men's Association, the Loretto Club of Allegheny
County and the Second Ward Fire Company. He resides with his sisters
in a beautiful house on Fifth avenue, and is the owner of a considerable
amount of other valuable real estate. Mr. Kessler is a man of liberal
ideas and broad-minded views, and gives generous support to every project
which tends to the betterment or advancement of the community in any
direction. The causes of art, literature and education especially appeal
to him.
65IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
County Down, Ireland, was for many years the home
WILKINSON   of this branch of Wilkinsons, and in that land farming
was the family occupation. Presbyterianism is the family faith. Samuel Wilkinson was born in county Down, Ireland, in I805,
there died in 1894. His entire life was spent in the county of his birth and
besides owning a small farm he conducted retail dealings in crockery. He
and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. He married Jane
Bear, born in county Down, Ireland, in I807, died there in I896, both she
and her husband having attained the unusually advanced age of eighty-nine
years. They were the parents of: I. William, the first of the family to
immigrate to the United States, died in Texas, where he owned a farm
one hundred and sixty acres in extent. 2. James, proprietor of a hotel, died
in Dallas, Texas. 3. Samuel (2), of whom  further. 4. Susan, married
in Ireland and there died. 5. Elizabeth, married Jesse McCart, a railroad
engineer, and lives in Dallas, Texas. 6. Arthur, died in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 7. John, resides on the home farm in county Down, Ireland.
(II) Samuel (2) Wilkinson, son of Samuel (I) and Jane (Bear) Wilkinson, was born in county Down, Ireland, in I838. In his youth he was
favored with but few educational advantages, when ten years of age beginning regular work upon the farm, which he continued for eight years. At
the end of this time, when he was eighteen years old, he and his younger
brother, Arthur, came to the United States, locating in Pittsburgh, obtaining
his first position in the employ of W. H. Brown, loading coal along the
Monongahela river for three years. He was then for a long time a miner
on the coal property of John A. Roberts, also holding a position in the boatbuilding yards of Horner  Roberts for several years. The following
thirty years he passed in different places along the river, accepting positions
at whatever callings offered the best inducements, taking advantage of every
favorable turn in the industrial conditions of the locality to better his material welfare, and in I879 moved to Homestead, Pennsylvania, where for
six years he was street commissioner. Real estate has been the form of
investment that he has most favored all of his life, and to this use he has
put the means that he has acquired through industrious and diligent toil,
having chosen his property with such wise judgment that in nearly every
instance its value has risen appreciably, and as far as worldly welfare is
concerned he is independent. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married, in
November, I862, Elizabeth Jones, born in Glamorganshire, Wales, August
22, 1833, died March I9, I907, daughter of Solomon and Mary Jones. She
came to the United States with her parents when four years of age, living
first in Philadelphia, later proceeding westward to Pittsburgh, where she
grew to maturity and where she was married. Children of Samuel (2)
and Elizabeth (Jones) Wilkinson: I. William  James, of whom further.
2. Samuel Solomon, died aged four years.
(III) William  James Wilkinson, son of Samuel (2) and Elizabeth
652WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Jones) Wilkinson, was born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 24, I870o. When nine years of age he was brought to Homestead, Pennsylvania, where he obtained the greater part of his education.
At the age of fifteen years he entered the employ of the Carnegie Steel
Company as messenger, later finding service in the open hearth department.
Through various grades of employment he gradually advanced to the position of assistant superintendent and then to the superintendency, passing
ten years in the two last named capacities with mutual satisfaction to himself and his employers. In I9IO he discontinued his association with this
concern and formed a partnership with a brother-in-law, C. K. Andrews,
in the handling of builder's supplies, operating under the firm name of
Andrews  Wilkinson, a relation that continues to the present time, the
offices of the firm being in the German National Bank Building, in Pittsburgh. For about fifteen years prior to the formation of the above-mentioned firm Mr. Andrews had been traveling in the interests of a firm handling that line, and combining his experience and the vigorous enthusiasm
and energy of both partners the reason for the firm's success is not difficult
to discover. Among the specialties handled by Andrews  Wilkinson are
sewer pipe, clay products of all kinds, and slate, and the field into which
their activities extends includes Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, the firm everywhere being favorably known, their methods meeting with universal approval, and their products of the highest grade. Mr. Wilkinson was one
of the organizers and is now a director of the First National Bank of
Munhall, his other business interests confined to a place upon the directorate
of the Ne-wts Messenger, the Homestead daily, Mr. Wilkinson's residence
being in that place. Party affiliation is not a part of Mr. Wilkinson's political action, and he belongs to Homestead Lodge, No. 650, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, is an honorary member of the Grand Army of
the Republic, and holds the thirty-second degree in the Masonic Order,
holding membership in Homestead Lodge, No. 582, Free and Accepted
Masons, Zerubabel Chapter, No. I62, Royal Arch Masons, Commandery
No. I, Knights Templar, Pittsburgh Consistory, and Syria Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Wilkinson married, December I8, I9oo, Sarah Lillian Andrews,
born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Henry C. and Eliza
(McClure) Andrews. Henry C. Andrews, a native of Pittsburgh, was
a grandson of the founder of the Presbyterian Banner, this Andrews being
also for a time the editor of that periodical. Henry C. Andrews was by profession a druggist, and after his marriage in Pittsburgh was a resident of
several places in western Pennsylvania, in Clarion county holding a position as superintendent of an oil works, his death occurring in Pittsburgh,
he being buried in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of the Civil
War, having served through that entire conflict as a member of a Pennsylvania regiment of infantry, assistant to the surgeon, Dr. McCann. Henry
653WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
C. and Eliza (McClure) Andrews were the parents of: I. Ida, married
Horton Penrose, and resides at No. 216 Linden street, Pittsburgh. 2. William, deceased. 3. Harry, deceased. 4. Cyrus K., a member of the firm of
Andrews  Wilkinson, resides on Craig street, Pittsburgh. 5. Sarah Lillian,
of previous mention, married William James Wilkinson. 6. Jessie, died in
infancy. Children of William James and Sarah Lillian (Andrews) Wilkinson: I. Sarah Elizabeth, born December I4, I902. 2. William Samuel,
born April 22, 1905.
There is a Bible now in the possession of the Corey family of
COREY Braddock, Pennsylvania, which has the record of nine generations of this family. It was given to John Cory, as the name
was then spelled, the American progenitor of the family, by his mother in
I626, when she bade him farewell as he left his home in Scotland to try
his fortune in America. John Cory landed at or near Boston, Massachusetts, soon after the first landing of the "Mayflower," and for a time lived
at New London, Connecticut, where his marriage took place. Later he
crossed Long Island sound, and lived at Southampton, where the records
show that, on March 7, I644, he was whale commissioner for the district of
Southampton. He died at Hashomomack, Long Island, in I665, leaving
four sons and two daughters. Two of his brothers and two of his cousins
came to this country prior to his death, and Giles Cory, the witchcraft
martyr of Salem, who was executed, in September, i692, was a cousin or
possibly a brother of John Cory. At his death, John Cory willed his Bible
to his son Elnathan, and the family lived on Long Island and Manhattan
Island during five generations.
(VII) Benijah Corey, a descendant in the seventh generation of the
American progenitor, was born in Burlington, Vermont, October 24, I778,
died March 4, I870, at the home of his son, John Nelson Corey, near Fort
Wayne, Indiana. Immediately after his marriage he purchased three hundred acres of land, which are now the heart of New York City. They
cleared this and placed it under cultivation, in which they were very successful, but, owing to the depredations of neighboring children, Mr. Corey,
much against the wishes of his wife and children, sold this property and
removed to the wilds of Pennsylvania, where he purchased another farm,
and cleared this, it now being a part of Jefferson City, Pennsylvania. When
this section commenced to be more thickly settled, Mr. Corey sold it also,
and removed to near Fort Wayne, Indiana, which he later sold for a similar
reason, and purchased another farm at Peru, Indiana, which is now in the
suburbs of that city. At this place he and his wife contracted fever and
ague, and this, combined with the infirmities of old age, forced them to
visit their three sons who were living at Port Perry, Pennsylvania, on the
banks of the Monongahela river. Mr. Corey was a John Wesley Methodist,
was a class leader in this church fifty-five years, and prided himself upon
not having missed a single Sabbath in all of this long period. Mr. Corey
married, February 20, 1799, Deborah Talferd Williams, a Quakeress. who
654WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was born September 10, 1780, died August 25, I872, at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Lydia W. Stouts, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Children:
Anna, born February 20, I8oo; John, born July 4, I802; Alfred, of further
mention; Moses, born June 9, I8o6; Charles Wesley, born June I9, i8II;
Lewis, born September II, I813; John Nelson, born January 27, i8i6;
Lydia W., born May I7, i8i8; Phoebe J., born April 4, I82I; Deborah M.,
born July 5, I823; Elizabeth P. and Barkley, born November 6, I825. Inr
his earlier years Mr. Corey was a millwright.
(VIII) Alfred Corey, son of Benijah and Deborah Talferd (Williams)
Corey, was born on the present site of New York City, April 6, I804, died
April 6, I89I. At the age of nineteen years he came to Jefferson county,
Pennsylvania, with his parents, and there learned the millwright's trade
from his father, as did his brother Moses. As soon as he and his brother
had attained manhood, they established themselves as contractors and constructed several sections of the Sandy and Beaver canals. In I839 they
took the contract for constructing lock and dam No. 2, across the Monongahela river, at Port Perry, Pennsylvania, and moved their families down
there from Edinburg, Mercer county. Charles Wesley Corey, another
brother, moved his family there at the same time; he had married Julia
Ann Sailor. After the completion of this lock and dam, Alfred and Moses
Corey decided they would invest their profits from this enterprise in the
mercantile business. They went to New York City in order to buy a stock
of goods, this being their first visit to the city since they had left it in I823.
Huge houses and hotels were now standing on the ground which they had
cleared with such effort, and they realized there had been a great lack of
foresight.  Subsequently, Alfred"' and Moses Corey agreed to pay nine
thousand dollars for the Braddock farm and seven thousand dollars for
the Oliver farm in Allegheny county. Moses was given the choice of the
farms, but he refused to take either, saying he had grubbed enough, and if
Alfred chose to "blow in" his share of the money they had earned, he could
do so. They discussed this matter all night long, and Alfred went to the
city of Pittsburgh the next day, and forfeited the five hundred dollars which
he had paid as a deposit. The two farms are now covered with costlier
structures than those which covered the New York farms in I846. Upon
their return from New York City with their stock of goods, the Corey
brothers applied themselves to mercantile interests, but Alfred soon tired
of this form of business life, and sold his stock to Samuel Walker, fatherin-law of the late James G. Blaine, taking his notes in payment; Walker
failed, and paid the notes with a bankrupt ticket. Moses Corey, being
unsuccessful in his store in Pittsburgh, traded his stock of goods for the
lease of a coal mine under Mount Washington, now one. of the wards of
the city of Pittsburgh. He married Lydia Adams, a sister of the wife of
his brother Alfred.
Alfred Corey married, April 25, I83I, Rachel Adams, who was a very
devout Methodist, and established the first Sunday school held in the state
655IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Pennsylvania. She died April 6, i88i. Children: I. James Benijah,
of further mention. 2. Matilda Jane, born August I5, 1834, died at Portland, Oregon, April 3, 1894; she married (first) Rev. Joseph Walters,
(second) J. K. Phillips. 3. Eliza Ann, born September 25, i837; married
William Whittaker; she has four sons and one daughter, the latter married,
and they all live together at Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, about four miles
from her childhood home. 4. Lida, born at Port Perry, October 23, I840;
married John Baldrige Jr., now deceased; reared eight children; she now
lives at Braddock, Pennsylvania. 5. William Augustus, born November
Io, I842, died of scarlet fever, September 28, I843. 6. Rachel Deborah,
born September 6, 1844; married  -  Kline, and died leaving an only son,
William Corey Kline, now a sailor on Lake Erie. 7. John D., born at Port
Perry, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December I7, I846; went west in
early manhood, and became a conductor on a railroad in Missouri; he
was murdered by a drunken brakeman whom he had discharged, the latter
stabbing him in the back. 8. Lewis Cass, born April I4, I849; has a farm
near Jackson, Mississippi.
(IX) James Benijah Corey, son of James and Rachel (Adams) Corey,
was born near Utica, Venango county, Pennsylvania, April 23, i832. His
educational advantages consisted of five terms, of four months each, at the
public school, when those who were able to pay subscribed one dollar a
month each, and those who were unable to pay in money, took turns in
boarding the teacher. His school books were the few simple ones in use in
those days. While a young lad he earned a prize by committing to memory more than eleven hundred verses from the Bible, and this feat was
accomplished in the course of one week. This was in 1845, and two years
later, when General Winfield Scott was touring the United States, prior to
the presidential electioh, he passed the lock on the Monongahela river near
which young Corey lived. A crowd had assembled to greet General Scott,
and one of the General's party, Attorney McCandless, who knew the lad,
introduced him to General Scott, saying "General, this boy committed the
whole of St. John and eight chapters in Acts to memory in one week."
(1,I32 verses.)  An old sailor who fought on Lake Erie in I8I2 under
Commodore Perry laid his hand on Mr. Corey's head, and said: "James,
treasure those verses in your heart; if they do not make you the president
of the United States, they will make you a good man."
In the fall of I849 Mr. Corey piloted his first pair of coal boats down
the Ohio river, and as he was not eighteen years of age, he was known as
the "Boy Pilot." From pilot to partner was a short step for the energetic
young man, and it was but a few years later that the firm of J. B. Corey 
Company was formed. His partners in this enterprise were David Shaw,
George M. Bowman, John H. Peterson and Judge Thomas Mellon, of
Pittsburgh, and they transported coal to the southern river ports. At the
outbreak of the Civil War, the Confederate States confiscated all the coal
of northern men, and as the firm had a large stock of coal in New Orleans,
656WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
their loss was about $5o,ooo, but they eventually weathered this storm. Mr.
Corey was desirous of serving his country during the war, but was rejected
on account of physical disability. As the coal business was at a standstill,
he went to Washington, District of Columbia, and became a clerk in the
commissary department, issuing rations to soldiers, at a monthly pay of
$50.00. President Lincoln, Secretary Cameron and Secretary Chase gave
this department their personal attention, and Mr. Corey was in daily contact with them. At the close of the war the coal business was resumed, and
they operated several mines along the Monongahela river, the Duquesne
mines being among the largest, and of these Mr. Corey was manager. He
was possessed of remarkable executive ability, and had the happy faculty
of understanding the men in his employ, of winning their confidence and
their affection, and during the thirty years he was connected with the coaT
business he never had a strike. During three periods of strikes in other
mines, Mr. Corey's company supplied the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
with coal, and to this day the obligation thus incurred by the railroad company is acknowledged by it. June I, I885, in association with his cousin,
Alfred  Corey Sr., the Corey Coal Company was formed, William Ellis
Corey, son of Alfred A., and later president of the United States Steel
Corporation, acting as weighmaster and bookkeeper. A~t the end of five
years, Alfred A. Corey withdrew from the company, and was succeeded
by William M. Dixon. Since I9oo Mr. Corey has lived retired from business responsibilities, on Jones avenue, Braddock, Pennsylvania, his favorite
form of exercise being the driving of his thirty-two-year-old horse, attached
to the old-fashioned buggy, which he prefers to any more modern vehicle.
He has always taken an active interest in all political questions, and was at
one time a candidate on the Nationalist ticket for the office of governor of
the state. In religious matters his influence has also been felt for good,
and he is an ardent Methodist. The first meeting of the Salvation Army
ever held in Pittsburgh was held by the late General Booth in the office of
Mr. Corey.
Mr. Corey married, May 26, I853, Elizabeth Ann, a daughter of Peter
Kidd, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I795. His
father was a native of Scotland, and died when Peter was an infant. His
mother married (second) ---  Houston, and he was reared by his grandmother.  Mr. Kidd married Ellen Wilcox, of(Armstrongjcounty, Pennsylvania, and they lived on the farm, which he cultivated successfully. They
had children: Alexander, Samuel, Jeremiah, Margaret Jane, Elizabeth Ann,
twin of Margaret Jane, and wife of Mr. Corey. Mr. and Mrs. Corey have
had children: I. Margaret Jane, who married Samuel Clarence Wymer,
now deceased, and lives in Braddock; she haskhildren: Elizabeth Lucetta;
Mary Hester, married Charles D. Spencer, a bank cashier at Erie, Pennsylvania. 2. Mary Ella, married William Yost, now deceased, and lives in
Erie county, Pennsylvania; she has children: John, Margaret Jane, Rachel
Elizabeth.
657WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
James Adams, paternal grandfather of Mrs. Rachel (Adams) Corey,
was born October 30, I734, died October 24, I824. In the list of the officers
of the Cumberland county militia who were in active service in the campaign of 1776, we find in Vol. I4, Second Series of Pennsylvania Archives,
p. 372, that James Adams appears as captain of the Fourth Company of
the Fifth Battalion of the Cumberland County Militia. In Vol. II, p. go,
*of "Colonial Records," we find the following minute, dated January I5,
I777: "Captain Kickham was directed to pay Captain James Adams One
hundred and two pounds, 5 shillings, one penny, for expenses attending
the marching of his company from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania."
Captain Adams married, April 26, 1755, Isabella Weldon, born September
22, I736, died September, I825. Children: Joseph, born March I8, I757,
died November 17, I784; Jacob, born September 23, 1758, died August 23,
I803; William, born September 24, I76o, died October 26, I805; Jonathan,
born December 20, I762; Jesse, born October 2, I768, died in May, I852;
Lydia, twin of Jesse, died September 3, I847; James Jr., of further mention; John, born September 23, I772; Isaac, born November I2, I774, died
February 15, I783; Weldon, born November 12, 1776; Eli, born May 28,
I780; Levi, born February I8, 1782, died October 27, I784.
James Adams, son of James and Isabella (Weldon) Adams, was born
October 30, I770, died August 8, I85I. He migrated to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he made his home in the town of Franklin. One
of his grandsons, Hon. Christopher Heydrick, became chief justice of the
state of Pennsylvania. James Adams married Rachel Black, born in I775,
died at Franklin, in September, I886, at the unusually advanced age of one
hundred and eleven years. They had children: James, Elizabeth, Isabella,
Henry Bowman, Mary, Jane, Matilda, Rachel, married Alfred Corey (see
Corey VIII); Lydia, married Moses Corey, as above mentioned; Jessie,
Samuel, Josiah.
The families Blose, Patterson and Borland have long been conBLOSE nected with the history of Western Pennsylvania, in connection
with the counties of Westmoreland and Allegheny. Dr. D'aniel Patterson Blose, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, a modern representative
of these families through his mother, Sarah Mertilla (Patterson) Blose,
traces to the Revolutionary soldier, John Ward, an ensign and an original
member of the Society of the Cincinnati. His sister, Hannah Ward, married John Gray, and was the mother of Rachel Borland (Gray) Patterson,
wife of John Alexander Patterson, maternal grandfather of Dr. Daniel
Patterson Blose.
This line of maternal descent traces to Alexander Patterson, a soldier
of the Sixty-third Regiment of Foot in the British army, he of Scotch ancestry. Alexander Patterson early emigrated to America, where one of his
descendants, William Patterson, became an early settler of Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, later locating in Mifflin township, Allegheny county,
658WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
where Dravosburg now stands. There William Patterson took up land, built
a log cabin, resided several years, and married Margaret Whigham, born
on shipboard in New York harbor. William and his wife Margaret later
moved to McKeesport, where both ended their days. She is buried in Versailles Cemetery, but his burial place is unknown. Among the children of
William and Margaret (Whigham)) Patterson was a son, John Alexanider
Patterson, born on the farm, now Dravosburg, and there spent his early
manhood. He married (first, Sarah Crawford, who bore him five children.
He married (second) in I845, Rachel Borland Gray, widow of William
Whigham. She was iorn about where Christy Park now stands, on what
was later called the Penney homestead. There she lived and married her
first husband, who died three months after his marriage. Five years later
she married John Alexander Patterson, then a widower with five children.
Shortly after their marriage they moved to a farm in Armstrong county,
but two years later located in Port Perry (now Bessemer), where Mr.
Patterson engaged in the coal business. Later he moved to a farm of two
hundred and forty-seven acres, on which Duquesne now stands. The house
in which he lived stood near the river and near where the present Edward
Crawford house stands. After four years on that farm he moved to McKeesport, where he became proprietor of the Hiawatha, then the only hotel
in the town. Later he retired to his boyhood home, Dravosburg, where he
died. Both he and his wife rest in Versailles Cemetery, and both were
members of the Presbyterian church. Children of John Alexander and
Rachel Borland((Gray) Patterson: Sarah Mertilla, born in I846, in Armstrong county, tennsylvania, married Israel Rody Blose, of further mention; Hannah,' married William  Moore, and died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania; James Findley, a clerk, died in McKeesport; Harry, living in
Cleveland, Ohio, at the time of his death, August 2I, I9I4.  l
The paternal descent of Dr. Dlaniel Patterson Blose, of McKeesport,
is from the Blose family of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His
grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Rowei Blose, were born near Delmont
in that county, where Daniel Blose Was for many years a miller and a wellknown prominent figure. He acquired a competence and lived retired at
Delmont during his later years, both he and his wife dying there. Two of
his thirteen children died young. The others were: Israel Rody, of further mention; Mary, married Robert Reed, and lives in Pittsburgh; Amos,
a millwright, living in Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Diana, resides at Salemville, Pennsylvania, unmarried; Benjamin, a real estate dealer, living in
Greensburg; Jeremiah, died in Delmont, a merchant; William, died in Delmont, an undertaker; George, a jeweler, now living in Los Angeles, California; Jennie, married Howard Waddell, and lives in Delmont; Hettie,
died in girlhood; Caroline, married John Potts, and lives in Salemville.
Israel Rody Blose, eldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth eRowe  Blose,
was born in Delmont, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I843, died in
McKeesport, May I8, I88o. He spent his youth in Delmont and there
659660                WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
learned the trade of millwright, his father being a prominent miller of that
section, no doubt influencing his selection of that trade, which then was a
most profitable one. He traveled a great deal in pursuit of his trade, met
his later wife in nIcKeesport, married and there settled. He continued
intendent of mlachinery in the W. D. Wood steel mill, holding that position
working at his trade for several years after marriage, then became superuntil his death in I88o. He was a man of high standing, a member of the
Presbyterian church, and of the Masonic Order, his wife also a Presbyterian. In politics he was a Democrat.
Israel Rody Blose married Sarah Mertilla Patterson, born in March,
I846, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John Alexander and
Rachel Borland (Gray) Patterson, of previous mention. Children: Joseph
Clifford, a druggist, died a young man, August 23, I9II; Rachel, married
George Stone, whom she survives, a resident of McKeesport; Helen Josephine, married Walter Albert, and resides in North Caldwell, New Jersey; Daniel Patterson, of whom further. Mrs. Blose remained a widow
until September 29, I887, on which date she married Samuel Carothers,
who died in I896. Their only child died in infancy. She is now a resident
of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Daniel Patterson Blose, youngest son of Israel Rody and Sarah
Mertilla (Patterson) Blose, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, January 7, I878. After public school courses, terminating in graduation.from
McKeesport High School, he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated M.D., June 13, I9oo. He
spent the following year as interne at McKeesport Hospital, then went
abroad, spending a year in study at Vienna and the Rotunda Maternity
Hospital in Dublin. He then returned to McKeesport, and began private
general practice in medicine and surgery. He has earned honorable distinction in his native city, and is professionally known far beyond local confines. He is surgeon for the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company, and
for the Sterling Steel Compan   f McKeesport, also is in charge of State
Tuberculosis Dispensary No.:   located in that city. He is a member of
the Allegheny County Medical Society, and belongs to the Masonic Order.
In political faith he is a Republican, and in religious belief a Presbyterian.
In college he was a member of Skull and Dagger, and Alpha and Omega
fraternities. Perhaps no harder test can be imposed upon the young physician than to begin practice in his native town. Dr. Blose has successfully
withstood the test of character and popularity, and counts among his best
friends those who are also his oldest friends.
This family, according to Irish history, dates back to the tenth
LOGUE  century, and the names of Logue and Logan are anglicized
forms of Lochan, son of Daimhin, king of Argille, and from
whom the families are descended. In the eighteenth century, during the
reign of King Louis the Sixteenth, the ancestor of the Logue family wasWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in France, and his loyalty to the king led to the confiscation of his property,
and he fled to Scotland, and thence to Ireland.
(I) William Logue was born!in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, of Irish
parents. After his marriage he settled on a farm at St. Petersburg, and
there his death occurred. He was the owner of about three hundred acres
of land, a part of which he cleared. He and his wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Catherine Elder, and they had
children: John, an oil operator, died in St. Petersburg; James, also an oil
operatpr, died in McDonald, Pennsylvania; William, of further mention;
Miles, lives near West Union, West Virginia; Eli, a farmer, died in Clarion
county, Pennsylvania; Reuben, a mining operator, lives in Colorado; Sarah,
married Rev. P. J. Slattery, and died in West Freedom, Clarion county,
Pennsylvania; Mary, married Peter Painter, and died in Callensburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania; Ellen, married Robert Logue, and died in Easton,
Clarion county, Pennsylvania.
II)} William  2, Jg9ue, son of William (I \ and Catherine (Elder)
Logue, was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, about I836, died in i865.
After his marriage he settled near Callensburg, and there established hitmself in the lumber business, with which he was identified for some time.
Subsequently he became interested in oil operations, and was engaged in
this field of industry at the time of his death. He married Catherine Stover,
also born in Clarion county about I836, who married (second) John Cope,
is again a widow, and resides at Callensburg. She is a daughter of Samuel
and Lizzie Stover, both born near Centerville, Venango county, Pennsylvania. After their marriage they removed to Clarion county, where he was
engaged in the lumber business many years. They were members of the
Methodist church at Callensburg, where the deaths of both occurred. They
had children: Cornelius G. W., a retired lumberman, living at Callensburg;
John, a carpenter, living at Callensburg; Thomas, a lumberman, who died
at Callensburg in I876; David, an oil operator, died at Callensburg; Susan,
widow of John Neely, lives at Callensburg; Catherine, who married Mr.
Logue; Isabel, widow of Obadiah Fox, lives at Easton, Clarion county,
Pennsylvania; Mary, married Henry Heater, lives in Callensburg; Ann,
married Hovey Shaup, and died in Parker, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs.
Logue have had children: William Brady, of further mention; John M.,
proprietor of a garage, lives in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania; Alvin, an oil
well driller, resides in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; Sheridan, died unmarried
in Callensburg at the age of thirty years.
/TII   William  Brady Logue, son of William  (  land Catherine
~Stovery Logue, was born at Callensburg, Clarion county,) ennsylvania,
in7ovember I3', I86i. The public schools of his native town furnished him
with ample educational advantages, and he followed farming until he had
attained maturity. He then became a tool dresser and driller in the oil
fields, and in I889 commenced contracting to drill wells, and has been extensively engaged in this branch of industry since that time in Fayette,
66IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Washington and Allegheny counties, Pennsylvania. In all he has drilled
approximately about two hundred wells. He was one of the organizers, and
vice-president, of the Belle Vernon Water Company. In I891 he removed
to McKeesport, where he built his fine residence at No. 2807 Fifth avenue.
Politically he is a Republican, and he is a member of Aliquippa Lodge, No.
375, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Logue married, September Io, I89I,
Della, born in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Enoch Mains, and a
granddaughter of Watson and Elizabeth (Small) Mains. They have no
children.
Watson Mains was one of the early settlers of McKeesport, where he
was a butcher, and assisted materially in increasing the welfare and prosperity of the town. He married Elizabeth Small and both died in McKeesport. Enoch, son of Watson and Elizabeth (Small) Mains, enlisted in the
Union army at the age of eighteen years, and he and three brothers served
eighteen months. After the war he married and settled in McKeesport,
where he established himself in the butcher business, but was obliged to
abandon this by reason of ill health. He then conducted a grocery store
there for about ten years, and died there in I9oo. He married Irene, who
died in March, I887, a daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Cavin) Soles,
also early settlers of McKeesport, where he was a carpenter and built the
First Methodist Episcopal Church, which has been remodeled and is still
standing. They had children: Minnie, who died in infancy; Della, who
married Mr. Logue; Laura, married J. W. Morgan, and died in Ceredo,
West Virginia; Sadie B., married William Cadman, and lives in Kansas;
Edward, in the employ of the Westinghouse Company, lives in Bryn Mawr,
a suburb of McKeesport; Frank, a bookkeeper, lives in New Kensington,
Pennsylvania; Mabel, unmarried, lives with Mr. Logue.
The German name of Gross, meaning large, great, important,
GROSS would indicate that at the time of the adoption of surnames in
Germany, many members of this family were in the possession
of large estates, or held important positions under the government, or had
been prominent in some other direction. Those of the family who have
made their homes in this country have invariably been an honor and benefit
to the various communities in which they have resided.
(I) Peter Gross was born in Metz, the capital of the Province of
Lorraine, at that time belonging to France, but since the Franco-Prussian
war of 1870-7I, a German possession. He emigrated to America before the
advent of steamships, his voyage to this country taking three months. He
settled in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was
employed as a coal miner many years, and finally made his home in McKeesport, where his death occurred. He and his wife were members of St.
Peter's Catholic Church. Children: Jacob, Margaret, Ann, John, of further
mention; Stephen, Peter, Mary, Michael, Gertrude, Matthew, Barbara, and
two others.
662WESTERN PENNSYLVANI A
(II) John Gross, son of Peter Gross, was born in Mifflin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and later removed to McKeesport, where
he worked for a time as a coal miner. In I883 he became the proprietor
of a hotel on Fifth avenue, which he conducted successfully about twenty
years, then engaged in the grocery business, but soon retired from this. He
is a Democrat politically, and a member of St. Mary's Church. He married
Barbara Newmeyer, born in Germany, brought to this country in early childhood, died in I905. They had children: John, William and Elizabeth, died
in infancy; Catherine, married John H. Wertenbach, and lives in McKeesport; Michael John, of further mention; Margaret, married Fred D. Harris,
and lives in McKeesport; Edith, married Stephen Johnson, and lives in
Pittsburgh; Winifred, married W. F. Shibler, and lives in Glenwood;
Stella, died in infancy; James, a druggist, lives at Glenwood. Mrs. Gross
was a daughter of Peter and Margaret Newmeyer, both natives of AlsaceLorraine, having been born about eight miles from Frankfort. They came
to America at an early date, and settled at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where
they worked in the oil fields in the vicinity of Oil City. They then conducted
a hotel at Allegheny for some years, after which they engaged in farming
in the southern part of Allegheny county, and both are buried in Mifflin
township. Mr. Newmeyer served in the German army prior to coming
to America. Children: Margaret; Barbara, who married Mr. Gross; Ann;
-Peter; William; and four others.
(III) Michael John Gross, son of John and Barbara (Newmeyer)
Gross, was born near what was at that time Bull Run, Miffin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August 28, I873. His preparatory education was acquired in the public schools of McKeesport, and he then
matriculated at the Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy, from which he was
graduated March 29, I894. For a period of two years he was in the employ
of the National Tube Works, then became a clerk in White's Pharmacy, and
so efficient and valuable were his services that he was made manager of
this business, and in I904 purchased the business, and has been the sole
proprietor since that time. It is the oldest pharmacy in the town. Politically he gives his staunch support to the Democratic party, and he is a
member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mr. Gross married, August 28,
190oI, Priscilla Atta, born in Zollarsville, Pennsylvania, youngest of the
ten children of Demos Horne. They have no children.
This record begins in Ohio, where William Smith was born and
SMITH passed his entire life. His occupation was that of farmer and
by assiduous and industrious application to the cultivation of
his land he became possessed of a comfortable competence, although in
later life unfavorable fortune deprived him of the greater part of his life's
earnings, his death occurring when he had attained a good old age. He
was twice married, his second wife being a Miss Casner. Children of first
marriage of William Smith: I. Samuel, enlisted in the United States army
at the time of the Mexican War, went to the front and then all trace of him
663WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was lost. 2. William. 3. John, at one time a farmer of Washington county,
Pennsylvania. 4. A daughter, married John McGlumphy, and lived in Hollidays Cove, West Virginia. 5. David, of whom further. There were several
children by the second marriage of William Smith, one of them George.
(II) David Smith, youngest child of the first wife of William Smith,
was born in Ohio in I827, died in Donegal township, Washington county,
Pennsylvania, in I883.. He was reared in his native state, his opportunities
for graded school instruction being very few, and when he was twelve years
of age, his domestic relations becoming strained, due to his father's second
marriage, he left home. He was for several years employed by the farmers
of the locality, and when about twenty-one years of age came to Washington county, Pennsylvania. Until the time of the Civil War he was the
driver of a stage-coach between Pittsburgh and Bethany, frequently driving
a four-horse team, and was the carrier of the mail between those points.
Although at that late date the real dangers to those of his calling lurked in
the lonely trails to the west, on one occasion he was held up by three bandits
and was robbed of three months' pay, although at the time, fortunately,
there was nothing else of value in the coach. He abandoned this occupation
to enlist in Company H, Forty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving as a member of that company until the close of the Civil
War and participating in all of its engagements. After returning from the
front he rented farms in Washington county, and cultivated these until his
death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years of age. He and his wife
were members of the United Brethren Church, both regular and devoted
attendants, and in the organization of this body he held the position of
ruling deacon. His political faith was Democratic, that party receiving his
undivided support at the polls. He married Hannah Snodgrass, born at
Dutch Fork, Donegal township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, May
27, I830, died in I886, daughter of John and Rebecca (Glover) Snodgrass,
her father a native of Washington county, where his parents had settled
after their emigration from the north of Ireland. The family were Covenanters in religion. John Snodgrass was a farmer in Donegal township,
Washington county, dying about I864, his land now owned by John Holmes,
a grandson. Rebecca (Glover) Snodgrass was of Scotch descent, her ancestors settling in Washington county after their emigration from Scotland,
and was born on Buck Run, near Atchison, Donegal township, Washington
county, Pennsylvania. Children of John and Rebecca (Glover) Snodgrass:
I. William, lived in Wheeling, West Virginia. 2. Samuel, a farmer, lived
in Donegal township, Washington county, Pennsylvania.  3. E:lizabeth,
married George Holmes, and lived on a farm in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 4. Margaret, married Ralph Ralston, and resides in Donegal township, Washington county, Pennsylvania. 5. Jackson. 6. Hannah, of previous mention, married David Smith. 7. Mary, married Michael Essick, and
lives in Prole, Iowa. 8. Washington, a farmer, lived at Cross Creek, Pennsylvania. Children of David and Hannah (Snodgrass) Smith: I. John,
deceased; was a physician, lived at South Solon, Ohio; married Hannah
664IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
came to Bellevue, Pennsylvania, in I869, and has there since made his home,
for the past twenty years engaging in real estate and insurance dealings.
For about thirty years he held the office of justice of the peace, has been
tax collector since the creation of that office, and in I883 was elected county
director of the poor. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Order, being a charter member and
past master of Bellevue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, a charter member of Bellevue Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and the only surviving charter
member of Allegheny Commandery, Knights Templar. He also is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Union Veteran Legion.
Mr. Johnston is prominent among the leading citizens of Bellevue, and
wields a weighty influence in the circles in which he moves.
Mr. Johnston married, in I873, Emma, daughter of Hugh Forester, the
latter an early settler of Bellevue. Children of William Robb and Emma
(Forester) Johnston: I. Andrew, married a Miss Myers, and resides in
Bellevue; they have children: Elizabeth and Andrew. 2. Mary Florence,
married Albert Craig. 3. Emma, married Walter W. Wilson, son of
Samuel Winfield Wilson, of Clarion, Pennsylvania; they are the parents of
Nancy, Samuel, Winfield, Emma Louise.
Once more are the pages of history turned to Germany for the
FEHR ancestry of American citizens who have arrived at positions of
prominence justifying the term success, this time in the case of
George B. Fehr, of Aspinwall, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He is a
son of Henry and Mary (Koch) Fehr, both of his parents natives of Germany who immigrated to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, where
they died, he in I87I, she in I9o8. They were the parents of: Sarah,
Martha, George B., of whom further, Mary, Albert, Emma, Lillie.
George B. Fehr was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in December,
I863. He was reared in the city of his birth and there attended the public
schools, beginning his business career as a youth as a cash boy, his weekly
pay being one dollar and a quarter.  For a time thereafter he was
employed in Klorman's Steel Mills on Thirty-third street, a concern afterward absorbed by the Carnegie interests, there remaining for about two
years. At the early age of sixteen years he opened a most interesting
chapter in his life by accepting a position as a commercial traveler, during
the course of his continuance in that line covering practically all of the
United States, gaining an experience'and a knowledge that has been almost
invaluable to him in his later business life. He was at one time proprietor
of an art store on Federal street, Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side),
in I9o06 organizing the Aspinwall Delafield Company, which concern laid
out the Delafield addition to Aspinwall and Delafield Heights, the latter
being an operation extending over an area of three hundred and fifty acres.
The Aspinwall-Delafield Company has conducted the promotion of this
locality in an admirable manner, has attracted thither people of means and
desirability, and has firmly established it as one of the finest suburban dis54II    I:: I  I..   
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Connett. 2. William, a retired plasterer; married Elizabeth Cunningham;
lives in Burnsville, Pennsylvania. 3. George W., a hardware merchant; resides with his wife Clara at Harvey, Greene county, Pennsylvania. 4. James
Albert, of whom further. 5. David J., a physician of Osceola, Nebraska;
married Rose
(III) James Albert Smith, son of David and Hannah (Snodgrass)
Smith, was born in Independence, Washington county, Pennsylvania, May
9, i86o. In boyhood he attended the district schools near Washington, Pennsylvania, Claysville, and the Zion Hill School in Buffalo township. When
he was seventeen years of age he began his career as a school teacher, a
calling in which he continued for seventeen years, all of which time, with
the exception of three terms in Missouri, was spent in his native county.
Besides being an instructor in several normal schools he was at different
times principal of the schools at McDonald, Bridgeville, Noblestown and
Burnsville. After his retirement from the pedagogical profession he purchased a fully equipped printing office and began the publication of a newspaper at McDonald, Pennsylvania, the journal named the McDonald Telephone, and was its editor from 1894 until I897, disposing of the paper in
the latter year to Frank Smith. He was then employed as bill clerk for
Rineck-Wilson, on Wood street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, subsequently being promoted to the position of head bookkeeper of the purchasing department, remaining with that firm until I9O6. In I907 he moved to Ingram,
Pennsylvania, building a house at No. 29 Union street, and since that year
has been engaged in real estate dealing in that place. Numerous important
transactions in property in and around Ingram have been conducted through
his office, and he cares for the requirements of a business of generous
dimensions. He is a member of the National Union, politically is a Democrat, and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Ingram, which
he serves as elder.
Mr. Smith married (first) in August, I884, Ida Fleming, born at
Burgettstown, Washington county, Pennsylvania, died in March, 1887,
daughter of Isaac Fleming, a merchant; married (second) in October, I892,
Virginia Pinkerton, born at Midway, Washington county, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Hunter and Sarah Pinkerton, both deceased, her father a
farmer. Child of James Albert and Ida (Fleming) Smith: Albert Fleming, born May 5, I885, lives at home. Children of James Albert and Virginia (Pinkerton) Smith: I. Genevieve, born March 24, I895. 2. Roland,
born February 4, I900. 3. Lucile, born July 8, I9OI. 4. James, born August
II, I908.
Overcoming the handicap of strange tongue, people and
FRIEDMAN surroundings, learning English in the night schools and
working days, Henry Friedman, banker, of McKeesport,
has achieved an enviable success and has won high standing in the financial
world.
Henry Friedman was born in Hungary, Europe, in I870, son of Bernard
665WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Friedman, of a family long seated in that country. He obtained an excellent education in his native city, acquiring a fluent knowledge of five languages, but not of English. At age of eighteen years he came to the United
States, spending four years in New York City. He acquired the English
language in the city night schools, and after becoming well versed in its
pronunciation and grammar he obtained a position in the foreign banking
house of M. Rosett. His mastery of foreign languages there rendered his
services most valuable and for several years he remained in M. Rosett's
employ in a confidential capacity. He then spent seven years in a similar
position with M. Rosenbaum, a foreign banker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, remaining in that city until the year I9oo. Shortly after his marriage, January I6, I9oo, he was admitted a partner in the foreign banking
house, Joseph Roth  Sons, 422 Locust street, McKeesport.
Mr. Friedman has developed strong ability as a financier, has gained
a wide experience in the different cities and has added strength to the banking houses with which he is connected. In addition to his connection with
Joseph Roth  Sons, he has acquired other important interests. He is a
director of Roth's State Bank, bankers of Pittsburgh; director of the First
National Bank of Sutersville; director of Realty Company of McKeesport,
and director of the Home for the Aged, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a
member of several lodges, societies, fraternal, social and religious, including
the "Gemulas Chesad," and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Friedman married, January I6, I9oo, Anna, daughter of Joseph
Roth, of McKeesport. Children: Bernard A., Molly S., Joseph T., Estelle.
The family of Inskeep, well and favorably known in the
INSKEEP  vicinity of McKeesport, where it has been seated for almost
half a century, is one noted for honesty of purpose, strict
application to business pursuits, perseverance in the performance of duties
and a high sense of their obligations as American citizens.
(I) John Inskeep, grandfather of Alonzo Inskeep, was a native of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated, and after
his marriage to Miss Myers, also a native of Philadelphia, removed to St.
Clairsville, Ohio, being among the early settlers of that place. He was a
merchant in St. Clairsville for forty years, at the expiration of which time he
purchased a farm, which he operated and on which he resided, located in
Summit county, Ohio, and their deaths occurred there, he having attained
the venerable age of ninety years, his wife passing away at the age of seventy
years.
(II) James F. Inskeep, son of John Inskeep, was born in St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio, I8I3, died at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county,
Ohio, I856. He received an excellent education, later studying for the law,
but his principal occupation was farming, a pursuit in which he took a
great interest. He spent about two years in the state of Iowa, after which
he returned to Summit county, Ohio, and subsequently became a manufacturer of agricultural implements. He was a member of the Episcopal
666WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Church, his family, which originally came from Staffordshire, England, being Quakers in religious belief. He was a Whig in politics. He married Lydia A. Wilkins, born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, I813, died I896, aged
eighty-three years, daughter of James and      (Boggs) Wilkins, both
natives of Pennsylvania, the former named having been a relative of Judy
W. Wilkins, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins were
among the early settlers of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and there they spent the
remainder of their days. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Inskeep: Edgar;
James, deceased; Albert; Alonzo, of whom further; Ada, who became the
wife of William Holmes, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Lydia Wilkins, deceased,
who married a Mr. Bemis.
(III) Alonzo Inskeep, son of James F. Inskeep,. was born at St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio, April 2I, I837. He was reared in Summit
county, Ohio, whither his parents removed, and attended the common schools
of the neighborhood, obtaining a practical education. He served an apprenticeship at the trade of machinist, becoming an expert in that line. In the
year I857 he removed to the state of Pennsylvania, locating in Pittsburgh,
and there worked at his trade for a number of years. In I86I, upon the
outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company H, Seventh Ohio Infantry, and served for seventeen months, participating in a number of
battles, being wounded at the battle of Cedar Mountain, losing his right
arm, which incapacitated him for further engaging in his trade of machinist. After his term of enlistment expired, he returned to Pittsburgh,
but shortly afterward removed to Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, and
there engaged as a manufacturer of lumber, continuing his operations from
I864 to 1870, when he removed to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he
followed the same line of work for over thirty years, being principally engaged in the building of boats and barges. In I886 he was one of the
organizers of the McKeesport and Youghiogheny Ice Company, was chosen
its president, in which capacity he served for a number of years, and at
the present time (I914) is secretary, manager and treasurer. He was also
one of the organizers of the McKeesport Title  Trust Company, and is
now serving as one of its directors. The holding of these offices testifies
to his capability and efficiency, and demonstrates clearly the esteem in which
he is held by his business associates. Since attaining his majority he has
cast his vote for the candidates of the Republican party, voting for Abraham
Lincoln in I86o, and he has been active in its ranks, serving as councilman
for seven years, burgess for three years, water commissioner for ten years
and justice of the peace for five years. He is a member of the Episcopal
Church, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Inskeep rharried, August 6, I866, Anna A. Harvey, of Monongahela City, Washington county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Caleb and Rebecca Harvey, early settlers of that city. Children: Caleb H., a shipping
clerk for the McKeesport  Youghiogheny Ice Company; Rea, wife of
Lewis E. Lannan, of Mt. Vernon, New York; Anna A., wife of August
Ziegler, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Lyde, wife of George B. Morrow,
667WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Lydia, wife of J. N. Kinney, of Brooklyn,
New York.
The origin of this name cannot be accurately determined. It
DREW is to be met with in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and
appears in the early records of New England. The Drew
(Drewe) family of England, of which the Irish family is probably an offspring, descends from an early noble Norman, and the line can be traced
through centuries. According to a preamble to the Drew pedigree, given by
the King of Arms: "The ancient and knightly family of Drew of Devonshire are lineal descendants from Richard, Duke of Normandy, grandfather
of William the Conqueror."
Francis Drew was born in Ireland, and came to this country in the
summer of I84I with his wife and one child; they had two children but left
one with his grandparents in Ireland. They landed at New York City, but
at once went on to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, where he found a position as a
wagon builder at the furnace. Later he went to Clarion and to Pittsburgh,
working at his trade, then opened a hotel at the corner of High and Webster
streets, then called Crow lane, which he conducted about five years. Removing to Remington, on the Steubenville pike, he opened a store and hotel,
which he managed personally from I853 to I858, when he had business
reverses and was a heavy financial loser, being obliged to give up the hotel.
He then returned to his work as a carpenter, continuing until the outbreak
of the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and First
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of
the war. He again took up his trade for a time, then retired to the Soldiers'
Home, in Dayton, Ohio, where he died in I883. Mr. Drew married Bridget
Burke, who died about I858, and they had children: Thomas, born in Ireland, was a school teacher in Kentucky, enlisted in the Home Guards at the
outbreak of the Civil War, and died from exposure; Michael, of further
mention; Francis, died in Pittsburgh when about eight years of age; John,
enlisted in Knapp's Battery during the Civil War, marched with Sherman
to the sea, was wounded by a shot, later returned to McKeesport, and died
there in I883; Joseph, died at the age of eight months; Mary, unmarried,
lives in Pittsburgh.
Michael Drew, son of Francis and Bridget (Burke) Drew, was born
at Gort, about eight miles from Dublin, Ireland, March Io, 184I, and was
a young infant when brought to this country by his parents. He was educated in the public schools, and after the death of his mother in 1858, left
his home and went to Ohio, and from that state to Kentucky, where he dug
iron ore for a time, then went to Louisiana, and was in that state when the
war broke out. He was engaged in farming at the time, but abandoned this
work and enlisted in Company C, Fourth Battalion, Louisiana Volunteers,
and served from August, I861, until he was captured at Chickamauga, September I9, I863. He was held in Camp Douglas Prison, at Chicago, until
June 15, I865. He was an active participant in the battle of Secessionville,
668WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
South Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; and several others. Upon his return
to Pittsburgh he entered the employ of a farmer by the name of Lee, at
Woodville, receiving for his services eight dollars per month, and in the
fall of the same year went to Carnegie and worked at Bell's Coal Plant.
Returning to the employ of Mr. Lee, he opened a small mine for him, and
was then employed in the Woodville Flour Mill for the next six years, being
regularly advanced in position while there. He then became the half owner
of a flour mill at Bridgeville and helped to conduct it until the panic of
I873. A flood in the meantime had caused disaster of large extent to Mr.
Drew's home, and he sold his share of the mill to William Carlyle. In
association with two brothers by the name of Friar, he purchased a mill at
Richmond, Ohio, conducted this four years, then sold his share and returned to Pittsburgh, where he attended courses at the Actual Business
College. He then went to Steubenville and engaged in the grocery business
for a time, sold this and went to Bridgeville, and then to McKeesport, where
in association with Richard Davis, he built a flour mill near the Baltimore
 Ohio station. Mr. Davis sold his share to a man by the name of Evans,
but Mr. Drew continued two years, when the mill was destroyed by fire. He
then established himself in the feed business on Fifth avenue, carried this
on from I888 to I902, and has lived retired from business since that time.
He is Republican in politics, and was formerly a member of the Independent
-Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
Mr. Drew married, in November, 1892, Ada A., born in Hamburg,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joshua Paul, who lives in Reading, and they
live at No. 217 Eleventh avenue. They have no children.
The Werner family is an old one of Prussia, Germany,
WERNER  where they have for the greater part been engaged in agricultural pursuits. The direct ancestor of the branch under
discussion here had two children: Frederick, who disappeared without leaving a clue; Joseph, of further mention.
(II) Joseph Werner was born at Nordhausen, Stohlberg, Prussia, Germany, February I7, 1817, and died near Millers Grove, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, December 29, I9o6. After his marriage he emigrated to the
United States with his wife and child, settling on South Side, Pittsburgh,
where he found employment as a coal miner for a time. He soon removed
to McKeesport, where he was a gardener for a time, then made his home
at Six Mile Ferry, now Hays borough, and was occupied as a miner there
until I865. He then purchased a farm of twelve acres in Baldwin township,
raising general produce for which he found a ready market in Pittsburgh.
He sold this farm in I888, and retired to private life near Millers Grove.
He took an active part in local political affairs in the interest of the Republican party, he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and
he was a member of Peter Fritz Lodge, No. 486, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He married, in Germany, Caroline Burkhardt, born at Dittersbach,
Waltenburg, Schleisem, Prussia, July I8, I824, died May 28, I9II. She was
669WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a sister of Antony Burkhardt, born November 2, I832, died May 31, I9II,
who was the burgomaster of his native town of Dittersbach for many years,
and was a man of considerable influence in that section of the country. Mr.
and Mrs. Werner had children: Caroline, who married John Held and died
in Pittsburgh; Anthony, a mine inspector living at Millers Grove; Joseph A.,
of further mention; Annie, married Emil Nurnberger and lives at Millers
Grove; Frederick, died at the age of seventeen years; John, is retired from
business and lives at Millers Grove; Charles, killed in a coal mine in I888
at the age of twenty-four years.
(III) Joseph A. Werner, son of Joseph and Caroline (Burkhardt)
Werner, was born in what is now Hays borough, Pennsylvania, January 4,
-I852. The public schools provided him with a sound, practical education,
after which he commenced working in the mines, with which he was identified for a period of thirty-two years. During this time he became one of the
most expert miners in the state. In I893 he took out a piece of coal six and
one-half feet in length, the other dimensions being twelve by twelve inches,
this also containing veins of limestone. This extraordinarily large specimen
was placed in a glass case and sent to the World's Fair at Chicago, where it
formed a part of the exhibit of the Pittsburgh Coal Company, but a diploma
for it was awarded to Mr. Werner. During the last twenty-one years of hiis
life as a miner, and for four years thereafter, Mr. Werner had also conducted a general grocery store at No. 2524 Brownsville road, in the borough
of Carrick, this being disposed of in March, I904. He also held the office of
postmaster during the last seventeen years. In I904 he was appointed justice of the peace, and at that time established himself in the real estate business combined with insurance interests in which he has been engaged since
that time. His term as justice of the peace expired in I9IO. He has always
been a staunch supporter of the Republican party and active in local political
affairs. He served as school director in Baldwin township, I887-90, this
being prior to the time when a part of it became Carrick borough. He and
his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of
Monongahela Lodge, No. 269, Free and Accepted Masons; Abraham Lincoln Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining this in I873; and
Smoky City Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
Mr. Werner married, July 30, I874, Sarah A. Butler, a native of Missouri. She is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Saddler) Butler, both
born in England, settled in Missouri for a time, then removed to Pittsburgh,
where they died. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Werner: Lillian, married F. H.
Locke, and lives with her parents; Thomas B., a hotel keeper on South
Side; Harry S., a conductor on the railroad; Morrell Jacob, also a railroad conductor; James G., a plumber; Benjamin Harrison, automobile agent;
Joseph Mc., a plumber.
The Bullion family in the United States is a comparatively
BULLION new one, although in the sixty-five years of its residence in
the state of Pennsylvania its members have branched out
67oitWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
into widely separated lines of endeavor and are represented in many fields,
industrial, mercantile, musical and ecclesiastical, John J. Bullion, with whom
this record deals, belonging to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church.
He is a son of John and Catherine (Ruttiger) Bullion, natives of Bavaria, Germany, both of whom came unmarried to the United States about
I850, settling in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where they were married. John Bullion became employed in the old iron and steel mill operated
by Spang, Chalfant  Company, at Etna, and with the exception of a few
years spent on a farm on the Youghiogheny river this was his occupation
throughout his active life. Politically he was a Democrat. He died in
1895, aged seventy-two years, his wife dying in I905, aged seventy-four
years. Children of John and Catherine (Ruttiger) Bullion: I. Agnes, unmarried, lives with her brother, Rev. John J. Bullion. 2. John J., of whom
further. 3. Mary, died unmarried. 4. Michael, a resident of Etna, Pennsylvania, heater in an iron mill at that place. 5. Joseph, organist of St. Mary
Magdalene's Roman Catholic Church, in Homestead, Pennsylvania. 6.
Charles, a merchant, resides in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. 7. Philomena,
married Joseph Jacobs, and lives in Etna, Pennsylvania. 8. Annie, died
aged ten years.
Rev. John J. Bullion, son of John and Catherine (Ruttiger) Bullion,
was born in Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, April I, I856.
After completing his studies in the parochial schobls he was for eight years
a student in the St. Michael Seminary, then entered Grand Seminary, at
Montreal, Canada, whence he was graduated. His first charge after his
ordination was as pastor of the church at Dudley, Huntingdon, Canada,
after which he became assistant to the late Bishop Richard Phelan, finally
being assigned to the pastorate of St. Peter's in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh
North Side), Pennsylvania. In February, I88I, he was appointed to his
present position by the late Bishop Tuigg, that of rector of St. Mary Magdalene's Roman Catholic Church, in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Strictly
speaking, Rev. Bullion was appointed, not to the church, but to the field,
for the Catholic families of that locality, about forty in number, had no
church organization nor any house of worship. For a short time after his
arrival Rev. Bullion conducted services according to the Catholic ritual in
a hall at Homestead, soon rallying his people to the erection of a small frame
church on Tenth street. From this time to the present, induced by the rapid
development of Homestead, the growth in strength and prosperity of the
church has been steady and vigorous, about eight years after the building
of the church edifice a parochial school being reared opposite. In I89o this
was totally destroyed by fire; it was a combination church and school,
the first church built having been too small, then the original church was
enlarged to accommodate the religious services until the new church was
built. The new school, in use at the present time, built of brick, was filled
to capacity by the eight hundred children enrolled therein. More recently
a convent has been added to the group of buildings, sheltering twenty sisters
I of charity who have charge of the schools. The first church built, the con671 I542                 VWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tricts in Allegheny county. Mr. Fehr was one of the organizers, and is at
this time a director, of the First National Bank, of Aspinwall. The spirit
of accomplishment that has been Mr. Fehr's distinguishing characteristic
in business dealings has been plainly noticeable in his public and political
career. A Republican in politics, he has served as president of the Aspinwall council, and in this and other relations to the municipal life has given
of the best of his service and time. No worthy project has been inaugurated in Aspinwall that lacked his hearty and enthusiastic support, and his
place as a substantial, progressive and representative citizen is secure. He
and his wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married, in I896, Emma E. Lepper, of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, and;tas
children: Catherine, Elizabeth, George Milton.
Henry Gilbert Emerick is a member of one of the old
EMERICK,pioneer families of western Pennsylvania, who. by dint of
their courage, enterprise and hard work, laid the foundation
of the present greatness and prosperity of the region.
(I) The first of the Emerick name to come from more eastern parts to
the country west of the great Appalachian highlands was the great-grandfather of Henry G. Emerick, who was a pioneer in Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he settled and cleared away enough land from the wilderness to farm. Here he and his wife died leaving nine children, some of
whom are yet living. They were as follows: David, deceased; Sarah, living
at the age of eighty-five years; Hannah, deceased; Daniel, deceased; Lena,
deceased; Eliza, deceased; Henry; Maria and Margaret, the last named
living at the age of seventy years.
(II) Henry Emerick, the seventh child of the pioneer, and grandfather
of Henry G. Emerick, was also a native of the eastern part of the state and
presumably came west at the time of his parents' emigration.: He married
a Miss Stout and one of their children was Henry, of whom further.
(III) Henry (2) Emerick, son of Henry (I) Emerick, was born on
a farm in possession of his father in Economy township, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, May 6, I834. He was reared on the farm where he was born,
and obtained his education in the local schools. He became a farmer, reverting thus to the occupation of his grandfather, his father having been a
carpenter by trade. In his politics, however, he followed in his father's
footsteps, they both being staunch members of the Republican party. He
married Eliza Otto, a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, having been
born near Brush' Creek in the year T844. She was the only daughter of
her parents who were early settlers in New Sewickley township, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania. Both Mr. and Mrs. Emerick Sr. are members of the
Breitenstein Lutheran Church. Mrs. Emerick died in the year I9oo, but
he is still living. To them were born ten children, as follows: Henry Gilbert, of whom further; Getley; Clara, now Mrs. George Shaffer; Elizabeth,
who lives at home with her father; Mary, now Mrs. Edwin Gross; Ida,
now Mrs. Sherman Gray, of Leetsdale, Pennsylvania; George, a resident of6WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
gregation having long ago outgrown its humble size, now serves for the
children's instruction, etc., and in I895, on a corner lot adjoining the old
property, at Tenth avenue and Amity street, was built a handsome two-spired
buff brick church, facing the east and overlooking a beautiful municipal
park, the gift to Homestead of H. C. Frick. The latest addition to the
church property is the parsonage, a building matching the church in material,
its outlook upon the attractive park previously mentioned.
The improvements and growth above enumerated show that from a
material point of view the ministry of Rev. Bullion has been a decided success. But the true value of his work to Homestead, the greatest good that
he has accomplished, cannot be set down in terms of dollars or cents, nor in
buildings erected, nor in organizations perfected. It lies in the benefit and
inspiration that have been derived by the people of his parish from the
loving and earnest intercourse he has had witlh them and in the manner in
which they have been quickened to nobler lives by the influence of his
example. Rev. Bullion is a member of the Catholic Mutual Beneficial
Association.
The name of Volz is one of frequent occurrence in Germany, and
VOLZ it has invariably been recorded as the name of an honorable
and esteemed citizen. Many of the name have come to this
country, and have proved their worth as citizens in the United States.
Daniel Volz, born in Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany, about I8I9, died in
1859, his entire life being spent in his native land. During all the business
years of his life he held a position as clerk in the government post office in
Darmstadt. He and his wife were members of the Evangelical Church.
He married Katherine Bower, born near the town of Odenwald, Hessen,
Germany, in I814, died in I89o. The Emperor of Germany has a summer
home near her birthplace. After the death of her husband she came to the
United States, where she lived in Pittsburgh among her children. Mr. and
Mrs. Volz had children: Jacob, who was a steel portrait engraver, died in
Germany; John Henry, a lithographer, died in Pittsburgh; Elizabeth, married Philip Kramer, a business man of Pittsburgh, both now deceased;
Louis, of further mention; Mary, married George Kramer, a brother of
Philip, and was for many years proprietor of the Atlantic Garden, in Pittsburgh, the business now being carried on by his widow and sons.
Louis Volz, son of Daniel and Katherine (Bower) Volz, was born in
the town of Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany, March I7, I848. He received an
excellent education at the public schools in his native country, also attending
the Gymnasium, an institution which corresponds to the high schools of the
United States. He was then apprenticed to learn the printer's trade, and
upon the completion of his apprenticeship, served three years in the German army. The first two years were spent in a garrison, the third in action
during the Franco-Prussian war, I870-7I. He escaped without being wounded, but was an active participant in many engagements, among them being
the fierce and bloody battle of Gravelotte, and helped take the city street by
672WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
street. His term of service in the army expired in I872, and shortly afterward he emigrated to America with his young wife. He at once went to
Pittsburgh, where his elder brothers were already living. He had no difficulty in securing a position, this being as a printer under C. F. Bauer, who
edited and was proprietor of a German paper. In 1874 he gave up his position with Mr. Bauer in order to establish himself in the printing business.
He commenced on a small scale, renting a large room fromn Otto Krebs,
who had a lithographing establishment, then removed to Smithfield street,
and finally to Grant street, where he was located many years and built up a
business of huge proportions, and gradually monopolized all the German
printing to be done in the city of Pittsburgh. In I903 he sold this establishment as his numerous other interests claimed all of his time and attention. In I892 Mr. Volz, in association with several other influential Germans, founded the German Beneficial Union, a lodge and insurance order
especially designed for German-Americans. This organization has developed
into the largest lodge and insurance order of its kind in the United States;
it has more than twenty-two thousand members; Mr. Volz has been president of the order since its inception. The home of this order was located
on Carson street, South Side, Pittsburgh, in I9o8, and they are still in that
location. Mr. Volz is possessed of an unusual amount of executive ability,
and it is largely due to his individual efforts and direction that the success of
the association was attained. He has never aspired to public office, although
there is no doubt that if he would allow his name to be used as a candidate,
election would be assured. He and his family are members of the Smithfield Avenue German Evangelical Church, and they reside at No. 216
Stamm avenue, in Mount Oliver borough. He is a director in the Hill Top
Savings  Trust Company; a member of the Frohsinn Society, the oldest
German Society in Pittsburgh; and a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. Volz married, April I2, I872, in Germany, Anna, born in Darmstadt, a daughter of John Young, who was a printer in his native land, Germany, which he never left. Mr. and Mrs. Volz have had children: Elizabeth, married John Blocher, and lives at Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania;
Louis Jr., who holds a position in the executive office of the German Beneficial Union, married Stella Lantz; Henry, in the auditor's office of the
Bessemer  Lake Erie Railroad Company, is unmarried; George, in the
treasurer's office of the Bessemer  Lake Erie Railroad Company, is also
unmarried.
Frederick H. Ahlborn, the genial and popular proprietor
AHLBORN of the Hotel Carrick, the leading hostelry of the borough
of Carrick, in the organization of which Mr. Ahlborn was
a prominent factor, is a native of Baldwin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, now part of Carrick, born January 8, I875, a descendant on
both the paternal and maternal sides of a German ancestry.
August Ahlborn, father of Frederick H. Ahlborn, was born in the
kV
673WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
town of Ghetting, kingdom of Hanover, Germany, January 9, I845, died
April 12, I903. He was the youngest of seven sons and according to the
custom in Hanover when there were seven sons in a family, the King of
Hanover stood godfather for the seventh, which he did in this case. The
parents of August Ahlborn were born, lived and died in Germany, nothing
further being known of them. August Ahlborn grew to maturity on a farm
in his native land, attending the schools in the vicinity of his home during
his youth, and being a great lover of horses became a coachman upon attaining young manhood. Before he became of age he entered the Hanover
army and served for three years. He participated in the war between
Hanover and Schleswig-Holstein, and was in many hard-fought battles.
In I866, immediately after the close of the war, he emigrated to the United
States and settled in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and for the first year
worked on the farm of his brother, Frederick H. Ahlborn, who was fourteen
years his senior, and who was the only other member of the family to come
to this country; his farm was located in Bethel township, and he was also
the owner of a fruit farm in Baldwin township. At the expiration of his
one year's service with his brother, August Ahlborn became an employee in
Elliot's Nursery, and served there for seven years. He then entered into
a business partnership with Herman Mewes, they establishing a grocery
and saloon, but this connection was dissolved three years later, and in
June, I873, Mr. Ahlborn purchased a hotel at what was known as Spiketown, now Carrick, giving it the name of the Hanover House. He conducted this hotel until May, I899, when his son, Frederick H. Ahlborn, assumed the management of it.
August Ahlborn married, I869, Margaretta Rindfuss, born in Ugenheim by Darmstadt,.Germany, June 22, 1845, daughter of Philip and Katherina (Heldman) Rindfuss. Philip Rindfuss was born in Ugenheim by
Darmstadt, Germany, was a shoemaker by trade, a member of the German Lutheran Church, and died at the early age of thirty-four years. His
wife was born in Obermodon-Odwaldt, Germany, and after the death of her
husband married (second) Ludwig Gerstenschleger, who died in Allegheny, Pennsylvania; he was also a shoemaker by trade. Mrs. Gerstenschleger died in Germany. Children of Philip and Katherina Rindfuss:
I. Margaretta, aforementioned as the wife of August Ahlborn. 2. Barbara, married Charles Zeiler, a wagon builder; resided in the eighteenth
ward, Pittsburgh; both deceased. 3. Valentine, a glass worker by trade;
married Margaretta Kerstener; resides in the eighteenth ward, Pittsburgh.
Children of Ludwig and Katherina Gerstenschleger: I. Ida, married
Benedict. 2. Henry, a cigarmaker, resides in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
3. George, deceased. 4. William, deceased. Children of August and Margaretta Ahlborn: I. George, a blacksmith, resides in Knoxville. 2. Frederick H., of whom further. 3. Emma, married Gotlieb Rall; resides in
Carrick, Pennsylvania. 4. Margaretta, married Peter Pistorius, engaged in
the insurance business; resides on Phillips avenue, Carrick, Pennsylvania.
674WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
5. Wilhelmina, married David Timothy; resides in Knoxville, Pennsylvania.
Frederick H. Ahlborn attended the old Concord School in Baldwin
township, and the German Lutheran School on Jane street, South Side,
Pittsburgh, completing his studies at the age of fourteen years. His first
employment was in his father's grocery, where he remained for a few years,
and the following three years he served as conductor and motorman on the
street railway. In May, I899, he assumed control of his father's hotel, then
called the Halfway House; and after the borough of Carrick was formed
the name was changed to Hotel Carrick, its present form. The house is
noted for cleanliness and for its excellent cuisine, and its host is always
mindful of the comfort and wishes of his many patrons, who show their
appreciation by continuing their visits and recommending it to their friends.
Mr. Ahlborn was active in the organization of the local fire company, serving as treasurer of the same for a number of years, and he has also acted
as treasurer of the Mt. Oliver German Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
In I9I3 he erected a fine building at No. I730 Brownsville road, equipped
with all modern appliances. Mr. Ahlborn and his family are members of
the German Lutheran Church, and he holds membership in Hill Top
Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias; Carrick Eyrie, No. I520, Fraternal Order
of Eagles; Peter Fritz Lodge, No. 486, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and Robert Blum Encampment, No. I55, of the same order.
Mr. Ahlborn married, February 6, I898, Catherine Roessler, born on
South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I877, daughter of Christopher and
Mary Roessler, natives of Pennsylvania, the former named deceased, the
latter living at the present time (1914) at No. I726 Brownsville road, Carrick, Pennsylvania. Mr. Roessler was a glass worker by trade. Mr. and
Mrs. Ahlborn are the parents of one child, Frederick Emmett, born October 3I, 900oo.
By his own honorable exertions and moral attributes, HuBENSON bert G. Benson, a representative citizen of Carrick, has
carved out for himself friends, affluence and position, and
by the strength and force of his own character has overcome obstacles which
to others less hopeful and less courageous would seem unsurmountable.
The earliest known ancestor of the line of the Benson family herein
recorded, was a resident of London, England, and served as Archbishop in
the Episcopal church, and another ancestor of the family served as Archbishop of Canterbury.
(I) Elijah Benson, grandfather of Hubert G. Benson, was born in
Newfoundland, and there spent his entire life, serving in the capacity of
Methodist minister, being a pioneer circuit rider and founder of churches.
He was probably never ordained, but being a man of excellent education,
deep religious fervor and a natural leader of men, totally dissimilar to the
majority of the inhabitants of that land, who were simple folk, engaged in
675WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the fishing and coastwise trade, he was chosen to fill this responsible position, the duties of which he performed in a highly commendable manner.
His death occurred in the year I892. His wife, Elizabeth (Janes) Bensolln,
also a native of Newfoundland, died January I, I914, aged eighty-seven
years. They were the parents of six children: I. William, lives at Grates
Cove, Newfoundland. 2. Gideon, lives at Carbonear, Newfoundland. 3.
Naomi, married Willis Moores, a carpenter, resides in St. John's. 4.
Julia, married Joshua Benson, her fourth cousin, and resides in Saskatchewan, Canada. 5. Elisha, of whom further. 6. Eli, deceased; was a carpenter by trade.
(II) Elisha Benson, son of Elijah Benson, was born in Grates Cove,
Newfoundland, 1846. He was reared and educated in his native land, and
has resided there all his life, being at the present time (I9I4) engaged in
carpentering and contracting, from which he derives a lucrative livelihood.
In early life he went to sea, and in due course of time became a foreign zone
sea captain on large vessels, but later he abandoned this life and turned his
attention to the line of work in which he is now engaged. He married
Eliza Moores, born in Northern Bay, Newfoundland, in I847, her parents
being natives of Newfoundland, of Welsh descent, the father, who was a
fisherman and farmer, died in I902, aged ninety years; he and his family
were members of the Methodist church; in addition to Eliza, mentioned
above, who was the youngest child in the family, they were the parents of
three children: Willis; Jordan, a sea captain on local boats of Newfoundland; Frederick, a sea captain in local waters. Children of Mr. and Mrs.
Benson: I. John C., formerly a resident of Brooklyn, now of Pittsburgh,
a carpenter by trade; married Mabel Thompson. 2. Hubert G., of whom
further. 3. Joseph William, a resident of Pittsburgh, a druggist by profession. 4. Jordan, a resident of Brooklyn, a structural iron worker by
trade. 5. Drusilla, married Isaac Sparks; resides in St. John's, Newfoundland. 6. Anna, married a Mr. Driscoll; resides in St. John's, Newfoundland. 7. Ethel, resides in St. John's, Newfoundland.
(III) Hubert G. Benson, son of Elisha Benson, was born in Grates
Cove, Newfoundland, August 22, 1878. He attended the Methodist schools
of St. John's, comlpleting his studies at the age of twelve years. He then
became apprenticed to a carpenter in his native city, served five years, and
at the expiration of this period of time was proficient in all branches of
the business. At the age of twenty years, unaccompanied, he removed to
Brooklyn, Long Island, and there worked as a journeyman at his trade for
one month. Upon his arrival in Brooklyn he had only $4.00 in his possession, the half of which he spent in payment for an application for citizenship, but he has never for one moment regretted this step, being proud of
his connection with so grand a country. From an almost penniless young
man he has risen to a' position of prominence in the business world, having
a prosperous business of his own, a fine residence, and ranking among the
best citizens of the city of Pittsburgh, whither he removed in the year I899.
676WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
For the first three months of his residence in Pittsburgh he was a journeyman carpenter, then accepted the position of foreman for contractors, serving under a number of the large contractors of the city, and during this time
he assisted in the erection of the majority of the largest buildings in Pittsburgh, among which was the Washington County Court House. In I9o8
he engaged in business on his own account as a contractor, his first work in
that line being in Knoxville, and since then he has been constantly engaged
in large enterprises, from which he has derived a goodly income. In I9II he
took up his residence in the borough of Carrick, has erected several houses,
which he sold to advantage, and at the present time (1914) is building a
residence for his own use on Brownsville road, which will be equipped with
everything needful for the comfort of its inmates. In early life Mr. Benson
went to sea in the sailing vessels on the Newfoundland coast, making many
sailing trips to Labrador and the mainland. He is a member of Dallas
Lodge, No. 508, Free and Accepted Masons; Zerrubabel Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons; Valley of Pittsburgh Council, Royal and Select Masters;
Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar, and Pennsylvania Consistory,
Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret.
Mr. Benson married (first) in October, I9oI, Jennie Hammond, born
at Spring Run, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Martin Hammond. She died in November, I9o6, Mr. Benson married (second) June,
I9o8, Caroline Krehan, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Ernest and Julia Krehan, natives of Germany, her birth occurring in Leipzig; Mr. Krehan, now deceased, opened the Birmingham Drug Store on the
South Side, Pittsburgh, where he was known as "Squire" for many years.
Children of second marriage: George Hubert, born April 5, I909; John
Charles, born September 24, 191I. Mr. and Mrs. Benson are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The surname of Gray or Grey has been in use from the earliest
GRAY times in England and Scotland, and is of the same class as
Black, White, Green, Brown, etc. The pages of history are
brightly starred with the names of members of the Gray family who were
very successful along many lines of work for the good of humanity. The
stars which mark such names as that of our famous botanist, Dr. Asa Gray,
are large and radiant. Whoever has marked the many pilgrims who stand
by such graves as that of Dr. Gray, in Mount Auburn, or that of the author
of the "Elegy in a Country Churchyard," understands fully that no multiplied years with their shadows can ever change, except to make brighter,
the light which these men of heroic mould gave to their day and generation.
Whatever the ancestry of the various Gray families, all are characterized
by a deep religious spirit, an aptitude for various kinds of useful work,
and the diligence to follow their chosen labor with a result which means
work in which all men can trust. Though never office seekers, they have
been given important places of trust in the communities in which they have
677WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
dwelt, and their faithful discharge of every duty placed before them has
been like that which they have given to their private affairs.
(I) Edwin Gray, who lived in Rhode, Somersetshire, England, served
in the English regular army, and in his later years was a pensioner. He
had children: Thomas and John, soldiers in the English army; Joseph, of
further mention; Edwin, served in the English marines; a daughter, who
married  --- Lansdowne.
(II) Joseph Gray, son of Edwin Gray, lived and died in the village
of Rhode, England. He was born in I812, died October 28, I882. He
was a cloth fuller by trade, and worked in the linen and cotton mills all
the active years of his life. He and his wife belonged to the Church of
England. He married Sarah Silcox, born in Rhode in I8I, died there
August 3I, I889. Children: I. Edwin, deceased, was for many years a
soldier in the English army, and in his later years a shoemaker. 2. Isaac,
served in the British navy in his younger days, taking part in the bombardment of Sebastopol; later was in the mining business in Wales. 3. Thomas,
married Ann Jenkins, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Morgans) Jenkins; he was a coal miner in Wales, and after coming to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, followed the same occupation until his death in I905. 4. Elizabeth,
died unmarried in England. 5. Joseph, now deceased; was a soldier in
the English army in India for seventeen years. 6. John S., of further
mention.
(III) John S. Gray, son of Joseph and Sarah (Silcox) Gray, was
born in Rhode, Somersetshire, England, May 28, I842. His opportunities
for obtaining an education were very limited, and at the age of twelve
years he went into a bakery and grocery store, in order to learn this business thoroughly and remained until he was seventeen years of age. In
I865 he emigrated to America, going directly to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
and after a short time to Limeton, Pennsylvania, where he joined his
brother Thomas and worked as a coal miner for many years. Twelve years
were then spent in the structural iron department of the Carnegie Steel
Company, and in I903 he removed to Blair, Pennsylvania, and there started
a grocery store, with which he is still successfully identified. He is a Republican in political matters, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Gray married Catherine Jenkins, born near the City of
Plumswansea, Wales, February I, 1842, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza
(Morgans) Jenkins. Thomas Jenkins was born in Wales in I802, died in
I867. He was a coal miner, and a member of the Congregational church.
Eliza (Morgans) Jenkins was born in Wales, died at the age of sixty-five
years, while on the voyage to this country in I866, and was buried at Halifax, Nova Scotia. They had children: I. Ann, who married Thomas Gray,
died in I9I4 at the age of eighty-five years. 2. Gwennie, married William
Thomas, and lives at South Side, Pittsburgh. 3. Eliza, married a Mr.
Sullivan, lived at Pittsburgh, both now deceased. 4. Lucy, married John
Evans, lived in Pittsburgh, both deceased. 5. Mary, married George Reese,
678WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lived at Dennis, Ohio, both now deceased. 6. Catherine, who married Mr.
Gray, as above stated. 7. Margaret, married John Thomas, both deceased,
lived at South Side, Pittsburgh. 8. William, a coal miner, died in Pittsburgh. 9. Hannah, married Joseph Thomas, now deceased; she lives in
Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have had children: Isaac,
William, Thomas, John, Annie, and several who are deceased.
(IV) William Gray, son of John S. and Catherine (Jenkins) Gray,
was born at Banksville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 4,
I873. He attended the public schools at Jones Station and Jefferson township and the high school at Elizabeth, from which he was graduated in
the class of I887. The following year the family removed to Homestead,
where he worked at intervals in the glass factory for a period of fourteen
years, commencing as an errand boy and working his way upward to the
position of a packer. From his earliest years he had won local renown as
a baseball player, having a strong arm and an unerring aim, and he played
with the local Homestead team for several seasons, and it was soon apparent that he was above the ordinary player. This called the attention
of the public to him, and he was finally chosen to play in the Iron and Oil
League, at Titusville, Pennsylvania. In May, of that year, he went to
Easton, and finished the season with the Paterson (New Jersey) team in
which "Honus" John Henry Wagner was then playing. He was then
drafted by the National League, but having injured his arm he was obliged
to abandon ball playing. In I9oo he commenced working in the Homestead
plant of the Carnegie Steel Company. He is a Republican in politics, was
elected tax collector of the borough of Homestead in 1903, and held that
office continuously until I9I4. He is serving as one of the directors of
the Oil and Gas Company, and lives at No. 315 Twelfth avenue, Homestead. His fraternal affiliation is with the Knights of Pythias and the
Knights of Malta. Mr. Gray married, November I2, I896, Stella L., daughter of Peter and Louise Stemler, of Homestead, of German descent, now deceased; he was a glass worker. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have had children:
Naomi, a student at the high school; Ruth, Ella, Charles.
Father John B. Haeckler, the rector of St. Henry's CathHAECKLER olic Church at St. Clair, Pennsylvania, is a native of
Germany, and one of a family of ten children, five of
whom besides our subject have come to this country, exemplifying in themselves the best type of German-American citizenship which has added so
valuable an element to the complex fabric of the American population,
and engrafted upon it their own stalwart virtues of steadfast religious faith
and unwearying pursuit of their objectives.
Anton Haeckler, father of Father Haeckler, was a clockmaker of
Voehrenbach, Baden, Germany, passed his entire life in his native region
and was the father of ten children, six of whom emigrated from the
"Fatherland" and made their home in the great republic of the "New
World." These consisted, besides the subject of this sketch, of one brother
and four sisters, the brother being Charles Haeckler, now a resident of
679WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Two of the sisters are now living at Tomlinson's Run, Pennsylvania, and are now Mrs. Annie Sweitzer and Mrs. Mary
Sweitzer. A third sister is now Mrs. Adalaide Steimer, of Homestead,
Pennsylvania, and a fourth is dead. This fourth sister joined an order
of nuns and entered the convent known as the "Millvale House," at Millvale, Pennsylvania, where she took the name of Sister Hildegard, and
eventually rose to be mother superior of the convent. The remaining four
children remained in Germany, where they eventually died.
Father John B. Haeckler, the ninth child of Anton and Emma (Enlmerentia) Haeckler, was born in Voehrenbach, in the Dukedom of Baden,
Germany, June 22, I863. He spent the early years of life in his native
land, and received the first portion of his education in the Gymnasium at
Marherau, Austria, near the city of Briganz. When but seventeen years
of age, he emigrated to the United States, and there resumed his studies
in the school at Herman, Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he had taken
up his abode in the new land. He graduated from this school two years
later. At that time he was already aware of his call to the priesthood and
was turning his studies into the appropriate channels for this purpose. He
next attended St. Francis College at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the excellent course in philosophy there, and upon completing this, returned east
and matriculated at St. Mary's College in Baltimore, where he took thlee
years in theology. Father Haeckler was ordained in the year I886 by Cardinal Gibbons, and was at once made assistant at the Church of St. Joseph,
Bloomfield, Pennsylvania. Here he remained for two years, and then was
given the pastorate of the Church of St. Agnes at Tomlinson's Run, Pennsylvania, a post which he retained for twelve years. He was then pastor
of St. Alphonsus' Church at Wexford, Pennsylvania, for three years, and
in I9o04 was sent to his present flock. At the time that he reached them there
was but one church building in St. Clair, St. Joseph's, which all Catholics
had to attend, though on account of its distance from some sections of
the borough this was a great inconvenience. Finally a few representative
men of the region about Mount Oliver, led by the Messrs. Andrew B. and
Francis A. Armhein, were successful in organizing a new congregation,
which later became known as St. Henry's. About one hundred and fifty
families made up the little flock when Father Haeckler first ministered to
them, and a small frame building was quickly put up adequate for them
to meet in. With the rapid development of that community, and the wise
management of Father Haeckler, the growth of the parish was very rapid,
and before the expiration of the first year the church was too small to seat
the congregation. The next building was erected the same year, and was
a much larger structure composed of red brick, trimmed with buff brick.
It was built sufficiently large to include a parochial school which now numbers six teachers and three hundred and fifty pupils. Since that time there
has been added a handsome new convent building with accommodation for
twelve nuns. Father Haeckler is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit
U00th
4W.WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Rochester, Pennsylvania; Tillie, now Mrs. William Hicks, of Cleveland,
Ohio; Emma, now Mrs. John Keown, of Economy township, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania; Oscar, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio.
(IV) Henry Gilbert Emerick, eldest child of Henry (2) and Eliza
(Otto) Emerick, was born November 30, I86o, on the old homestead in
Economy township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on'the
farm until he reached the age o.f eighteen years, and then learned the carpenter's trade. He then removed to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he
worked at his. trade for eleven years. At the end of this period he removed
to Edgeworth, near Sewickley, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and here he
has lived for the past twenty-three years. On becoming settled in this
region, he engaged in a contracting and building business, an enterprise
which has prospered greatly. Mr. Emerick is a Democrat in politics, and a
member of the Elks of Ambridge.
Mr. Emerick married, May 2I, I89I, Emma Schleiter, a native of
Freedom, Pennsylvania, where she was born May 29, I869. Mrs. Emerick
was a daughter of Conrad and Fredericka (Flehmann) Schleiter.  Mr.
Schleiter was a native of Rosental, Germany, where he was born: in I839,
and his wife was also born in that country in I843.: They came to this
country from Germany singly and were married in New York State. They
later removed, to Freedom, Pennsylvania, in I844, where Mr. Schleiter
owned marble and. granite works and did an extensive business which
enabled him to retire when fifty-seven years of age. Both he and Mrs.
Schleiter are members of the Lutheran Church., They are the. parents of
twelve children, as follows: William, Edward, Emma, Henry, Frederick,
Frank, Adelia, Conrad, Wilhelmina, August, George and Carl. Mr. and
Mrs. Emerick are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in that
belief have reared their family of four children, who are as follows: Florence, born March! I7, I892, now'the wife of Alva P. Crum, of Conway,
Pennsylvania; Frederick CC., born December 9, I,893, educated in the Edgeworth public schools, in the Sewickley High School, which he attended for
two years, and. for two years and a half studied in the American Bridge
Company's school, is now a mechanic, a templet maker by trade, working
on the government -works and has also: been employed by J. B. Semple;
Mary, born April 20, 1897, now in high school; Edward, born March 2,
I906.
From  Scotland, the land of its origin, to Ireland, and
BREADING  thence to America has been the course of the Breading
family, numerous in Pennsylvania. The cause. that impelled the members thereof to seek voluntary exile was the religious unrest
in Scotland, while their further pilgrimage was a search for improved conditions and wider opportunities than those afforded by their adopted Irish
land.
(I) The American ancestor of this line was David Breading, born in
Ireland, who came to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in I728, accompanied
by his son, James, of whom further.
543WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Association and the Knights of St. George. He is much beloved by his
flock, and a powerful influence for good, not only among them but in the
community at large, setting a standard of conduct, alike by precept and
example, of which even the most vicious and light-minded cannot fail to
take note.
The first Quinn of this branch to come to the United States
QUINN was Hugh Quinn, born in Wales, who at fifteen years of age
left his native land and about the year I8oo arrived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There he learned the carpenter's trade and became
a contracting builder. When about forty-five years of age he purchased
a farm in Robinson township, Allegheny county, and on it resided until his
death. He was a man small in stature, but very energetic, industrious and
capable. He was a Whig in politics, and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married and had ten children, now all deceased: I.
Mary, married Louis Bates, of Pittsburgh. z. John, of further mention.
3. Harriet, married Alexandria Adams. 4. Nancy, married John Davis. 5.
Daniel, a carpenter, moved to M'issouri. 6. William, owned and operated
a farm on the Steubenville turnpike, in Robinson township. 7. Catherine,
married John Cooper, who was killed in battle during the Civil War. 8.
Isabella, twin of Catherine, married John Stewart. 9. Sarah, died unmarried. io. Rebecca, married Joseph Delks, of Pittsburgh.
(II) John Quinn, second son of Hugh Quinn, of Wales, was born in
Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in May, I8i6, died
in March, I905. His boyhood and youth were spent on the paternal farm
in Robinson township, and in the public schools acquiring a good education.
He learned the carpenter's trade during his minority, working under his
father's instructions. He, however, had a love for the soil and as soon as
he was of legal age abandoned his trade and began farming, renting a farm
near his parents. Later he inherited a part of the homestead and until
crippled by an accident was engaged in cultivating his own acres. This
accident occurred when he was thirty-five years of age, and for several years
thereafter he could do little active work, but was employed as toll-gate
keeper on the Steubenville pike. He later moved to Pittsburgh and worked
at his trade, but four years later returned to his farm on which he resided
for some years, but at his death was living in McDonald, Pennsylvania.
Both he and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church.
He married Jane Johnson, born in Finley township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania,. in 1823, died in I903, daughter of William and Margaret
(Adams) Johnson. William Johnson was born in county Down, Ireland,
coming to the United States when eighteen years of age, settling in Pittsburgh, later in Robinson township, living on a rented farm. About I855
he moved to Macon county, West Virginia, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres there. He was a large able bodied man, a strong
Union sympathizer but had little troluble with his Southern neighbors as
68iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
there were many Unionists in the county. Both he and his wife were United
Presbyterians. He married Margaret Adams, born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, one of the early prominent families of the county. He died
aged eighty-three years; she at the age of eighty-six years. Children of
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: I. Margaret, married William Hill, of Macon
county, West Virginia. 2. Elizabeth, died unmarried, aged twenty-five
years. 3. Thomas, married in West Virginia, and owned a farm in Macon
county. 4. Susanna, married William Harper, of Washington county,
Pennsylvania. 5. Frances, married Rev. Louis Greenlee, a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of West Virginia. 6. Jane, married John
Quinn, of previous mention. 7. James, served three years in the Union
army, as a cavalryman, died unmarried in I868. Children of John and
Jane (Johnson) Quinn:  I. Hugh, a farmer and carpenter of Robinson
township, now deceased. 2. William Johnson, of further mention. 3. Minerva, married Louis Lauer, now a prosperous farmer of Beaver county,
Pennsylvania. 4. Louis, a painter by trade, residing near Danville, Virginia, where he also conducts a small store. 5. John, died of scarlet fever,
aged twelve years. 6. Margaret, also a victim of scarlet fever, died at the
age of ten years. 7. Bella G., a school teacher, died in I889.
(III) William Johnson Quinn, second son of John and Jane (Johnson)
Quinn, was born in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
May 20, I844. He was educated in the public schools of Robinson and
Moon townships, and was his father's assistant until seventeen years of
age, when he enlisted in the Union army. He entered the service, August
20o, I862, served in Company A, of the Sixth Regiment, Young's Battery
Heavy Artillery. He served throughout the war and was mustered out with
an honorable discharge, June I6, I865. After the war he located in Pittsburgh, working at and learning the carpenter's trade, serving three years
under Frazer Brothers, contractors and builders of that city. He then
worked two years for Cochran Brothers, then formed the contracting firm
of Moore  Quinn, carrying on a building contracting business in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, for three years. T'he firm then dissolved, Mr. Quinn
going to Verona, Pennsylvania, where for eighteen months he worked in a
planing mill. In I877 he moved to Crafton, Pennsylvania, and in I879 to
Ingram, where he erected his present residence at No. 42 McKee street,
and has since that date conducted a prosperous contracting business. He
is well-known and highly-regarded, perhaps half of the houses erected in
Ingram since he began business having been built under his direction. He
is a skilled mechanic and an honorable builder. An ardent Republican, he
cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, when a candidate for re-election
to the presidency and has always remained loyal to the party honored by
the martyred president. Both he and his wife are charter members of the
United Presbyterian Church of Ingram, Mr. Quinn having served as trustee.
Mr. Quinn married, in I87I, Amelia Emerick, born in Butler county,
Pennsylvania. Children: I. Mabel, married Frank McCurdy, a banker, of
682WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Ingram. 2. John M., a carpenter, of Pittsburgh. 3. Bella J., resides at
home. 4. William G., a carpenter, associated in business with his father.
5. Albert, resides at home. 6. Edwin B., a painter of Ingram. 7. Stella,
died aged three and a half years.
Of this generation of the Serena family we know there were
SERENA sisters and brothers as follows: I. Samuel, a coal miner and
river man; married Mary Ann Barnes. 2. Jacob, of further
mention. 3. John, a farmer of Ligonier Valley. 4. A sister, who married, a farmer and householder at Rosston, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.
(II) Jacob Serena was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and
was a river man and a coal miner. He married Mary Norris, and had
children: I. David, who was employed at the tipples in the coal mines at
McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 2. Barbara, lived in McKeesport. 3. John, of
further mention. 4. Elizabeth, married James Means, a coal miner, and
lived at Wild Cat Hollow, on the Youghiogheny river. 5. Ann, married
William McMullen, a coal merchant and hotel proprietor at McKeesport.
6. Sarah, married Hezekiah Long, a farmer of Allegheny county, who
served as a soldier in the Civil War. 7. Joseph, lived in Cincinnati, where
he had a retail coal yard in association with Dan Stone; married Clara
Dunlap.
(III) John Serena, son of Jacob and Mary (Norris) Serena, was born
at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, and in early manhood worked on the Monongahela river as a boatman. He then became a worker in the coal mines
near McKeesport, and rose to the position of superintendent of the mines
across from McKeesport. In I882 he founded the John Serena Company,
in McKeesport, which handles retail coal and builders' supplies, and soon
built up a remarkable business. He had his office and yards at the bridge
over the Youghiogheny river at the foot of Fifth avenue. His death occurred in I9o04. He was noted for his ability as an organizer and had a
high standing in the business world. He served his community as a member of the borough council. He and his wife were members of the Second
Presbyterian  Church.  He married  Maria Jane White, who died in
March, I9II. Children: I. and 2. Belle and Ella, who died unmarried. 3.
Anna, lives in McKeesport. 4. J. Frank, of further mention. 5. J. Elmer,
now president of the John Serena Company. 6. Ida, married F. M. Rhodes,
and lives in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
(IV) J. Frank Serena, son of John and Maria Jane (White) Serena,
was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in September, I859, died April
26, I9IO. His entire life was spent in McKeesport and its vicinity, and
as a boy he commenced working in the mines under the supervision of his
father. Later he worked in the pipe-threading department of the National
Tube Works, and in i882 became associated with his father when the
latter organized the John Serena Company, and was subsequently admitted
683WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
as a partner to this concern with which he was actively identified until his
death. His religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian Church. He
married Mary Elizabeth Deitrich, born at South Side, Pittsburgh, in 187I,
died in I892, leaving an only child, Earl F.
(V) Earl F. Serena, son of J. Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Deitrich)
Serena, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, June 2I, I889. He attended
the public schools until I9o4, and then spent four years at the Staunton
Military Academy, Virginia. In I9o8-o09 he was a student at the University of Michigan, and from I909 to I912 he studied law at the Syracuse
University. While there he was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. In
I912 he located in his home town, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and was
elected to the vice-presidency of the John Serena Company, in whose interests he has been an active worker since that time. He is a member of
the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum and Junior Order of American
Mechanics. Mr. Serena married Helen C. Vaughn, a native of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; they have one child, James Franklin.
Descendant of Scotch ancestry, the north of Ireland is
McMURRAY  the locality whence came Joseph McMurray, the immigrant ancestor of his line, one of the present day representatives of which is Ulysses G. McMurray, of this record. After his
marriage in his native land Joseph McMurray came to the United States,
settling in what is now South Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, about 1820. Here he purchased and cleared land, which he cultivated for a time, then moved to Noblestown, where he was engaged in
mercantile dealings until his death, about I838. He had married, in Ireland,
Martha Wilson, who survived him, marrying a second time, her husband
being William Radcliffe, her death occurring in Noblestown, Pennsylvania,
in I856. Both are buried at Braddock. Pennsylvania. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Children of Joseph and Martha (Wilson)
McMurray: I. Anne Jane, married (first) a Mr. Brookins, (second) William Reis, and died at Newcastle, Pennsylvania. 2. John, of whom further.
3. Andrew Jackson, died in infancy. 4. A child, died in infancy. 5.
Joseph, a gold miner, died in California in I856. 6. Thomas, died in I852,
while journeying to California to join his brother, Joseph, in the gold fields
of California. 7. George Washington, born December I4, I832, died at
Crafton, Pennsylvania, in 19I3, a retired butcher, the last survivor of the
children of Joseph and Martha (Wilson) McMurray. 8. William, a retired merchant of Crafton, Pennsylvania. 9. Catherine, married Samuel
Watters, and died in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Io. Margaret, died aged four years. II. Eliza, married John D.
Robb, and died on a farm near Oakdale, Pennsylvania.
(II) John McMurray, son of Joseph and Martha (Wilson) McMurray, was born in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
October 5, 1822, died in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, August I5, I9oo. He grew
/-' 0WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to man's estate on the home farm, and for a time after his marriage lived
on the homestead, then moving to Ohio, where he lived for about two
years. At the end of this time he returned to the locality of his birth, purchasing one hundred and ten acres of land from Hugh Wallace, residing
-hereon until I882, then buying the James Pollock farm in South Fayette
township and there made his home, retaining title to the former. After his
retirement from active life he bought a house in Oakdale where he lived
until his death, his wife dying three years later. Eight oil wells, all producing at the present time, were driven on his land, and he became one of
the most prosperous men of the neighborhood. He was active in local
affairs, holding Democratic political views, and with his wife belonged to
the Presbyterian Church. He married Margaret Caldwell, born in North
Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1823, died
in I9o3, daughter of Irish parents, early settlers of North Fayette township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where her father was a farmer and land
owner. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were the parents of: I. William, a cigar
manufacturer, died in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side) Pennsylvania. 2. John, a railroad employee, resides in Cleveland, Ohio. 3. Joseph,
lives retired in Brookline, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a veteran of the
Civil War. 4. Alexander, twin of Joseph, died in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, a veteran of the Civil War. 5. Martha, married (first) George
Snair, (second) Cassius Lucas, both deceased, and lives in Avalon, Pennsylvania. 6. Ann, died unmarried. 7. Sarah, married Frederick Bennett,
and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 8. Jane, married a Mr. Kephart, and
died in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 9. Margaret, of previous mention, married John McMurray. Children of John and
Margaret (Caldwell) McMurray:  I. Joseph, lives retired in Oakdale,
Pennsylvania. 2. George W., met an accidental death in a boiler explosion,
died on the old homestead. 3. Thomas, died at home, aged nineteen years.
4. Robert, a farmer, lives on part of the homestead. 5. Ulysses G., of
whom further. 6. Edward R., a resident of Pittsburgh. 7. William, a
soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, was taken captive and died
in Andersonville prison. Four other children died in infancy.
(III) Ulysses G. McMurray, son of John and Margaret (Caldwell)
McMurray, was born in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 4, I865. As a youth he was a student in the public schools
and Oakdale Academy, where all of his scholastic training was received.
He entered business as an employee of the Duquesne National Bank, at
Pittsburgh, where he remained for three years, and after his marriage was
the proprietor of a cigar and tobacco store in that place, his residence in
Oakdale. At the present time he is an extensive dealer in real estate and
also holds agencies for several reputable fire insurance companies, among
them the North British, the Mercantile, and the Pittsburgh Underwriters',
the last virtually a consolidation of four companies. Mr. McMurray was in
I902 elected a justice of the peace of Oakdale, an office to which he was
685WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
successively re-elected in I907 and I9I3, now serving in that capacity. As
a Democrat he has ever been a prominent personage in local political and
public affairs, for five years being clerk of the council, afterward a member
of that body, holding its presidency for two years. His record as a public
servant, though it be searched from his humblest duty to his highest, reveals
naught but careful fidelity to trust reposed in him, and exact fulfillment of
every commission placed in his hands, while those who have come into association with him in the business world know that in all things he is
honorable, upright and fair. He fraternizes with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and
both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. McMurray married, in I885, Kate, born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, daughter of Charles and Sarah Gamble, and has children: I. Homer,
a locomotive fireman, resides in East Carnegie, Pennsylvania. 2. Clyde,
an employee of the Armstrong Cork Company, lives at home. 3. Paul, died
aged two years. 4. Clare, twin of Paul, died aged two years. The family
home is on Spring avenue, Oakdale, Pennsylvania, where Mr. McMurray
caused a house to be built in I892.
George Murray, a native of Scotland, located in LondonMURRAY derry, Ireland, and in I790 married Sara Montooth, of
county Derry, and became the father of William, of further
mention, Henry and John. In 1795 he came to America, locating at Braddock's Field, Pennsylvania, where he died in I797. Henry and John went
to Ohio, then to Illinois, and their descendants are scattered throughout the
west.
(II) William  Murray, son of George Murray, was born in county
Derry, Ireland, in 179I, was brought to America at the age of four years.
At a suitable age he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and
later was a baker on the North Side, Pittsburgh. In I830 he purchased a
farm about seven miles south of the Ohio river, in what is now Bethel township. This consisted of about two hundred acres of partially improved
land, and he cleared more of it and farmed it until his death in I870. He
took an active part in local political affairs. He and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and both are buried in Mount
Lebanon Cemetery. Mr. Murray married Jane Gailey, and they had children: James Gailey, of further mention; Sara, married Rev. Dr. Robert
R. Gailey, and died in Ohio in I900; John D., is now eighty-nine years of
age, and lives on a part of the original Murray homestead; Henry Harrison,
spent his entire life on the Murray homestead, and died there November 7,
I907.
(III) James Gailey Murray, son of William and Jane (Gailey) Murray,
was born June 2I, I82o, in Peters township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, where his parents were living temporarily. His early years were spent
on his father's farm in what is now Bethel township, and in young man686WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
hood he established himself in the mercantile business in Allegheny City,
now a part of Pittsburgh, on East lane and Madison avenue, where he remained five years, and then removed to Sodom, where he conducted a general store until I867. Removing to Bridgeville, he continued his mercantile
activities there, and also conducted a saw and grist mill until his election as
county commissioner and afterwards as county treasurer of Allegheny
county. He was always prominent in the political life of the community,
served as a member of the school board, as a member of the board of the
State Reform School. In his youth he had been a staunch Abolitionist, and
was one of the organizers of the Republican party in Allegheny county in
I856. With three or four others, he prepared the famous "Split Tree
Banner" carried in the parades and rallies at the time of the first election
of Abraham Lincoln. He served as a member of' the county committee.
He attended the Presbyterian Church, and was a member and treasurer of
the building committee of the old church. In addition to all the above mentioned activities, in I869-7I, he was one of the organizers of the Chartiers
Railway Company, and succeeded in getting the right of way for its construction. Mr. Murray married Elizabeth Boyer, born near Library, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob Boyer, an old settler in
that section. They had children: Albert Boyer, a merchant in Bridgeville;
William H., died at the age of twenty-two years; Emma Jane, died at the
age of twenty years; James Frank, of further mention; George Piersol, a
member of the Allegheny county bar; Annie Matilda, now deceased; married Robert N. McElroy; Grant Simpson, of further mention.
(IV) James Frank Murray, son of James Gailey and Elizabeth (Boyer)
Murray, was born at Sodom, near Bethel and Bridgeville, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, August 19, I857. His earlier education was acquired in the
public schools in the vicinity of his home, and he then became a student at
the Western University. In his boyhood he assisted his father in the store
of the latter, and he was in office as first assistant cashier while his father
was county treasurer, I877-78. From I879 to I88I he was assistant sergeant-at-arms in the Pennsylvania state senate, after which he was in the
internal revenue service until I883. For some time he was then superintendent of the document department in the Pennsylvania senate, then returned to the revenue service. Abandoning politics, he became interested
in the management of the Chartiers Railway Company, of which he was a
director, an office he held until it was absorbed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in I9O6. He and his brother, Grant Simpson, were the
proprietors of the Builders' Supply Company on the North Side, Pittsburgh.
They sold this business, and February 9, I9IO, again in partnership with
his brother, Grant Simpson, opened offices for the conduct of a brokerage
business on the third floor of the Union Bank Building, Pittsburgh, and have
been located there since that time, doing a general brokerage business. They
operate under the firm name of Murray Brothers, and are members of the
Pittsburgh Stock Exchange. Mr. Murray is a director of the Bridgeville
687WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Trust Company, the Waynesburg Home Gas Company, the Virginia Crown
Orchard Company, and a member of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. He resided in Pittsburgh seventeen years, but in recent years has
made his home in Bridgeville, where some of his younger years were spent.
There he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, has served as deacon, and
was treasurer of the building committee when the present building was
erected.
Mr. Murray married, April 2I, I887, Sara Lewis, born in Pittsburgh,
a daughter of Thomas and Justine (Lewis) Davitt, and a descendant of an
old family. They have had children: Amos Lewis, died in infancy;
Thomas Davitt, born August 29, I892, a graduate of the Washington and
Jefferson College, and a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, now a
student in the law department of the- University of Pittsburgh.
(IV) Grant Simpson Murray, son of James Gailey and Elizabeth
(Boyer) Murray, was born in Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, October 22, 1865. He was educated at the Bridgeville public
school from whence he went to the Western University, after which he became connected with the Keystone Bridge Company, of Pittsburgh, with
whom he remained for a period of six years. He and his brother, James
Frank, then formed a partnership and organized the Builders' Supply Company, under the name of Murray Brothers, in I890, continuing it until I9I0,
their establishment being located on Sandusky street, North Side. Upon
selling this in I9IO, they established themselves in the brokerage business
in the Union Bank Building, and are still located there. Mr. Murray is a
member of the Pittsburgh Stock Exchange and represents the firm on the
floor of the Exchange. He is a member of a number of organizations,
among them being the following: Lodge No. 45, Free and Accepted Masons,
of which he is a past master; Pittsburgh Consistory, Royal and Select
Masters; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine; Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Tariff Club; Friendship Avenue
Presbyterian Church. He resides in East End, Pittsburgh.
Mr. Murray married, October 27, I892, Nellie, born in Pittsburgh, a
daughter of Edward N. and Mary Hurd, and they have children: Margaret, a graduate of Miss Shaw's School, in Pittsburgh; Lawrence, a student at East Liberty Academy; Elizabeth and Edward.
Ireland has long been the home of the ancestors of Samuel
TOPLEY  J. Topley, of this chronicle, the family having been planted
in the United States by his father, James Topley. James
Topley was a son of James and Ann Topley, natives of Ireland, where
they passed their lives, James (I) Topley dying when his son James was
an infant.
(II) James (2) Topley, son of James (I) and Ann Topley, was born
in Ireland, and was there educated, afterward becoming proficient at the
trade of weaver. In I866 he came to the United States, settling in North
Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in
688fWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(II) James Breading, son of David Breading, married in Pennsylvania,
and had two sons: I. Nathaniel, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in
I75I, died in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1822; he served in the
American army under General Washington in the Revolutionary War; he
held the title of judge and was early upon the bench of Pennsylvania; he
married Ann, daughter of General Ewing. 2. David, of whom further.
(III) David (2) Breading, son of James Breading, was born in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, in I756. He served under General Washington in the
Revolution and was a witness of that general's stern reprimand of General
Lee. He married and had a son David, of whom further.
(IV) David (3) Breading, son of David (2) Breading, was born in
L-ancaster county, Pennsylvania, died in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in
1844, having moved to that locality in I794. He was a farmer throughout
his entire life, his death occurring when he was eighty-six years of age.
He married, November I7, 1785, Elizabeth Clark, who died March 22, I855.
They had children: James, Eliza, Jane, married William Scott, Nancy,
married William Lagow, Clark, of whom further. The first named four
died at Troyhurst, Indiana, the victims of a scourge of cholera.
(V) Clark Breading, son of David (3) and Elizabeth (Clark) Breading,
was born in Luzerne township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 9,
i8o6, died April I2, I883. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and
to obtain an education walked daily more than four miles to the nearest
school during three winter months. Opportunity was not given to attend
school for a longer period of time, for the youths of the neighborhood were
busied in what were considered far more practical occupations than the
acquiring of an education, and it was only by diligent solitary study that
Clark Breading secured the sound education that was his. Until I865 he
engaged in farming, in that year purchasing the property at the corner of
Main street and Vernon avenue, there living until his death. For many
years he conducted extensive stock dealing operations. His political belief
was the Republican, and he was a member of the Masonic Order. He married (first) May I, I827, Mary Craft, who died June 2, I828; (second)
September io, I834, Hettie Jane Roberts, died January io, I868. She was
a sister of Colonel William Y. Roberts, a native of Luzerne township,
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood and died.
He was at one time a member of the Pennsylvania state legislature, and
moved to Kansas, being a participant in the stirring events that gained for
that state the tile of "Bleeding Kansas." He recruited a regiment from that
state and commanded it throughout the Civil War. By his first marriage
Clark Breading had one daughter, Margaret, who married, May IO, I849,
Dr. O. E. Newton, and resided in Cincinnati, Ohio. He had one son by his
marriage with Hettie Jane Roberts, John C., of whom further.
(VI) John C. Breading, only child of Clark and Hettie Jane (Roberts)
Breading, was born in Luzerne township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
August 5, I85I. Until he was seventeen years of age he lived on his father's
farm, obtaining his education in the public schools, attending the Davidson
544WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
coal mining. This calling he later abandoned in favor of farming, and was
so engaged until his death. He married Mary, daughter of John and Nancy
Blakely, her parents natives of Ireland, where her father was killed in a
boiler explosion, her mother emigrating to the United States in I866.
Children of James and Mary (Blakely) Topley: Ann, Susan, Mary, Margaret, James, Agnes, Rachel, Samuel J., of whom further, Nellie, William.
(III) Samuel J. Topley, son of James (2) and Mary (Blakely) Topley,
was born in North Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
October 30, I875. As a youth he attended the local schools, and after finishing his studies learned the trade of brass finisher, at which he was occupied
for seventeen years. In I907 Mr. Topley withdrew from this business and
entered real estate dealing in East McKeesport, where he continues in that
line at this time. Although his business interests are in East McKeesport,
he retains his residence in North Versailles township. For the past ten
years Mr. Topley has been a justice of the peace, an office from which he
retired in May, I914.- For eleven years he discharged the duties of township clerk, and in November, I913, was elected township treasurer, which
position he now fills. He is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to
Tyrian Lodge, No. 612, Aliquippa Lodge, Knights of Pythias, the Knights
of the Mystic Chain, the Royal Arcanum, and the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics. He is prominent in public life, and as the incumbent
of the offices previously mentioned has served faithfully and well, receiving
from his fellows naught but commendation. His business is in a most
flourishing condition, and in the seven years that he has dealt in real estate
he has acquired a patronage that has been constantly on the increase, his
reputation growing through the successful deals that he has directed.
Mr. Topley married, May ii, I896, Zelma Sarver, of North Versailles
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and has children: Chalmers R.,
Homer L., John G., Blanche L.
George Fetterman McNeilly is descended on both sides of
McNEILLY the house from very old and distinguished families, his
father's family having been prominent in Ireland at least
as far back as I640, and one branch of his maternal ancestry having been
well known in England from a still earlier date. The McNeilly family
were for many generations residents of that most picturesque section
of a lovely country, county Antrim, Ireland, and were members of the
local aristocracy. Their arms, dating from early times, are a lymphad,
sails furled, on a chief amulet. Surmounting the arms is an esquire's
helmet with mantling crest, an arm in armor embowed, holding a sword.
Motto over crest: FVincere vel Mori. One of the name was present at the
famous siege of Londonderry when the city made good its defence against
the arms of England, ordered against it by James II. A McNeilly fought
under the command of Colonel Upton, the squire of the parish, and later
returned in safety to his home, none the worse for the sanguinary struggle
he had been engaged in. There is an interesting reference in the report of
689WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Society for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead, to the McNeilly family. "McNeilly-I74o," runs the report, "This family is now
scarce in the parish, and unfortunately the old stone bearing these arms was
destroyed some years ago. The present stone bears date I8o7. To members of this family were'Elders of Session of Templepatrick, being publickly admitted and sworn with prayer and fasting ye 22nd day of November, being ye Lord's day, I646.' "
(I) Coming down to more recent times we find record of Andrew McNeilly, the grandfather of George F. McNeilly, and a prominent man in
his county. He lived his entire life in county Antrim, finally dying there,
and all his life was connected with the great linen industry for which Ulster
is justly famous. He and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian
Church. He married Martha Boyd, also a native of county Antrim. They
were the parents of eight children, as follows: Joseph, of whom further;
John, a bachelor, now following the occupation of gardening in Mount
Lebanon township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, having emigrated to
the United States in his youth; James, who also came to the United States,
and engaged in farming and gardening in Baldwin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where he eventually died; Andrew, also a resident
of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he holds the position of stable
boss at Beadling; Robert, a farmer of Mount Lebanon township; Elizabeth,
deceased, became Mrs. James Leeburn, and continued a resident of county
Antrim, Ireland. Besides those above enumerated, there were two other
children who died in very early youth in county Antrim.
(II) Joseph McNeilly, son of Andrew McNeilly, was born in the fall
of the year I826, in county Antrim, Ireland. He spent his childhood and
youth in his native land, subsequently setting sail for the United States, in
the hope and belief that greater opportunities awaited him in the vast new
republic of the west than at home. In this example he was followed by all
his brothers, the one sister being the only one to remain in the place of
their birth.  Coming to Pennsylvania, he married Mrs. Hannah Maria
(Fetterman) Silk, the widow of Joseph Silk, a soldier in the Union army
during the Civil War, who was killed at Chattanooga, and the mother of
two children, Lucy and Josephine, only the latter of whom was living at
the time of her mother's second marriage, and who later married Samuel
Anderson, of Dormont, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Joseph McNeilly was the
daughter of Nathaniel Plummer and Anna Maria (Dillon) Fetterman,
and was born in Beaver, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, May I9, 1842.
Nathaniel Plummer Fetterman was born February 13, I8o5, on the old
Fetterman homestead in Beaver county. He studied for the law and practiced for a time in Beaver, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Pittsburgh,
where he continued for the remainder of his life and built up a large practice. He was the son of George and Hannah (Plummer) Fetterman, the
former of German descent, but a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
who in his youth removed to Allegheny county and was married. He had
6goWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
three children by his wife but was then divorced from her. Nathaniel
Plummer Fetterman married Anna Maria Dillon, December 28, I828, and
had ten children, as follows: Martha Eliza, who later became Mrs. Thomas
Collins; Virginia Dillon, deceased, became Mrs. Captain William Blake;
Lawrence Tolliver; Anna Valeria, became Mrs. Joseph Claybaugh; Charles
Sylvester; Hannah Maria, who married Joseph McNeilly; George Humphrey, a resident of Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania; Washington Wilfred
and Nathaniel Plummer, twins; Emily Johnston, who died at the age of
twenty years.
It was through Hannah Plummer, the wife of George Fetterman, and
great-grandmother of George F. McNeilly, that the old New England
stock was introduced into the family. The first Plummers in this country
were Francis and Ruth Plummer, husband and wife, both natives of England, who came to the American colonies in the year I633, and settled in
Newbury, Massachusetts, two years later. One of their sons, Joseph
Plummer, was born in England in I630, and came to America when but
three years of age. He later married Sarah Cherrey, and died in I683.
Following the direct line of descent we come to; a son of the last named
couple, one Jonathan Plummer, born May I6, I668, who passed his life in
his native state of Massachusetts, and married Sarah Pearson. Next in
order of descent was John Plummer, born in Massachusetts in the year
I697, and who married Rebecca Wheeler. Their son, another Jonathan
Plummer, brings us down to revolutionary times, Jonathan Plummer serving as an officer in that momentous struggle. Not a great deal is known of
him, but that he was a stout patriot and an able man. He was born in
Newburyport, Massachusetts, April I3, I724, but the place of his death is
unrecorded. It is known, however, that he did not continue to live in the
region so long occupied by his forebears. On the contrary'he did considerable moving about the country, going first to New Jersey, and later to
Maryland. In the latter state he settled in Frederick county for a time,
but later went to Old Town in the same state, where he was engaged in the
Indian trade. He was actively engaged in the Indian troubles as well, and
helped to keep General Braddock supplied during that officer's campaign
in Pennsylvania against the red man, which turned out so disastrously,
but gave General Washington an opportunity to distinguish himself. Mr.
Plummer, indeed, left his wife and children in fort, and accompanied General Braddock to Fort Duquesne, Pennsylvania, thus reaching the neighborhood which was later to become the home of his descendants. He did
not remain there, however, but later returned to Maryland. He married
(first) Elizabeth Mehetable Herriman, June 6, I744, but after her deatlh
and upon his settling in Maryland, he married (second) Sarah Farrell, of
that state. N;athaniel Plummer, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Mehetable
(Herriman) Plummer, was born March I, I745, in Essex county, Massachusetts. He grew up in his native place, spending the years of his youth
and young manhood there, until he was about thirty-five years of age.
69IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Then, about I78o, he moved to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, with his
wife and family. Here he settled on what is now known as the Anderson
Farm, within the limits of the present borough of Dormont, a location
which is still the home of his descendants. In this region, then but a
wilderness, he acquired a tract of some four hundred acres, which with
his sons he cleared of the virgin growth and reclaimed for the purposes
of agriculture. Here, also, he erected the first house in the neighborhood.
This building is of stone and is still standing in a state of excellent preservation, forming one of the landmarks of the community. The stone from
which it was constructed was gathered from the farm in the process of
clearing it. Here Nathaniel Plummer finally came to his death, January
29, 1821, and lies buried in the old St. Clair burying ground. He married
Hannah Jones, also a native of Massachusetts, where she was born July
6, I745, surviving her husband six years. To them were born seven children, as follows: Elizabeth, born March 24, I769; Hetty, born March I9,
I77I; Samuel, born October 6, I772, died October Io, I8Io; Nathaniel,
born August I4, I775; Arnold, born April 9, 1778, died in infancy; Walker,
born December 28, I779, died at the age of two years; Hannah, born June
15, I783, who later became the wife of George Fetterman. Her birth took
place in the old stone house already mentioned, and she met Mr. Fetterman,
when as a very young man he settled in Allegheny county. After her
divorce from Mr. Fetterman, she continued to reside in the old Fetterman
homestead with her three children: Nathaniel, the grandfather of George
F. McNeilly; Washington, who became a well known lawyer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and for whose son Gilbert the Marquis of Lafayette
stood sponsor in baptism, on the occasion of that great man's visit to the
city; George, who graduated from West Point and became an officer in the
United States army, but died finally on the old homestead. Mrs. Fetterman
was an extremely capable woman, and of the most enterprising nature.
She raised silkworms and hops for the support of herself and her children,
and directed the whole farm with great success. She was afterwards married to Dr. Ruggles Sylvester, and had two children, both of whom, however, died in early youth. Nathaniel Fetterman, whose life has already been
briefly noticed in this sketch, was the father of Mrs. McNeilly, the mother
of George F. McNeilly.
After their marriage on January I, I873, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McNeilly settled in Scott township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming and gardening on a property of some sikty acres, purchased by him. The place was larger than he cared to manage, however,
and he sold a portion of it, and later the remainder, making the latter sale
about I875. In the same year he bought a smaller place of about six and
a half acres, in what was then known as West Liberty borough, and here
he has lived ever since. Mr. McNeilly is now known as the oldest farmer
and gardener in the Pittsburgh region, his farm being now included within
that city's limits. He is a member of the Republican party and today takes
An2WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
as keen an interest as ever in the great questions and issues before the
country. Both he and Mrs. McNeilly are members of the United Presbyterian Church. They are the parents of but one child, George Fetterman, of whom further.
(III) George Fetterman McNteilly, only child of Joseph and Hannah
Maria (Fetterman) McNeilly, was born October 8, I873, in Scott township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was educated at the local public
schools, and upon completing his studies he took up farming and gardening,
the occupation of his father. This he has continued always down to the
present time, despite his other interests, and still superintends the running
of the home place. At the time of the organization of the borough of
Dormont, when real estate values were increasing, Mr. McNeilly became
interested in real estate in his region, and has successfully operated in the
same, having already built some seven houses in the borough. He is a man
of substance and of influence in his community, and takes an active part in
the life of the borough. He is a member of the Republican party, as was
also his father, and is vitally interested in all political questions whether of
local or national bearing.
Mr. McNeilly married, June I6, I9o8, Margaret Lindsay Leeburn, a
native of county Antrim, Ireland, whence Mr. McNeilly's own people came,
and a daughter of James and Elizabeth (McNeilly) Leeburn. Mrs. Leeburn is now dead, but Mr. Leeburn is still residing in county Antrim. Mrs.
McNeilly was born there, December 26, I876, but came in her youth to the
United States, and made her home in Pennsylvania, where she met Mr.
McNeilly. They are the parents of one child, Martha Leeburn, born June
2I, I9I2. Mr. and Mrs. McNeilly are both staunch members of the Presbyterian Church, attending St. Clair United Presbyterian Church, and are
active in supporting it and its many benevolences.
William Biddlestone was born in West Bromwich,
BIDDLESTONE  Staffordshire, England, and there spent his entire
life. He was a worker in the iron mills, and he and
his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. He married Abigail
Morris, and they had children: Isaac, of further mention; Solomon, a mill
man; Joseph, also a mill man; Caroline, married James Whitehouse. All
died in England.
(II) Isaac Biddlestone, son of William and Abigail (Morris) Biddlestone, was born in the same town as his father, and was employed in the
heating department of the iron mills. He died at the age of thirty-two
years. For a number of years he had been bell ringer of Christ Church,
and he is buried in the church yard. He married Catherine Stephen, who
married (second) Hazard Parker, and died at about the age of sixty-three
years. She was also a member of the Episcopal Church, and is buried in
the old Parish church yard. She was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Partridge) Stephen, both natives of West Bromwich, where he was
693WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a blacksmith, and who had children: Hannah, Sarah, Catherine, Jane,
Edward, Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Biddlestone had children: Samuel, of
further mention; Harriet, married William King Jr., came to America,
and died at Muncie, Indiana; Thomas W., now baggage master at McKeesport for the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad Company; Peter, died at the
age of twelve years; Lydia, married John Blick, and lives in Smethwick,
England; Elizabeth, married, and lives in Sheffield, England.
(III) Samuel Biddlestone, son of Isaac and Catherine (Stephen) Biddlestone, was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, October 27,
I86I. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and there
learned the' blacksmith's trade, with which he was identified until he came
to this country. He arrived in America in I88I by way of Canada, and
in July of the same year settled at McKeesport, whose interests he has had
at heart since that time. For a period of three years he worked at his trade
in the employ of the National Tube Works, then entered the employ of
the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad Company, being station baggage master
eight years and bill clerk one year. In August, I893, he established himself in the transfer business, commencing with two wagons, and the same
year bought out the McKeesport Transfer Company, which he has conducted since that time, for general transfer and storage, having added a
storage plant about I9o4. He now employs four teams and wagons and
about eight men. Until recently he was a Republican in politics but is
now a Socialist. He and his wife are members of St. Stephen's Episcopal
Church, in which he is secretary of the board of vestrymen. He is a member of the Workmen of the World, the Knights of Malta, the Sons of St.
George and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Mr. Biddlestone married, November 29, I884, Charlotte, born in the
same town as her husband, and a daughter of Sidney Barnett. They have
had children: Percy S., born in 1885, died November 28, I9Ii, married
Pearl Rader, and had one daughter, Charlotte Belle; William B., in business with his father, married Mary Schrieber, and has children, William
Samuel and Ruth Eleanor; Elsie, married Carl Lottig, and has a daughter,
Lois Elizabeth; Mabel, died in infancy; Clifford Charles; Bessie; Herbert;
Milton, died in infancy; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Dorothy; George.
A representative of an English ancestry, also a native of EngOLIVER land, Robert Oliver, for many years a resident of McKeesport, is a man whose career is well worthy of emulation,
having attained a place of prominence in the business world, well known
and respected by all with whom he is brought in contact, either in business
or social life.
Richard Oliver, father of Robert Oliver, was born, lived and died in
Stolbridge, Dorsetshire, England, where he followed the trade of baker,
and won the esteem of his neighbors by his upright character and mode of
life. His wife, Elizabeth (Harris) Oliver, who also was born, lived and
694WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
died in Stolbridge, England, bore him four children: Julia; Henrietta;
Robert, of whom further; John, who emigrated to the United States, July
I2, I87I, and settled in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was a merchant tailor for many years, achieving a certain degree of success; he was
reared and educated in Stolbridge, England; he never married; his death
occurred October 31, I894.
Robert Oliver was born in Stolbridge, Dorsetshire, England, September 8, 1846. He was reared and educated in his native place, and upon
attaining a suitable age was apprenticed to Stephen Harris, his maternal
grandfather, to learn the carpenter trade, of which he became a thorough
master, becoming highly proficient in all its branches. In May, I869, he left
his native land for the United States, taking up his residence in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where for a number of years he worked at his trade,
thus earning a lucrative livelihood. In I873 he engaged in the contracting
business, which has proved highly remunerative, he being awarded many
of the contracts for work done in his adopted city, his reputation for reliable and conscientious work being well established. In I872 he erected a
residence for his own use at No. I030 Walnut street, and in addition to
this is the owner of a number of houses in McKeesport, which fact is an
eloquent testimonial to his energy, thrift and enterprise. Mr. Oliver and
his wife have been to England and back seven times. In May, I877, his
wife went to England on the "Indiana" from Philadelphia, and among her
fellow passengers were General Grant and wife, also Jesse Grant, the
journey being eleven days in duration, she arriving in Liverpool, England.
In September, I877, they again returned to England, remaining there for
ten years, and at the expiration of this period of time they returned to the
United States and again took up their residence in McKeesport, where they
have resided ever since. Mr. Oliver is a member of the Episcopal Church,
and his political support is given to the Republican party.
Mr. Oliver married, May I, I87I, in England, Emily James, born in
Dorsetshire, England, August I8, I846, daughter of Joseph and Mary
Ann (Foote) James, both of whom lived and died in England. Mr. and
Mrs. James were the parents of eight children, namely: Mary, deceased;
Joseph; James, deceased; Emily; Louisa, deceased; William, deceased;
Annie, deceased; Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have no children.
There follows a chronicle that, could it appear before the
WAGNER eyes of the entire American public, would, beyond the suspicion of a doubt, receive more interested reading than
almost any record of its kind, despite the fact that the greater part thereof
is familiar to that same public, the biography of John Henry Wagner,
"Honus" Wagner, one of the greatest exponents of America's national
game.
He is a son of German parents, his father, Peter John Wagner, having
been born in the village of Dirmingen, on the river Rhine, Germany, where
695WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
he grew to maturity and was married. About I866 he came to the United
States, followed in six months by his wife, settling first in Carnegie, where
he was for a time employed in the mines, later becoming a hotel proprietor
in Chartiers borough, now a part of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. A few years
later he abandoned this pursuit and returned to mine employment, soon
afterward retiring, his death occurring in I9I3. He married in Dirmingen,
Germany, Catherine Wolfe, there born, who died in September, I9OI. Both
were members of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of ninle
children, three of whom died in infancy, the surviving children being as
follows: Charles; Albert, a professional base-ball player, lives in Carnegie,
Pennsylvania; Louis; John Henry, of whom further; Carrie; William.
John Henry Wagner, son of Peter John and Catherine (Wolfe) Wagner, was born in Mansfield Valley (Carnegie), Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 24, I874. He was educated in the public schools, later
attending private institutions, both German and English, and while a lad
began to display the ability that has made him the peer of all of his profession. He was employed for a short time in the local lead works, and
in I891 made his entry into organized base-ball, playing for one year
and a half in the Allegheny County League, shortstop being the position
that he then chose and in which he has since remained excepting on such
occasions as have made it necessary for him to strengthen some weak point
on his team, in which emergencies he has filled every position excepting
that of catcher. The season of I892 found him a member of the St. Luke's
team, and from that time until I894 he played on the semi-professional team
of Dennison, Ohio. Steubenville, Ohio, was at that time represented by a
team of the Tri-State League, and in I895 he was with that team in the
Tri-State circuit, from I896 until June, I897, being with the Paterson,
New Jersey, team. At that date he made his first major league appearance
in the National League, wearing the uniform of the Louisville, Kentucky,
team, with which organization he remained during the seasons of I897-9899. In I9oo he began his fourteen years' association with, the Pittsburgh
National League team, and as the shortstop of that aggregation has played
through season after season, the reliable excellence of his play varying
only to improve, always the invincible tower of strength to the Pirate team.
About him have been built to fall, only to be built again, pennant contenders,
pennant winners, and world's champions; to the Pittsburgh club have come
stars, apparently of the first magnitude, whose light has dimmed through
day after day of use and exposure; his supremacy in his position has been
assailed, but to be returned to him intact; and through myriad changes
in rules and regulations of this distinctively American game, he has remained steadfast, the height of his profession attained and held. Of him
the Reach Official American League Baseball Guide says: "In the year
I912 Shortstop John H. Wagner, of the Pittsburgh National League Club,
established a world's record by batting 300 per cent. consecutively for
sixteen years-he thus passing A. C. Anson's long-standing fifteen-year
696WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
record. In the 1913 season Wagner batted just 300, thus adding another
year to his world's record and making it so much harder for any other
batsman to pass it in the near future-and such a batsman is not in signt
at the present time, as Cobb, the only man who appears to have a chance for
that honor, is hardly likely to remain in the game long enough to accomplish that feat; without considering that Wagner may add another link to
his long chain in I9I4." In fielding, as at the bat, he is undoubtedly superior to any of his rivals in his position, despite the fact of his forty
years. The countless thousands that have been thrilled by his marvellous
plays and the graceful ease with which they are executed have been obliged,
through proof submitted, to acknowledge him the master of base-ball, and
some odd millions of red-blooded Americans the length and breadth of the
United States have so acclaimed him. He has prospered in his profession,
and through wise investment is one of the most prosperous players in baseball, but the greatest treasures that have come from him are not in his
keeping; they are locked in the memories of those who have derived pleasure
from his matchless performances on the diamond, the recounting of which
is a story that loses none of its interest through repetition.
He finds the most enjoyable relaxation in chicken raising, and his Buff
Plymouth Rocks and White Leghorns are well-known in the poultry exhibitions of the vicinity, where he bears considerable reputation as a chicken
fancier. Not only is he admired by all and pride taken in him because of
his base-ball fame and ability, but the irreproachable ordering of his life
and his manly character have won him honor and respect such as is accorded only those who have shown worth and merit, and the friendly
"Honus" that greets him in Carnegie is a tribute to more than the diamond
star.
He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Loyal Order of Moose, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of
the Golden Eagle, the Kenmore Athletic Club, of New York City, and the
Owls. Politically he is an Independent.
Joseph J. Werner is one of a family representative of the
WERNER best type of German-American character, which has contributed to the cosmopolitan citizenship of the United
States a leaven of its own peculiar virtues, an unswerving devotion in the
pursuit of an objective and great endurance in labor.
His father was Joseph Werner, a native of Germany, who passed his
youth in his native land where he learned the trade of stone mason. During the revolution of I848-49, Mr. Werner, like so many of Germany's
strongest sons, felt the social conditions at home to be intolerable and
turned with eager heart to the accounts of the freedom and opportunity
for personal endeavor to be found in the great republic of the Western
Hemisphere. It was during the same period of storm and stress that Mr.
Werner actually sailed for the United States, there to make a new home
697WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
School, later Merrittstown Academy, and the Tuscarora Academy, near
Philadelphia. He became a druggist and for many years was in business in
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in I896 moving to Pittsburgh. Four years later
he established in the real estate business at Bellevue, Pennsylvania, and has
since been in that line, conducting in connection therewith insurance dealings, owning considerable property at the present time. His reputation as a
business man of honor and integrity could not be firmer, and his upright
conduct has held and holds the well-merited confidence of his associates and
friends. As a Republican he was a member of the Uniontown Council, and
has served in the same capacity in Bellevue for five years, in I9I2 and I913
as president of that body. To the discharge of the duties of this office he
has bent the whole of his energetic progressiveness, and as a public official
met with popular favor, irrespective of party lines. He holds the thirtysecond degree in the Masonic Order, belonging to Bellevue Lodge, No. 530,
Free and Accepted Masons, Bellevue Chapter, No. 286, Royal Arch Masons,
Allegheny Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templar, and Pittsburgh Consistory. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Breading married, August 13, I87I, Elma, daughter of Nathaniel
and Elma Brownfield, of Uniontown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, her
parents natives of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Breading are the parents of:
I. Clark, a salesman, resides in Uniontown, Pennsylvania; he married and
has children: John, Elma, Ralph. 2. Hettie, married Alfred C. Stafford,
of Bellevue; they are the parents of Alfred and Jane. 3. Frank B., for
fourteen years connected with the United States postal service at Bellevue;
married and has children, Frank and Helen. 4. Nathaniel M., a resident of
Bellevue, has been associated with the Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh
since its organization in I903. 5. Elma, died in Uniontown, Pennsylvania,
aged six years.
James Greenough is a member of an English family
GREENOUGH representative of the best type of that strong stock which
has formed the background for the developing nationality of the United States of America and remains to this day a leaven of
sturdy worth in the cosmopolitan citizenship of this country. His parents
on both sides of the house were English and he himself was a native of
that country. His paternal grandparents passed their entire lives in Lancashire, England, and here, too, his father, Peter Greenough, lived, holding
a position of manager in some coal mines in that region. He died in the
year I87I, when only forty-five years of age, his wife surviving him until
I9II, when she died at the advanced age of ninety-two years. He married
Mary Gregory, also a native of Lancashire, where she was born in the year
I8I9. She was the daughter of Thomas and Betty (Hay) Gregory, life-long
residents of that region. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Greenough were born fourteen children in all, ten sons and four daughters, six of the boys, however,
died in early childhood, leaving but eight who attained, maturity. These
were as follows: Ann, Bettie, Esther, Mary Alice, deceased, John, James,
of whom further; Thomas, Peter.
545WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
fo.r himself and family. Transatlantic travel was not in those days what
it is now, and his voyage occupied a period of forty-two days, during the
course of which his vessel ran down a freighter. He finally arrived safely,
however, in the port of New York, and from there travelled still farther
west, principally by canal to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this city he took
up his abode and proceeded to follow the stone mason's trade, which he
had learned in the "Fatherland." He eventually died in Pittsburgh, at the
advanced age of eighty-three years. Before leaving his native land he had
married Eva Koffman, a fellow countrywoman, who accompanied him to
America and died in Pittsburgh at the age of seventy-nine years. They
were the parents of children, as follows:  Barbara; Dortha, deceased;
Mary; John, who fell into the Allegheny river at the foot of Sixth street,
Pittsburgh, and was drowned; Amadeus; Joseph J., of whom further.
There were two other children, a boy and a girl, both of whom died in
early youth. Mr. Werner was a member of the Roman Catholic Church,
attending St. Mary's Church of that denomination in Pittsburgh.
Joseph J. Werner, the seventh child of Joseph and Eva (Koffman)
Werner, was born August 22, 1858, in Allegheny, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the Catholic parochial schools of his native
city, but at the age of twelve and a half years he left his studies and applied himself diligently to learning the trade of painting under the tutelage
of Joseph Debaugher at Troy Hill, and later served an apprenticeship of
four years under Adolphus Stebner. At the end of this period he found
employment as a journeyman which occupied him about a year, and in
the year I88o he entered into partnership with a Mr. Dietrich and established a painting business under the firm name of Dietrich  Werner. After
eight years this successful partnership was dissolved. At the time of this
dissolution the firm had two painting houses, one at Allegheny City and
the other at Millvale, Pennsylvania. In the year I886 Mr. Werner removed
to Millvale and there settled, and he continued to carry on the painting
business under his own name. This he did with great success until the
year I9II, when he took into partnership his eldest son, Joseph M. Werner,
the firm now being known as Joseph J. Werner  Son. The business is
that of house painting and hardwood finishing, and has grown without
pause to its present large proportions. In I899 Mr. Werner erected a
large new shop situated on North avenue, Millvale, and there he is at
present located. He also erected a handsome dwelling for himself at the
same time. Mr. Werner is a member of the Master House Painters' Association, of which he has been a trustee since I89I, and is now the chairman of the executive committee. Mr. Werner and his family are members of St. Ann's Catholic Church of Millvale, and he has been a trustee
of the same for the past fifteen years.
Mr. Werner married, I88o, Agnes Conner, a native of London, where
she was born I859, and a resident of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, at the time
of her marriage. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Right
698WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Rev. Phelan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  To Mr. and Mrs.
Werner have been born five children, as follows: Joseph M., of whom further; Mary, now Mrs. Edward Gorman, of Millvale, Pennsylvania, and
the mother of three children, Edward, Virginia and Ethel; Agnes; Walter,
employed as boy in his father's business house; Nelson, at present attending school.
Joseph M. Werner, the junior partner in his father's painting establishment, is a rising young man in Millvale. He is a staunch member of
the Democratic party, takes a vital interest in all political questions, whether
of local or general application, and plays an active part in the party life in
his town. He has already been elected to the Millvale borough council
and is the youngest man on that body. He married Miss O'Connell, a
native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To them has been born a daughter,
Rebecca Werner.
In I836 Malah Garbart, widow of John Garbart, arrived
GARBART in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her four children, locating in what is now known as the "West End," where she
died. John Garbart was born in London, England, there married and lived
until just prior to the birth of his second child. He then moved to Wales
and there worked in the mines for several years, finally returning to London where he met accidental death. In 1836 his widow, Malah, brought
her four children to the United States, as stated. Children, all deceased:
William, a coal miner; John, of whom further; Sarah, married Perry Miller,
a steel mill worker of Pittsburgh; Joseph, died in middle life, unmarried,
a river man and his mother's support.
(II) John (2) Garbart, son of John (I) and Malah Garbart, was born
in Wales, February 3, I82I, died April I4, I89I. His boyhood was spent,
from an early age, in the coal mines of the district in which he lived, and
later after the return of the family to England he worked in the English
mines. At age of fifteen years, in I836, he came with his mother, brothers
and sister to Pittsburgh and for about three years after his arrival worked
in the coal mines of the Pittsburgh district. He then learned the ship carpenter's trade and followed that occupation until his death. When the local
demand for boats failed to keep him busy he would build on speculation,
then float the boats down the Ohio river until a buyer was found. During
the Civil War he was in the employ of the United States government, boating coal down the rivers for use on the gunboats and steamers used by the
government. Often he was in great danger, Confederate guns having to be
run past, very often on the lower river. He married Harriet Graham, born
in Chartiers township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I829, died I874,
daughter of Samuel and Esther (Wilson) Graham, both born in Chartiers
township, of old Allegheny county families. Samuel Graham owned a farm
near the present town of Ingram which he cultivated, also operated a coal
mine on his own farm. He converted coal into coke in his own ovens, being
699WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
one of the very first coke manufacturers in that section. The log house in
which he lived is still standing in part, but in the remodeling has largely
disappeared. He died aged seventy-eight years. He was known as "Judge"
Graham from his dignified appearance and grave manner. Esther (Wilson)
Graham, his second wife, died in I895, aged ninety-four years. She was
a descendant of James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Children of Samuel Graham by his first wife: Mary Jane, Elizabeth, Lemuel and Addison, the two latter soldiers of the Union army, I86I-65. Children of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wilson) Graham: Emily, married William
Miller, and lived in Chartiers township; Harriet, married John Garbart, of
previous mention; George, lived in Chartiers township; Avery T., now residing in Pittsburgh West End. Children of John (2) and Harriet
(Graham) Garbart: Amelia, died in I9o7, unmarried; Ross W., now a
retired glass worker; William G., a carpenter, residing in Pittsburgh, married Margaret Spring; Ida M., resides in Westwood, Pennsylvania; Clara
Emma, died February 3, I9o8, unmarried; John G., of whom further; Mary
B., married Charles Koener, manager for the National Biscuit Company,
at Westwood; Esther M., married Ferdinand Andrews, and resides at Perth
Amboy, New Jersey.
(III) John G. Garbart, son of John (2) and Harriet (Graham) Garbart, was born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March
7, I864. He attended the public schools of Pittsburgh West End until thirteen years of age, then became a wage earner, working at whatever came in
his way that he was able to properly do. After working in this way for a
few years he determined upon a settled occupation and began learning the
carpenter's trade. From I884 until I894 he worked under George Swartz,
a building contractor of the West End, becoming an expert workman and
a foreman. In I894 he became foreman and superintendent of construction
under S. T. Verner, a large building contractor of Ingram, Pennsylvania,
continuing until the death of Mr. Verner ten years later. In I904 Mr.
Garbart purchased from the Verner heirs the business and estate left by
their father, and has since continued as builder and contractor, doing a
very large business in the Ingram district. During his years of preparation for the prosperous business he now conducts, Mr. Garbart took courses
in architectural drawing by correspondence and became competent to design
buildings and draw the plans from which he constructed them. Many of
the hundreds of buildings he has erected in Ingram and vicinity have been
of his own design and from his own well executed drawings and plans. In
1905 he erected his own brick residence on Verner avenue, Ingram. He is
highly regarded, not only as a capable builder and reliable contractor, but
as a good citizen, friend and neighbor. He is independent in politics, and
with his wife holds membership in the United Presbyterian Church of
Ingram. He is prominent in the Masonic Order, belonging to Crafton
Lodge, No. 653, Free and Accepted Masons; Cyrus Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons; Mount Moriah Council, Royal and'Select Masters; Chartiers Coln7o00I--,% 11
0WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
mandery, No. 78, Knights Templar, and is a thirty-second degree Mason
of Pennsylvania Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He also holds
membership in the order of Heptasophs and Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Garbart married, June IO, I890o, Dora J. Brimm, born in Robinson
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Daniel and Dorothy
Brimm, both born in Germany, later coming to the United States where
Daniel Brimm, now deceased, became a farmer of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Children: Helen M., born May 9, I89I; James Wilson, July 4,
I894; John G. (2), August 3, I899; Dorothy, November 24, I9OI; Charles,
April I4, I9o4; Esther L., September 24, I9IO.
The Ochse family is one of those which have come to America
OCHSE from Germany, and have brought to this country those habits
of thrift and industry so characteristic of the Germans.
Henry Ochse was born in Oberholzhausen, Frankenburg, Germany,
May I8, I820, died December 22, 1905. He emigrated to America in I839,
coming on a sailing vessel which took fifty-seven days for the passage. For
a short time he lived in Baltimore, Maryland, then removed to Etna, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he made his permanent home. He was
an iron mill worker all his life. At the time of his death he had spent more
years in Etna than anyone else living in the place at that time. He took a
deep interest in the public welfare of the community, was the first burgess
of Etna, and at different times filled all the other local offices. He was
president of the board of directors of the'West Liberty Orphans' Home,
and a charter member of the German Evangelical Church. Mr. Ochse married, in I84I, Mary Sutter, born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in I823,
was two years of age when brought to Etna by her parents, and died there
in I9OI, a daughter of John and Sarah Sutter, natives of Switzerland, who
were two years en route to this country. They first located in Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer, then came to Etna, driving their
cattle with them. Mr. and Mrs. Ochse have had children: I. John J., enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness,
died in the hospital at Washington, District of Columbia, January 24, I864,
and is buried in Etna. 2. Charles D., now deceased; was postmaster of
Etna for seventeen years. 3. Henry W., of further mention. 4. Samuel
J., now deceased; was in the insurance business. 5. Wilhelmina, married
John Landried. 6. Mary F., married William P. McKee. 7. Emma E. 8.
Louisa R., married John Metzger Jr.
Henry W. Ochse, son of Henry and Mary (Sutter) Ochse, was born
in Etna, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February I3, I850. He received
his education in the common schools, and then became a heater in a rolling
mill, an occupation he followed for some time. He then established himself in the dry goods business in Etna in I88o, and continued this until
June, I9o9. For many years he has been prominently identified with public
70IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
matters in Etna, and has been a staunch supporter of the Republican party.
He was burgess of Etna in I88'6 and has in turn filled all the offices of the
borough. As school director he has done much for the cause of education in
that section. In I893 he became a director of the poor, and served in this
office for a period of nineteen years, and October 20, I9IO, he was elected
president of the Pennsylvania Association of Directors of the Poor. In
March, I912, he was appointed to the board of county viewers, and is still
serving in this office. He is a member of all the Masonic bodies, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. In the last mentioned order he was the first exalted ruler
in Etna. Mr. Ochse married (first) in I872, Julia D. Neumeister, born in
I853, died in September, I903. He married (second) June 22, 90o5, Laura
Schumann, of Davenport and Kansas City.
The Williams family of Glassport, worthily represented
WILLIAMS in the present generation by Alfred D. Williams, actively
and prominently identified with various industries that add
to the prosperity and advancement of Glassport, is of Welsh origin, the early
members of the family passing their entire lives in Wales.
William C. Williams, father of Alfred D. Williams, was a native of
Wales, as was also his father, who was born, lived and died there. William
C. Williams was reared, educated and married in Wales, and in the year
1859 came to the United States, settling in the state of Maryland. At the
commencement of the Civil War he enlisted his services in behalf of his
adopted country, and served until the cessation of hostilities, his brother-inlaw, Adam Morgan, also serving throughout the entire period. His wife,
Harriet M. (Morgan) Williams, did not accompany her husband to this
country, and during the Civil War, fearing that he might have died, she came
to Maryland and upon his discharge from the service of the government
they met in Boston, Massachusetts. Her father died in Wales, and her
mother, Harriet Morgan, came to this country, making her home in Maryland, where her death occurred.  Subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Williams
went to Brewster, Ohio, and in I88o removed to West Newton, Pennsylvania, where they both died in the same year, 1893. During his residence
in West Newton Mr. Williams served as a practical miner in the Darr
Mines. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also'his wife, and he was an ardent Republican in politics. They were the
parents of six children: Sarah; Adam, deceased; William G.; David J.;
Hattie M., deceased; Alfred D., of whom further.
Alfred D. Williams was born in Barton, Maryland, August 12, I869.
His education was obtained in the schools of Brewster, Ohio, whither his
parents removed, and at age of eleven years they again moved to West
Newton, Pennsylvania. The following year he began work in a coal tipple,
oiling wagons, and later again resumed his studies, becoming a member of
the Scranton Correspondence School, and also attended night school at West
7o2WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Newton, thus greatly supplementing his early studies. At the age of twentyone, having mastered the trade of machinist, he took charge of a machine
shop at West Newton, and later was employed in the Darr Mines, and still
later in the Port Royal Mines Nos. I and 2. He then entered the employ
of Booth  Flinn, with whom he remained three years, and in I9o02 he came
to Glassport and purchased a substantial brick building and engaged in
the grocery and meat business, continuing for three years, at the expiration
of which time he engaged in the hotel business and has since been proprietor
of the Manhattan Hotel, he giving it that name. He has met with success
in this enterprise, he being thoroughly qualified to cater to people of taste
and refinement, and his house is the best patronized in that section. He also
organized the I. X.  L. Tire and Rubber Company, in June, 1913, of
which he is president, and later re-organized and capitalized it at $300,000
under the name of Williams Tire and Rubber Company, located at Vista,
Pennsylvania. He is also president of the Hamilton Land Improvement
Company at Vista, Pennsylvania. He is active in the ranks of the Republican party, but has never aspired to public office. He is a member of
Lodge No. 136, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at McKeesport;
life member of Aerie No. II85, Fraternal Order of Eagles, of Glassport;
member of Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Williams married, December 25, I890, Mattie May Marks, of
West Newton, Pennsylvania, daughter of James D. and Sarah Marks, the
former named a policeman of Glassport. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Williams: I. Ethel May, graduate of Glassport High School, Dillsworth Hall,
Pennsylvania College for Women at Pittsburgh, from which institution
she received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, graduating in social service
and music, and (I9I4) in Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, studying
music, and in the same year accepted position as teacher in German and
Latin in the Glassport High School. z. Alfred D. Jr., an attendant of the
Glassport High School; engaged with his brother, Clyde M., in the bicycle
and motor cycle repair and accessory business located at No. 707 Monongahela avenue, Glassport. 3. Clyde M., an attendant of the Glassport
High School. The family is among the highly respected ones in that section, enjoying the acquaintance of a large number of people, who appreciate
them at their true worth.
Frederick Snitger, for many years a merchant of Beaver,
SNITGER  Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and a native of Germany, accompanied his parents to the United States, they settling in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where their latter years were passed.
Both are buried near Perrysville, Pennsylvania.
Frederick Snitger early in life chose a mercantile career, making
Beaver, Pennsylvania, his field of labor, where he met with favorable success. One of his sons, William H., is now a merchant of that place, his
establishment located on Market street. Frederick Snitger was politically a
7o3WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Democrat, and with his wife a member of the Presbyterian church. He
married Martha Huch, like himself a native of Germany, and had issue:
I. Lavinia, deceased. 2. Henrietta, deceased. 3. Lewis, deceased. 4. William H., a merchant of Beaver, Pennsylvania. 5. Frank, deceased. 6.
Martha, married D. L. Clark, president of the Jewel Candy Company. 7.
Caroline. 8. Joseph B., of whom further.
Joseph B. Snitger, son of Frederick and Martha (Huch) Snitger, was
born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 20, I875. He was reared in
Beaver, and there obtained his education by attendance at the public
schools, beginning business life as a partner of a brother as Snitger Brothers,
the two conducting grocery dealings in Beaver. In I894 Mr. Snitger moved
to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, becoming associated with the firm of D. L.
Clark  Company. In I9io this concern was incorporated under the laws
of Pennsylvania as the Jewel Candy Company, its officers being D. L.
Clark, president; 0. M. Rodecap, vice-president; Joseph M. Snitger, treasurer, and E. O. Long, secretary. The company's plant is located at Nos. 905
and 907 Walnut street, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and here it has enjoyed
a prosperous continuance under its new direction, as under its old. Its
officers are men of recognized standing in business affairs, and by their
careful administration of the duties of their respective offices have come
to be a strong and vigorous organization, promoting to the fullest extent
the interests of the company, their policy having been one of conservative
expansion. To this rule Mr. Snitger is no exception, and he competently
handles the finances of the growing business. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in political matters is uninfluenced
by party obligations.
Mr. Snitger married, in March, I9o4, Cordelia, daughter of William
and Josephine (Means) Edmundson, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Mr.
and Mrs. Snitger have one son, Robert Smiley. The family home is at
No. 16I5 Manor avenue, McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
This branch of the German family of Keitzer had its foundKEITZER ing in the emigration to the United States of Conrad
Keitzer, born in Germany, settling in Whitehall, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, immediately upon arrival. His trade was that of
wagon-maker, and he was so employed until I893, when, his wife having
died about I891, he retired and passed his last days with his children, his
death occurring at the home of his daughter, Kate, in Baldwin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Both he and his wife are buried in Mount
Zion Cemetery, Whitehall, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Mary, were
members of the Lutheran Church, active in its work, regular and devoted
attendants at its services. Children of Conrad and Mary Keitzer: I.
Henry, a wagon-maker and carpenter, died in Baldwin township, Pennsylvania. 2. Kate, married John Rothair, and died in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 3. Caroline, married Christian Vondera, and
7o4WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
James Greenough was born December I5,'856, in Lancashire, England.
He passed his childhood and early youth in that country and there received
his education. At the age of twenty years, however, April 7, I876, he set
sail for the United States, and after a voyage lasting thirteen days he arrived
in this country. He went first to Port Perry, Pennsylvania, remained in that
place but a year, and in I877 went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On the
night of Saturday following the Pittsburgh riot, Mr. Greenough walked
from that city to Bellevue, Pennsylvania, and there has made his home ever
since. He stopped for a time with his uncle, Mr. John Greenough, who
as a young man had come to America, settling first in Scranton, PennsyIvania, where he secured a position as boss in a coal mine. He later removed
to Bellevue, where he died in the year I895, at which time he was engaged
in a contracting business. James Gree'nough was a coal miner, and worked
for some time for Joseph Brown, a mine owner. He later entered the contracting business, in which, for twenty-one years he has now been engaged,
and during this time he has paved almost all the streets in Bellevue. His
business has thus been extremely flourishing, and Mr. Greenough is now a
man of substance and a prominent figure in the community. He is active
in many ways in the town life, and finds time to give to many interests
beyond his mere business transactions. Mr. Greenough is a member of the
Republican party, and takes a keen interest in all political questions whether
they apply to the mere local running of affairs or have a more general
application. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, No. 339, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He is now a large property owner
on Carolyn avenue, Bellevue, and on the Walsen Place, where he owns
what is known as the Jack's Run Stone Quarry.
In I879, three years after his first arrival in the United States, Mr.
Greenough returned to England, and there, in the same year, married Ellen
Johnson, a native of Lancashire, England, Mr. Greenough's home county.
Miss Johnson was a daughter of William Johnson, a life-long resident in
England. Mr. and Mrs. Greenough shortly returned to America, and to
them have been born since then seven children, as follows: Peter, deceased; James Jr.; William, deceased; John, deceased; Mary Alice, died
July, 1911, at the age of twenty-three years; Ann, now nineteen years of
age; Ethel, aged seventeen, a graduate of the Bellevue High School and now
a student in the Parks Institute.
This is a partial record of a family more intimately conLUTTON nected with the history of Maryland than with that of Pennsylvania, although the line has been resident in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, since I844, when Benjamin Lutton came thither from
Maryland. He was a son of James and Eleanor Lutton, both born near
Baltimore, Maryland, in which state their lives were passed. They were the
parents of several children.
(II) Benjamin Lutton, son of James and Eleanor Lutton, was born
in Baltimore, Maryland, in I8o2, died in Pittsburgh North Side, in I874..
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I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~rWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
resides in Homestead, Pennsylvania. 4. Jacob, a carpenter, lives in Homestead, Pennsylvania. 5. Martha, married Henry Matthews, and lives in
Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 6. Louisa, married
Herman Freidel, and lives in Munhall, Pennsylvania. 7. George, of whom
further. 8. William, a farmer, near East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
George Keitzer, son of Conrad and Mary Keitzer, was born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August I, I86o, died in
Homestead, that county, September I, I906. After a public school education he learned the blacksmith's trade in West Liberty (Nineteenth Ward of
Pittsburgh), and for five years thereafter was associated in business with
his father at Whitehall. Moving to Homestead, Pennsylvania, he there
established in the manufacture of carriages and buggies, his place of business being on Eighth avenue between Amity and West, where he continued
until 1892, employing an average working force of ten men. In I902 he,
in conjunction with W. S. Bullock, G. B. L. Wickerham, D. R. Edwards,
Edward Rott, J. W. Bainbridge, C. W. Ashley, L. S. and Oscar Lawson, and
Miles McConnon, organized the Enterprise Land and Improvement Company, a concern that for a number of years conducted a large real estate
and building trade. Two years after its formation Mr. Keitzer withdrew
therefrom, engaging in independent dealings of the same nature until his
death. His personal success and the prosperity that came to him through
his enterprises meeting with favorable result came to him entirely through
his intelligently directed efforts, any project to which he committed himself
receiving his hearty and whole-souled support. He was content to stand
or fall by his first judgment, and in such excellent esteem was he held that
his faith in a business venture lent strength and stability to its organization.
His fair and open manner of business procedure won him many friends to
whom he was unknown outside of business relations, while he in private
life possessed a wide circle of tried and trusted friends who had tested the
depth of his character and found his true worth. He was a staunch Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Homestead, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Keitzer married, March 26, I885, Mary J. Gibson, born in Mount
Washington, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February I5, I866, daughter of
James and Margaret (Gildroy) Gibson, her father and mother both of
English descent, the former born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the latter in
England, coming to the United States with her parents when seven years of
age. Both parents grew to maturity in Pittsburgh, and after their marriage
lived for a time in the middle of the city, later moving to West End, where
her father was a farmer until his retirement, at one time owning considerable property and now, aged eighty years, retaining title to a part thereof.
He was a member of the Sixty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry during the Civil War. Her mother died in I9o8, aged sixty-two
years. James and Margaret (Gildroy) Gibson were the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are living at the present time. Children of
George and Mary J. (Gibson) Keitzer: I. William Gibson, born Decem7057WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ber 23, I887, an engineer, married Florence Wagner, and lives in Carnegie,
Pennsylvania. 2. Gilmer Roy, born June I, I89I, a law student, lives at
home. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Keitzer has lived at Ninth
avenue and West street, Homestead, Pennsylvania.
About the year I8I7, Stephen Mills came to, the "Forks of the
MILLS Allegheny" with his wife and two sons. He was of English
ancestry, the family coming from England and first settling in
the West Indies. After a few months spent in Bermuda, they came to the
United States, settling in New York state, on Long Island.
The founder of the family in this country, George Mills, came to
Jamaica, Long Island, about I656, and there reared a family, whose
descendants have scattered to every part of the United States.
(I) Stephen Mills, a shoemaker, married a Miss Osborne, about I8I7,
and settled on a farm in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He had two sons
and three daughters.
(II) Isaac Mills, eldest son of Stephen Mills, was born in New
York City in i8oi. He was the successful business man of the family and
became an important factor in the founding of the now important city of
Braddock. He came to Western Pennsylvania with his father when sixteen years of age and spent his early life on the Allegheny county farm.
In I826 he leased two hundred acres, and in I827 purchased the farm on the
Monongahela, now the third ward of Braddock. He became prosperous,
and in addition to an active life in the business world was prominent in
church and educational work. He was one of the founders and charter
members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in B,raddock and
continued its chief pillar for many years. He was one of the founders of
Bethany College and for many years he had a scholarship in the college at
his disposal.  He married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Snodgrass,
descendant of an ancient Scotch-Irish family. Children: Mary, Eliza,
Isaac, Helena, Rachel, Nancy J., Charles, James K., Stephen, Samuel.
(III) Isaac (2) Mills, son of Isaac (I) and Elizabeth (Snodgrass)
Mills, was born at the old Mill's homestead, now the third ward of the city
of Braddock, Pennsylvania, January 2I, I838, died in Braddock, March
4, I902. He was well educated in public and private schools, and worked
on the farm until I86I when he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, United States army, going out as
sergeant and coming home with a captain's commission. He served three
years, participated in many battles, marched with Sherman from "Atlanta
to the sea," and when his term expired received an honorable discharge. On
his return home he opened a store on Liberty street, Pittsburgh, dealing in
cement, sewer pipe and mason's materials. He added to his mercantile
lines the business of contracting, being the pioneer contractor of the various
kinds of cement construction in Pittsburgh. One of the buildings that he
fitted out with cement basement and window casings, the Christ Magee
home, is still standing. He continued in successful business in Pittsburgh
7o6WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
for twenty years, but retained his residence in Braddock. After twenty
years in active business, he retired, and after his father's death, he
devoted his time to the management and settlement of the estate left by
the latter. The old farm he divided into streets and building lots, which
soon attained great value, his brother, James K., being also associated with
him in the work of handling the property. In time the land was covered
with buildings and was added to the city of Braddock as the third ward.
Isaac Mills served two terms as burgess of Braddock and was always active
in public affairs. He was a Republican in politics, a member of the church,
Disciples of Christ, the Grand Army of the Republic and the Union Veteran
Legion. He was universally respected and held in highest esteem where
best known.
Isaac Mills married, December 5, 1865, Mary E. Nichols, born in
Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Sarah
(Hartzell) Nichols, both of German parentage. Sarah Hartzell's parents
were of German birth and speech and resided on a farm near Canton,
Ohio, and had twelve sons, and two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth. John
Nichols was a man of education and was principal of a school near his
Ohio home. Later he moved to Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
where he established a general store which he conducted until his death,
also for a few of his later years engaged in cement manufacture. He lived
in Baden and Freedom, and for several years was postmaster at both places
but at different times. He died at the age of sixty-one years, his wife at
the age of fifty-eight years. Children: I. Hampton, a farmer of Economy
township. 2. Elizabeth, married Dr. David Shanor, of Unionville, Pennsylvania. 3. Adelia, married Joseph L. Everage, a wholesale merchant of
Zanesville, Ohio. 4. David, for twenty-three years supervisor of the United
States census bureau, resided in Washington, D. C. 5. Mary E., now
widow of Isaac Mills and with her youngest brother, John, the last of their
family. 6. John, a grocer of West Newton, Pennsylvania, married Georgia
Loop. Children of Isaac and Mary E. (Nichols) Mills: I. Charles P.,
now chief clerk for the Cambria Steel Company; resides in Johnstown;
married Esther Cunningham. 2. Alice M., married John Hay, an expert in
steel manufacturing; resides at Woodlyn, Delaware county, Pennsylvania.
3. Edgar R., chief clerk for the Columbia Steel and Shafting Company, at
Rankin, Pennsylvania; married Sarah Markle. 4. Arthur N., inspector for
the United States government at Panama; married Ada McMichaels.
5. Ralph J., an employee of the Carnegie Steel Company; resides at Braddock; married Beatrice Rose. 6. Henry Clay, paymaster for the McClintock Marshall Company; resides at Swissvale, Pennsylvania; married Alma
Fax. 7. Eliza Adelia, died aged one year. Mrs. Mary E. (Nichols) Mills
continues her residence at the old home, No. 417 Braddock avenue, Braddock.
A great number of the residents of a large city are
BLOCKINGER men of foreign birth, who have sought a home in the
New World which offered larger opportunities for
707WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
advancement and progress, and among the men of this class resident in
Carrick, Pennsylvania, is August Blockinger, who is now living retired
from active business pursuits, enjoying the pleasures of life, a well-earned
rest from years of toil.
(I) Peter Blockinger, grandfather of August Blockinger, a descendant
of French ancestry, was born in Alsace, near the town of Strassburg, then
France, now Germany. He fought under Napoleon during his early manhood. He was the proprietor of a country hotel and lodging house on a
main thoroughfare in his native place, and in I842 he and his wife emigrated to the United States in company with their son, Louis, and finally
located on South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where their deaths occurred and their remains are interred in old St. Michael's Cemetery. His
wife, Anna Blockinger, also a native of Alsace, bore him five children:
I. Louis, of whom further. 2. Lucas, was a blacksmith by trade; served in
the Civil War; resided on South Side, Pittsburgh. 3. Peter, was a mould
maker in glass factories; resided on South Side, Pittsburgh. 4. Cecelia,
married William Renner, proprietor of a confectionery store in Columbus,
Ohio. 5. Frances, married Blossey Marlot, who conducted a grocery and
milk dairy; resided on South Side, Pittsburgh.
(II) Louis Blockinger, son of Peter Blockinger, was born in Alsace,
near the town of Strassburg, now part of Germany, I8Io, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I896, aged eighty-six years. He was reared, educated and married in his native land, and in 1842, accompanied by his
parents and family, emigrated to the United States, settling at first in New
Orleans, Louisiana. Later he purchased a farm in Lawrence county,
Indiana, which was then in the wilderness, and this he cleared and cultivated, and the year following the big fire in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
came to Allegheny City, now part of Pittsburgh, where he worked at
Saw Mill Run, in the blacksmith department of a rolling mill. The family
then removed to South Side, Pittsburgh, and the father worked as a teaser
in the glass factory. His next employment was in Louth's Rolling Mill,
and then for Jones  Laughlin, who absorbed the business of Louth 
Debold.
He married  (first) Francisca Champion, born in France, 1812,
died I845, who bore him four children: I. Louis, deceased; was a bottle
blower by trade; served for three years in the regular army prior to the
Civil War and served for the five years in the Civil War; was wounded
by Indians at Fort Larimer, fighting the Black Hawks, prior to the Civil
War. 2. Louise, married Jacob Hammer, a shoemaker; resided in Pittsburgh, where their deaths occurred. 3. Joseph, deceased; lived on South
Side, Pittsburgh; was a heater in a rolling mill. 4. August, of/whom further.
Mr. Blockinger and his first wife were members of the Roman Catholic
Church. He married (second)        Lininger, who died a few years later;
no children. He married (third) Mrs. Anna Greeninger, a widow, born in
Germany, came to this country, locating in Pittsburgh in young womanhood;
708WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
she had three children by her first husband, as follows: Mirot, resides in
Wheeling, West Virginia; Sefrain, deceased; Stephanis, married John
Mosyan, both deceased.
(III) August Blockinger, son of Louis Blockinger, was born in Alsace,
then France, now Germany, August 3I, I841. He attended St. Michael's
parochial school and later a night school, thus acquiring a practical education. He began his active business career at the age of twelve years,
securing employment in Mulaney's glass factory. His next employment
was in a brickyard, where he worked during the summer months, and he
then became an employee in Louth  Debold's rolling mill, being employed
in the sheet mill. His next employment was as heater in the sheet mill, after
which he accepted a similar position with the firm of Morehead  McLean,
with whom he remained for twenty years, and subsequently he was employed in a public rolling mill. He resided on the South Side, Pittsburgh,
at the corner of Twenty-sixth and Carson streets, until I9O2, when he sold
his property and purchased a house at No. 252 Boulevard, Carrick, where
he is living retired. He has been industrious and frugal, hence is enabled
to pass his declining years without labor, free from worry and care.
Mr. Blockinger married (first) in I862, Josephine Daschbaugh, born on
South Side, Pittsburgh, died I869. She was a regular attendant of the
Roman Catholic Church, as was also her husband. Children: I. Mary, married James Austin, a grocer; resides in Pittsburgh. 2. William, resides in
Portsmouth, Ohio; a sheet roller by trade. 3. Josephine, married Jacob
Lantz, a foreman in the steel works; resides in Carrick, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Blockinger married (second) in I872, Mrs. Mary (Berg) Iliff, a widow
with two children, namely: Leta, married George Daschbach, and resides
in San Diego, California; Clara, married W. J. Benchart, and resides in
Carrick, Pennsylvania. Mr. Blockinger had one child by his second wife,
Luella, married Alva W. Smith, a manufacturer; resides in Aspinwall,
Pennsylvania. Mrs. Blockinger, who was a Lutheran in religion, died in
April, I909.
From  far-away Ge,rmany came Peter May, and, on a
MAY-LUTZ different date, John Lutz, the former settling in Chicago,
Illinois, the latter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Many
years thereafter a son of the former and a daughter of the latter met in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were mutually attracted and married. Four years
thereafter a fatal accident on the hunting field ended the career of the
husband, and since I886 the sombre garments of a widow has been the
wife's portion. She is a resident of Carrick, Pennsylvania, a lady beloved
and respected. Both families were of ancient German lineage and in prosperous circumstances, influential in their communities.
Peter May was born in 1831, in the city of Trier (the German name
of Treves), a city of Rhenish Prussia, situated on the right bank of the river
Moselle, probably the oldest town in Germany. Here in the shadow of the
venerable cathedral, containing the famous "Seamless Coat," he grew to
709  WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
manhood and became skillful in tanning leather, one of the principal industries of Trier. He married, in his native city, Elizabeth Von Meltzhiemer,
of an old and prominent Prussian family, and soon afterwards came to the
United States with his bride. He located in Chicago, where he employed
his expert knowledge of tanning leather to good advantage. He became
the owner of a large tannery and conducted a most prosperous business
until his death in I896. He built a fine residence on Chicago's North Side
and there maintained his aristocratic wife in even greater comfort and
luxury than she had been accustomed to in her German home as a
daughter of a wealthy man and distant connection of royalty. Children:
I. Elizabeth, married Herbert Monzell, a foreman in Clark's furniture
factory, Chicago. 2. Gertrude, married Charles Lowry, a broker of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 3. John, of further mention.
John May, youngest child and only son of Peter and Elizabeth (Von
Meltzhiemer) May, was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 2I, I857, died
March 4, I886. His father, a man of wealth, gave him all the advantages
of a classical education, for which he prepared in the grammar and high
schools of Chicago. After completing a brilliant college career, he entered
business life in Milwaukee, where he became superintendent of one of the
important departments of the Chicago, Milwaukee  St. Paul Railroad.
There he married and lived until his tragic death four years later in Arizona,
where he was visiting friends. He was fond of field sports, particularly
hunting, and while preparing for a day's shooting with his friends, his
gun was accidentally discharged, with fatal result to himself. He was a
man of fine intellectual quality and business ability, kindly, affectionate
nature and greatly beloved by family and friends.
John May married, April 30, I882, Margaret Lutz, born in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, the house in which she was born being demolished, with
others, in preparing a site for the present Union Depot. Children: I.
Cecelia, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 4, I883; married A. J. Hauser,
a funeral director, and resides at No. 414 Chartiers street, McKees Rocks,
Pennsylvania; she has a daughter, Cecelia, born December I9, I9o8. 2.
John (2), born in Milwaukee, July 25, 1885; now a resident of Akron,.
Ohio, connected with the Goodyear Rubber Company; he married Alice
Friend, and has a son, John (3), born May 5, 1I93.
Mrs. May is the daughter of John and Catherine (Keeling) Lutz, her
father of German birth, her mother a Pennsylvanian. John Lutz was born
in Cassel, a city of Prussia, capital of the province of Hesse-Nassau, situated
on both banks of the river Fulda, on May Io, I824, died in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, March Io, I897. He was the son of Frederick and Gertrude
Lutz, who both died in Germany, he a prominent contractor of the city of
Cassel. John Lutz grew to manhood amid the beautiful surroundings of
his native city, Cassel, being unsurpassed in its profusion of statues, public
monuments, art museums and beautiful public gardens. He was an educated, trained and capable civil engineer, coming to the United States when
7IOWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a young man, the only member of his family that left their native land.
He located in Pittsburgh, where he married and became proprietor of the
American House, which stood on the present site of the Union Depot. He
remained proprietor of the American House for several years, then moved
to the South Side, where he was interested in a bank and conducted a coal
yard until his retirement several years prior to his death at his residence on
Sarah street. He married Catherine Keeling, born in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1832, died December 8, I893, in
Pittsburgh. She was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Keeling, both
born in Prussia and there married. Soon after their marriage Joseph and
Elizabeth Keeling came to the United States, locating in Greensburg,
where all their children were born. He was a successful real estate dealer
for many years, later moving to Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, dying in Pittsburgh, aged seventy-eight years. He was a large land owner, managed
several farms of his own, but employed men to do the actual work. Prior
to coming to the United States, Mr. Keeling served in the imperial army.
Children of John and Catherine (Keeling) Lutz: I. May, married William
Trimber, whom she survives, a resident of Niles, Ohio. 2. John, a hardware merchant, on Ophelia street, Pittsburgh. 3. Margaret, widow of-John
May. 4. Frank, superintendent of the Empire Building, Pittsburgh, a resident of the South Side. 5. William, died unmarried. 6. Henry, a contractor
of Pittsburgh. Children of Frederick and Gertrude (Lutz) Keeling (grandparents of Mrs. May): I. Henry, deceased; was a millionaire coal operator
and merchant of Greensburg. 2. Gertrude, married Martin Kappler, both
deceased. 3. Elizabeth, married Joseph Fisher, a brick manufacturer of
Pittsburgh, North Side. 4. Catherine, married John Lutz (Mrs. May's
father). 5. Mary, married Joseph Erney, an oil operator and brick manufacturer of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania.
Margaret (Lutz) May was educated in the South Side public schools,
later lived in Chicago, and after her marriage to John May, resided in Milwaukee until his death. She then returned to Pittsburgh, her native city,
living there until I899, then erected her present home, No. 2633 Brownsville road, Carrick, Pennsylvania. The May and L,utz families have been
devoted members of the Roman Catholic Church for many generations, Mr.
and Mrs. May both communicants of that faith.
The late Samuel G. Vogeley, who for many years was one
VOGELEY of the representative citizens of Mount Oliver, residing
there for more than two decades, was a descendant of a
German ancestry, which country has furnished so many of our patriotic
and public-spirited citizens, men who have been willing to give up their
lives if necessary for the preservation of the principles of the land of their
adoption.
Conrad Vogeley, father of Samuel G. Vogeley, was born in the kingdom of Baden, Germany, I8i6, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1883. He
7IIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was reared, educated and learned the trade of shoemaker in his native land,
which he left upon attaining young manhood, coming to the United States
and settling in Pittsburgh, on the South Side, at No. IOIO Bradford street,
where he spent the remainder of his days. He followed his trade in that
city, and being a man of industry and thrift was enabled to provide a comfortable home for his family. He was a member of the German Evangelical Church. He married, in Pittsburgh, Katherine Snyder, born in the
kingdom of Baden, Germany, I82I, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I895.
She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children
were: I. Thomas, deceased, was an oil well driller. 2. George, deceased,
was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. John, died I912; he was a glass
worker; resided on South Side, Pittsburgh. 4. Elizabeth, married George
Becker, a baker by trade; both deceased; they resided on South Side, Pittsburgh. 5. William, an oil operator, resides in Wilkinsburg. 6. Albert, a
machinist, resides in Beaver Falls. 7. Robert, deceased; was a glass manufacturer; resided in Beaver Falls. 8. Samuel G., of whom further. 9.
Sarah, married Benjamin Brown. Io. Edward, an oil merchant, resides in
East End, Pittsburgh.
Samuel G. Vogeley was born on Bradford street, South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April I9, 1859, died in Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania,
February 7, 1907. He attended the common schools in the vicinity of his
home, completing his studies at the age of thirteen years. He then entered
the employ of Adams  Company, glass manufacturers, and was employed
in the making of glass moulds, and his connection with this company extended over a period of thirty years, a record which speaks eloquently for
his efficiency and trustworthiness. He became an expert in the designing
of glass ware and lamps, being noted throughout the length and breadth
of the glass manufacturing district. In I885 he took up his residence in
Mount Oliver, locating at No. II9 Arlington avenue, where his death occurred, and where his widow is living at the present time (I914). He was
a member of Bingham Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in which his wife
also holds membership, and he was a staunch adherent of the principles
of the Republican party.
Mr. Vogeley married, October I, i885, Sarah Ella Eicher, born on
Ninth street, South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and
Sarah (Clark) Eicher, and they became the parents of four children: I.
Ralph G., born August 3I, I886; in the employ of the government; married Elizabeth Eaton; resides in Mount Oliver. 2. Clyde E., born January
24, I888; a moulder by trade; married Eva Reynolds; resides on Knox
avenue, Knoxville. 3. Elmer, born May ii, I89I, died I895. 4. Irene
Dorothy, born December 2, 1905; a student in the schools of Mount Oliver.
John Eicher, father of Mrs. Vogeley, was born in the Ligonier valley,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February I2, I824, died May 22,
i886. His parents were also natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the father a shoemaker
712WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
by trade. John Eicher was reared in his native county, educated in the
common schools, and later learned the trade of making nails. In young
manhood he removed to Pittsburgh, locating on the South Side, and in
that city married Sarah Clark, born in England, October 27, I837, died
March 13, I9IO, daughter of Jediah Clark, a native of England, a cabinet
maker by trade, emigrating to this country and locating in Pittsburgh when
his daughter Sarah was six months old; he died in that city in middle life.
Mr. and Mrs. Eicher were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and Mr. Eicher served for six months during the latter part of the Civil
War. Mr. and Mrs. Eicher were the parents of nine children: I. Lydia, married Isaac Ambler; both deceased; resided at Mount Washington, Pennsylvania. 2. Mary Kate, married Thomas D. Thomas, now deceased; she
resides in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. 3. Thomas, a stationary engineer;
married Elizabeth Barr; resides in Mount Washington, Pennsylvania. 4.
Wesley, drowned at age of three years. 5. Joseph Walton, an employee
of the Westinghouse Electric Company; married Molly Hensel; resides in
Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. 6. Margaret Elizabeth, married George B.
Blood; resides on South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 7. Carrie May,
married William D. Jones, now deceased; she resides in Mount Oliver,
Pennsylvania. 8. Ida Belle, married George Slater, now deceased; she
resides in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 9. Sarah Ella, widow of Samuel G.
Vogeley, aforementioned.
The name of Kelley is associated in this country and in the
KELLEY North of Ireland, whence they had migrated during the
religious persecutions, with honorable records, and they have
always borne their share bravely in upholding the principles of good government.
(I) William Newton Kelley and four brothers-Samuel, John, David
and James-were born in the North of Ireland, members of a sturdy
Presbyterian family. In the very early part of the nineteenth century these
five brothers emigrated to the United States, settled at Philadelphia, and
there engaged in the contracting business. They constructed a large section
of the Juniata canal, the old one, also a portion of the original Pennsylvania
Railroad, west of Philadelphia. William Newton, John and David located
on farms in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and William Newton also conducted a large general store. He had the spirit of the true pioneer in him,
and when Mercer county began to be more thickly settled, it became too
crowded for his taste, and he removed with his family, with the exception
of his son John J., to Wisconsin, then a wilderness. There they cleared a
large farm, and cultivated this successfully.  As more settlers came to
Wisconsin, he removed still farther west, this time taking up land in
Oregon, but finally returned to his home in Wisconsin, where he died at
a very advanced age. He was a man of dignified presence, and an extraordinary amount of executive ability.  In all these settlements, he never
713WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He grew to manhood in the place if his birth and there resided until about
J844, when he moved to Pittsburgh, in the mills of which city he found
employment as a copper and steel roller, passing the remaining years of his
life in that place. He married Jane (Perrine) Lutton, the widow of his
brother, James. Children of her first marriage: William Henry, born
October 30, I823, died in I9IO; Mary Ann, born February 23, 1826. Children of Benjamin and Jane -(Perrine) (Lutton) Lutton: James Taylor,
born January I, I829; Elizabeth Taylor, born Novemiber 3, I83I, died August
26, I833; Elizabeth Jane, born March 30, 1834; Eleanor, born November
7, I836; Benjamin, born May 4, I839, died in I903; Susanna, born January 25, I842; John, born August I8, I845; Albert, of whom further.
(III) Albert Lutton, son of Benjamin and Jane (Perrine) (Lutton)
Lutton, was born in Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 7,
I849. His boyhood home was on the North Side, and here he attended the
public schools, finishing his studies in the Iron City College. His first position in the business world was as bookkeeper, after which he became one of
the proprietors of a toy store on Federal street, Pittsburgh, the firm name
being Balsley  Lutton. He held other business connections, and prospered materially, his reputation as a man of responsible position and unquestioned business probity being gained through years of upright and fair
dealing with his fellows. He was a Republican in political sympathy, and for
eleven years filled the office of city assessor of Pittsburgh, an office of great
importance and requiring an incumbent of no small ability. He fraternized
with the Knights of Pythias, and- with his wife and daughter attended the
Presbyterian Church, to which Mrs. Lutton and her daughter now belong.
His death occurred February II, 1904, the sincere regret of his friends
and business associates speaking plainly the manner of man he was.
Mr. Lutton married, May I5, I877, Lillie, born on Ohio street, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in I855, daughter of Adam and Jane (Irvin)
Bepler, her father born in Germany in I823, died in Allegheny City in
1876, her mother a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, born in 1829,
died in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1905. Adam Bepler
left the land of his birth when sixteen years of age, and after coming to
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, established omnibus service between Pittsburgh and Woods Run, also becoming proprietor of the Bull's Head Hotel,
which he conducted for some years. He then went to the west for a short
time, upon his return making his home in Pittsburgh and there conducting
a hotel, subsequently building the Farmers' Hotel, in the management of
which he prospered to a gratifying degree. Children of Adam and Jane
(lrvin) Bepler: William, deceased; Anna Mary, deceased; Lillie, of previous mention, married Albert Lutton; Adam; Charles; Robert Francis, deceased; George Albert; Ida Louisa, deceased; Jennie V. Children of Albert
and Lillie (Bepler) Lutton: Charles Elmer, born April 3, I878, died in
November, I88i; Alice May, born in Allegheny City, May 19, i88o, educated in the public schools of that city, married, June I, I914, Joseph
Charles Mitchell.
5474WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
did any of the labor personally, contenting himself with being the guiding
spirit of the enterprises. His invariable attire was a dress coat, a stiff
shirt, a large white choker, and a silk high hat.
(II) John J. Kelley, son of William Newton Kelley, was born in
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in I82'4, died in I907. In early manhood he
removed to Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of
millwright and carpenter. He then located in Slippery Rock township,
where he carried on a contracting business along his line of trade. He
employed a large force of men, and erected almost all of the mills and many
of the houses in Butler county. During the winter months, when it was
not possible to carry on outdoor work, he was busied with cabinet making.
At the time of the Civil War he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtyfourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he held the
rank of adjutant. He served about nine months, being obliged to resign
by reason of ill health. He was an active participant in the battle of
Antietam, and a number of other important skirmishes, in which he displayed bravery and gallantry. He gave his staunch political support to
the old-school Democrats, was justice of the peace for many years in later
life, and was known as "Squire" Kelley. In I898 he removed to Ellwood
City, Pennsylvania, and lived there in retirement until his death.
Mr. Kelley married Elvira Leech, born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in I828, died in I9o8. John Leech, her grandfather, was of English
birth, and came to America long before the Revolution, where he was
among the first to settle in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and died at the
age of ninety-eight years. Morris, son of John Leech, lived near Clarksville, Mercer county, where he was the owner of a general store and a
large farm. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church; he died at the
age of seventy-five years. He married, and had children: Elvira, mentioned above; Bertha, married Rev. John Morton, a minrister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have had children:
I. Morris Leech, of further mention. 2. William N., proprietor of the
Mispah Restaurant, in Philadelphia, where he lives; married Sarah Hopkins. 3. Maria, married Fremont Dennis, an oil operator, lives in Texas.
4. Ellen, died unmarried. 5. Clara, married John Walker, stationer; lives
at Erie, Pennsylvania. 6. Dielos Morton, went to the Klondike in the gold
rush, and died there. 7. Franklin, lives at Detroit, Michigan, w'here he is
the proprietor of a restaurant.  8. Harriet, married Joseph Richards, a
railroad man, and lives at East Pittsburgh.
(III) Morris Leech Kelley, son of John J. and Elvira (Leech) Kelley, was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
December 30, I849. At first he attended the public schools of his native
towns'hip, and this training was supplemented by a course at a then popular
academy at Dunkirk, New York. Upon the completion of his school
education he took up the carpenter's trade under the able supervision and
teaching of his father, and during the winter of his eighteenth year came
7I4IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to Pittsburgh and worked in the drug store of L. H. White, at No. 187
Federal street, continuing this for three winters. In this manner he obtained a practical working knowledge of the drug business which he could
have obtained in no other way so thoroughly. During the summers of
these years he worked for his father in the carpentering business. The
next two years were spent in association with his father, in the oil fields
of Armstrong and Venango counties, w'here they filled contracts for the
erection of oil rigs, hotels, and other building which this section demanded
at the time. In the course of ten years Mr. Kelley had amassed a considerable fortune, and then purchased a drug store at Slippery Rock,
Pennsylvania, and conducted this four years. In 1887 he removed to
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he purchased the drug store of B. E.
Prichard, on the Market House corner, and was very successful in his
conduct of this. In December, I912, he erected a fine three-story brick
building on Market street, covering a ground space of forty by seventy
feet, and had this fitted up in the most modern manner. There are two
stores on the ground floor and apartments above these. The drug store
of Mr. Kelley occupies one-half of the lower floor, and is the best supplied
store of its kind in this section of the state. The fraternal affiliation of
Mr. Kelley is as follows: Youghiogheny Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; McKeesport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; McKeesport Commandery, Knights Templar; Pittsburgh Consistory, Scottish Rite; Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; McKeesport Lodge,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the winter of I9II-I2, Mr. Kelley
and his wife made a trip around the world on t'he "Cleveland," touching
at many countries, and consuming four months on the journey.
Mr. Kelley married (first) in August, I873, Sophie Kiester, born in
Slippery Rock township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, died in I889, a
daughter of John and Sophie Kiester, the former a farmer, and both
now deceased. He married (second) in October, I893, Sarah, born at
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, died in I907, a daughter of Frank and Mary
Toryson, the former a Civic War veteran. He married (third) in August,
I9o8, Catherine Riley, a native of Pittsburgh. Children by first marriage:
I. Rena Florence, married Curtis Coyle, proprietor of a general store at
Cornersburg, Ohio.  2. Charles N., a druggist of Pittsburgh; married
Margaret Campbell. 3. Ella, married R. Joseph Trimble; lives at West
Side, Pittsburgh. 4. Clara V., married Edward Wall Smith, a salesman;
lives at Alleg'heny.  5. Frances V., married William  Robison; lives in
Atlantic City, New Jersey. 6. Lester, a surveyor in the employ of the
state. 7. John K., a resident of Philadelphia. 8. Benjamin F., unmarried,
is in partnership with his father, Morris Leech Kelley. By the second
marriage there was one child: Morris Thayer, now seventeen years of
age, who attends college.
7156WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Rosensteels came to Franklin township, AlleROSENSTEEL gheny county, Pennsylvania, from Germany, Jacob
and Catherine (Verner) Rosensteel marrying in Germany and coming to that township prior to the year I8oo. Jacob Rosensteel bought one hundred and fifty acres of timber land of Judge Wilkins,
cleared a farm and there resided until death. Jacob Rosensteel came to
America prior to the Revolution and served in t'he American army during
that war, losing an eye in battle. It was not until later in life that he
settled in Franklin township. Children: Andrew, Philip, Joseph, Frederick, Hannah, Dorothy, Lavinia.
(II) Andrew Rosensteel, son of Jacob, Rosensteel, the Revolutionary
soldier, was born shortly after the settlement in Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He there grew to manhood and after his
marriage became the owner of fifty acres of the original homestead farm,
purchasing from his father at the price of one dollar per acre. This old
farm was held in the Rosensteel name from about I8oo until I9o9. Andrew
Rosensteel married Nancy McDonald, born in Pennsylvania, daughter of
William  and Mary (Wright) McDonald, her father born in Scotland,
her mother born in Ireland. William and Mary McDonald came to the
United States prior to the Revolution and settled in Harden county, Ohio,
after the war was over. William McDonald was a Revolutionary soldier,
serving in the cavalry, furnishing his own horses. He entered the service
with three horses, one of them surviving and returning with him from the
war. The family did not remain in Ohio, but later returned to Pennsylvania. Children of William and Mary (Wright) McDonald: Alexander,
William, Joseph, James, died in the Union army during the Civil War;
Mary Ann, married a Mr. Young; Nancy, married Andrew Rosensteel;
Jane; and Prudence, married  ~ Winters. Andrew and Mary (McDonald)
Rosensteel had issue: Catherine, Hannah, William, Jacob, Alexander,
Andrew (2), of further mention, Jane, Matilda, Crawford Boggs. Two
of the sons, Jacob and Alexander, were Union soldiers, serving in the
Civil War.
(III) Andrew (2) Rosensteel, son of Andrew (I) and Nancy (McDonald) Rosensteel, was born in Franklin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, at the Rosensteel homestead, February 28, I847. He lived
with his parents, engaged in farming until his marriage in I868, then
in I869 built his present residence and barn, the present one being the
second one that has sheltered his stock and crops. Mr. Rosensteel was
formerly a Presbyterian, but when the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Hopkins Corners was abandoned, he organized a Sunday school, of which
he has been superintendent for nine years. Through his efforts in maintaining a live Sunday school the church was reolrganized and is again under
charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church conference.  During the
nine years he has been superintendent he has been at his post
every Sunday with two exceptions. He is a Republican in politics and
7i6WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
has served his township as justice of the peace, school director and supervisor.
Mr. Rosensteel married, in February, I866, Mary D., daughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth (Duff) Wood. Samuel Wood, born in New Jersey,
came to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, when a young man and for several years taught school during the winter months and farmed during the
summer time. He married Elizabeth Duff, born on the Duff homestead,
now occupied in part by Andrew Rosensteel. She was a daughter of David
and Margaret (Mears) Duff, her father a miller and farmer.  David
Duff patented the tract, originally containing two hundred acres, heavily
timbered. He erected a mill, house and barns, cleared a large part of the
farm and there resided until death. He was known as "Squire Duff" from
the fact that he was justice of the peace, and was, everywhere held in the
highest esteem. He was kindly hearted and generous, responding to every
demand upon his sympathy. He prospered abundantly and is remembered
in Pittsburgh by Duff's Business College, named in his honor, his activities extending to that city. Children: Elizabeth, Ware, Mary, Nancy,
Lavina, James, Thomas, William. Children of Samuel and Elizabeth (Duff)
Wood: Mary D., wife of Andrew  (2) Rosensteel; Thomas, David and
William. Parents and children were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Children of Andrew and Mary D. (Wood) Rosensteel: I. Walter, now
an oil well worker on the Hague farm in Franklin township. 2. David W.,
of Ambridge, Pennsylvania. 3. Gilbert A., of Butler county, Pennsylvania. 4. Edna Blanche, deceased.
With the early settlement in Washington county, PennsylCROOKS  vania, of Henry Crooks, this record begins. HIe was the
owner of a large tract of land, which he cleared and cultivated, also holding title to property the cultivation or improvement of
which he did not attempt. Both he and his wife held membership in the
Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder for many years. He was
thrice married, a Miss Roseberry his second wife, Elizabeth Donaldson
his third, being the father of several children by his first marriage and of
three by his third. The last were: I. Elizabeth, married Robert Farrar,
a farmer, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 2. Andrew,
died in Iowa. 3. Henry Richard, of whom further.
(II) Henry Richard Crooks, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Donaldson)
Crooks, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, died in McDonald,
Pennsylvania, about I907, being buried in Candor, Pennsylvania. He was
reared in the county of his birth, and after his marriage made his home
on the homestead of his wife's family, caring for her parents in their old
age and managing a hotel of which the Walker's were the proprietors.
After the death of his wife's father he returned to Washington county,
his wife having also died in her old home, and there married a second time,
living on a portion of the old Crooks homestead. After a few years he
717WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
retired and moved to McDonald, where he directed the erection of a modern
and handsomely appointed residence, where he lived until his death, his
widow surviving him to the present time. His faith was that of his father,
she also belonging to the Presbyterian Church, and politically he was a loyal
Republican. He married (first) Hannah Walker, born on the Steubenville
pike, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Ann
Walker, her parents residents of Allegheny county, her father the owner
of an extensive tract of land and the proprietor of a tavern on the Steubenville pike. They were Presbyterians in religion. They had children: I.
2. and 3. Rebecca, Anna Mary, and Sarah, all died in young womanhood,
between the ages of twenty and thirty years. 4. Hannah, of previous mention, married Henry Richiard Crook. 5. Isaac, died near the homestead
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 6. Joseph, died in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. Children of the first marriage of Henry Richard Crooks:
I. Andrew, a retired farmer, lives in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. 2. Dorcas,
died aged eighteen years. 3. Henry Richard (2), of whom further. Children
of the second marriage of Henry Richard Crooks: 4. Ariel, married James
Reeder, and resides at Hughesville, Pennsylvania. 5. Francis, lives with
his widowed mother at McDonald, Pennsylvania.
(III) Henry Richard (2) Crooks, son of Henry Richard (I) and
Hannah (Walker) Crooks, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania,
September 30, I855, died in Oakdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June
5, I905. He was educated in Geneva College. He inherited one hundred
and sixty-five acres of the maternal'homestead in young manhood and became a farmer in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
This occupation he followed for eight years, in I89I retiring to Oakdale,
Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. He was a communicant of tile
United Presbyterian Church, as is his wife, and was a strong Republican
sympathizer.
He married, April 3, 1883, Sarah Agnes (Sadie) Mevey, born in North
Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1858, daughter
of Samuel Pryor and Sarah (Donehoo) Mevey. Samuel Pryor Mevey was
a son of Benjamin Alexander (2) Mevey, who was a son of Benjamin Alexander (I) Mevey. Benjamin Alexander (I) Mevey was a native of Maryland, and with his wife, Prudence (Pryor) Mevey, born in the same state,
came to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the latter part of the eighteenth
century, purchasing land from the Penn heirs, a tract of about three hundred
acres. The most primitive conditions of life prevailed in that locality at
the time, the pioneer settler encountering discouraging difficulties in securing desired supplies, both for daily use and in the improvement of his land,
and more serious still, braving all manner of danger from violence at the
hand of savage beasts and men. His cabin occupied a site opposite the
present Mevey home, and there he and his wife died, both being buried in
the Robinson Cemetery. He was a founder of the Presbyterian Church
at McDonald, and served that organization as elder for a long time. Chil718WESTERN PENNSYLVAN IA
dren of Benjamin Alexander (I) and Prudence (Pryor) Mevey: I. Benjamin Alexander, of whom further. 2. Prudence, married James Vanatta,
and died at Half Crown Run, Pennsylvania.
Benjamin Alexander (2) Mevey, son of Benjamin Alexander (I) and
Prudence (Pryor) Mevey, was born on the homestead near McDonald,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there died, in I866. He was reared
in this place, and upon the death of his father inherited the homestead,
there erecting a brick'house of curious design, fashioned after the Maryland home of the family. He mairied Margaret Elizabeth Donaldson,
whose death preceded his by many years, although he never married a
second time. Bot'h were members of the United Presbyterian Church.
They had children: I. Jane Scott, died unmarried, aged eighty-three years.
2. Samuel Pryor, of whom further. 3. Benjaminr Franklin, proprietor of
a livery in Pittsburgh, where he died. 4. James, died on the homestead,
unmarried. 5. Margaret D., married William Clark, and died in Washington, Pennsylvania. 6. Martha M., married Dr. William Sarver, and died
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Samuel Pryor Mevey, son of Benjamin Alexander (2) and Margaret
Elizabeth (Donaldson) Mevey, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1824, died in I872. After his marriage he made his home
on a farm six miles from Oakdale, in North Fayette township, Allegheny
county, inherited from his paternal grandfather, and there lived until his
death. He married (first) Sarah, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
in I828. daughter of Master and Sarah (McElhaney) Donehoo, her father
a school teacher, her mother, after the death of her husband, moving to
Beaver, Pennsylvania, making her home with her sons; (second) Mrs.
Elizabeth Pollock. Both he and his wife were members of the United
Presbyterian Church. Children of Master and Sarah (McElhaney) Donehoo: I. Harry, a veteran of the Civil War, died in the Old Soldiers' Home,
at Dayton, Ohio. 2. Daniel, a veteran of the war between the states, died
in Beaver, Pennsylvania. 3. Frank, a soldier in the Union army during
the Civil War, was killed in that conflict. 4. Nancy, died aged twenty years.
5. Sarah, of previous mention, married Samuel Pryor Mevey. 6. Isabel,
married James Caughey, and died in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Children of
Samuel Pryor and Sarah (Donehoo) Mevey: I. Mary, died in infancy.
2. Isabella Jane, married Byron Townley, and died in Nebraska. 3. Sarahl
Agnes, of previous mention, married Henry Richard Crooks, was educated
in the Oakdale Academy and in the Indiana State Normal School, teaching
for two years prior to her marriage. 4. Benjamin Alexander, a farmer of
Missouri. 5. Mary E., married Vincent Gibson, deceased, and resides in
Erie, Pennsylvania. 6. James, died aged eighteen years. Children of Henry
Richard and Sarah Agnes (Mevey) Crooks: I. Cora Donehoo, married
Norman B. Hoffman, and lives in Beaver, Pennsylvania, the mother of one
daughter, Sarah Agnes. 2. Bella Elizabeth, married Robert Robinson, and
resides in Oakdale, Pennsylvania; they have one son, Howard Crooks. 3.
Sarah Agnes, lives with her mother.
719WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Naaman (2) Freeman, deceased, a worthy respected citiFREEMAN zen of Oakdale, Pennsylvania for many years, was a son
of Naaman (I) and Margaret Ann Freeman. The Freemans were of English birt'h and parentage, Naaman (I) coming to the
United States when a young man, his wife from Ireland. They met and
married in this country and soon afterward settled on a farm of fifty acres,
on which the borough of Homestead now stands in part. He named his
farm "Homestead" and when the village was started there it was given the
original name of the Freeman Farm and called Homestead. He was a
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held high official position, was deeply concerned in the welfare of the church and threw his house
open wide for the entertainment of traveling ministers. He was held in
high esteem in his community and looked up to as a leader. His death was
sincerely mourned. By his request both'he and his wife were entombed
in a vault, but after several attempts had been made to rob the vault, the
bodies were removed to the Homestead Methodist Episcopal Cemetery.
Children: Mary, married an Allen and died in Homestead; Alma, married
Thomas Garvey, and died in Homestead; William, died in Wilkinsburg,
Pennsylvania; Margaret Ann, married Robert Young, and died in Bellevue;
Naaman, of further mention; Susan Agnes, married George Bennett, and
died in Bellevue, Pennsylvania.
Naaman (2) Freeman, youngest son of Naaman (I) and Margaret
Ann Freeman, was born on what is now Homestead, Pennsylvania, April
I7, I839, died in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, February I, I898. He attended
public school and lived on the homestead until orphaned, then was taken
under the care of his brother William. He grew to youthful manhood a
farmer, then began working in the steel mills of Moorehead  McClean,
at Pittsburgh, continuing with them from 1859 until I894, the only breaks
being his eleven months' military service, and a period of six months he
was with the Whittaker Steel Mill in Wheeling, West Virginia. He became an expert steel roller, standing high in the estimation of his employers
and in the regard of his fellow workmen. He resided in Pittsburgh, I859
to I870, then moved to Oakdale where he purchased seven acres on the edge
of the then village. As the village grew his land became valuable and now
the entire seven acres is included in the prosperous borough of Oakdale.
He first built a small house on his land, but as prosperity came he built a
larger one on Western avenue, now the residence of his widow. He enlisted in I864 in Company F, Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery,
serving until t'he close of the war. His duty was principally in Washington,
D. C., being there stationed on the night of President Lincoln's assassination and was with the party of soldiers sent in pursuit of the assassin. He
was an active Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
and a man highly respected.
Mr. Freeman married, June I6, I86o, Pamela Palmer, born in Staffordshire, England, April 20, I844, daughter of John and Mary (Bishop)
720WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Roddy) Palmer, both born in England. John and Mary Palmer came to
the United States in I85I, bringing their daughter Pamela. They settled
on a farm near Red Bank, Pennsylvania, but after about five years there,
moved to Oakdale where John Palmer died in I87I, aged eighty-two years;
his wife died in July, I88I, at age of eighty-two years. He was a member
of the Presbyterian Church, she of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Mary Bishop was a widow at the time of her marriage to John Palmer. Her
first husband, Robert Roddy, was a soldier under Lord Wellington, fought
at the battle of Waterloo, losing a leg in that battle, and having eight
brothers killed. He was also wounded in the head, but recovered. By
Robert Roddy she had seven children, all of whom died in'England except
Mrs. Ann Winters who died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Children of
Naaman (2) and Pamela (Palmer) Freeman: I. Charles Everett, now a
steel roller, residing in Carrick, Pennsylvania. 2. Mary Frances, married
John Wilkinson, and resides in Akron, Ohio. 3. Naaman (3), died August
2I, I900. 4. William, a steel roller, of Pittsburgh. 5. Virginia Agnes, died
in infancy. 6. Virginia, married C. C. Brown, and resides in Columbus,
Ohio. 7. John, an oil pumper, resides at home, unmarried. 8. Samuel
McKneeland, an oil pumper of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. 9. George
F. McClean, twin of Samuel M., a railroad employee of Eurichsville, Ohio.
Io. Agnes May, died in infancy. II. Mabel, died aged twenty-one years.
I2. Alma Pamela, a stenographer, resides in Pittsburgh. 13. Margaret,
married Henry Metz, and resides at Elizabeth, Ohio. I4. Katherine Agnes,
a teacher, resides with her mother in Oakdale.
This is an old and honored family of Hesse-DarmREICHENBACH  stadt, Germany, who first came to this country in
the middle of the nineteenth century, the immigrant
ancestor residing in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, until his
death.
(II) Ernest Frederick Reichenbach, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in I845, died in Marc'h, I9o4. He was a very young child
when brought to this country by his parents, and his educational opportunities were very limited.  Nevertheless, being ambitious, bright and
shrewd, he overcame these disadvantages as the years passed by. At the
age of twelve years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of brewing, and by
the time he had attained middle age he was the owner of a fine brewery
in McKeesport. Later he conducted a hotel, but retired to private life a
few years prior to his death. He married Catherine Hartman, born in
McKeesport, in I848, died in May, I904. She was a daughter of William
Hartman and his wife, both natives of Germany, who came to the United
States about I85o and located in McKeesport, in the First ward, where
he'had a shoe shop, and worked at this trade for many years. Later he
removed to Fifth avenue, where he continued his business until his death.
He and his wife were of the German Lutheran faith. Mr. and Mrs.
72I5WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
English records reveal for this Straw family an ancestry anSTRAW cient and claiming among its members those whose deeds have
shed honor upon the family name. While comparatively new
in the United States, here, as in the homeland, its record is a proud one in
that its sons have led lives of active usefulness and have manfully played
their part in whatever condition of life they have been placed.
This chronicle opens with the founder of the American line, Richard
Straw, born in Derbyshire, England, March 23, I8I9. He mastered the
tailor's trade in his native land and was there educated, coming to the United
States in young manhood and settling in Pittsburgh. In I840 he became
proprietor of a tailoring establishment on Liberty street, later conducting
one at Market and Second streets, in Pittsburgh, in I853 coming to the
present borough of Bellevue. In this locality he purchased a small farm,
and there lived until his death, August I, I9oo. Aside from the tailoring
establishments of which he was at different times owner, his only business
interest was in the Singer Sewing Machine Company. He prospered in
business, and during his active career acquired a comfortable competence.
The Republican party held his political support, and with his wife he was a
member of the Methodist Protestant Church.
He married, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February I, I847, Hannah,
born on the Isle of Man, May 26, I820, died November 29, I886, daughter
of Rev. William and Elizabeth (Bates) Alcock. Rev. William Alcock, son
of Samuel and Mary Alcock, was born in Castle Edinburgh, Scotland, in
1798, his parents of English families, having resided in Scotland during the
year of his birth, Samuel Alcock having served in the English army. Rev.
William Alcock was a minister of the Methodist Protestant Church, and
came from Manchester, England, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in pursuit of
his ministerial duties. He married, in May, I821, his wife a daughter of
Samuel Bates, who passed his life in England. Rev. William Alcock died
in Carnegie, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in January, 1879, his wife
having preceded him to the grave, her death occurring in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, in I871. Children of Richard and Hannah (Alcock) Straw:
Anna, of whom further; Charles F., born July 27, I849; Frank W., born
November I9, I85I; John H., born April I, I853; Emma, born February
23, I855; Richard, born July 9, I857; Walter H., of whom further; Percy
B., born August 7, I862; William Lincoln, born November 23, I864.
Anna Straw, daughter of Richard and Hannah (Alcock) Straw, was
born May 2I, I848. She was reared in Ross township, being educated in the
public schools and in the Pittsburgh Female College. She married, May 21,
I872, Edward George Whitehead, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July
30, 1849, son of Ralph and Sarah (Collins) Whitehead, his father born
in Duckingfield, Lancashire, England, in I807, his mother in Aston-under
Lyne, England, in I819. Ralph and Sarah (Collins) Whitehead came to
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, soon after their marriage, and there both died,
at their home in the East End. Edward George Whitehead was reared in
Pittsburgh, there obtained his education in the public schools, and in young
548WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Reichenbach had c'hildren: Mayme, married Henry Hoffman, and lived in
McKeesport; Charles N., of further mention; Millie, unmarried, lives in
Pittsburgh; George, died in I9II; Albert, a furniture dealer, lives on
Penney avenue, McKeesport; Anna, unmarried; Edwin, a plumber, lives
in McKeespoft.
(III) Charles N. Reichenbach, son of Ernest Frederick and Catherine
(Hartman) Reichenbach, was born in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October I7, I873. He attended the public schools of his native
town until he had attained the age of eighteen years, then.learned the horseshoeing trade in the shop of C. W. Holt, and worked for Mr. Holt for
about eight years, after which'he became his partner. This association
continued five years, when Mr. Reichenbach bought out Mr. Holt's interest
in this enterprise, and for one year conducted it alone. In I9O6 he took
as a partner Frank Drake, and the firm is still known as Reichenbach 
Drake. They have a large shop at No.'607 Strawberry street, and their
business is an extensive one. Mr. Reichenbach owns a comfortable house
at No. I26 Sixth avenue. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of
Eagles. He married, June 9, I902, Jane Woolrich, born in South Staffordshire, England, january 3, I88o, (see Woolrich III), and they have children: Gertrude Elizabeth, born July 6, I903; Charles Blose, born January
7, I907.
(The Woolrich Line.)
(I) Samuel Woolrich, who was a farmer in Shropshire, England, was
a soldier in the English army, and fought at the famous battle of Waterloo
under General Wellington.
(II) Samuel (2) Woolrich, son of Samuel (I) Woolrich, was born
near Salisbury, England, in i825, died in I865. In his earlier years he
held office as a tax collector, then became a lime burner in Staffordshire.
Later he was in the general contracting business, and constructed a number of canals, railroads, highways, etc. At the time of his death he had
amassed a considerable fortune. He and his wife were members of the
Church of England. He married Sarah Smit'h, a sister of Joseph Smith,
who died in New Jersey; Isaac and Abraham Smith, who were in the steel
business and died in England. She was born in South Staffordshire, England, in I825, died January I, I86o. They had children, all t'he elder ones
receiving fine educations prior to the death of their father': Mary, married
William Thompson, both died in England; Richard, who was superintendent
at a steel spring balance works, died at the age of sixty-eight years, in
March, 19I4; William, a retail coal merchant for the past thirty years, lives
in West Bronwick, South Staffordshire, England, and married Mary
Smith; Ellen, married Allen Marckum, in the employ of the Tube Works,
at Troy, New York; Elizabeth, died at the age of eighteen years; Samuel,
of further mention.
(III) Samuel (3) Woolrich, son of Samuel (2) and Sarah (Smit'h,)
Woolrich, was born in West Bronwick, South Staffordshire, England, June
722IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I3, I853. He was a young lad at the time of the death of his father, and
lived with his elder brother until he was fifteen years old, and after that
with his maternal aunt, Mrs. Abraham Smith. In I879 he emigrated to
America, went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then for a time resided
at New Lisbon, Ohio, where he worked as a coal miner. In England he
had learned and worked at the trade of making steel balance springs. In
I88o he sent for his wife and family, and in I894 he took up his residence
in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he has since lived.
He is still weighmaster in the Camden Mines. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Susanna Holt, born
March I9, I858, and they have had children: Jane, who married Mr. Reichenbach (see Reichenbach III); Samuel, lives in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, a.
machine boss, married Laura Lynn; Maud S., married Edward Reichenbach, lives in McKeesport; William, a moulder, married Flora Lynn, lives
in Hornestead; Elizabeth, married W. W. Hinchman, lives in McKeesport;
Gertrude, married Harry Brown, lives at Homestead Park.
John P. Gelm, for many years a resident of Braddock, PennGELM sylvania, and proprietor of the Hotel Gelm, was born in the
north of Sweden, July 24, I853, died in Braddock, Pennsylvania,
July 24, I899. He was the son of Swedish parents, his father a farmer.
John P. Gelm in boyhood worked on a farm and came to the United
States from Finland, where he lived part of his youth. He was little more
than a boy when he came to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where on first
coming he worked in the tube mill, becoming foreman, continuing in that
occupation until I882, when he moved to Braddock. He there bought an
old hotel property, which he rebuilt, named the Hotel Gelm, and this hotel
he successfully conducted until his death. Both he and his wife were members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. He was a Republican. He
married Caroline (Simon) Stein, born in Dermbach, Saxe-Weimar,
Germany, August 4, I853, died in Braddock, Pennsylvania, at her home, No.
450 Fourth street, November I4,. I9I3. Her father, Balthasar Simon, a
veteran German soldier and a farmer, died in I909, aged eighty-four years.
Caroline Simon came to the United States when a girl and later married
Andreas Stein, who died a few years later, leaving a son, Charles Stein,
who died December I3, I9II, aged thirty-three years, a baker by trade.
Caroline, the widow, continued her residence in Braddock, where in I883
she married John P. Gelm. They jointly conducted the Hotel Gelm until
the husband's death in I899, and for one year after being widowed a second time Mrs. Gelm continued its management. In I9oo she sold out,
purchased a house at No. 450 Fourth avenue, Braddock, and there lived
a retired life, devoted to good works, until I906. Willi'am J. Gelm, the
eldest son, -to whom she had leased the hotel, died February 26, I906, and
as Mrs. Caroline Gelm yet had considerable money invested in the hotel
she was compelled to again assume its management, so continuing until
723WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a short time prior to her death, November I4, I913. She was a devout
member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and devoted to church and
charitable work. She was chairman of the poor committee that maintains
soup houses in times of public distress, was a member of the L. C. B. A.,
the Ladies' Auxiliary, the Hospital Committee and a leader in the Woman's
Societies of the church. During her latter years she devoted most of her
time to charitable work and was the "Lady Bountiful" to the poor of the
city. She was quiet and unostentatious in her work, but was well known and
greatly beloved. She was possessed of considerable means, owning property in Braddock, North Braddock and Copeland. Her life was a useful
one and her memory is warmly cherished. She has two sisters living, Mrs.
Bertha Sterf, a widow, and Augusta, residing in Germany.
John P. Gelm was the eldest of four children. His eldest sister, Anna,
married William Johnson, a railroad foreman, and resides at Oak Ridge,
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. A second sister, Alma, married a Mr.
Nelson and resides in Jamestown, New York, a widow. His only brother,
Eric, resides in Finland, a wealthy retired farmer. Children of John P.
and Caroline (Simon-Stein) Gelm: I. Barbara, deceased. 2. John J.,
born March ii, I885; educated in St. Joseph's Parochial School, Braddock,
Pennsylvania; he was variously engaged until he purchased the Hotel
Gelm and is its present proprietor; he married, June 20, I906, Rose M.
McCaffrey, and has three children: Josephine Caroline, born March I7,
1907; John Joseph, August I, I909; David, June 20, 191I. 3. Henry J.,
of further mention. 4. Anna, married John McAtee, and resides at the
old home, No. 450 Fourth avenue, Braddock. Several other children who
died in infancy.
Henry J. Gelm, second son of John P. and Caroline (Simon-Stein)
Gelm, was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania, December io, I886. He prepared for college in St. Joseph's Paroc'hial School and then entered Saint
Vincent's College, near Latrobe, Pennsylvania, one of the famous educational institutions of the Catholic church. Here he was graduated Bachelor
of Arts, Class of I9I, and began the study of law the same year at
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. He pursued a three years' course of
legal study at the university, in 19I4 was graduated LL.B. and admitted to
the Allegheny county bar. He began practice at once in Braddock and is
winning his way to a good practice. He married, September I5, I914, Marie
Schaming, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Anciently a part of a powerful Scottish Highland clan
McBROOM   and faithful to the cause of the Stuarts, the McBrooms,
brave, hardy, powerful and warlike, ruled the countrvside. Later when the march of time brought more peaceful, civilized considerations they became farmers, generally, although many. were iron
workers and many were employed in the ship-building trades in Glasgow.
The family was a numerous one and devoted to one another to an unusual
724VWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
degree. William Dixon McBroom, now deceased, but for many years a
familiar figure in the Pittsburgh district, was the second of his immediate
family to come to the United States;'he had two brothers and a sister who
also came to this country, John, a pit boss in Western Pennsylvania coal
mines; Gilbert, a sheet mill worker at Homestead and Turtle Creek, (both
deceased); Margaret, married Richard Rowley. These three, with William D. McBroom, were the only ones of the sixteen children of Hugh McBroom who left t'heir native Scotland for a home in the western world.
Hugh McBroom and his wife, Ellen, were both born in Scotland and there
passed their entire lives, their home being in Ayr and Glasgow.
William Dixon McBroom was born in Ayr, Scotland, December. 29,
I84I, died in Homestead, Pennsylvania, March 23, I905, son of Hugh and
Ellen McBroom. He spent his early life in Glasgow and Ayr, obtained a
fairly good education, and in Glasgow learned his trade of boiler maker in
the machine shops at the shipyards, engaged in building trans-Atlantic
steamships. He remained in Glasgow until I863, becoming an expert worker
and commanding good wages. In his twenty-second year, I863, he sailed
for the United States, finally reaching Western Pennsylvania and locating
in what is now Pittsburgh West End. He obtained remunerative employment in IPittsburgh shops, and nine months after his arrival sent funds home
to bring his wife and only son, who was then five months old, to him. He
later moved his residence to Carnegie, Pennsylvania, where he availed himself of the demand for mine workers and for a few years followed that
unlovely but profitable occupation. In I882 he resumed work at his trade,
boiler maker, in the steel mills at Homestead. After a few years he retired from manual labor, was chosen constable, and until 1894 was employed as a civil officer of the town. From 1894 until i899 he was proprietor of a hotel on Eighth avenue, Homestead, then retired from all business cares and lived a quiet home life until his death at his residence, 808
McClure street, which he erected in I898. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in political faith a Republican. He was a man of high standing in his circle of acquaintance, industrious and thrifty, and mindful of his duties as a good citizen, husband and
father.
Mr. McBroom married, in I862, in Glasgow, Scotland, Margaret
Chalmers, born in that city, August 2, I842, died in Horiestead, Pennsylvania, April 28, I913, daughter of John and Mary (Barr) Chalmers. John
Chalmers, a shoe merchant of Glasgow, met his death in the river Clyde,
in I865, by accidental drowning. His widow, Mary (Barr) Chalmers, then
joined her daughter, Mrs. John Brown, in the United States, but after a
few  years returned to Scotland, where she died.  Children of John
Chalmers: I. Jane, married William Gilchrist, now a retired farmer at
Pacific Grove, California. 2. William, a retired blacksmith, now residing
in Bridgeport, Connecticut, aged seventy-seven years. 3. Elizabeth, mar725WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ried John Brown, now a retired farmer living in San Francisco, California.
4. M'argaret, married William Dixon McBroom. 5. John, a candy manufacturer of Coatbridge, Scotland. Children of William Dixon McBroom:
I. John C., married Frances Roberts, of New York. 2. Mary B., of further
mention. 3. Margaret, married Daniel Williams, and resides in Detroit,
Michigan. 4. Ellen, married Harry Layman, of Homestead. 5. William,
a hotel proprietor of Homestead, married Elizabeth Dale. 6. Gilbert, a
hotel proprietor of Homestead, married Kate Haines. 7. Jane, married
August Meister, of Homestead Park, now with the Carnegie Steel Mills.
8. Walter Robinson, died young.
Mary B. McBroom, daughter of William  Dixon and Margaret
(Chalmers) McBroom, married Andrew Hallas, born in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, December I9, I865, son of William and Hannah (Richie) Hallas,
the former of whom came to the United States at the age of seven years.
William Hallas had two brothers, George and Daniel, who enlisted in the
Union army and Dtaniel neve,r came back. His sisters lived in England
and he never heard from them. His wife, Hannah (Richie) Hallas, was
born in Butler county, Pennsylvania.
Andrew Hallas worked in the coal mines for several years, then located
in Homestead, where he worked in the steel mills until I886, then became
shear boss in the Carnegie mills. After the death of William Dixon McBroom, Mr. and Mrs. Hallas made their home with his widow, Mrs. Hallas's
mother, at the homestead on McClure street, and there continue their residence. Mrs. McBroom died there in April, I913. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hallas
are members of the First Baptist Church of Homestead, Mr. Hallas belonging also to the Junior Order of American Mechanics and Heptasophs.
He is the oldest child of his parents and has brothers and sisters: I. Daniel,
deceased. 2. John, a coal miner, married Bertha Hartzell, and resides in
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. 3. Nannie, married Stanley Davidson, a draughtsman, residing at Columbus. 4. William, an electrician, residing in Alliance,
Ohio, married Elizabeth Smeltzer. 5. Benjamin, a steel mill worker of
Steubenville, Ohio, married Maude -. 6. Dudley, a steel mill worker
of Middletown, Ohio. 7. Daisy, married Thomas Flaherty, and resides in
Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 8. Mary, married Russell Huntsberger, a steel
mill worker of Middletown, Ohio. Andrew and Mary B. (McBroom)
Hallas have two sons: I. William Dixon, born March 2, I889, now a traveling salesman. 2. Walter Robinson, born April io, I893, now residing and
employed in Detroit, Michigan.
The Huch family were for many generations native to the
HUCH city of G6ttingen, province of Hanover, the capital of the
province. Here Gerhardt Dietrich Huch, born in I8o8, grew
to manhood, was educated in the schools for which G6ttingen is famed,
married in I829, Sophia Haupt, and lived until the birth of their ninth child
and the death of three. They then, in I838, came to the United States,
726WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
landing in New York. The family spent several years in that city, then
came to Western Pennsylvania, settling on a farm at Squirrel Hill, Allegheny county, now part of the city of Pittsburgh. Later they moved to
Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), their home site now being occupied by thie store of Boggs  Buhl. There Gerhardt D. Huch kept a
road house, later purchasing a farm of sixty-five acres in Ross township,
Allegheny county. He died in 1855, his wife surviving him until I858, the
mother of fifteen children. There are living today forty grandchildren and
eighty-four great-grandchildren of Gerhardt D. and Sophia (Haupt) Huch.
John Henry Huch, son of Gerhardt Dietrich Huch, was born in Germany in I836, and two years later was brought to the United States by
his parents. He was educated in public schools, and spent his mature life
as a farmer and market gardener. He began farming on the paternal farm
in Ross township, Allegheny county, later moving to another farm in the
same township. Later he moved to McCandless township and for seven
years conducted a road house on the Perrysville road. Later he leased the
hotel and cultivated a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres.
He married, November 22, I866, Caroline Goss, born in Manchester,
Pennsylvania, October 20, 1847, daughter of Jacob and Emelia (Bittenbring) Goss, he of Swiss and she of German parentage, both born in Germany. Her paternal grandfather, Jacob Goss, came to Manchester from
Germany with his family and there died. Emelia Goss was a daughter
of Christian Bittenbring, whose wife died in Germany two days before the
date set for their departure for the United States. Later he came to this
country and died at the home of his daughter, Emelia. Jacob Goss (father)
came to the United States when twelve years of age and located in Manchester, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there spent his life, a gardener,
owning a small tract of land on which his widowed daughter, Caroline Huch,
now reside. He married (first) a Miss Trizzell and had issue: Margaret,
Mary, Eliza, Sarah, John Jacob. He married (second) Emelia Bittenbring,
who bore him Christian and Caroline, the latter widow of John Henry
Huch. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Huch: I. Henry, deceased. 2. Jacob, of
Butler county, Pennsylvania. 3. Emelia. 4. Charles, of McCandless township. 5. John. 6. Albert. 7. William, of Wexford, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. 8. Carrie. Mrs. Huch has been a lifelong member of
Smithfield Street Presbyterian Church (Pittsburgh), was there married,
her parents both members of that church. John Henry Huch died May 5,
I9o6.
The name of Pfirrmann is one of those which originally
PFIRRMANN indicated the occupation of the bearer of it. A liberal
translation of it is "ferryman," and it is derived from
the German word "Faehre," meaning ferry, and "Mann," meaning man.
This family has lived at Woerth-on-the-Rhine for many generations, and
probably the earlier members were ferrymen, or derived their income from
727WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
manhood learned the photographer's art. For a long time he was associated
with his brother, William Henry, as proprietors of a photograph studio
cn Fifth avenue, later being connected with Mr. Morris on Sixth street.
About I874 Mr. Whitehead came to Bellevue, Pennsylvania, where he resides
to the present time. With his wife he is a communicant of the Protestant
Episcopal Church. Children of Edward George and Anna (Straw) Whitehead: I. Anna A., born June 2, I873; married Willis Clancy, two children,
Preston and Willis, Jr., resides on Euclid avenue, Bellevue. 2. Charles
Edward, born December Io, i877; educated in the Pittsburgh High School
and a graduate in dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh, now a practicing dentist of Bellevue, Pennsylvania; he married Ida Mary Shaffer, two
children, Donald Edward and John Paul. 3. Courtlandt Kenneth, born December 9, I888; educated in the public schools, including a course in high
schools, now a student in civil engineering at the Carnegie Technical Institute.
Walter H. Straw, son of Richard and Hannah (Alcock) Straw, was
born in Bellevue, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 6, I860. He obtained a public school education, and in young manhood embarked in
grocery dealings, meeting with early success and continuing in this line for
several years. In later years he devoted his attention to contracting, and in
that line has performed a great deal of work throughout the county, executing numerous large and important commissions, and because of his dependable thoroughness and particular'attention to detail has acquired wide
reputation. He is the owner of a portion of the homestead, and built for his
own use a beautiful house on the Brighton Road, exceptionally attractive
in design and made from the best materials obtainable. Mr. Straw has,
during his entire business life, held the trusting confidence of his associates,
being in every relation to his fellows truthful, reliable and honest. Of hinm
as a citizen it can but be said that his influence is ever cast on the side of
the right, and that he supports vigorously any project for the improvement
or advancement of Bellevue. He is a staunch Republican, and he and his
wife belong to the Methodist Protestant Church.
Mr. Straw married, September I6, I885, Lena N., born in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, October 31, I86o, daughter of Orlando and Eliza Jane (Richardson) Nardi, her father a native of Lucca, Italy, her mother born in
Washington county, Pennsylvania. Orlando Nardi came to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, when a young man, and there married, his wife a daughter of
William  and Prudence (Farrman) Richardson, pioneers of Washington
county, Pennsylvania. Children of Orlando and Eliza Jane (Richardson)
Nardi: I. William, deceased. 2. Pasquale, deceased. 3. Lena N. of previous mention, married Walter H. Straw. Children of Walter H. and Lena
N. (Nardi) Straw: I. Ethel Nardi, born April 30, I888; a gradl'iate of
the Bellevue High School and Maryland College. 2. Richard Frank, born
April 24, I892; a graduate of high school, now a student in the University of Pittsburgh, having for one year attended Purdue University.
549WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the water in some manner. The town of Woerth has about eighteen hundred inhabitants, and of these about twelve hundred bear the name of
Pfirrmann. The family residence of this particular branch is still in excellent condition, yet it has been in use for some generations.
John Adam Pfirrmann was born in I8Ii, died in I884 in the above
mentioned house, and had the right to write his name as "Adam Pfirrmann,
the Fifth," indicating that he was the fifth Adam in this family in direct
descent who had married. His father was twice married and he was the
only child of the second marriage. By the first marriage there was a daughter, Martha, who married Matthias Doeminger, and died in her native land.
John Adam Pfirrmann married Sybilla Karcher, born in Woerth in I813,
died there in I887, a daughter of  and   - (Wuest) Karcher, who had
children: I. John, came to Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, learned the baker's
trade, and then established himself in this line of business in Rochester,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 2. Frederick, is a farmer near Monaca,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and has a saw mill on his farm which he operates himself. 3. Sybilla, mentioned above. 4. and 5. Martin and Henry,
living in Germany. 6. Elizabeth, married and came to Pittsburgh, where
she died while still young. Mr. Pfirrmann had received an excellent education, and was accounted a good mathematician. He was the owner of a
small farm, but spent the greater part of his time in general contract work,
a good portion of this consisting of highway and dam construction. He
amassed what was a considerable fortune for that time. Mr. and Mrs.
Pfirrmann had children: I. Magdalene, married Henry Wolfe, now deceased, and is living in an old Bavarian town. 2. Sybilla, married Frederick Pfirrmann, and lives in her native town. 3. William, who also lives
there, was for many years section boss on the railroad, and is now pensioned
by this company. 4. Catherine, married Adam Voelker, a veteran of the
Franco-Prussian war, has a government position, and lives in Germany.
5. Caroline, married August Wuest, and died in Bavaria at the age of thirty
years. 6. Franz Joseph, born in February, I855, served eleven years in the
German army, and is now a member of the government police force.
7. Jacob, of further mention. Five children died in infancy.
Jacob Pfirrmann, son of John Adam and Sybilla (Karcher) Pfirrmann,
was born in MVoerth-on-the-Rhine, in the southern part of Bavaria, Germany, December 26, I857, in the same house in which his direct paternal
ancestors had been born for some generations. He attended the public
schools from the age of six to that of thirteen years, and then was an active
assistant to his father on the farm and in the contract work. In I88I he
emigrated to the United States, going directly to Rochester, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, where he had cousins by the name of Karcher. He worked
two weeks in a glass factory there, then, January 3, I882, went to Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he entered the employ of
William Glinsing, a butcher, for whom he worked six months. Two years
were then spent in the employ of a butcher by the name of Espy, and in the
728WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
summer of I884 he went to Hamilton county, Ohio, and worked in a butcher
shop there until I887. Returning to Homestead, he opened a butcher shop
for himself, April I, I888, conducting his business on Eighth avenue for a
period of eight years, after which he bought a store at the corner of Fifth
avenue and McClure street, opening this April I, I896, to which he still
gives his personal attention. He has been very successful in the conduct
of his business, and is the owner of a considerable amount of real estate.
In national political affairs he gives his support to the Republican party,
but in local matters he casts his vote independently without regard to
party ties. He was brought up in the Lutheran faith, but has never been
a member of any church since living in the United States.
Mr. Pfirrmann married, September 23, I89o, Elizabeth, born in Frederick City, Maryland, a daughter of George and' Charlotte S. (Meeks)
Roelke, the last mentioned of whom died when her child was three years of
age; Mr. Roelke was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and was
a weaver by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Pfirrmann have had children: Mary
Elizabeth; Charlotte S., who is a student at the high school. While Mr.
Pfirrmann had but limited opportunities for acquiring an extensive education in his youth, he has amply made up for this lack by well chosen reading and study in later years, and is a deep thinker and a public-spirited man.
Himself of Irish birth, Arthur McConville is the repreMcCONVILLE  sentative in the United States of an old Irish family,
this record concerning itself with three generations
thereof, all of lifelong Irish residence with the exception of the last. The
family faith has ever been the Roman Catholic, that the church to which
Michael, grandfather of Arthur McConville, belonged. He was a contractor by occupation, road-building the branch of his business in which he
specialized, and he was also the owner of a small and fertile farm. He
died when eighty-two years of age, his wife dying when she had attained
about that age. Michael McConville married Margaret Kimmel, and had
children: I. John, a farmer. 2. Edward, of whom further. 3. Rose, married John Kinney. 4. Arthur, a baker. 5. Sarah, married James Doyle.
6. Michael, a shoemaker. 7. Owen, a farmer. 8. Margaret, died unmarried. 9. Cecile, married a Mr. O'Hagan. The homes of the above children
were in county Down, Ireland, where they passed their lives.
(II) Edward McConville, son of Michael and Margaret (Kimmel)
McConville, was born in Rathfryland, county Down, Ireland, in I822, died
in I894. He owned a small tract of land, and on it raised stock, also conducting general farming operations, passing his entire life in the vicinity
of the place of his birth. He and his family were adherents to the Roman
Catholic faith. He married Fannie Ruddy, born in county Down, Ireland,
in I820, died in I899, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (McConville)
Ruddy, her father a native of county Louth, Ireland, her mother of county
Down. Thomas Ruddy moved to county Down in young manhood, there
729WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
becoming the owner of land, and there living until his death. Thomas and
Margaret (McConville) Ruddy were the parents of three daughters: Fannie,
of previous mention, married Edward McConville; Nancy; Mary, married
Anthony McConville, and lived in county Down, Ireland. Children of
Edward and Fannie (Ruddy) McConville: I. Margaret, married Daniel
McClury, a farmer, and lives at Bell Brick, county Down, Ireland. 2.
Thomas, lives on the homestead in county Down, Ireland. 3. Michael,'D.D., died in I913, a priest of the Roman Catholic church, head of a parish
in county Down, Ireland. 4. Everett, deceased; went westward to California at the time of the gold discoveries. 5. Arthur, of whom further.
6. Patrick, a priest of the Roman Catholic church, stationed in county Down,
Ireland. 7. Mary Ann, married Arthur Tramer, a farmer of county Down,
Ireland.
(III) Arthur McConville, son of Edward and Fannie (Ruddy) McConville, was born at Rathfryland, county Down, Ireland, November I5,
1852, and was reared on his father's farm in that locality, attending the
national schools until he was fifteen years of age. He then devoted his
time to assisting his father on the home farm, and was married, in 1885,
he and his wife emigrating to the United States. Braddock, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, was the place in which they first settled, and here
Mr. McConville obtained employment in the steel mills, soon afterward locating in Homestead, Pennsylvania, where he long lived. Here he entered
the service of the Carnegie Steel Company, being placed in the converting
department. For more than twenty years he remained in this place, his
salary good, and during this time invested largely of his savings in local
real estate. Holding title to several desirable lots he erected thereon modern
and attractive houses, and also directed the construction of a large apartment
house. In I9II he built the McConville Flats at No. 520 Ninth avenue, Munhall, and there resides at the present time. The care of his various interests
occupies the greater part of his time, their administration his only activity.
The prosperity that is Mr. McConville's is an illustration of the rewards of
industry and thrift, for the success that has come to him has been the result
of earnest, unremitting application to duty, and constant saving and at times
self-denial. Such a course is by no means an easy one, but the prize that is
Mr. McConville's makes it assuredly worth while. He is a member of the
Catholic Mutual Beneficial Association, politically a Democrat, and with
his family holds membership in the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. McConville married, November 20, I885, Mary McAnally, born in
county Armagh, Ireland, daughter of Owen and Anna McAnally, both of
her parents lifelong residents of Ireland, both deceased. Children of Mr.
and Mrs. McConville: I. John, a civil engineer, lives at home. 2. Mary, lives
at home. 3. Arthur, attending school. 4. Francis, a student. 5. Patrick, a
student:
7304ard,-Sc ez  4zWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The name of Baldrige is one well known in Ireland for
BALDRIGE many generations, and since various members of the family have, been in the United States they have always discharged the duties of good citizens. Four brothers by this name emigrated
from the north of Ireland, and for a time lived in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. They were: John, Joseph, William and Samuel. Of these, John
Baldrige became the owner of a large farm in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a distillery and a flour mill, all located about two miles from
Latrobe. Joseph will be referred to hereinafter; William also settled on
a large farm in Westmoreland county, and became prosperous; Samuel remained in Eastern Pennsylvania, but also became well-to-do. They made
their way to the western part of the state in Conestoga wagons, all had adjoining farms, and married three sisters.
(I) Joseph Baldrige, mentioned above, was born in Ireland, and died in
Pennsylvania in I867, at the age of sixty-seven years. In addition to clearing and cultivating the large farm which he had taken up in Westmoreland
county, in the earlier days he was engaged in hauling goods on the National
Pike between Philadelphia and Baltimore and Pittsburgh. He and his
brothers were ardent Presbyterians and worked actively in building up that
denomination in their day. He married (first) Elizabeth Nichols, born in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was killed at the age of thirty-six
years by a fall downstairs. Mr. Baldrige married (second) Kate Johnson,
who survived him. Children: I. William, deceased; lived on the homestead. 2. Robert, deceased; was a dry goods merchant; married Kate
Birchfield, and died one year later. 3. John, of further mention. 4. Jennie,
married James' Mitchell, a farmer of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. 5. David,
a railroad employee, who was the only child by the second marriage.
(II) John Baldrige, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Nichols) Baldrige,
was born two miles from Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
December 26, I832, died May 29, I9o09. His early years were spent on the
homestead farm, and he attended the public schools in the vicinity of his
home. He became an expert penman, and at the age of twenty-one years
went to Latrobe and there learned telegraphy. For some years he was station agent at Brinton, Pennsylvania, for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and for the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad Company. He was then located
in the general superintendent's office at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for
some months, having charge of the opening of all stations on the Philadelphia  Erie Railroad as it was being constructed. A short time was then
spent in the position of conductor, and in I866 he located at Braddock,
Pennsylvania, becoming a silent partner in the firm of Corey, Lloyd 
Black Company, coal operators. Mr. Baldrige was superintendent of the
works of this company fifteen years, his office being at Braddock, and he then
purchased the real estate belonging to the company, and engaged in the real
estate business, with which he was identified until his death. In I867 he
built the beautiful house which is still occupied by his widow. This is a fine
73IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
residence constructed of gray brick, and is located on the bluff on the Pennsylvania Railroad at Braddock. Mr. Baldrige was a man of strictest integrity and an unusually high sense of honor in all his dealings, whether in
private or business life. He was an active worker in the interests of the
First Presbyterian Church of Braddock, of which he was the founder, and
an elder all his life. He it was who collected the money necessary to erect
this church edifice, and it was owing to his strenuous efforts that the work
was pushed to completion. He was an exceptionally fine business man, and
in all his business plans he had the hearty co-operation and assistance of his
devoted wife. Mrs. Baldrige is now seventy-four years of age, but appears
to be about sixty. She is a fine business woman, and was thoroughly in
the confidence of her late husband in all his business plans, and practically
took charge of all prior to his death. Since that time she has been managing
the real estate business alone. She has a winter home in Florida, and prefers to live there the greater part of the year.
Mr. Baldrige married, April i, i862, Lida Corey, born at Port Perry,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 23, I840. They have had children: I. Mary Josephine, married Richard Smythe, a steel worker, of
Braddock; no children. 2. Laura, now deceased; married Dr. Charles Clifford, of Braddock, and left children: John and Ruth. 3. John Edgar, died
at the age of nine years. 4. Anna May, married Clifton K. Harrison, a
wholesale proprietary medicine dealer in East Liberty, Pennsylvania; they
have children: Lida Corey, born May 27, i905; Anna Frances, born September 7, I907; Clifton K. Jr., born May 20, I909; Mary Josephine, born
November 6, 1912. 5. Helen C., married Henry T. Wynn, a merchant,
brick manufacturer and dealer in builders' supplies in Trafford, Pennsylvania; has one child, John B., born October I7, I9I2. 6. Margaret Jane,
married Edward McCrady, of McCrady Bros. Company, dealers in builders'
supplies, of Edgewood, Pennsylvania; children: Edward, John B., Elizabeth F., Rebecca. 7. Carl C., an attorney of Wilkinsburg, with offices in
Pittsburgh; married Lucy Wright, of Wilkinsburg, and has children: Carl
C. Jr., deceased; Robert W.; Lida C. and John Ray. 8. Clarence Ray, of
whom further.
(III) Clarence Ray Baldrige, son of John and Lida (Corey) Baldrige,
was born in Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 6, I882. He
was educated in his native town, and since reaching man's estate has had
a prosperous business career. He was engaged in the real estate and insurance business about ten years, then organized the Baldrige Motor Company, of which he is the sole proprietor, and is conducting this most successfully. His home is situated in North Braddock, which district he has
served as a councilman. His religious affiliation is with the First Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and the
Knights of Malta. Mr. Baldrige married, June 28, 1905, Elizabeth Mills,
and they have children: John, Clarence Ray Jr., William M.
732..- Li 44--~WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
From the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, in the angle
BROOKER  formed by the Rhine on turning northward at Basel, the
seat of Heidelberg, the oldest university in the German
Empire, came Ignatius Brooker, about I835. He settled in Pittsburgh, later
in Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and was the father
of Joseph Brooker, now deceased, but for many years one of the progressive and prominent citizens of Pine township, a man of great public spirit
and high principle.
Ignatius Brooker lived in Pittsburgh until 1845, then moved to Franklin township, where he bought a farm in I850o. In I867, he located in Wexford, where he purchased the Shafer tract of land. In a few years he retired leaving his business interests in the hands of his sons. He married
Mary Snyder, born in Holland, in February, I814. Children: Joseph, of
further mention; Mary, Louisa, Catherine, Henry, and two who died in
infancy. Ignatius Brooker and his wife were members of the Roman Catholic Church. He died August 28, I884, she died March I7, I897.
Joseph Brooker, eldest son of Ignatius and Mary (Snyder) Brooker,
was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Squirrel Hill), February I4, I837,
died at Wexford, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 31, I912. He
was educated in Pittsburgh public schools, and from youth was his father's
trusted assistant on the farm and in business, after the removal from
Franklin township to Wexford, he conducted a store in Wexford and owned
the hotil which he conducted for several years, then rented it for three years,
finally selling the property and locating on his farm of one hundred and
eighty-six acres in Pine town'ship. Later he added fifty acres to that farm
and conducted a very successful business until his death. He was a publicspirited man and did a great deal for the town of Wexford and for Pine
township. He was especially active in securing a right of way to bring a
railroad to the township and in many ways manifested deep interest in the
welfare. of his community. He was a member of the Roman Catholic
Church, and in politics a Democrat.
Mr. Brooker married, August I8, I869, Elizabeth Beaser, born August
I8, I848, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Walter) Beaser. She survives her husband and with her children resides in Wexford. Children:
I. Elizabeth. 2. Henry I., married Ottilia Duwell, and resides in Wexford;
children: Dorothy and Henry I. Jr. 3. William R., married Rosina M.
Young; children, William J., deceased; Mary R., Mark C., Helen K., Martha
E. S. 4. Matilda, died in infancy. 5. Emma M. 6. Stella M. 7. Alphonso
A., married Eliabeth Altmyer; children, Mary Margaret and Joseph Arthur.
8. Joseph F. 9. Sarah. io. HIilda.
Both of these families were introduced into
VIEHMIER-FLACCUS Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, by German
progenitors, the former by Henry Viehmier,
the latter by William Flaccus, respectively, husband and father of Mrs. Caroline (Flaccus) Viehmier, of McCandless township, Pennsylvania.
2j
733WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Germany is the land whence came Frederick Heinz, his anHEINZ cestors having there been resident for many generations, He
is a son of Frederick and Rosena (Schrader) Heinz, both
natives and life-long residents of Germany.
Frederick Heinz Jr. was born in Germany, January I7, I824, being
there reared and educated, in I869 immigrating to the United States, settling
in Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. In this place he learned
the florist's trade, or, as it should be more property designated, art, and
was for a short time in business in Darlington, later, with his cousin, H. J.
Heinz, becoming superintendent of a farm, a line that he afterward followed principally. He was a resident of Sharpsburg until I9O9, in that year
moving to Aspinwall, in the same county, where he built a handsome residence and where he has since lived retired. In this place he is the owner
of a model green-house, conducted upon latest methods, and producing
excellent growths. Mr. Heinz is identified politically with the Republican
party, and holds membership in the German Lutheran Church at Sharpsburg.
Mr. Heinz is interested in the firm of H. J. Heinz  Company, his first
cousin being the head of that widely known pickling concern, and through
other business connections holds position as one of the most prosperous of
the citizens of Aspinwall.
Mr. Heinz married, at Darlington, Pennsylvania, in November, I870,
Rebecca Secamp, a native of Germany, and has children: I. Charles,
a resident of Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.'2. Anna Margaret, married John H.
Bokerman (q. v.), of Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. 3. Betta, married Frank
Markwid, of Sharon, Pennsylvania.
Jamles H. Taylor was a member of an Irish family represenTAYLOR  tative of that courageous and enterprising Celtic stock which
has added so valuable a leaven to the cosmopolitan citizenship
of this country.
His father was David Taylor, a native of Ireland, where he was born
in the year I803, and came to the United States while still a young man. His
attention was called to the western part of Pennsylvania as a prosperous
and rapidly developing portion of the country, and he went thither, settling
in Allegheny county. His first employment was as a drayman, but he later
engaged in the grocery business. His death occurred in Bellevue, where
he had made his home, in I893. Mr. Taylor married Agnes Hutcheson,
also a native of Ireland, whose parents had early settled in Londonderry,
Ohio, and had there eventually died. Mr. Taylor was a Republican in politics, and both he and Mrs. Taylor were members of the Covenanter Church.
James H. Taylor was born November I8, I850, in a house on Robinson
street, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He passed his childhood in the city of his
birth, receiving his education in the Fourth Ward public schools, and later
in Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon the completion
of his studies, he became engaged in the insurance business, and in the year
I892 he moved to Bellevue, Pennsylvania. Two years later he took a house
550WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Henry Viehmier was born in Germany, December 28, I845, died in
Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, September I8, 1913. His boyhood was spent in Germany, where he obtained a public school education.
At the age of fourteen years he came to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh and there learned the trade of machinist. He worked at his trade in
Pittsburgh until I873, then located on a farm of sixty acres in McCandless
township, on which he resided until I878, then moved to Pittsburgh East
End, where he again worked at his trade for three years. He was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics a Republican.
Mr. Viehmier married, July 3, I872, Caroline Flaccus, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October I5, I844, daughter of William and Catherine
(Rudolph) Flaccus. William Flaccus came to the United States from
Germany (Prussia) at the age of nineteen years, settled in Pittsburgh,
where he became a well known manufacturer of glue. He continued in
business in Pittsburgh several years, then moved to Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, where he operated a glue factory and a tannery. After operating the
tannery ten years, it was destroyed by fire, and with his son, William
Flaccus, he purchased a tannery in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side)
and established in business there as the William Flaccus  Son Leather
Company, and after his death the son changed the name to the Flaccus
Oak Leather Company, by which it is still known and operated by the sons of
William Flaccus, son of William Flaccus (I). This business is still continued under that name on River avenue of the same city. He married
Catherine Rudolph and had issue: I. William, deceased. 2. Caroline, now
the widow of Henry Viehmier. 3. George, a resident of Pittsburgh East
End. 4. Catherine Anna, deceased. 5. Charles Louis. 6. Edward Henry,
deceased. 7. Mary, died aged eleven years. 8. Emma Catherine, deceased.
Children of Henry and Caroline (Flaccus) Viehmier: I. Emily Catherine,
born August ii, I873; married Aaron Fell, and has a daughter, Caroline
Flaccus, born April i6, I907. 2. William Flaccus, born April 8, I875; married Anna J. Giffen, of West Virginia. 3. Henry Edward, born March I2,
I877, died aged nine years. 4. Cornelia Bertha, born January 5, I879,
died aged eight years. 5. Elizabeth Anna, born August Io, I88I, died aged
five years. 6. Howard R., born October 28, I883, died aged three years.
Mrs. Caroline (Flaccus) Viehmier survives her husband, residing on the
farm she brought her husband, inherited from her father, also owning the
old Flaccus homestead in Lawrenceville, where her youth was passed. She
is a member of Highland Presbyterian Church oif Perrysville, and a lady
highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.
From Alsace, Germany, now again swept by hostile armies,
SCHMITT  came Jacob Schmitt, a German lad barely sixteen years of
age. He made his way to Troy Hill, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where for two years he worked on a farm owned by Judge
Lowery. He was possessed of some means and after leaving Troy Hill,
734WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
went to Shaler township, Allegheny county, and there purchased a small farm
of fifty-three acres. As he prospered he bought more land, adding twelve
acres to the original fifty-three and two small pieces at Bowerton and Millvale. He began first running a small dairy of two cows, which he increased
until finally his herd numbered thirty. The products of his dairy he delivered
by wagon in Allegheny City at retail, but after the erection of the new
market in Allegheny City he leased stand No. 8I, and there until his death
disposed of all his farm and dairy products. The same stand is now operated by his son, David. Jacob Schmitt was a leading member of the German Lutheran Church, president of the church council, member of the township school board and a man highly respected everywhere.
He married Barbara Shafer, born in Germany.  Children:  I. Barbara, deceased; married David Shafer; and lived' in Robinson township.
2. Henry, married Margaret Sauter; lived in Millvale, Pennsylvania. 3.
David, a farmer of Shaler township; married Catherine Whissert. 4.
Charles, married Mary Sauter. 5. Lena, married Jacob Sauter. 6. Louisa,
married Adam Sauter. 7. Jacob, of further mention. 8. Theodore. 9.
Matilda, deceased; married John Bauerlein. io. George Benjamin, married Rebecca Renfort. Three other children died young.
Jacob (2) Schmitt, seventh child of Jacob (I) and Barbara (Shafer)
Schmitt, was born in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
February 25, 1855. He was educated in the township public schools, and
remained at home, his father's assistant, until arriving at man's estate. He
then worked for himself elsewhere for a few years, but in I877 he returned
to the farm and has there resided continuously, engaged in farming and
market gardening. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is highly respected in his community, his upright
character and genial manner winning him many friends. Mr. Schmitt married Martha J., daughter of David Thompson, of Shaler township. Children: I. Barbara E., married John Seitz. 2. Jacob G., married Gertrude
Blackburn. 3. Martha M., married Frederick Grall. 4. William D., married Emma Walters. 5. John, residing with his parents. 6. Hannah, married Charles Lang. 7. Jessie, married Allen Schmitt. 8. Charles. 9.
Carrie. io. Rebecca. The latter three reside at home.
"Mt. Airy Farm," now the home of Mrs. Mary E.'L'HOMPSON   (Hatch) Thompson, has been for many years in the
Thompson name, having been first settled on by James
Thompson, shortly after the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Thompson came to
the farm a bride in 1870, and since August 3, I903, has there resided, the
widow of James Thompson, grandson of James Thompson, the original
owner. James Thompson married Isabella Galbraith and had issue: John,
Hugh, James, William, Robert, of further mention, Andrew, David, Betsy,
Mary, Isabella, Margaret J.
(II) Robert Thompson, son of James and Isabella (Galbraith) Thompson, was one of the prosperous, well-known and highly respected farmers
735WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He married Catherine, daughter of James and Catherine (Shaffer) Stewart. Issue: Mary
J.; James, of further mention,; Alfred M.; Milton, died in the Union army;
Adeline V.
(III) James (2) Thompson, son of Robert and Catherine (Stewart)
Thompson, was born in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
July I, 1838, died there August 3, I9o3. He attended Locust Grove public school, and remained at the home farm until of legal age. He then went
to the Pennsylvania oil fields and for one year worked at the oil wells on
the Tarr farm in Venango county. He then returned to the home farm,
which was ever afterward his home. He erected the present farm house
and barns in I873 and I88o and left the farm in a highly improved condition. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and
in political faith was a Democrat. His character was above reproach and
in his home life he was a devoted husband and father.
Mr. Thompson married, November 24, 1870, Mary Elizabeth Hatch,
born in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 24,
I846, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Jane (McFerrin) Hatch, who had
children: I. Mary E., widow of James Thompson. 2. John, died aged
twenty-one years. 3. Sarah Jane, deceased; married William Oakley;
children: Jessie and Jennie. 4. Joseph Blanchard, died aged fourteen years.,. Nancy Anna, married William Schar, of West View, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania; children: Mabel May, Sarah Esther, William H., Earl. Children of James and Mary E. (Hatch) Thompson: I. Charles Blanchard,
born May 23, i872, died February I5, I873. 2. Flora Jane, born December
7, I874, died June I, I88I. 3. Laurence Siebold, born April 6, I879, died
June 5, I88i. 4. James Marshall, born May 23, I882, now cultivating fifty
acres of the home farm. 5. Elizabeth Stewart, born March 3, I885; married, June 27, I907, Leroy McElheny; children: Mildred Lillian and Chester
Addison. Mrs. Mary E. (Hatch) Thompson has continued her residence
at the home farm since becoming a widow, her husband's relative,
Charles Thompson, son of Alfred and Rebecca (Owens) Thompson,
residing with her.
George E. Holmes is a member of a Virginian family long
HOLMES respected in that state, and prominent in the affairs of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in Virginia. His paternal grandfather was a well-known clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal Church, occupying the pulpit of a church of that denomination. He passed his whole
life in that state and finally died there. One of his children was Hamilton
Holmes, the father of George E. Holmes.
Hamilton Holmes was born in Virginia, and after completing the general portion of his education, he took a course to prepare him for the Methodist ministry, the lifelong calling of his father. This he completed successfully, and shortly afterwards entered the church. After a period he
gave up the ministry, however, and betook himself to a commercial life,
736WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
engaging in the wholesale grocery business in Louisville, Kentucky, whither
he had removed. In this enterprise he succeeded admirably, providing
amply for his large family of fourteen children. Another enterprise in later
life led him west to what was then the territory of Washington, where he
eventually died. He was thrice married, fourteen children in all being born
to him. His second wife was Katherine Nixon, a native of Tennessee,
where she was born. While still very young, her parents had moved to
Louisville, Kentucky, and it was in that city that she had met Hamilton
Holmes. Of this union there were born four children, George E., two
sisters, and another child who died in infancy.
George E. Holmes, the eldest child of Hamilton and Katherine (Nixon)
Holmes, was born March Io, 1857, at Jeffersonville, Indiana, during a temporary residence of his parents in that city. He was educated for a time
in the public schools of his native town, but while still young he began the
serious business of life by securing a position on a river ferry. He continued in this service for a time and then, having gained the requisite experience in river work, was enabled to find employment on a steamer plying
between his native place and New Orleans. After the lapse of a considerable time, Mr. Holmes gave up the river work entirely and entered the
service of the Edward Ford Company, a concern in the plate glass business
at Jeffersonville, Indiana. In this work he gave the greatest satisfaction,
and when in I88I, the Ford family removed to Tarentum, Pennsylvania,
and there re-established their glass business, Mr. Holmes accompanied them
and continued in their employment. Here he continued for ten years longer,
or until I89I, when as a result of industry and frugality, Mr. Holmes had
laid aside enough money to enable him to engage in business for himself.
In the year I89I, accordingly, he opened a pool room in Tarentum, and has
since been engaged in a prosperous business there. He is also connected
with the Keystone State Building and Loan Association, a very large and
influential concern closely connected with the Bank of Pittsburgh, and for
twenty-two years has been its local secretary at Tarentum. Mr. Holmes
takes a very active part in the life of his community and is a prominent
figure in many circles. He is a member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
Mr. Holmes married, March 28, I882, Sarah Horn, a daughter of Wesley and Anna Horn, of Greensboro, Pennsylvania, where she was born
September, I855. To Mr. and Mrs. Holmes has been born a daughter,
Bessie, now Mrs. Burdette Harrison, of Tarentum, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Harrison holds the responsible position of assistant superintendent of the
Allegheny Glass Company. They are the parents of one child, a son, Harold
H. Harrison. Mr. Holmes and the members of his family are all communicants in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In Ireland, Kelly has for centuries been one of the most comKELLY  mon surnames, and in the Irish language is called Ceallach,
signifying strife or war. A family of the name of Kelly has
737WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
possessed a freehold in the Isle of Man from time immemorial. The English Kellys furnished their share of early colonists in New England. The
name is also frequently spelled Kelley, which was orginally Kelleigh, this
can be traced in England to a period prior to the Norman conquest, and the
bearers of it were undoubtedly descended from the ancient Britons. The
principal manorial seat of the family in England has been for many centuries located in the small parish of Kelly, in Devonshire, but whether the
community derived its name from the family, or vice-versa, cannot be determined. The family under discussion here came to the United States from
Ireland.
(I) Nicholas Kelly, who was born in county Louth, Ireland, spent his
entire life there. He and his wife were Roman Catholics.
(II) James Kelly, son of Nicholas Kelly, was born near Drogheda,
county Louth, Ireland, in I8i6, died in I865. He lost a large fortune on
the vessel owned by his brother-in-law, which went down in a storm on the
Irish Sea, and he decided to emigrate to America with a view of more easily
regaining a competence. His early years had been spent on the home farm,
and after his marriage he had opened a provision store in the town of
Drogheda. He emigrated to America in I847, alone, going directly to New
Orleans, Louisiana, and in I848 came northward to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he established a home for his family. His wife, with their
son, Nicholas, came to the United States from Ireland in I849, landing at
Philadelphia, after seven weeks on the ocean in a sailing vessel, the "Isaac
Newton." The trip to Pittsburgh was made by way of canal, and they arrived there, May 9, I849. Two other children were sent for later. Mr.
Kelly was a laborer, and lived on James street, Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
where his death and that of his wife occurred. They were members of the
Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Kelly married, in Ireland, Mary Gogan, born
in county Louth in I8i8, died in I866, whose parents never left Ireland, but
who had a paternal uncle, who came to America, and lived in Bridgeport,
Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly had children: I. Annie, died in childhood in Ireland. 2. Nicholas, of further mention. 3. Peter, born July 4,
I844, served four years in the Union army during the Civil War. 4. Mary,
born March 20, I847, is a widow and living in Pittsburgh. 5. Margaret, born
March 26, I850; married Albert Alexander, now deceased; lives at North
Side, Pittsburgh. 6. Katherine, born March 26, I852, died young. 7. Anne,
born January 22, 1855, died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-five years.
8. James, born April 6, I857, was drowned in the Allegheny canal in I863.
9. Patrick, born October 2, 1859, died young. Io. Michael, born August
3, I863; is a watchman in the employ of the city of Pittsburgh, and lives at
North Side.
(III) Nicholas (2) Kelly, son of James and Mary (Gogan) Kelly, was
born in county Louth, Ireland, March 5, I842, and baptized in St. Patrick's
Church in Drogheda, by Father Henratta. He was a pupil in the public
schools of Allegheny until the age of eleven years, then found employment
in the Eagle Cotton Works, where he remained until the age of fifteen
738$- I IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
years. He was apprenticed to learn the molder's trade in the Marshall 
McGeary Foundry. May I4, I86I, he enlisted in Company D, First Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and fought in the battle of Philippi,
West Virginia, the first battle after that at Fort Sumter. On March 6, I865,
he enlisted as second lieutenant in Company F, Eighty-seventh Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the battle of Petersburg,
March I2, and also at Appomattox. His regiment was a part of the Sixth
Army Corps, which was reviewed separately at the close of the war. He
then resumed his work at the foundries as a molder, being employed at
various places, and in I886, in association with James Niel, opened a foundry
on Smallman street, Pittsburgh, operating this under the name of James
Niel  Company. Two years later Mr. Kelly purchased the building, Nos.
I708-Io Wharton street, South Side, Pittsburgh, and started a foundry independently, and has been successfully identified with this since that time.
In I892 he admitted his son, James G., to the firm, and the name became
N. Kelly  Son. In I895 he erected a fine brick house at No. 802 Brownsville road, Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania, and still lives there. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, having been confirmed in this faith in his
youth by Bishop O'Connor.
Mr. Kelly married, January 3I, I86I, Flora Hanchey, born in Switzerland in I842, died January 28, I912. She was a daughter of Jacob and
Elizabeth Hanchey, both natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to the
United States in I845, and made their home in Pittsburgh. Mr. Hanchey
was a school teacher in Switzerland, but worked in the lead works in this
country, and died at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife lived to the
advanced age of ninety-seven years, eight months. They were both members
of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly were the parents of children:
I. Anna, died of scarlet fever at the age of eighteen months. 2. Anna, married Oliver McKelvey, now deceased; lives in Knoxville, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. 3. Irene, married Charles W. Miller, and lives in Duquesne
Heights. 4. James G., born October I3, I868; is the manager of his father's
foundry; married Stella Wier, and has five children. 5. Elizabeth, born
January 28, I87I, unmarried. 6. Emma, born January 28, I873; married
James Hector; lives in Duquesne Heights.
The first of his line to come to the United States, all of the
REUTZEL  past history of the family of which Conrad Reutzel is a
member is relative to its German home. Conrad Reutzel
is a grandson of Christian Reutzel, a farmer of Germany, who there passed
his entire life. Christian Reutzel married and reared a family.
(II) Conrad Reutzel, son of Christian Reutzel, was born in HesseDarmstadt, Germany, and there died. Like his father, he was a farmer,
and also a pump maker, following these callings until his death. He married
Mary Nauman, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, and had children: Henry,
Catherine, Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, residents of Germany; Conrad, of whom
further.
739WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) Conrad (2) Reutzel, son of Conrad (I) and Mary (Nauman)
Reutzel, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 30, I868. His
father's death occurred when he was but a child, his mother dying when
he was thirteen years of age, and two years later, in I883, Conrad Reutzel
emigrated to the United States. His name, however, was never removed
from the military register, and upon his non-appearance for military service
when he had arrived at suitable age, his share of his father's estate was confiscated by the German government. He later entered claim for this sum,
and was legally upheld, but after deducting the expense he had borne in
securing this favorable judgment he gained but the small sum of sixtyeight dollars. Arriving in Baltimore, Maryland, the port made by the transatlantic steamer on which he had engaged passage, Conrad Reutzel proceeded directly to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was employed by an
uncle conducting gardening operations at Troy Hill. He had obtained good
school training in the land of his birth, attending school for but three months
in this country, and when sixteen years of age entered the horseshoe department of the Shellenberger Mill, passing twenty years in this service.
On January I, I9oo, Mr. Reutzel moved to his present home in Shaler
township, a farm of sixteen acres, all kept in a high state of cultivation,
irrigation being employed in eight acres thereof. Mr. Reutzel has installed
his own irrigation system, his source of supply being a nearby creek, from
which, with a seventeen horse-power engine, he pumps water into a supply
tank with a capacity of four thousand barrels, thence to a smaller tank,
holding five hundred barrels, on the hilltop, from which elevation it receives its pressure. Mr. Reutzel has also an independent water system for
his house, a spring on the premises offering the best and purest of water,
which is pumped to a one-hundred-and-twenty barrel supply tank in the
upper part of the house. Vegetables and fruits are the products of his land,
his thorough knowledge and skillful care enabling him to profit largely from
his operations. Mr. Reutzel is a modern agriculturist in every sense of the
word, and utilizes the discoveries of his own experiments and of agricultural scientists to enable him to derive the greatest productive force from
his soil without at the same time destroying its fertility. He is possessed of
considerable mechanical skill, and in I9II perfected an appliance for use
on corn, pea and bean planters to regulate the depth of planting, an invention which greatly increases the efficacy of those devices. Mr. Reutzel engages in the manufacture of this appliance during the winter months, when
not busily occupied on his land, and places it on the market through the
agency of J. W. Scott. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and is one
of the commissioners of Shaler township. His church is St. Luke's Lutheran. Mr. Reutzel is one of the prosperous citizens of the township, a
leader in all movements of public interest, and holds the confidence of his
neighbors. Intelligent application and tireless industry show their results in
his finely kept farm, while his irreproachable reputation among his fellows is
the fruit of honor, integrity and right living.
740WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Reutzel married, in I893, Elizabeth Reatz, born in Allegheny City
(Pittsburgh North Side), Pennsylvania. They are the parents of: Walter
Frederick and Harold Conrad.
This old and reputable German family was planted in
WATENPOOL Western Pennsylvania by Jacob (2) Watenpool, who
came at the age of twenty-three years, settling in Pittsburgh. His father, Jacob (I) Watenpool, spent a few of his later years in
Pennsylvania, visiting his children, but lived nearly his entire life in his
native land. Jacob Watenpool had issue: Elizabeth, Catherine, Jacob (2),
Theodore, Anna.
(II) Jacob (2) Watenpool was born in Germany in I829, and was there
educated in the public schools. In I852 he came to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, where he worked four years in the rolling mills. He
then moved to a farm in Allegheny county, where he resided until his death
in I907, at the age of seventy-eight years. He married Lena Snyder and
had issue: i. Jacob (3), of further mention. 2. Andrew, married Theresa
McCurry, and lives in Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
3. Peter, married Amelia Gehague, and lives in Franklin township. 4.
Mary, married Patrick Young. 5. Louis, married Anna Warner. 6. Catherine, married Andrew Edrews. 7. Lydia, unmarried. 8. Rosa, married
Henry WVhitmer. Jacob Watenpool and his family were members of the
Roman Catholic Church.
(III) Jacob (3) Watenpool, son of Jacob (2) and Lena (Synder)
Watenpool, was born on Pittsburgh South Side in 1854. He attended public
schools, and in early manhood learned the trade of carpenter and for several
years was both farmer and carpenter. Later he purchased a farm of one
hundred and twenty-seven acres in Franklin township, upon which he now
resides, a general farmer and gardener. He is a member of the Roman
Catholic Church, and in politics is independent in his action. Mr. Watenpool married Mary, daughter of John Altmire. Children: William, Ida,
married George Garger, Harry, Arthur, Edward.
Andrew Skiles, a Scotchman, came to Pennsylvania at an
SKILES early day, settling in the eastern part of the state, where he
became a farmer and famous local hunter. He married and
had children: William, Thomas, Isaac, Rebecca, James, of further mention,
and John. From these sprang the Skiles family of Western Pennsylvania,
among them Henry Skiles, of Bellevue, Allegheny county, a representative
of the third generation in the United States.
(II) James Skiles, son of Andrew Skiles, was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, in the year I790, died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He
attended the subscription school, and worked on the home farm until about
twenty years of age, then came to Western Pennsylvania, settling in Ohio
township, Allegheny county. He obtained title to land in the township,
which he cleared and on which he erected a house. During the second war
74IVWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
with Great Britain, he enlisted, but before reaching the field of action with
his company the war ended and they returned to their homes. He resumed
farming and was so engaged until his death. He married Catherine, daughter of John Andrew Emerick. She died in June, I862. Children: I.
Andrew, married Hannah Rosensteel. 2. Mary, married Henry Young.
3. Adam, died in infancy. 4. Margaret, married Samuel Neely. 5. John, married Fanny Brown. 6. Sarah, married William Neely. 7. Hannah, married
Andrew McCawley. 8. Jane, married Philip Creese. 9. William, married
Susanna Smith. io. Rebecca, married Alexander Little. I. James, married
Esther Boli. 12. Samuel, twin of James, married Mary Newell. I3. Henry,
of further mention. The family were Presbyterians.
(III) Henry Skiles, son of James and Catherine (Emerick) Skiles,
was born in Ohio township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October I5,
I834. He was educated in public schools, and in early life worked on the
home farm. Later he learned the trade of carpenter, an occupation he followed for several years. He then began farming in Franklin township, then
spent a year in farming in Beaver county. While in Beaver county, in I862,
he enlisted in Company L, Fourteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry,
later was transferred to Company E, of the same regiment, served thirtyfive months and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He saw
hard service with the Fourteenth Regiment, fought with General Sheridan
up and down the Shenandoah Valley and shared the often hard fortunes
of his regiment on many battle fields, but came through all without bodily
injury. After the war he worked at his trade for two years, then began
farming. In 1884 he purchased his present farm in Franklin township and
cultivated its fertile acres, until his retirement, in favor of his son, William
J. Skiles, who now operates the farm. He is a member of Franklin Methodist Episcopal Church, is a Republican in politics, and for nine years served
his township as school director. Although verging on the eightieth year of
an active useful life, Mr. Skiles is still hearty and well-preserved, is interested in current affairs and is thoroughly informed on all public questions.
Mr. Skiles married, in I854, Kate E., daughter of Peter and Eliza
(Wiggins) Boli, and has children: I. William J., born May 2, I86o, now
cultivating the home farm, unmarried. 2. Minnie, born February I4, 1862;
married William George, and resides with her father. 3. Guy M., born
September 2, I867; married Margaret Ludwig, and resides in Sewickley,
Pennsylvania. 4. Martha E., born December I2, I869; married Harry L.
Watson, and resides in Perrysville, Pennsylvania; children, Nellie, Minnie,
Elsie. 5. Henry Price, born March 28, I874, married Loftie Rusz, and
resides in East Liberty, Pennsylvania; children, Dorothy, Helen, Minnie.
When Thomas Keown, a native of Ireland, came to the
KEOWN  United States from the land of his birth he was a youth of
nineteen years, having been educated in Ireland. He was a
son of William Keown, who with his wife passed his entire life in Ireland.
(II) Thomas Keown, son of William Keown, settled soon after his
742WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
arrival in the United States on a farm in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
that is now the site of the town of Keown. He bought one hundred acres
of land, the purchase price four dollars per acre, and there built a log house,
afterward replacing it with one of brick, which is standing to the present time.
A great part of this tract he cleared, conducting general farming operations
in connection with his work at his trade, brick molding, and prospered in
his dual business. The bricks of which his second house was made he manufactured. His church was the Protestant Episcopal, and in public service he filled the offices of school director and township supervisor. He
was a public-spirited, dutiful citizen, living a life of usefulness and activity,
passed in peace and enjoyable communion with his fellows. He married
Anna Pierce, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, her parents,
Obidiah and Mary Pierce, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, who moved westward to McCandless township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where they
died. Children of Thomas and Anna (Pierce) Keown: James, Mary Ann,
Jane, John, of whom further, Nancy, Thomas, a soldier in the Union army
during the war between the states, in the command of Colonel Clark,
William.
(III) John Keown, son of Thomas and Anna (Pierce) Keown, was
born at Keown, McCandless township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
I839, the locality taking its name from the family founded in Pennsylvania
by Thomas Keown. His early education was obtained in the public schools,
and after he had reached an age at which his services were useful on the
home farm, his opportunities for school attendance were limited to about
three months a year. He became a farmer when a young man, and until
he was forty-five years of age cultivated the home farm, then becoming
keeper of the toll gate at Pine Creek and Wexford roads, a position he held
for fourteen years. In I892 he was appointed postmaster at the Keown
post office, McCandless township, by President Cleveland, and held it for
seventeen years, and then resigned. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church.
Mr. Keown married, in I868, Margaret Ann Graley, born in Ireland,
daughter of Robert ahld Jane (Hastings) Graley, her parents both natives
of Ireland, where Robert Graley died, her mother marrying again, her second husband William Sharp. Her second marriage occurred after her
emigration to the United States with her two children, her mother, and
brothers. Jane Hastings was a daughter of David and Jane Hastings, her
father dying in Ireland, her mother in the United States, and she was three
weeks on the sea en route to this country, settling immediately in Allegheny
City (Pittsburgh North Side).  Children of John and Margaret Ann
(Graley) Keown: I. Robert Graley, lives on the homestead in McCandless
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; he has been justice of the peace
for three terms. 2. Thomas Francis, lives at home, an employee of the
Western Electric Company, his duties those of inspector. 3. Anna Elizabeth,
deceased; married Charles Schafer, and had children: Earl, Charles, Anna
Margaret, the latter of whom lives with her grandparents. 4. John Davis,
743WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
resides in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, employed by the Manufacturers'
Light and Heat Company. 5. Harry Lynn, lives in Westview, Pennsylvania.
6. Elva Jane, lives at home. 7. Margaret Edith, lives at home.
Christian Shenot, a native of South Germany, emigrated to
SHENOT America in 1855, and settled at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania.
Later he removed to Franklin township, Allegheny county,
and then to Marshall township, in the same county, where he became the
owner of three hundred acres of land, a large part of which he cleared and
cultivated. He gave his political support to the Democratic party, and was
a member of the Catholic Church. His death occurred in I874. Prior to
coming to America, he married Mary Shaffer, and they had children:
August N., of further mention; Mary, Peter, Sophia, Mathias.
(II) August N. Shenot, son of Christian and Mary (Shaffer) Shenot,
was born in South Germany about I85o, died in I889. He was a very young
child when brought to this country by his parents, and received his education
here in the public schools. He was a farmer all his life, active in the interests of the Democratic party, and a devout member of the Catholic
Church. Mr. Shenot married Catherine, a daughter of Ignatius Brooker,
who owned all the land on which Wexford is now located. Children:
Charles P., of further mention; William, living in Pittsburgh, married
Josephine Carlisle; Matilda, unmarried, lives with her mother; Henry, in the
dairy business in Pittsburgh, in association with his brother Charles P.;
Edward, living on the old homestead, married Elizabeth Rudolph.
(III) Charles P. Shenot, son of August N. and Catherine (Brooker)
Shenot, was born in Marshall township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
May 28, I877. He acquired a sound practical education in the public
schools of Wexford, Allegheny county, and made the best use of his opportunities. He has always been actively identified with agricultural pursuits, and is now engaged in farming, making a specialty of growing fruits
and dairy farming. In both of these branches he has been very successful. His political affiliation is with the Democratic party, in whose
interests he has been an active worker, and he served for a time as township inspector. His religious allegiance is with the Catholic Church, of
which he is a devout member, and to which he gives generously of his
means. Mr. Shenot married Elizabeth Schwindman, and they have had
children: Earl, Loretta, Mary, Clara.
(The Schwindman Line.)
(I) Wendel Schwindman, a native of Germany, came to America in
I84I, and settled at Warrendale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He married Martha Brooker and had children: Philip, of further mention; Elizabeth, Mary, Margarethe.
(II) Philip Schwindman, son of Wendel and Martha (Brooker)
Schwindman, was born in Baden, Germany, May I6, I8i8. He was educated in Germany, and after his arrival in this country attended night school
for a time in order to acquire a mastery of the English language. His re744X~~ ~ ~~   ~ ID:7::;7:                                   X:;  tSX   |:  750                                  7    D' T: f                           X:    X:i:~~~~i   
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t  -      rWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ligious connection was with the Catholic Church, and he was an active
worker in the interests of the Democratic party, later serving as school
director and as town supervisor. At the time of his death he was the owner
of three hundred and fifty acres of land in Marshall township. He married Mary Ann Corn, and had children: Pauline, who died at the age of
twenty-six years; David, of further mention; Elizabeth, deceased; Lizzy,
unmarried, lives in Pittsburgh; Joseph, died in I905.
(III) David Schwindman, son of Philip and Mary Ann (Corn)
Schwindman, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 5, I845.
He was educated in the public schools in the vicinity of his home, and his
youthful years were spent in the usual manner of a farmer's son. Later
he became the owner of four hundred and fifty acres of land in Marshall
and Pine townships, which he cultivates in an up-to-date and profitable
manner. He is a Democrat, and has served as school director and tax
collector of the township, and he is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr.
Schwindman married Matilda, a daughter of Henry Blum, of Pittsburgh,
and they have had children: Henry, married Maggie Shenot, lives in Pine
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; Emma, married Albert Gogler,
lives in Oakland, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, who married Mr. Shenot, as
above stated; Clara, married Leo Whelan, born in New Castle, Pennsylvania,
now living in Marshall township, Allegheny county, and they have had children: Edward, Hilda, Charles, Mary.
The Jordan' family had its origin in France, where we find it
JORDAN  as Jourdain or Jourdaine, and from thence it came to England and Germany, where the form of the name was slightly
changed. The name was probably first adopted as a surname by some man
who had been a crusader or pilgrim to Palestine, and looked upon the historic stream. A number of members of this family have come to America,
one being known to have died in Pittsburgh during the cholera epidemic of
I849; another went to Austria, where he died, and they are now scattered
all through Germany and the United States.
Sebastian Jordan, brother of the two mentioned above, was born in
Baden, Germany, in 1822, died in Karlsruhe, May 7, I872. He was a machinist by trade,'and later became an engine builder of note, following this
occupation until his death, at which time he was a resident of Karlsruhe,
Baden, Germany. He and his wife were devout Roman Catholics. He
married Thekla Adams, born in Baden, October 4, 1826, died June 4, I898.
But little is known of her family except that she had six sisters, and one
brother, Tobias Adams, who owned and operated several flour mills in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan became the parents of one child.
Rev. William L. J. Jordan, son of Sebastian and Thekla (Adams)
Jordan, was born in the town of Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, September I3,
I864, and was about seven years of age when death robbed him of his father.
The public schools in the vicinity of his birthplace provided his elementary
education, and he then prepared for the university at the Gymnasium, which
745WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
about corresponds to the American high schools. From his earliest years
he had shown great aptitude in his studies, and having matriculated at the
Freiburg University, was graduated from this institution in 1887 with honor.
In that year he came to the United States and took up his theological studies
at St. Vincent's Abbey, Beatty, Pennsylvania, and was graduated in I888.
He was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, July I3, I888,
and his colleagues admit that he is one of the most learned men among
them. In addition to his native tongue, German, he speaks about five other
languages, and a number of dialects fluently, and has a superficial knowledge
of several others. He is an expert in the study and translation of Hebrew,
and has made an exhaustive study of the early Scriptures. His first charge
was the church at Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he remained until I892;
he was then about one year at Rochester, Pennsylvania; Wexford, Pennsylvania, until November, I894, when he returned to Altoona, Pennsylvania,
remaining there until I897. In November of that year he was given charge
of the church and parish of St. Francis, at Homestead, Pennsylvania, and
is still the minister of that flock. St. Francis' Roman Catholic Church of
Homestead was founded in I890 by Rev. Father John B. Duffner, then
located at St. Peter's Church, on South Side, Pittsburgh. Father Norbert
Bausch was in charge from I892 until I897, since which time the responsibilities of this parish have been borne by Rev. Jordan. He has the valuable
gift of being able to arouse the interest of his parishioners and of keeping
this interest alive. This is greatly due to the personal note in all he does
for the people under his charge, and they feel that they have in him, not
alone the priest who looks after their spiritual welfare, but the man, with
the warm, human heart in his breast, who is ready to sympathize with them
in all their little troubles, however insignificant they may appear to be.
There are about seventy-five families in this parish, and Rev. Jordan has
built a fine, new brick church and school, and has greatly improved matters
in general. He has visited the land of his birth three times, in I896, I908,
and in 1913, each time bringing here, upon his return, new ideas for the
comfort and benefit of his beloved parishioners.
Numerous pioneers by the name of Clark and Clarke came to
CLARK New England during the first years of its settlement, the name
having been common in all parts of England for many centuries. The arms of the Suffolk branch of the family are: Argent, on a
bend gules, between three roundels sable, as many swans in the field. Crest:
Out of a tau cross or, three roses gules, leaves vert, between a pair of
wings azure. Motto:.Secreturm mei gaudii in cruce. Owing to the frequent loss and total destruction of early Colonial records, due to Indian
raids and other causes, it is not always possible to trace descent from early
settlers with accuracy at this day. That the Clark family was numerously
and honorably represented in the New England Colonies is a matter of
historical record, and from that section they migrated to others, until they
are now to be found in every state in the Union.
746WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Charles Clark, whose parents lived and died in the state of Massachusetts, was educated in the public schools of that state, and in early manhood
came to Pennsylvania, where he settled at McKeesport, and there was superintendent of a department in an iron factory. He soon abandoned this,
however, and engaged in business as a general merchant, continuing this
for some years, then became a traveling salesman, an occupation with which
he was identified until his death. He took an active part in the public affairs
of his town in the interests of the Republican party, and served as a school
director. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church.
Mr. Clark married, June io, I862, Mary Emeline M,ouck, born in Findlayville, Washington county, Pennsylvania, April I, 1842, the Rev. M. McKinstry officiating at this ceremony. Her family line is subjoined. They
had children:  Nannie Viola, born February 27, I863, lives with her
mother; Emma Lucretia, born September 4, I864, married James Laubie,
died in Pittsburgh; William Edward, born February 5, I867, is a clerk and
lives in Knoxville, Pittsburgh; George Mosely, born January I7, I869, died
in infancy; Gertrude, born January 22, 1871, married Frank Holmes, and
lives in Crafton, Pennsylvania; Charles, born January 6, I876, is purchasing agent for the Pittsburgh Forge and Iron Company, and resides with his
mother; Louis Caster, born June  I, I878, a salesman with the May Lumber Company, also resides with his mother; Ada Kathleen, born August 4,
I88I, resides with her mother; Merton Philips, born October I5, I883, is a
civil engineer, and superintendent of the Bessemer Coal and Coke Company.
(The Philips Line.)
(I) Joseph Philips married Mary
(II) Rev. David Philips, son of Joseph and Mary Philips, came from
Wales to America prior to the Revolution, and took an active part in that
conflict, having command as captain of a company of militia. He married
Mary Thomas and had thirteen children, all now deceased.
(III) Josiah Philips, son of Rev. David and Mary (Thomas) Philips,
was an extensive land owner in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where
he was a farmer. He married (first) Sarah Bell, and had children: David,
Mary, John, Joseph, Robert, Lizzie, Isaac, Sarah, Nancy, of further mention; Josiah. He married (second) Mrs. -- Blackmore and had children:
Margaret, Richard, William, James.
(IV) Nancy Philips, daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Bell) Philips,
was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where she grew to maturity,
and married William Mouck, a son of John Mouck, an old resident of
Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Mouck removed to McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in cabinet making and
as a funeral director. In his later years he retired from business occupation, and died at the advanced age of ninety-eight years in Washington
county, and is buried at McKeesport. Both were members of the Baptist
Church. They had children: Josiah, a lieutenant in the Union army, was
killed by a sharpshooter at the battle of Gettysburg; Edward, deceased;
747WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mary Emeline, of further mention; Sarah Belle, married James Miller;
William, a farmer in West Chester, Pennsylvania; Lorena, married Edwin
Miller, and died leaving two children; Anna Adelaide, died in early youth;
Elizabeth Ellen, died at the age of seven years.
(V) Mary Emeline Mouck, daughter of William and Nancy (Philips)
Mouck, married Charles Clark, as above stated. She is a Daughter of the
American Revolution. She removed to Crafton, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, about 1905, and purchased a fine house on Oregon avenue, where
she still resides.
Before the general adoption of surnames in Great Britain,
DAVIES  the Welsh people were accustomed to distinguish those bearing the same Christian name from one another by adding the
father's name with a possessive, as "Harry's, "David's" and these were in
time shortened and slightly varied, thus forming the very frequent names
among those people of Williams, Jones, Harris, Davis, or Davies, etc.
(I) Thomas Davies was born in Merthyrtydvil, Glamorganshire, Wales,
and spent his entire life there with the exception of three years spent in
America. He was employed in the iron mills. He married Catherine
Howells, a daughter of Morgan Howells, who was either a brother or a
nephew of Lord Wadleigh, whose estate is now lying idle because the direct
line has died out. They had children: Thomas, of further mention; John,
William, Rees, Philip, Edward, Catherine, Mary, died in girlhood.
(II) Thomas (2) Davies, son of Thomas (I) and Catherine (Howells)
Davies, was born in Merthyrtydvil, Wales, in I8o5, died in Chicago, Illinois,
in I869. He was a worker in a rolling mill, and in I866, with his wife and
four children, he emigrated to America to join their three eldest sons, who
had already made their homes here. They located in Chicago, where they
were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Davies married, in Wales, Mary
Williams, born in the same village as her husband, in I815, died in Chicago,
in I885. She was a daughter of Rees and Mary (Richards) Williams, both
natives of the same town, where he was a miner. They had other children:
Susanna, married Robert Davies; Margaret, married Samuel Richards;
another daughter who died in infancy. Mary (Richards) Williams was a
daughter of Edward and Catherine (Morgan) Richards, and a granddaughter of Sir Charles Morgan, later Lord Tredegar. Catherine (Morgan)
Richards, in early youth, eloped with Edward Richards, a man of humbler
birth than her own, and was disowned by her family in consequence of this
step, the large estate going to other members of the family. The present
Lord Tredegar, a bachelor, is a distant cousin of Mr. Davies. Mr. and Mrs.
Davies had children: Thomas, who came to America in I86o, became
a worker in a rolling mill in Chicago, and died in that city; Rees, who came
a little later, died in Pueblo, Colorado, where he was the owner of a part
of a silver mine; Edward, died in infancy; Catherine, married John L.
Jones, and died at Simpson, Kansas; William, died in infancy; Edward,
748WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
who came to America early in I866, also worked in a rolling mill in Chicago,
and also died there; John R., of further mention; William, a steel worker
many years, now a grocer, lives in Joliet, Illinois; Mary, died in Wales at
the age of seven years; Philip, died in Chicago, where he was employed as a
superintendent in a steel mill.
(III) John R. Davies, son of Thomas (2) and Mary (Williams)
Davies, was born in Merthyrtydvil, Glamorganshire, Wales, December 22,
I848. He acquired his education in the Aberdare public schools, then commenced working in the rolling mills of the Abernant Iron Works, in Abernant, a suburb of Aberdare. In I866 he came to America with the others
of the family, and found employment in rolling mills in Chicago, in which
city he lived until I888. From 1882 until I885 he had held the position of
superintendent in the rolling mill, and in April, of that last mentioned year,
he went to La Grange, Missouri, in order to superintend the completion of
the construction work on the plant which his company was erecting there.
He then returned to Chicago, as the company for which he worked had gone
into bankruptcy, then superintended the installation of machinery for a
company at Bridgeport, Illinois, after which he became a boss roller. In
I888 he was in receipt of an offer from the Allegheny Bessemer Steel Company, and in consequence of this came to Duquesne, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, in order to install the machinery in their new plant. He was
then superintendent for the company until his retirement sixteen years later,
with the exception of a short period spent in Pottsville, while installing machinery and reorganizing the steel mill there. He is one of the oldest men
in his line of business. As a member of the Republican party he has served
on the Duquesne board of health. He has built a beautiful brick residence
at No. 315 Kennedy street, opposite the high school, and since his retirement from the steel industry has done considerable business along real
estate lines.
Mr. Davies married, in I872, Sarah Ann Price, born in Ebbw Vale,
Monmouthshire, South Wales, a daughter of Thomas Price. Her mother
died in Wales, and in I869 she came to America to join her father, who had
preceded her. Mr. and Mrs. Davies have had children: Thomas P., who
lives in Duquesne, is assistant chief mechanical engineer in the local steel
works; Taleasen H., a physician in the State Hospital at Farnhurst, Delaware; Jennie, married John Jarrett, lives in Duquesne; Edith, at home;
John, secretary and treasurer of the Duquesne Trust Company; May, at
home; Marian, married Howard Knapp, lives in Duquesne; Hayden, died
at the age of eighteen months; Alma, at home.
Writing in her diary, September I8,'795, Mrs. Elizabeth
SMITH  Drinker, the well-known Quakeress of Philadelphia,'says:
"Saml Smith of Bucks C'y, Saml Smith of Philada, and Sally
Smith called this morning. Those three Smiths are in no way related-it
is I believe the most common name in Europe and North America." One
reason for the commonness of this name is that it is one of the so-called
749I "V   Z/l,~td~
~~i~"~"""16 ~~~ aJvir,,uiWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
trade names, being derived form the trade or work of the original owners,
and at first being prefixed by the article "the."
(I) Samuel Smith, who lived and died in England, was the father of:
I. Frederick, a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also
a coal ganger; died in McKeesport. 2. Leonard, a horse trainer and dealer;
died in Pittsburgh. 3. Henry, died in early manhood in the United States.
4. George, of further mention. 5. Eliza, died unmarried, in young womanhood.
(II) Captain George Smith, son of Samuel Smith, was born in Easton
Parish, Wiltshire, England, June 3, I8i6, died June I5, I884. At an unusually early age he learned the carpenter's trade in his native land, and at
the age of fourteen years emigrated to the United States. There were no
railroads at that time, and he drove, overland to Zanesville, Ohio, and
worked there as a carpenter until I836, and then went on the Ohio river
as a boatman. He was a large and powerfully built man, like his father,
and well adapted to battle with the hardships which his calling brought.
It was no long time before he was advanced to the position of pilot, and
for thirty years he served as pilot and captain on the Monongahela and
Ohio rivers. About I852 he bought a house and farm in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, and his family lived in the country until I864, when
they removed to McKeesport. In that town he then operated a grist mill,
and was captain of the "Dolphin" at this time. In I866 this boat was
burned, and Mr. Smith then engaged in the coal business with Thomas
Fawcett. In I882 he was elected chief of police of McKeesport, and filled
this position until his death. His administration of affairs was universally
commended. He was a highly respected man, never making a promise
without due deliberation, and never breaking one. He married, in 1842,
Mary Jones, born in Lirhory, Parish of Bedwealthy, county Monmouth,
Wales, April 23, I824, who came to this country with her parents when she
was a little girl. She was a daughter of Henry and Ann Jones, born in
Wales, where he became an ironworker. About the year I830 they emigrated to Maryland, and later went to Wheeling, West Virginia, where the
marriage of Mrs. Smith occurred. Later Mr. and Mrs. Jones removed to
Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a heater in a steel furnace.
They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs.
Jones had children: I. William, deceased; was a heater in the rolling mill
at Sharpsburg. 2. Henry, also deceased; a heater, like his brother. 3.
Nancy Jane, married Samuel J. Hemmingray, both now deceased; lived
in Covington, Kentucky, where he was the owner and operator of glass
works. 4. Mary, who married Captain Smith, as above stated. 5. Henrietta, married Henry Mahey; lived in Pittsburgh. 6. Susan, married S.
S. Peterson, a retail shoe dealer of McKeesport. 7. Rose, married William L. Corbett, an attorney of Clarion, Pennsylvania. Captain George
and Mary (Jones) Smith had children: I. Thomas A., who served during
the Civil War in Company.H, Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves;
75oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lives in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 2. Margaret, married Edwin Kline;
lives in Peru, Indiana. 3. William H., of further mention. 4. Frank F.,
deals in real estate; lives in Seattle, Washington; married Mary Taylor.
5. George F., lives in Port Townsend, Washington, where he is county
commissioner; married Fannie Hardwick. 6. Victor W., the proprietor of
a general store in Derry, Pennsylvania. 7. Nettie, married Robert Parkin;
lives in McKeesport. 8. Carrie, married Wallace Smith, foreman in the
National Rolling Mill, at McKeesport. 9. Rose, married B. J. Work, foreman
in the McKeesport Tin Plate Mill.
(III) William H. Smith, son of Captain George and Mary (Jones)
Smith, was born on South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January I6,
I848. He was educated in the public schools in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, attending them until he was twelve years of age, then worked
with his father on the river until I866. Soon after this he accepted a position in the Chess Rolling Mill in Pittsburgh, then went to Wood's Mill
in McKeesport, where he worked twenty-four successive years as a heater.
His health then failing, he left the mill in I897, after which he was appointed tax collector of McKeespiort, an office he filled six years. He is
Republican in politics, and is now one of the assessors of Allegheny county.
He belongs to the First Baptist Church, of which he has been a trustee
for fifteen years, and he is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He built the first house on Penney street, McKeesport,
and has seen the town grow from a population of eighteen hundred to one
of forty-five thousand inhabitants. He has been an industrious and thrifty
man, and is the owner of considerable real estate.
Mr. Smith married, January I9, I868, Olive J. Clark, born in Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Thomas
and Mary Catherine (Irwin) Clark, he a native of Ireland, she born in the
United States. He was a prominent coal merchant in McKeesport, and
died in I866. His widow married (second) Thomas Penney, at that time
cashier of the First National Bank of McKeesport. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
have had children: I. Duane P., married (first) Annie Daft, (second)
Allie Reed; he lives in Woodlawn, Pennsylvania, where he is superintendent of the Jones  Laughlin Mill; he served on the board of school controllers in McKeesport for fourteen years. 2. Maud, married W. C.
Hughes; died October ii, I898. 3. Nellie, at home. 4. Don Corbett, unmarried, lives in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is ticket agent for the New
York Central Railroad Company.
This name, which translated is "carpenter," belongs
ZIMMERMAN to an old family of Germany, whose ancestor was
probably a carpenter at the time surnames were
adopted, and so took the name of his calling.
Philip Zimmerman was born in the village of Naukircher, in February,
I829, died March 20, I878. There he attended the public schools, and was
751WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
apprenticed to learn the butcher's trade. In 1854 he emigrated to America,
and settled in Ohio, in company with his mother and his two sisters:
Louise, who married Charles Fisher, and Caroline, who married Andrew
Bach. Subsequently he removed to McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there worked in the coal mines for a considerable length of
time. By this means he amassed a sufficient capital to start in business in
association with a cousin, Charles Zimmerman, and they opened a butcher
shop. This was carried on successfully for a time, and in I87I Philip
Zimmerman purchased a hotel on M'arket street, between Second and Third
streets, with the conduct of which he was successfully identified until his
death in I878. Toward the close of the Civil War he enlisted in Company
L, Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania, Volunteer Cavalry, and served six
months. He was a Lutheran in his'religious faith. After his death, his
widow, a woman of remarkable business qualifications combined with the
hardy constitution of the sturdy German race, took up his unfinished work,
and managed the hotel until I886. She then sold it and remodeled a hotel
she had purchased at the corner of Eleventh avenue and Walnut street.
By dint of thrift and economy she paid off all the debts which had been
contracted, and after a while built a number of houses, and is now living
retired at No. 307 Eleventh avenue. Hard and continued work seems to
have acted as a tonic for her, for although now seventy-five years of age, she
does not look over sixty years of age, and feels strong in proportion. She
has not alone acquired a comfortable fortune for her own subsistence, but
has substantially aided her children and grandchildren. She is a devout
Roman Catholic.
Mr. Zimmerman married, June 27, i858, Barbara Gross, born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, March 8, I839, a daughter of Peter and Margaret
(Nye) Gross, both natives of Germany, who came to America on their
wedding trip. He became a coal miner at Stonesburg, now Dravosburg, and
died when about seventy years old. His wife died at the age of sixty-two
years, and they were both members of the Catholic Church. They had seven
sons and five daughters, of whom the following are now living: Jacob, lives
in Dravosburg; Kate, Barbara, who married Mr. Zimmerman; Maggie,
Peter, Christian, Mary, Anna, Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman had
children: I. Caroline, married Wilson Bierly, a boss in Wood's Steel Mill,
and lives in Jenny Lind street; they have children: Ruth and Wilson.
2. Charles, died September 2, I886; he married Margaret Miller, and had
children: Caroline, died at the age of two years; Marian, married William
Damm, manager of the Atlantic  Pacific Tea Company, at McKeesport,
and has children: Helen, and Chester, died October 9, I913. 3. John, is an
electrician, and lives in Los Angeles, California; he married Lena, and
has children: Earl and Charles.
752WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Matlack family has been represented in the state of
MATLACK Pennsylvania for a number of generations, and has been
noted for the large number of its members who have
entered professional life, especially the medical profession, in which they
have done much for the cause of humanity.
Thomas Matlack was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where his
family had been resident many years, and where his entire life was spent.
He was a Quaker, as his forebears had been for many generations. He
followed the occupation of farming. He married Eliza McFarland, and
had children: James M., of further mention; Richard, a physician in Chester
county; Frank, a physician, now deceased, who practiced in Turtle Creek,
Pennsylvania; William, a physician of Eastern Pennsylvania; Thomas, a
farmer of Chester county; George, deceased; Jane, married Jacob McFarland, and lives in Philadelphia.
Dr. James M. Matlack, son of Thomas and Eliza (McFarland) Matlack,
was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in I833, died April 22, I877. He
received his preparatory education in his native county, then matriculated
at a medical college in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with
honor, the degree of Doctor of Medicine being conferred upon him. During
the Civil War he was an active participant in the struggle as assistant
surgeon. For a few years he was located in Braddock, Pennsylvania, but
after his marriage, removed to Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and had acquired an excellent practice there, when his early death
removed him from the scene of his activities. After his death his widow
removed with the children to Braddock, Pennsylvania, where she lived in
the house now occupied by her daughter, Mrs. Margaret (Matlack) Brown.
Dr. Matlack was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Dr. Matlack
married, in I868, Mary McKinney, born above the steel works, at Braddock,
died April 4, I9I3. They had children: Eliza, who died in 189I, and
Margaret M., married William Smith Brown, the mother of two children:
Mary Matlack and William Smith Brown Jr.
William McKinney, grandfather of Mrs, Matlack, was born in county
Donegal, Ireland, married there, and there all his children were born. He
was a wealthy farmer. He died at the age of ninety-six years, leaving his
large landed estate to his two sons. He was a strict observer of the faith of
the United Presbyterian denomination. His children were: John, of
further mention; Robert, Mary, Sarah, Nancy.
John McKinney, son of William McKinney, was eleven years of age
when his parents removed to Albany, New York, and six years later they
were among the first settlers at Frazier's Fields, now a part of Braddock,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.  He was a prosperous farmer, and
a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married Rebecca
McGlynn, who was a child when she came to this country from Ireland
with her parents. They had children: Martha, married William Curry,
and lived in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania; William, deceased; Mary, who
753WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
married Dr. Matlack, as above stated; Anna, married L. C. Brinton, and
lives at Newcastle, Pennsylvania; several others, who died in infancy.
From Ireland to eastern Pennsylvania and thence across the
KENNY mountains to the sparsely settled regions of Allegheny county
is the route that was traversed by Charles Kenny, a native
of Ireland, who came to the United States in young manhood. His first
home was in Wiestchester, Chester county, Pennsylvania, and he there
married, in that county holding place in the public service as recorder. In
I8i8 he and his family crossed the mountains by wagon, settling in Miffin
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he had previously bought
one hundred and eighteen acres of land. At the time of his settlement on
the farm the only building standing thereon was a log house, small'in size
and in poor repair, so that one of the first works of the family was to
provide more suitable shelter, which was soon done. Charles Kenny
prospered -in his agricultural operations, and added to his original property
a farm adjoining it and likewise another farm in the same region, his
death occurring in that place. His old farm is the present site of the
Kennywood Park, a famous amusement resort. After his death his widow
moved to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where she died aged eighty-four
years. He married Mary Jenkins, born in Baltimore, Maryland, and had
children: I. Charity Ann, married a Mr. Conway, and died in the west,
her husband a man prominent in public affairs. 2. Thomas Jenkins, of
whom further. 3. Anthony, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, died
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 4. Charles, a Jesuit missionary, died in the
west at an advanced age.
(II) Thomas Jenkins Kenny, son of Charles and Mary (Jenkins)
Kenny, was born in Westchester, Chester county, Pennsylvania, in I801,
died July 26, I894. He and his brother Charles, proceeded westward on
foot in advance of the remainder of their family, and upon arriving in
Allegheny county the two made the preliminary preparations toward
placing the farm in order. When they were joined later by their parents
work began in earnest and soon their land was yielding a generous harvest.
Mr. Kenny assisted in the cultivation of the home farm for a time, and
then began the operation of some coal land discovered within the boundaries
of the Kenny property, becoming a pioneer in this industry and continuing
for thirty-five years. While supplying many local dealers with a high grade
of coal, he shipped a large quantity to ports down the river, among them
New Orleans and Cincinnati, both ready markets and well able to accommodate any quantity of which he could not dispose at home. Thomas
Jenkins Kenny also contracted numerous other business relations in addition
to his private interests, and attained wide prominence, being one of the
organizers of the Braddock National Bank, whose sturdy present condition
shows the firmness of its foundation, and was connected with the old
Pittsburgh Bank. Papers and documents that he wrote and to which he
754Ir'WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
affixed his signature show him to have been a talented penman, his writing
even, regular and beautiful. His activity in politics was always in tile
behalf of a candidate he deemed worthy, and not only would he not raise
a finger to secure the honors of public office for himself but he would not
permit his admiring friends to advance his name for such preference. He
was, with his wife, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, both being
buried in the cemetery at Braddock, Pennsylvania. Many of the years
of his life were passed in Braddock, Pennsylvania, but a few years prior
to his death he moved to Homestead, Pennsylvania, where he died.
He married Ann McGinn, born in Ireland, died in I886, daughter of
Irish parents, who brought her at an early age to Pittsburgh, where she
grew to maturity. Her parents had children: I. Ellen, took the Sister's
vows and died in a convent. 2. John, died in the west. 3. Sarah, took the
Sister's vows and died in a convent. 4. Ann, of previous mention, married
Thomas Jenkins Kenny. 5. Matthew, died in Pittsburgh. Children of
Thomas Jenkins and Ann (McGinn) Kenny: I. Charles, died in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, aged eighty years. 2. Mary, a Sister in a Cincinnati convent,
died young. 3. Anthony Herron, of whom further. 4. Thomas, a coal
operator, died in Homestead, Pennsylvania, February 25, I9I2. 5. Annie, a
Sister in a convent, in Cincinnati, Ohio. 6. Agnes G., married John G. Kelly,
and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 7. William F., married Mary Layton
and they live in Indianapolis, Indiana; two children: Mary and Margaret.
(III) Anthony Herron Kenny, son of Thomas Jenkins and Ann
(McGinn) Kenny, was born at Kennywood, Mifflin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, November 28, I835. He obtained his early education
in the public schools, and was reared to manhood on the old Kenny farm,
as a young man engaging in coal dealing with his father and brothers
until the field, which was their source of supply, was exhausted, a condition
it reached about I88I. Moving to  Homestead, Pennsylvania, he was for
several years a coal dealer in that place, the pressure of private affairs and
the administration of his estate causing his retirement from that line of
endeavor. He is affiliated with numerous business enterprises in Allegheny
county, among his interests being a stockholder of the Monongahela Trust
Company, of which he was an organizer. He was at one time the proprietor
of a small and unpretentious picnic-ground at Kennywood, a locality deriving its name from the family, in its place having grown up Kennywood
Park, an amusement center of wide fame, patronized during the summer
season by vast crowds of pleasure seekers. Mr. Kenny is a Democrat in
political faith, and with his wife affiliated with St. Mary Magdalene's
Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Kenny married, in 1870, Mary Josephine Maggini, born in Ohio,
for many years a resident of Dayton and Brown county, Ohio. Children:
I. Ann, lives at home. 2. Mary, lives at home. 3. Florence A., married
Dr. A. F. Walsh, and resides in Crafton, Pennsylvania; children: Mary
Louise, Richard Ennis, Jane, Josephine A. 4. Albert A., for many years
7.55WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
manager of a hardware store, lives at home. 5. Stella, lives at home.
6. Thomas J., a real estate dealer, lives at home. 7. Marian, lives at home.
8. Ruth, married Clement Cochran, an expert machinist and salesman, and
resides in Buffalo, New York.
From Alsace, that province so long a bone of
WINTERBERGER contention between Germany and France and one
whose fate now hangs in the balance, came Nicholas
Winterberger to Western Pennsylvania, in I864. He was born in Alsace,
then belonging to France, in I830, was educated in French schools and
served seven years in the French army. He was a farmer in his native
lanld, and after coming to the Pittsburgh district, in I864, continued that
occupation on an Allegheny county farm. Later he worked in the steel
mills owned by Jones  Laughlin for six years, then bought a farm in
Franklin township, on which he lived until his death in September, I9I2.
He was the only one of his family to come to the United States, except a
brother who came some years afterwards, went to St. Louis and was not
again heard from. The family were Roman Catholics in religion. Nicholas
Winterberger married Catherine Fernbach, who died July 20, I903. Children: I. Catherine, deceased; married George Grieshaber. 2. John, died
unmarried. 3. Nicholas (2). 4. Mary, died in infancy. 5. Mark, died in
infancy. 6. George, died in infancy. 7. A son, died unnamed. 8. Andrew
James, of whom further.
Andrew James Winterberger, son of Nicholas and Catherine (Fernbach) Winterberger, was born on his father's farm  on Big Sewickley
creek, Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, September 29,
I873. He was educated in the public schools of the township, and until the
age of twenty-two years was his father's assistant on the farm. In I895
he opened a general store in Franklin township, near Sewickley, which he
has conducted most successfully until the present time. He also owns and
operates his farm of seventy-five acres, his home and store being on the
same farm. He is a wide-awake, capable man of business and as merchant
and farmer ranks with the successful solid men of the township. He is a
Republican in politics, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Winterberger married, January 20, I9o04, Susanna Sloop, born October
3, I878, daughter of John and Margaret Sloop. Children: Ambrose John,
born December 9, I9o4; Bernard Frederick, June 4, I907; Margaret, October
I4, I909; Joseph, January 14, I912.
The American record of this branch of the German family
MITESSER of Mitesser is so brief that any considerable narative of
the family history would of necessity deal with its life in
the homeland.  This chronicle begins with the grandfather of John
Mitesser, of Glenshaw, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Adam Mitesser, a
farmer of Germany, who attained the wonderful age of ninety-eight years.
756WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He married and had children, one of his sons being Frank, of whom further.
(II) Frank Mitesser, son of Adam Mitesser, was born in Germany,
and there passed his entire life. His occupation was that of farmer. He
married Lora, daughter of John Stumph, her father a farmer of Germany,
and had children: I. George, lives in Germany, a farmer. 2. Barbara, lives
in her native land. 3. John, of whom further.
(III) John Mitesser, son of Frank and Lora (Stumph) Mitesser, was
born in Germany, October 28, I858. He was there educated, and soon
after attaining his majority emigrated to the United States, settling first
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and then moving to Westmoreland
county. He was in the latter locality but one summer, after which he was
for fifteen months employed on a farm in Iowa, subsequently coming eastward to Milwaukee. Two months later he went to the northern part of the
state of Wisconsin, remaining there for four months, passing the next three
and one-half years employed in a brewery in Milwaukee. For one year
after his marriage in I886 he remained in Milwaukee, then spent a like
period of time in Minnesota, after which he returned to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and for twenty-six years rented land in Shaler township, on
Which he conducted gardening operations.  In I9o05 he purchased his
present tract of ten acres in this same township, and continues gardening
in that place to the present time. He is a member of St. Anthony's Roman
Catholic Church.
Mr. Mitesser married a widow, Augusta Louisa (Gantz) Hauk, who
was the mother of four children:  Joseph, Martin, Theresa, married a
William Elder Jr., Emma, married Adam Hufnagel Jr. Children of Mr.
and Mrs. Mitesser: Alvin, John M., August, George.
The founder of the Soose family of Germany in Pennsylvania,
SOOSE Godlip Soose, a native of Germany, was a blacksmith by trade,
and after coming to the United States settled in Pittsburgh,
his home being on Perrysville avenue. After moving to Shaler township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, he purchased a tract of eight acres, and
when not busied in his shop, he gave his time to its cultivation. His land
holdings gradually increased in size until he was the owner of forty-two,
acres, on which he lived until his death. He married Anna Leichner, and
had children, one of his sons George, of whom further.
(II) George Soose, son of Godlip and Anna (Leichner) Soose, was
born in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and was educated
in the schools of that township. He mastered the trade of blacksmith, and
also became employed in gardening, in I895 purchasing his present place
of thirty acres. He made improvements and enlargements upon the buildings thereon, and in addition to raising vegetables for the city market
became a fruit grower, his orchards well kept and giving a profitable annual
yield. He now lives retired upon the home farm, his son, George, having
assumed the responsibility of its management. He and his family are
757I r_  WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
communicants of the Lutheran Church. George Soose married Ann, born
in Germany, daughter of William and Ann Keshner, her parents also natives
of Germany, her father, William Keshner, a stone mason by trade, and after
locating at Troy Hill, Pennsylvania, became a gardener on a tract of fourteen
acres. Children of George and Ann (Keshner) Soose: I. Andrew, deceased. 2. John, lives on the home farm. 3. Elizabeth, deceased. 4. Minnie,
lives at home. 5. George, died in infancy. 6. George, of whom further.
7. Mary, lives at home.
(III) George (2) Soose, son of George (I) and Ann (Keshner) Soose,
was born in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 3I,
I891. He was a student in the schools of his native township, and has
passed his entire life on the home farm, the management of which fell upon
him when he attained man's estate.'Schooled in his duties through boyhood training, the additional responsibility has not weighed heavily upon
him, and he has taken place among the successful agriculturists of the
locality.
Robert Fowler, of Scotch-Irish descent, was one of the first
FOWLER  settlers of Marshall township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he owned and cleared considerable land. He
was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, which he served as
elder for forty years. He married and had issue: John H., of further
mention; Joseph, killed in the Civil War; William, Ellen, Rosina, Matilda.
(II) John H. Fowler, son of Robert Fowler, was born in Marshall
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, was there educated and grew
to manhood, his father's assistant. During the first ten years after leaving
home he was a riverman on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, later settling
on a farm in Marshall township. He was a justice of the peace for twenty
years, a school director, member of the United Presbyterian Church, and
a Democrat in politics. He married Matilda, daughter of James Sample,
of Marshall township. Children: Rosina, Charles, Robert, deceased, John,
deceased, Jennie, deceased, Fannie, Thomas, William J., of further mention.
(III) William  J. Fowler, son of John H. and Matilda (Sample)
Fowler, was born in Marshall township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May  I, I864.  He was educated in the public schools, and
spent his early life at the home farm. When starting in life for himself,
he went to the oil fields and for twelve years worked as an oil pumper. He
then returned to Marshall county, where for twenty-six years he has been
engaged in general farming, owning his own land. He is a Democrat in
politics and for twelve years has served as school director. He is a member
of the National Union, the Order of Moose, and of the United Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Fowler married, in April, I889, Susan, daughter of James
Sarver, of Pine Creek, Pennsylvania. Children, all living with their parents
and unmarried: Stella, Blanche, Chester, Earl, Ethel.
758WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Leezer family, represented in the present generation by
LEEZER Charles A. Leezer, a prominent citizen of McKeesport, has
long been actively and prominently identified with the interests
of the state of Pennsylvania, several generations of the family having
resided there.
(I) Daniel Leezer, grandfather of Charles A. Leezer, was among the
early settlers of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, from whence he removed
to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death,
which occurred about the year I863. His wife, Sarah (Hendricks) Leezer,
who was a cousin of Vice-President Hendricks, bore him six children:
Eli, Esther, Peter, Margaret, John, Jacob G., all deceased.
(II) Jacob G. Leezer, son of Daniel Leezer, was born in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, July 5, I824, died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
December 23, I9II. In early life he was employed in a saw mill, later was
engaged in the coal business, and subsequently was an extensive lumber
dealer, retiring from that line of work in the latter part of his life and
thenceforth devoting his time to the management of his property in
McKeesport, he having acquired considerable real estate as the result of
his years of hard toil. He resided on Fifth avenue, McKeesport, for half
a century, and erected the house in which his son, Charles A., resides,
located at No. II5 Fifth avenue, about the year I89I. He was one of the
organizers of the People's Bank of McKeesport, and for many years served
in the various offices of president, vice-president and director. He was a
Republican in politics, but never sought or held public office, and was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of the Knights
of the Mystic Chain, organizer and treasurer of the Grand Lodge for
twenty-one years, and treasurer of the Supreme Lodge. He married Agnes
Jane Heath, born in Lincoln township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
February 2, 183I, died July I9, I9Io, daughter of Henry and Nancy (Kelly)
Heath, both of whom lived and died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
the latter named having been one of the organizers of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Mr. Heath was a farmer.
He and his wife were the parents of eight children: Sebre, deceased;
Hezekiah, deceased; Rachel, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Agnes Jane, deceased; Mary A., deceased; Samuel W., Henry G., deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Leezer were the parents of seven children: Henry A.; E. Frank, died
November I2, I883, aged twenty-eight years; Nancy Bell, widow of John
A. Woods, resides on Eighth street, McKeesport; Samutl J., a resident of
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Sarah J., wife of John W. Sawert, of East
End, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Charles A., of whom further; Tillie G.,
wife of George R. McAbee, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(III) Charles A. Leezer, son of Jacob G. Leezer, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, March I6, i868. He obtained a practical education by
attendance at the public schools of his native city, and upon the completion
of his studies he devoted his attention to securing a thorough knowledge
759WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of the mastery of a boat, and from that time to the present (I914) has
been a master and pilot on the river, which has proven a remunerative
source of income. He is the owner of the old homestead, which is one of
the attractive places of abode in that section of the state. He is a stockholder in the People's Bank, and a member of Aliquippa Lodge, No. 375,
Free and Accepted Masons, of McKeesport, McKeesport Chapter, No. 282,
Royal Arch Masons, and McKeesport Commandery, No. 86, Knights
Templar. He is a Republican in politics. All enterprises that tend toward
the development and welfare of the community receive from him a hearty
support.
Mr. Leezer married, November 7, I9oo, Katharine Boyd, of Elizabeth,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Captain Robert M. and Mary (McCune) Boyd.
They are the parents of one child, Charles Boyd, born July 7, I905.
The Denny family, like a large proportion of the inhabitants
DENNY  of the United States, is of that sturdy and reliable Irish stock
which has contributed so much to the prosperity of the entire
country, and whose sterling traits of character are worthy of being followed.
Timothy Denny was born in county Carey, Ireland, and after the birth
of his two eldest children removed to London, England, where he was
engaged in business as a merchant, and died in I859. He married, in
Ireland, Helen McGillicuddy, who died in McKeesport, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, in I882. She came to America with six children in I870.
She and her husband were of the Catholic faith, and in McKeesport she
became a member of St. Peter's Church. Children, the four youngest born
in England: John, a decorator, died in McKeesport in I882; Timothy,
died at the age of twenty-one years in London, England; Thomas, a contractor, died in Memphis, Tennessee, in I89o; Eugene, a merchant, died in
McKeesport; Frank, a merchant, died in McKeesport in I9o8; William
John, of further mention.
William John Denny, son of Timothy and Helen (McGillicuddy)
Denny, was born in London, England, December 24, I858. His school
education was commenced in England, and was completed in the night
schools of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while he was learning the trade of
glass blowing. Upon his return to McKeesport, where his brothers were
already established in the wholesale liquor business, he joined them in this
line of business, and as they dropped out, one by one, he took over their
share of the business until he became the sole proprietor of what is now
the oldest wholesale liquor business in McKeesport. He is, however,
actively identified with other business enterprises, and is a stockholder in
the Tube City Brewing Company, also a stockholder in The Thomas
Moore Distilling Company, and also on the board of directors of the
Duquesne Bridge Company. He was one of the organizers of the last
mentioned corporation, operating a toll bridge, and has also assisted in
organizing a number of other companies for various purposes. He is
76o$    1WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
independent in his political views, and has the courage of his convictions.
He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and his religious affiliation is with St. Peter's
Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Denny married, in I892, Caroline, born in Germany, a daughter
of Peter and Caroline Koch, and a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
Church. They have had children: Genevieve, who died at the age of
twenty-one years; Alice, Lillian, William, Caroline, Helen, Anna.
John Wesley Bailie, an eminent lawyer, bank official and
BAILIE business man of McKeesport for many years, was the youngest son of John and Forbes (Dickson) Bailie, of Elizabeth
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
John Wesley Bailie was born in Elizabeth township, June 9, I846,
died in Pittsburgh, October I6, I9Io. After acquiring a good public school
education, he began the study of law, entering the law department of the
University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated and authorized
to practice at the Pennsylvania bar. He began practice in McKeesport
in association with James Evans, who later became his brother-in-law.
He was later engaged in practice with John D. Schafer, who subsequently
was elected a judge of the court of common pleas, of Allegheny county.
In I883 he formed an association with Frank Thompson, that was only
terminated by death. Mr. Bailie was not actively in practice during the
later years, but the partnership existed uninterrupted for over a quarter
of a century. He was admitted to practice in all state and federal courts
of the district, was a member of the National State and County Bar
Associations, and was one of the strong men of the Allegheny county bar.
He possessed the entire confidence of his large clientele and was held in
high esteem by his professional brethren. While devoted entirely to his
profession, for many years he had large outside interests to which in his
later years he gave most of his time. He was a director of the First
National Bank, of McKeesport, for over twenty years, and vice-president
from I903 until his death in I9IO. He was president of the Schoenberger
Coal Company, and vice-president of the Tennessee Valley Iron and
Railroad Company, and to these his legal learning and executive ability
was of incalculable benefit. He was interested in church and charitable
work as well, serving the Presbyterian Church as elder and trustee for
twenty-five years, and McKeesport Hospital as a director.
Mr. Bailie married, April 22, 1875, Anna M. Evans, who died March
23, I9o6, daughter of Oliver and Mary (Sampson) Evans. With the
exception of about four years spent at Rosement, a suburb of Philadelphia,
Mr. and Mrs. Bailie spent their married life in McKeesport. She was a
graduate of Vassar College, class of I868, the first graduating class of
that college. After her death the family moved to No. 240 Bellefield
avenue, Pittsburgh, where Mr. Bailie died. Children: I. Mary Evans,
76iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a graduate of Vassar in I897, died in December, I9II. 2. Robert, died by
drowning in I888. 3. Cadwallader, drowned with his brother. 4. John
Wesley, received the degree of B. S., Princeton University, class of I9o2.
5. Thomas Sampson, A. B., Princeton, I902. 6. Anna F., a graduate of
Vassar in I9o8, resides in Pittsburgh with her brother Thomas Sampson.
7. Raymond L., a graduate from Princeton, B. S., I913, resides in Pittsburgh with his brother and sister.
Thomas Sampson Bailie, fourth son of John Wesley and Anna M.
(Evans) Bailie, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, February 8,
I882. He was educated at Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) and Princeton
University, graduate of the latter institution, A. B., class of I9o2. After
leaving college he entered the employ of the Shoenberger Coal Company,
as salesman, and after the consolidation of that company with the Westmoreland and Blaine Coal Companies, remained with the consolidation in
the same capacity. In I9Io he was appointed general sales manager, a
position he now fills most efficiently. He is also a director of the Tennessee
Valley Iron and Railroad Company and interested in other enterprises of perhaps minor importance. He is a Republican in politics, and
a member of the University and Athletic clubs of Pittsburgh, his home.
He is unmarried.
The Eger family is an old and highly respected one, their
EGER record being that of well-spent lives, characterized by industry,
honesty, integrity and faithfulness in the discharge of every
duty devolving upon them.
Michael Eger was born in Germany, where he was a farmer and
spent his entire life. He was also an extensive land owner, and a man
of considerable influence in the community in which he resided. He and his
wife were members of the Catholic Church. They had children: Kunigunde, married, and died in Germany; Margaret and Catherine, also married and died in Germany; Barbara, came to America, married Peter
Schmidt, and died in New York; Elizabeth, married and died in Germany;
Joseph, of further mention. Michael Eger married Barbara Rust, also of
German birth.
Joseph Eger, son of Michael and Barbara (Rust) Eger, was born in
Byron, Germany, November I, I849. There he received a practical and
substantial education in the public schools, and while he was still a young
lad commenced working as a cooper in a brewery, and later was employed in
the brewery proper. During the Franco-Prussian war of I870-7I, he was
in active service, and during his period of three years was never wounded.
At the close of the war he was married, and then was at work on the railroad
for about ten years. In April, I883, he emigrated to America, and upon
his arrival in this country settled in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. During
the first seventeen years he worked in Dewees Woods Steel Mills. In the
meantime his wife had opened a grocery store on Versailles avenue, and
762WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
during his spare time Mr. Eger assisted her in the conduct of this enterprise. They were frugal and industrious, and by means of their combined
efforts amassed a competence which enabled them to retire from business
in I902. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members
of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He is also a member of the Catholic Mutual
Benefit Association. All of his children are in prosperous circumstances
and the owners of considerable property.
Mr. Eger married, in I873, Katherine, born in Germany, a daughter of
George and Anna Shafer, who lived and died in Germany. They had children, of whom the six eldest were born in Germany: John, lives on his own
farm at Pattenburg, New Jersey; Lewis, in the butcher business at Orange,
New Jersey; George, engaged in the real estate business at Reading, Pennsylvania; Sebastian, a retired grocer, lives at McKeesport; Effie, married
Frederick Lamp; Katie, married August Franklin, and lives in McKeesport;
Joseph, died about I9o6; Anna, married Joseph Judy, and lives in McKeesport; Frank, a grocer of McKeesport; two others died in infancy in Germany.
The late Edward Taylor, a prosperous, respected farmer of
TAYLOR North Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,.
was born, lived and died on the homestead farm. He was the
son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Bosler) Taylor, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, who after their marriage bought a farm of over two hundred acres
in North Versailles township, then largely in a state of nature. Isaac Taylor cleared and improved his purchase by the erection of a suitable building
yet standing and by a careful tilling of the soil improving rather than decreasing its fertility. He cultivated the farm with the aid of his sons and
retained its management until his death in I875, aged eighty-one years.
His wife survived him one year, her age at death seventy-one years. He
was a man of quiet and retiring disposition, industrious and faithful to all
his obligations. Isaac Taylor married (first) Margaret Larimer, who bore
him three children:  I. Catherine, married James Robinson, and died in
Uniontown, Pennsylvania. 2. Caroline, married William Carothers, and died
in Uniontown. 3. Margaret, married Dr. William Irwin, and died in
Stewartsville, Pennsylvania. He married (second) Elizabeth Bosler, who
bore him fourteen children: 4. Henry, was a farmer of North Versailles,
deceased. 5. Robert, was a lumber and grain dealer of West Newton, Pennsylvania, deceased. 6. Hettie, married Hamilton Larimer, and died in
Stewartsville, Pennsylvania. 7. John, was a farmer of Illinois, deceased.
8. William, a farmer of Iowa. 9. Elizabeth, now residing at the old homestead in North Versailles township. Io. Clara, died at the age of forty-five
years after a life spent on the old homestead, unmarried. I. James, residing at the homestead farm, unmarried. 12. Joseph, now a farmer of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. I3. Edward, of further mention. Four
other children died in infancy.
(II) Edward Taylor, thirteenth child of Isaac Taylor and tenth by his
second wife, Elizabeth (Bosler) Taylor, was born on the North Versailles
763WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
township farm, August 20, I857, died there July I4, I9o09. He attended
public schools during his youth, and aided in the work of the farm until
he entered the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued advanced courses of study. At his father's
death he and his brother James purchased the interests of the other heirs
in the estate, and from that time until the death of Edward, the brothers
owned and cultivated the home farm, containing now about two hundred
and fifty acres. The brothers brought the soil to a high state of productiveness and prospered in all their undertakings. James Taylor survives his
brother and manages the property, of which he is a part owner. The homestead built by Isaac Taylor has been remodeled and enlarged, modern
features added, making it a most desirable country residence. Edward
Taylor was a member of the East McKeesport Presbyterian Church, as is
his widow, and from the date of its erection until his death was its honored
treasurer. In political faith he was a Republican, but his great interest
was his family and farm, taking little active part in public affairs.
Mr. Taylor married, December 24, I89o, Rebecca Montgomery, born
near Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Lewis) Montgomery, the latter a daughter of Ezra and Martha
(Hillman) Lewis, all old residents of Allegheny county. John Montgomery
was a farmer, and both he and his wife died in the county of their birth.
Mrs. Rebecca (Montgomery) Taylor survives her husband and continues
her residence at the old Taylor farm where she first went as a bride twentyfour years ago and where she spent almost nineteen years of happy married
life. She has no children.
Ulrich Mysel Mikaloff was born in Holland, but early in
MIKALOFF life migrated to Sweden, where he spent all the remainder
of his life. He was in the employ of the government,
being a police official at H6ganis, and died in that town. He married a
native of Sweden, had a number of children, none of whom came to, America,
but many of his grandchildren made their homes here.
(II) Ferdinand Mikaloff, son of Ulrich Mysel Mikaloff, was born in
H6ganiis, Sweden, and there grew up and became a blaster in the mines.
Later he became a member of the police force of the town. He and his
wife were members of the Lutheran Church. He married Helena Osterman.
whose father was a potter in H6ganis, and had five children, all of whom
died in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Mikaloff had children: Maria, married
Nils Ohlin, now deceased, and lives in Christianstad, Sweden; Nils, lives in
Allegheny City, Pennsylvania; John P., died in infancy; John P., the second
of the name, of further mention; Cecelia, married and died in Copenhagen,
Denmark; Helena, lives in Helsing6r, Denmark; Sophia, lives in America;
Alexander, lives in McKeesport.
(III) John P. Mikaloff, son of Ferdinand and Helena (Osterman)
Mikaloff, was born in H6ganis, Sweden, March 5, 1852. He was educated
in the public schools of his native land, then found employment in the coal
764WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
mines. In I872 he emigrated to America, and settled at Irwin Station,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the coal mines
for one year. Removing to Elizabeth, he continued in this occupation, and
after a time worked in the mines in Coal Valley and then at Lovedale. Becoming acquainted with Jack Lawson, he learned the art of photography,
then sailed for Sweden, where he opened a photograph gallery in his native
town, and conducted this enterprise for one year. He then returned to
America, and resumed mining until I877. In February of that year, in
association with Jack Lawson, he went to England, where they followed
"feasts and fairs" during the summer season, until October. After that he
worked four weeks in the coal mines of Yorkshire, and again returned to
Coal Valley, and continued mining until I89I. In May, I891, he settled in
Duquesne, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there opened a grocery store
on Duquesne avenue, remained there two years, then removed to Hamilton
avenue and Fourth street. Later he erected a store building, continuing in
business until I9II, at which time he was one of the oldest business men in
the town. In I890 he had erected a house at Fourth street and Hamilton
avenue, and this has been his home up to the present time. He is a strong
Republican, having become a citizen in I884, and is a member of the Knights
of Pythias.
Mr. Mikaloff married (first) June 6, I879, Elizabeth, born in Mifflin
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, died November I3, 1895, a daughter of George and Mary (Lock) Barnes. He married (second) January,
I897, Emma Anderson, born in Sweden, came to America about I892 to
join her sister, who had preceded her. She is a daughter of Anders and
Fredericka Anderson, who lived in Nerrike, Sweden, where he was a bricklayer. They had eight children, of whom the only ones to come to America
were: Emma, who married Mr. Mikaloff; and Matilda, came to America
about I890, settled at McKeesport, and married Otto Byrath, their only
child being Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Mikaloff have had children: Mary
Alice, married Samuel Gordon, a grocer in Duquesne; George Ferdinand,
foreman of the locomotive works of the Carnegie Steel Company, lives in
Duquesne; Helena, married Earl Holden, and both died in Duquesne; William Oscar, a partner in the store with Samuel Gordon; Grace Elizabeth,
married Clarence Jones, and lives in Duquesne; John P. Jr., a student in
the electrical engineering department of the State College; Ray, died in
infancy.
The great empire of Germany has furnished the
GOLDSTROHM United States with many citizens of ability and worth,
who have brought to this country those characteristics
of thrift and industry which are so distinctive of the German race, and which
have aided so materially in upbuilding and upholding the prosperity of the
land.
Conrad Goldstrohm, born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, about I8oS,
died in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I898. After
765WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
(lied young. 8. Lillie A., born February 4, I833. 9. Rachel, born May
28, I835; became the wife of Robert S. P. McCall, and now resides in
rarentum, honored and esteemed by all who have the honor of her acquaintance.
The prosperity of a community depends largely upon its inTREES  habitants, who are responsible to a certain extent in its progress
and development, and among those who have been active factors in the development of the town of Brackenridge must be mentioned
John F. Trees, the genial and popular proprietor of Hotel Trees, the leading
hostelry of that place.
(I) Joseph Trees, grandfather of John F. Trees, was a native of
E'ngland, in which country he was reared and received his education, coming to this country in manhood, and settling in Allegheny county, Penn-.sylvania, in I8i6. He followed his trade of miller in Westmoreland county,
near Belmont, earning a lucrative livelihood. His wife, who was a native
of England, bore him five sons: John, Joseph, Isaac, James, Levi, all of
whom followed the trades of millwright and miller with the exception of
James, who was an'attorney.
(II) Levi Trees, son of Joseph Trees, was a native of New Salem,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, died near Saltsburg, Indiana county,
Pennsylvania. He was a miller by trade and was the proprietor of a flour
mill at Saltsburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, which he operated successfully for many years, deriving therefrom a goodly income. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife and children, and was a
Democrat in politics. He married Julia Jamison, born in Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, March 27, I829, daughter of Major Samuel S. Jamison, who
served in the War of I812, and who was a contractor and drover, contracting for the first railroad bridge at Saltsburg, one-half mile long, timber
all hewed from pine trees. He died about the year I876, aged eighty-two
years. He and his wife were the parents of six children: John C., deceased, who was a real estate man of Pittsburgh; Benton, deceased, who
was a banker of Philadelphia, and a coal operator; Samuel S., a merchant;
Evaline, deceased; Julia, aforementioned as the wife of Levi Trees; Mary.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Trees: Samuel, deceased; Sarah, James, Thomas,
Lina, John F., Harry, Asa Packer.
(III) John F. Trees, son of Levi Trees, was born in Saltsburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, September 29, I866. Hie attended the public
schools of Saltsburg until seventeen years of age, thus gaining a thorough
and practical education, after which he served an apprenticeship at the
trade of carpenter, which line of work he followed for some time after
becoming a journeyman, and in I887 took up his residence in Tarentum,
Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the restaurant business until I90I,
during which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of that art, and the
success which attended his efforts prompted him to attempt larger enter529 -I
I
IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the death of his wife in Germany, he emigrated to America in I854, bringing
with him his two sons and only daughter. He settled in Mifflin township,
where he was engaged in mining coal for a time, then he and his sons purchased a farm of two hundred and thirty acres in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, which was partially improved. Later he sold his interest to his
sons and returned to Mifflin township, where he lived in retirement until his
death. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Lutheran Church. He
married, also a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, and had children: Conrad
William, of further mention; Henry, who died on the farm in Armstrong
county in I9I2; Mary, married Adam Heidelman, and died in Duquesne,
Pennsylvania.
Conrad William Goldstrohm, son of Conrad Goldstrohm, was born in
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 23, I834, died in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, in I877. The public schools in the vicinity of his birthplace
furnished him with an excellent practical education, and his early years were
spent on a farm. He was about twenty years of age when he arrived in this
country, and at once engaged in coal mining, with which he was identified
until the purchase of the farm in Armstrong county, which he cultivated for
a time. He then returned to Allegheny county, and was engaged in coal
mining until his death, but retained his interest in the Armstrong county
farm. He was very thrifty and successful, and was also the owner of three
fine houses in Mifflin township. A strong Democrat politically, he was a
member of the Lutheran Church, and of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
Mr. Goldstrohm married, January I, I86I, a distant relative, Barbara
Goldstrohm, born May 24, 1840, in Hesse-Darmstadt, a daughter of Yost
and Catherine Goldstrohm, the last mentioned dying in Germany, after which
the father with his four children came to America in I86o, and settled in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and died in Elizabethtown. Since the death
of her husband Mrs. Goldstrohm has been living in Duquesne and McKeesport. Mr. and Mrs. Goldstrohm have had children: I. Conrad A., a baker
in Duquesne; married Louisa Werner, born in Wuerttemberg, Germany,
came to America in I89I, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Werner;
children: Conrad, Henry, Anna, Leonard, Louise, Albert. 2. August; a
contractor, resides in the old home in Duquesne; married Kate Garber, and
has children: Ernest, Marie, Catherine, Edward, Barbara and Elsie, twins.
3. Mary, married Michael Seger, lives in McKeesport, and has children:
Barbara and Catherine.
Our nation is so unmistakably cosmopolitan in its social makeup
GLESS that it can scarcely be said that we have as yet developed a distinctive American type, although the amalgamation and assimilation of varied elements is proceeding day by day and year by year. Many
of our most loyal and valued citizens are of foreign birth and breeding, and
their positions in their respective communities entitle them to recognition for
sterling worth and marked usefulness. The members of the Gless family,
766WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, are of this caliber, and have added to the
reputation for good citizenship.
John Gless, who was born in Germany, spent his entire life in that
country. He was a farmer, owning forty acres of land, and was a man of
influence in his community. He married Mary Becht, and they had children: Caroline, who lives in France; Felix, of further mention; Ernestine,
married Charles Shawn; Emeline, married John Korper, lives in Germany;
Mary, deceased; Charles, lives with his brother Felix on the homestead in
Shaler township, and is engaged in gardening.
Felix Gless, son of John and Mary (Becht) Gless, was born in Germany
in I86I, and there acquired a substantial education. He emigrated to
America in I879, and settled at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked
in iron and steel mills for many years. About the year I904 he purchased a
farm of twelve acres, at Glenshaw, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and
engaged in market gardening, with which he is still successfully identified.
He is independent in his political opinions, and a consistent member of the
Catholic Church. He married, February ii, I888, Savina, a daughter of
John and Barbara (Pfaff) Pfaff, of Germany, and a sister of Peter, in
Germany; Frank, in Germany. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gless are:
Anna, born December 2, I890, married John Wolfram; Kathryn, born July
I8, I892; Matilda, born December 20, I894; Edward, born November Io,
I898; Philomena, born February I9, I9OI.
The Bertsch family has only been represented in this country
BERTSCH  a comparatively few years, but the various members have
already proved their worth as good citizens.
Augustus Bertsch was born in Russian Poland, December I5, I84I, and
has never come to this country. He is a farmer and a carpenter. He marrier Minnie Marten, who died June 22, I912, and they had children: Dophelia,
Augustus, Frederick, of further mention; Ernestina, Daniel. All of these
came to America.
Frederick Bertsch, son of Augustus and Minnie (Marten) Bertsch,
was born in Russian Poland, December 22, I866. He was a young lad
when he emigrated to! the United States, had his own way to make in the
world, and owes his present prosperity and influence in the world solely to
his own efforts. He commenced working as a gardener, and being of an
active, energetic nature, as well as thrifty, he has won his way to a comfortable fortune. At first he was in Reserve township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, came to Shaler township in I902, and there purchased nine
acres of land. On this he raises a large variety of garden truck, and has
also erected a greenhouse. His children now assist in the work he has so
ably organized, and his wife takes much pride in her chicken farm, on which
there are about three hundred at the present time. Mr. Bertsch married
Ernestine Hilf, and their children are: Lydia, Laura, Theodore, Frederick,
Olga.
7677WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Walton family of Braddock, Allegheny county, PennWALTON  sylvania, is of English origin, and has been resident here
since the middle of the nineteenth century.
Utrick Walton, born in Cumberland, England, spent his entire life in
his native land. He married Isabella Dickenson.
Joseph D. Walton, son of Utrick and Isabella (Dickenson) Walton,
was born in Cumberland, England, June 9, I830. When he was seventeen
years of age, in company with his sister and her husband, he emigrated to
the United States, the two last mentioned returning to England after a
short stay here. Mr. Walton located in Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in farming until I873, when he took up
teaming in Braddock. He established himself in the livery business about
I883, and has been successfully identified with this enterprise since that
time. His residence is on Pitcairn street, while his place of business is
located on Verona street, Braddock. He has been called upon to face the
inevitable depressions which confront every business man at times, but he
has invariably weathered the storm, and the successes largely outnumber the
failures in his business career. He and his family are members of the First
Presbyterian Church. In political belief Mr. Walton is a Democrat. Mr.
Walton married, in I86I, Catherine Bell, of Pittsburgh, and they have had
children: I. Margaret, deceased. 2. Belle, married William Porter, deceased, and has children: Katherine, Marian, Charles and William J.
Bryan. 3. Sarah M., a teacher in the Fourth Ward School, Braddock,
lives at home. 4. Wilburt, engaged in the livery business; is a Knight of the
Maccabees; married Carrie Reithmiller, born near Pittsburgh, and they
have children: Wilburt Vernon, Grace, Joseph Chester, Edna, Gladys,
Florence, Alice, Irene. 5. John B., a tinner. 6. Katherine. The two last
mentioned are unmarried and live with their parents.
The men who claim foreign lands as their birthplace are
BRUCKNER among the best citizens of this republic, men who are
willing to give their lives if necessary in time of peril,
and among this number must be mentioned William Andrew Bruckner, a
well-to-do citizen of McKeesport.
William Bruckner, father of William Andrew Bruckner, was a native
of Germany, in which country he was reared, educated, spent his entire
lifetime and died, as did also his wife, Charlotte (Richder) Bruckner, who
bore him six children, as follows: Johanna, died in infancy; Christianna;
William Andrew, of whom further; Henry, twin of William Andrew, died
in Germany, in I9o8, aged sixty-one years; Augusta; Herman, died in
infancy.
William Andrew Bruckner was born in Germany, September 25, I847.
He attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home, thus obtaining
a practical education, after which he served an apprenticeship at the trade
of stone contractor, being engaged in that line of work in his native land up
to the year 1882, when he emigrated to the United States, settling in Mc768OP41"'.-,'46
N
w
lowIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Keesport, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the same business, building
up a splendid trade, his transactions being conducted in a thoroughly workmanlike manner. In I899 he retired from active pursuits, having accumulated sufficient capital to spend his declining years in comfort and ease,
the fitting sequel to a life of activity and toil. He is the owner of considerable property in addition to the house in which he resides, located at
No. 804 South Evans avenue, McKeesport. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport, and casts his vote for the candidates
of the Republican party. He is interested in all that pertains to the general
good of the community, and in every way fulfills his obligations as a true
citizen.
Mr. Bruckner married, in Germany, November I7, I875, Caroline
Schalk, of Germany, born November I7, I844, daughter of Theodore William and Marie (Nella) Schalk. Children: William, Hugo, Oscar, Lena,
Marie, all of whom are living at the present time (I914).
The family of Harding, well and favorably known in McHARDING  Keesport and vicinity, its members ranking among the most
substantial and representative citizens of that section of the
state, is worthily represented in the present generation by Albert J. Harding,
a musician of considerable note.
Jolhn Harding, father of Albert J. Harding, was born in England, was
there reared, educated and married, and in the latter part of the year I879
emigrated to this country, settling in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and there
entered the employ of the National Tube Company, remaining with them
until the time of his decease, in the year I9oo. His widow, Mary (Sweet)
Harding, is living at the present time (I914). During their residence in
England they attended the Methodist Episcopal Church, but after their arrival in McKeesport they joined St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, taking an
active part in its varied interests. Mr. Harding was a Republican in
politics. Their children were as follows: I. Mary, wife of Thomas Biddlestone, baggage master of the Pennsylvania Railroad. 2. Anna Louisa, died
in May, I912; she was the wife of William Andrews and had a child, William. 3. George, died in infancy. 4. Albert J., of whom further.
Albert J. Harding was born in England, April 5, I872. He accompanied
his parents to the United States when seven years of age, and his education was obtained in the public and high schools of McKeesport, the Douglass Business College and the Scranton Correspondence School, this course
of study thoroughly qualifying him for an active business career. He then
entered the employ of the National Tube Company, in due course of time becoming a skilled workman, and hence his services were of great value to his
employers, who duly appreciated his efforts. In addition to his residence,
located at No. 603 South Soles street, McKeesport, hie is the owner of several
dwelling houses in the seventh ward of that city, also considerable property in
the ninth ward of the same city, from which he derives a goodly income. In
addition to his regular employment, for a number of years he has given
769WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
instruction on the guitar and banjo, being a skilled performer on both instruments. He is a member of the Baptist Church of McKeesport, and since
I895 a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is actively interested in all
projects for the betterment of his adopted city, contributing liberally of his
time and substance. Mr. Harding is unmarried.
Among the residents of McKeesport who are of foreign birth,
PRICE but who have added to the general welfare and prosperity of
that section of the Keystone State, must be mentioned Mark
Price, a man well known for his many sterling characteristics, whose word
is as good as his bond.
William Price, father of Mark Price, was a native of England, where
he was reared, educated and spent almost his entire lifetime, emigrating to
the United States at the age of seventy-two years, locating at McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, where his death occurred in the year I888, aged eighty-six
years. His wife, Mary Price, was also a native of England, and her death
occurred there. They were the parents of nine children: Mary, deceased;
Frederick, deceased; Martha, deceased; Mark, of whom further; Norma,
deceased; Ellen, deceased; Theophilus, deceased; William; Ruth.
Mark Price was born in England, February 25, I837. He obtained a
common school education in the vicinity of his home, and remained in his
native land until the year I863, when he emigrated to the New World, locating in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade, that of
refiner. Later he removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was there employed with the Schellenbergers Mill and the Brownston Mill, also with the
American Iron Works for a period of fourteen years. In I882 he took up
his residence in McKeesport, and subsequently became the owner of the
property located at No. I231 Walnut street, where he now resides. In
addition to this he is the owner of six houses, from which he derives a
goodly income, and a vacant lot, which is increasing in value steadily, all in
McKeesport. The success he has achieved has been the direct result of
industry, perseverance and thrift, characteristics which always make for a
successful career. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and a Republican in politics.
Mr. Price married, February 2I, I884, Jane Annesley, born in Ireland,
December, I846, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Meats) Annesley, who
resided in county Wicklow, Ireland, where they spent their entire lives,
they being the parents of two other children, Henry and Mary Ann. Mr.
and Mrs. Price are the parents of one son, Harry Annesley, born August
9, I888; educated in public and high schools, and Greensboro College, which
he attended four years; is now clerk with the National Tube Company,
having been in their employ for the past nine years; is a member of the
Knights of Malta, Order of Moose, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and
the Order of Foresters, of which he is secretary; he is a member of the
Episcopal Church, and a Republican in politics.
770WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Among the highly successful and prominent business men of
KOHARY  McKeesport, noted for their progressive methods, energy and
enterpri.se, must be mentioned Andrew Kohary, a man of
foreign birth, who has made his way to success solely through his own efforts,
having neither capital nor influential friends when he began his business
career.
Mathias Kohary, father of Andrew Kohary, was a native of AustriaHungary, in which country he spent his entire lifetime, his death occurring
there February I2, I87o. His widow, Judith Kohary, also a native of
Austria-Hungary, and her two children, Sophia and Andrew, remained in
their native land for a number of years after the death of the husband and
father, but finally determined to emigrate to the United States, and accordingly, June 2, I884, they landed in New York City, from whence they proceeded to West Newton, Pennsylvania, where they remained about one year,
then took up their residence in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and there the
mother passed away at the age of sixty-nine years.
Andrew Kohary was born in Austria-Hungary, October I9, I865. He
attended the public schools in the vicinity of his home, and later secured
employment in the coal mines and the tube works, and after coming to this
country was employed along the same lines for a number of years, giving
entire satisfaction in the performance of his labors. In I896 he established
a grocery business at No. Io046 Walnut street, McKeesport, later becoming
the owner of the property, and he also owns considerable property in Chsty
Park, eleventh ward, McKeesport. The success he has achieved is althe
more remarkable when we take into consideration that when he landed in
West Newton, Pennsylvania, with his mother and sister, he had thirteen
cents in his possession. To men of this class, more than to others more
fortunate, should credit be due, as we know that success means to them
years of laborious toil and anxious thought. His trade is constantly increasing, owing to the fact that he carries a full line of the best goods, and that he
is straightforward and honorable in all his dealings.
Mr. Kohary married, in McKeesport, August 8, I890, Marie Smith, a
native of Germany, born April I4, I867, daughter of Frederick and Catherine Elizabeth (Knoll) Smith, natives of Germany, in which country they
lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Kohary are the parents of five children:
Christopher, born February I6, I892; Edna, June II, I893; Marie, October
2I, 1895; Alice, November I, I899; Charles, October 5, I901. Mr. Kohary
devotes his leisure time to his family, of whom he is justly proud, ever looking after their comfort and pleasure.
The Nevin family, of which James M. Nevin, lawyer of PittsNEVIN burgh and president of the State Bank of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished twentieth century representative, traces
to the fifteenth century in England.
(I) From Scotland a branch of the family passed into county Antrim,
Ireland, from whence John Nevin, the American ancestor, came in August,
77IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I788, landing in Philadelphia. He was born in county Antrim, May I,
I740, and came to Pennsylvania with his wife and several children. He made
his home in Chester county, Pennsylvania, for two years, then with his
entire family crossed the mountains, settling near Mingo Meeting House,
in Washington county. There he leased a farm for the term of five years,
agreeing in return for the use of the land to make certain improvements.
When the lease had about half expired, he sold out to a party, receiving
enough cash to purchase a farm in the same district, but over the line in
Allegheny county. This farm, bought from James Hamilton, is located in
what is now Jefferson township, Allegheny county. He improved his purchase by the erection of new buildings and lived in prosperity until his death
in I8I4. Both he and his wife were, members of the Mifflin congregation
of the Associated Reformed Church, and are buried in the graveyard connected with that church. His wife, Jennet (Brown) Nevin, born I739,
died in I8II. Children: I. James, died in infancy. 2. John, a farmer,
moved from Washington county to Beaver county, in 1832, and there died
in I845. 3. William, a farmer, moved early in life to Southern Ohio and
there died. 4. Hugh, also, removed to Southern Ohio. 5. Samuel, a farmer,
moved to the state of Indiana, neat Tippecanoe, and there died. 6. Robert,
a farmer, died in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 7. James, of whom further.
8. Jeanette, married, and died near Columbus, Ohio.
(II) James Nevin, youngest son of John Nevin, was born at Giant's
Causeway, county Antrim, Ireland, September 2z, I782, and in I788 was
brought to Pennsylvania by his parents. He shared the family fortunes in
Chester, Washington and Allegheny counties, Pennsylvania, remaining in the
latter county until I832, then removing to Negley, Columbiana county, Ohio,
with his wife and children. There he bought a tract of about two hundred
acres of forest land, which he cleared and so improved that it returned him
a comfortable living. Coal underlay the whole farm and this he sold to the
Carbon Hill Coal Company, of East Palestine, Ohio, and spent his last
years with his son John, and here James Nevin died, May I9, I874, buried
in East Palestine, Ohio. He was a Democrat in politics, but so opposed to
slavery that he left his party, joined with the Abolitionists and when the
Republican party came into being, affiliated with that organization, which
seemed to be m6re in accord with his anti-slavery views. Both he and his
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. He married, June 24, I823,
Hannah Scott, born September I9, I8oo, died April 13, I878, at Enon
Valley, Pennsylvania, buried in East Palestine, Ohio. She was a daughter
of Abraham and Sarah (Hamilton) Scott, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, the latter daughter of James Hamilton, who early came from Maryland, taking up large tracts of land in what is now Mifflin and Jefferson
townships, Allegheny county. Children of James and Hannah Nevin: I.
Abraham Scott, of further mention. 2. Jane, married Jonathan Hasson,
and died in Columbiana, Ohio. 3. John, a retired merchant and farmer,
now living in Lisbon, Ohio, a very old man. 4. Sarah, married Taggart
Chamberlin, and died in East Palestine, Ohio.
77:3WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at No. 66 Euclid avenue, and there continued until his death, February 13,
I9o09. Mr. Taylor was a member of the Republican party, as was his father
before him, and took a keen interest in all questions of politics, whether of
local or general bearing. He was a member of the United Presbyterian
Church, as are still his wife and children.
Mr. Taylor married, June I4, I894, Rose H. Gibson, a native of Brighton township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and sprung from distinguished
ancestors through more than one line of descent. She is the daughter of
John Glenn and Margary Jane (McGeorge) Gibson, the former named born
in May, I829. The first of the name of Gibson to reach the western part of
the state was William Gibson. Coming when the entire section was little
more than a wilderness, Mr. Gibson brought with him his wife, who had been
a Miss Laughhead, and a son, Joseph, the grandfather of Mrs. Taylor.
Joseph Gibson passed his entire life in his native township He purchased a
farm of some three hundred acres there and operated this until the time of
his death. He was twice married, the first time to Jennette Glenn, by whom
he had a son, John Glenn Gibson, the only child of this union. His second
wife was Ellen McGeorge, and by this marriage also there was but one child,
a son, Daniel, now living on the old Gibson farm. John Glenn Gibson, the
father of Mrs. Taylor, married Margery Jane McGeorge, a daughter of
William and Nancy (Young) McGeorge, and a granddaughter of William
and Julia Ann (H1aten) McGeorge. The elder William McGeorge was a
native of Scotland, his wife coming of an old English family. Together
they migrated to the United States, and settled first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later in Beaver county, in the pioneer days, Mr. George owning
five hundred acres there. He died in the year I815, when only fifty-three
years of age. Nancy (Young) McGeorge, wife of William McGeorge, was a
daughter of John and Marjorie (Algeo) Young. John Young was a son of
William and Nancy (Hamilton) Young, Nancy Hamilton being a descendant of Patrick Hamilton, one of the Scotch martyrs of the Reformation,
born in I504 and burned at the stake for his beliefs when only twenty-four
years old. Patrick Hamilton was a grandson of the first Lord Hamilton
and of James II., King of Scotland. Mrs. Taylor was educated in the public
schools of her native county, and in the State Normal School in Indiana
county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born three children,
as follows: James, Marjorie and Robert, all of whom are living. Mrs.
Taylor is now employed as a teacher in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
Lewis W. Noah is a member of a family representative of the
NOAH best type of German-American character, which has added to
the complex citizenship of the United States the leaven of its
own peculiar strength and perseverance.
His father was Jacob Noah, a native of Germany, passing his childhood
and youth in that country. He married Johanna Hoffner, also a native of
Germany, and with her came to the United States. Upon arriving in this
country they proceeded at once to Butler county, Pennsylvania, and there
551go.011WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) Abraham Scott Nevin, eldest child of James and Hannah (Scott)
Nevin, was born on the Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, farm, owned by his
parents, ins I824, died in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, in I879. He was
educated in the public schools, and like his forbears spent his life engaged
in farming. He worked on the home farm until having assumed the responsibilities of a husband and father, he founded a home of his own, purchasing
a farm adjoining the homestead. This he cultivated until the discovery that
coal underlaid it, then sold to good advantage and purchased another Ohio
farm. There he remained the greater portion of his after life, but died in
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. He was a man of strong character, and
in the communities in which he resided always held a leading position. He
was an officer of the Ohio state militia, was a justice of the peace, and
served many years as school director. He was a Whig and a Republican,
belonged to the United Presbyterian Church and was active in church work.
He married Mary Jane, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Richardson) Campbell, who survives him, aged eighty-six years, a resident of Ben Avon, a
suburb of Pittsburgh, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. John H.
Watt. Children: I. James Melancthon, of further mention. 2. Robert E.,
died in I9II at Ashley, Indiana. 3. Margaret, died in youthful womanhood,
unmarried. 4. Laura, married John H. Watt, and resides at Ben Avon,
Pennsylvania. 5. William S., a minister of the Presbyterian Church, now
located in Philadelphia. 6. John C., killed in railway accident in Colorado.
7. Joseph C., cashier of the Avalon Bank (Pittsburgh), but resides in Emsworth, Pennsylvania. 8. Hugh, cashier of the First National Bank of Homestead and treasurer of the Monongahela Trust Company of the same city.
(IV) James Melancthon Nevin, eldest son of Abraham Scott and Mary
Jane (Campbell) Nevin, was born at East Palestine, Ohio, June I9, I849.
He prepared in the public schools, entered Monmouth College, Illinois, and
there was graduated, Bachelor of Science, class of I879. Four years later
Monmouth conferred the degree of Master of Arts. He then entered the
law school of the University of Iowa, at Iowa City, and in I88I was graduated Bachelor of Laws. He then pursued post-graduate study at the
University of St. Louis and in I882 was awarded the degree of Bachelor of
LIaws by the law school of that university. In I882 he located in Pittsburgh,
and after admission to the Allegheny bar began practice in that city. This
was thirty-two years ago and he has since been in continuous practice in
Pittsburgh, where he ranks high in his profession. He has been admitted
to all state and federal courts of the district and has a large business in
all. His practice is general in character, Orphans' Court business, however,
being his favored line of professional work. He is learned in the law,
skillful in its application and strenuously opposed to all tricks or subterfuge
that might gain him an advantage. He is a close student and all through
his professional career has carefully safeguarded the interests committed
to him by confiding clients. He is highly regarded by his brethren of the
profession and recognized by them as a man of ability and one guided
by the highest principles of professional honor. During these thirty-two
773WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
years Mr. Nevin has resided in the little borough of Elizabeth, making the
journey daily to his offices in the Bakewell Building in Pittsburgh.
While the law has ever been to him a jealous mistress, he has other
important interests. He was one of the organizers of the State Bank of
Elizabeth, was elected its first president on incorporation in I9oo and has
ever since been the honored head of that most prosperous financial institution
that furnishes banking facilities to a large section of southeastern Allegheny
county. For many years he has been a trustee of the United Presbyterian
Church, is a member of the American, Pennsylvania State and Allegheny
County Bar associations, is a member of the American Geographical Society,
belongs to several clubs, and in politics is a Proihibitionist.
Mr. Nevin married, in I884, Emma Lucille, daughter of John and
Elizabeth Gordon, of Monmouth, Illinois. Children: I. James Gordon,
graduate of Westminster College, class of I905, graduate of the Law
School of the University of Pittsburgh, class of I9o8, member of the Allegheny county bar, admitted to all courts and now engaged in legal practice
with his honored father. 2. Lucille, graduate of Westminster College,
class of i906, teacher in Beaver, Pennsylvania, High School. 3. Norma
M., graduate of Westminster College, class of I9o9, now a teacher in
Beaver High School. 4. Lois, graduate of Westminster College, class of
I9I3. 5. D. McDill, entered Westminster College, but before completing
his course entered the agricultural department of State College, where he.
is now a student. 6. Sybil, student in Elizabeth High School. 7. Millicent,
a student in Elizabeth Grammar School.
Hugh Henry Brackenridge, jurist, was born near
BRACKENRIDGE  Campbellton, Scotland, in 1748, the son of a poor
farmer, who emigrated to America in I753. He
earned his way through college, and was graduated from Princeton in I77I.
After teaching five years, he entered the field of journalism, and for some
time was editor of The United States Magazine, of Philadelphia. He
studied theology, and during the Revolutionary War acted as chaplain in the
army. After being admitted to the barr.in I78I, he opened a law office at
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was interested and active in the political
controversies of the time, and during the famous "Whiskey Insurrection"
of I794 was a strong advocate of a peaceable adjustment of the difficulty.
In I799 he was made judge of the supreme court of Pennsylvania. "The
Rising Glory of America," which he wrote in conjunction with Philip
Freneau, while at college, was published in I772; "Bunker Hill," a drama,
in I776; "Incidents of the Insurrection in Western Pennsylvania," in 1795;
"Eulogium of the Brave who fell in the Contest with Great Britain," in
I778; "Modern Chivalry, or the Adventures of Captain Farrago and
Teague O'Reagan, his Servant," in 1796; "Gazette Publications Collected,"
in I8o6; and "Law Miscellanies," in I8I4. He died in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, June 25, I8i6.
Henry Marie Brackenridge, son of Hugh Henry Brackenridge, was
774WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May I I, I786. His father very early
discovered in him traces of a superior intellect, and determined to cultivate
this to the utmost. His early education was acquired altogether under
private tuition, a part of this being imparted by his father personally, in
whose study a small table was placed for the exclusive use of his son. At
the age of seven years he was sent to a French school at St. Genevieve,
in Upper Louisiana, in order to obtain a complete mastery of the French
language. This experiment was attended with the most complete success.
He was about fifteen years of age when his father was appointed to the
supreme bench of Pennsylvania, and he was then placed in the office of the
prothonotary or clerk of the court, to prepare him for taking up the study
of law. He remained there two years, then entered the office of a practicing attorney, and read law to such good effect that he was admitted to
the bar at the age of twenty years. Returning to his father's home in
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he spent more than a year, by the advice of his
father, in the special study of the law of equity and maritime law, and
qualified himself for practice along those lines, intending to open an office
in the city of Baltimore, with its magnificent harbor facilities. Upon going
to that city, he entered the office of a practitioner in chancery, and also
attended general court sessions, where he had the opportunity of listening
to some of the foremost lawyers of the day. He found, however, that the
large number of lawyers in the city was altogether out of proportion to the
size of its population, and decided that he would have a better opportunity
of making his way in a smaller town. Having heard that there was but one
lawyer in the town of Somerset, Pennsylvania, he went to that town, and
took possession of the office which had but recently become vacant, owing
to the death of his predecessor. Here he acquired a lucrative practice.
In I8IO Mr. Brackenridge took his departure for Upper Louisiana, and
upon his arrival there was most heartily received by the family with whom
he had lived while at school at St. Genevieve. It happened to be court
week, and he. was engaged in several important cases. He then went to
St. Louis, Missouri, and while there proceeded with the compilation of the
data for his interesting work on Louisiana, which was published in Pittsburgh, in I8I2. In the year I8II he was appointed deputy attorney general
for the territory of New Orleans, afterwards the state of Louisiana. Later,
although only twenty-three years of age, he was appointed district attorney.
He was an intimate friend of Presidents Madison and Monroe, and took
an active part in favor of the United States acknowledging the independence
of the South American colonies. He wrote a paper in the form of a letter
addressed to "An American," sent this to President Monroe, and it was
republished in England in the Pamphleteer, and translated into the French
and Spanish languages. In I82I he was appointed United States judge
for the Western'District of Florida, and filled this responsible office for a
period of more than ten years.
Mr. Brackenridge married Caroline Marie, of Philadelphia, owner of a
valuable tract of land along the Pennsylvania canal, and they moved to
775WESTERN PENNSYLVANIIA
that section. From twenty to twenty-two hundred acres of land were in
this parcel, and Mr. Brackenridge later founded the town of Tarentum,
between which and Natrona is still situated the beautiful country residence
of the family. On this same tract has grown up another town, Brackenridge, just above Tarentum. In I840 Mr. Brackenridge was elected to the
United States congress; and the following year was appointed commissioner
under the Mexican treaty, in conjunction with Governor Marcy, of New
York. With the exception of a term in the Pennsylvania legislature in
I844, he lived retired until his death, January I8, I87I. Much of the
property is still held as the Brackenridge Estate.
Henry M. Brackenridge left one son, Benjamin Morgan Brackenridge,
who was never actively engaged in business, he having died at the age of
thirty-five years. He married Phillipine Stieren, and left one son, Henry
M. Brackenridge, who developed the property of the Brackenridge Estate,
organizing and building various manufacturing interests in glass, iron and
steel. The borough of Brackenridge, mentioned above, was named in his
honor.
Peter Gloeckner was born in Prussia, in I833, and after
GLOECKNER his father's death his mother brought him to the United
States with her two other children, Mary and Andrew.
The family settled in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where Peter began working on a farm. Later he bought a farm of seventytwo acres in McCandless on which he resided until his death, September
I6, I866. He married Mary Cole, born July 4, I834, died August 9, I914,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Cole. Several years after the death of
Peter Gloeckner his widow married Frank Goss and had a son Frank, born
in i88i. Children of Peter and Mary (Cole) Gloeckner: I. Peter John,
of further mention. 2. Clara, born July 8, I863, married Henry Enders.
3. Mary, born September 6, I866, married Peter Statelmyer, died October
i8, 19I4. The family were members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Peter John Gloeckner, only son of Peter and Mary (Cole) Gloeckner,
was born in McCandless township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December 6, i86I. He attended the public schools, and from youth has been
engaged in farming. In I898 he became owner of the home farm in McCandless township and there resides, engaged in general farming. He is a
member of the Roman Catholic Church and a Democrat in politics, serving
on the election board. He married Margaret, daughter of John and Gertrude Strickler. Children: I. Mary, born October 26, I884, died in September, I885. 2. Gertrude, born October 25, i886, married Frank W.
Beiring, and has children, Edward, Raymond, Frank. 3. Clara, born September I, I888, deceased. 4. Hilda, born in I890. 5. Margaret, born in
January, i892. 6. Eva, born October 26, I894. 7. Mary, born in 1896.
8. Henry, born September I4, I900. 9. John, born October 26, I902. I0.
Peter, born January 13, I904, deceased. I I. Joseph, born December 26, 1907.
776WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
German records are those which must be perused for an acWETZEL count of the early generation of the family of Wetzel, this
American line having been founded by Levi Wetzel, a native
of Germany. He was reared and educated in the land of his birth, there
serving an apprenticeship in the trade of stone mason, emigrating to the
United States when a young man and settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He
obtained employment at his trade, and there remained until about 1854, when
he located in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, becoming the
owner of land near the present town of Glenshaw. On this property he conducted general farming and market gardening, adding to his possessions until,
at his death, aged sixty-nine years, he held title to ninety-four acres of land in
the township, divided into four tracts.  His success in his agricultural
operations was the fruit of industry and intelligent application of the
lessons learned by experience, sometimes in disaster, oftener in fortune.
He avoided none of the responsibilities of good citizenship, and through a
life well ordered and usefully spent held the liking and regard of his
neighbors.  The property of which he was the owner was principally
timber land when it came into his possession, and the task that he
successfully completed in putting the greater part of it under cultivation
was no easy one. He and his family were communicants of St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Wetzel married Margaretta Milburt, born in Germany, her parents coming to the
United States from the homeland. Children: I. Margaret, deceased. 2.
Carolina, deceased. 3. Mary, married a Mr. Kestler, and resides in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 4. Lena, married a Mr. Chisler, and lives in
Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 5. Michael, deceased.
6. Levi, of whom further. 7. Adam, deceased. 8. George, deceased.
Levi (2) Wetzel, son of Levi (I) and Margaretta (Milburt) Wetzel,
was born in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 6,
I86I, and was there a student in the public schools. In boyhood and young
manhood he was his father's assistant on the home farm, in I887 beginning
independent operations on one of his father's farms, at Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. In the following year he erected a comfortable dwelling, of excellent appearance, and has there since lived, his farm fifty acres in extent.
He engages principally in gardening for the nearby market, and in that line
has prospered. Mr. Wetzel and his family are members of the All Saints
Roman Catholic Church, of Etna, Pennsylvania.  Mr. Wetzel married,
November 24, I885,'Anna Mary Nestler, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and
has children: Edward Jacob, married Helen Magdalene Kruwel, and has
one child, Isabell Anna; Clara Maria; Leonard Mickel; Catherine Anna,
married George William Emig, who died October 3I, I903, and they had
one child, George Anthony; Matilda Mary, died November 28, I904; Marcella Elizabeth; Raymond Anthony, died May 14, I900oo; Sylvester Francis
De Sales; George Adam.
7 71',WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Lee family is one which has gained renown in many lines in
LEE this country, and has been no less honored in England. The
branch under discussion here has been in this country for thirtythree years, and during that time the various members of the family have
proven their worth as reliable citizens.
(I) William Lee, who was born in England and spent his entire life
there, was a wheelwright by occupation, and lived on the homestead which
has been in the possession of the family for more than three centuries. He
married Anna --, and among their children was William, of whom
further.
(II) William (2) Lee, son of William (I) and Anna Lee, was born
at Kirkbye, Ashfield, England. He was a wheelwright and carriage builder,
occupations he followed throughout the active years of his life in his native
land. He married Dorothy Wass, born at Newsteade Castle, England,
and among their children was James, of whom further.
(III) James Lee, son of William (2) and Dorothy (Wass) Lee, was
born at Kirkbye, Ashfield, England, November I9, I853. He acquired his
education in his native land, after which he engaged in gardening on a large
estate. In I88I he emigrated to the United States, where he made his home
at Mount Lebanon, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, for about fifteen
months, then removed to Bellevue, in the same county, where he has since
resided. For a number of years he was successfully engaged in landscape
gardening, thus providing a comfortable home for his family, but since I895,
a period of nineteen years, has served in the capacity of street commissioner
of the borough of Bellevue, having been first elected in that year on the
Republican ticket, and re-elected each year since that time, this fact testifying eloquently to his ability, efficiency and popularity. When he assumed
control of the office there were no paved streets and no sewer system in the
borough, and at the present time (1914) seventy-five of the streets are well
paved, brick and concrete being the materials used, totaling a large number
of miles. This has added greatly to the attractiveness and beauty of the
locality and in this way the population has been increased to a large extent.
Mr. Lee is an active factor in all enterprises that have for their object the
welfare of the community, and is held in high esteem by all with whom he
is brought in contact. During his residence in England he was a member
of the Episcopal Church, also a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows'and the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Lee married, in England, August 22, 1878, Pattie Bax, born in
Minster, Kent, not far from Dover, England, daughter of Thomas and
Bessie (Cassell) Bax, who resided in the same house seventy years, this
being located on a farm which Mr. Bax cultivated. Mrs. Lee is a member
of the Methodist Protestant Church, in the work of which she takes an
active interest, giving liberally of her time and means, and she does not confine her attention to church matters only, being equally interested in all
movements for the general good, serving as a member of the advisory board
778I
a t?a  *IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
settled on a farm, passing the remainder of their lives in their new home.
Mr. Noah died in the year I873, at the age of eighty-one years, and his
wife ten years later at the age of seventy-six years. In the "Fatherland"
Mr. Noah had been a soldier, had served under Napoleon Bonaparte, and
took part in that disastrous campaign which culminated in the retreat from
Moscow and marked the beginning of that great soldier's fall. Mr. Noah
was actually before Moscow and shared in all the perils and hardships of
the historic retreat. In the "New World" he pursued the life and occupation of a farmer; although never losing his interest in the politics of his
time. A Whig at first, he eventually joined the Democratic party, a member
of which he remained until his death. He and his wife were Lutherans
in religion and in that belief reared their children. These were four in
number, as follows: Julia Anna, who died in the year I854, when but
eighteen years of age; Magdalena, died in I9I0, at about seventy years of
age; Lewis W., of whom further; Peter, died in April, I886, aged forty
years, married Martha Caldwell; children: Lula, deceased; Anna, John,
Lyman W.
Lewis W. Noah was born April 29, I842, in Butler county, Pennsylvania, on the old family homestead. He was educated in the local public
schools, and upon completing his general studies, he learned the trade of
carpenter, following the same throughout- his life. He removed from his
rural surroundings to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where there was more
work to be done, and here continued to live for twenty-five years. In the
year I890o he removed from Allegheny City to Ben Avon, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. Ben Avon was at that time called Killbuck township, and
there Mr. Noah built a house at No. 7318 Church avenue. Mr. Noah is a
member of the Republican party and takes a keen interest in all political
issues, whether of local or general bearing.
Mr. Noah married, in Allegheny City, I865, Elizabeth Pierce, of Butler
county, Pennsylvania, where she was born November I5, 184I. Mrs. Noah
was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann (Bartley) Pierce, early settlers
in Butler county, and both deceased. Mrs. Noah was a member of the
United Presbyterian Church, and her death occurred May 23, I9I3. Mr. and
Mrs. Noah were the parents of four children, as follows: I. William
James, born in i866; educated in the public schools of Allegheny; now a
machinist living in Ben Avon, Pennsylvania; married May Smare, by whom
he has had one child, a daughter, May. 2. Ada May, educated in the public
schools of Allegheny and in Curry College, Pennsylvania, and now following
the profession of teaching in the schools of the Ninth Ward, Allegheny. 3.
Minnie Etta, educated also in the Allegheny public schools and in Curry
College, and now living at home with her parents. 4. Harry Addison, a
graduate of the Allegheny High School, and now a salesman and resident of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Adam Noah, a half-brother of Lewis W. Noah,
a son of his father by a former wife, and who had accompanied the elder
Noah on his journey to the United States, settled in West Virginia, and
there died about the year I9o4.
552t;WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of the Bellevue Suburban Hospital, a most worthy institution. Mr. and
Mrs. Lee are well known in the community wherein they reside, their home
being noted for the hospitality dispensed there.
Land in what is now the vicinity of the borough of
WOODFORD  Carrick, Pennsylvania, was owned at an early day by
WVilliam Woodford, American ancestor of the line herein
recorded. He was a native of England, a member of a peasant family, and
was placed at a useful and income-producing occupation as soon as he was
physically able to become a breadwinner. Thus early deprived of educational advantages, he was far beyond manhood's mark before he attained
reading and writing knowledge, but his handicap acted rather as a spur than
as a discouragement and he became a man of average information, and on
topics that held for him especial interest was exceptionally accurately informed. He emigrated to the United States in 1822, and so slender were
his resources that his belongings were tied up in a cotton handerchief. He
settled in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and applied
himself with relentless determination to the task of acquiring a home and
possessions, finally becoming owner of one hundred and fourteen acres of
land in Baldwin township, his death occurring where the borough of Carrick
is now located. Mr. Woodford was one of the founders of the Concord
Presbyterian Church, and throughout his life was a member thereof, attending its services with punctual regularity and devoting himself with wholesouled enthusiasm to its work. While working in a quarry procuring stone
for the foundation of the parsonage a splinter of stone struck his eyeball,
destroying his sight in that member. His earnest regard for the welfare
and maintenance of this place of worship descended to his only son and
child, who for years bore almost the entire expense connected therewith.
William Woodford died May I2, I877, aged eighty-five years. He married Mrs. Jane (Hockenberry) Carr, a native of Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and had but one child who reached mature years, Richard, of whom
further.
(II) Richard Woodford, son of William and Jane (Hockenberry-Carr)
Woodford, was born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
July 20, 1835, died January 25, I9o2. As a youth he attended the public
schools of Point View, in his native township, and was for a time his father's
helper on the home farm, later acquiring title to a tract of thirty acres in
Baldwin township, land now occupied by the town of Carrick, lots in that
place having been made from his land after his death. He and his wife
were members of the Concord Presbyterian Church, to whose current expenses he was a most generous and liberal contributor. He was a Republican in political conviction, and a lifelong adherent to that party. During
the greater part of his life his activities were hampered by a poor constitution, his health weakening before the slightest strain, so that much that he
was fitted for by nature, especially in regard to strength, was left undone. In
7798WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I885 he caused the erection of a house at No. 2033 Brownsville road, the
present home of his widow. He married, December Io, I858, Mary A.
Burgess, born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 22, I836, daughter of George and Harriet (Ward) Burgess, her
parents both natives of county Kent, England, where they grew to maturity
and were married. He was a farmer in his native land, and after his
emigration to the United States, in I830, settled in Pittsburgh and became
a gardener on the South Side, later purchasing a farm in Baldwin township,
where he died. Children of George and Harriet (Ward) Burgess: I.
George, a brick manufacturer, married Ann Harris, both deceased. 2.
Phoebe, married Daniel Bennett, both deceased; lived in Baldwin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 3. Mary A., of previous mention, married
Richard Woodford. Children of Richard and Mary A. (Burgess) Woodford: I. George B., of whom further. 2. Walter L., born March 23, I868;
assistant treasurer of the Sharon Savings and Trust Company; married
Wilhelmina Hayes. 3. Harvey Edwin, born May 28, I870; unmarried,
lives with his mother. 4. Laura L., born January 26, I873, died unmarried,
September I7, 1901.
(III) George B. Woodford, eldest of the four children of Richard and
Mary A. (Burgess) Woodford was born in Baldwin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, September 23, I865. When he was two and one-half
years of age his parents moved to the present site of Carrick, where he was
educated in the public schools. He being the eldest son, his father's poor
health placed upon his shoulders at an early age the responsibility of farm
management, beginning the assumption of these duties when a boy of twelve
years. He lived on the home farm until his marriage, in I9o4 purchasing
twenty-five acres of the farm from his mother, and three years later becoming owner of the remaining ninety acres. This has been platted for building
lots and is known as the Woodford Subdivision, Nos. z, 3 and 4. Since
I904 Mr. Woodford has devoted himself to the development of this locality,
his real estate operations being confined to that tract. The location is a
delightful one, Carrick a thriving and prosperous community, and he has
been successful in his dealings, the sale price of his property marking a
wonderful increase over its original value. Mr. Woodford's residence is at
No. 2I03 Brownsville road, where he built a brick house in October, I902.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodford are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He married, in 1892, Anna Keasey Dane Boehm, a widow, born in Germany,
and is the father of one child, Hazel A., who lives at home.
William and John A. Braun are sons of Adam Braun, born
BRAUN in Hersfeld, a town of Prussia, in Hesse-Nassau, on the river
Fulda, August 2, I8I7, died in Shaler township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, September 3, I889. He came to the United States
a young man, settled in Shaler township, where he established and maintained a dairy until I854, when he purchased a farm of one hundred acres
780ItWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
upon which he resided until his death. He married (first) Susan Siebert,
born in Germany in I824, who bore him four children. They were both
active members of the German Evangelical Church. He married (second)
Susannah Weisman, born in Germany, November 30, 1822. Children of
first wife: I. Mary, born December 23, I846, now deceased; she married
Henry Mangold and left children: William and Emma. 2. Emma, born
April 29, I850; married Isaac Hartung. 3. Henry, born July 29, I850, now
deceased; married Emma Keil. 4. Rebecca, born April i i, I854, her mother
dying soon after her birth. Children of second wife: 5. William, of further
mention. 6. Matilda, born January, I859; married John S. Weissert. 7.
Margaret L., married George H. Pfischner, deceased. 8. Amelia, died December 5, I9go; married Henry Seel, who died December I5, I909. 9. John
A., of further mention.
William Braun, eldest son of Adam Braun and his second wife, Susannah (Weisman) Braun, was born at the home farm, in Shaler township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 2, I857. He was educated in the
township public schools and at Sharpsburg Academy, securing in these
schools a good mental training. He was his father's assistant on the farm
and in the management of the dairy until he obtained legal age, then became
head of the business. He continued business at the home farm until I885,
then bought a farm of thirty-six acres, where he engaged in dairy farming
until I899, then sold his' dairy herd and business. Since then he has confined himself to stock dealing and farming. He is also a good auctioneer
and cries many sales in his neighborhood. His farm adjoins that of his
brother, John A. Braun, and is a well kept fertile tract, well improved. Mr.
Braun is a Republican in politics and has served his township as auditor,
treasurer and commissioner, holding these various offices for many years.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Shalersburg.
Mr. Braun married, September 24, I885, Malinda M. Boertzler, born
September I6, I858, died January I4, I912. Their marriage was not blessed
with children, and after the death of his youngest sister, Amelia, and her
husband, Henry Seel, in I9o09, they adopted the youngest son, Harry Braun
Seel, the court legalizing the adoption and changing the name of the boy to
Harry Seel Braun.
John A. Braun, youngest child of Adam Braun and his second wife,
Susannah (Weisman) Braun, was born on the Shaler township farm, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 2, I865. He attended public school
until fourteen years of age, then until he was twenty-two was his father's
assistant in the latter's dairy business. John A. then started in the same
business for himself and conducted it most successfully until I9II when he
sold his entire interest in the dairy, but retains his farm in Shaler township
and there resides. In I9II he was appointed assistant superintendent of
Allegheny county roads and placed in charge of the north roads of the
county. He is a justice of the peace for Shaler township and for twentyseven years has served as school director. He belongs to the Masonic
78IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, is an active member of the German Evangelical Church, and
in politics is a Republican. He married, May 26, I898, Louisa Michley,
born October 23, I866, daughter of Adam and Mary Metz Michley, of Butler county, Pennsylvania.
Gardening is a branch of farming the possibilities of which
LAGEMAN have scarcely been realized in the United States, where the
tendency in operations of that nature is toward magnitude
of scale rather than intensity of production.
Among the exponents of this calling in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and among its most successful followers are William Joseph and
August Gerhart Lageman. They are sons of Garrett Henry Lageman, a
native of Holland, who came to the United States in I848, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was married. In that place he was a farmer
and truck-raiser, the Highland High School's site having formerly been a
part of his land, and about I876 moved to Morningside Heights, there purchasing eighteen acres of land, improving the same with substantial buildings and there residing until his death in I9o02. During the war between the
states he was three times drafted for service in the Union army, each time
paying for the services of a substitute who was sent to the front. Both he
and his wife were members of the Roman Catholic Church, while in political
faith he was a Democrat, serving as a member of the borough council of
Morningside Heights and becoming assessor of the eighteenth ward after
the borough was incorporated with the city of Pittsburgh. He married
Martha Brickwade, born in Holland, who came to the United States unmarried, her death occurring in I9o09. They were the parents of: I. Mary,
died in infancy. 2. John, died in infancy. 3- Henry, died unmarried, aged
twenty-eight years. 4. Herman, a poultry raiser, lives near Sharpsburg,
Pennsylvania. 5. John J., died aged thirty-four years. 6. August Gerhart,
of whom further. 7. William Joseph, of whom further.
August Gerhart Lageman, son of Garrett Henry and Martha (Brickwade) Lageman, was born in Pittsburgh East End, December I7, I857. He
was a student in St. Peter's and St. Paul's Parochial School, finishing his
studies by a course in the commercial department of the Pittsburgh Central
High School, whence he was graduated. His education completed he was for
four years associated with his brother, Herman, in the grocery business,
then for several years assisted his father at home. After his marriage in
I88I he established in vegetable gardening in partnership with his brotherin-law, Frank Schuler, at Ingram Heights, an association that was severed
after nine months, Mr. Lageman passing the next year with his father. I-Ie
then moved to his present location on Ewing road, Crafton, and was for
nine months engaged in gardening with his father-in-law, at the end of that
time purchasing his interest in the business and continuing as the sole proprietor, later buying the land that he cultivated. The tract at the time of
78:2WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
purchase consisted of twelve and one-half acres and since that time Mr.
Lageman has added seven acres to his possessions, renting ten acres additional. His son is connected with him in a general gardening business, and
during the spring and summer season they are assisted by a force of three or
four men. Prosperity has attended Mr. Lageman's efforts in large measure,
and from land valuable in itself he derives crops that command attractive
prices on the market because of their well-known freshness and excellence.
He married, July 7, I88I, Barbara Catherine, born in Ingram, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, died November I5, I9OI, daughter of Philip and Catharine Schuler, her father, deceased, a farmer and fruit-grower. Children
of August Gerhart and Barbara Catherine (Schuler) Lageman: I. Clementina, died in infancy. 2. Harry, paying teller of, the Diamond National
Bank, of Pittsburgh, resides in Ingram, Pennsylvania. 3. Philip August,
died in infancy. 4. John J., lives in Crafton, Pennsylvania, his father's
business partner. 5. Barbara Catherine, married Bernard A. Bannon, and
lives at home. 6. Mary Elizabeth, lives in Ingram, Pennsylvania. 7. Aloysius, died aged nine years. 8. Jerome, twin of Aloysius, died in infancy.
9. August lives at home. Io. Angelina, lives at home.
William Joseph Lageman, son of Garrett Henry and Martha (Brickwade) Lageman, was born in Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
February 5, I86o. He obtained his youthful education in St. Peter's and St.
Paul's Parochial School, completing his studies by a business course in Duff's
Commercial College. He was first a truck raiser in Pittsburgh East End,
about I893 moving to Chartiers township, now the third ward of Crafton,
there purchasing twenty-five acres of land, and continuing in general gardeIling operations at that place at this time (I9I4). Since his purchase the land
that he cultivates with such marked success has increased greatly in value,
and from its bountiful yield under skillful management he has realized a
comfortable income. His market is a ready one, his reputation as a successful gardener having gained him a wide patronage, past experience having
taught his trade the assurance of fresh and palatable products in season.
An Independent in politics he has served as a member of the Crafton council for three years, and with his wife belongs to St. Philip's Roman Catholic
Church, also holding membership in the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Mutual Beneficial Association.
Mr. Lageman married, September I8, 1884, Jerome Schnelbach, born
in Pittsburgh East End, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Hyle) Schnelbach, her father, an early settler in that locality, died in I9I2, aged eightyfour years. Mr. and Mrs. Lageman are the parents of: I. Leona, married
John Myers, and lives in Pittsburgh East End. 2. Marie, lives at home.
3. John, lives at home. 4. Joseph, lives at home. 5. Maurice, a brass cutter,
lives at home.
783WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
August Kiehl is a member of a family representative of the
KIEHL best type of German-American character, which has brought
to the cosmopolitan citizenship of this country its own peculiar
traits of steadfast effort, energy and thrift.
His father's name was August Kiehl also, the elder man being born in
the "Fatherland," and coming to this country while still a youth. Upon arriving in the United States he went directly to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
and there took up his abode. He met in Pittsburgh, sometime after his
arrival, Theresa Mesner, also a native of Germany, who had come as a
young girl to the United States and settled in the Pennsylvanian city. To
Miss Mesner Mr. Kiehl was married in Millvale, Pennsylvania, and by her
had two sons, August, of whom further, and Charles. The death of Mr.
Kiehl occurred August 27, I914, and his wife's death occurred in I883.
August Kiehl Jr. was born August 4, I88o, in "South Side," Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He there passed his childhood, receiving his education in the
local public schools. At the age of thirteen years he left school and found
employment for himself in various ways until he had reached the age of
seventeen. He then learned the trade of plumber, and in I899 removed to
the town of Millvale, Pennsylvania, and there engaged in the plumbing
business on his own account. In this enterprise he flourished so well that by
I905 he owned his own place of business at No. 405 Grant street, Millvale.
His success did not end there, but ever since his business has grown and
flourished until it has reached its present proportions. Besides his activity in
his business, Mr. Kiehl finds time to play a prominent part in the life of his
town in a number of ways. He is a member of the Republican party and
interested in all political questions, whether of local or general application,
and he is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Knights
of the Maccabees, the Protective Home Circle and the Loyal Order of
Moose.
Mr. Kiehl married, March, I9OI, Minnie Rahn, a native of Millvale,
Pennsylvania, where she was born. Mrs. Kiehl is the daughter of John and
Augusta Rahn, Mr. Rahn deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Kiehl have been born
seven children, as follows: August, deceased; Anna; Ruth; Hester; B-,
deceased; Levern; Wilfred.
In spite of his youth Mr. Kiehl has already made a prominent position
for himself in the community of which he is a member. He is already a man
of substance and has made his own way in the world, whatever measure of
success is his being due to his own efforts. He places his faith in work, believing that this alone can accomplish anything for a man. He was reared in
the Lutheran Church, and is formally a member, but he is liberal in religious
matters and his children attend the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school.
The maternal progenitors of the late John Harrison, an
HARRISON old and honored resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
came to Pennsylvania from the state of Virginia. His
784WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
great-grandfather, Colonel Lawrence Muse, was a veteran of the French
and Indian wars, residing near Winchester, Virginia, where his son, Fauntley
Muse, was born in 1755. After the death of Colonel Muse, his widow,
Elizabeth Fauntleroy, remained single for some time, then married Colonel
William Elrod, and with her husband and son Fauntley came to Pennsylvania. They located on a tract near the village of Boston, on the Youghiogheny river, where Fauntley Muse grew to manhood. During the war of
the Revolution he served on the frontier under seven different enlistments,
his terms of service aggregating twenty months. He was engaged in many
fights with Indians in Western Pennsylvania, and rendered important service
in controlling the savage allies of the English. After the war he engaged in
farming, owning two hundred acres, where Olympia Park, McKeesport, is
now located. He married (first) Mary Jones, who died in I8I4, leaving
nine children. He married (second) Margaret (Merton) Patterson, widow
of Nathan Patterson. He died in 1839, at the farm on the Youghiogheny,
the old house in which he lived still standing. Children by first wife: William, died young; Ann, married John Montgomery; Mary, married (first)
Robert Henderson, (second) George Warren; Fauntley (2), born I790,
married (first) Catherine Graham, (second) a Miss Graham; Sarah, married Joseph Edmundson; John Jones, born 1796, married (first) Rebecca
Edmundson, (second) Mrs. Ella Z. (Craig) Wilson; Elizabeth, born June
29, I798, married John Harrison, of further mention; James, married (first)
Jane Waters, (second) Hannah Condit; Margaret, married Thomas Edmundson.
The paternal progenitors of John Harrison were of Irish blood, the
Muses of Welsh. He was a grandson of James Harrison, of an early Allegheny county family, who married Jennie Bell, who bore him three sons and
three daughters: William Henry, married Betsey Grove, and is buried with
her in Versailles Cemetery; James, married Ann Lynch, and has descendants
now living in McKeesport; John, of whom further; Belle, married a Dougherty; Elizabeth, married a Brisbin; Sarah, married a Ritchie.
(II) John Harrison, son of James and Jennie (Bell) Harrison, was
born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 29, I796. He spent his early
life on the home farm, but after his marriage moved to the Forks of
Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers, and later to McKeesport. There he
bought a plot of several acres on the southeast edge of the village and for
many years followed tnere his trade of blacksmith. He and his wife were
pious, devoted Presbyterians, workers in both church and Sunday school.
They are both buried in Versailles Cemetery. He married Elizabeth Muse,
born June 29, I798, daughter of Fauntley and Mary (Jones) Muse, of previous mention. Children: I. James, born June I4, 1822, died in I824. 2.
Mary, born June 27, I824; married James Wilson; died in Dravosburg,
Pennsylvania. 3. William E., born June 22, I826, died in McKeesport;
was postmaster and merchant. 4. Ann M., born March 5, I82'6; married
Samuel Fields; died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 5. Walter B., born Au785WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Dr. William John Kline Snyder is a member of an old
SNYDER Pennsylvania family which for many generations has
been identified with the life and traditions of the western
part of the state.
(I) Peter Snyder, paternal grandfather of Dr. William J. K. Snyder,
was brought to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, when but one year of
age, by his parents, who migrated there from some more eastern region.
The family settled on a farm, and there the parents eventually died. Meanwhile Peter Snyder grew up on the farm, until he became old enough to
learn a trade, when he chose carpentry, which he followed for a considerable time in his native place. At length, however, he decided to try his
fortunes still fa.-ther west, and accordingly went to Missouri, where in
course of time he died. His wife then returned'to Westmoreland county
and lived with her son, Cyrus J. Snyder, until her death in I891, at the age
of eighty-four years.  Peter Snyder married Lydia Rowe, a native of
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where she was born. To them were
born eight children, as follows: Hezekiah, a resident of Missouri, now deceased; Mary; Lydia; John; Hettie, deceased; Lavinia, deceased; Cyrus
J., of whom further; Uriah, a physician of Delmont, Pennsylvania, who died
at the age of forty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Snyder were members
of the Reformed Church, and in that belief reared their large family of
children. Mr. Snyder was a Democrat in politics.
(II) Cyrus J. Snyder, seventh child of Peter and Lydia (Rowe) Snyder,
was born at Boquet, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there has
passed the greater part of his life. He was educated in the local schools.
He is a Democrat in politics, and with his wife attends the Denmark Manor
Reformed Church. He married Lydia Kline, also a native of Boquet, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where she was born. Mrs. Snyder is a
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Knappenberger) Kline, both of whom were
natives of Westmoreland county. Mr. and Mrs. Kline were the parents of
nine children, as follows: -William John, M.D., now a physician of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in active practice; Hezekiah, deceased; Henry, deceased;
Nichols; Hannah, deceased; Mary; Lydia, the mother of our subject; Amos;
Alpha, a minister of the Reformed Church at Grove City, Pennsylvania.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus J. Snyder have been born two children, as follows:
Charles E., M.D., a practicing physician of Greensburg, -Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania; William John Kline, M.D., of whom further.
(III) Dr. William John Kline Snyder, second child of Cyrus J. and
Lydia (Kline) Snyder, was born December 24, I864, at Boquet, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on the old Snyder farm in
Manor Valley, Westmoreland county, and educated first at the local public
schools. Having completed the elementary portion of his education, he
matriculated at the Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio, graduating therefrom with the class of I892. He then took an additional year's work at the
Wooster Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio. His final preparatory work
was done at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he gradC
553WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
gust 2, I830, died in McKeesport; was a riverman. 6. John, of whom further. 7. Martha S., born December 30, I834, died July 23; I886; married
G. W. Gray. 8. Fauntley M., born February 22, I837, died April I3, I853.
9. Sarah born July I9, I839, died December 23, I882; married Joseph
Dougherty.
(III) John (2) Harrison, son of John (I) and Elizabeth (Muse)
Harrison, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, December 20, I832, lived
his entire life in the same neighborhood, and died January I8, I905. He
was educated in public schools in McKeesport, and on arriving at suitable
age became a stationary engineer, working in the saw mills and on the river
boats. When the steel mills were started in McKeesport, he was one of the
first engineers employed and for forty-three years was continuously so engaged. During the latter years of his life he was chief engineer and foreman, and during the last year he lived was an honored pensioner of the
company, having reached the age limit and holding an honorable record for
efficiency and fidelity. His home on what is now Ninth avenue he built on a
part of his father's original purchase, he having purchased a large part of
the tract from his brothers and sisters. The house he built and in which he
lived and died stands not many yards from the house in which he was born
and where his youth was spent. He was a Republican in politics, and a
member of the Royal Arcanum.
John (2) Harrison married, January 27, I859, Mary Russell, born in
Scotland, November 26, I844, who yet survives him, a resident of McKeesport. She is a daughter of Alexander and Lillie (Dewar) Russell, who
came to the United States in I849, settling in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Monongahela river, where Alexander Russell, a
miner, died about i852. His widow married (second) Andrew Taylor, and
moved to Versailles township, and later removed to McKeesport, Allegheny
county, where she again became a widow. She died at McKeesport in I896.
Children by Alexander Russell: I. Mary, widow of John (2) Harrison.
2. Ellen, died in infancy. 3. Ellen, died aged three years. 4. William A.,
now living retired in McKeesport. 5. Elizabeth, married David Sarver,
and died in McKeesport. By her second husband, Andrew Taylor, she
had two children, who died young: George J., now living in McKeesport,
and Thomas, living retired in Pittsburgh. Children of John (2) and Mary
(Russell) Harrison: I. Martha E., a teacher, living at home. 2. Lillie D.,
married Robert D. Wilson, and resides in the state of Washington.  3.
Jennie B., residing at home. 4. Elizabeth Muse, married W. E. Newlin, and
resides in McKeesport. 5. Dewees Wood, resides in McKeesport, an employee of the Pennsylvania railroad. 6. John G., died aged three years.
7. Mary Russell, married George L. Edmundson, and resides in McKeesport. 8. Walter B., a steel mill worker of McKeesport. These children,
by virtue of the patriotic service of their ancestor, Fauntley Muse, are eligible
to all societies basing membership upon descent from  Revolutionary ancestors.
786ft
iz4uFWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Harrison has continued her residence in McKeesport in the home erected by her husband. She was a child
of five years when brought to this country by her parents, and has passed
her life largely in McKeesport, where she became a bride fifty-five years ago,
and lived a happy wife forty-six of those years.
Frank Beran, a native of Bohemia, Austria, spent his entire life
BERAN  in his native country, where he was a soap maker. He married Josephine, and had children: Frank, of further
mention; Joseph; Wenzel, who came to America;. Josephine; Julie.
(II) Frank (2) Beran, son of Frank (I) and Josephine Beran, was
born in Bohemia, in I822, died in I891, in his native land. He was a baker
by trade, following this calling for a period of twenty years, then became
a teamster, hauling goods from one city to another. He married Josephine
Funfar, who came to America with her children after the death of her
husband, settled at North Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a member of
St. Vencesloas Church, and died in I896. Children: Marie, married Anthony Krecek, lives in Pittsburgh; Antonia, married Anthony Cecunda, and
lives at North Side, Pittsburgh; Anna, deceased, married John Lhota; Frank,
lives at North Side, Pittsburgh, married Katherine Lhota; John, of further
mention.
(III) John Beran, son of Frank (2) and Josephine (Funfar) Beran,
was born in Bohemia, Austria, June 24, I863. He was educated in the
public schools of his native country, and emigrated to the United States in
I88I. For about one year he lived at North Side, Pittsburgh, then went to
Chicago, Illinois, where he worked in a bakery for a period of five months.
He then returned to Pittsburgh and found employment in a bakery there.
About I884 he established himself in the tanning business, which he carried
on about three years, and then opened a bakery, at No. 405 Chestnut street,
North Side. He has made a success of this enterprise, and has been identified with it since that time. Because his health had become impaired, Mr.
Beran purchased a farm of thirty-two acres in Shaler township, but continues as the owner of his business places at Nos. 401, 403 and 405 Chestnut
street, and No. 96 Main street. He now devotes the greater part of his
time to his farming interests, of which he is making a decided success. He
has set out one thousand fruit trees, three thousand berry bushes, and two
thousand grapevines. Politically he is a Republican, but has never held
public office here. He is a consistent member of the Catholic church, to
which he is a generous contributor. His fraternal and social affiliations are
with the following organizations: St. Vencesloas Lodge; Bohemian Literary
Society; Independent Order of Foresters; grand vice-president of the Bohemian Roman Catholic Institution of United Jesuits.
Mr. Beran married, October 3I, I886, Barbara, born in December, I866,
a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Sveska) Stybr, and they have children, all
living at home: Joseph, born November 5, I887; Edward, born July 9, I89o;
787WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
John, born July 4, I892; Otto, born December 25, I895; Marie, born August
25 I897; Bessie, born on Easter Day, I9oo; Adele, born September 25, I902;
Charles, born May I6, I9o9.
The name of Wilhelm is to be met with very frequently
WILHELM   in this country, and still more frequently in its Anglicized
form of William or Williams. The branch of the Wilhelm
family of which this review treats has now lived here for some generations,
but the original form of the name has been retained.
(I) Paul Wilhelm was born in Germany, and emigrated to this country
in I858, sending for his wife and children the following year. He settled
at South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he labored as a miner for
a number of years, and died at West Liberty, at the age of seventy-two years.
He married, in Germany, Caroline Spangler, who died in I898, at the age
of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of children as follows: I.
William, a coal miner residing at Oakdale, Pennsylvania; married Bertha
Ressing. 2. Christian, of further mention. 3. Caroline (Lena), married
Philip Hoffman, a blacksmith, and they are living at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 4. Louisa, married William Haas, now deceased, and lives in Brookline, a part of Pittsburgh. 5. Frederick, deceased; was a coal miner; married Susan Pollott, who is now living at West Liberty. 6. Charles, a mining
foreman; married Catherine Koontz; lives at Carrick, Pennsylvania.
(II) Christian Wilhelm, son of Paul and Caroline (Spangler) Wilhelm,
was born in Germany in I836, died in Pennsylvania in I9o8. He was born
on a farm in Germany, and came to this country with his mother in I859.
He had received a good education in his native land, but being ignorant of
the English language when he came to the United States he was obliged to
go to work in the coal mines, of the South Side, Pittsburgh. This occupation he continued some time after his marriage, but the constant underground
employment undermined his health, and he was obliged to discontinue this
form of labor. He accordingly opened a grocery store at Dravosburg,
Pennsylvania, which he carried on successfully for a period of six years,
then removed to West Liberty, in I868, this section now being the nineteenth
ward of Pittsburgh. There he purchased the store of Charles King, later
erecting a store building of his own, and conducted a general store until his
death. He was a man of considerable importance in the community, giving
his support to the Republican party, and served as a member of the school
board and the town council. He and his wife were members of the German
Evangelical Church. Mr. Wilhelm married Louisa Coch, the only child of
her parents. Her father died in Germany, where she was born in I84I, and
her mother came to America with her, and settled at Becks Run, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania. There she married (second)      Schneider, and
died June 9, I866, having had the following named children by her second
marriage: Christian, Adam, Robert, Martha. Mrs. Wilhelm died in August, I9OI. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm had children: I. George Philip Fred788WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
erick, had a miners' supply store at Market street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he died January 8, I913; he married Clara McCuen. 2.
Louisa, married George Huey, a machinist and real estate dealer, living on
West Liberty avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. William Powell, who has
charge of the store established by his father at West Liberty; married Louisa
Bissell. 4. August Christian, of further mention. 5. Minnie, married James
Walker, a grocer and general contractor; lives at Rennerdale, Pennsylvania.
6. Charles, died at the age of fourteen years.
(III) August Christian Wilhelm, son of Christian and Louisa (Coch)
Wilhelm, was born in West Liberty borough; now a part of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, December 30, I870. He attended the public schools of his
native township until he had attained the age of fourteen years, when he
commenced to devote all of his time to assisting his father in the work connected with the store, having given a part of his time to this service since
he was six years of age. In this manner he had learned the business practically and in every detail, and in I897 he and his brother, William Powell,
purchased the business from their father and operated it together for a
period of five and a half years. In the year I902 Mr. Wilhelm located in
Dormont, Pennsylvania, and built a store there at the corner of West Liberty and Tennessee avenues. This was opened on January I5, I903, and
he has since that time been engaged in its successful conduct. He has more
than doubled his stock since he first started there, and his trade in the general grocery line is one of the finest in that section of the country. He is
a staunch Republican in political opinion, and he and his wife are members
of the Mount Lebanon First Presbyterian Church. His fraternal affiliations are as follows: Dallas Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Zerubbabel
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Ascalon Commandery, No. 59, Knights
Templar; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine; Western Star Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Wilhelm married, October 20, I898, Ida May, born on Squirrel
Hill, a part of Pittsburgh, a daughter of Casper and Magdalena Hazelett,
the former a gardener, and both now deceased. The only child of Mr. and
Mrs. Wilhelm is Ethel Lenorace, born March 4, I900.
In its Irish home the members of the Moore family were of
MOORE Presbyterian belief, continuing in that faith after the emigration to America in I794 of Samuel D. and Nancy Moore, both
born in county Armagh, Ireland. In I802 Samuel D. Moore and his family
left the city of Philadelphia, where they had first landed and where they had
made their home in the intervening years, moving to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, there living in North Fayette township. Samuel D. and
Nancy Moore were the parents of: Robert, Alexander, Samuel, Mary, John,
of whom further; Hugh.
(II) John Moore, son of Samuel D. and Nancy Moore, was born while
his parents were journeying from Philadelphia to Allegheny county, Penn78gWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sylvania, in January, I802, died in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father's farm, atnd after his marriage, in I826, purchased a large tract of land in North Fayette township,
where he passed the remainder of his life. Large flocks of sheep grazed
over his acres, and the wool annually taken from these animals was woven
on the farm, the cloth product bringing a profitable price on the market.
His church was the United Presbyterian, at the services of which he was
a regular attendant. He married, in I826, Jane, born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, in September, I802, daughter of John and Margaret (Riddle)
Arnold. Her parents were natives of the north of Ireland, coming to this
country in 1787, settling on the property now known as the Vincent Miller
farm in North Fayette township, where John Arnold held title. They were
prominent in the organization of a congregation of the United Presbyterian
faith in that locality, a brother of Margaret Riddle, Rev. John Riddle, being
the first pastor to minister to the newly organized body, which first worshipped in a tent on Robinson Run, the tabernacle being known as Robinson
Run Tent. John and Margaret (Riddle) Arnold were the parents of: I. John
(2), married Mary Cabot, purchased a farm on King's creek, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, and there lived all of his life. 2. Margaret, married
Samuel Steward, a blacksmith of Noblestown, Pennsylvania. 3. Jane, of
previous mention, married John Moore. Children of John and Jane (Arnold) Moore: I. Samuel, died unmarried, aged twenty-one years. 2. Henry,
a chairmaker, lived in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), Pennsylvania. 3. Margaret, died unmarried, aged twenty years. 4. John A., of
whom further. 5. Jane, married John P. Hughes, a wholesale and retail
tobacconist of Pittsburgh. 6. Hugh, died in infancy.
(III) John A. Moore, son of John and Jane (Arnold) Moore, was born
in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I833, died
in I9o8. He grew to manhood on the old Moore homestead, attending the
Ewing school. He became the owner of that property in after life and spent
his entire years thereon, cultivating the land with good success. His church
was the United Presbyterian, while in politics he was an active worker for
the Republican party. He married (first) Rebecca Anderson, born on the
boundary line between Pennsylvania and West Virginia, died September 3,
I86I, daughter of Robert and Rebecca Anderson, her parents residents of
Hancock county, West Virginia, her father a farmer. Robert and Rebecca
Anderson had: I. Rebecca, of previous -mention, married John A. Moore.
2. Sarah, married William Shea, and moved to Fairview, West Virginia,
there residing the remainder of her life. John A. Moore married (second)
Catherine Peoples, born in North Fayette township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, died in September, I879. Children of John A. and Rebecca
(Anderson) Moore: I. Robert Anderson, of whom further. 2. John Sheridan, of whom further. Children of John A. and Catherine (Peoples) Moore:
3. James, a carpenter of Oakdale, Pennsylvania. 4. Harry, a farmer, owns
land near Hanlon Station, Pennsylvania. 5. Charles, a resident of the West.
790WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
6. Jennie, married James Cochran, and lives near Oakdale, Pennsylvania.
7. Lizzie, married Martin Hughes, and lives near Erie, Pennsylvania. 8.
Nelson, a painter of Noblestown, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Robert Anderson Moore, son of John A. and Rebecca (Anderson) Moore, was born on the Steubenville Pike, North Fayette township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 27, I859, and was there reared to
manhood. Upon reaching mature age he engaged in farming operations
independently, renting the land that he cultivated until I9IO, in the fall of
that year moving to Oakdale, where he has lived partially retired since that
time. Mr. Moore's home is on Hastings avenue, and although he has contracted no pressing business alliances he has several connections that well
occupy his time. His political party is the Republican, while both he and
his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He married, in
November, I888, Sarah J. Scott, and has one son, John Scott. John and
Sarah Scott, parents of Mrs. Moore, came from Ireland to Pennsylvania,
where he rented a farm. They are both deceased. Children: Maria, deceased; Sarah J., John, Annie, deceased.
(IV) John Sheridan Moore, son of John A. and Rebecca (Anderson)
Moore, was born in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August 27, I86I. Until he was seventeen years of age he attended
the McGill School, living on the home farm until he was eighteen years old.
He then was employed in Pittsburgh in the retail and wholesale tobacco
store of h;is uncle, John P. Hughes, for about four years, then moved to
Oakdale and became a mercantile clerk, being employed by J. J. Adams,
Henry Matthews, and the Pittsburgh Coal Company. In I903 Mr. Moore
became the proprietor of a stationery and news store, in I905 purchasing
the general hardware store of R. Wallace  Brother, which he has conducted
since that time. He has enlarged the stock of the store, added several departments thereto that had previously been lacking, one of the most successful of his new departures being the installation of a department for agricultural implements, of which he carries a generous and inclusive line. I-His
new policy has attracted a large volume of business, they being purchasers
of reliable goods, and the patrons of the establishment receive the most
courteous of treatment. The Presbyterian Church is that of which Mr.
Moore is a member, his fraternal society being the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, while politically he is a Republican. Since I885 his home
has been on Hastings avenue, Oakdale, where he built a residence in that
year.
Mr. Moore married, October 9, I883, Ida Dodds, born in Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, daughter of Solomon and Susan Dodds, her father a
carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of: I. Bertha, born in
April, I886; married Rev. A. S. Wilson, a minister of the Presbyterian
Church, and resides in Calcutta, Ohio. 2. Susan, born in I887; married
Walter D. McClelland, engaged in the insurance business in Wilkinsburg,
Pennsylvania, where they reside. 3. Wesley, born December 5, I8go; asso79  WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ciated in business with his father. 4. Homer, born August 27, I895; a
student in a business college. 5. Margaret, born in I899; attending school.
The branch of the Breitenbaugh family treated of
BREITENBAUGH in this review has been in this country but a comparatively short period of time, yet the various
members have already amply shown their worth as good and desirable
citizens.
Joseph Breitenbaugh was born in Bavaria, Germany, in I8o09. He emigrated to America in I830, when just twenty-one years of age, and made
his home for a time at Hagerstown, Maryland. He came to Manchester
borough in I844. He remained there until May 2, I866, when he removed
to Ress township, now Reserve township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
He was a shoemaker by trade, and had followed this calling in his native.
land, but after settling in Reserve township he took up gardening and became identified with that field of industry very successfully. He was a
Democrat politically, and a communicant of the Catholic church. While
living in Hagerstown, Maryland, he married Katherine Bean, and they had
children: Mary Katherine, died at the age of nine years; Joseph, died in
infancy; Frank, died February 6, I903; John J., of further mention.
John J. Breitenbaugh, son of Joseph and Katherine (Bean) Breitenbaugh, was born at Manchester, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January
2, I857. His education was acquired in the public schools of that section,
and at a suitable age he took up the florist's calling, and has made a decided
success of this. He owns five acres of land, all under cultivation, lying on
the borders of Millvale, and has several fine greenhouses, and a beautiful
house on this property. He has been an active worker in the interests of
the Democratic party, and served as township commissioner, I908-I0. His
religious affiliation is with the Catholic church, to which he is a generous
contributor. Mr. Breitenbaugh married, June 28, I902, Mary Kress, and
they have had children: Matilda, John William, Florence, Charles, James,
Anthony, Edwin, all living at home.
Herman Hudson Tully, prominently and actively identified
TULLY  with the varied interests of the city of McKeesport, where
his birth occurred, is a representative of a family that has long
been seated in the state of Maryland, the members thereof performing the
duties falling to their lot in an exemplary manner.
(I) George H. Tully, grandfather of Herman Hudson Tully, was born
August 20, 1842, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his grandmother, Margaret Tully, was born September 30, 1842, in Cecil county, Elkton, Maryland. Early in their married life they went to Washington and from there
to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where they spent the remainder of their days.
(II) Garvin Tully, son of George H. Tully, was born in Elkton, Lisle
county, Maryland, September 22, I862. After completing his studies in the
79:2WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
uated in I895, and from there removed directly to Avalon, Pennsylvania,
where he established himself in what has proven a most successful medical
practice. Dr. Snyder is associated with the medical associations of his district, being a member of the Allegheny County, the Pennsylvania State, and
the Ohio Valley Medical societies and the American Medical Association.
Besides his professional connections, Dr. Snyder has other important interests, having to do with the development of the financial and business life
of Avalon. He was one of the organizers of the Avalon Bank, and has
held the presidency from its founding to the present time. Despite the great
amount of time and energy which Dr. Snyder is obliged to give to these
important interests he nevertheless finds it possible to take a prominent part in the social and fraternal life of the community, and holds membership in several orders and fraternai organizations. He is a member of
Bellevue Lodge, No. 530, Free and Accepted Masons; of Bellevue Chapter,
No. 287, Royal Arch Masons; Tankred Commandery, No. 48, Knights
Templar; the Pittsburgh Commandery, Thirty-second Degree, and the Assyria Temple. He is also a member of the Colonel Bayn Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. In politics Dr. Snyder is a member of the Democratic party, and takes a keen and intelligent interest in all questions whether
of local or general application. Dr. Snyder is a member of the Reformed
Church, attending the church at Avalon, and Mrs. Snyder is a member of
the Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Snyder married, January 23, I897, Mabel Claire Lutz, a native of
Tiffin, Ohio, where she was born, in I869. Mrs. Snyder is the daughter of
John and Elizabeth Lutz. There have been no children of this union.
William Teuteberg comes of a family representative of
TEUTEBERG the best German-American character, which has brought
to the cosmopolitan citizenship of the United States a
leaven of its own peculiar virtues, unswerving perseverance and industry.
(I) His parents were George and Charlotte (Baker) Teuteberg, both
natives of Germany, who were married in the "Fatherland" and later
emigrated from there to the United States, bringing,their family with them.
George Teutebe, was a farmer and gardener, and upon their arrival in
this country settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here his wife died in
I859, whereupon he removed to Emsworth, Pennsylvania, his own death
occurring in the latter place in the year I874. Mr. and Mrs. Teuteberg
were the parents of twelve children in all, though but two of them, William, of whom ffurther, and Lewis Teuteberg, of Chicago, still survive.
(II) William Teuteberg, son of George and Charlotte (Baker) Teuteberg, was born July 2, I825, at Hanover, Germany, and there passed his
childhood up to the age of fourteen years. In I839, however, his parents
migrated to the United States and brought William with them, and from
that time on he lived in Pittsburgh and there received his education. He
also found employment, driving the tow horses on the canal, being intrusted
with the mail barges under Bingham. He later took up his father's old
554I I -LA,, 1 -1        "'"1~/77 --  L ~ 9 w-z  1~WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
common schools of the neighborhood, he became a roller in the mills, continuing in this employ for a number of years, after which he turned his
attention to the real estate business, being successfully engaged in that line
of work for sixteen years, and at the present time (1914) is serving in
the capacity of salesman for his son, Herman H. Tully. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife holding a membership with the same church.
He married Anna Hudson, born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, April I5,
I863. Children: Grace, wife of Hartvig Svenson, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania; Herman Hudson, of whom further; Hazel, wife of Harry Stephen,
of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Margaret, a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
(III) Herman Hudson Tully, son of Garvin Tully, was born in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January I3, i886. The public
schools of his native city afforded him the means of obtaining an education,
and after completing his studies he entered the employ of W. Dewees
Wood's Mill, where'he continued working for four years. His next employer was J. W. Weldon, a grocer, with whom he remained for two years,
and his next employer was W. J. Sharples, with whom he remained for
three years. The following year he was a student in Bucknell University,
Louisburg, Pennsylvania, thus supplementing the knowledge obtained during
his earlier years. During his summer vacation of I9o7, he was then employed by the National Tube Company; he then secured employment with
the Realty Company, but after a short period of time he became an employee of W. J. German, but only remained with him for a short period of
time, as on October I, I9o8, he engaged in the real estate, insurance and
renting business on his own account, and now has the most extensive business
in that line in Allegheny county, his office located at No. 5I7 Walnut street,
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, his patronage increasing steadily with each
passing year. He is a Progressive Republican in politics, and holds membership in the Knights of Malta, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, Royal
Arcanum, Junior Order of American Mechanics, Pittsburgh Real Estate
Board, McKeesport Cyclers Association, and the Board of Fire Underwriters
of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Tully married, June I6, I909, Emma Reynolds, of McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Briggs) Reynolds, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work. One child, Frank Reynolds, born
January I4, I9II. Mr. Tully is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church. They are well known in the community, honored and respected by
all with whom they are brought in contact.
Edward Griesler, farmer of McCandless, Allegheny counGRIESLER ty, Pennsylvania, was born on the farm he now owns,
and is a son of Michael Griesler, who came from Germany
to the United States a young married man. He settled first on a small
793WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tract in McCandless township, but a few years later purchased a farm
of fifty acres, which he cleared and on which he erected the buildings now
used by his son, Edward. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church,
and in politics a Democrat. Mr. Griesler and his wife Mary, were married in Germany, coming soon afterward to the United States. Children:
I. Michael, unmarried. 2. Mary, married Harvey Fitzpatrick. 3. Elizabeth,
married John Albright. 4. Joseph, married Elizabeth Smith. 5. Edward, of
whom further.
Edward Griesler was born February 23, I869. He was educated in the
public schools of McCandless township, and from youth was his father's assistant on the home farm. In I9o6 he became owner of the property and
there engages in general farming and market gardening. He is an attendant
of the Presbyterian church, his wife being a member of that denomination.
Mr. Griesler married Clara Anderson, born August I8, I877, daughter oi
Robert C. Anderson, born January 9, I837, died February 2I, I9I4, and his
wife, Leah Ann (Hamilton) Anderson, who survives him. Mrs. Anderson
was the only child born in the historic Block House in Pittsburgh during
the early period; her father was killed in the Mexican War and her mother
was living in the Block House. Children of Robert Anderson: I. Jennie
L., married Ellis D. Powers. 2. Martha R., married Lemuel Stewart. 3.
Ella May. 4. Frank O., married Emma Emmett. 5. Robert George, unmarried. 6. Harry E., married Elizabeth Graham. 7. Clara, mlarried Edward Griesler. 8. Anna Blanche, married Charles Tredway. Children of
Edward and Clara (Anderson) Griesler: I. Ivan Alphonhus, born February 22, I902. 2. Roy Sylvester, born October I4, I903. 3. Martha Russell,
born January 26, I905. 4. Mabel Virginia, born August I, I9o7. 5. Clara
May, born February 28, I9o9.
The Brandt family settled in Franklin township, Allegheny
BRANDT county, Pennsylvania, in I840, the first settlers being Henry
Brandt and his five sons, who on coming from Germanly
first located near Pittsburgh.  Philip Brandt, grandson of Henry (2)
Brandt, moved to the farm his family now occupies, shortly after his marriage in I862 and there spent nearly a half century of wedded life, creating a
home and rearing a family. The Brandts possessed all the typical virtues of
the German settler and by industry and thrift prospered from their earliest
settlement.
(I) Henry Brandt came from Germany about I830 with his wife, Anna
Catherine, and five sons. He settled in Allegheny county at Squirrel Hill
(Pittsburgh) and there resided until I840. In the latter year he moved with
his sons to Franklin township, where he' bought land and resided until death.
He was an industrious, thrifty man and reared his family in accordance
with the principles that make the German so desirable a citizen wherever
he goes. Children: Henry, of further mention; George, married Catherine
Scheif; John, died in youth; Philip, married Rachel Smaltz; Conrad, never
married.
794WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(II) Henry (2) Brandt, eldest son of Henry (I) and Anna Catherine
Brandt, was born in Germany and there resided until about I830, when he
joined the family emigration to the United States, settling with them at
Squirrel Hill, Allegheny county, now a part of the city of Pittsburgh. He
was well educated in Germany, and shortly after arriving in the United
States (after a voyage of eighty-one days) married Catherine Schremf, also
born in Germany. He began work in the new home as quarryman for fifty
cents a day, but soon abandoned the quarry for a small farm, where he raised
garden produce and ran a dairy, Pittsburgh offering a ready market for
all he could produce and it is said he was the first man to place buttermilk
on public sale in that city. He prospered in his undertakings and accumulated considerable property. Children: Susanna, married Conrad Becker;
Philip, of further mention; Henry, married Mary'King; George, married
Margaret Cook; Nicholas, unmarried.
(III) Philip Brandt, eldest son of Henry (2) and Catherine (Schremf)
Brandt, was born in (now) Pittsburgh East End, April I9, I835, and was
educated in the public schools of East Liberty. He worked with his father
until his marriage, then began farming on his own account in Franklin
township, renting the farm he purchased later and on which he resided until
his death, March 5, I9IO, in honored old age. He was very industrious and
caused the acres he owned to yield bountifully. He erected the buildings
on his farm of ninety-five acres, planted orchards and created a pleasant
home, where his widow now resides, the cultivation of the farm being now
in the hands of her sons, who devote its acres to fruit and market gardening
purposes as well as general crops. The farm is well kept and speaks loudly
in praise of its thrifty owners. Philip Brandt was a member of the German
Lutheran Church, and a Republican in politics.
Mr. Brandt married, in April, I862, Sophia Waldschmidt, born in Germany, June 23, I839, daughter of John and Catherine (Damm) Waldschmidt, whose children were: I. Christina, married Barnett Keller, deceased, the widow now residing with her sister at the farm. 2. Sophia, now
widow of Philip Brandt.,Children of Philip and Sophia Brandt: I. George,
born January 22, I863; unmarried, and residing at the home farm. 2. Catherine, born May I, I864, deceased; married George Cupps, and had two
daughters, Lulu, born January 15, i890, Emma Brandt, November 25, I89I,
adopted by grandparents. 3. Nicholas, born December 2, I865. 4. Susanna,
born October I5, I867, unmarried. 5. Sophia, born December 9, I868, unmarried. 6. Margaret, born November 23, I87I, unmarried. 7. Edward
Philip, born August 27, I877.
The history of the Sample family leads to early Colonial
SAMPLE days in Pennsylvania and beyond that to the Emerald Isle
from whence came John Sample, great-grandfather of Silas
Sample, of Wildwood, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. John Sample came
to Pennsylvania, a young man, settling in now Cumberland county, Penn7957WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sylvania, married and reared a family, among whom was his son, James, of
whom further.
(II) James Sample, son of John Sample, died November 24, I830.
He was a noted Indian fighter and Revolutionary soldier. He located in
Ross township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I790, and there owned
four hundred acres of land. He was a farmer and miller and was a man
of prominence until his death at age of seventy-six years. His life was
spent amid pioneer surroundings and was a constant conflict with the wild
forces of nature and the still more to be dreaded foe, the savage red man.
He fought these foes as well as the uniformed enemies of his county during the Revolutionary War and once had the sorrow of knowing wife and
child were in the hands of the savage. But their lives were saved by a
squaw, to whom Mrs. Sample had shlown kindness in more peaceful days,
and they safely reached home.  James Sample was the second elected
sheriff of Allegheny county, and until his death retained a strong influence
in the county. He married Christianna Taggart, born May 12, I755, died
November IO, I829. Children: Mary, born August 30, I780; James (2),
March 29, I786; John, January 24, I788; Thomas, January 7, I79I; Robert
A., of further mention; Eliza, January 27, I797; William, July 28, I8OO.
(III) Robert A. Sample, fourth son of James and Christianna (Taggart)
Sample, was born in Ross township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December IO, I793. He became a large land owner at "Girty's Run," Allegheny
county. He was a farmer, a man of strong character and influence. He
married Mary Simpson, born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, October I9,
I799. Children: I. James, born April io, I820; married Jane Ross. 2.
John, born February I6, 1822; married Isabel R. Smith. 3. David, born
February 8, 1824, died young. 4. William, born August 3I, I825. 5. Eliza
Hannah, born October 4, I827; married William Hutchman. 6. Mary Jane,
born April 3, I830, died young. 7. Sarah, born August 20, I832; married
Robert Ferguson. 8. Robert, born July 14, I835; married Harriet Meyer.
9. Silas, of further mention.
(IV) Silas Sample, youngest son and child of Robert A. and Mary
(Simpson) Sample, was born January 5, I839, on the farm he now owns
and in the house he now occupies in Hampton township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. He attended public schools of the township, and early began
working on the farm that now consists of one hundred acres of fertile land,
where his life has been spent. On August ii, I862, he enlisted in Company
D, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged August 20, I864. He fought at
Antietam and other battles of the Army of the Potomac, escaping unhurt
until May 3, I863, when at the battle of Frederick his right knee was
pierced by a rifle ball. He remained in the hospital until the following June
13, when he received a thirty-day furlough to come home, and at expiration reported to hospital in Pittsburgh, remained to January, I864, returned
to Washington, D. C., and served in Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve
796WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Corps, and on August 20, 1864, was honorably discharged from the army.
After his return he resumed farming and so continued until advancing
years warned him that his days of active work had passed. He had been
for many years an elder of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, and is a
member of Colonel Clark's Post, No. I62, Grand Army of Republic, of
Allegheny.
Silas Sample married Eliza Jane Stewart, born February 26, I846, died
in I893, daughter of Andrew E. Stewart. Children: I. David A., born
March 28, I870. 2. Robert F., born August 25, I871; married Gertrude
Seibert. 3. Mary E., born April Io, I874.; married Abelard H. Logan;
children: Luella Jane, Willard D. 4. Susanna S., born May 28, I878;
married John Forsythe; children: Dorothy Jane, Eugene S., Margaret. 5.
William G., born May 27, I882; married Mary E. Viock. 6. Harriet G., born
August 3I, I885; married Charles Hardt. 7. Charles L., born September
20, I887; residing at home and cultivating the homestead farm.
The Walker family came to this country originally from
WALKER England, and bearers of the name are now to be found in
every state in the Union. The branch under discussion here
were residents of Maryland in earlier days, in that portion just south of
Chester county, Pennsylvania, and later migrated to the latter state.
Nathaniel Foster Walker was born in Maryland, near Chester county,
Pennsylvania, August 8, I8o6, died March 6, I885. He was very young
when his parents died, and at an early age was bound out to learn the harness and saddlemaking trade. He was still very young when he came to
Steubenville, Ohio, where he worked at his trade as a journeyman, and
finally opened a shop of his own which he conducted very successfully. In
I862 he removed with his family to Richmond, Ohio, where he followed
his trade until his death. He was a Republican in politics, and a member
of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Walker married, when he was
over forty years of age, Mary (Van Gilder) Banghart, born in Eastern
Pennsylvania, August I2, I812, died November 5, I895. They had children:
Nathaniel Ross, a Presbyterian minister, living in Cincinnati, Ohio; James
Francis, born in I853, a retired druggist of McKeesport, married Ella
Moore; William Edward, of further mention. Mrs. Walker had been previously married to Henry Banghart, a blacksmith of Millersburg, Pennsylvania, and they had children: Van Gilder, deceased; Isaac and Henry,
farmers in Nebraska; Jennie, married David Robb, and lives in Bloomington, Illinois.
The Van Gilder family, of which Mrs. Walker is a member, came
originally from Holland, more than two hundred years ago, and settled in
New Jersey. Probably all now bearing the name in America have had a
common origin. Michael Van Gilder, father of Mrs. Walker, was a tanner
by trade, and owned a tannery in Eastern Pennsylvania. He died at the
age of ninety-six years at Richmond, Ohio. He was a soldier during the
797WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
War of 1812, and later received a pension for the services he rendered
during that struggle. He was Presbyterian, and took an active part in all
affairs connected with the church he attended. He married Catherine
who died at the age of fifty-six years, and they had children:
Isaac, a farmer, lived on Island Creek, Jefferson county, Ohio, went to
California during the "gold fever" of 1849 and upon his return settled on
a farm in Iowa; Charlotte, married, and lived in Jefferson county, Ohio;
Mary, who married Mr. Walker, as above mentioned; Jane, married William
Young, a Presbyterian preacher, lived for a time in Ohio, then moved to
Illinois, where both died.
William Edward Walker, son of Nathaniel Foster and Mary (Van
Gilder) (Banghart) Walker, was born in Steubenville, Jefferson county,
Ohio, January 28, I856. He was six years of age when the family removed
to Richmond, Ohio, and there he attended the public schools and Richmond
College. He next matriculated at the Long Island Hospital College, in
Brooklyn, New York, from which he was graduated in the class of i88I,
the degree of Doctor of Medicine being conferred upon him. One year
was spent in practice in Richmond, Ohio, in association with Dr. J. C. M.
Floyd, and the following year he located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
where he gained a large and lucrative practice, in which he is engaged at
the present time. In 1893 he erected a large house, containing well-equipped
and commodious offices, at No. 214 Sixth avenue, and has resided there
since that time. He has served as a member of the board of health of
McKeesport, and also as school director. He and his wife are members of
the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. His fraternal association
is with Youghiogheny Lodge, No. 583, Free and Accepted Masons; McKeesport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Tancred Commandery, No. 48, Knights
Templar; charter member of the McKeesport Commandery, Knights Templar; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Walker married, in May, I882, Letitia A., born in Richmond,
Ohio, a daughter of John and Ruth Watt, owners of a farm. Children:
Lena Frances, born July 28, I884, married D. P. McCune, a physician of
McKeesport, and has one child, David Pollock; Sadie Jane, born September
20, I887, married John Zenn, a bank clerk in McKeesport, and has children: Dorothy and Sarah Letitia; Foster Watt, born August 26, 1889, was
graduated from the high school and Grove City College, and resides with
parents; John Hobson, born September 17, I893, died August Io, I9o4.
This is an ancient and honored family, who were
PRZYBYLSKI gentlemen farmers for many generations, owning large
estates.
Thomas Przybylski was born near the town of Kozielsko, Poland, near
the border line of Germany, in I835, died June 20, I889. In young manhood he took an active part in the Polish Revolution of the early sixties,
798i2 7
10WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and in I864 fled to America as a Polish refugee. For a time he made his
home in Baltimore, Maryland, then, by means of working on farms as he
went, he made his way to Allegheny, Pennsylvania. After his marriage
there he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he partly learned the brewing
trade. He then removed to Annapolis, Maryland, where he made his
homie, while he was employed in a brewery in Baltimore, and later-had an
interest in a brewery there and was assistant manager. In I873 he returned
to Poland with his family and there established a brewery which was a
great success, as he managed it according to American ideas. While living
in America, he worked under an assumed name, so that he could not be traced
as a political refugee. The family was a well educated one, and English,
German and Polish were spoken in the home with equal facility in each
language. Mr. Przybylski married Mary B. Waiters, born in Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, in I835, died in March, I897, whose parents were of
English descent and of the Quaker faith, and lived on a farm just north
of Allegheny City, now North Side, Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Przybylski
had children: Louise Mary, married Herman Timer, and lives in Portland,
Oregon; a daughter; Ladislaus Thomas, of further mention; Stanislaus,
born in Poland, is employed on the railroad, and lives in Portland, Oregon.
Rev. Ladislaus Thomas Przybylski, son of Thomas and Mary B.
(Walters) Przybylski, was born in Annapolis, Maryland, May I, I869.
When a child of four years he was taken back to. Poland, where he remained until about twenty years of age, receiving in that country such education as the schools afforded. He was a student at the University of
Greiswald for somewhat more than a year, when his father died, and he
then returned to the United States. After spending a short time in the
East and in Chicago, Illinois, he entered St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, and was graduated in the class of I893. He next went to St.
Mary's University, Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied theology, and
while doing this he taught in Walbrook College. In I896 he was ordained
a priest in the Roman Catholic Church (Polish), at Portland, Oregon, and
was located near there for the next eight years. In detail his service was as
follows: Fourteen months as assistant to the Right Rev. Charles G. O'Reilly,
at Portland; in charge of a Mission at N?ew Era, above Oregon City,
Oregon; in charge of a Mission at Eugene City, Oregon; in charge of a church
at La Grande, Oregon. He was deeply in earnest in the discharge of the
duties of these various positions, and finally the strenuous work impaired
his health, and he returned to the East. After a period of rest he came to
Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was placed in charge
of St. Anthony's (Polish) Roman Catholic Church, December 8, I9o8. He
has done much since that time to improve the condition of the church and
everything connected with it, and is greatly beloved by his parishioners.
When he took charge there was but one teacher employed in the school
connected with the church, now four Sisters have charge of this, and they
have a house of their own. The membership of the church has increased
799WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
occupation of farming, and in 1851 came to Ohio township, Allegheny
county, the present site of the town of Emsworth. Here Mr. Teuteberg
bought considerable property, including that where Emsworth now stands.
Mr. Teuteberg is a member of the Republican party and has always taken
a keen interest in the political questions of the day. He is a member of the
Ben Avon, Pennsylvania, Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Teuteberg married, February I6, 1854, Dorothea Beckert, a native
of Germany, where she was born July I6, I83I, her death occurring August
20, I868, at Emsworth. Mr. and Mrs. Teuteberg were the parents of five
children, as follows: Magdalena, born January 4, I855; Catherine, born
June 26, I859; Matilda, born January I9, I863; Frederick, of whom further;
William Jr., born March 26, I868.
(III) Frederick Teuteberg, fourth child of William  and Dorothea
(Beckert) Teuteberg, was born June I, i866, in Emsworth, Pennsylvania.
He has spent his life in his native place and at the present time (19I4)
resides on the old Teuteberg homestead with his father. He was educated
in the local public schools, and upon completing his studies retired to the
management of the home farm under his father. In the year I904 he engaged in a mercantile business, and in this has had a high degree of success,
his establishment being located at No. I74 Beaver Road, Emsworth. He
is a member of the Republican party, and with his wife a member of the
Presbyterian Church.
Frederick Teuteberg married (first) June 4, I896, Emma Diehl, a
daughter of Charles and Christena Diehl, of Pittsburgh, in which city she
was born, December 23, i866. By his first wife Mr. Teuteberg had three
children, as follows: William Diehl, born May 17, 1898; Frederick Charles,
born August 6, 19o0; Luella Christine, born February 20, I903. Mrs.
Teuteberg died February 2, 19I0. Mr. Teuteberg married (second) October 19, 1912, Amelia E. Beilstein, also of Emsworth, born in Allegheny,
North Side, Pittsburgh. Mrs. Teuteberg is the daughter of Charles and
Henrietta (Shreiner) Beilstein. Of this union there is one child, a son,
Karl John, born September 30, I9I3.
John Henry Hunt is a fine type of the strong and dominant
HUNT  race whose colonization of this country in the early days laid
the foundation upon which, as upon rock, the subsequent development of our civilization has rested.
His parents were John and Jane (Steer) Hunt, both natives of England, who came to the United States in i873, bringing with them a family
of children, and settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they made their
first home. Mr. Hunt found work as a laborer to support himself and
family. In I884 he came to Emsworth, Pennsylvania, and still later removed to Akron, Ohio, where he is now living at the age of seventy-eight
years. Mrs. Hunt died, however, during their residence in Emsworth, in
I908, at the age of fifty-two years. To them were born eleven children, as
follows:  John Henry, of whom  further; Eliza, Ada, Albert, Caroline,
555WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to two hundred and fifty families, he has lifted the debt on the church, and
has added a number of class rooms. The church was organized and erected
at Homestead by Father Henry Cichocki, and four prominent laymen, and
after Father Cichocki had resigned from office, he had three successorsFathers Julian Loniewuski, Francis Miskiewicz and Rev. L. Stec-before
Rev. Ladislaus T. Przybylski took charge.
William Edward Moyes is a member of a family representative
MOYES of the best type of Scotch character, which has brought to
the composition of the complex citizenship of the United States
a leaven of peculiar value, consisting of the indomitable courage and hardheaded practicability for which the Scotch are so justly famous.
(I) Mr. Moyes' paternal grandparents were Henry and Betsy (Lindsay) Moyes, both of whom passed their entire lives in Scotland, and died
there at the ages of eighty-four and seventy-four years, respectively. They
had nine children altogether, eight boys and one girl, three of the brothers
and the sister coming eventually to the United States, over which their
descendants are now pretty well scattered.
(II) One of the brothers who came to this country was Andrew Moyes,
the father of William Edward Moyes. His youth had been spent in his
native Scotland, where also he had married Margaret Smeaton, a daughter
of Edward and Ann (Brown) Smeaton, who later came to America with
their eleven children and settled in Harmarville, Pennsylvania.  The
Smeatons were of a very long lived family, Mr. and Mrs. Smeaton dying
at the ages of eighty-eight and ninety-two years, respectively, and all their
children living to advanced old age. Andrew Moyes and his wife came to
the United States in the year I845, and settled in Harmarville, Pennsylvania,
where they made their home for two years. In his native land he had been
a farmer, and now he found employment as a farm hand in a number of
places. In I847 he went to Ross Station, Pennsylvania, where he secured
a permanent position as farmer with Mr. James Ross, in which service he
remained until the year I851, when he rented until the year i876, and then
purchased his own farm in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and operated it until
the time of his wife's death. This event occurred in the year I888, after which
Mr. Moyes retired from all active life and went to live with his children. Here
he remained until his own death, which occurred in his son's house in Sharpsburg, in I892, in his eighty-first year. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Moyes were
born seven children, as follows: I. Henry, who served in the Civil War in
Company B, Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was
taken prisoner at Savage Station, and died in Libby Prison, September 23,
I862, one day before he was to have been exchanged. 2. Anna, now Mrs.
Livingood, of Cameron, Missouri. 3. Elizabeth, now Mrs. Little, of Oakmont, Pennsylvania. 4. William Edward of whom further. 5. Robert, now
a resident of Warren, Ohio. 6. James D., a resident of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. 7. Mary, now Mrs. Slatter, also of Sharpsburg.
800WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) William Edward Moyes, fourth child of Andrew and Margaret
(Smeaton) Moyes, was born at Ross Station, Pennsylvania, January 28,
I848, the year following his parents' coming to the place. He was educated
in what is now known as the Hoboken School, and after the completion of his
studies, learned the trade of carpenter. This was in the spring of I867,
and he has ever since followed that trade with the exception of nine
months in the year 1875, when he lived upon his father's place and there
aided in the farm work. In 1878 he began contracting work and still continues in this business,'having prospered greatly and built some of the
finest buildings in Sharpsburg. Mr. Moyes is a member of the Republican
party, and has always taken a keen interest in political questions, whether
of local or general application. He is a member of the local Order of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the society in the year
I871, when it was first started in Sharpsburg.
Mr. Moyes married, July 14, I870, Mary Elizabeth Hobaugh, a native
of Sharpsburg, a descendant of the Hobaugh family of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Her father was Samuel W. Hobaugh, a
member of a Dutch family, born either in Westmoreland or Allegheny
county, probably the former, about I823, and died when only thirty years
and nine months of age. He was a son of Peter and Rebecca (Watters)
Hobaugh, who were residents of the neighborhood of Greensburg, West-moreland county, Pennsylvania, where Peter Hobaugh was a shoemaker
and a stone mason. Samuel W. Hobaugh, the father of Mrs. Moyes, was
a brick maker, who plied his trade at East Liberty, Pennsylvania.  He
married Celista Bedaux, a daughter of Exiver and Mary A. (Burgess)
Bedaux, natives of France, who had come from that country to America,
and settled in Frenchtown, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and brought
their daughter with them when she was but ten years of age. Mr. Bedaux
was a weaver and lived on a farm near Frenchtown. His ancestors were
Catholics in their own country. To Mr. and Mrs. Moyes have been born
five children, as follows: I. Cora, died at the age of twenty-three years. 2.
Ada, now Mrs. Charles Detlefts. 3. William, died when but two years of
age. 4. L. Pearl, a teacher in the Sharpsburg public school. 5. Isala E., who
lives at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Moyes are members of the
Presbyterian Church, and are rearing their children in that persuasion.
Among the representative citizens of Pittsburgh, whose sucWINTER cessful careers have been the result of ability, both natural
and acquired, of perseverance and determination to succeed,
must be mentioned Henry Winter, a man well known in his community,
honored and respected by all who know him for his sterling integrity of
character.
John Winter, father of Henry Winter, was born in the town of Winder-Saben, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 3, I825, his parents also
natives of the same place where they lived and died, his father being a
80IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
veterinary surgeon. John Winter grew to maturity in his native land, received his education and learned the trade of blacksmith; he was very strong
physically. In 185I, having decided to try his fortune in the New World,
he accordingly emigrated to this country, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked on the coal boats plying between Pittsburgh and
New Orleans. In 1854 he sent for his sweetheart whom he had left in Germany, and they were married in Pittsburgh, taking up their residence on
the South Side, on Twelfth street, near the Ferry. Mr. Winter then secured employment as a blacksmith in Lloyd's Steel Mill, and later worked in
Wharton's Mill, Woods Nut Factory on Fourth avenue, where he was
employed for fifteen years as a blacksmith. For three years prior to his
death, which occurred January I8, I89I, he was retired from active pursuits.
He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church in their younger
days, later affiliating with the German Evangelical Church. His wife, Anna
Marea (Schaffer) Winter, born in town of Rinderbugen, Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany, in 1828, died in I894. Her parents were born, lived and died in
Germany, residing near the town of Ober-Semen, her father being a sheep
stockman. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Winter: I. Henry, of whom further.
2. Henrietta, deceased, was wife of Christ Albitz, of South Side. 3. John,
a glass worker, resides on Sixteenth street, South Side. 4. Mary, married
Theodore Steineke, a carpenter, resides on Jane street, South Side. 5.
Charles, a tool-keeper in a glass factory. 6. William, a carpenter, resides
in Carrick.
Henry Winter was born on South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June
I5, I856. He attended the Tenth street Bedford public school on the South
Side, completing his studies at the age of eleven years, when he began work
in the old McKee Glass House, remaining there until he was sixteen years
of age, where he worked as a helper under his father at Wood's Nut Factory,
remaining for two years.  He then secured work in Schaffer's Wagon
Works, and at the expiration of six months accepted a position in the
Locomotive Works at Hatfield, Pennsylvania. His next position was as
tool-maker for the firm of Kline  Logan, where he remained for two years,
and the following year he worked at the McBeth Glass House. He then
entered the employ of Woods-Lloyds Company, serving at first as blacksmith and later as a gas engine compressor, remaining with them for a number of years. In I9o04 he purchased a strip of real estate in Mount Oliver
borough, upon which he erected dwelling houses, renting the same, from
which he receives a substantial income, and he is also the owner of considerable property in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. Being a skilled mechanic, an
expert in various lines, he was able to perform the work himself, thus insuring thorough workmanship. In I887 he erected a residence for himself
at No. I64 Arlington avenue, South Side, where he has since resided. He
is a director in the South Side Mutual Progressive Building and Loan Association, a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of
the German Evangelical Church.
802WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Winter married, May 4, i88i, Hannah E. Baumbach, born on
South Side, Pittsburgh, daughter of Charles and Linda (Beyer) Baumbach,
natives of Bavaria. Charles Baumbach came to the United States with his
parents from Saxony when he was thirteen years of age, learned the trade
of shoemaker, was later a saddler, and during the Civil War performed
some work at his trade for the United States government; he lived on South
Side, Pittsburgh; his wife came to the United States at eighteen years of
age; they were members of the Lutheran Church; he is deceased, but she
is living at the present time (I914). Mr. and Mrs. Winter are the parents
of eleven children: I. Catherine K., born July 26, 1882; married Charles
Campbell, a tower operator on the Pittsburgh, Lisbon  Western Railroad;
resides on Fremont street, Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania. 2. Annie, born
January 12, I884, died August 14, I886. 3. John, born November 22,
I885; a pattern maker; married Stella Ohlnhausen; resides at Bon Air, a
part of Pittsburgh. 4. Adolph W., born November I6, i887; a steel and
copper plate engraver; married Janet Brown; resides in Mount Oliver,
Pennsylvania. 5. Charles F., born September 22, 1889; a mail carrier; resides at home. 6. Elizabeth L., born April 24, 1892, died September i9,
I901. 7. Henry, born September 24, i894. 8. Herbert B., born September
27, I896. 9. Johanna E. A., born December 22, 1898; a student in high
school. IO. Gilbert'Louis, born August I9, 900oo; a student in high school.
II. Elmer Chester, born April 30, I903.
Dr. Harry James Welch, son of a family native to WashingWELCH  ton county, Pennsylvania, has made Allegheny county the
scene of his active professional labors. The former county
has been the home of the family for at least three generations.
(II) Abel Welch, son of James Welch, and grandfather of Dr. Welch,
owned a farm about one hundred and fifty acres in extent, in Washington
county. He was a Republican in political belief and with his family was a
member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married and had an only
child: James Hutchinson, of whom further.
(III) James Hutchinson Welch, only child of Abel Welch, was born
near West Alexander, Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1838, and
died April 26, I909. When he was a lad six years of age his father moved
from the farm near West Alexander to another property he had purchased
in Independence township, Washington county, and here James Hutchinson
Welch grew to mature years, in his youth attending the public schools.
Upon his father's death he inherited a part of the home farm, later buying
the interests of two of his co-heirs, subsequently adding to this by purchase,
until at the time of his death he held title to more than four hundred acres
in that vicinity. This he farmed, maintaining a generous share as pasture,
where early in life he raised large numbers of sheep, an occupation at that
time as profitable as agricultural pursuits. Strongly Republican, he was
prominent in public affairs, and served as school director and as justice of
803WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the peace, holding the latter office for a period of twenty-one years. For
nearly forty years he was a member of the session of the United Presbyterian Church, carefully ordering his life in accordance with the tenets of
his faith. He married Sarah Jane, born in Independence township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in December, I840, died April 20, I9I3, daughter
of Samuel Gibson, her parents both natives of Washington county, where
the Gibson family had been resident for generations. Samuel Gibson was a
farmer in Independence township, retiring as old age approached and moving to Savannah, Ashland county, Ohio, his home until his death.  The
family were members of the United Presbyterian Church. Children of
Samuel Gibson: I. Nancy, married Thomas Zigler, and moved from Washington county, Pennsylvania, to Ashland county, Ohio. 2. Sarah Jane, of
previous mention, married James Hutchinson Welch. 3. Hattie, married
Henderson Orr, deceased, a minister of the United Presbyterian church, and
lives in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. 4. John F., a physician of Cleveland, Ohio. Children of James Hutchinson and Sarah Jane (Gibson)
Welch: I. Eva, died in March, I913, married Elmer Gregg, and lived on a
farm in Ashland county, Ohio. 2. Lella, married John N. Grimes, a liveryman of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, formerly proprietor of a dairy. 3.
Hattie, married William C. Carmen, a deputy revenue collector. Their
home is in Ingram, Pennsylvania. 4. Samuel Johnston, an insurance and
real estate dealer of McKee's Rocks, Pennsylvania, married Lulu Reed.
5. Mary, unmarried, resides in Ingram, Pennsylvania. 6. Gertrude, unmarried, lives with her sister, Mary, in Ingram, Pennsylvania. 7. Maud,
married John Hodson, a butcher, of Houston, Pennsylvania.  8. Harry
James, of whom further. 9. Valeria, unmarried, lives in Ingram, Pennsylvania, with her sisters, Mary and Gertrude. Io. John R., a physician of
Columbus, Ohio, married Evelyn Bigger.
(IV) Harry James Welch, son of James Hutchinson and Sarah Jane
(Gibson) Welch, was born in Independence township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, August 30, I876, and was there a student in the public sc'hools,
spending his youth on the home farm. He later attended the Indiana and
California State Normal Schools, then returning to the farm was there
employed for a short time, afterward accepting and holding for about two
years a position as clerk in T. J. Adamson's store, at Independence, Pennsylvania. In October, I9o2, he entered the dental school of the University
of Pittsburgh, whence he was graduated D!.D.S. in I9o5, having in that institution been chosen a member of the Psi Omega dental fraternity. Since
August 3, I9o5, he has been a practitioner in Ingram, Pennsylvania, where,
through dint of diligent application to his profession and a splendid knowledge
thereof, he has arrived at a commanding position in the dental profession. He
holds membership in the Pennsylvania State Dental Association and the
Odontological Dental Society, of Pittsburgh. His fraternal society is the
Masonic, in which he belongs to Crafton Lodge, No. 653, Free and Accepted
Masons; Cyrus Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons; Chartiers Command8o4'WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ery, No. 78, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Knights Templar; and the Pennsylvania Consistory, of Pittsburgh. He and his wife are members of the
United Presbyterian church, of Ingram.  Socially, fraternally, and professionally, Dr. Welch has been cordially received, and the closer acquaintance of a ten years' contact with him in these walks of life has but fastened
him more firmly in the consideration and affection of the many friends he
has made in that time.
He married, August I9, I9o09, Vera G., born in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of George
Hale and Emma (Thompson) Getty, residents of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Her father was a member of the ministry of the United Presbyterian church until failing health compelled his resignation therefrom, his
present calling being that of state bank examiner.'Children of Dr. Harry
James and Vera G. (Getty) Welch: I. Virginia, born November 27, I9I0.
2. Gretchen, born December 25, I9I2.
The Old Dominion is the state that gave to Pennsylvania
WALTER this line of Walters, Philip Walter, a native of that state,
coming thence with his wife, also born there, to Beaver Run,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by occupation, cultivating two hundred acres of land, and also profited by teaming from
Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, using a Conestoga wagon of the old type to carry
his loads. His industry brought him gratifying financial returns, and at his
death, aged about sixty-two years, the fruits of his active life were the goodly
inheritance he bequeathed to his family. He married Catherine Trout, and
had children: I. John, died retired in Westmoreland county, a farmer, stockraiser, and axe manufacturer. 2. Balzer, a farmer, died in Indiana county,
Pennsylvania.  3. Peggy, married William  Shafer, and died in Indiana
county, Pennsylvania. 4. David, of whom further. 5. Jacob, a farmer, died
in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. 6. George, died on the Walter homestead
in I9I2. 7. Catherine, lives unmarried on the homestead, an invalid. 8.
Susan, deceased; married Michael Dewalt.
(II) David Walter, son of Philip and Catherine (Trout) Walter, was
born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I814, died in Tennessee.
After his marriage he made his home in his native county, and was successively engaged as a blacksmith, merchant, and produce dealer. In I870 he
purchased a large tract of land in the coffee district of Tennessee, where
his death took place. His wife returned to Pennsylvania, and lived until
her death with a daughter, Nancy Jane (Mrs. William Alcorn).  Mr.
Walter was deeply interested in national politics, and that he was open to
conviction as to the merits of an opponent's belief is shown by his change
of party allegiance, he having first been a Democrat, then an Abolitionist,
and finally a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, and at his death he held a position upon the board of
trustees of Manchester College, Tennessee. His fraternal society was the
8o5WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married, in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, Dorcas, born in Westmoreland county in i8II, died in Pennsylvania, daughter of David Carnahan, her father, of Irish descent, a native
of eastern Pennsylvania. He was a farmer, he and his brother, John, being
early settlers in Perryville, Westmoreland county, where he held title to considerable property. David Carnahan was the father of: I. John, a farmer,
moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and there died. 2. Dorcas, of previous
mention, married David Walter. 3. Robert, married and died in young manhood in Westmoreland county. 4. George, a school teacher, died in young
manhood. 5. Mary, died unmarried in young womanhood. 6. Jane, married
Andrew Blair and died near Apollo, Westmoreland county. Children of
David and Dorcas (Carnahan) Walter: I. Philip, a'farmer, died in Tennessee. 2. Nancy Jane, married William Alcorn and lives in Westmoreland
county. 3. David C., a farmer of Westmoreland county. 4. Labanna H., of
whom further. 5. Melvina, married Christian Williamson, and lives near
Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
(III) Labanna H. Walter, son of David and Dorcas (Carnahan) Walter, was born in Washington township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
April I8, 1844, and there attended the public schools. In September, I864,
he enlisted in Company H, Fifteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, and
was a member of that company until the final declaration of peace, participating in several hard-fought engagements without receiving a wound
of any kind. For the fifteen years following the war he engaged in work
at the blacksmith's trade in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties, in the
fall of I882 moving to Mansfield (now Carnegie), where he has since made
his home. His beginning in business in this place was as the employee of
several real estate dealers, a line in which he later established independently,
continuing with marked success until the present time. Mr. Walter has
gained a permanent reputation in Carnegie as a keen and forceful business
man, his work having brought not only profit and reputation to him but benefit to Carnegie. His real estate operations do not occupy his entire time, for
he is the representative of some of the leading insurance companies of the
country, among them the Girard, of Philadelphia; the Farmers', of York,
Pennsylvania; the Allemannia, of Pittsburgh; the Niagara, of New York;
the New Hampshire, of Manchester, New Hampshire; the Delaware
Underwriters', of Westchester, Pennsylvania; and the Royal, of Liverpool.
He is a charter member and an organizer of the Anchor Building and Loan
Association, and has been an officer thereof since its formation twenty-seven
years ago, having filled all of the official positions and is at the present
time serving as treasurer. His name in connection with a business enterprise in the Carnegie district is at once a proof of its reliability and his
confidence in the project, for throughout his entire business career he has
jealously guarded himself from even the appearance of a slight deviation
from a course of the strictest regularity in all of his dealings, a fact that
has more than once counted in his favor. In political matters he has never
8o6J~ZWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
taken active part, casting his ballot with the Republican party. With his
wife he is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in the organization of
that body has held all of the offices, serving at this time (I914) as elder.
He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and to the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Walter married, March I5, I870, Anna Mary, born in Butler
county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Calhoun) Thorne,
her father a native of Butler county, her mother born in Westmoreland
county. Robert Thorne was a school teacher, and died while principal of
the Kittanning schools, his widow marrying (second) Zachariah Phillips.
Children of Labanna H. and Anna Mary (Thorne) Walter: I. John T.,
lives with his parents, unmarried. 2. David J., lives at home, unmarried,
associated in business with his father.
T'his name appears in different forms in the early' settlement
BEEDLE of the colonies, the most usual of which was Beedle. It was
also often found as Bedell, which has since been borne by
many citizens active and skillful in the professions, and in the arts of
peace and war. In early records the name is variously spelled as Baetle,
Beedle, Bedle, Beadle, Bedell and Bedel, all undoubtedly having had a common origin. The family under discussion here is one of more recent advent
in this country, but they have already proved their worth as citizens.
Edward Beedle was born in Wales and spent his entire life in that
country. He was a farm worker and made yearly trips to England, working there in the harvest season regularly. He married Margaret Humphries,
also a native of Wales, and they had a large family, of whom was Evan, of
further mention, and Stephen, who emigrated to the United States, and
located at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was the proprietor of a
hotel, the House at Home, at the corner of Grant and Water streets. He
died in Pittsburgh.
Evan Beedle, son of Edward and Margaret (Humphries) Beedle, was
born in Wales, February 4, 1834, died April Io, I9I3. He emigrated to
America at the same time as his brother Stephen, and in I868 located at
Jones Station, on the State pike, Jefferson township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania.  There he built a general store with the management
of which he was identified until shortly before his death, when ill
health compelled him to retire. In addition to this he carried on several
other enterprises at the same time. Since his death his widow has carried
on the business very successfully, in fact, she had practically had charge of it
for some time prior to this sad event.  He was but sixteen years of age
when he left his native land, lived but a short time in Pittsburgh, and then
went to McKeesport, where he was employed about the coal mines and
tipples. Later he made several trips down the Ohio river with coal boats
for Louisville, Kentucky, and being thrifty and economical, saved a considerable amount of money. Just before going upon one of these trTps he
loaned one thousand dollars to a McKeesport coal operator, and upon his
807WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
AMary, Flora, Ida, Alice, William, Anna. Mr. Hunt was a member of the
Republican party and keenly interested in all political questions whether of
local or general bearing. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal
Church and reared their children in that persuasion.
John Henry Hunt was born April 25, I866, in Sheffield, England, and
passed the early years of his childhood there. When he was a lad of but
seven, his parents brought him with them on their removal to the United
States, and he received his education in the public schools of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, where he lived until reaching the age of eighteen years. At
the time of his parents' removal to Emsworth, the young man accompanled
them, but did not share their later move to Akron, Ohio. He had in the
meantime established himself firmly in a general contracting business in
Emsworth, and in that town has continued to live to the present time, doing
a highly successful business. I-Ie has prospered greatly and now owns a
large amount of property, and is a man of substance and importance in the
community. Mr. Hunt is active in politics in his town, and is a member of
the Republican party. Both he and Mrs. Hunt are members of the Episcopal
Church, as are also the members of his numerous family. Mr. Hunt is
cne of that sturdy company of men, of which this country presents so many
examples, who, beginning with little, have made their way in the world by
dint of their own efforts and ability, and reached a prominent position in the
life of their communities. In I912 he built a handsome house for hitnself
and his family in Emsworth, and there resides at the present time.
Mr. Hunt married, July 2, I889, Barbara Stingert, a native of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where she was born in I870.  Mrs. Hunt is the
daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Smith) Stingert, of Allegheny.   To
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born nine children, as follows: Ella, Walter,
Edith, Emma, Harry, Ralph, Ida, Raymond, deceased, and Sarah.
Thomas O. Jones is descended on his father's side of the house
JONES  from a family representative of the best type of the Welsh
people, which has contributed a leaven of its own peculiar virtues to the composite citizenship of the United States, the virtues of sturdy
endurance and a strong moral and religious sense.
(I) His paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of Thomas O.
Jones, was born in Wales, but migrated in company with his parents to the
United States when only eight years old. He was a very active and enterprising man and had much to do with the early development of the mining
industry in the Pittsburgh region. He was the first, indeed, to open a coal
business on the "South Side" of Pittsburgh, this epoch marking event
occurring about the year I85o. After a successful career he retired in his
old age to Evansburg, Pennsylvania, where he finally died. He married
Margaret Davis, and among their children was John T., of whom further.
(II) John T. Jones, son of Thomas O. Jones, was born in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and there educated in the local public schools. Upon leaving
school he at once entered his father's business of coal mining, first in con5.1)WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
return one year later, the loan was repaid with interest at seven per cent.
Mr. Beedle had expected only the return of the capital, but with this added
sum and what he had already possessed he commenced investing in coal
property on the Monongahela river, and was very successful. He was associated with Alexander Dempster, Allen Kirkpatrick and A. M. Scott for
many years, all of Pittsburgh, in the operation of the Hilldale and Coal
Bluff Mines, and afterward sold these to the Monongahela River Consolidated Coal  Coke Company, at which time Mr. Beedle retired from coal
operat;ion activities. He was greatly interested in the subject of Welsh
music, especially vocal, and rarely missed any of their large song festivals.
At the time of his death he was a director of the First National Bank of
West Elizabeth, and was the owner of a considerable quantity of real estate
in Homestead, McKeesport, Duquesne, and in Jefferson township. Two
years prior to his death he was injured by a bull which had escaped from a
field near his home, and his death was indirectly a result of these injuries, he
being unable to leave his home for two months before his death. He was a
strong supporter of the Republican party, but never desired to hold public
office. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Beedle married, in January, i858, Sarah Ann Hodgson, born on
South Side, Pittsburgh, near Mount Oliver, June I2, I840, a daughter of
William and Charlotte (Watson) Hodgson, the former born in Derbyshire,
England, the latter in Lancashire, England. Mrs. Hodgson came to Pittsburgh with her parents when she was twelve years of age, and her husband
came to the United States and settled in Pittsburgh when he was thirty-five
years old. He was a coal operator along the Monongahela river at three
different mines, and died at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife died
at the age of sixty-five.  They had children: I. Sarah Ann, mentioned
above. 2. Clementine, married James Mort, now both deceased. 3. William,
died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-three years. 4. Aaron, died at
the age of nineteen years. 5. Mary Jane, married Dr. Charles Black, of
McKeesport. Mr. and Mrs. Beedle have had children: I. William, retired
from business, lives at Elrama, Pennsylvania; married Appelonia Stilley.
2. Edward W., engaged in the real estate and insurance business at West
Elizabeth. 3. Stephen, engaged in the real estate business at Homestead,
Pennsylvania. 4. Henry, a riverman, living at Jones Station; married May
Sheible. 5. John Madison, a boss in a steel mill, lives at Blair, Pennsylvania. 6. Evan Jr., unmarried. 7. Sarah Ann, married Roland Latta, lives
in McKeesport. 8. Charlotte, married George Maurer, lives in Blair, Pennsylvania. 9. Margaret, married E. P. Jones, lives at Jones Station, where
he is a pure food inspector. The family are Presbyterians.
James Speer, who founded the American branch of the Scotch
SPEER Speer family, came from Scotland in I750 and settled in Maryland, where he lived until 1764, when he came to Pennsylvania
and purchased the farm in Stowe township (now Kennedy), Allegheny
8oSWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
county, where some of his descendants still live. He had four sons and
three daughters.
(II) James (z) Speer, son of James (I) Speer, was born in Maryland, I754.
He owned a large farm in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
He married Mary, daughter of Roly and Nancy Boyd. James and Mary Speer
had thirteen children, among whom were: I. Roland, a farmer of Moon township. 2. James, a farmer of Robinson township. 3. Robert, a farmer of
Moon township, married Sarah Simpson. 4. John, of further mention. 5.
Ann, married Jonathan Philips, and lived in Moon township. 6. Polly, married James Robinson, a carpenter and farmer. 7. Jane, married Daniel
Ewing, a farmer of Robinson township. 8. Alexander, married Margaret
and lived in Pittsburgh. 9. Agnes, married John Ritchie, and
lived in Pittsburgh. James Speer died in I847, and his wife died in I859.
(III) John Speer, fourth son of John (2) and Mary (Boyd) Speer,
was born on the Speer farm in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I8I7, died March 9, I903. He there grew to manhood, inheriting a part of his father's farm, on which he spent his life. To this
he added by purchase and on his land built a substantial brick farm house
that is yet standing and in use. He conducted general farming operations
and prospered in all his undertakings. He was a Republican in politics,
served the town as assessor, and was a member of Forest Grove Presbyterian Church. He married Sarah King McCoy, born on the McCoy homestead on Chartier's Creek, March 2I, I828, died February 8, I9II, eldest
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilson) McCoy, granddaughter of
Thomas and Jane McCoy, who came from county Antrim, Ireland, in I790,
settling in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and maternal granddaughter of James Craig and Nancy Wilson, early settlers in Moon
township (see McCoy). Children of John and Sarah King (McCoy) Speer:
I. Vienna S., born April 29, I854; married, October 5, I875, George Magnus, and they lived at Palmerville, Robinson township, for some years, where
he was a wagon builder; they moved to Coraopolis, where he continued carriage and wagon building until his death, June 23, I9oo; Mrs. Magnus and her
children, six daughters and one son, moved to Wilkinsburg, where she made
her home the remainder of her days; she died April 26, I9o6; her mother
accompanied her to Wilkinsburg and there lived until her death February 8,
I9II. 2. Elvader K., of further mention. 3. Wilson B., worked at the
home farm and there died October I9, I898, unmarried.
(IV) Elvader King Speer, eldest son of John and Sarah King (McCoy)
Speer, was born on the old James Speer farm, now Kennedy, then Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January I2, I856. He attended the "Clever" District School and remained at the home farm managing the property until his father's death. His sister, Mrs. Magnus, inherited
half of the home farm, Elvader K. the other half, they being the only living
children of their parents, and he also inherited the West Park farm which
his mother inherited as her share of the McCoy estate. In I907 Mr. Speer
8og)WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
erected a modern frame residence on the bluff back of West Park, which
has ever since been his home. He is a Republican in politics and for past
eight years has served Kennedy township as collector of taxes. For thle
past thirteen years he has held the office of elder of Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, his wife also being a communicant of that faith.
Mr. Speer married, June I2, I907, Stella Stoddard, born in Moon
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Andrew L. and
Catherine (Scott) Stoddard, both also born in Moon township. Andrew L.
Stoddard was born on the Stoddard homestead, March I, I835, died December I5, I9II. He was a farmer all his life, school director, Republican, and
with his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church. He was a veteran of the
Civil War, seeing three years of hard service with Company C, One Hundred
and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Catherine (Scott)
Stoddard, his wife, was born on the Montour Creek farm of her parents,
March I2, I838, died January 20, I9I2. Children: I. Charles, now living in
Kansas. 2. Stella, married Elvader K. Speer, of previous mention. 3.
Lena, married Frank S. Rowe, and resides in Crafton, Pennsylvania. Andrew L. Stoddard was a son of Robert and Margaret (Crooks) Stoddard,
Robert also born in Moon township, their families being the early
settlers of that township. Catherine Scott was a daughter of Joseph and
Mary (McCormick) Scott, the former born in county Down, Ireland,
brought when a lad to this country by his parents and became the owner of
a farm of three hundred acres and of a large fulling mill standing on his
farm. Mary McCormick was born in Moon township, the only daughter
of her parents. Children of Elvader K. and Stella (Stoddard) Speer: I.
John Orin, born May 26, 90o8. 2. Lucille, born October 31, I9IO. 3. A
twin with Lucille, died at birth. 4. Donald, born March 13, I912.
Frederick Rucker, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, descends from
RUCKER  a long line of German ancestors and is himself a native of
Germany. He was born July 24, i858, in Fagstheim on the
Fagst, Upper District of Khreilsheim, Kingdom of Wuerttemberg, situated
three hundred and thirty-eight miles northwest of Berlin on the Pregel river.
It was at Wuerttemberg, in the Lutheran Palace Church, that Frederick I.,
the first monarch of Wuerttemberg, who bore the title of King, placed the
royal crown on his head in I70I and here also William I. was crowned.
The city is an important one and now contains over two hundred thousand
population. Frederick (2) Rucker is a son of Frederick (I) and Mary
Rucker (German spelling being Riecker), his father a farmer who lived
and died in Germany. Children: I. Frederick, of further mention. 2. Magdalena, married  Michael Brooker, of Butler county, Pennsylvania.  3.
George, died in Baltimore, Maryland, aged nineteen years. 4. Conrad and
wife, Elizabeth, now residing in the state of Ohio. 5. Mary, married Adam
Philips, a contractor and builder of Pittsburgh North Side. 6. Caroline.
married a Mr. Hohll, and lives in Germany.
8IoWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Frederick (2) Rucker was educated in excellent German schools, and
under the law of compulsory military service served his allotted time in the
German army. After leaving the army he engaged in farming until he
came to the United States, locating in Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained two years. He then came to Western Pennsylvania, locating in
Allegheny City, where for two years he worked as a quarryman, then became a teamster and for seven years was so engaged. In I892 he purchased his present farm of fifty acres in Ohio township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, near Bellevue, where he has since been engaged in farming,
market gardening and teaming. He married, soon after coming to the
United States, Mary Stocker, and with nothing but German thrift and
pluck to start with, they have earned a good farm and comfortable
home.  They are members of St. James Ltitheran Church, and in
politics Mr. Rucker is a Republican.  Children: I. Rosa, born February
2I, I88I, married Charles Sellhouse. 2. Mary, born February I, I884,
married John Knox. 3. Frederick, born April 30, I889. 4. Kathryn, born
November 30, I891. 5. Anna, born May 26, I894. 6. William, born July
10, i896. 7. Charles, born June 26, I898.
The old Riley farm  in Franklin township, Allegheny county,
RILEY Pennsylvania, was originally owned by John Riley, grandfather
of Walter W. Riley, the present owner, one of the prosperous
farmers of the township. John Riley, of Irish parentage, married Jane
Grossman, and had issue: Mary, born December 7, I835; Jane, April 8,
I838; William H. H., of further mention; Lovina, born April i8 i842;
Hannah, May Io, I844; Washington W., November 25, I846; David E.,
May I6, I849.
(II) William H. H. Riley, son of John and Jane (Grossman) Riley,
was born on the old Riley farm in Franklin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, July 3, I840, died May 8, I899. He attended public schools,
was his father's assistant for many years and finally became owner of the
property containing one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land. The house
was erected by John Riley, but all other buildings were erected by William
H. H. Riley. He prospered in business and was one of the influential men
of his day, serving as justice of the peace, assessor and school director. He
was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, serving for many years
as trustee. He married Fanny Morrow, who survived him until November
21, 1912, daughter of William Morrow. Children: Annie May, born August
28, I867, married Lynn Vandevort; Walter W., of further mention.
(III) Walter W. Riley, only son of William  H. H. and Fanny
(Morrow) Riley, was born on the old Riley farm, in Franklin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, that he now owns, September 2, I869. He
attended public schools and remained at home, his father's assistant, until
in youthful manhood he located on an adjoining farm. He only remained
there three and a half years, then returned to the home farm, containingWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
one hundred and twenty acres, which with that exception has always been
his home. He is an elder of the Presbyterian Church, a Republican in
politics, and has served as township auditor. Mr. Riley married Leolphy
Parks, born on Pittsburgh South Side, August 20, I872, daughter of Samuel
and Mary Jane (Wright) Parks, whose children were Leolphy, Volney
Etoile, Tellus R. J., died in infancy, Everson Edgar, William Wellington,
died May I, I9I3. Children of Walter W. and Leolphy (Parks) Riley:
Elda May, born September I3, I897; William Herbert, February io, I9oo;
Fanny Myrtle, December 26, I903; a son unnamed, January 29, i906; Chester Harris, March 25, 90o7; Iva Mary, June 26, I9o9; Eulah Estella, May
4, 19I2.
After an active life of seventy years spent in the peaceREDPATH  ful life of a farmer, Baxter S. Redpath, of McCandless
township, gives little evidence that he has spanned the
years allotted to man by the Scriptures.  From  this seventy years of
"peaceful life" must be deducted the three of warfare passed as a soldier
of the Union, of hard service in which he fought in twenty-eight battles,
coming through without a wound, although struck by several bullets,
knocked down by one that struck his belt buckle, another that pierced his
canteen, another that he picked out of his blanket roll and struck by several
that passed through his clothing without injury to his body.
(I) Robert Redpath, grandfather of Baxter S. Redpath, came from
Ireland to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I815, and became owner of
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Franklin township. His wife,
Elizabeth, whom he married in Ireland, resided on the Franklin township
farm until death closed their labors. Children: John, Margaret, Robert.
(II) John Redpath, son of Robert and Elizabeth Redpath, was born in
county Down, Ireland, in I8I, died in McCandless township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, November 22, I869. He was four years of age when
brought by his parents to Western Pennsylvania and there grew to manhood. His minority was spent in Franklin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, his father's farm assistant, his latter years on his own farm
of one hundred and thirty acres, which he purchased in McCandless township. He improved his farm by the erection of the; buildings now in use
and brought the land to a good, fertile condition. He was a member of
the United Brethren Church, and was collector of taxes in Franklin township. He married, February 22, 1838, Mlry Hamilton, born in I8II, died
April 7, I89I, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Hamilton. Children:
I. Sarah Ann, born December 28, 1838, married David Reel. 2. Robert,
born August 22, I840, died in the Union army, a private of Company I,
Sixty-first Regiment Volunteer Infantry; unmarried. 3. Baxter S., of
further mention. 4. Ellis, born May 22, I846; married Adelaide Allen.
5. Leonidas, born November 20, 1847; married Etta Reese. 6. Margaret
Elizabeth, born February 6, 185I; never married. 7. Newton H., born
8I2WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
September 17, 1853; married Nettie. 8. Emma, born November 21,
1856; married Charles T. Thompson.
(III) Baxter S. Redpath, second son of John and Mary (Hamilton)
Redpath, was born in McCandless township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January I9, 1844. He was educated in public schools of the township, and worked at the home farm until I862, when he enlisted in Company
F, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry,
serving three years. He saw hard service with the Army of the Potomac,
being engaged in twenty-eight different battles. At Cold Harbor, a ball
struck his belt buckle, knocking him down. He did not relish the thought
of confinement in a Southern prison and resolved to make a break for
liberty. He used his heels to good purpose and gained a good start, then
the guard began firing on him. One bullet passed through his canteen
and another struck his blanket that was strapped between his shoulders,
passing about half way to the flesh. But he escaped without a wound and
rejoined his regiment. After his safe return from the war he became a
general farmer and one of the successful men of the township. He is also
president of the McCandless Township Mutual Fire Insurance Comanpy.
He is a member of Highland Presbyterian Church. He married Anna E.
Kennedy, born December 13, 1847. Children of Baxter S. and Anna E.
Redpath: I. Nancy Mary, married Lee Herbert and has a daughter, Anna,
married James Smith and has a son, Baxter S. Smith. 2. Lida, married
William Groah; children: Gladys, Leo Bird, Milo, Pinerva, Mildred. 3.
Newton H., married Mary McKinney; children: Beulah, Blanche, Ellis W.
The Bossert family came to this country from  AlsaceBOSSERT Lorraine, and they combine with the grace and versatility
of the French the progressive methods of the Americans
to excellent effect.
Matthew Bossert was born in Alsace, France, February 27, I807, died
at Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in September, I886. He
came to America in I839 with his wife and one daughter, and settled in
Little Falls, New York. He had been a weaver by trade in his native
country, and his wife had assisted him in this occupation. In Little Falls
he worked in the paper mills until I846, when he removed to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and found employment in a glass house, first as a mixer and
later as a melter, and held this position until old age obliged him to abandon
it.,He then occupied himself with driving a water wagon, delivering water
to people at twelve cents per barrel. He had been a soldier in France for
six years, and served his country bravely. He and his wife were members
of St. Michael's Catholic Church, and he was also a member of St. Michael's
Society. He married, in Alsace, Anna Mary Hirsch, born November 2,
I8o8, died in May, I877, and they had children: Barbara, born in Alsace
in I837, is now the widow of Michael Krebs, and residing in New Bedford,
Massachusetts; Valentine, of further mention; Caroline, widow of George
8138WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Werline, lives in Homestead; Charles, a glass worker, died in Homestead;
John, also a glass worker, died in Homestead; five who died in infancy.
Valentine Bossert, son of Matthew and Anna Mary (Hirsch) Bossert,
was born at Little Falls, Herkimer county, New York, August 23, i839. He
had but limited opportunities for acquiring an education, as he attended the
public schools only until he was nine years of age. He then commenced
working in the glass plant of Bryce Brothers, on South Side, Pittsburgh,
and when this company moved to Homestead in I88o he went with them,
continuing to work for them until seven years prior to his death, in all about
forty-seven years, a record creditable alike to employer and employed. He
had held the position of foreman many years, and was considered an especially skilled workman. When he retired from active work he made his
home at No. I23 Fourth avenue, Homestead, residing there until his death,
November 8, I9O0. He was a strong supporter of the Democratic party,
and he and his wife were members of the Roman Catholic Church. He was
a member of the Knights of St. George; member and manager of the Turner Society; and treasurer of Glassmakers' Union, No. 65.
Mr. Bossert married, October 8, I863, Margaret Denk, born in Prussia,
Germany, May I, 1844, daughter of Michael and Margaret (Peter) Denk,
who came to this country from Prussia in 1847 and located on South Side,
Pittsburgh. Mr. Denk had been a glass worker in Germany, but here he
became a mine worker, and died in Port Perry in I854. Mrs. Denk died in
I887. Both were members of the Catholic Church, and had children: John,
manager of a glass plant, died in Pittsburgh; Margaret, mentioned above;
Catherine, widow of Henry Strodmeyer, lives at Franklin, Pennsylvania;
Alexander, a jeweler, died in Pittsburgh; Sophia, widow of Jacob Berger,
lives in Franklin, Pennsylvania; Mary, died at the age of twelve years. Mrs.
Margaret (Denk) Bossert was educated in the public and parochial schools.
In I885 she, on her own initiative, started a grocery store and bakery in
the front part of the house in which she lived, and this proved such a successful venture, that in I892 the front of the house was remodeled for store
purposes, and she has conducted this business ever since that time. She is a
woman of unusual business ability and energy, and richly deserves the success she has achieved. Mr. and Mrs. Bossert have had children: Valentine
Matthew, unmarried, is associated with his mother in the conduct of the
business; Anna Mary, died at the age of fifteen years; Margaret, married
Gustav H. Dietrich, and lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma; John, a painter, lives at
Whittaker, married Emma Merchant, of Watertown, N. Y.; Alexander, died
at the age of six years; Ida, married John Heuer, lives in Homestead;
Helen, married James Treloar, lives in Homestead; Emma, married John
Bendell, lives in Homestead Park; Loretta, married John Cosgrove, lives
in Homestead; Mark, a street car conductor, lives at Beechview, married
Elizabeth Wells, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bossert has twenty-one
grandchildren.
814d4e,tWESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
The first of the Irish family of McCague to receive mention
McCAGUE in this line is Edward McCague, who was a resident of
county Roscommon, Ireland. He was a Catholic and reared
a large family in that faith, one of his sons, James, becoming a priest of the
Roman Catholic Church, and of another, John, further mention is made.
(II) John McCague, son of Edward McCague, passed his life as a
farmer, owning land in county Galway, where he died in young manhood.
He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Four children survived
him, one, Edward, the youngest, of further mention.
(III) Edward McCague, son of John McCague, was born in county
Galway, Ireland, where he died, aged sixty-eight years. He was a farmer
by occupation, and for many years was manager of an estate. He and his
wife were members of the Roman Catholic Church. He married Sarah
O'Donnelly, who died aged ninety-eight years, daughter of a physician well
and favorably known in that day. Among the children of Edward and
Sarah (O'Donnelly) McCague was John, of whom further.
(IV) John (2) MtcCague, son of Edward and Sarah (O'Donnelly)
McCague, was born in county Galway, Ireland, June 21, I8I9, died in
February, I903. He grew to manhood on the farm in county Galway, and
there married, continuing to work on the farm until, in 1845, he moved to
Derbyshire, England; some years later he moved to Yorkshire, England. He
retired from active business in I886, imigrating to the United States, his
death occurring in Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His wife
died in England; both were members of the Roman Catholic Church. He
married Catherine, born in county Galway, Ireland, in I823, died July 17,
1870, daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Tireman) Gilligan, both of whom
lived and died in county Galway, Ireland. Children of John and Catherine
(Gilligan) McCague: I. Sarah, married Owen Morgan, deceased, and resided for a time in Pittsburgh; she is now a resident of Brownsville avenue,
of that city. 2. Mary, married John Snee, a farmer and contractor, and
lives in Springfield, Ohio. 3. Elizabeth, unmarried, lives in Springfield,
Ohio, with her sister, Mary. 4. Edward, died in England, aged sixteen
years. 5. John, of whom further. 6. James J., of whom further. 7. Patrick,
died in infancy. 8. Margaret, died in infancy.
(V) John (3) McCague, son of John (2) and Catherine (Gilligan)
McCague, was born in Yorkshire, England, obtaining his education in the
parochial school of that place, at an early age beginning work in the iron
and steel mills in the vicinity of his home. For twelve years he was employed
by the Charles Campbell Company, of Sheffield, in the plant at Pennystone.
In I886 he immigrated to the United States, and upon coming to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, was for six months employed by the Oliver Steel Company,
in the fall of I886 locating at Homestead, Pennsylvania, and beginning a
connection with the Carnegie Steel Company that endures to the present
time. Mr. McCague's home is at No. 61I4 Twelfth avenue, Munhall, Pennsylvania. He belongs to St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church, ofWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
nection with the Ormsby Works, and later with the Lyle Coal Company
at Camden, Pennsylvania. He remained in the latter place until the year
I877, when he opened a mine at Webster, Pennsylvania, operating the same
until the great flood of I888, which devastated the surrounding region.
After this catastrophe he went to Courtney, Pennsylvania, and secured employment with the J. S. Neil Coal Company as superintendent of their
mines at that point. From this time on he made a number of connections
with different companies, always in the same line of business, going from
place to place as his interests led him. He was associated with the Little
Redstone Coal Company, organized in I899 or I9oo, both as a stockholder
and as general superintendent of their mines, which were located near
Fayette City. From there he went to Pittsburgh, to fill the position of superindent of The River Coal Company, and in I904 went to Coal Center,
Pennsylvania, and was associated with the Jones and Laughlin Mines at
that point, and finally was with the United Coal Company, in whose service
he was killed. He married Anna Livingston, a daughter of Joseph Livingston, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he was a successful farmer. The
wife of Joseph Livingston was a Miss McGown, a daughter of the first
settlers of McKeesport, her mother having been a Miss McKee. To J. T.
and Anna (Livingston) Jones, were born five children, one of whom was
Thomas O., of whom further.
(III) Thomas O. (2) Jones, son of John T. and Anna (Livingston)
Jones, was born March 9, I87I, at Camden, Pennsylvania. He received the
elementary portion of his education at the public schools of Pittsburgh, and
graduated from the Pittsburgh Central High School. He then attended
Duff's Business College, the well known commercial school in that city,
where he took a business course. Upon completing these studies he secured
at once a position at clerk in the office of W. K. Gallespie, a large wholesale grocer of Pittsburgh, with whom, however, he remained but a short
time, leaving to accept an offer of a position with the D. and F. S. Welty
Company, a firm dealing in the wholesale carpet and wall paper trade. After
some time at this work Mr. Jones decided to engage in business for himself,
and with his naturally enterprising nature he went to work at once to put
his determination into practical effect. Taking a partner, he opened a general merchandise establishment in Fayette City, Pennsylvania, his firm
being known as the Jones Supply Company. It later became necessary to
terminate this business, and Mr. Jones thereupon went to Tarentum, Pennsylvania, which has ever since been his home. In Tarentum he secured a
position with the Tarentum Hardware Company, and in November, I898,
became manager of the concern. The business of the company growing
largely under the able direction of affairs by Mr. Jones, it was decided to
incorporate, and in I9Io this step was carried out, Mr. Jones becoming
secretary and treasurer. His success in the affairs of the Tarentum Hardware Company was such as to attract universal attention in the business
life of the town, and his obvious abilities were soon called into requisition
in a number of quarters. As a result his associations are now numerous
557WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Homestead. He married, June 29, 1879, Mary, born in Yorkshire, England,
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Fuery) Callahan, both of Irish descent, her
father having for many years been in both the British army and naval service.
(V) James J. McCague, son of John (2) and Catherine (Gilligan) McCague, was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, England, and was there educated
in the parochial school. He immigrated to the United States in I884, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was employed; later moved to
Homestead, Pennsylvania, remaining in the employ of the same company
in various capacities and was thus engaged until I9oi. He is a member of
the St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church, of Homestead, and affiliates with the Catholic Mutual Beneficial Association and the Ancient Order
of Hibernians.
Mr. McCague married, February 3, i89i, Bridget, born in county Galway, Ireland, daughter of John and Bridget Joyce. Children of Mr. and
Mrs. McCague: John F., Catherine, Raymond, Mary, Margaret, Dorothy,
Irene, Grace, Edward, and James, died aged eight years.
This name was formerly spelled Larner, but just when the
LEARN  change in form was made is not known.  The family came
from Holland to the north of England, from which country
they came to America. They were among the very earliest settlers of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
(I) John Learn, and a brother, came from Philadelphia about I750 and
settled at a place now called Tannersville, in Monroe county, Pennsylvania.
He purchased a large tract of land, and his house was located on the present
site of Brown's Hotel. His children were: I. George, of further mention.
2. Mary, born January 14, I753. 3. Rachel, born August 22, I754. 4. John,
born May I7, I756, remained in Monroe county until I823, when he removed to Cattaraugus county, New York, to join his sons who had preceded
him to that section, and his descendants are still residents of that county.
5. Jacob, born July ii, I758, remained in Monroe county, where some of his
descendants still reside, while others have gone to western states. 6. Catherine, born June 20, I760. 7. Rebecca, born July 24, 1763. 8. Andrew, of
further mention. 9. Peter, born February 8, 1767, with his sisters, settled
in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and he there became a captain in the
British army, and served during the War of I812; in I814 he was shot
while on his horse, the evident purpose being robbery; his descendants may
be found from Toronto to Alberta, while a few are now living in the United
States. IO. Carey, born September 22, I769.
(II) George Learn, the eldest child of John Learn, was born January
26, I75I, and was massacred by the Indians, July 3, I781. He had built a
house about a quarter of a mile distant from that of his father, and there
he lived with his wife and two children. At the time of the massacre, his
little son, John, was taken by an aunt, who escaped with him to the shelter
of some bushes, where they remained concealed. A little dog followed them
Si6WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
from the house, and in order not to be betrayed by him, the aunt muffled
his head in an apron she wore. The child lived to raise a large family and
many of his descendants live in and around Ithaca and Geneva, New York.
Prior to and during the Revolution a boat path led from Stroudsburg to
Tannersville, along the banks of the Pocono Creek. Some time after the settlement of the Larner or Learn family at this point, a settler, while following
this path, discovered the tracks of Indians about two miles away, and upon
reaching Tannersville at once informed the family of John Larner, so that
they might guard against a sudden attack of the red men. On the following
day George Learn repaired to a field adjoining his home, and was engaged in
mowing, when a band of Indians approached and placing themselves bettween their victim and his house, fired and wounded him. Securing a fence
rail he then defended himself with great bravery, but was finally overpowered and killed while attempting to reach the house of his father. After
scalping him they went to his house, secured'his wife and child and carried
them to the Pocono Mountains. The settlers started in pursuit as soon as
they became aware of the facts, and when they reached the mountains they
found the body of the child, which had been scalped. Not far off lay the
mother, who had been butchered in the most inhuman fashion, portions of her
body being suspended from nearby trees. John Learn, the father, heard the
firing and approached to learn the cause, and upon seeing an Indian he fired
upon him. This proved a fatal shot for himself, as it disclosed his presence
and insured his speedy death. It is supposed that he killed the Indian at
whom he fired, as a cap with a buckshot hole in it was found at the spot, but
the body of the Indian had been removed by his companions.
(II) Andrew Learn, son of John Learn or Larner, was born November
30, I764. After the massacre he removed to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, settling near Salina, on a farm now owned by John and Urias Learn,
his grandsons. He married Susan Yockey, and had children: I. John, born
in I785, died in I858; he moved to the vicinity of Apollo in I820, to Indiana
county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and there his death occurred; he married
Elizabeth Ashbaugh, and they had eight sons and four daughters who grew
to maturity, and all raised families. 2. Catherine, married George Wangaman. 3. Elizabeth, married George Best. 4. Mary, married John Ashbaugh.
5- Susan, married Barnabas Blose. 6. George, married Elizabeth Piper, and
had children: John, who lives on a part of the old homestead; George, of
Rifle, Colorado, was borni December IO, 1853; Sarah, married Win Moore,
deceased; Andrew, deceased, lived in Homestead; Rachel, married Simon
Smail; Caroline, married James Alcorn; Susan, married Jacob Busch; Elizabeth, married Simon Bowman, of Greensburg. 7. Sarah, married Charles
Weinel. 8. Barbara, married Hamilton Morton. 9. Rachel, married Jacob
Bash. io. Andrew, of further mention.
(III) Andrew (2) Learn, son of Andrew (I) and Elizabeth (Ashbaugh) Learn, was born about I805, died about I876. He married Fanny
Piper, born in I812, died October 12, I895. She was descended from a
8I7WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
pioneer family of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, and had a brother, Joseph Piper,
who died at the age of ninety-nine years, and who had been at the time of
his death, and for many years prior to that time, the mail carrier between
Indiana and the town of Saltsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Learn were the parents
of children: I. Jacob P., born in I834, died in I890; he was a successful
merchant of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was the proprietor of the
first large department store in the town; married Rachel King; children:
Dewitt and Albert; wife and children are also deceased. 2. Susan, born in
I836, married Sanford Clawson, deceased; she lives in Avonmore, Pennsylvania. 3. Margaret J., born August 3I, 1838, married Frank Wolford, deceased. 4. Urias M., born in I84I, lives on a part of the old Learn homestead near Salina; he has children: Elsie (Glass), Ida, Alice. 5. Andrew
Carpenter, of further mention. 6. Mary Catharine, born April I7, I847,
lives with her sister, Mrs. Wolford.  7. Albert, born in I852, died
January I5, I909; was a traveling salesman and oil operator; married
Electa James; children: Gordon, deceased, and Harold, married Margaret
Kirk. Andrew Learn was a member of the German Reformed Church.
(IV) Andrew Carpenter Learn, son of Andrew (2) and Fannie (Piper)
Learn, was born at Meadowbrook Farm, Bell township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, January I8, 1845, died December 29, I9II, at the
home of his son, Harry James Learn, at No. 2I2 Camp avenue, Braddock,
Pennsylvania. His early years were passed on the farm, and when a young
lad he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. At the age of eighteen years he was one of the first to join in the rush to the oil fields at Oil
City and Titusville, Pennsylvania, and there he became a tool dresser, and
later an oil operator, by these means realizing a fortune. He then returned
to Pittsburgh, and then established himself on an extensive scale as a blacksmith and wagon builder in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was identified with this enterprise for about twenty years. He then sold his business
and removed to Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he took charge of the blacksmith department in the Carnegie Steel Works, a position he filled until six
years before his death, when he retired to private life. He and his wife were
members of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Learn married, November
7, I867, Anna Courson, born in New York City, in I849, and left an orphan
at a very early age. Her family name was Donahue, but she was adopted
by a Mrs. Courson, who gave her her own name, and raised her in the
Protestant faith. She had an only sister, Hannah, who was adopted by a
family named Franey, and raised in the Catholic faith; she married George
Sixsmith, a baker, and lives at No. 306 Amity avenue, Homestead, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Learn had children: I. Harry James, of further mention. 2. Fannie May, died at the age of six years. 3. Margaret Edna, married John L. Colmery; lives in Salem, Ohio, where he is engaged in the real
estate business. 4. Andrew Franklin, a clerk in the store of his brother,
lives in Braddock; married Alice Shaffer; one child, Elmyra.
(V) Harry James Learn, son of Andrew Carpenter and Anna (Cour8iSWESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
son) Learn, was born at McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October, I6, I868. His education was acquired in the Market street schools,
in his native town, and he was graduated from thence at the age of seventeen years, and since that time has been actively identified with business
interests. He commenced as a clerk in the store of his uncle, J. P. Learn,
who owned a large establishment in McKeesport, remaining there several
years. During the next few years he was a clerk for several concerns, and
in I893 he established himself in the wall paper business at No. 873 Braddock avenue, Braddock, Pennsylvania. The following year he added a large
stock of dry goods and these stocks are still the staples in which he deals,
but on a greatly enlarged scale. The twenty odd years which have passed
since he first established himself have made a wonderful change. He now
has a magnificent store, with a stock worth upward of twenty-eight thousand
dollars, and by his clean business methods, which have been combined with
the necessary amount of progressiveness, he has built up an exceptionally
fine trade. In I9oo he removed to No. 716 Braddock avenue, and this store
was destroyed by fire in November, I9o7. Mr. Learn at once had another
fine brick building erected, and in November, I9o8, took possession of the
new place, which is equipped with everything that is to be found in an upto-date establishment. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the
First Presbyterian Church, which he has served as trustee three years.
Among other business enterprises with which he is connected is the State
Bank of Braddock, of which he is a director. His fraternal affiliation is as
follows: Braddock Fields Lodge, No. 5Io, Free and Accepted Masons; Shiloh Chapter, No. 257, Royal Arch Masons; Lancard Commandery, Knights
Templar; Pennsylvania Consistory, Scottish Rite; Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, having been a member of the
Arab Patrol of this for fifteen years; Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and Royal Arcanum, both of Braddock, and Valetta Commandery,
Knights of Malta.
Mr. Learn married, June I9, I894, Jessie Pershing, born at Wellsburg,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Hugh H. and Elizabeth (Robertson) Pershing,
both now deceased, the former of whom was a Methodist Episcopal preacher,
and a veteran of the Civil War. Mrs. Learn died May 29, I899. Mr. and
Mrs. Learn had children: Annie Elizabeth, born May I6, I896, a graduate
in the Braddock High School, class I914, and a member of class I918 University of Pittsburgh; Ralph Stanley, born February 7, I898, attends the
Braddock High School, and is a member of the class of I918.
This branch of the Lawson family of Allegheny county,
LAWSON Pennsylvania, springs from James Lawson, born in Ireland,
who when a young man, settled in Pittsburgh. After working in the city as a turner, he bought a farm of one hundred acres, in McCandless township, upon which he resided until death. He married Mary
A. Nixon. Children: I. Annice, married Oliver Powers. 2. James N., mar8IgWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ried (first) Fannie Osburn, (second) Miss Fleming. 3. George A., of whom
further.
George A. Lawson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 24,
I848. He attended public schools and remained at the home farm until
starting in for himself on the farm of fifty-seven and a half acres, he now
owns in McCandless township, near Wildwood. He has improved his farm
with buildings and orchards and has there passed a quiet life of prosperity.
He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Lawson married, March I, I870, Margaret Sample, born in McCandless
township, September I2, I850, daughter of James and Jane (Ross) Sample.
Children: I. James, born December 25, I870, deceased. 2. John S., born
June 8, I872, married Matilda Miller; children: Raymond and Mary. 3.
Walker, born July I6, I874, deceased. 4. William Charles, born March 7,
I876, married Mary Wike, has a daughter, Beulah, resides in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania. 5. Mary, born October 3I, I877, married George Miller, and
has children: Ralph, Viola, Marie. 6. Elmer George, born December 28,
I88I, married Edna Mahaffey, and has children: Norman, Hazel, Pearl. 7.
Edward E., born November 29, I885, resides at home unmarried. 8. Robert
T., born June I4, I887, resides at Homestead, Pennsylvania, unmarried.
This account takes up the American record of the family to
GRAHAM   which Robert Fleming Graham, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, belongs, beginning with Hugh Graham, of Scotch descent, a native o,f Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. In his youth he underwent
the thrilling experience of capture by Indians, making his escape from the
camp of the savages and returning to his home in Lancaster county, where
he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He married Margaret Kennedy, and among his sons were Robert, of whom further, John,
George. The last two named were soldiers in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war of the Revolution, George at one time held prisoner by the
enemy. He later settled in South Carolina, John made his home at New
Albany, Indiana, which town he surveyed and laid out, numerous of his
descendants there residing at the present time.
(II) Robert Graham, son of Hugh and Margaret (Kennedy) Graham,
was born about i76o, and was reared to manhood in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Until I8oo00 he was a farmer, cultivating land in Lancaster county,
in that year moving to Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he conducted
a tannery and traded extensively with the Indians. He was a soldier
in the "Dunny Money" Volunteers in the second war with Great
Britain, and after the close of the war moved to Elizabeth township,
Allegheny  county, Pennsylvania.  Here he joined  his father-in-law,
Colonel Thomas Gilchrist, who had won his military title in the war for independence and who had been granted a considerable tract of land, approximately five hundred acres, by a grateful government. Robert Graham was
a Whig in political inclination, and with his wife belonged to the Associate
820WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Reformed Church. He died in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I840. He married Margar-e.t Gilchrist, who died in I839, and
had six children, of whom John K. was the youngest.
(III) John K. Graham, son of Robert and Margaret (Gilchrist)
Graham, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in I8I5, died in I907. He
grew to maturity in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there inherited
a portion of the homestead, upon which he lived the greater part of his life.
The buildings of the estate were remodeled at his direction and he was at one
time a farmer upon an extensive scale, later disposing of a part of his
property. His early political party was the Whig, and he at one time held
the office of elder in the Associate Reformed Church, subsequently transferring his religious allegiance to the United Presbyterian Church, of which he
was also an elder. He married (first) Mary Ann Calhoun, who died about
I852, daughter of John and Margaret (Calhoun) Calhoun; (second) Eliza
Rankin. Children of John and Margaret (Calhoun) Calhoun: I. Adly, a
minister of the Presbyterian Church, died aged twenty-seven years. 2. Mary
Ann, of previous mention, married John K. Gra~ham. 3. John, a farmer, died
young. 4. Nancy, married Thomas Rankin, and died in Elizabeth township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 5. James, owner of a saw-mill, died aged
forty-five years. 6. Thomas, a mill-worker, died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 7. Moses, a farmer, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 8.
Alexander, a farmer, died in Lincoln township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. By his first marriage John K. Graham was the father of three children: John Calhoun, of whom further; Adly and Robert, who both died in
childhood. Children by his marriage to Eliza Rankin: Samuel A., lives on
part of the Rankin homestead in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; Sarah J.,
married John O. Penny, and also lives on a part of the Rankin homestead in
Elizabeth township, Allegheny county; Mary Ann, died in childhood; Eliza
M., died in childhood; Margaret C., died aged twenty-two years.
(IV) John Calhoun Graham, son of John K. and Mary Ann (Calhoun)
Graham, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in October, I845, died
in I884. As a boy he attended the local schools, growing to manhood in the
county of his birth, and after his marriage made his home on a section of
the homestead in Elizabeth township. Here he resided until I874, when he
moved to Connellsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, there becoming the
owner of a flouring mill, operating at different times on both banks of the
Youghiogheny river and there remaining until his death. He was a Republican in political action, and was with his wife a member of the United
Presbyterian Church. He was a man of lofty principles, his well-ordered life
beyond reproach of man, and was early called from ways of well-doing. He
married Margaret Fleming, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
August, I846, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Jack) Fleming.  His
widow now resides in Elyria, Ohio. Robert Fleming was a son of Robert
Fleming, a native of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, who came to the United
States prior to I820, settling in East Deer township, Allegheny county, Penn82IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sylvania. He gained title to a farm in this locality and there spent his remaining years. Robert Fleming, son of Robert Fleming, was born on this
farm, inheriting a portion thereof at his father's death, and there living all
of his life. He and his wife were first members of the Associate Reformed
Church, later of the United Presbyterian Church. By his marriage with
Elizabeth Jack he was the father of: I. Sarah, married William Hill: died on
the old homestead. 2. Annie, married William McDowell; died in Newcastle, Pennsylvania. 3. Margaret, of previous mention, married John Calhoun Graham. 4. Cynthia Mary, married J. P. Henderson, deceased, and
resides in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 5. Annetta, deceased; married Rev.
J. P. Gibson, of Tarkio, Missouri. Children of John Calhoun and Margaret
(Fleming) Graham: I. Robert Fleming, of whom further. 2. William C.,
principal of the High School at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 3. Mary C.,
died unmarried, September i6, I897. 4. James B., chief inspector of the
National Tube Company, of Loraine, Ohio, and lives in Elyria, Ohio.
(V) Robert Fleming Graham, son of John Calhoun and Margaret
(Fleming) Graham, was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, May 19, I87I. He was educated in the public schools, in
Mount Pleasant Academy preparing himself for entrance at Tarkio College,
Missouri, whence he was graduated in I894. Returning to the state of his
birth he was for nine years a school teacher in Mount Pleasant, McKeesport,
and Pittsburgh, then registering as a student at law in the office of James H.
Beal. In March, 19o2, Mr. Graham was admitted to the bar, and has since
attended the needs of a general practice, being attorney for the McKeesport
school district and several corporations having their seat in that locality.
He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and holds position as an advocate of reputation, integrity and ability, a place the right to
which he has strongly defended in legal contest with his professional brethren. He is a member of Lodge, Chapter and Commandery in the Masonic
Order.
Mr. Graham married, in June, I904, Mary E., daughter of Peter and
Mary (Rae) Patterson, and has children: I. Robert Patterson, born March
5, I9o6, died aged five years. 2. John Kenneth, born August 6, I9o8.
The Kretzer family, of which Charles H. Kretzer, of Allison
KRETZER  Park, Pennsylvania, is representative, were originally seated
in England, but in I812 Christian Kretzer emigrated to
Hanover, a province of Prussia since I866, but from 1814 until that date
a kingdom created by the Congress of Vienna in 1814, and prior to that
date an independent duchy and the seat of the House of Hanover, from
whence came George I., who established the Hanoverian dynasty in England, in 1714. From him descended Victoria, for many years England's
honored queen. In i866, Hanover espoused the Austrian side in the war
with Prussia, in consequence the Prussians dethroned the King of Hanover
and annexed the country. Nicholas Kretzer settled at Einbeck, on the Ilm
822WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
river, thirty-nine miles from Hanover, the capital of the province, and there
lived until his death.
(II) Christian (z) Kretzer, son of Christian (I) Kretzer, was born in
Iber by Einbeck, Hanover, Prussia, and there died in 1858. He was a well
educated man, a tailor by trade, and a Lutheran in religion, about threefourths of the population of Hanover being of the Protestant faith.  He
married Justina Zisake. Children: I. Augustus John, came to the United
States and died in Baltimore, Maryland. 2. Christian (3), resides in Germany. 3. Henry, came to the United States, married Catherine Viemiller,
and resides in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 4. Hannah, came to the
United States, married Frederick Moehler, and resides in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. 5. Frederick. 6. George, died unmarried, aged twenty-three
years. 7. Charles H., of further mention. Five other children died young.
(III) Charles H. Kretzer, son of Christian (2) and Justina (Ziesake)
Kretzer, was born at Einbeck, Hanover, Prussia, August I6, I849. He was
well educated in excellent German schools, learned the trade of tailor, and
followed that occupation until May 3, I867, when he came to the United
States, locating in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he began working
on a farm at a wage of ten dollars monthly. He had brought his widowed
mother with him and from his scanty wages supported her also. He continued as a farm hand for about four years, then rented a farm in McCandless township and continued a tenant farmer for seven years. In I878
he had accumulated some capital, which he invested in a farm of sixty acres.
He sold twenty acres of this for a sum sufficient to pay one-third of the
original price of the sixty acres and as he prospered bought back the twenty
acres with forty additional, making his farm an even one hundred acres, on
which he raised general crops, fruits and market produce, also conducting
until I9o09 a dairy. He has improved his farm by erection of good buildings, brought the land to a high state of fertility and now has an estate,
created entirely by his own efforts, of which he may well be proud. He is
a Republican in politics, has served as collector of taxes for McCandless
township and is the present health officer. He is a highly respected citizen
and has won a high place in public regard as well as a competence, starting
with nothing, a stranger in a strange land.
Mr. Kretzer married (first) in I873, Magdalena Weaver, born June II,
I857, daughter of Jacob and Anna (Jacob) Weaver. He married (second)
Justina Weaver, sister of his first wife. Jacob Weaver, their father, was
a Union soldier, killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Child of first wife: Henry
S., married Louise Hart; children: Arthur, Carrie, Dorothy. Children by
second wife: I. Anna, married James Davies; children: Milton, Wilbert, and
a daughter. 2. George J., unmarried, resides in British Columbia. 3. Frederick C., married Isabel Smith; children: Mildred, Howard, Edna. 4. John
G., married Faith Warden, and has a daughter, Estelle. 5. Charles E., unmarried, resides at British Columbia. 6. Raymond Weaver, at home. 7.
Elmer William, at home.
823WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in that region of Pennsylvania. He is the president of the Leechburg
Hardware Company of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, president of the Freeport Clay Products Company of Freeport, Pennsylvania, vice-president of
the American Hardware and Supply Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, vice-president of the Tarentum Land and Improvement Company of
Tarentum, secretary and treasurer of the Clinton Mineral Springs Company of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, and a director in the Tarentum Savings
and Trust Company of Tarentum and of the Fayette Bargain Company
of Fayette City. He is, in short, one of the most prominent figures in the
business, financial and industrial world in that part of the state. He does
not confine his activities to the business world exclusively, however, but
takes a conspicuous part in the general life of the town, and is a popular
figure with all those who come in contact with him. He is a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is interested in the social
life of the town.
Mr. Jones married, January 31, I903, Bessie I. Anderson, a daughter
of Thomas J. and Elizabeth M. Anderson, of Tarentum, Pennsylvania,
where she was born July 23, I882. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been
born four children, two sons and two daughters, as follows: Thomas A.,
Mary Louise, Mabel Livingston, Richard Warren.  Mr. Jones and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and in that persuasion are
rearing their children.
In every community, however small, there are to be found
GEPHARDT  a number of foreign-born citizens, who rank among the
best and most highly honored residents, and in the case
of the late John Gephardt he was no exception to the rule. He was born
in Bavaria, Germany, March 23, I843, died August 9, I896, killed by lightning, son of John George and Anna Magdalena (Strobel) Gephardt.
John George Gephardt was born in Germany, in which country his
parents were born and settled. He emigrated to the United States, and in
1852 located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, removing from there to a farm
in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently changed his place of
residence to another farm in the same county. He was a member of the
Lutheran Church, and a Republican in politics. He was killed by a train,
March 3, I885. His wife, Anna Magdalena Gephardt, survived him many
years, passing away September 14, I905. Their children were: John, of
whom further; Katharine, deceased; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of
John Henry, of Colorado.
John Gephardt attended the schools of Pittsburgh and Butler county,
Pennsylvania, after which he served an apprenticeship at the trade of shoemaker. He' was the proprietor of a shoe store in Leechburg, Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, for thirteen years, and upon his retirement from active
business pursuits returned to the homestead farm in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in I886, of which he was the owner, and which he cultivated and
improved. He was successful in business, being progressive in his ideas,
5588WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The descendants of Samuel Hopper, the immigrant ancestor
HOPPER of his line, have been resident mainly in Allegheny and
Washington counties, the lives of those chronicled below having been lived in the former locality.
(I) Samuel Hopper was born in the north of Ireland in December,
I784, died near Oakdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 27, I875.
When he was a lad of sixteen years he came to the United States, and
after his marriage in this country settled in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, two and one-half miles from Oakdale, Pennsylvania. His
property was no better than wilderness at his time of purchase, but he set
himself determinedly to the task of converting it into desirable farm land, an
object that he accomplished successfully. The log house that he built from
the trees that he felled is still standing. greatly decayed but yet in an upright
position, the storms of a century having failed to end its existence.  He
married, November I8, I8II, Elizabeth Barclay, born in August, I784, died
January 28, I869, who, with him, is buried in Robinson Run Cemetery. Both
were members of the United Presbyterian Church, regular in their attendance, devoted in their worship. They were the parents of: I. Robert, born
in I812. 2. Andrew Barclay, born in I8I3. 3. Samuel, of whom further.
4. Arthur Jamison, born in I8I6. 5. Nancy, born in I8i8, married Alexander Fitch, and died in Ohio. 6. John, born in I820. 7. Elizabeth, born
in 1822, married Thomas Campbell. 8. Mary Ann, born in 1824, married
James Wallace. 9. James, died in I826.
(II) Samuel (2) Hopper, son of Samuel (I) and Elizabeth (Barclay)
Hopper, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I815, died in Cincinnati, Ohio. In manhood he became an engineer, his service being on the
river-boats, as he was employed at his death. The vessel of which he was
engineer ran to Cincinnati, and in I849-50, after making this city on one of
his frequent trips, he was stricken with cholera, death resulting soon after,
and he was there buried. He married Margaret McClelland, who survived
him, after his death married John Marshall, living in Elliottsville, Pennsylvania, until her death. Children of Samuel (2) and Margaret (McClelland)
Hopper: I. Melinda, married a Mr. Stewart,.and died at Elliottsville, Pennsylvania. 2. William James, of whom further. 3. Samuel, met an accidental
death in Texas. Children of the second marriage of Margaret (McClelland)
Hopper, that with John Marshall: I. Annie, married George Holton, and
resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. Theodore, lives in Pittsburgh. 3.
Joseph, deceased. 4. Jared, lives in the Philippine Islands.
(III) William James. Hopper, son of Samuel (2) and Margaret (McClelland) Hopper, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. After obtaining a public school education, he mastered the machinist's trade. He was
actively engaged at his trade for several years, in I903 moving to Crafton,
Pennsylvania, where he established in the plumbing business, in which he
remained until his death on December ii, 1904. He had prospered in his
line and had invested in real estate, at his death owning three houses that
824WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
had been erected at his direction. During the Civil War he served two enlistments in the Fourteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
one of nine months, the other of one year, and while in the Union service
contracted rheumatism, from which he suffered to the end of his life. His
political party was the Republican.
Mr. Hopper married, August 7, I873, Mary Melissa, daughter of
Samuel and Mary (Lorraine) Ewing. Both of her parents were natives of
Oakdale, Pennsylvania, where they were married and where they died, both
buried in the Union Cemetery. He was a farmer by occupation, on one
occasion spending three years in California, where he was engaged in lumber
dealing. Children of William James and Mary Melissa (Ewing) Hopper: I.
Margaret, married John W. Taylor, Jr., and lives in Crafton, Pennsylvania,
the mother of two children, John and Eileen. 2. Samuel Ewing, a plumber
of Crafton, Pennsylvania, married Hannah Evans, and has children: Ewing,
Armede, Laura.
The name of Hugo is known far and wide in the state of PennHUGO  sylvania, as connected with the conduct of hotels of a high standard.  The family came to this country from  Germany, and
brought with them those qualities of thrift and industry so characteristic of
Germans.
(I) John Hugo was born in Germany and came to America unmarried.
He made his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he retired from business late in life, and died in August, i885. He married Mary Elsessor, and
had children: One died in infancy; Jacob, of further mention; John and
Michael, retired hotel proprietors, reside in McKeesport; Elizabeth, married
Joseph Gush, and lives on a farm near McKeesport; Mary, married Peter
Cassidy, and lives in McKeesport; Annie, married Lawrence Clifford, and
lives in Pittsburgh.
(II) Jacob Hugo, son of John and Mary (Elsessor) Hugo, was born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January I8, I850. His education was acquired in
the public schools of Pittsburgh, and he then entered upon his business
career. For a time he was in partnership with his brother John as proprietors
of the hotel now conducted by Mr. Fisher, and upon the death of John, Jacob
Hugo was the sole proprietor, and conducted it alone until his death, January
2I, I896. He was well known and very popular personally, and his death
was deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was
a man of many-sided business ability, and was one of the organizers and a
director of the local street car railway, and of the Thirteenth Street Bridge, a
toll bridge. His political support was given to the Democratic party, and
he and his wife were members of St. Peter's Catholic Church.
Mr. Hugo married (first) Carrie Abrahams, a native of Wales.  He
married (second) December 29, I884, Sarah McDermott, born in county
Durham, England, a daughter of Bart and Sarah (Murphy) McDermott, the
former a Catholic, the latter a Protestant. They came to America in I874,
825WESTERN PENNSYLVAN IA
settling at Houtzdale, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, and came to McKeesport in i887. He was a miner by occupation, and retired from active work
when he was seventy-four years of age. He and his wife have celebrated
their golden wedding anniversary, and have had children: Thomas, a timekeeper; Sarah, who married Mr. Hugo; Jane; Hugh, a merchant of McKeesport, who died in i912; Joseph, living retired at McKeesport; John, a
barber of McKeesport.  By his first marriage Mr. Hugo had children:
Maggie, married John Crawford, lives in Point Marion; Cecelia, married
a Mr. Wetzel; Clara, died in infancy; Agnes, married Dennis Downe, lives
in Charleroi, Pennsylvania; Lawrence, engaged in the real estate business in
McKeesport. By the second marriage he had: Hilda; Victor, a draftsman;
Mary.
When William III., of England, distributed honors among his
GIBSON  soldiers after the historic battle of the Boyne, one of those
raised to knighthood was an ancestor of Robert M. Gibson, of
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. To this family belonged Thomas Gibson, a native
of Ireland, who accompanied his mother to this country when a lad of twelve
years, locating in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he
passed his entire life. His calling was that of a farmer. He married Rachel
Dickson, born in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter
of Jacob Dickson. Jacob Dickson, in whose veins flowed the blood of the
Delaware Indian tribe, was a soldier in the American army, at one time
serving as aide-de-camp to General Washington. He enlisted from Allegheny county, and was the only Pennsylvania pensioner from that county,
receiving for his military service fifty acres of land in Allegheny county,
which he afterwards exchanged in a trade for a tract of two hundred acres
in Pine township, the same county, near Wexford, there conducting farming
operations. Children: Eliza, Margaret E., Nancy, Mary Jane, Rachel, James
D., Charles, of whom further.
(II) Charles Gibson, son of Thomas and Rachel (Dickson) Gibson,
was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His education
was obtained in the subscription schools, and early in life he learned the
trade of carpenter, his calling until he took up milling and farming. Charles
Gibson was at one time the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land, of which
the farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres in Richland township, occupied by his son, Robert M., is a part, and he made hay and grain his principal crops. At this place he also operated a flouring mill for many years,
and was well-known and regarded throughout the neighborhood. When the
tracks of the Pittsburgh  Western Railroad were laid he financed the operation to a great extent, and for a time headed the organization of this road
as president. He was a man of local prominence, serving as postmaster for
about nine years, and filling a position on the school board. He married
Elizabeth Jane Logue, whose mother was a member of the Dickson family,
belonging to the branch claiming General George Gibson, who met his death in
826WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
battle in the war for independence, serving at the time under General Arthur
St. Clair. Children of Charles and Elizabeth Jane (Logue) Gibson: Janetta,
Thomas E., Robert M., of whom further mention, Louisa B., Rachel D.
(III) Robert M. Gibson, son of Charles and Elizabeth Jane (Logue)
Gibson, was born in the house that is his present home in Richland township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May I I, I845. His early studies
were pursued in the schools of the locality, and he was for three years a
student in Jefferson College, entering business life immediately after leaving
this institution and becoming connected with the construction of the Pittsburgh  Western Railroad, a project in which his father was heavily
interested. Upon its completion and the beginning of business thereon, Mr.
Gibson became freight and passenger agent at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania,
later opening a general mercantile establishment in Gibsonia which he
maintained for many years, drawing upon the surrounding country-side
for his patronage and building up a trade of unusually large dimensions.
For three years he was engaged in the same line at Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, and upon his return to Gibsonia he continued as a merchant for four
years thereafter. Mr. Gibson has been especially active in the promotion
of enterprises affecting the region in which he lives, and was the chief
organizer of the Northern Pittsburgh Telephone Company, of which he
was for several years president and general manager, and was also president
of the Allegheny  Butler Plank Road Company. The Butler Short Line
received his support at the time of its organization, and any movement, whatever its magnitude, that promises the welfare and improvement of the
condition of the body of the people receives his enthusiastic backing. Under
the administration of President William  McKinley Mr. Gibson was appointed postmaster of the town bearing his name, Gibsonia, and served
until July I, I9I4, when his resignation took effect, his daughter, Nancy
Owens, being appointed to fill the vacancy thus caused. With his family he
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and subscribed one-third of the
cost of erection of a church of this denomination in Gibsonia. He is a
citizen of worthy parts, wholly public-spirited, and is content to contribute
his efforts for the general good in a manner quiet and unostentatious.
Honor, integrity and a correct use of the material prosperity that has come
to him have gained him a leading position in the community, the responsibilities of which he has accepted and ably discharges.
Mr. Gibson married (first) Mary A. Dunlap, (second) Anna M. Owens.
By his first marriage he is the father of: Charles E. and Margaret. By his
second: Elizabeth Logue and Nancy Owens, who succeeded her father as
postmaster of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.
Herman Joseph Myers is a member of an old German family
MYERS  typical of the best character of that strong and dominant race
which has contributed so large and valuable an element to the
make-up of our composite American citizenship, an element which has served
as a leaven of its own peculiar virtues of industry and unswerving pursuit
of an objective, in that same citizenship.
827WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(I) Peter Myers, grandfather of Herman Joseph; Myers, was a native
of Germany, and passed his childhood and youth in that country. His birth
occurred in I802, and it was not until 1842, forty years later, that he left his
native land. He had by that time married and was the father of a number
of children, the eldest of whom was twelve years of age. The age was a
troublous one for the energetic and enterprising young German, whose
heart was set upon carving out a name for himself, for the aristocracy so
long entrenched was making -desperate efforts to control the strong democratic movement which was threatening their privileges and power, and
which culminated a few years later in the Revolution of I848-49. There
seemed but one possibility for the German of democratic beliefs and feelings, but one way for him to escape the oppression of the ruling classes, or
the still worse predicament of enlistment in the army and the necessity of
aiding in the establishment of the very yoke so galling to themselves and
their loved ones. This one way was no other than to leave the beloved
"Fatherland" and seek one's fortune elsewhere. It was this sad necessity
which caused such a tremendous wave of emigration from Germany at that
time, a wave which, followed by others not less large, has broken on the
shores of the New World and brought to the United States a splendid set
of citizens including such men as Carl Schurz and the Heckers. With this
great movement came Peter Myers with his wife and family, at the age of
forty years, to win his life anew in the new land. Upon his arrival in
this country, he went directly to the Pennsylvania coal fields, and settled in
the city of McKeesport, Allegheny county. Here he quickly found employment as a coal miner, in which, occupation he continued for the remainder
of his long life, or until he retired from active work altogether. His death
occurred in I890 at the age of eighty-eight years.  His marriage had
occurred in Germany, and his wife accompanied him to the home in Pennsylvania, where she lived until I899, and died at the venerable age of ninety-two
years. To them were born six children, as follows: John, of whom further;
Jacob, Catherine, Ellen, Gertrude, Minnie, deceased.
(II) John Myers, the eldest son of Peter and Catherine Myers, was
born in Germany in the year I83o, and was twelve years of age when his
parents emigrated to America and brought him with them. Children attend
school early in the "Fatherland" and John Myers had gained most of his
education before he left his native land, being a pupil in the local Volkeschule. Upon arriving in the new home, he found employment, as did his
father, in the coal mines of the region. The mining which was done there
at that time was of an exceedingly primitive type, the coal which the men
excavated being hauled out by dogs. John Myers was a very clever youth,
who kept his eyes open for opportunities, and added to this asset was a
most commendable industry. It was not a great while, therefore, before he
was able to save sufficient capital to enable him to open a small grocery
business, which in course of time grew to large proportions. Besides this
business Mr. Myers, who was active in Republican politics, was appointed
postmaster of the town of Coultersville, Allegheny county, and held that
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position for sixteen years or until the time of his death. Save for the somewhat meager education which he had received in Germany, he hhad nothing
in the nature of formal training. He was, however, a great reader of books
on his own account, and in this manner gained an excellent education, and
was very broadly read. As above remarked, he was a Republican in politics,
and took a keen interest in all the questions occupying the political arena
in his day, whether of national or local application. He was a devoted
member of the Catholic Church, as was his wife, and their children were
reared in that faith. He married Elizabeth Bost, also a native of Germany,
born in the year I833, daughter of William and Annie (Mavis) Bost, lifelong residents of that country. Mr. and Mrs. Bost were the parents of
seven children, as follows: Louis, Henry, Marie, Marian, Margaret, Catherine, Elizabeth, above mentioned. All these childi-en, with the exception of
Marian and Catherine are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. John Myers both
died in the year I9o5, on May 24 and July 23, respectively. To them were
born twelve children, as follows: John, Gertrude, Louisa, Louis, Annie,
Mary, Lizzy, deceased; Herman Joseph, of whom further; Frank, Catherine,
Jacob and George, both deceased.
(III) Herman Joseph Myers, the eighth child of John and Elizabeth
(Bost) Myers, was born March 9, I87I, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
His education was received at the town of Coultersville that county, of
which his father was appointed postmaster when Herman J. was about ten
years old, and which was the home of the family for more than fifty years
altogether. He attended the Catholic parochial school and the local public
schools there, and after completing his studies he obtained a position as
clerk in the grocery establishment of W. J. Sharples. He continued in this
service for a period of ten years, when he received an appointment to a
place in the county treasurer's office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here he
remained for three years, and then again received a better appointment, this
time as assistant postmaster of the city of McKeesport, an office which he
held for the four-year term. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper
for the concern of Bowman Brothers Company. In the meantime Mr. Myers
had determined, when the occasion arose, to engage in business for himself,
and with this end in view he plied himself with energy and zeal to his labors,
living a frugal life the while, and was thus able to lay by a steadily increasing
capital. His position with Bowman Brothers Company may thlus be looked
upon as merely a temporary expedient, in spite of the fact that it was five
years before he felt justified in leaving them and embarking on his -own
adventure. It was in the autumn of I9o8 that he finally made the move, and
established the Myers Coal Company, with offices at Tihirteenth and Market
streets, McKeesport, which has ever since been the scene of his active and
successful business career. The venture was never in doubt, and from the
start the business has increased both rapidly and steadily, until in I9I3 the
firm was incorporated under the name of the Myers Coal Company, with
Mr. Myers as president and Henry Collin as secretary and treasurer. The
business is now one of the most important in the city, and Mr. Myers has
829WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
become one of the most prominent figures in the business and financial
circles in the region. The company deals in coal and coke, fire brick and fire
clay, lime, sewer pipe, cement and builders' supplies.
Nor is this all. His interests are by no means confined, as in the case of
so many of our successful business men, to the narrow limits of his personal
affairs, but on the contrary embrace the general affairs of the community
of which he is a member. This is especially the case in the matter of politics,
in which he takes a deep and intelligent interest, and he is very active in
the local councils of the Republican party, of which he is an ardent member.
Mr. Myers has made his residence in the township of Versailles, Allegheny
county, since his business has been in McKeesport, and it is in the former
place that his political activities have lain. Here he is regarded as not only
one of the most successful politicians of'the neighborhood, but as possessing
those fortunate characteristics which fit a man for a competent office holder.
He has without doubt executive ability of no common order, his integrity is
unimpeachable, and he has shown that courage necessary to resist undue
political pressure without which no man can adequately serve the public in
any official capacity. As a consequence of these qualities, Mr. Myers has
held wellnigh all the posts of trust within the gift of the township. Among
others he has occupied the position of treasurer, school director and clerk,
besides being, as was his father before him, a delegate to the convention
nominating Dalzelle, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Myers married, October 7, I896, Clara B. Snyder, also a native of
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born May 4, I877. Mrs. Myers is a
daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Lang) Snyder, of Versailles township,
where he is a large property owner. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are the parents of
four children, as follows: Thelma, born October 6, I897, who despite her
youth is a graduate from Duff's Business College, and is now employed as a
stenographer by the United Real Estate Company of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Harold, born December 28, T903; Edward, born January 27, I908;
Herbert, born October 28, I909.
Mr. Myers is one of the most successful business men of McKeesport,
a stockholder in the City Bank of that place, and a large owner of property
both there and in Versailles township, among his valuable properties being
his place of business at the corner of Thirteenth and Market streets. Mr.
Myers and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, as his family has
always been, and they are rearing their children in the same faith.
Bavaria, the second state in size of the German Empire, is the
GIEL locality whence came John (I) Giel, father of John (2) Giel, of
Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. That has long been the family home
and it was there that George Giel, grandfather of John (2) Giel, passed his
entire life in the pursuit of farming. George Giel married and had children,
one of his sons John, of whom further.
(II) John Giel, son of George Giel, was born in Bavaria, Germany, and
was there reared, in his youth attending the local schools and acquiring a
830WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
good education. In his native land he was a farmer, operating upon his
land a flour and saw mill, and in I875 emigrated to the United States, settling
in Brooklyn, New York, and there living, retired until his death. He married Margaretta Banzer, born in Bavaria, Germany, daughter of George
Banzer, a farmer. George Banzer married a Miss Sherber, and after his
death she married again, her second husband being George Dotterweich, a
soldier under the first Napoleon, who marched with that commander in the
historic advance upon Moscow. George Dotterweich passed seven years in
France, and was a fluent master of the language of that land. John and
Margaretta (Banzer) Giel had numerous children, of whom five are living
at the present time.
(III) John (2) Giel, son of John (I) and Margaretta (Banzer) Giel;
was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 25, I853, and as a youth attended the
schools of his native land. In the spring of I872, when almost nineteen
years of age, he emigrated to the United States, coming directly to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was for one and one-half years employed on
the railroad. At the end of that time he was offered service in the stove
works owned by Alexander Bradley, and there remained for the ten years
from I873 to I883. In I883 he became the proprietor of a hotel at No. I3o6
Penn avenue, then moving to No. 452I Butler street, and continuing in this
line of business until I9o4. In this year Mr. Giel bought a farm of one
hundred and thirteen acres on the Saxonberg pike in Hampton township,
Allegheny county, remodeling the buildings and subsequently selling six
acres of his property to George Calvert. Here he has since been a farmer
and gardener, his sons, Robert an;d John Jr., now having full charge of the
agricultural operations. Mr. Giel is now causing the erection of a new house
on his property, and after its completion will live retired from all business
cares. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of Pine
Creek, Pennsylvania. He has been consistently successful in his business
dealings, and retires after a career in which hard work, persistently and intelligently directed toward the heights of prosperity, have met with worthy
rewards.
He married, in I876, Elizabeth Zuger, born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
and has children: Josephine, Willibalt, George, John, Augusta, Robert,
Elizabeth, Edmund, Florence, Zita, Gerald, Loretta, Joseph, Margaretta.
Mr. and Mrs. Giel were also the parents of two children who are now deceased, Anthony and Edmund.
The Browns herein noted came to Cumberland county, PennBROWN  sylvania, from Ireland, thence to Allegheny county. The emigrant, William Brown, after settling in Cumberland county,
with his wife, Rebecca (Gracie) Brown, there always lived and reared a
family, his fifth son, James, settling in Allegheny county. Children of
William Brown: Thomas, William, Robert, David, James, Mary. The
family were members of the United Presbyterian Church of Newville.
(II) James Brown, son of William and Rebecca (Gracie) Brown, was
83Ir~y4 4 Ym61t?C 7PWDWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, May Io, I824, died in Hampton
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October I5, I896. He was
educated in public schools, and when a young man came from Cumberland
county to Allegheny City, where he was a cattle drover. He also lived in
Hazlewood in charge of a gentleman's estate, and in i878 bought a farm in
Hampton township on which he resided until his death. He was a member
and a trustee of Hampton United Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in
politics. He married Harriet A. Green, born July 20, I839, died February
28, I9o6, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Ashton) Green. Children:
I. Rebecca J., born January 31, I86o, married Cameron Nevin. 2. Elizabeth,
born January I2, I862, married John Calvin Dickey. 3. William James, of
further mention. 4. Carrie M., born February 7, I87I, married William E.
Thomas. 5. Laura Olive, born May 30, I879, married Eli P. Thomas. 6.
Stella G., born August 26, I884, married Torrance Rowe.
(III) William James Brown, son of James and Harriet A. (Green)
Brown, was born in Allegih?eny City (Pittsburgh, North Side), Pennsylvania,
March 3, I864. He was educated in the city public schools and since leaving
school has been continuously engaged in farming in Hampton township. In
I894 he purchased his present farm of forty acres, on which he erected the
present house and barn. He is a director of the Bakerstown Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, a member of Hampton United Presbyterian Church,
and in political faith a Republican. Mr. Brown married, March 27, I890,
Mary McIntyre, born September 23, i867, daughter of Hercules and Christianna (Sterling) McIntyre, her father a blacksmith. Hercules McIntyre
was born May io, I842; Christianna Sterling was born November I3, I843.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre: I. Mary, above mentioned. 2. John,
married Anna McCaslin. 3. Robert, unmarried. 4. Isabel, married Harry
Keil. 5. James, died young. 6. George I., unmarried. 7. Ira M., unmarried.
Children of William James and Mary (McIntyre) Brown:  I. Florence
Mary, born October 5, I89I. 2. Olive I., born July 2, 1893. 3. Alice S., born
June I6, I895, died March 23, I9I3. 4. James H., born December 26, I898.
5. Harriet A., born June 7, I901. 6. Howard L., born May 25, 1907.
Joseph Allen, born in I809, in Ballynocken, county Down,
ALLEN  Ireland, came to the United States in 1846. He was a contractor of street work in Allegheny City, residing in that city
until I86I, when he removed to a farm of thirty-three acres in Ross township, which he cultivated until his death in I896. He married, soon after
coming to this country, Eliza Musgrave, daughter of John Musgrave; she
was also born in county Down, and survived her husband until I900.
Joseph Allen and his wife were both members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Their children were: Mary E. and John M.
John M. Allen, son of Joseph and Eliza (Musgrave) Allen, was born
in Allegheny City, July 6, I849. He was educated in the public schools
and Newell Davis Academy, Allegheny City, attending the latter school
two years. He accompanied his parents to the Ross township farm on
832WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
which he now resides. From I865 until I88o he lived at West View on
his farm, but in the fall of I88o removed to Allegheny City, where he lived
until I907, then removed again to his present residence in Ross township.
During his residence in Allegheny City he was variously employed until
I882, in that year establishing in the retail coal business at the corner of
Boquet and Grant avenues, that city, where he has continued actively
engaged for thirty-two years. His present residence, to which he removed
in I907, is the homestead purchased by his father in I856, his permanent
home. He is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and for
forty years was leader of the choir in the Allegheny City church of that
denomination. After his long, busy and useful life in the turmoil of the
city, Mr. Allen enjoys his country home, and finds healthful occupation in
managing its affairs.
He married, in I88o, Kate B. Kenney, daughter of Lieutenant William
Kenney, of Company B,        Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
who fell, mortally wounded, before Richmond. Children: I. Mary E.,
married Rev. E. L. McKnight, a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, now located at Sharon, Iowa; children: John, Allen and Donald.
2. John M. (2d), now living in Allegheny City, a coal dealer; married Mary
Peck, of Syracuse, New York; child, Eleanor Elizabeth. 3. Isabella. 4.
Helen. 5. Margaret. The latter three are residing with their parents at
the Ross township farm.
The name of Edmundson is of English origin, and the
EDMUNDSON family has been resident in the country many
generations.
Joseph E. Edmundson was born at McKeesport, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and was of the Quaker denomination. He married Mary
Ann Baker, also born in McKeesport, and they had children: Caleb, who
died in 1911; John F., of further mention; Levi; Rebecca, deceased;
Susan, deceased; Robert M.
John F. Edmundson, son of Joseph E. and Mary Ann (Baker) Edmundson, was born August 22, I835, in what was then Elizabeth township,
since I869 Lincoln township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and died
January 14, 1914. After an elementary education acquired in the public
schools, he attended the Conoquenessing Academy at Zelienople, and the
Union College of Wilmington. Later he took up the study of law in the
office of Hon. Samuel A. Perviance and Titian A. Coffy, and was admitted
to the bar in I86I. He was the second oldest practicing attorney in the city,
having been engaged in active practice half a century. At the time of his
death a meeting was called of the Allegheny County Bar Association to
adopt resolutions of respect to the memory of this noted attorney, and among
the eminent speakers on this occasion were: James W. Collins, L. K. Porter,
J. A. Petty, George N. Monroe, W. H. Thomson and S. W. Woods. During
th,e Civil War he was in active service for a short time. He was a Repub833WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lican in political opinion, and a member of the Methodist Church. At one
time he was considered one of the wealthiest men of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Edmundson married, in December, I863, Phoebe, a daughter of
John and Priscilla (Hall) Randolph, and a granddaughter of Joseph Hall.
Th,e Randolphs, from whom Mrs. Edmundson is descended, are descendants
of those Virginia Randolphs who settled Whitestown, Butler county, Pennsylvania. They gave land for the founding of the present Princeton University. A great-uncle of Mrs. Edmundson, John Randolph, went West,
and a brother of his, William Randolph, was a judge in St. Louis, Missouri,
while another brother was a senator from one of the western states.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Edmundson: I. Carrie, who married (first)
J. A. Herron, and had a daughter Caroline D., who married Vincent C.
Cotton, has a child Dorothy, and is living on Rosedale street; she married
(second) Joseph, Stadtfield, an attorney at the Allegheny county bar; they
live at the corner of Whitman and Wilkins streets, and have children:
Carita, Rogers, Joseph, Arnold. 2. Zella, married-    Burkhart, lives in
Pittsburgh, and has children: Earl and Clyde. 3. Elvin, an attorney, lives
in Pittsburgh; married Caroline Schroth, has one child Carolina. 4. Ira, in
the real estate business on Second avenue, Pittsburgh!.; he married (first)
Clara Cleeland, and has children: John, Lewis, Esther, Ira; he married
(second) Marian Muirhead, and has one child, William.- 5. Rand M., who
attended the Pittsburgh Academy, then studied law at the University of
Michigan and at Yale University; lives with, his mother when in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Edmundson had his summer home at Evergreen, Pennsylvania, while his
city residence was on Elizabeth street. He was also the owner of other
valuable property in the city, and the surrounding country.
From Ireland in I839 came Michael Rattigan, father of
RATTIGAN John J. Rattigan, the well known business man of Homestead, Pennsylvania. Michael Rattigan, born in I821 in
county Roscommon, Ireland, was the son of an Irish farmer, and one of a
family of unusually large well-built men. His parents lived to be over eighty
years of age, and were devout Catholics. Three of the sons, Michael, John
and Martin, came to the United States, John settling on a farm in Kent
county, Michigan, Martin locating in the city of Baltimore.
Michael Rattigan passed the first eighteen years of his life in Ireland,
working on the farm, coming to New York City in I839. He was large
and strong for his years, and at once found work as a longshoreman, an
occupation in which these qualities stood him in good part. He next secured
work on the construction of the Erie canal, at a wage of seventy-five cents
daily. In the meantime he had married and with his wife drifted westward,
becoming a sub-contractor on sections of the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad in
Maryland and Pennsylvania. In this capacity he built three miles of that
road near Cumberland, Maryland, and five miles between Hineman and
Bedford, Pennsylvania. He served three years in the Union army, during
834f
~teF,o        WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Civil War, in a New York regiment, and finally permanently located
in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. There he engaged in general contracting,
and in 1872 built a large tube mill in McKeesport. He was always a lover
of'horses and in connection with his business owned many teams, as well
as some good driving stock. He continued in business until shortly before
his death, when he sold his horses and retired. He died in I879. He was
a man of generous build, was six feet tall, and did business on a large scale,
employing many men and distributing a large amount of money each pay
day. He was a devout Catholic, and faithful to all his obligations. He married Bridget Cuff, born in county Roscommon, Ireland, in 1822, died in
Homestead, Pennsylvania, in I9OI, daughter of Patrick and Bridget Cuff,
who both lived and died in Ireland, near Sligo, he a farmer, reac'hing the
age of ninety-four years, she dying at the age of eighty-nine years. Bridget
Cuff, the daughter, came from Ireland alone when she was seventeen years
of age, met Michael Rattigan in New York City, where they were married
four years later, she then being twenty-one years of age. She had brothers
and sisters: Mary, married John Nelson, and lived in Providence, Rhode
Island; John, who remained on the homestead in Ireland; a sister who
married a Gibbons, lived and died in Ireland, rearing a large family, some
of whom came to the United States, one of them, Peter Gibbons, locating
in Altoona, Pennsylvania; Martin and Michael, both of whom located in
McKeesport. In I88o, after the death of her husband, Mrs. Rattigan moved
with her children to Homestead, Pennsylvania, where she resided until her
death in I9OI. She was a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
reared her children most carefully in that faith, and was a true, faithful
wife and mother. Children:  I. Martin, lost at sea; he followed the sea
from the time he was eleven years of age, and on his last voyage was
steward of the ship "Ladonia" that was lost off the coast of Florida; he
was unmarried. 2. Mary, married John Gilluly, a. steel worker, now residing in Homestead. 3. Michael (2), lost his arm by accident, later left
home, and was never again heard from. 4. Bridget, married John Bonner,
and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. 5. John Joseph, of whom further. 6. Nicholas,
a steel worker, now residing in Cleveland, Ohio; married Mary Manning.
7. Kate, married John I. Kane, a steel worker, now residing in Homestead,
Pennsylvania.
John Joseph Rattigan, fifth child and third son of Michael and Bridget
(Cuff) Rattigan, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, April ii, I864,
his father at that time being in the Union army. Not long after his birth
the family moved to Pennsylvania, and finally to McKeesport, where he
attended parochial schools. Later he was a student at the College of the
Holy Ghost, continuing until I882. The family had removed to Homestead
in I88o, and after returning from college, John Joseph began work in the
steel mills there. He continued a steel worker for fifteen years in Homestead, then spent one year in Worcester, Massachusetts, mills. He returned
to Pennsylvania at the end of that year, worked two years for the independent steel corporation, Jones  Laughlin, in Pittsburgh, then returned
8358WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to Homestead. In I893 he built a hotel at No. 344 Eighth avenue, Homestead, operated it until I895, then sold out and erected a building on the
same avenue, in which he established a gentlemen's furnishing store. He
continued there in a most prosperous business until April, I913, when he
disposed of his mercantile interests to become a brick manufacturer and
coal operator at Freeport, Pennsylvania, under the corporate name of the
Buffalo Creek Coal  Brick Company. He is manager and a member of the
board of directors of that company, which transacts a large and profitable
business in both its lines. Mr. Rattigan has always ranked high in his community; as a steel worker he was an expert, and the large wages he earned
were rightly used and judiciously invested; as a business man he is progressive, energetic and well balanced, his good judgment and sound sense ever
directing him rightly. He is one of the prosperous men of Homestead and
has won his way to success by his own energy and ability. He is a Democrat in politics, and has represented his ward in Homestead city council.
He is an active, devout member of St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic
Church, the Holy Name Society, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. The family home is at No. 3IO Tenth avenue, Homestead, which
Mr. Rattigan purchased.
Mr. Rattigan married, in I888, Margaret A. Good, born in Monongahela
City, Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph and Sarah C. Good, both deceased,
he of American, she of English birth. Joseph Good was a well known coal
operator. Children: Eileen, living at home; John A., private secretary to a
large ranch owner in Nevada; Margaret, a high school student; Josephine,
Raymond, Frances. The latter three attend parochial schools.
The ancestors of Dr. Albert T. Zeller, of McKeesport, PennZELLER  sylvania, came to the United States from Germany. Zeller is
an ancient and honorable German family name and in Dr. Zeller's direct line, beginning with his grandfather, Rev. Magnus Frederick
Zeller, eleven generations each produced a mininster of the gospel. Dr. Zeller's wife descends from the Trimble family of Scotland, a family noted
more for its prowess in war. Her father, Colonel James Harvey Trimble,
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished officer of the
Union army, serving until the close of the Civil War. The Zellers were
native to the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, Germany, and there Rev. Albert
Zeller, father of Dr. Zeller, first saw the light, March I3, I833, son of
Rev. Magnus Frederick and Dorothea Frederika (Herwig) Zeller. Rev.
Magnus Frederick Zeller was born in Wurttemberg, September 5, I803,
died at Basilheim, Germany, October 8, 1843. He was a minister of the
German Evangelical Church, eleven generations of his ancestors having also
followed that holy calling. Wurttemberg, a kingdom in the southwestern
part of Germany and the third state in size in the German Empire, has long
been noted for the excellence of its higher educational institutions and the
general diffusion of public instruction. Amid such conditions Magnus
Frederick Zeller grew to manhood, obtaining a superior education fitting him
836WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for the pursuit of his high calling. He lived a life of great usefulness and
in turn transmitted to his posterity the high qualities of mind, inherited by
him from educated high-minded forbears. His wife, Dorothea (Herwig)
Zeller, was born at Erlanger, Germany, April 25, i8oI, died July 14, I843.
Children: Johann, William, Sophie, Albert.
(II) Rev. Albert Zeller, son of Rev. Magnus Frederick and Dorothea
(Herwig) Zeller, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, March I3, I833.
After a long and useful career as a minister of the gospel, he is residing
near Buffalo, New York, with his eldest daughter. He was classically educated in the superior institutions of his native Wurttemberg, then studied
divinity at the University of Berne, Switzerland, and was regularly ordained
a minister of the German Evangelical Church, a profession embraced by his
forebears in succession from the sixteenth century. At the age of twentytwo years, in I855, he came to the United States as a missionary to the
German settlers in western Missouri. He quickly became known as a man
of superior mind and education and not long after his coming was chosen
general secretary of the German Evangelical Church of the United States.
This position he ably filled for a quarter of a century, also filling many
pulpits by invitation, also translating and publishing many books used in
church and school. He then returned to regular pastoral work and served
many important churches until after a continuously active ministerial life,
covering a period of fifty-three years, he retired, full of honors gained in
his Master's cause. He was in pastoral charge of churches in Cleveland,
Buffalo and Rochester, New York, serving the latter church fifteen years
with great acceptability. He possesses the gift of song and during his years
in the ministry his deep bass voice led all others in congregational singing.
Among his published works is a book of American patriotic and other songs,
translated into German for use in the German schools. He also translated
and published in English a book of German folk songs. His life has been
very full and a blessing to his fellowmen. Now at the age of eighty-one
years, the old veteran of the Cross is living a peaceful life near Buffalo,
New York, at the farm of his son-in-law, John Webster, husband of his
eldest child, Marie.
Rev. Albert Zeller married Augusta Burk, born in Wurttemberg, Germany, July 6, I833, died August 8, I888, daughter of Rev. Christian Burk,
a University graduate, minister of the Evangelical Church and editor of
Der Christen Bote, a church paper devoted to the interests of the missionary
field. He was a man of brilliant mind and profound learning, influential in
church and most useful in spreading the "glad tidings" of the gospel. He
was thrice married, Augusta being a child of his first wife. Children of Rev.
Albert and Augusta (Burk) Zeller: I. Marie, married John Webster, and
resides on a farm near Buffalo. 2. Paul, a minister of the gospel, now
serving the German Evangelical Church at Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3.
Albert T., of further mention. 4. Otto, a mechanic living in New York
City; married Sadie Smith. 5. Martha, died at age of ten years.
(III) Dr. Albert T. Zeller, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, second son of
837WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Rev. Albert and Augusta (Burk) Zeller, was born in Centerville, St. Clair
county, Illinois, January I9, I866. His early youth was spent in Illinois,
where in his district the schools were poor and the fever and ague plenty,
consequently his early education was confined to study at home, under the
direction of his honored, scholarly father and mother. When nine years of
age, his father accepted a call to the Cleveland, Ohio, church, and in the
public schools of that city and later in Buffalo, New York, he secured a
good preparatory education. In Buffalo he also attended Elmhurst Academy.
He began professional study in the College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and after graduation from that institution in I887, entered
the Medico-Chirurgical College in the same city, whence he was graduated
M. D., class of I889. He at once began medical practice in Rochester, New
York, and continued there in practice until I893, when he located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he still continues in a well established successful
practice, limited since I907 to diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat.
Dr. Zeller, in addition to his long years of experience in private practice,
has. added to his store of knowledge by post-graduate courses in noted institutions, at home and abroad. In I892-93 he did post-graduate work at
the Medico-Chirurgical College, his alma mater. In I903 he pursued a
special course in Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, New York City, and
in I9o6-07 studied in Vienna, Austria, specializing in diseases of the eye,
ear, nose and throat. As a specialist in these diseases, Dr. Zeller has attained
high rank and ministers to a very large clientele. During the fourteen years
he devoted to general practice, he acquired prominence in his profession
as a physician of skill and honor, a reputation that he fully maintains as a
specialist.
He is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, past master of Alliquippa Lodge, No. 375, Free and Accepted Masons; of McKeesport Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons; Sir Knight of McKeesport Commandery, No,. 86,
Knights Templar; and a "Shriner" of Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, Pittsburgh. He also belongs to the Heptasophs National Union,
German Beneficial Union, also several other societies, professional and
social, and with his family communes with the congregation of the First
Presbyterian Church. The family residence is at I518 Huey street, where
Dr. Zeller erected a fine brick house in I9o9.
Dr. Zeller married, June 9, I897, Harriet T. Trimble, born in Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Colonel James Harvey and Margaret (Stevens)
Trimble, both deceased, and granddaughter of William and Sarah Trimble,
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, he a farmer occupying part of the
tract on which his American ancestor settled about the year I740. The
Trimbles, originally Trumbull, came from Scotland, and according to tradition the first of the family to come to America consisted of a party of
twenty Trumbull brothers and two sisters, one of whom married De Witt
Clinton, of New York, the other married a Densmore. None of the brothers,
it is said, weighed less than one hundred and eighty pounds and none were
less than six feet in height. The founders of this branch settled in West838WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
moreland county, their land bordering the Kishimmitas river. William and
Sarah Trimble had issue: Colonel James Harvey, see forward; Thomas, a
"forty-niner," died in California in I898; John, died on the old Westmoreland county homestead; Alice, never married; Caroline, married a Mr.
Blair; Jane, married a Mr. Purvis, and lived in Iowa; Maria, married a
Mr. McWhorter.
Colonel James Harvey Trimble was born near Livermore, Salem township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 2I, I814, died June 9,
I897. He grew to manhood at the home farm, married and on his wedding
trip visited the state of Iowa. That country pleased him so well that he
purchased a farm near Des Moines and there remained a few years. He
then sold out and returned to the state of Pennsylvania, about the time
of the outbreak of the Civil War. From a youth of eighteen he had been
a member of the Pennsylvania militia, rising to the rank of major and
ever being deeply interested in military affairs. At the outbreak of the
war he aided in recruiting men in Westmoreland and began his own military
career on August ii, I86I, when he enlisted and was chosen captain of
Company C, Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry. During his first
three-year term of enlistment he participated in many battles, received
slight wounds in several of them but did not sustain serious injury. He reenlisted, September I6, I864, and from that date until the end of the war
was a regularly commissioned colonel of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment,
Second Brigade, Fifth Division, Ninth Army Corps of the Army of the
Potomac. As captain he led his men at the battles of Fort Donaldson, Pea
Ridge, Hampton Roads, Newbern, Shiloh, Island No. IO, before Richmond,
Antietam, Corinth, Prairie Grove, Fredericksburg, Murfreesboro, Chancellorsville, Port Gibson, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Brandy Station
and Knoxville. As colonel of the Second Regiment h!e was engaged at the
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Resaca, Cold Harbor, Petersburg,
Winchester and Appomattox, witnessing the final surrender of Lee's army.
His career was a glorious one and he returned to civil life full of honors.
After the war he located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he operated a
general store and engaged in other local enterprises. He there took an active
interest in politics but ever refused office for himself, although ardent in
his support of the Republican party and its candidates. In I875 he retired
from business, moved to McKeesport and there spent the remainder of his
useful life. When a youth he joined the Salem Presbyterian Church and
was ever a devoted member of that faith, as was his wife.
Colonel Trimble married Margaret Stevenson, born near Latrobe, Pennsylvania, December 28, I835, died June 6, 1899, daughter of William
Stevenson, a weaver of linen. After coming to America with his three
youngest brothers, he established the first fulling mill west of the Allegheny
Mountains, in western Pennsylvania. One of his brothers, Francis, became
a hardware merchant of Pittsburgh, the other settled at Little Washington,
Pennsylvania, Washington and Jefferson College being built on land he
owned. A sister of these brothers married a Mr. McCreight and lived in
8393WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
prises, and accordingly he erected a hotel at Brackenridge, which he named
Ihotel Trees, and of which he has since been the successful proprietor, also
owner of the building. The extensive patronage accorded him speaks well
for his excellent management, he devoting his entire attention to looking
after the comfort and pleasure of his many patrons, who are unanimous
in their praise of him as a host. Mr. Trees casts his vote for the candidates
of the Republican party, but has never aspired to public office, preferring
to give his undivided attention to his business pursuits. He is a member
of Tarentum Lodge, No. 644, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,.
of Tarentum.
Mr. Trees married, February 21, I90I, Sarah F. Frampton, of Tarentum, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of one child, Martha E., born
September 9, 90o8.
Son of parents who were natives of Pennsylvania, WilRODGERS  liam Adams Rodgers, son of James Rodgers, was born
near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, October I8, I8i6.  Upon
attaining man's estate he was captain of a canal boat on the Ohio river, then
became connected with the iron and steel manufacturing industry. He
moved to Parker, Pennsylvania, where his parents are buried, and he became
manager of a furnace, later accepting a similar position near Canton, Ohio,
in the employ of Peter Graff. Soon after the death of Mr. Graff, he moved,
to Monongahela City, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and for a.. time
engaged in coal dealing, later managing several furnaces, one in Paulding
county, Ohio, another in Latonia, Ohio. One of his business connections:
was with the Rochester Plow Factory, of Rochester, Pennsylvania, of which;
he was president, and in I862 he moved to Bellevue, Pennsylvania, purchasing eight acres of land. He became the owner of considerable more
property in this place, and was a man of prominence, one of the streets
of Bellevue bearing his name, and there he lived until his death, in December, I872. He was a man,well favored by nature with pleasing personal
attributes, possessing many friends, and by those who knew him only in
business relations he.was rightly adjudged a man of sound and upright
principle, from which deviation was an; unknown thing. He was a Republican in political faith, and although reared in the Methodist- Episcopal.
faith, in later life turned to the Catholic religion. He was prominently
identified with the Masonic order.
Mr. Rodgers married Mary Davis, who survived him five years, dying
in August, I877. Children of William Adams and Mary (Davis) Rodgers:
I. James Alexander, died in infancy. 2. Alexander Hawthorne, died in
I88o, aged thirty-six years. 3. George W., died aged forty-five years. 4.
Frank J., died in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, August 28, I9I4, aged sixtysevw-n years. 5. Robert E., lives in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, aged sixty-five
years. 6. Mary, since I863 has lived in the family home; which she recently
sold. 7. William H., died aged twenty-eight years. 8. Thomas C., resides
530WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Ligonier Valley. William Stevenson continued linen manufacture until
late in life, when he retired to a farm in Westmoreland county.
Children of Colonel James Harvey and Margaret (Stevenson) Trimble:
I. Isabella, married John Hutchinson, whom she survives, a resident of
McKeesport.  2. Anna, deceased.  3. William  S., superintendent of the
Carnegie Steel Mills at East Pittsburgh; resides in McKeesport. 4. Albert,
a retired resident of McKeesport. 5. Eleanor, a resident of McKeesport. 6.
Harvey, a resident of Port Vue, Pennsylvania. 7. Howard, a resident of
McKeesport. 8. J. Noble, assistant cashier of the City Bank, McKeesport.
9. Harriet T., wife of Dr. Albert T. Zeller, of previous mention. Children
of Dr. and Mrs. Zeller: I. Cyril Theodore, born August I8, I899, now a
student at McKeesport High School. 2. Beatrice Trimble, born September
I4, I90I. 3. Albert Noble, born February 25, I904.
This is a good old English name, dating from a remote
PIERCE  period, and is widely distributed throughout the United States
in its various form of spelling-Pierce, Pairce, Pearce-the
original form of the name being Pers. There is every reason for believing
that some of its bearers, if not all of them, derive their origin from the
ancient Percy family of Northumberland, England, the Hotspurs of the
North. Several genealogies have been written about the different American
branches, but owing to the destruction of early records it is a matter of
some difficulty to make exact connection in every case.
(I) Lewis Pierce, the first of th,is branch of the Pierce family of whom
we have record, was of English descent, and was a farmer near Monongahela City, Washington county, Pennsylvania.  He was a member of the
Methodist Church, and a man of considerable influence in the community
in which he resided.
(II) Amos Pierce, son of Lewis Pierce, was born on a farm near
Monongahela City, Washington county, Pennsylvania, April I7, I796, and
died February 20, I867. He was a farmer, and in I840 built a fine brick
house on the McKillip farm which had been inherited by his wife, and this
house is still used as a residence. Later he bought ninety acres of adjoining land, on Peter's creek, and on this he lived until his death. He was a
very successful man in the treatment of cancerous diseases, and his patients
came from far and near. In politics he was a strong Republican, and was
a leading spirit in local public affairs. His religious allegiance was given
to the United Presbyterian Church, and it was largely owing to his personal
efforts that the Jefferson United Presbyterian Church was erected. He
married Deborah McKillip, who was the only daughter of her parents who
lived beyond infancy, and as her only brother, James, died in young manhood, she was their sole heir. She was born December 8, I790, and died
April Iz, I875; she was reared strictly in the faith of the Covenanters, and
later joined the United Presbyterian Church,.
(III) James M. Pierce, son of Amos and Deborah (McKillip) Pierce,
840WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was born in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I840,
and died in I884. His early years were spent in his native township, but
later he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres, in Lincoln township, in the same county, where he resided until his death. He married
(first) Mary Kadoo, born in Snowden township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I832, died in I854 a daughter of Thomas Kadoo of English
descent. He was a farmer and also ran a distillery, and when the temperance wave struck the country in the fifties, he converted his distillery into
a grist mill, and operated this for many years. He was an elder and leader
in the Presbyterian Church, and died at the age of eighty-five years, his
wife dying at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. Pierce married (second)
Sarah Boyd, now living at Boston, Pennsylvania. By the first marriage
there were children: Mary Agnes, married Captain James Large, and lives
at Duquesne Heights, Pennsylvania; Amos McKillip, of further mention;
Thomas J. Kadoo, lives on a farm in Jefferson township, married Elizabeth
Stewart.  Children by second marriage: John Boyd, lives on the farm
in Lincoln township, married Martha Wilson; Louis, has a general and
dairy farm in Lincoln township, married Martha Kerr; Martha D., a school
teacher, lives with her mother.
(IV) Amos McKillip Pierce, son of James M. and Mary (Kadoo)
Pierce, was born in Watertown, Washington county, Ohio, September 23,
1850. He was very young when he was taken to the farm of his grandfather in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there attended the district school, and later studied at Mount Union College. He
then commenced reading medicine in the office of Dr. J. K. Van Kirk, and
finally.matriculated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1876 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He at once commenced his medical practice at West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, wl,ere he has now been located for a period of thirty-eight years,
havinlg won not alone the confidence of his numerous patients, but Their
sincere affection as well, for he is not alone a physician to them but also
a sympathetic friend and a cheerful helper in all time of trouble. He is a
Republican in political matters, and has served as a member of the council
of West Elizabeth, and of the school board for twenty years, and has been
president of the local board of health. He has acted as United States
pension examiner. He and ihis wife are members of the United Presbyterian
Church, in which,he has been an elder for a quarter of a century. He is
a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, the American Medical
Association and the McKeesport Academy of Medicine. In I9oo he erected
a fine brick residence for himself in West Elizabeth.
Dr. Pierce married, January 4, I882, Mary Eleanor Heath, born in
Jefferson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May I7, I859, and
they have one child: Glenn McKillip, born June Io, I886. He studied at
Westminster College, from which he went to Harvard Medical College,
from which he was graduated, and has now been in practice of his profession
84IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at McKeesport for the past four years. He married Blanche E. Heslyn, and
has one child, Doris, born October 25, I9I3.
Samuel Heath, grandfather of Mrs. Pierce, was of Scotc'h-Irish descent,
and his early years were spent in the state of New Jersey. He was a soldier
in the Continental army during the War of the Revolution, and after his
marriage at an early age, he went west to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where he took up a large tract of land in Jefferson township. He was a
Baptist in religious faith. He married Elizabeth Lichens.
Henry Heath, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lichens) Heath, was born
in Jefferson township, in November, I8o9, and died November 24, I876.
He inherited his father's farm of two hundred and fifty acres, and spent
his entire life there. He was a strong supporter of the Republican party,
and was known as Squire Heath. He'and his wife were Presbyterians. He
married (first) Sarah Ann Parkinson, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I827, died June 4, I859, a daughter of Washington and Sarah
Ann (Kinney) Parkinson, early settlers in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was a wealthy farmer. He also had the contract of hauling between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, making this laborious trip over
the mountains. Mr. Heath married (second) in I871, Susan Cochran.
Children, all of the first marriage: Sarah, died at the age of three years;
Elizabeth, died at the age of one and a half years; William Henry, lived in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on a farm, and died in I894; Mary
Eleanor, who married Dr. Pierce, as above mentioned.
Ireland has furnished to this country a great number of
~KINLOUGH our most patriotic and public-spirited citizens, men who
have been willing to sacrifice their lives if necessary for
the preservation of the Union, and numbered among this vast number was
the late Martin Kinlough, who was a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
for twelve years, active in community affairs, esteemed and honored by
all who knew him.
Michael Kinlough, father of Martin Kinlough, was a native of Ireland,
there spent his life and there died in the year I846. After his death his
widow, Saralh (Murphy) Kinlough, accompanied her son, Martin, to Birmingham, England, and there resided until her death in the year I879. She
was the mother of three other children, namely: Patrick, William, Sallie,
died in infancy.
Martin Kinlough was born in county Mayo, Ireland, September 27,
I832, died in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 24,
I889. He was reared and educated in his native land, after which he served
an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, becoming a thorough and practical workman. At the age of fourteen years, when deprived by death of
his father, he went to Birmingham, England, as aforementioned, and there
worked at'his trade for twenty years, assuming the responsibility of looking
after his mother and brothers, quite a hard task for one of tender years, but
it served to strengthen his character and make him thoughtful as nothing
842,WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
else would have done. Later he emigrated to the United States, locating
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a blacksmith helper for a
number of years, then removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remainedl
for about five years, then returned to Pittsburgh, and about the year I877
took up his residence in McKeesport, there spending the remainder of his
days. He worked in a number of places, and traveled considerably, thus
adding greatly to his knowledge of men and affairs. He was successful in
his business, accumulating considerable capital which he wisely invested in
real estate, and at the time of his death was the owner of considerable
property in McKeesport. He was a communicant of the Catholic Church,
and a Democrat in politics. He married, in England, Mary Coan, born in
county Mayo, Ireland, I840, died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, October 24,
I913, they having been early sweethearts, growing up together, and being
greatly devoted to each other throughout their entire lives. They were the
parents of nine children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being as
follows: I. Mollie, wife of Thomas Wood, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
2. Michael, a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 3. Catharine J., who
now owns the homestead of her parents located at No. 718 Ridge street,
McKeesport; she devoted her life to the care of her parents, being ever
thoughtful of their comfort and welfare; she is a great reader, being well
versed in history, and she expects in the near future to augment this
knowledge by travel, anticipating a visit to Birmingham, England, her birthplace, also to Ireland where iher parents were born; her father was fourteen years of age at the time of the great famine in Ireland, when so, many
people died of starvation in the streets, other countries furnishing meal
which was only fit to be fed to cattle. 4. Ellen, widow of Samuel Walker,
of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. John, a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 6. William, a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
William Galway is a member of an Irish family, and himGALWAY  self a native of Ireland, representative of the best type of
his countrymen, who have contributed so desirable an element to the complex fabric of American citizenship. His father was also
William Galway, a native of county Antrim, Ireland, who passed his entire
life in that picturesque and romantic region of a picturesque and romantic
country. He was married to Johanah McMeekim, a native of county
Antrim, Ireland, who with her husband lived and died in her native land.
William Galway, son of William and Johanah (McMeekim) Galway,
was born December 23, 1847, in county Antrim, Ireland, and passed his
childhood and young manhood there, receiving his education in the schools
of his native region. His youth happened upon a very stormy period in
Ireland's history. When he was about ten years old the famous Fenian
brotherhood was founded in America among a group of Irislhmen in this
country, having at heart the independence of Ireland. The membership of
the society rapidly grew and by the time Mr. Galway was approaching manhood, it had spread largely over the two countries, America and Ireland.WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
In I867, when he was twenty years of age, occurred the great Fenian rising,
in which he participated, coming into contact with the romantic figure of
O'Donovan Rosa. This strange personality was of the well known family
of the O'Donovans of Rosa, but the name of his district clung to him and
he was always popularly known by its appellation. O'Donovan Rosa was
the first home rule candidate for the British parliament and the campaign
and his eventual election were the occasion of violence and rioting of every
description. Mr. Galway was present at these scenes and took part in the
disturbances. Rosa was ousted from parliament on the grounds that his
election had been brought about by unfair and violent means, and he served
a term of imprisonment in an English prison and was under sentence of
death. The latter sentence was commuted by Queen Victoria on condition
that he leave the British Isles forever. The condition was accepted and
Rosa came to the United States, where he passed the remainder of his life.
In I873 Mr. Galway came to America, and made his home in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. His first employment set him to work on the Keystone
Bridge, but he soon secured a position on the Pittsburgh police force, first
as a patrolman and later as lieutenant. He then left this service and found
work as a conductor on a street car. After spending upwards of nineteen
years in Pittsburgh, Mr. Galway removed to Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, and
there entered the police force of the town. He served for a time as patrol
man and was then promoted to be chief of police for the town. Still later
he was offered and accepted the post which he now fills, that of chief of the
police force of the great steel works of the Spang and Chalfant Company at
Etna, Pennsylvania. He entered into the duties of his new office in I912.
Mr. Galway's character fit him well -for the performance of the duties of
his post, which is no sinecure. His character is naturally courageous, and
he is descended from a long line of Scotch-Irish ancestry which has through
long years become accustomed to facing danger. His uncle, Samuel Galway,
was a sergeant in the Royal Artillery and was killed at Alma.
Mr. Galway married, in I873, Nora Lyons. Mr. and Mrs. Galway are
the parents of six children, as follows: William A., Samuel R., J. M.,
Calvin Knox, Clifford, Harold L. Mr. Galway was reared in the United
Presbyterian Church, and is still an ardent member, training his children
in the same belief.
Edward L. Sutton, M. D., is a member of an old PennsylSUTTON  vania family, being descended on both sides of the house
from old residents of the state, men who were pioneers in the
region west of the great Appalachian highlands. His paternal grandfather
was John Sutton, a native of Butler county in the days when it was but
sparsely settled, but passing his entire life there and rearing his children.
One of his sons, Jacob Sutton, the father of Dr. Edward L. Sutton, was
born in that region in the year 1852 and passed his childhood there, being
educated in the local public schools. He became a mechanical engineer and
removed to McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and later to the
844;:a::::aV::;::Efr$; ~~~~~~~~~~~-' w
-7   7         7...................................................WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
city of Allegheny, where he followed his profession and eventually died.
His death occurred in the year I9II, and his widow is still living in their
home in Allegheny. In politics Mr. Sutton was a Republican, and keenly
interested in all questions, whether of general or local bearing. He and
Mrs. Sutton were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and attended
the Old Manchester Church standing on Market street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Sutton married, December 24, I86I, Susanah Montgomery, a
native of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where she was born January I3, 1842.
Mrs. Sutton was a daughter of John and Mary Montgomery, early settlers
of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where both eventually died. To Mr.
and Mrs. Sutton there were born ten children in all, of which, however,
five died in infancy or early childhood. The five' who attained maturity
were as follows: Harry; Clemence; Wisley, deceased I9IO; Edward L.,
of whom further; Mary Montgomery.
Dr. Edward L. Sutton, son of Jacob B. and Susanah (Montgomery)
Sutton, was born September 27, 1878, in the "North Side" of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He passed his childhood in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and
there received the elementary portion of his education, attending both the
local public schools and the Park Institute Night School, also had private
tutoring. At the age of twelve and a half years he was compelled to leave
school and secured a position in a real estate office where he remained for
one year, at which time he began as office boy at Carnegie Steel Company,
during the famous Homestead strike. With strict application and perseverance he worked his way into various positions, until he became order
clerk, at the same time studying at night in preparation for school. Becoming restless, feeling that he had not met his life work, he left for college in
the year I898, attending Allegheny College, Meadville, two years. During
the time that he was pursuing his general studies in these institutions, he
determined to devote his time to the study of a profession, and decided
upon medicine. He accordingly matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and there remained during three and a half years
taking the prescribed courses. He then went to the University of Maryland,
and finished his technical training there, graduating with the class of I905,
from the medical department of that institution. The year following his
graduation, he went to Bellevue, Pennsylvania, where he has ever since lived,
and here at once established himself in the general practice of his profession.
This practice, successful from the first, has continued ever since to grow,
until now it is both large and lucrative. Dr. Sutton is a member of the
Allegheny County and Ohio Valley Medical societies. Besides his professional duties and interests, onerous as these are, Dr. Sutton finds time to
identify himself with the life of the community in other aspects. He is a
member of Bellevue Lodge, No. 530, Free and Accepted Masons; Bellevue
Chapter, No. 287, Royal Arch Masons; Allegheny Commandery, No. 35,
Knights Templar; Royal Arcanum and the Modern Wolodmen of America.
In politics Dr. Sutton is a Republican, and he takes a keen interest in all
questions whether of a local or more general application.
845WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Dr. Sutton married, April 9, I907, Catherine Louise Mussler, a native
of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, born September I3, I883. Mrs. Sutton is a
daughter of Louis K. and Katherine (Keisch) Mussler, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. To Dr. and Mrs. Sutton has been born one child, a son, Robert
Lexington, July 25, I909. Dr. and Mrs. Sutton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are rearing their son in that persuasion.
Dr. Sutton stands in tihe first rank of his profession in Bellevue and
the surrounding district, and besides his personal practice holds honorable
and important posts. He is on the staff of the Suburban General Hospital,
and assistant staff member of the Presbyterian Hospital of the "North Side,"
Pittsburgh.
Many of the resident's of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, claim
FRITCHIE Germany as their birthplace, and among this vast number
must be mentioned Charles E. Fritch,ie, born in Germany,
November 5, I838, son of Godfried and Wilhelmina (Fiedler) Fritchie,
both of whom were born, lived and died in Germany.
Charles E. Fritchie received an excellent education in the schools of
his native land, and he remained there until the year I865 when h!e came
to this country, locating in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, securing employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad, with which corporation he remained
until I870, and then embarked in the hotel business, which line of work he
successfully followed for twenty-eight years. For the past eight years he
has lived retired from active pursuits, residing at No. 5Io Flagler street.
He is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word, having no capital
when he took up his residence in McKeesport, neither influential friends
to assist h,im, and at the present time (I914) is the owner of the attractive
house in which he resides, six dwelling houses in the borough of Liberty,
also eighty lots, which are constantly increasing in value. The success
which attended his efforts is solely the result of hard and unremitting toil
and a steadfast determination to win the goal he desired. His only regret
is that he was not in this country in time to actively participate in the
struggle for the abolition of slavery. He is a stockholder in the City and
National banks of McKeesport. He is a member of the German Protestant
Church!, located on Walnut street, M;cKeesport, and an Independent in
politics, not being hampered in the casting of his vote by party affiliation.
Mr. Fritchie married, in East Pittsburgh (then Braddock), Pennsylvania, in I868, Louise Zuber, a native of Germany, coming to this country
from Heidelberg. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom
died in infancy, and the others being as follows: Edward, deceased; Frank,
deceased; Albert, resides in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, married
Minnie Klein and has two children: HIarold and Louise, and an adopted
child, Erna; Lisetta, at home. Tile deaths of Edward and Frank, who had
both attained years of manhood, although unmarried, was a severe blow
to their parents; they were both devoted to their parents, were great lovers
of good literature, well read on many topics, especially in current events.
846WESTER1N I EN N NSYLVAN IAn
Mr. Fritchie, although well advanced in years, takes an active interest in
all that pertains to the welfare of the community, and is held in high esteem
by a wide circle of friends.
James Ray Todd was one of the early settlers of
TODD AND CRICK Beaver county, Pennsylvania. In his early years
he was a tanner by trade and lived in Rochester,
Beaver county, but he later became a farmer, and continued in this occupation until the year of his death, I907. He was a Republican in politics, a
man who took an alert interest in the questions of the day, especially in the
conduct of local affairs. He and his family were members of the United
Presbyterian Church. He married Margerette E. Campbell, a native of
Raccoon township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and
Phoebe (Mercer) Campbell, also early settlers in that region. Mr. Campbell met with an accident which caused his death, but was survived by his
widow until the year I892, when she died at the advanced age of ninetytwo, her birth having taken place in thle year I8oo. Mr. Todd's marriage
to Miss Campbell was celebrated in Raccoon township, and to them were
born five children, as follows: Wilhelmina, deceased; William Campbell;
Addison; Harry B., of whom forward; Lula. Mr. Todd's death occurred in
the year I907 and he is survived by Mrs. Todd, now a resident of Chester,
West Virginia.
Harry B. Todd, the fotirth child of James Ray and Margerette E.
(Campbell) Todd, was born November I7, I878, in Raccoon township,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. His childhood was spent on his father's
farm, and his education was obtained at the local public schools. Upon
completing his studies there, he learned thie trade of tinner, going to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, for that purpose. He remained in that city for three
years, and in I907, the year of his father's death, he removed to Avalon,
Pennsylvania, and secured a position with O. P. Springer, with, whom he
was employed for a term of three and a half years. At the end of this
time Mr. Todd decided upon embarking upon a venture of his own, and
accordingly withdrew from his association with Mr. Springer and established a business in roofing and furnace work on his own account. He took
into partnership with him Mr. John A. Crick, a sketch of whose family
appears in connection with the present article, the name of the firm being
now H. B. Todd  Company. The enterprise was successful from the
start, and the concern is now doing a large and flourishing business. Besides his activity in the mercantile world, Mir. Todd plays a prominent
part in the life of th,e community generally, and is identified with its
interests in many ways. In politics he is a Republican, taking a keen and
intelligent interest in questions both of general and local import. He is a
member of the Order of Independent Americans.
Mr. Todd married, December 9', I9o4, Lottie Hall, a native of Roane
county, West Virginia, daughter of Perry Hall. To Mr. and Mrs. Todd
have been born four children, as follows: Virginia, Wilbert, Edith, Marylee,
847WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
trustworthy in his transactions, and by carefully attending to the wants and
wishes of his customers gained their good will and steady patronage. He
was a member of the Lutheran Church, in which his widow also holds
membership, and he gave his allegiance to the candidates of the Republican
party.
Mr. Gephardt married, November 30, I873, Hannah Sophia Goering,
born in Germany, July II, I850, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Wolfrom)
Goering, both natives of Germany, from whence they emigrated to this
country, settling on a farm in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in I854. He
was a wheelwright by trade, which occupation he followed for many years.
He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Their children
were: Henrietta; Christian, deceased; Hannah, deceased; Christian; Fredericka; Hannah Sophia, mentioned above; Theresa, deceased. Mr. Goering died August 23, I887, he having survived his wife many years, her
death occurring July 23, I878. Mr. and Mrs. Gephardt were the parents
of eight children: I. Anna, born October ii, I874, died July 20, I88I. 2.
Charles Albert, born November I2, I876; a resident of Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania; married Elizabeth Fhreeling; children: Clarence G.,
William E., Charles. 3. Ellery Alexander, born November I8, I877; a resident of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania; married Margaret Lunderstead; child,
Donald E. 4. Hannah Theresa, born August 24, I879; married in Tarentum,
Pennsylvania, May 2I, I907, Edward William Whiteside, born in Clarion
county, Pennsylvania, reared in Tennessee, killed in the Sheet Mill, November II, I907; one child, Edna Theresa, born April 8, I9o8. 5. Ralph W.,
born June 5, I88I, died March I7, I885. 6. Ellen A., born October 23,
1883; married Cyrus Daniel Whitemire; children: Ralph A., Irene A. and
Eugene C., twins, Clyde A., Edward J. 7. Emma Matilda, born January
18, 1887; resides at home. 8. Laura M., born February 28, I894, resides at
home. On August I8, I904, Mrs. Gephardt took up her residence in
Tarentum, purchasing a house on East Sixth avenue, where the family have
since resided. They are well and favorably known in the community, and
have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
George B. King comes on his father's side of a family representaKING  tive of the best type of Irish character, which has brought to
the composition of the complex citizenship of the United States
a leaven of its own peculiar virtues, a strong practical sense, enterprise and
indomitable courage. His mother's ancestry was originally of Scotch origin,
but has lived for so many years in Pennsylvania as to have become thoroughly identified with the life and associations of that state.
His paternal grandfather was John King, who was born and passed
his entire life in Ireland, and there, also, was born his son, John King, the
second, the father George B. King. This young man, however, influence(d
by the accounts of the freedom and opportunity to be found in the great
republic of the Western Hemisphere, decided not to remain in his native
land, and accordingly set sail for the United States, while still a mere lad.
559WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
all of whom are living. In the year I908 Mr. Todd built a handsome residence for himself and family at No. 75I Semple avenue, Avalon, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Todd are members of the Lutheran Church, and in
this belief are rearing their children.
John A. Crick, a partner of Harry B. Todd, in the firm of H. B. Todd
 Company, is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Western
Pennsylvania. His paternal great-grandfat,her was Jacob Crick, a native of
Germany, who in the early days of immigration arrived in this country from
his native land, and settled in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. To him and
his wife, Rachel Crick, were born eight children, as follows: John, David,
Daniel, Henry, Susan, Betsey, Lewis, Christin. The seventh of these
children, Lewis Crick, was educated in the Clarion county public
schools, and later learned the carpenter's trade.  He lived all his
life in Clarion county, and there plied his trade.  His death occurred
when he was but thirty-seven years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics a Republican. He married Nancy
Wilson, whose parents were pioneers of Clarion county, Pennsylvania. To
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Crick were born seven children, as follows: Clara,
deceased; Sarah; Mary; Robert C., of whom forward; David, deceased;
Bell, deceased; Bird.
Robert C. Crick, fourth child of Lewis and Nancy (Wilson) Crick,
and father of the present Mr. Crick, was born August 3, I86o, at Rimersburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the schools of his
native place, and following in his father's footsteps, he learned the carpenter's trade. He did not persevere in this occupation, but engaged in the oil
business, remaining in the Bradford oil fields for six years, and then in the
Washington county oil fields seven years longer. In I897 he came to Avalon,
Pennsylvania, and in the same year built for himself a handsome house.
Mr. Crick is a member of the Republican party and an active man in politics,
having served his fellow citizens in the capacity of a member of the police
force and as a member of the street commission, the former for five and the
latter for eight years. Mr. Crick is also active in the social and fraternal life
of the town, being a member of the Order of Independent Americans, and of
the Knights of the Maccabees. His membership in the latter organization
has continued for twenty-five years. Mr. Crick is a member of the Presbyterian Churclh.
Mr. Crick married, December, I883, Margaret Aminda Culbertson, a
native of Clarion county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Crick
have been born three children, as follows: Clara, now Mrs. George Morland;
Frances, now Mrs. William Scott and the mother of one son, Robert Wesley
Scott; John A., of whom forward.
John A. Crick, the third and youngest child of Robert C. and Margaret
Aminda (Culbertson) Crick, was born July 25, I891, in Washington county,
Pennsylvania, and passed his childhood in the oil fields of that region. While
he was still young, however, his parents removed to Avalon, their present
home, and took him with them, and it was here that he received his education
848WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA                             849
in the local public schools. After the completion of his studies, he entered
into partnership with Mr. Harry B. Todd, and with him formed the firm
cf H. B. Todd  Company, engaged in roofing and furnace work. The firm
is most successful. Mr. Crick has been reared in the Presbyterian Church.
He is very active in the life of his town, and takes a prominent part in
politics there as a member of the Republican party. He is also a member of
the Order of Independent Americans. Mr. Crick is unmarried.
Frank (Franz) Amrhein was born in Bavaria, Germany,
AMRHEIN  and was in his early youth when he emigrated to this country. He settled in Lower St. Clair township, and his first
employment was as a mine worker. He had learned the plasterer's trade in
Germany, and from that drifted into the glass business. Finally he purchased a small garden, and followed gardening as an occupation until his
death. He was independent in political opinion, and he and his wife were
members of St. Michael's Church, but later became charter members of
St. Joseph's Church, which was organized in St. Clair borough, and retained
their membership in this church until it was cut off by death. They also
belonged to several church societies, and were active in their interests. Mr.
Amrhein married Barbara Hirsh, who also came to America in her youth,
and they had children: Father Joseph, first consulter of the Passionist
Order in Rome; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Francis A., of further mention;
Jacob, born in March, I863, died at the age of eighteen years; Andrew, of
further mention.
Francis A. Amrhein, son of Frank and Barbara (Hirsh) Amrhein, was
born May 4, I86I. He was educated in St. Joseph's Parochial School. Upon
leaving this he obtained employment in the glass works, and then entered
the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, remaining for a period
of ten years, being employed to assist in handling the mail. In I896, in
partnership with his brother, Andrew, he established himself in the wagon
building business at No. 2215 Jane street, South Side, Pittsburgh, and has
been identified with this industry since that time. Tthey started the business
in a modest way, in a shop only twenty by forty feet, increased this to
eighty feet, and later to one hundred and twenty feet. Still later they added
another story to their building, and used this addition for a paint shop.
They have an average of seven men in their employ, but it is frequently
necessary to increase this working force. Their wagons are shipped all over
the western part of the state of Pennsylvania. Their wagon repair shop is
conducted on a proportionate scale. He is a Republican politically, and
has served four years as treasurer of the borough. He lives in a beautiful
house at No. 128 Clover street, St. Clair borough. He and his brother
Andrew were among the organizers and charter members of St. Henry's
Church, and had it not been for their activities it is doubtful whether the
church would have been successfully organized. At one time they assumed
a large financial risk, but by their excellent management the undertaking
prospered and it is now a parish in excellent standing. For many years heWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
has been a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, and has
served as its financial secretary, and he is a member of the Knights of St.
George. Mr. Amrhein married, September I8, I886, Mary Louise Seubert,
born in Allegheny, a daughter of Sebastian and Mary Seubert, both deceased.
Children: Gertrude Barbara, Hilda, who died at the age of fourteen
months; Mary Louisa, George, Francis.
Andrew Amrhein, son of Frank and Barbara (Hirsh) Amrhein, was
born in Lower St. Clair township, now St. Clair borough, December 4, I865.
He acquired his education at St. Joseph's Parochial School, and upon leaving
this was apprenticed to learn the trade of wagon building and blacksmithing.
This apprenticeship was passed on Eighth street. He then worked at his
trade elsewhere for five and a half years, and then associated himself in
business with his brother Francis A., as mentioned in the preceding paragraph. He is a Republican in politics, and has served one term of four
years in the St. Clair borough council. He is president of Branch No. 2II,
Catholic Mutual Benefit Association; a member of the Knights of St. George,
the Order of Moose, and a Benefit Society. Mr. Amrhein rmarried, in I89I,
Catherine Kirsch, born in Lower St. Clair township, a daughter of Jacob
and Margaret Kirsch, very early residents of the township. Children:
Frank Joseph, in business with his father, is financial secretary of Branch
No. 2II, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association; Hilda Anna, died at the age
of twenty months; Mary Louisa, Joseph Frank, Andrew John, Jacob Adam,
Catherine Mary, Margaret Susanna, Aloysius Peter, William Anthony.
Michigan was the birthplace of Fred L. Fast, but Ohio was
FAST formerly the home of the family. In Jefferson county, Ohio,
Benjamin F. Fast was born, and was educated for the ministry
of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Union College, graduating from
that institution a member of the second class to receive diplomas. He was
active in the ministry for but a short time. He then entered business life
as a merchant in Michigan, later returned to Ohio and there engaged in
mercantile dealings until his death. Successful in business, he won respect
and regard from those with whom he associated, and lived a life active and
useful, his every relation to his fellows upright and honorable.
Benjamin F. Fast married Nancy E. Filson, born in Jefferson county,
Ohio, daughter of Robert and Caroline (Gillespie) Filson, of Stark county,
Ohio, her mother a daughter of James Blaine Gillespie, a relative of James
G. Blaine, the well-known statesman. Children of Benjamin F. and Nancy
E. (Filson) Fast: r. Frank R., of Mansfield, Ohio. 2. Fred L., of whom
further. 3. Hallie M., married a Mr. Cowan, and lives in Butler, Pennsylvania. 4. Harry G., of Ben Avon, Pennsylvania. 5. Josephine A., of
Emsworth, Pennsylvania.
Fred L. Fast, son of Benjamin F. and Nancy E. (Filson) Fast, was
born in Michigan, and was educated in the public schools of Alliance, Ohio.
His studies at an end, he became a clerk in the employ of the Pennsylvania
Railroad, at Alliance, and was afterward transferred to the company's
85oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
offices in Pittsburgh, in the engineering department.  In I905 Mr. Fast
resigned from the railrolad service, and established in independent business
as a stock and bond broker, having resided in Glenosborne, Pennsylvania,
since I904. The securities that he has handled have been of a uniformly
high standard, and through reliable service and straightforward transactions
he has won and holds the trust and confidence of a large patronage. Mr.
Fast is well-known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, and to lodge, chapter, and council of the Masonic Order.
He is identified with the Republican party, and has participated in local
politics. He married, in February, I892, Ada M. Bevington, and is the
father of John F. and Fred L. Jr.
General Alexander Hays was born at Franklin, Venango
HAYS county, Pennsylvania, July 8, I8I9. He was the fifth child and
the fourth son of Samuel and Agnes (Broadfoot) Hays. This
worthy couple had six children, viz.: Eleanor, John Broadfoot, David
Brown, Samuel B., Alexander (the subject of this memoir), and James P.
Mrs. Agnes Hays, the mother of these children, died in November, I839.
Samuel Hays, the father, died at his home in Franklin, July 6, I868, in
his eighty-fifth year. Samuel Hays, known in his home community as
General Hays from his commission and service as such in the early Pennsylvania militia, was a man of high standing. Born in county Donegal,
Ireland, September Io, 1783; at the age of seven, with his mother, Mrs.
Eleanor Hays, he emigrated to the United States and located in Venango
county, Pennsylvania, then an almost unbroken forest just opening to settlement. Eleanor Hays died in 1822. General Samuel Hays served as treasurer and sheriff of Venango county and in both branches of the general
assembly of Pennsylvania, and was elected to the twenty-eighth congress
of the United States, entering that body in I843. He later served as United
States marsh.al for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and was associate
judge of Venango county, and all these positions he filled with honor and
integrity.
On his maternal side Alexander Hays was of Scotch lineage, the
Broadfoot family having come to Pennsylvania early in the last century,
and they, too, found a home in its northwestern corner. The family name
is chiefly known and localized in Wigtonshire, though frequently met with
in other parts of Scotland. The Broadfoots were a numerous family that
came from a distinguished Scotchi ancestry, of which they were very proud.
~Alexander Hays received a common school education in his native
town, and later entered Allegheny College at Meadville. Subsequently
he received an appointment as cadet in the Military Academy at West Point.
where he graduated in I844, and where he had been the fellow student of
U. S. Grant and Winfield S. Hancock. Immediately on leaving West Point
he was assigned to duty, with the brevet of second lieutenant, in the Fourth
Infantry, to which U. S. Grant also belonged. The Mexican war breakingWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
out about this time, his regiment was among the first to advance upon the
enemy's territory, and in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma,
Lieutenant Hays captured, in connection with Lieutenant Woods, likewise
a Pennsylvanian, the first gun wrested from the enemy. In this engagement he received a wound in the leg, and in recognition of his gallantry
in these actions he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and transferred to the Eighth Infantry. His wound unfitting him for active duty,
he was sent on recruiting service to Western Pennsylvania, where he soon
enlisted a battalion of five hundred men from the hardy pioneers of that
region, and rejoined the army at Vera Cruz, participating in all the engagements until the end of the Mexican war. His list of battles numbered
twenty, ending at Zacultapan.
On the restoration of peace, Lieutenant Hays resigned his commission
in the army and engaged in civil pursuits. His education at West Point
made him a skilled engineer, and the country just then awakening to the
importance of railroad construction, had need of his services. While engaged on an extensive work in bridge engineering for the Allegheny Valley
Railroad, Fort Sumter was fired on. Without waiting to finish his work,
he laid it aside, saying to his wife as he did so, "That kind of work is
now ended. My country calls, and I must hasten to the field." He enlisted
in a militia company in Pittsburgh, known as the City Guard, of which he
was chosen captain. This company became part of the Twelfth: Regiment,
for the three months' service, and Captain Hays was commissioned major.
In the summer of I86I he was appointed captain of the Sixteenth United
States Infantry; at the close of the term of service of the Twelfth he returned home, and at once set about recruiting a regifnent for the war. His
companions of the old "City Guard" whom he had converted into real soldiers, followed him, and his regiment was designated the Sixty-third
Pennsylvania Volunteers, Major Hays being commissioned colonel. Its
history is bright with laurels, and red with the blood of its decimated ranks.
In a severe engagement at Second Bull Run, Colonel Hays, in leading his
men up an embankment occupied by the enemy, was shot in the leg, and
that limb badly shattered.  His services in this and subsequent actions
did not pass without recognition from the government. He was appointed
and confirmed brigadier-general of volunteers, and lieutenant-colonel in the
regular army.
Before General Hays had entirely recovered from his wound he was
assigned to the command of the Third Brigade of Casey's Division, Twentysecond Corps, in charge of the defenses before and around Washington.
During this time he was preparing his brigade for the eventful days of
July, I863, when the Fourth of'76 was re-endeared to our heart's affection,
in the new baptism of blood and tears. On the third day of the battle of
Gettysburg, General Hays, commanding the Third Division of the Second
Army Corps, finds himself opposed to General Pickett and others of General Hays' classmates at West Point, and comrades of the Mexican war,
852WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
had been cannonading the opposing lines for some time without effect;
then moves his troops across the field, thinking, no doubt, that his veterans
will drive these raw  militia like chaff'before the wind.  But they meet
General Hays and his veterans; he has put fight into them. He restrains
himself and his men until the enemy is at close quarters. Then the word
is "Up and at them!" His rapid, well-directed volleys sent the column reeling in confusion back upon its rear and center. A hurricane, charged with
lead and fire and death consumes them.  The battle was won.  This was
the decisive charge, and General Hays was a hero among the heroes of
Gettysburg. He takes from the enemy that day twenty-two regimental
banners or battle flags, three thousand stand of arms, and captures about
twice the number of his command. Out of sixteen mounted orderlies he
has but two left. He has lost all of his colonels; lieutenant-colonels command brigades; lieutenants command regiments. Two of his horses are
killed under him; his entire staff is unhorsed. Their steeds lie dead where
they fell, or are in their last agonies.
A correspondent of a Buffalo newspaper, himself a soldier, and who
was upon that fatal hill when the battle was at its height, beholding the
deeds of valor of this brave leader, and his fearlessness when the very air
seemed freighted with danger, thus described him:
I wish you could have seen the picture, just at the close of last Friday's battle,
on the left of our centre, of which his splendid figure formed a prominent part. Our
little brigade, which had been lying on Cemetery Hill, was ordered over to the position
that was so valiantly but unsuccessfully charged by Pettigrew's rebel division. We
hurried there through a storm of shot and shell, but only arrived in time to see the
grand finale, the tableau vivants, and, alas, morants, at the close of the drama. The
enemy's batteries were still playing briskly, and their sharpshooters kept up a lively
fire, but their infantry, slain and wounded and routed, were pouring, prisoners, into
our lines throughout their whole extent. Then enter Alexander Hays, brigadiergeneral United States Army, the brave American soldier. Six feet or more in height,
erect and smiling, lightly holding in hand his horse-the third within an hour, a
noble animal, his flanks be-spattered with blood, he seized a captured rebel flag,
handing one to each of his aides, David Shields and George P. Corts, all three
dashing along in front of our division line, trailing ignominiously in the dust the
enemy's flags, now rushing out in the open field, a mark for a hundred sharpshooters,
but never touched, now quietly cantering back to our lines to be welcomed with a
storm of cheers. I reckon him the grandest view of my life. I bar not Niagara. It
was the arch spirit of glorious Victory triumphing wildly over the fallen foe. It
is not my good fortune to be personally acquainted with this General Alexander
Hays, but I wish everyone, as far as I can effect it, to honor him as the bravest of
soldiers, and love him as the best-hearted of men. A true chevalier he must be,
sans peur et sans reproche. It seems miraculous that General Hays escaped unharmed.
The character of General Hays was manifested in the letter acknowledging the receipt of a magnificent sword, presented him by the citizens of
Pittsburgh, a few months after the battle of Gettysburg, in which he says:
When the rebellion broke upon us like a tornado, in the desecration of our flag
at Sumter, I took oath never to sheath my sword until honorable peace should restore
us to one glorious Union.
General Walker, in his "History of the Second Army Corps," thus
speaks of General Hays at Gettysburg:
Here was to be seen the new division commander, General Alexander Hays,
with his staff and his flag following him, dashing along the skirmish line, inciting
his men to renewed activity, in the eye of both armies.  Such demonstations which,
with General Hays, were of frequent occurrence, were likely to give the impression
853WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
that he was a mere hot-headed fighter; whereas, in fact, his extraordinary vivacity
in battle was united with a soundness of judgment and firmness of temper which
made him one of the most useful officers in the service.
Of the Confederate battle flags captured, General Hancock's official
report of the battle of Gettysburg is quoted: "There were undoubtedly
thirty-three colors captured." Of these General Alexander Hays' command, the Third Division of the Second Army Corps, captured twentytwo. In all the subsequent battles of the Army of the Potomac, General
Hays took an active part, with no less honors than he received at Gettysburg. On the first day of May, I864, the Army of the Potomac marched
into the Wilderness. Here was fought one of the most desperate battles
of the war. On the 5th of May, General Hays, then in command of the
survivors of Kearney's old division of heroes, occupying the key to Grant's
position, was shot through the head, not dying for three hours, so wonderful
was his vitality. Of his death a few of the reports of officers who witnessed
the battle are quoted:
In General Hancock's official report of the battle of the Wilderness,
he says:
General Alexander Hlays, that dauntless soldier, whose intrepid and chivalric
bearing on so many battlefields had won for him the highest renown, was killed at
the head of his command.
General Grant, in his Personal Memoirs, speaking of the death of his
old classmate, says:
One of our most gallant commanders, General Alexander Hays, was killed. I
had been with him at West Point, and had served with him through the Mexican war.
He was a most gallant officer, ready to lead his command wherever ordered. With
him it was'iCome, boys,' not'Go.'
The death of General Hays is thus described by General Walker, in
his History of the Second Army Corps:
The losses had been heavy.,Among the killed of that afternoon was General
Alexander Hays. At Gettysburg, at Bristoe, at Mine Run, at Morton's Ford, this
devoted officer rode, with his staff and flag behind him, the mark of a thousand
riflemen, the admiration of the two armies, only to fall in a tangled wilderness, where
scarce a regiment could note his person, and derive inspiration from his courage and
martial enthusiasm. All the peculiar advantages of the Army of the Potomac were
sacrificed in this jungle-fighting into which they were called to engage. Of what use
here was the tactical skill and perfection of form; of what use here the example
and the personal influence of a Hays or a Hancock?
In his "Campaigning with Grant," General Horace Porter says:'The fighting had become exceedingly severe on that part of the field. General
Alexander Hays, one of the most gallant officers in the service, commanding one of
Hancock's divisions, finding that his line had broken, rushed forward to reorganize
his troops, and was instantly killed. * * * After remaining some time with Hancock's men, I returned to headquarters to report the situation to the general-in-chief,
and carry to him the sad intelligence of Hays' death. General Grant was by no means
a demonstrative man, but upon learning the intelligence I brought, he was visibly
affected. He was seated upon the ground with his back against a tree, still whittling
pine sticks. He sat for a time without uttering a word, and then, speaking in a low
voice, and pausing between the sentences, said "Hays and I were cadets together for
three years. We served for a time in the same regiment in the Mexican war. He
was a noble man and a gallant officer. I am not surprised that he met his death at
the head of his troops; it was just like him. He was a man who would never follow,
but would always lead in battle."
What more fitting tribute could be paid the memory of General Hays
than that in the formal official report of his death:
854WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The fighting became very fierce at once, the lines of battle being very close,
the musketry continuous and deadly along the whole line. General Alexander Hays,
an officer of distinguished gallantry, was killed at the head of his command.
The thoughts and feelings of General IHays just before entering upon
that desperate conflict in the Wilderness, where he lost his life, were expressed in a letter written upon the morning on which the march commenced:
This morning was beautiful, for
Lightly and brightly shone the sun,
As if the morn was a jocund one.
Although we were anticipating to march at 8 o'clock, it might have been an
appropriate harbinger of the regeneration of mankind; but it only brought to remembrance, through the throats of many bugles, that duty enjoined upon each one, perhaps,
before the setting sun, to lay down his life for his country.
The body of General Hays was brought to Pittsburgh and buried from
the First Presbyterian Church with all the honors' of war. Business was
suspended and the city paid homage to the memory of one loved and
admired by all. Soon after the close of the war a movement was inaugurated by the soldiers of General Hays' command to erect a memorial to his
memory. In a short time sufficient funds had been collected to erect the
monument which today marks his resting place. Other memorials have
been erected to the memory of General Hays as follows: The monument
in the public square in Franklin, Pennsylvania, his native place; that marking the spot where he fell in the Wilderness, Virginia; the bronze tablet
placed by the city of Franklin in Cullom  Memorial Hall, West Point;
Victory Monument, West Point, and the magnificent Hays monument
erected by the state of Pennsylvania on the site of the general's position
on the Gettysburg battlefield. Two histories of Alexander Hays have been
published: "Under the Red Patch," by Gilbert A. Hays, and "Life and
Letters of Alexander Hays," by George T. Fleming and Gilbert A. Hays.
The following is a list of battles in which General Hays participated:
Mexican War-Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Santa Fe, Pasco de Orejas,
National Bridge, Huamantla, E1l Penal, Pueblo, Atlixco, San Augustin-de
la Palma, Tehuacan, Galaxca, Flaxcala, Orizaba Cordova, Tulancingo,
Zacultapan.  Rebellion-I86i-I865-Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks,
Peach Orchard, White Oak Swamp, Glendale, Malvern, Bristoe (August,
I862), Bull Run, Groveton, Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristoe (October, I863),
Locust Grove, Mine Run Expedition, M:orton's Ford and the Wilderness.
Alexander Hays and Annie Adams McFadden, daughter of John B.
McFadden, of Pittsburgh, were married February I9, I846. Of this union
there were nine children: Agnes Milnor, John McF., died in infancy;
Alden F., Rachel McF., Gilbert A., Allan N., died in infancy; Martha A.,
Alfred P., James M. Agnes Milnor Hays married George A. Gormly:
children: Eleanor A., Samuel, Mary A., Edwin, died in infancy.  Alden
Farrelly Hays married (first) Lizzie Stucke, who died September 9, I886,
with her infant daughter; married (second) Augusta Ulrich, who died
December 20, I894, with her infant daughter; children: Martha A., James
Byers, George A. Rachel McFadden Hays married John S. Sullivan; chil855WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
dren: Anne Eleanor, John S. Jr., died in infancy, and Alex. H. Gilbert
Adams Hays married Sarah Fleming; children: Alexander, Fredericka F.,
Davis S., George F., Joseph Fleming, Gilbert McF., died in infancy; James
M., John Alden, died young, and Elizabeth, F. Martha Alden Hays
married Robert Bruce Black; children: Alexander H., Margaret R., and
Agnes A. Alfred Pearson Hays married (first) Mary Isabella Harper;
she died October 3I, I895; married (second) Rachel E. Allen; one son,
Alexander B. James McFadden Hays married Olive Byers; children:
Frances Byers and Alden F.
The Shipley family is an old and honored one of Virginia,
SHIPLEY  and is of German and French extraction. The successive
generations have been most successfully engaged in various
lines of industry, and have also proven their worth in professional lines.
(I) -     Shipley, lived and died in Rockingham  county, Virginia,
where he was a plantation owner and slave holder. He was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Among their children was Joseph N.,
of further mention.
(II) Joseph N. Shipley, son of the preceding, was born in Rockingham
county, Virginia, in 1829, died October 2, I912. He was engaged in farming in his native county until he was about forty years of age, and then
became a boatman on the Chesapeake  Ohio canal. Soon afterward he
became a lock tender at Two Locks, Maryland, filling this office for a period
of twenty years. In 1892 he removed with his family to McKeesport,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and lived in retirement there until his
death. During the Civil War he was in active service in a Virginia regiment,
and was wounded in the back by a piece of a shell. He was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Shipley married Elizabeth
Marie Hall, born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in I836, died November
II, I907. She also was descended from an old Virginia family. Mr. and
Mrs. Shipley had children: Samuel P., deceased, was a heater in Wood's
Rolling Mill, and lived in McKeesport; Lucy, married John Magrudder,
lives in McKeesport; Isaac Van Doren, died at the age of twenty-eight
years; Jefferson, died at the age of thirty-one years; Walter Edward, died
at the age of thirty-two years; Lyda, married Louis L. Krebs, and lives in
Jeannette, Pennsylvania; Ada, married Thomas Palmer, and lives in Seattle,
Washington; William H., a butter and egg merchant in McKeesport;
Joseph N., of further mention; David K., an electrician, lives in McKeesport.
(III) Joseph N. (2) Shipley, son of Joseph N. (I) and Elizabeth
Marie (Hall) Shipley, was born at the village of Two Locks, Washington county, Maryland, May 28, 1876. He acquired his education in the
public schools of his native place and McKeesport, Pennsylvania, coming
to the latter town with his parents in I892. His first business position was
as an operator of a hydraulic crane in Wood's Rolling Mill, an occupation
he followed two years, then was a mechanic in the same mill for about
four years. About I899 he became a clerk in the grocery store of James
856.W,'. --WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Upon his arrival in this country, he made his way directly to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, later to Harpers Ferry, then to Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
then back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent the latter part of his
life and died. He first found employment as a moulder in an iron foundry,
being later promoted to the position of manager of the concern, a post
which he continued to hold until his death. He was extremely capable in
his work and made himself a man of substance and prominence in his
adopted community. He married Martha Burket, a native of Storriestown,
Pennsylvania, where she was born, a daughter of Jacob and Martha
(Thompson) Burket, old residents and natives of the region about Storriestown, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Burket was a farmer and also plied the
carpenter's trade. Mr. and Mrs. King Sr. were the parents of nine children,
of whom George B. was the sixth.
George B. King was born March 31, I863, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He obtained some schooling in the Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, public schools, but is, in a large measure, self-educated, being
naturally a student, and having taken up the study of chemistry since his
marriage. In very early youth he became greatly interested in decoration,
from the age of eleven years giving his time to work in that line, particularly to fresco painting, which he devoted himself to from that age up to
the time of his fortieth year, in I902. During this period he resided, from
I883 on, in the "North Side," Pittsburgh, contracting for the painting of
frescos in that neighborhood, and for decorative work generally. He was
engaged in this business for eighteen years, but in I902 he removed to Millvale, Pennsylvania, where he opened a mercantile department store, and
gave up his former work. In the later venture he has been highly successful, and is now a prominent figure in the community, which continues to
this day his home.
Mr. King's activities are not confined to his personal and business interests. On the contrary, he takes a conspicuous part in the life of the
town generally, particularly in the social and fraternal circles, and is a
member of the Knights of the Maccabees; Lodge No. 45, Free and Accepted Masons; Zerubbabel Chapter, No. I62, Royal Arch Masons; Tancred Commandery, No. 48, Knights Templar; Pennsylvania Consistory,
Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, all located in the city of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. While Mr. King has always been a member of the Republican party and a staunch advocate of that party's principles, and while he
has always taken a keen and vital interest in all political questions, whether
of local or general significance, he nevertheless has never aspired to political
distinction and has consistently refused all offers of public office made to
him.
Mr. King married, November 27, I883, Catherine Kress, a native of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was born in the "North Side." Mrs.
King was the daughter of Valentine, born in Ricker, Germany, and Theresa
(Hohman) Kress, born in Flieden, Germany, but married in the United
States. To Mr. and Mrs. King have been born six children, as follows:
56oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
J. Weldon, and learned the business thoroughly in every detail. Three
years later he entered the employ of W. J. Sheehan, also engaged in the
grocery business, and on January I5, I903, established himself in the
same line in a store at No. 423 Fifth avenue. He commenced on a small
scale, but his enterprise was a success from the outset, and he has been
obliged to enlarge his place from time to time, increasing his stock proportionately, and now has a most flourishing business in the same locality
in which he started. His home is at No. 424 Shaw avenue, where he
bought a commodious house and furnished it with good taste. His religious
affiliation is withl the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of
the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. For some time he has
served as one of the board of directors of the Merchants' Bank of McKeesport. Mr. Shipley married, June 12, I902, Alice M. Daly, and has
had children: Joseph D., born May 8, I903; Allen Edwin, born April 28,
I9IO. He has legally adopted two children of his wife's brother: Alice M.,
born June 2, I904; Aloysius, born July I6, I9o6.
Eugene Daly, father of Mrs. Shipley,, was born in the city of Cork,
Ireland, and came to America in young manhood, and settled in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He was a bricklayer by occupation, and he and his wife
were members of the Catholic Church. He married Mary Vaughn, born
in the state of Massachusetts, whose parents, William and Bridget Vaughn,
natives of Ireland, returned to that country when their daughter was
twenty-one years of age. Later they again came to the United States,
where Mary was married. Mr. and Mrs. Daly had children: John S., a
foreman in a steel mill, lives in Steubenville, Ohio; William J., the owner
and personal manager of an amusement park at Sharon, Pennsylvania;
James F., died at the age of nineteen years; Edward, Anna, Henry, Jeremiah and Mary, died in infancy; Joseph A., a railroad man who lived in
McKeesport, was killed in an accident, April 28, I913, and Mr. Shipley
adopted his two children as aforementioned; Alice M., who married Mr.
Shipley, as above stated.
There is no class of citizens more worthy of the respect
RICHARDS  and esteem of their fellows than those who are engaged
in mercantile pursuits, and among this class resident in
Glassport is Evan R. Richards, a native of Wales, a country noted for the
integrity of her people.
Reese Richards, father of Evan R. Richards, was born in Wales, and
there spent his entire life, his death occurring in October, I9IO, at the
advanced age of eighty-one years he having survived his wife, Jane (Morgan) Richards, a native of Wales, for many years, her death occurring in
April, I898, aged sixty-three years. They were the parents of nine children: Elizabeth, Mary, Evan R., Jane, William, John, Ann, Reese, child,
died in infancy.
Evan R. Richards was born in Wales, January 3I, i858. He attended
857WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the common schools in the vicinity of his home, and remained under the
parental roof until October, I877, when hie left his native land for the new
world, with the desire of bettering his condition, the possibilities for young
men being greater there than in Wales, and upon his arrival here located
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of a
coal miner until December, I907, when he became an expressman, continuing in that line until I9o09, after which he engaged in mercantile business,
which has proven a lucrative means of livelihood. He is progressive in
his ideas, honorable in his methods, straightforward in his dealings, and
therefore merits the success which has attended his efforts. He is the
owner of the property at No. 728 Monongahela street, where he resides,
which is modern in every respect, equipped with everything necessary for
comfort. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his political
affiliation is with the Republican party.
Mr. Richards married, February 6, I884, Gwen Davis, daughter of
Reese and Mary Davis, natives of Wales, who came to the United States
later in life, he dying in Glassport, Pennsylvania, in I9o8, and she in
Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, in I89I. Ten children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Richards, as follows: Reese, deceased; Mary J.; John, deceased;
Edward, Margaret, Laura, William, Thomas, Evan, Gwendoline.  Mr.
Richards and his family occupy a prominent place in the social life of Glassport, having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
While the Ratteldorfer family has not been resiRATTELDORFER dent many years in thiis country, they have already
shown their mettle as good and valuable citizens.
George J. Ratteldorfer a native of Germany, spent his entire life in
the land of his birth. George J. Ratteldorfer, his son, was born in Bavaria,
Germany, April 3, I863. He acquired his education in his native land,
where he remained until he had attained the age of twenty years, when
he emigrated to America, and made his home for a time with several aunts
who lived in Lorain county, Ohio. In that section he worked for a farmer
for almost an entire year, then removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where
he worked in a mill on the South Side, for six months. One year was
then spent in a position on the East Side, after which he went to Sewickley,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in various capacities by several families. He next removed to Edgeworth, Allegheny county,
where he has been engaged in landscape gardening for the past five years.
In I912 he built the commodious house which he is occupying at the present time. Mr. Ratteldorfer married, April zo, I896, Elizabeth, a daughter
of Adam and Katherine (Snyder) Bettner, the latter born in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Jacob Snyder, a pioneer of Beaver county.
Adam Bettner was born in Germany in I837, and came to this country at
the age of sixteen years. He enlisted in the Union army at the time of
the Civil War, and was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. For
858WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
thirty years he was landscape gardener for Samuel Harbison, near Brighton
Heights, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and now lives at Brighton Heights.
Mr. and Mrs. Ratteldorfer belong to the religious sect known as Russellites,
of which the Rev. Russell is the pastor.
Lewis Henry Noble is a descendant from a long line of disNOBLE tinguished forbears, tracing his ancestry back to Joseph Noble,
a member of one of the old Maryland families, prominent in
that state before the Revolution.
(I) Joseph Noble was born in Charles county, Maryland, in the year
I7I5, and became a conspicuous figure in his community. After him was
named the town of Noblestown, Pennsylvania, which was for some time
the home of his family. By his wife, who it is believed was a Miss Martha
Garvin, he had two sons, Henry, who became a colonel in the War of I8I2,
and Richard, who also served in that war with the office of major. Colonel
Henry Noble resided at Noblestown, Pennsylvania, whither he had brought
his slaves from Maryland. He married Polly Elliot, born in I783. The
marriage took place in I803, and to them were born nine children. Colonel
Noble's death occurred April 3, I8I9.
(II) Major Richard Noble, son of Joseph Noble, married (first) Elizabeth Gough, a lady of Scotch descent, by whom he had several children.
Major Noble married (second) Eleanor Gough, a sister of his first wife,
and by her had four children, as follows: Henry M., born in I8oi; Lewis
C. J., born in I805; Clement, of whom further; John C., born in I8o8.
(III) Clement Noble, son of Major Richard Noble, was born in I807.
He and his brothers bought the farm of two hundred and fifteen acres,
in I826, upon which Lewis Henry Noble lives to this day. Here the
brothers lived together until death dispersed them, and here they farmed
their joint possession, which in I896 became a part of Sharpsburg. Their
home upon the farm consisted of a little house, standing to this day, and,
in which Lewis Henry Noble was born. Clement Noble married Sarah
Lewis, a native of England.  She came at the age of five years to the
United States, with her parents, Thomas and Sarah Lewis, who settled
on the banks of the upper Middleton creek, Pennsylvania. Besides Thnomas
Lewis, there were four other Lewis brothers, and together the five started
a rolling mill on the upper Middleton creek, the first mill west of the Alleghenies where iron rolling was done. The records concerning this enterprise are somewhat vague, and it is not known just how long the mill was
in operation. Certain it is that it was at first a great success, and yet it
is also known that later the brothers came to Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania,
and worked in the iron mill of Mr. Spang. The Lewis mill was established sometime prior to I794, and stood between Brownsville and Connellsville, Pennsylvania. The plant took a whole year in construction, and
when it was finally put in operation the brothers occupied the following
positions: Thomas C., manager; George, roller and turner; Samuel, heater;
859WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
James, catcher; Henry, office clerk. There is an interesting account of the
opening of the mill after the long period of construction and preparation
which had been necessary. It seems that there were some skeptics as to the
ability of the proposed process to work, when the time came, and these
were headed by a resident in the neighborhood, who did not hesitate to
prophesy openly that the mill would prove a failure. Thomas C. Lewis
was quite as positive that it would be a success, having learned of the
matter through experience. Upon the appointed day, the whole neighborhood turned out to witness the opening, some holding that it would be a
failure, others with Lewis, and still others merely curious.  The event
proved a complete vindication for the five Lewis brothers, as the mill worked
triumphantly, and the crowd returned to their homes declaring it a great
success. To Clement Noble and his wife were born six children, as follows:
Richard W., Lewis Henry, of whom further; Clement, Josiah, Sarah, Mary.
(IV) Lewis Henry Noble, the second child of Clement and Sarah
(Lewis) Noble, was born May II, I840, in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. He
was educated in Sharpsburg, and has always resided on the place where
he was born, erecting there, in I866, the house in which he now resides.
He began work as a carpenter, and followed that trade for some time, and
has also farmed the old Noble estate, where he lives. For many years he
has been retired from active work, however, and now lives a life of leisure.
He is a member of the Catholic Church, as are all his family. Mr. Noble
married, December 3I, I863, Elizabeth Lawler, a native of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, born in 1845, a daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (McCue) Lawler, of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Noble celebrated their golden
wedding, December 31, I913. To them have been born twelve children,
as follows: William A., Lawrence C., Richard H., Aloysius, Mary J.,
Joseph, Alice, Ignatius, Leo, Mary, Emma, Gilbert.
The search for the origin of the Byrne family of Allegheny
BYRNE  county, Pennsylvania, requires neither diligence nor careful
tracing, the trail leading almost immediately to Ireland,
whence came Christopher Byrne, father of Thomas Byrne. Christopher
Byrne was born in Ireland, and became a contractor in stone masonry, continuing that line after immigrating to the United States and settling in
Ingram, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. In this business he for a time
had a partner, and during this association performed work under a contract with the state of Pennsylvania and for the Pennsylvania Railroad,
both operations of considerable size. His latter years were passed with a
daughter in Ingram, Pennsylvania, and at her home in the Eighteenth
Ward he died. He married M.ary Anderson, likewise a native of Ireland.
Thomas Byrne, son of Christopher and Mary (Anderson) Byrne,
was born in Ireland, December 24, 1844. He was educated in the public
schools, and in manhood followed the calling of his father, contracting in
stone masonry. The Pittsburgh Driving Park was laid out and prepared
86oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for use under his direction, and he was superintendent thereof for ten years,
from I88I until I8gI. In the latter year Mr. Byrne bought the hotel at
Allison Park, and after carefully remodeling and adding to this building,
began its operation, continuing as its proprietor until his death. Since
then his widow has been proprietress of the hotel, which enjoys a successful continuance through wide patronage. During the Civil War Mr. Byrne
served the United States government in one of the Union arsenals, leaving
this employment after peace was restored. Politically he was a Democrat.
Mr. Byrne married, December 6, I868, Susan Virginia Lawrence, born
in Troy, New York, daughter of Isaac and Ann (Brady) Lawrence, her
father a stone cutter, coming from New York state to Pittsburgh, First
Ward, died there in I868, aged forty-one years. Children of Thomas and
Susan Virginia (Lawrence) Byrne: Mary, Anna Marie, Nellie Ellen,
Margaret, Thomas, Elizabeth, Jane, Frances, Marion,. Clair, Maria, Susan
Virginia, Lawrence, twin of Susan Virginia; the twins died in infancy.
The Haben family came to this country from Alsace, when
HABEN that province of Germany was still under French government,
and the various members of the family are endowed with the
best characteristics of both countries, uniting with the calm deliberation and
earnestness of the German, the versatility and vivaciousness of the Frenchman.
(I) Peter Haben was born in Alsace, and came to America with: his
family about I830 or I835, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Later
he removed to McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he died
in the early fifties. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the town and
owned considerable land. He married Anna Bruner, who died in the
eighties, and both are buried in the old German cemetery at McKeesport.
They had children: Frank, a tin worker, died in McKeesport; George,
a tailor, died in Butler, Pennsylvania; John, of further mention. After
the death of Mr. Haben, his widow married (second) George Haben, related to her first husband, and had children: Mary, married Jacob Myers,
and lives in Pennsylvania; Magdalena, married James L. Devinney, and
lives in Florida; Peter, lives in Pennsylvania; Jacob, killed in a railway
accident.
(II) John Haben, son of Peter and Anna (Bruner) Haben, was born
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1840, died in McKeesport, in I869. TIe
was a man of original business ideas, and was proprietor of one of the first
two retail shoe stores in McKeesport. Politically a Democrat,'his religious
affiliations were with the Catholic faith, and he was a charter member of
St. Peter's Catholic Church. He married Margaret Mitchell, born in county
Roscommon, Ireland, September 25, I839, who married (second) William
J. Mullen, again became a widow, and died in August, I905. She was a
daughter of John and Margaret (Craven) Mitchell, who lived and died in
county Roscommon, Ireland, where he was a farmer, and where some of his
86iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
descendants are still living, although several of his children came to
America and located in New York and New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Haben
had children: George T., a real estate dealer and insurance agent, lives
in McKeesport; James, in the same business as George T.; John Francis,
of further mention.
(III) Dr. John Francis Haben, son of John and Margaret (Mitchell)
Haben, was born in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October
7, I864. He received his elementary education in the parochial schools of
his native town, and then attended St. Vincent's College, from whence he
went to Fordham University, New York City, and was graduated from this
institution in I887 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Four years later
he received the degree of Master of Arts, and the degree of Doctor of
Medicine was conferred upon him by the Bellevue Hospital Medical College
in New York City in I892. From I892 to I896 he was engaged in postgraduate and hospital work, and practiced medicine in New York City,
I894-95, as assistant to James N. Butler, M.D. In I896 he came to McKeesport, where he established himself in the practice of his profession,
with which he has been successfully identified since that time. For the
past fifteen years he has been a member of the medical staff of the McKeesport Hospital, and is now president of that body. Dr. Haben was
appointed, September 2, I9I4, United States examining plhysician of the
Bureau of Pensions with headquarters in Pittsburgh, and has been honored
with election to the presidency of the McKeesport Academy of Medicine,
and is a member of the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania State and Americani Medical societies. He is independent in his political views, and he and
his wife are members of the St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. He
married,; January 27, I898, Anne Keough Baum, born in Braddock, Pennsylvania, died in McKeesport, March 2I, I904, a daughter of Martin L.
and Ella (Keought) Baum, an old family of the state. Children: John
Martin, now fifteen years of age; James Baum, aged twelve years.
Of the five sons of Johannes Nock, a native of Germany, four
NOCK immigrated to the United States, John, who came in I849, the
first of the four to leave the homeland; Joseph, who made New
Orleans, Louisiana, his port of entry; Philip; Charles. One son, Adam,
and a daughter, Barbara, remained in the homeland.
(II) Charles Nock, son of Johannes Nock, was born in Germany, in
I829, and there made his home until I865, when he came to the United
States. He arrived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on New Year's Eve, I866,
and immediately communicated with a brother residing in Perrysville, Pennsylvania, where he soon afterward located. He became a mason contractor,
and followed this calling until three years prior to his death, which occurred on the ten acre farm in Killbuck township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, the family home since 187I. Charles Nock was a man of industry
and energy, and in the new home to which he brought his family made
862~~~~"~~~~~~ ~~~~  IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for them a comfortable living through the exercise of these qualities. He
married Catherine Becht, a native of Germany, daughter of Nicholas Becht.
A sister of Catherine Becht, Anna, is Mother Superior in a convent at
Mainz,. Germany.
(III) Charles (2) Nock, son of Charles (I) and Catherine (Becht)
Nock, was born in Germany, March 29, I857, and was educated in the
public sc'hools of his native land, attending similar institutions in this country for nine months. For three years he was employed as a stone mason
with his father, during which time he continued his studies under private
tutorship at night, and then became associated with the American Locomotive Works in the capacity of machinist. For thirty-one years he was
connected with this concern, his term of service therewith a record of
efficient and faithful work, and in I89I bought a farm of thirty-five acres
in Killbuck township, his tract including four acres of the land previously
owned by his father. In I905 Mr. Nock caused the erection of a comfortable and commodious house at this place, and has there since resided,
his agricultural operations rewarded with abundant success. Mr. Nock is a
believer in the Roman Catholic faith, and in politics is a Republican, having
served in numerous public offices, among them those of school director and
township treasurer.
He married, in I883, Bertha Bierweiler, a native of Germany, daughter
of Peter and Theresa (Egner) Bierweiler, her parents born in Germany.
Peter Bierweiler learned the trade of carpenter in the land of his birth, there
married, and in i870 came to Pennsylvania, making his home in Pittsburgh,
later moving to Emsworth, Pennsylvania, where he and his wife died.
Their children, all of whom they brought to the United States: Joseph,
Clemmons, Rosa, Bertha, of previous mention, married Charles Nock;
Catherine. Children of Charles and Bertha (Bierweiler) Nock: I. Walter
G., lives in Emsworth, Pennsylvania.  2. Leona A. K., lives at home.
3. Stefanie B., married Arkland H. Merry, and resides in Ben Avon,
Pennsylvania.
The Weddell family came to America from  Germany,
WEDDELL and settled in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. In I753
they migrated to the western portion of the state, settling
in the forks of the Youghiogheny river, in what was later called Elizabeth
township. They lived there for some generations, and bravely endured
the hardships of the pioneer days, including the terrible raids of the
Indians.
(I) Peter Weddell was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, about 1759 or I760, and died about 1824. He is thought to
have been a cooper by trade, but positive information is not to be obtained,
owing to the destruction of early records. It is known that he became an
extensive land owner. He married Nancy Nelson, and they had children:
I. Daniel, a farmer, died in Allegheny county, close to the Westmoreland
863WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Richard A., a graduate from the medical department of the University of
Pittsburgh, and now a practicing physician in the "North Side," Pittsburgh,
Claude L., a graduate of the Pennsylvania State College, and now a civil
engineer whose work just at present takes him to Cincinnati, Ohio, though
his home is in Pittsburgh; Arthur J. C., now a butcher in Pittsburgh;
Raphael P., now a brick layer in Pittsburgh, formerly in the drug business;
Garnetta R., died at the age of nine and a half years; Camillus C., now
living with his parents at home. Mr. King is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and Mrs. King a member of the Catholic Church, and in
that persuasion their family of children have been reared.
Despite the fact that the immigrant ancestor of this line of
MORRIS  Morrises came to the United States nearly a century ago, to
the present day the history of the line is closely intricated
with the homeland, England, because of the fact that after an American
residence of more than a quarter of a century Robert Morris returned to
England, in which country the majority of his children were born. Ancient English records make frequent mention of the name Morris, and
members thereof were once known as lords of a manor in Surrey county,
England. Walter Morris, a younger son of his generation, married a lady
of noble birth, and one of his children was Robert, of whom further. Another was George, who was first a lieutenant in the English navy and was
later raised to the rank of captain. The coat-of-arms formerly employed by
the family was, in non-heraldric terms, a black crow against a background
of gray.
(II) Robert Morris, son of Walter Morris, was for many years a
writing master in London, his school and office being at No. 4 Breams
Building, Chancery Lane, London. He and his wife were members of the
Church of England. About I852 he set out upon a voyage to the United
States to join his son, Robert, who had preceded him to that land, but died
en route, being given a sea burial.
(III) Robert (2) Morris, son of Robert (I) Morris, was born in
Guilford, Surrey county, England, October 3I, I8o5, died June 2I, I866.
Having been reared and educated in his native land,- in the year that he
attained his majority he immigrated to the United States, at once establishing in the grocery business. At this time he took out his first papers
toward becoming a subject of the United States, and on January 17, I835,
received his naturalization papers. His store was on Federal street, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, the site now occupied by Boggs  Buhl, and from
its inception his business was a success almost beyond precedent, so that
within the short space of a few years he was at the head of the largest
wholesale grocery -house in the city of Pittsburgh. His dealings were first
under his own name, the house later trading as Morris  Haworth. While he
was in business in this place his home was on North avenue, Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, and prior to I858 he withdrew from all connections he
had formed in his new home and returned to his native land, making his
56iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
county line. 2. Nellie, died unmarried. 3. Nelson, was a retired farmer;
died in West Newton, Pennsylvania. 4. Jane, married John Boyd; died
in Elizabeth township. 5. George W., of further mention. 6. Polly, married John B. McCune; died in Elizabeth township. 7. Peter, a blacksmith
and farmer; died near Boston, Pennsylvania. 8. Elizabeth, born in 1824;
married David Brown, who is now deceased; she is living in an Old Ladies'
Home in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 9. Rebecca, died unmarried.  Io.
James, was a farmer; died near West Newton, Pennsylvania.
(II) George W. Weddell, son of Peter and Nancy (Nelson) Weddell,
was born in Elizabeth township, October Io, I812, and died in June, I9o8.
For a short time he lived in Westmoreland county after his marriage,
running a grist mill at Possum Hollow, then rented a farm of about eighty
acres in Elizabeth township, which he later bought, but soon sold. He
removed to Versailles township, March 22, i860, and purchased a farml
of one hundred and forty-five acres. The only buildings on it were a log
house, and a barn in poor condition, and it was covered with the graves
of Indians. In I870 he erected a fine brick residence, which is still occupied, also a number of other buildings, and made many improvements on
the place. He was engaged in general farming until his death. He was a
staunch Republican, and served his community in a number of local offices.
He and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Weddell married Maria Douglass, born September 28, I8I5, died
in December, I9II. She was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Elrod)
Douglass, early settlers in Elizabeth township, where they owned a farm
on the present site of the Country Club. The place comprised about two
hundred acres. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church,
and he was active in the public affairs of the township. Children: William,
a colonel in the Civil War and a member of the legislature; Robert, a
farmer, died at McKeesport; Rebecca, married William Crawford, and
died in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania; Sidney, married Joseph Gillespie,
and died in Suterville, Pennsylvania; Maria, mentioned above; Jbhn;
James. Mr. and Mrs. Weddell had children: I. Thomas, has filled many
responsible positions under the government, and is now engaged as clerk
at Washington, District of Columbia. 2. D'r. Oliver S., lives in McKeesport. 3. David Henry, born December I I, I848; was educated in the
public schools of the township and at Waynesburg College, and was
engaged in teaching school for a period of five years; lives on the homestead. 4. Sarah M., widow of John Knoll; lives in California. 5. James
N., a farmer, died on the homestead at the age of twenty-seven years. 6.
Nancy, married Reuben Street; both died in Bellaire, Ohio. 7. Mary Jane,
married (first) James M. Campbell, (second) John P. Fishburn; lives in
Abilene, Kansas. 8. Isaac Irvin, of further mention.
(III) Isaac Irvin Weddell, son of George W. and Maria (Douglass)
Weddell, was born near West Newton, \Vestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 20, I858. His education was acquired in the public schools of
864WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Versailles township, and he lived on the homestead until about I9oo, when
in partnership with John Edmundson, his brother-in-law, he purchased a
farm of eighty acres lying in the boroughs of Glassport, Liberty and
Portvue. This is a part of the old Edmundson farm and he has lived on it
since that time. He makes a specialty of breeding Holstein cattle, and
has a dairy herd averaging twenty cows. In political opinion he is a Republican, and has served his community as school director. He and his
wife are members of the Presbyterion Church, which he has served as
trustee, and he is a member of Aliquippa Lodge, No. 375, Free and
Accepted Masons; McKeesport Chapter, No. 282, Royal Arch Masons;
McKeesport Commandery, No. 86, Knights Templar. Mr. Weddell married, October Io, I888, Maria, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Boyd)
Edmundson, and they have had children: I. Mary, died at the age of three
months. 2. Sarah Blanche, born in I898. 3. Marie Florence, born in I9oo.
Of German parentage and birth, the late Dr. Henry William
HITZROT Hitzrot, of McKeesport, a highly educated and skillful
physician, had the benefit of a honorable ancestry, and in
his own right and through his own efforts obtained honorable distinction.
He blended in his character and disposition the solid qualities of his German father, with the vivacity and more showy, but none the less valuable,
qualities of his French mother, and these traits were later developed under
the influence of American surroundings and opportunities, producing a
man whose superior is seldom found.
Dr. Hitzrot was born in the ancient city of Cassel, capital of the
province of Hesse Nassau, Prussia, March I8, I847, died in McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, June 23, I9o6. His father was a German mechanical engineer, and his mother was born in France. He was the third child of his
parents and was left fatherless by the accidental death of his father about
I859. His mother never remarried, but devoted her life to the education
and future welfare of her children, two of whom became physicians in the
United States, Henry William and his younger and only brother, Carl,
who was practicing in Pittsburgh at the time of his death. His two sisters,
Margaret and Christina, both married and died in Germany.
Dr. Henry William Hitzrot was educated in the splendid schools of
Cassel and the University of Berlin, but before finishing his university
course he came to the United States. He came to Western Pennsylvania
and for a time was in the employ of the Cambria Iron Company at Johnstown, as an office man. After a few years spent in Johnstown and McKeesport, he was financially able to carry out long formed plans and he
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, and there
pursued a full course of medical study and received the degree of M. D.
He then took special courses at Johns Hopkins Hospital and University
in Baltimore, fully equipping himself for the practice of medicine and
surgery. Thus thoroughly furnished, he returned to McKeesport and began
865WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the practice of his profession. He rose rapidly in public favor alld gained
a satisfactory practice, that as the years rolled on became very large and
lucrative. He was devoted to his profession and was held in higlh esteem
by his professional brethren. He belonged to the American Medical, Penlnsylvania State Medical and Allegheny County Medical societies, but Nwith
the exception of being a vestryman of St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal
Cihurch, had no interests outside his profession. His home was a fine
brick residence on Lincoln road that he caused to be built, and there or
in his office he spent his time when not engaged in medical calls.
Dr. Hitzrot married (first) Priscilla Morley, who bore him five children, one only surviving infancy, James Morley Hitzrot, now a physician
and surgeon of New York City. He married (second) September I5, I896,
Agnes Haler, born in Western Pennsylvania, who survives him, a resident
of McKeesport. Children: Louis Haler, now a student at Phillips Exeter
Academy; Henry William (2), residing with; his mother.
Mrs. Agnes (Haler) Hitzrot is a granddaughter of Henry Haler, born
in Germany, who came to Pennsylvania, after his term of service in the
German army had expired. He lived in Butler and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and during the Civil War served in the Union army. He had a
son, Louis C. Haler, who spent the greater part of his life in Pittsburgh
and on his farm near McKeesport, and was an oil and gas operator. Louis
C. Haler married Diana Ihmsen, daughter of Augustus and Dorcas (Bennett) Ilhmsen, the former named of German ancestry, born in Pittsburgh,
the latter named born in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Louis C. and Diana
Ihmsen had four children: I. Bertha, died in McKeesport. 2. Agnes, married Dr. HIenry William Hitzrot, of previous mention. 3. Josephine, unmarried, residing in McKeesport. 4. Lois, married Earl Douglass, of New
York City, son of E. P. Douglass, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
It is not known just at what time the Law family came to
LAW   America, nor at what period they settled in the state of Pennsylvania. What is certain is that they have always done their duty
as brave, honorable and conscientious citizens, who had the welfare of their
country truly at heart.
(I) Alexander Law was born near the South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was a coal miner throughout the active years of his
life. He served throughout the Civil War, and although wounded and
crippled, continued to perform his duty until the close of the war.
(II) Samuel Law, son of Alexander Law, was born near Braddock,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and died in Braddock. He was a coal
miner and a farmer, and had retired from active labors some time prior
to his death. He married Katherine, a daughter of Solomon Linhart, a
coal merchant in the Pittsburgh district, and they became the parents of
seven children.
(III) Solomon Law, son of Samuel and Katherine (Linhart) Law,
866WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was born in Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, July Io, I855. He
was educated in the public schools of Braddock, and upon leaving them
entered the employ of the steel works. He gradually worked his way to
the position of teemer, which he has'now held for a period of thirty-eight
years. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and fraternally
is connected witEh the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, in the Blue
Lodge Chapter, Commandery, Consistory and Shrine, and his two sons
are also thirty-second degree Masons, and members of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Law married, in I88o, Henrietta
Holmes, and they have had children: Earl, of North Braddock; William B.;
Edna M.
This name is recorded with honor in the annals of
CONNELLY America and of Ireland, from whence they originally
came to this country. It is to be found in various forms
of spelling, as: Connolly, Connelley, etc.
(I) Thomas F. Connelly was born at the town of Mulengar, county
Westmeath, Ireland, in I813, died in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, in
August, I895. He came to America at the age of fourteen years, and
after his marriage settled in Maryland, where he was a construction contractor on the old Chesapeake  Ohio canal. Later he came to Pittsburgh,
via the Braddock road, en route to New Orleans, but the river being too
low at the time he was obliged to remain in Pittsburgh, and there obtained
a contract to dig a cellar, and made a good profit on this undertaking. It
decided him to stay in Pittsburgh for a time, continuing at his contract
work. He constructed the Brownsville road from Whitehall into Eighteenth
street. Abandoning contracting in I856, he removed to Jefferson township,
Allegheny county, and purchased a farm there, on the Monongahela river,
now called Connelly's Curve. The farm consisted of seventy-three acres
and he resided on this until his death. He built the pioneer coke ovens
on this farm, and was very successful in their operation. He married
Bridget Halen, born in Dublin, Ireland, in I809, who was brought to this
country in early childhood, and died in I888. They had children: Child,
died in infancy, in Maryland; Mary C., died unmarried, May I6, I913;
Thomas F., of further mention; Michael J., died unmarried, May I6, 1913;
Joseph, died unmarried on the old homestead in Jefferson township, in I903.
(II) Thomas F. (2) Connelly, son of Thomas F. (I) and Bridget
(Halen) Connelly, was born on the Chesapeake  Ohio canal, in Maryland,
January 27, I844. He grew up in Birmingham, Pittsburgh, where he was
a miner for some years, then became a hotel keeper at Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he is now living retired. Politically
he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.
He married Mary Jane Stevenson, born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
in I853, and had children: Joseph A., of further mention; Margaret, lives
in McKeesport, married Peter Weber, and has two children, Lawrence
867WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and Helen; Thomas F., the third, lives on the old homestead, and is in the
employ of his brother, Joseph A.; Charles, died in infancy; Mary, married
Walter Shepler, and has children:  Evelyn, Helen and Mary; Harry,
unmarried.
Jonathan Stevenson, grandfather of Mrs. Connelly, was born in the
north of Ireland, emigrated to America many years ago, and settled in
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He became a farmer and land owner there,
and there hlis death occurred. James, son of Jonathan Stevenson, was
born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in I8I9, died in Elizabeth, Allegheny
county, where he and his wife are buried. He married Margaret, born
in Beaver county, in 1825, died in Elizabeth, a daughter of Jacob Black, of
Scotch ancestors, who lived and died in Beaver county. He was a member
of the Presbyterian Church while his wife, who was of German descent,
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had children:
Hugh, was killed while serving in the Union army at Antietam; John,
lives retired on the old homestead at Elizabeth; Robert, lives in Monessen,
Pennsylvania; Allen, died at Pittsburgh; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Connelly,
as mentioned above; George, a painter, lives at McKeesport; Edward, a
carpenter, lives at Denora, Pennsylvania; Annie, twin of Edward, died in
childhood; Charles, resides in Los Angeles, California; and three others.
(III) Joseph A. Connelly, son of Thomas F. (2) and Mary Jane
(Stevenson) Connelly, was born at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, December 6,
I87I. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and at
the age of thirteen years commenced working in the National Tube Works,
was a welder at the age of sixteen years,and remained with this company
until he was twenty years of age. He then obtained a position as bartender with S. E. Carothers, proprietor of the National House, in McKeesport, where he remained one year, then held a similar position for
Charles Downey, at Duquesne, and three years for Owen B. Farley, at
McKeesport. In I9oo he started in business for himself at No. 400 Fifth
avenue, as proprietor of Connelly's Hofbrau Cafe, and remained in that
location for a period of nine years. He then purchased a place on Locust
and Ringgold streets, which he remodeled, and this is now considered the
finest place of its kind in the city. The floors are tiled, the cafe and bar
are entirely distinct, and the equipment is modern and luxurious. He
constantly employs thirteen people, and the business is in a most flourishing
condition, owing to the foresight and executive ability of Mr. Connelly.
He is a Republican in political matters, and he and his wife are members
of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. His fraternal affiliation is with
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Connelly married, April 4, I892, Agnes Finney, born in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Quinn) Finney, and
their children are: Joseph A. Jr., who was graduated from the East Liberty
Academy in the class of I914, and is about to commence his medical studies
at Fordham; Vincent J., was graduated from Duffield's Business College,
868.J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
-.X.
-....
V,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~::SN%,WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and is now bookkeeper for the Pittsburgh Brewing Company; Margaretta
E., was graduated from St. Peter's Parochial School in the class of I914;
Charles A., Howard O., Agnes, Alice, Thomas F., the fourth, all students
in the public schools; Mary Jane.
The Ball family is among the oldest in this country, and also
BALL among the most widespread. Its representatives were scattered
all along the Atlantic coast in the early English colonies, being
prominent not alone in New England, but also in Virginia, where one of
its daughters became the mother of the immortal George Washington. Its
representatives are scattered through America today, and are found honorably connected with every line of worthy endeavor, and are contributors
to the social, moral and material welfare of the communities in which they
reside. In I6I3 a coat-of-arms was conferred on one, Richard Ball, of
Northamptonshire, England, and a similar coat-of-arms was borne by the
Ball families of New England and Virginia. Between I635 and I64o six
sons of William Ball, of Wiltshire, England, came to America. The sixth
son, William, was at New Haven for a time and became extensively engaged in trade, especially in furs and tobacco, and made frequent trips
between America and London, being both an exporter and an importer. He
was the ancestor of Mary Ball, the wife of Augustine Washington. She
was left a widow while her children were small, but was a strong and
resolute character, and to her is due much of that we honor in the character
of our first President.
(I) John Ball was born in Staffordshire, England, was a nail maker
by trade, and died at Lower Gornal. He married, and had children:
Thomas, of further mention; Samuel; Isaac; John; Alfred; Elizabeth,
widow of James Brooks; Annie, married William Clarkson.
(II) Thomas Ball, son of John Ball, was born at Lower Gornal, England, and died in I873. He was occupied as a miner, as were all of his
brothers, and was also a nail maker. He and his wife were members of
the Baptist Church. He married Sarah Golden, born at Kidderminste:,
England, died in I86o. She was a daughter of William Golden, a marine
in the British service for a period of twelve years. He died young leaving
children: Sarah, mentioned above; Elizabeth, married Thomas Evans, at
one time sheriff of Birmingham, England; Ann, married Thomas Webb,
lived at Kidderminster; William, died in England. Mr. and Mrs. Ball
have had children: Mary Ann, married John Jarvis, and lives on the
hlomestead; Eliza, married Thomas Hampton, and lives at the old home;
Sarah, married James Waterfeld, lives in Lower Gornal; Thomas.
(III) Thomas (2) Ball, son of Thomas (I) and Sarah (Golden)
Ball, was born at Lower Gornal, Staffordshire, England, November 29,
1853. His only school education was acquired before he had attained the
age of nine years, and he then commenced working for his father in the nail
making industry, until he was thirteen years old. He was a miner until
Ihis twenty-sixth year, after which he emigrated to America and settled at
869WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
home in Norwich, Norfolk county, England, where he and his wife lived
until their deaths. For a time after returning to England he owned a
retail grocery store in Dover, England, but soon disposed of this and retired
completely from the business world, his career having been but a succession of successes. He married Maria Thrower, born at Saxlingham,
Norfolk county, England, September I7, I8IO, died at Norwich, Norfolk
county, England, January io, I88i, her father dying in young manhood, her
mother coming to the United States to make her home with her daughter,
Maria. Children of Robert and Maria (Thrower) Morris:  I. Frances,
married William Symonds, a retired commercial traveler, and lives in
Yorkshire, England. 2. Maria, born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, married Robert George Bagshaw, and resides in Norwich, England, where he
was at one time sheriff. 3. Robert Riches, born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, died at Crafton, Pennsylvania, September 3, I889; traveling auditor
in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad; married Anna Saylor. 4.
Walter, of whom further. 5. Georgianna, married Sidney W. Cook, a retired lace manufacturer; resides in Hastings. England; he is a son of an
ex-mayor of Southampton, England.
(IV) Walter (2) Morris, son of Robert (2) and Maria (Thrower)
Morris, was born in London, England, May 6, I846, while his parents, at
that time American citizens, were visiting the homeland. His early education was obtained under the direction of a private tutor in Norfolk, England, and he remained in England until I862, when he came to the United
States. On November 7, of that year, he enlisted in Walling's Battery of
Light Artillery, and fought in all of the battles in which that battery was
engaged from that time until the declaration of peace, the battery being
assigned to duty in the southwest. He was mustered out of the military
service of the United States, November 17, I865, to enter its civil service,
being a clerk in the war department for several months after leaving the
army. In I866 he came to Pittsburgh and became identified with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne  Chicago Railroad, later severing his connection and
embarking in the retail grocery business in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
Being desirous of entering the insurance field, he in I874 disposed of
his grocery store and accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Allemannia
Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Two years later
he resigned to accept the office of secretary of the Citizens Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a position he held until I887, in which
year he resigned to enter business independently, his loss a severe one to
the heads of the Citizens Insurance Company, from whom he bore with
him the best of good wishes for his future success. Forming a partnership
with C. L. Straub, they conducted general fire insurance transactions under
the firm name of Straub  Morris, representing several well-known and
highly reputable companies. In I893 the partnership was dissolved and for
seven years Mr. Morris engaged in the same line alone, in I9oo accepting the
secretaryship of the Armenia Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This company in May, I9oi, re-insured all their business with the
1)62WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh. For a few months he worked in the Keystone Mill at Soho,
and then worked in the mines twelve years, during a part of the time being
fire boss. During the next eleven years he was mine foreman near Calhoun
Park, for the Harrison Gas Coal Company, and then held a similar position
at the Rischer mine at Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, for seven years. In
August, I906, he bought out a building supply concern, incorporated this,
was chosen president, came to take charge, and has been in this office since
that time. He employs from fifteen to twenty men, and handles a complete line of everything pertaining to the building trade. He lived in Hays
borough, which he helped to incorporate, was the first president of the
borough council, and served as a member of the council until I9oo, when
he went to Dravosburg, where he still lives, and has served one term as a
member of the council. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the Order of Free and Accepted
Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He has always given his political
support to the Republican party.
Mr. Ball married, December 8, I873, in England, Charlotte Burrows,
born in that country, a daughter of Edward and Ann Burrows. They
have had children: I. Edward, an agent of the National Surety Company,
has offices in the Oliver Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, lives at East
End, Pittsburgh. 2. Rachel, married Frederick Simmons; died at Lincoln
place, leaving five children. 3. Sarah, unmarried, living at home. 4. Arthur,
cashier of the Hays National Bank, whose sketch also appears in this work.
5. Lottie, who died at the age of twenty years. 6. and 7. Died unnamed.
8. Bertha Jane, unmarried, lives at home. 9. Clifford, employed in the
Homestead Trust Company. 10. Albert, a bookkeeper for his father.
The Fawcett family is an old and honored one of England,
FAWCETT and some of its members have gained distinction in.the
scientific world, as others of the family have achieved
prominence in business circles.
(I) Thomas Fawcett and his wife were born in England, at Ravensdale, Westmorelandshire, where he was a farmer, and where he died at
the age of eighty-four years. His widow came to America, and died here
at the advanced age of ninety-four years, and is buried in Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(II) William Fawcett, son of Thomas Fawcett, was born in Ravensdale, Westmorelandshire, England, in I8O7, and came to this country when
twenty-five years old. He was a stone mason by trade, but while living
at Pittsburgh he followed the calling of a river pilot. In i853 he purchased one hundred and fifteen acres of land in Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on which he lived until his death in I884. The
barn which he erected on this property has been torn down, but the dwelling
house, which was built by John Whigham before Mr. Fawcett bought the
property, is still standing, and in this Mr. Fawcett's two youngest children,
John W. and Isabel, were born. He was a staunch Republican, and a
870iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church:, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in which he was a class leader for about twenty-five years, and
was active in all church affairs. He married, in 1834, in Buffalo, New
York, Margaret Robinson, who was born in Middleton, Durhamshire,
England, in I815; she came to America while young, and died in Versailles
township in I892. She was the daughter of Christopher and Jean (Cullison) Robinson, who were born at Middleton, near Teesdale, England,
where was born to them eleven children, and where the parents died. Mr.
and Mrs. William Fawcett had ten children: I. Thomas R., a manufacturer
of brick on the homestead farm; was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion;
died in I9I3. 2. Christopher Columbus, lives on the homestead at the
age of seventy-seven years; was a dealer in queensware in Pittsburgh, and a
soldier during the Civil War. 3. Jennie A., married' the Rev. D. I. K. Rine;
died on the homestead. 4. Margaret M., died in infancy. 5. Elizabeth E.,
widow of M. J. Bennett; lives on the homestead. 6. Mina W., married
William Nelson; lives at Monongahela, Pennsylvania. 7. Euena H., married Professor J. S. Brown, who died in 19I3; she now lives with her
brother, John W., on the homestead. 8. William George, a gardener; also
lives on the homestead farm. 9. John Wesley, of further mention. Io.
Isabel, died unmarried.
(III) Dr. John Wesley Fawcett, son of William and Margaret (Robinson) Fawcett, was born on the Fawcett homestead, near McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, February 13, I854. His elementary education was acquired
in the public schools of Versailles township, and he then became a student
at Mount Union College, in Stark county, Ohio. From this institution
he went to the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he
was graduated in the class of I877, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
He established himself in the practice of his profession in Coal Valley,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, followed it there for several years, then
engaged in the drug business on Fifth avenue, McKeesport, with which he
was identified for a period of twenty-two years. This is now one of the
oldest and best known drug stores in the city of McKeesport. During this
time Dr. Fawcett was also actively interested in the manufacture of brick
and in a number of other enterprises. In I903 he retired from active
business life. For the past six years he has been vice-president of the
McKeesport Title and Trust Company, director in the McKeesport Till
Plate Company, and a stockholder in the Joel T. Painter Company, manufacturers and dealers in paint and glass. He resides at Lincoln Way
and Robinson street, where he had a beautiful house erected in Igoo. For
many years he has been actively identified with the Republican party, and
served twelve years as school director in McKeesport, two as its president.
He is a member of the Coursin Street Methodist Episcopal Church, as
was also his wife, and he is a trustee of this institution. His fraternal
affiliation is with the Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias, and
Knights of Malta. Dr. Fawcett married, in I88o, Mary P., born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Captain John and Isabel
871WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Guice, and they had two children: Isabel, who died at the- age of two
years; Marguerite P., who died at the age of two months. Mrs. Fawcett
died August 8, I9I4.
The Allegheny county branch of this German family was
BETHUNE  founded in Franklin township by Jacob H. Bethune, born
in Germany. He was a farmer in calling, and died in
Murraysville, Pennsylvania. His wife, born in Germany, bore him children,
among whom was Jacob, of whom further.
(II) Jacob H. (2) Bethune, son of Jacob H. (I) Bethune, was born in
Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and after his studies
were finished prepared himself for the calling of undertaker. He and a
brother, James Murray Bethune, were soldiers in the Union army during
the Civil War, both surviving that conflict. Jacob H. Bethune was for
many years an undertaker at Newlonsburg, Pennsylvania, and reared six
sons in that profession. He married Christina, daughter of Jacob and
Catherine Hall, pioneers of Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
(III) Abraham Lincoln Bethune, son of Jacob H. (2) and Christina
(Hall) Bethune, was born in Newlonsburg, Franklin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, December 29, I86I, and after attending the public
schools was a student at Laird Institute. Completing his course in this
institution, he assumed charge of his father's business, conducting the same
for two years, and after two years in the same line at Manor Station, moved
to Jeannette, Pennsylvania. He became a prominent citizen in this place,
following his calling with success and profit for twenty-two years. He
was also a dealer in real estate, and was a director of the First National
Bank. For many years he was burgess of Jeannette, and was for a number of years a notary public and justice of the peace. Mr. Bethune was
the owner, after his retirement from business, of a summer home at Newlonsburg, his residence being in Wilkinsburg. His death occurred May. I4,
I9II, after an illness of fifteen months. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American
Mechanics, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Improved Order of Heptasophs, the Protected Home Circle and the Knights of Malta. He was a
communicant of the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Bethune married, March 26, I885, Lydia, daughter of John and
Bessie (Else) Hanan, her father a stone cutter and resident of Delmont,
Pennsylvania. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Bethune: I. Howard L., educated
in Pennsylvania State College. 2. Charles W., educated in the University
of Pittsburgh.
The ancestors of John Herbst, of Kennedy township, AlleHERBST gheny county, Pennsylvania, have for many generations been
native to the Kingdom of Bavaria, the largest state of the
872WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
German Empire except Prussia. There in the western portion of the
kingdom called the Palatinate of the Rhine, John Theodore Herbst was
born in I826, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 30, I87I. His
father was a farmer, and until I846 he attended school and worked on the
farm. In I846 he came to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked in a warehouse for several years. He married
and maintained a comfortable home on Liberty street, Pittsburgh, in that
part of the city called "Bardstown." He then returned to his youthful
occupation, farming, and for the following twenty-one years he rented and
cultivated farms in Allegheny county. He first rented the Nichol's farm in
Robinson, now Stowe township, which he worked for five years, then
moved to the Smith farm on Chartiers creek in Chartiers township, where
he also remained five years. He then rented the Guthrie farm and there
lived for eleven years, meeting his death in a tragic manner. He stepped
from a curb in town one day, caught his foot between curb and wagon
wheel and before being released had broken his ankle. In a short time
lockjaw developed and soon caused his death. He was a member of St.
Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He was a hardworking man of good
character.
He married Elanora M6eller, also born in Bavaria,-but coming with
friends to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when young. She was born in the
same district of the Palatinate of the Rhine as was her husband, in I828,
died June I9, I89I, surviving him twenty years. After the death of her
husband she kept her family together, the sons working the rented farm
until later the mother purchased the McFadden farm in Robinson township,
where the family lived for several years, the mother finally retiring to a
home in McKees Rocks, where she died. Children: I. Theresa, married
Andrew M;ay; lived in McKees Rocks, where she died. 2. Michael, born
February 28, I853; now a farmer of Kennedy township. 3. John, of further mention. 4. Jacob, a lumber merchant of McKees Rocks. 5. Matthias,
a grocer of McKees Rocks. 6. Elanora, married Henry Korn; resides in
McKees Rocks. 7. Margaret, married Otto A. Buettner, whom she survives, a resident of Ingram, Pennsylvania. 8. Mary, a resident of McKees
Rocks, unmarried. 9. Barbara, married Charles Werling; resides in
Elliott, Pennsylvania.
John Herbst, second son and third child of John Theodore and Elanora
(M6eller) Herbst, was born in "Bardstown," a part of the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 30, I856. He attended St. Mary's parochial
school in McKees Rocks and from boyhood aided in farm labor. He was
about fifteen years of age when his father died, and then with his brothers
he worked the farm under their mother's direction. This they also did
after she purchased the McFadden farm and all made their home together
until marriage broke the family circle. John Herbst remained at the home
farm until thirty years of age, then married and for five years rented the
Sarah Jane Moore farm in Robinson township. He then purchased the
interests of the other heirs in the home farm in Kennedy township, moved
873WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
there and has ever since been the owner.  The large and comfortable farm
house was built by his mother in I876 and in this house which his own
labor helped to create, he now lives, honored and respected by all who
know him.  While he conducts general farming operations, he has for
years devoted a good portion of his farm to market gardening and finds
ready sale for all his garden products in the nearby city.of Pittsburgh. He
conducts his gardening and farming along the best lines, is a capable man
of business, well-informed and progressive. He has prospered abundantly
and is assisted in his work by his sons, who are all workers, like their
honored father. Mr. Herbst is a Democrat in politics and for sixteen
years has served as township supervisor. He is a silent partner in the
lumber business conducted by his brother, Jacob, in McKees Rocks, and
has other interests in that town. He'is a member of St. Mary's Roman
Catholic Church, his family all being communicants of that faith,
Mr. Herbst married, April I9, I887, Johanna Buettner, born in Robinson township, daughter of John T. and Magdalene Buettner, born in Germany, who came to the United States in I854. John T. Buettner is a
retired farmer of Robinson township; his wife is deceased. Children of
John and Johanna Herbst: I. Albert John, born January 3I, 1889. Z. Otto
Thomas, born December I7, I890, died April I5, I90I. 3. Clarence Michael,
born January I7, I893. 4. John Matthias, born October 30, I894. 5. Clara
Mary, born November 2I, I896. 6. Aloysius Henry, born September I8,
I900. These children reside with their parents and are all a part of the
smooth-running domestic machine that operates so successfully the Herbst
home and farm; all are well educated and it is the pleasure of the older
members to be a help to the parents, whom they honor.
The success of a community depends largely upon its residents,
CAVEN and especially upon those who successfully till the soil, as from
that class of men we derive our daily sustenance, and among
that number in McKeesport must be mentioned Cyrus Caven, whose family
has long resided in the state of Pennsylvania, the members thereof performing well the duties and obligations devolving upon them.
(I) William Caven, grandfather of Cyrus Caven, was among the early
settlers of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, he being accompanied by
his wife, Mary (Lorimer) Caven, they coming to that section of the state
upon their arrival from  their native land, Ireland, their residence there
being in county Cavan. They spent the remainder of their days in Westmoreland county, their deaths occurring when Cyrus Caven was a young
boy. Mr. Caven followed the occupation of farming, from which he derived
a comfortable living. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church.  They were the parents of six children: I. Sarah, wife of
Humphrey Mosser; they located in Noble county, Indiana, and established
what is now the town of Ligonier, they being accompanied by an uncle
of Mrs. Mosser, Isaac Caven. 2. Mary, wife of Michael King, who also
became an early settler in Noble county, Indiana. 3. John, of whom further. 4. Hugh. 5. Isaac. 6. Alexander.
874IWI6a4d 06?aien
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Westchester Fire Insurance Company of New York, with whom Mr. Morris
continued as manager, an office that he most capably filled until his death,
May IO, I9II. Almost his entire life having been passed in connection
with the fire insurance business, there were few men of whom it could be
said that their knowledge of and experience in the business was greater
than his. He was of strong and vigorous mentality, possessed the faculty
of retaining innumerable facts and figures, fresh in his well-stored mind,
and the very main-spring of the activities of any enterprise with which he
was connected. He was temperate and reasonable in planning, decisive and
forceful in execution, and in event of miscarriage of his plans never sought
to evade the responsibility for his error, while in the success of a carefully
conceived campaign his gratification was entirely inward, his modest bearing
giving to those unfamiliar with the facts of the case no intimation of the
achieved victory. In 1887 Mr. Morris moved to Ingram, Pennsylvania,
purchasing a house at No. 94 Prospect avenue, there living until his death,
the present home of his widow being in that place. He was a staunch Republican politically, was a member of Allegheny Lodge, No. 223, Free and
Accepted Masons, was past commander of General Hayes Post, No. 3,
Gjrand Army of the Republic, and with his wife held membership in the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the Nativity, of Crafton, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Morris married, May 9, I867, Mary E. Cowling, born on Federal
street, Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), Pennsylvania, daughter
of James and Emily (Leach) Cowling. James Cowling was a son of John
and Mary (Harrison) Cowling, who were born, lived and died in London,
England, both John Cowling and his father having been tailors to the Bluecoat School in London. Emily was a daughter of John and Elizabeth
LTeach, her father a farmer at Hempnall, England, having inherited a large
tract of land from Robert Sporl, for whom he was at one time farm manager. A brother of John Leach, William Leach, was the owner of a hotel
named the "Rampant Horse" in Norwich, England. He was a man of
wealth, prominent in local affairs, and kept a fine pack of hounds, to which
he and his friends frequently rode. James Cowling was born in London,
England, January 30o, I8I, died in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, October 3,
1872. He was reatcd in his native land and there learned the tailor's trade,
and in I832 was married, the ceremony being performed in the Hempnall
Church of England, residing in London for two years thereafter. In I834
h:e immigrated to the United States making his home and engaging in business as a merchant tailor in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, living first on
Federal street, and later on North avenue. He moved to Beaver Falls,
Pennsylvania, in I859, and there was an ice dealer until his death. He
enlisted in the Seventy-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
his officers being Captain Irish and Colonel Negley, and was discharged
honorably for disability after having been in the service for ten months,
during which time he was in action at Murfreesboro and Pittsburgh Landing (Shiloh). He married Emily Leach, born in Hempnall, Norfolk county,
England, February I5, i8io, died in November, I869. Children of James
563WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(II) John Caven, son of William Caven, was born in Cook township,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year I8o5, died aged about
seventy-five years. He chose the occupation of farming upon arriving at a
suitable age to begin his active career, and being industrious, persevering
and thrifty, accumulated considerable of this world's goods. He married
Sarah Brough, born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year
I807, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Brough, natives of Germany, from
whence they emigrated to the United States, settling first in the state of
Maryland, removing from there to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
where they spent the remainder of their days. Mr. and Mrs. Brough were
the parents of several children, among whom were: George, John, Elizabeth, wife of Hugh Caven, Esther, wife of Alexander Caven; Sarah, abovementioned as the wife of John Caven; one daughter married a Mr. Blackburn, and another daughter married a Jacob Hines, who went to Harrison
county, Ohio, locating near Cadiz.
(III) Cyrus Caven, son of John Caven, was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, September 17, I83I.. He was reared on his father's
farm  in Westmoreland county, and his education was acquired in the
schools of the neighborhood, his father having served as one of the first
directors of the free schools. Being inured to life upon a farm, he being
thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm life, he gave his attention
to that line of work after completing his studies, and is the owner of two
hundred and forty acres in Westmoreland county, all under cultivation,
from which he derives a goodly income. He is progressive in his methods,
thorough and painstaking in his work, and therefore merits the success
which has attended his efforts. On October I, I894, he took up his residence in MicKeesport, becoming the owner of the property where he resides,
and in addition to that has four other pieces of real estate in McKeesport,
all valuable property, which is steadily increasing in value. Mr. Caven is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in politics.
Mr. Caven married, March 9, I853, Susan Breniser, of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, born in I834, died June I5, 1892, daughter of
Peter Breniser. Children: I. Sarah, married John W. Shoup; four children: Alva, Clyde, Ira, Alice. 2. Allen. 3. Nettie, deceased. 4. Peter.
5. Mary Idella, deceased; was the wife of Harry Peterson; had two children, both deceased. 6. John Lorimer.
James A. Lewis, merchant of West Elizabeth and treasurer
LEWIS  of Jefferson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, descends from English ancestry, seated in Tredegar, county of
Monmouth, England, and in Staffordshire. He is of the third generation
of his family in Pennsylvania, his grandfather, Francis Lewis, coming in
I866, with wife and family.
(I) Francis Lewis was born in Staffordshire, England, June II, I8I5,
came to the United States in I866, and in October, I868, was killed in
Walton's coal mines at West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. He married Mary
875WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Nicholas, born January I, I820, at Tredegar, England, died in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, I9o9. On coming to the United States in I866 they
settled at West Elizabeth and soon afterwards erected a log house in
Jefferson township, one mile from West Elizabeth. They were members
of the Episcopal Church in their native land, but in this country became
connected with the Presbyterian Church. Children: David N., of further
mention; William, Thomas, John, all deceased; Frank, yet living.
(II) David N. Lewis, eldest son of Francis and Mary (Nicholas)
Lewis, was born in Tredegar, Monmouthshire, England, July I8, I84I, died
in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, November I6, I905. Tredegar, the
center of a rich mining district, early sends her sons to labor in the coal
mines, and as a boy Mr. Lewis began the occupation that in the old and
the new world ever claimed him, coal'mining. He became an expert miner
in Tredegar and labored continuously in the mines until the year 1865.
In that year, on March 4, he married, and a few days thereafter sailed
for the United States, arriving in New York City, April I4, I865, the
day President Lincoln was assassinated. He made his way to West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, resumed work as a miner and was so engaged until his
death. The year after his arrival he sent for his wife, built a small home
near West Elizabeth and there resided until his death.
He married, in Tredegar, England, March 4, I865, Maria Woodward,
born there February I8, I845, who survives him, still a resident of West
Elizabeth. She is the daughter of Richard Woodward, born in Gloucestershire, England, in June, I8o6, died in Jefferson township, Pennsylvania,
at the age of eighty-two years. He married Maria Jones, born in Wales,
February 29, I812, died in Jefferson township, Pennsylvania, aged eightyone years. Richard Woodward was a miner in Tredegar until about I865,
then with wife and children came to the United States, stopping for a few
months in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, then journeying west to the Monongahela Valley, where he resumed coal mining. About eighteen years prior
to his death he retired and lived in easy comfort the remainder of his life.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Woodward: I. Thomas, now at age of eighty
years, living retired in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 2. William,
now superintendent of water works at Leetonia, Ohio.  3. Maria, now
the widow of David N. Lewis. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis: I. James
A., of further mention. 2. Thomas E., now residing at Jefferson township.
3. Elizabeth, married Francis Yeager. 4. Catherine, married Samuel
Parson. 5. Mary, residing with her aged mother.
(III) James A. Lewis, eldest son of David N. and Maria (Woodward)
Lewis, was born in West Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
November 9, i866. He attended public school during the winter months
until he was twelve years of age, then began working in the coal mines with
his father. He continued a worker in the coal mines until I896, when he
abandoned the mine to devote his entire attention to the general store
he had established in a small way five years earlier. This store stood on
the hill, one mile from West Elizabeth, and although small when started in
876WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
189I, soon attracted a trade that in five years warranted Mr. Lewis giving
his entire time to its operation. He continued at the old stand and prospered exceedingly until I9go, when on the site of the old store he built a
fine new store and dwelling combined. Here in comfortable, roomy and
well-designed quarters he maintains a well-stocked, well-managed, profitable
general store, one of the best in the district. Like most men that circumstances denied the advantages of early educational training, Mr. Lewis
realizes the handicap and is generously giving his children all that public
schools and college can confer. He is a capable man of business, has
gained the respect of his fellows by an upright life and years of honorable
dealing and wherever known is held in high esteem.
He is a Republican in politics, served as assessor, school director
and justice of the peace of Jefferson township under the old law and under
the new law is serving a term of four years as the first treasurer of the
township in full charge of township finances. He is a member of the West
Elizabeth Presbyterian Church, which he serves as trustee, his family also
communicants of that church. He has acquired important interests outside his mercantile business, the most important being in the First National
Bank of West Elizabeth, of which he is vice-president and director. He
is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights
of Pythias, and interested in all that pertains to the business, social and
religious life of his town.
Mr. Lewis married (first) October 24, 1889, Sarah Belle Biddle, who
died March 2I, I902. He married (second) May 28, I908, a widow, Mrs.
Mollie (Roesch) Webber. Children of first marriage: I. Earl Leroy, born
September 20, I890; now a student at the University of Pittsburgh, class
of I9I5. 2. Iva Belle, born December 4, I893, now a student at Allegheny
College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, class of I9I5. 3. James Alvin, born
April I9, I896; now a student at Washington-Jefferson University, class
of 1918. 4. Sadie Muriel, born April 22, 1898. 5. Ira Glen, born June I9,
900oo, died A.ugust 4, I90I.
William McIntyre was born in the town of Luce, ScotMcINTYRE  land, and followed the occupation of farming. He was a
member of the Church of England. He married and
raised a family.
(II) William (2) McIntyre, son of William (I) McIntyre, was born
at Wigton, Scotland, and came to America in May, 1832, bringing with
him his wife and children, with the exception of his eldest son. In Scotland
he had been a cooper, and he settled on a farm in Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade and also cultivated his land.
He and his family were members of the Established Church, and politically
he was a Whig, and a man of influence in the community. He married
Mary Nish, and had children, all now deceased: William; Margaret; Jane,
died at the age of nineteen years; Jessie; James, of further mention; Mary
Ann; John; Archibald Charles F.; Caroline Elizabeth Augusta.
877WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) James McIntyre, son of William  (2) and Mary (Nish) McIntyre, was born in Strauraer, Scotland, March 26, I815, died October I4,
i896. Until the age of twenty-six years he was his father's assistant. In
I841 he settled in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until
I866, when he bought a farm in Ross township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on which he lived until his death. He was a Whig in politics, and
an active member of the *United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McIntyre
married, in I842, Anna, a daughter of John Ralston, whio was born in
Londonderry, Ireland, and emigrated to America in boyhood. Mrs. McIntyre was born February 26, I8i8, and died April 6, I909. They had
children: Mary, who died January 7, I893, married William  Sloan, of
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania; William Wilson, of further mention;
Margaret Jane, married Robert McCaslin, of Talley Cavey, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, now deceased; Rebecca, of Bellevue, married John
H. Thompson, now deceased; John Milton, a student of theology, died
unmarried, November 21, 1876; Anna Eliza, married John Guyton, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who died about 1894; Caroline, married Josiah
Hutchman, and now lives in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
(IV) William Wilson McIntyre, son of James and Anna (Ralston)
McIntyre, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, January 28, I845.
His elementary education was acquired in the public schools, and he then
took a business course in the Iron City College. His entrance into business
life was as a bookkeeper for the William Fleming Company, with which he
remained two years, when ill health obliged him to return to the farm in
order to have the benefit of an outdoor life. After his marriage he settled
on a farm of seventy-three acres in Allegheny county, where he is engaged
in general farming. His political affiliation is with the Republican party,
and he has filled a number of public offices, among them being the following:
School director, twenty-two years; auditor; assessor, twenty-eight years. He
is a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Allison Park. Mr. McIntyre married, in I877, Harriet M., a daughter of John Johnston, of Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, and has children: John Roy, born March 24, 1878,
now operator of the Hart Oil Company, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania; James
Ralph, born February I8, I886, assists his father in the cultivation of the
homestead farm.
This name was originally spelled Peter, but in the course of
PETERS years the "s" was added, and it is most frequently met with now
in this form. All the old records. however, contain it as Peter.
There is a tradition in the family that one of the paternal ancestors was
the famous Inshbeagle, in Germany, whose practical jokes and humorous
sayings were so original and witty that several volumes have been written
about them, which are familiar to all German readers.
(I)       Peters was a butcher by trade, in Germany, as had been
his forbears for at least five generations, and perhaps more. Like them,
he also kept a tavern in addition to his butcher business, and they were an
878WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
important family in the community.  Like all of his family, he' was a
member of the Lutheran Church. He and his children were of large stature,
and exceedingly strong. He married, and had children: Frederick, who
inherited the homestead, and continued the tavern and butcher business;
-, a saddler, who lived and died in Germany; William, of further
mention;, a very strong woman, who could lift a tub full of water
and place it upon her head to carry; a son.
(II) William Peters, son of the preceding, was born in Germany,
attended school there, and then learned the butcher business under the able
supervision of his father. Having found out that there were better opportunities here for a man of ambition, he emigrated to New York in a sailing
vessel, the voyage lasting sixty days. He'located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the same year, 1855, where he worked as a journeyman butcher
for a time, then opened a stand in the Diamond Street Market, where he
conducted his business for half a century. He took an active part in politics
all his life, and was well known and popular, especially among the Germans.
He was a Republican, and served one term in the legislature, during the
Civil War under Governor Curtin, and in the city council of Allegheny,
as a representative of the tenth ward, in which he lived on East street.
He stood six feet two inches in his stocking feet, and bore so striking a
resemblance to the old Emperor Wilhelm I., of Germany, that he was
frequently called King William.  He knew  personally every farmer in
Allegheny county, and he was accustomed to travel all over the county to
purchase stock. He was a member and regular attendant of the German
Lutheran Church. Mr. Peters married (first) Catherine Langfaust, born
in I838, died in I874, whose parents came to Pittsburglh at an early date, her
father becoming a truck farmer and spending his life for the greater part
in East End, Pittsburgh. They had other children: Elizabeth, who married
Conrad King, a truck gardener near Allegheny, Pennsylvania; a sister who
married, a brother of Conrad King, also a farmer and truck gardener; a brother, who died while the family was en route to the United
States. Mr. Peters married (second) Mrs. Mary Isler, a widow, who is
now living in the twenty-sixth ward, Pittsburgh.  Children by first marriage: Susan, married Frederick Staley, now deceased, lives at East End,
Pittsburgh; Edward E., of further mention; Emma, married Jacob Richter,
now deceased, lives at East End, Pittsburgh; William, an electrician in the
employ of Stipple  Ward, in Pittsburgh; Charles N., a member of the
firm in Peters Packing Company, married Margaret Flynn, and lives in
McKeesport. Children by second marriage: Nettie, married -.- Hodle;
Annie, married Carl Lohn, and lives in St. Louis, Missouri; Gertrude, unmarried. Mr. Peters died M,arch I4, 90o3, at the age of seventy-seven years.
(III) Edward E. Peters, son of William and Catherine (Langfaust)
Peters, was born in Reserve township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
now the twenty-sixth ward of Pittsburgh, December I4, I86i. Until the
age of fifteen years he attended the public schools in Allegheny, then
learned the butcher's trade under his father's teachings, and worked for
879WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
him until he was thirty-one years of age. He then opened a stand for
himself independently in the Diamond Street Market, in Pittsburgh, and
conducted it for a period of six years. In the fall of I9OI Mr. Peters, in
association with his brother, Charles N., removed to McKeesport, and
engaged in the packing business on a small scale. From the very beginning
their efforts were attended with success, and in I9o04 the Peters Packing
Company was incorporated, the officers at the present time being: Edward
E. Peters, president; Charles N., vice-president and treasurer. In I9o8
they erected a large steel, brick and cement packing plant on Rose street,
the mere skeleton of the building costing a hundred thousand dollars. So
confident are they that the building is absolutely fireproof that they carry
no fire insurance. It is finely equipped for a plant of this kind with all the
most modern appliances, and they employ upward of sixty men and women.
The local trade and the Pittsburgh district is supplied by them, and they
do an annual business of about one million dollars. Mr. Peters is a member of the Lutheran Church, and lives at No. 700 Market street.
Mr. Peters married, May 3, I893, Florence, born in Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob and Christine Krepps, the latter of whom
is still living. Mr. Krepps was born in Germany, and died in Pennsylvania,
where he had been a farmer and a stock dealer, had been the Democratic
candidate for congress, served in the Civil War, and was known as Captain
Krepps. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have children: Edward, born February 9,
1895, is associated with his father in the packing business; Charles, born
July 4, I899.
The Fulton family has been largely represented in this
FULTON  country for some generations, and almost all bearing this
name have come here from Ireland. One of the bearers
of it was Robert Fulton, the famous inventor. The branch under discussion
in this review came to America about I840, the progenitor settling in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased land in Versailles
township, which he farmed until his death. His wife was also born in the
North of Ireland, and they had a number of children.
(II) Samuel Fulton, son of the immigrant ancestor, was an infant
when brought to this country by his parents, and grew up in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania. After his marriage he settled in Pittsburgh for a
time, went to Nebraska in the late fifties, but soon returned to Pittsburgh,
where he followed his trade as a painter for thirty-five years. Subsequently
he removed to McKeesport, where he is now living retired. In national
political affairs he holds Democratic views, and in local affairs he is' an
Independent. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and the Royal Arcanum. He married Matilda Ludwick, who died in I9o9.
Her father, a farmer, was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. Children: Hugh,
a painter, lives in McKeesport; John and William, died in infancy; Samuel,
a printer; William, a printer; Nannie, married George H. Edwards, and
resides in McKeesport; James Arthur, of further mention; Irwin. a painter,
88oIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lives in Glassport; Nellie, died in infancy; Lazillah, married C. M. Smith,
and lives in McKeesport; George, a newsdealer, lives in Duquesne; Harry,
a newsdealer, also living in Duquesne.
(III) James Arthur Fulton, son of Samuel and Matilda (Ludwick)
Fulton, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April I4, I874. He was
educated in the public schools of McKeesport, then apprenticed to learn
the painter's trade, a calling he followed twelve years. He was then identified with the printing business for some time, being superintendent of a
newspaper route, and then devoted his time and attention to public affairs,
greatly to the benefit of the community. In February, I9o9, he was
elected treasurer of the city of McKeesport and served until January
I, I9I4. He is now in office as collector and school treasurer, with
offices on the seventh floor of the People's Bank Building.  He is
also a member of the board of directors of the Versailles Cemetery
Company. He is rather independent politically, and his fraternal connection is as follows: Junior Order of United American Mechanics; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Grand Fraternity and Knights of
Pythias; also identified with the Pittsburgh  Press Club, the American
Academy of Social Science, and several other organizations. He married,
October 3I, I905, Bertha, born in McKeesport, a daughter of E. M. and
Margaret Rodgers, and a member of the Coursin Street Methodist Episcopal
Church. They have had children: Samuel M. and James R.
The Russell family of Glassport, Allegheny county, PennRUSSELL  sylvania, well and favorably known in the community for
upwards of a quarter of a century, the members of which
are noted for their many excellent characteristics, is of Irish origin.
(I) Thomas Russell was born in Ireland, and reared, educated and
married there. About the year I853 he emigrated to the United States and
located in Spencer, Massachusetts, and there died in the same year. His
widow and eldest son, Thomas, then went to California, and there Mrs.
Russell, whose Christian name was Honora, died in the year I88I. They
were the parents of children: Thomas, James Bernard, of further mention;
Patrick, Maggie, Kate.
(II) James Bernard Russell, son of Thomas and Honora Russell, was
born in Ireland in I844. He was nine years of age when he came to this
country with his parents, and attended the common schools for a time at
Spencer, Massachusetts, remaining there until he was eighteen years of
age, and serving in the capacity of manager for Gleason  Tibbitt. He then
went to Chicago, Illinois, where he remained a few years, and from there
removed to Wheeling, West Virginia, serving as manager of the glass works
for the firm of Hobbs  Brukcune until the year I882. He then removed
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and for some time was proprietor of the
Point Breeze Hotel, located on the corner of Fifth street and Pennsylvania
avenue, and making a success of this enterprise. Later he was a manager
of glass works in Homestead,'Pennsylvania, and in Fostoria, Ohio, tle
88IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and Emily (Leach) Cowling: I. Emily, married Isaac Warren, and lives
in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. 2. Mary E., of previous mention, married
Walter Morris. 3. Eleanor, married Thomas Matanle, deceased, and lives
in Elmira, New York. 4. Maria, married Samuel J. Bennett, deceased, and
lives with a daughter, Mrs. George Carruthers, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Children of Walter and Mary E. (Cowling) Morris: I. Robert
James, born April 3, I869, died August 17, I898, unmarried; was for a
time engaged in business with his father. 2. Jessie Emily, born December
30, I870, lives at home, unmarried. 3. Walter C., born November 24, 1873;
conducts his father's business in partnership with his brother, Charles
Weaver, as Walter Morris' Sons, their office in the Commonwealth Building, Pittsburgh; married Bertha Hannan, of Pittsburgh; his home is at No.
29 Lincoln avenue, Crafton, Pennsylvania. 4. Mary Elizabeth, born June 2,
I878, married C. C. Gray, vice-president and treasurer of the Detroit Insulated Wire Company; resides in Detroit, Michigan. 5. Charles Weaver, born
April 20, I885, one of the firm of Walter Morris' Sons, lives at home, unmarried.
The Dunbar family of Scotland, with which this line in
DUNBAR  Pennsylvania is connected through the branch of the name
that found residence in Ireland, is one of notable history,
holding a prominent position among the Scottish families of noble achievement.
(I) He of the line with whom this chronicle opens is James Dunbar,
who when eighteen years of age left his home in Belfast, Ireland, and arrived in America at about the close of the war for independence. He
settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania, there owning many acres of
land, a part of which he cleared, and there passed the remainder of his life.
He married Mary McConnell, and had children: I. James, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 2. Robert, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 3. John, died near Steubenville, Ohio. 4. Thomas, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 5. Samuel, of whom further. 6. William,
died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 7. Mary, married Joseph Wallace; and died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 8. Jane, married a Mr.
Black, and died in Ohio. 9. Martha, married James Brimmer, and died in
Washington county, Pennsylvania. Io. Joseph, died in Iowa.
(II) Samuel Dunbar, son of James and Mary (McConnell) Dunbar,
was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 27, I817, died in
Smith township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I855. He was reared
to manhood on the home farm, and after his marriage purchased land in
Smith township where he farmed and conducted stock raising operations
until his death, resulting from an attack of fever. He was politically a
Democrat, and with his wife held membership in the Presbyterian Church.
He married Rebecca Van Eman, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania,
March 4, 1820, who now lives on the home farm near Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, aged nearly ninety-five years, never having married a second time.
564WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
last named factory being subsequently sold to the United States Glass Company. He then removed to Kent, Ohio, where he served as manager of
glass works until October I, I893, when he took up his residence in Glassport, Pennsylvania, and became manager of the United States Glass Company. He resigned from this position in I904, retiring from active business
pursuits, and living thus until his death, which occurred July 5, I9I3.
From his and his wife's earnings they saved sufficient capital to enable him
to erect a large double house located on the corner of Sixth and Monongahela streets, Glassport, where he spent the remainder of his:days. He was a
commtnicant of the Catholic Church, and a Republican in politics. He was
interested in all the movements calculated to advance the interests of his
adopted city, and his influence for good was felt in many ways. He erected
the first double brick house in Glassport, also laid the first cement sidewalk,
thus making him a pioneer of the town.
Mr. Russell married, December 17, I882, Rosella, born in Baltimore,
Maryland, a daughter of George and Minerva (Marsailles) Meier, the
former born in Germany in 8o09, the latter born in Marseilles, France, in
I8I9. They came to the United States, he with his father, his mother having
died in Germany, she with her parents, wiho died in Baltimore, Maryland.
George Meier was a farmer in Maryland, and also conducted a brewery
there for a time. Later he was the proprietor of a hotel at York, Pennsylvania, where he died in I883, the death of his wife occurring in I877.
Mr. and Mrs. Meier were the parents of children, as follows: Agnes,
Charles, Amelia, Minnie, George, Henry, Albert, William, deceased; Sarah,
Rosella, aforementioned as the wife of James B. Russell; Mary.
Mrs. Russell was educated in St. Alphonzo Parochial School and the
School of the Immaculate Conception, and was confirmed in the Citholic
Church. She was appointed postmistress of Glassport, December 29, I898,
and held the office until March 30, 1911, a period of almost thirteen years,
when she tendered her resignation. She was faithful and conscientious in
the performance of her duties, and won the commendation of,her superiors
in office, also the respect of all the residents of the place. She is a woman
of culture and refinement, and her home is noted for the hospitality dispensed
there. A niece of Mrs. Russell married a son of John Henry Rommel.
(The Rommel Line.)
(I) Henry Rommel was born at Fulda, Kurhessen, Germany, in I8I6,
and died in I849. He was a member of the cavalry, the Cuirassiers, and
the privilege of marrying having been refused him because the lady of his
choice was of the Catholic faith, he resigned his commission, married her
and emigrated to the United States in I837. He made his home in Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1844 removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at
South Side, where he lived until his death occurred. In Baltimore he was a
contractor for the unloading of cargoes, and he was weighmaster at McKnights Mill. Mr. Rommell married Mary Elizabeth Dicker, born in Kreis
Hennefeldt, Kurhessen, Germany, in I8o8, died in 1883. They had children:
882WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Josephine; John Henry, of further mention; Mary, born in January, I845.
Mrs. Rommel married (second) Philip Rohm, and had one child: Henry.
(II) John Henry Rommel, son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Dicker)
Rommel, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 23, I837. He was
educated in the public schools of his native city, in St. Michael's parochial
school on Pius street, and the St. Michael Seminary on Pius street, now
removed to Glenwood. He lived there during the big fire of Pittsburgh
in I845, which he witnessed, standing near Dr. Bedford's brickyard. He was
apprenticed to learn the art of glassmaking, being bound until he was twentyone years of age with Mr. Mulvaney. He next went with McKee  Company, then with the Philip  Best Glass Company, next with Fry, Hogan 
Company, of Bridgewater, and in I86I was made a member of this firm. His
next business connection was with John Adams, at the old Jenny Lind factory,
at the corner of Ross and Water streets, and from there he went to Alexander King Adams, and bought the soda works at the corner of Twelfth
and Brear streets. Later he was with Fry, Lippincott  Company, then
King, Son  Company, and in I879 removed to Leesdale, where he became
a member of the firm of Lindsay  Company. In I884 he formed a connection with Brice Brothers, at the corner of Sidney and Twenty-first
streets, Pittsburgh, remained with them until I894, when he came to Glassport, and entered the employ of the United States Glass Works. Mr.
Rommel was a communicant of the Catholic Church, and a Republican in
politics.
Mr. Rommel married, November 23, I862, Margaret Fox, born at
South Side, Pittsburgh, February 22, 1841, a daughter of Peter and Anna
Mary (Coleman) Fox, both born in Bavaria, Germany, and emigrated to
this country in 1833, coming to Pittsburgh, where he died in I855 at the
age of forty-nine years, and she died in I872, at the age of sixty-nine years.
They had children: Gregory, Margaret, Anna Mary, mentioned above.
Mr. Fox was a labor boss in McKnights Mill at Pittsburgh, was a Whig in
politics, and a member of the Catholic Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Rommel had children: I. Mary, born in I864, died in
I9IO; she married Isaac Norris, and had children: Alpha, Bessie, Beatrice,
John, Mildred, Margaret, Winifred, Dorothea, Chester; Beatrice married
Ellis Lee, of Carnegie, and has children: Edward, Dorothy, Ellis. 2. Lizzie,
born in I869; is sacristy girl in the Catholic Church at Glassport. 3. Harry,
died at the age of six months. 4. Harry, born in 1872; manager in the factory of the United States Glass Works at Glassport; married Gertrude
Barbetta, a niece of Mrs. Russell, and has children: Harriet, Frank, Margaret, Elizabeth. 5. Charles, born in I876, died in I878. 6. Charles, born
September I4, I88o; a glass worker; unmarried.
Immediately after the Revolutionary War, among the great
GEORGE  tide of immigrants flooding from Ireland to America at that
time, came the first known founder of the George family from
Ulster county, Ireland, to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the person
883WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of         George, a linen weaver. He was accompanied by his wife, by
w,hom he had seven children. He died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, about 1839, leaving the following children: Sally (Firmal), Matty
Caldwell, Pollie (Wodard), Thomas, William, John, James, of whom
further.
About the same time       Reesman and his wife Elizabeth migrated
from Holland to America, also settling in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They were of the hardiest Dutch stock, living to a ripe old age in
spite of the hardships of migration, the husband dying at the age of ninety,
and Elizabeth at one hundred and three. They were the parents of ten
children, as follows: David, John, James, Wilson, George, Mary, Margaret,
Harriet, Jane, Elizabeth Ann, born April 25, I817, died June zo, I892.
In I837 the lines of George and Reesman were connected by the marriage of James George to Elizabeth Ann Reesman. After their marriage
they moved to Clarion county, Pennsylvania, taking up residence about
three miles from Corsica, in Limestone township, where he lived until his
death in January, I883, at the age of eighty years. He was one of the
most respected men in his community, and was an active member of the
Presbyterion Church for over forty years. His wife also, who died at the
old home near Corsica, was one of the most beloved women of the neighborhood. Her unquestioning faith and loving, untiring help in times of
poverty and sickness endeared her to all throughout the country district.
They had the following children: James Foster, later an officer in the
Civil War; Nancy Elizabeth, deceased; Mary Agnes, deceased; William
Nixon, also an officer in the Civil War; Martha Jane; Sarah Anne; Margaret Adeline; John Wallace; Eliza Angelina; Thomas Jefferson, of whom
further; Harriet Selina.
Thomas Jefferson George attended the public schools of Corsica, then
Corsica Academy, later graduating from Edinboro State Normal School.
He then served as principal of the Eldred schools for five years, leaving
here to become an instructor in the Edinboro State Normal School, where
he also pursued post-graduate work. After three years, he became head
of the academy at Oakdale, which place he left after three years to become
Professor of Latin at Duquesne College. In 1896 he moved to Carnegie,
having accepted the commission of organizing and becoming principal of the
high school at that place. After its formation he held the principalship for
fifteen years. In I9IO he received an appointment as superintendent of all
the Carnegie schools, and has since been the efficient head of the Carnegie
school system. He is an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Carnegie;
has been the assistant superintendent of the Sunday school for many years;
was president of the Schoolmasters' Club of Western Pennsylvania, and
of the Principals' Round Table of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  In
I889 he married Asenath Margaret Black.
(The Black Line.)
The origin of this line of Blacks is Scotch, although Irish residence
884WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was long claimed by members of the family. In the north of Ireland, in
the province of Ulster, in the county of Antrim, lived a Mr. Black, having
a large family of sons and daughters. There also lived a Mr. White, who
had one daughter. Both of these families were of Scotch birth and Presbyterian religion. In course of time one of the sons of the house of Black
took to wife the daughter of the house of White, and to them were born
several sons and daughters. One of these sons, John by name, a stone
mason and bricklayer by trade, wedded his cousin Letitia, daughter of
Paul Black, another of the Ulsterites, in I807. Soon after the birth, of
their daughter Mary in I8o8 they decided to migrate to America, where
their brother, Samuel Black, had preceded them to the county of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. Here they lived for some time, finally leaving to seek a
western home beyond the Alleghenies, buying and settling a farm in Upper
St. Clair township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. They soon became
active members of the United Presbyterian Church of Mt. Lebanon, their
church formerly having been the Associate Reformed. For some time
after their arrival in Allegheny county they lived in a log cabin covered
with Virginia creeper, and having a wooden chimney, afterwards building
a stone house, where they died in I854. Both were buried in the Mt.
Lebanon Cemetery. They were the parents of: I. Mary, married John
McClure, and died in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 2. Samuel, died in
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 3. Paul, a farmer, died at Aledo, Illinois.
4. John, of whom further. 5. Robert, journeyed to California in I849,
and there died. 6. Martha, married Alexander Bower, and died in Beaver
county, Pennsylvania. 7. Lettitia, died young. 8. Mathew, a farmer, died
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 9. Lizzie, married Thomas Hanna, and
died in Beaver county, Pennsylvania.
John  (2) Black, son of John  (I) and Letitia  (Black) Black,
was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I8i6, died in Chippewa
township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, April I9, I89I. He became a
general merchant, and after his marriage settled in Darlington, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, later moving to Homewood, in the same county,
in both places conducting operations along mercantile lines. Failure of
health caused him to abandon this business, so he purchased land in Chippewa township, where he farmed until his death, aged seventy-five years.
Both he and his wife were members of the Associate Reformed Church,
and in politics he was independent of party ties.  He married Sarah
Wilson, born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in I820, died in Darlington,
that county, July 28, I893, daughter of Joseph and Isabella Wilson. Joseph
Wilson was a son of Robert Wilson, a native of Ireland, who came to the
United States from that country and settled in Eastern Pennsylvania.
While there he married Sarah Friend, of German descent, afterwards
moving to Western Pennsylvania, where he died. He was a soldier in a
Pennsylvania regiment in the American army during the war for independence, and was in Washington's command during that terrible winter
of I777-78 at Valley Forge. Joseph Wilson was born in Eastern Pennsyl885VVWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
vania, died in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He moved to the western
part of the state probably prior to I812, purchasing a farm of generous
dimensions between Beaver Falls and Darlington, in Beaver county, clearing and improving the same, and there living until his death, his wife also
dying on the farm, and both being buried in the Darlington Cemetery.
Isabella, his wife, was a daughter of John and Mary (McGregor) McCague, who received a government grant of land in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. There they were among the earliest pioneers of the region, then
a wilderness, uninhabited save by hostile Indians, and helped pave the way
for its later settlement. They were formerly natives of Donegal county,
Ireland. Daniel McCague, brother of Isabella, who came over at the same
time, served throughout the War of I8I2, dying at the age of eighty-eight.
Children of Joseph and Isabella Wilson: I. John, died on the homestead,
a part of which he owned; he was an extensive sheep raiser. 2. Mary,
died unmarried on the home farm, aged eighty-two years. 3. Sarah, of
previous mention, married John (2) Black. 4. James, died unmarried in
young manhood. 5. Martha, married McClure Wilson, and died aged
seventy years in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Children of John (2) and
Sarah (Wilson) Black: I. Isabella, married Joseph Douthitt, and resides
in Chippewa township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 2. Mary, married
John McClain, and lives in the same township. 3. Franklin, died aged sixteen years. 4. Wilson, a real estate agent, died in Oklahoma. 5. Joseph,
a farmer of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 6. William, died aged nine
years. 7. Asenath Margaret, of whom further.
Asenath Margaret Black, daughter of John (2) and Isabella
(Wilson) Black, was born in Darlington, Beaver county, Pennsylvania.
After attending the public schools she became a student in Pearsol's Academy at Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, later entering the Edinboro State
Normal School, whence she graduated in the class of I886. For two years
after her graduation she taught in Chippewa township, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, after which she married Thomas J. George. Mrs. George
holds membership in the Monday Club, of Carnegie, of which she was an
organizer and of which she has been president. They have two children,
as follows: I. Ralph, who was graduated from Carnegie High School in
I908, and four years later from the University of P'ittsburgh; the following
year he took a post-graduate course in the University of Pennsylvania,
after which he received an appointment as instructor in the Department
of Economics in the University of Lehigh, South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and a year later became associate professor in the Department of
Economics at Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington. 2. Edwin, was
graduated from Carnegie High School in I9I3, and is now (I914) a student
in the University of Pittsburgh.  Both boys were graduated with first
honor from the high school, and both were active in inter-collegiate debates
and other school activities, Ralph being editor-in-chief of the Pitt Weekly,
the University paper.
886clEW
s1WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Gordon family is doubtless of Norman origin, is well
GORDON known in England, and has been prominent in Scotland
since before the year II50. No Scotch surname is more
honored, and perhaps none more widely known. As early as I I50 the
family is found in Aberdeenshire, Kirkci,dbrightshire, Banffshire, Berwickshire, Sutherlandshire, and in other counties of Scotland. The family possess the dukedom and marquisate of Gordon and Huntley; earldoms of
Aberdeen, Aboyne, Eozie Huntley, Moray; viscountcies of Formartine,
Inverness, Kenmure, Meldrum; lordships of Badenoch, etc., Haddo, etc.,
Lochinvar, Strathaven, etc.  Various branches bear coats-of-arms.  A
branch of the familly went to Ireland about I6Io, when Ulster was settled
by the Scotch Presbyterians by order of King James.
Robert Gordon was born in Lancashire, England, in Stockport, and
there his entire life was spent. He was a pattern maker by trade, and
followed his calling very successfully. He and his wife were members of
the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church. He married Mary, a daughter
of Edward Eden, a fine portrait of whom now hangs in the home of her
son, Harry Longson Gordon, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She was
brought to America by her children in I884, and died in McKeesport, in
December, I888. They had children: I. Edward, who was a foreman in
the National Tube Works, died in McKeesport. 2. Robert, a machinist,
spent some time in America, but died in England. 3. Elizabeth, died at
the age of twenty-three years. 4. Harry Longson, of further mention.
Harry Longson Gordon, son of Robert and Mary (Eden) Gordon,
was born in Stockport, Lancashire, England, January 28, I850, died in
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, September I6, I9o9. He was educated in the
schools of his native town, and was then apprenticed to learn the trade of
pattern making, his apprenticeship extending over a period of five years.
In I873;he emigrated to America, and here joined his brother Edward,
who was foreman of the pattern making department of the National Tube
Works. Mr. Gordon had no difficulty in obtaining a position in the same
department with his brother, and upon the death of the latter, in October,
I88o, he succeeded him as foreman, and filled this responsible post with
ability until his own death. At that time he was one of the oldest employes
of this concern in point of uninterrupted service, having been with them
thirty-six years, during twenty-nine of which he held the position of foreman. In politics he was a Republican, and he was a member of the Improved Order of Heptas.ophs, the Knights of Pythias, and had been treasurer of the Foresters of America for twenty-three years.
He visited England in the month of June, 1878, and on August 7 of
the same year was married in Stockport to Sarah Ellen Wild, born there
February 8, I853. She was a daughter of Edmund James and Diamaris
(Shawcross) Wild, lifelong residents of Stockport, where he was a butcher,
and died in May, I886, while his wife survived him until February, I9I2.
Of their ten children those who came to America were: Sarah Ellen, who
married Mr. Gordon, and Abraham Longson, a meat dealer, who died in
887888WESSTERN PENNSYLVANIA
McDonald, Pennsylvania. For thirty-three years Mr. and Mrs. Gordon
lived at the corner of Tube Works street and Whigham avenue, where
they erected a fine residence in I898. In I903 they visited England, in
order to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary there, and Mrs. Gordon
again went there in I9II. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have had children: T.
Herbert Edmund, born January 28, I88o; teller in the People's Bank,
in McKeesport; he lives in Versailles township; married Mary Belle
Michael, and has one son, Herbert Edmund Jr. 2. Mabel Wild, born July
24, I882; married Harry Alfred Dalby, a steel man; lives in Gary, Indiana;
has two sons, Harry Gordon and George Murray. 3. Minnie Eden, born
November 12, I883. 4. Ellen, born.October 25, I885; married Walter B.
Patterson, assistant superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Company;
lives in Charleroi; has children, Ruth Ellen and Margaret Gordon.
Robert Whigham, whose parents' were of Irish birth, was
WHIGHAM born on the banks of the Schuylkill river, in Eastern
Pennsylvania, and came to Versailles township, Allegheny
county, in early manhood. He was a stone mason by trade, and located in
McKeesport, where he was the owner of a farm which became very valuable property as the town developed. He married Nancy Stewart, a daughter of Samuel and Nancy S. (Dinsmore) Stewart, who settled in McKeesport in I785, the former a farmer by occupation. Seven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Whigham: John, a carpenter, married Caroline
Townsend; William, married Rachel Gray; Stewart, married Mary Gray,
and lived on a farm in McKeesport; Ann, died young; Robert, married
Margaret Taylor and lived on a farm near McKeesport; Hamilton, of further mention; Thomas, died at the age of twenty, while traveling on a boat
from Illinois to Pennsylvania; Margaret, married Nathaniel Clark; Nancy,
married William Sill and lived in McKeesport; Elizabeth, married John
Galatin, a river pilot; Matilda, married James Crawford, and they owned
and lived on a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Mifflin township,
now Duquesne; Rachel, married Alfred O'Neil and lived in McKeesport.
Robert Whigham and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church,
and he died in McKeesport at the age of seventy-three.
Thomas Whigham, a brother of Robert Whigham, settled in Mifflin
township, Allegheny county, on the west bank of the Monongahela river.
He married Sallie McKee, a daughter of the founder of McKeesport. To
this union five children were born: William, John, Margaret, married Tom
Morton; Nancy, married a Mr. Bailey; Sadie, married a Mr. Fritz.
Hamilton Whigham, son of Robert and Nancy (Stewart) Whigham,
was born at Crooked Run, Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I822. He was educated in the public schools and his early years
were spent on the farm owned by his father. He was a coal merchant on
the Monongahela and Ohio rivers, and followed this for some years. Later
he became identified with boat building, and finally retired to private life,
having become the owner of property on Shaw avenue and Locust and
-00
80CWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Petty streets. He gave his political support to the Republican party, and
he and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian C'hurch.
Mr. Whigham married Matilda Sill, a daughter of Colonel Jesse Sill, who
fought in the war of I812, and was the owner of two large farms on the
site of the present Christy Park. Mrs. Whigham was born in Versailles
township in I825, and died December 2, I902. Colonel Sill was the father
of nine children: John, who lived on a farm  in Versailles township;
William, a coal merchant and steamboat owner, lived in M/IcKeesport;
Matilda, mentioned as having married Mr. Whigham; Ruth, married
William Mehaffey, a farmer and plasterer; Ann, married Mr. Atwater, a
merchant of McKeesport; Maria, married Walter Foster, lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Susan, married James Espey, lived in Washington
county; Eliza, married a Mr. Foster, and another'daughter married a Mr.
Webb. Mr. and Mrs. Whigham had eleven children: William, a retired
boat builder, lives in California, married (first) Lucinda Wilkins, (second)
Caroline Crow; Robert, a private in Company I, Sixty-third Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, died while in service of typhoid fever;
Orphalena, married Burt Patterson, both deceased; Columbus, a steamboat
captain, died unmarried at the age of thirty-eight; Elizabeth, married Miller
Chester, a carpenter, lives in McKeesport; George, died unmarried, in
McKeesport; Annie, died unmarried; Thomas, a caulker by trade, lives in
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, married Mary Moore; Matilda, died at the age
of fourteen years; John Hamilton, mentioned further; Irene, married Harvey Hutchinson, lives in Buffalo, New York.
John Hamilton Whigham, son of Hamilton and Matilda (Sill) Whigham, was born in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June I2,
I86I, in the old brick house at the corner of Shaw avenue and Locust
street, now occupied by Walker, the undertaker. He acquired a good education in the public schools of McKeesport, later learning the carpenter trade
under Orville Edmundson and Thomas Lysle. He followed this trade for
a few years, then became shearman in the tin plate mills at Demmler,
where he remained for ten years. In I905 the entered the employ of the
Port Vue tin plate mills and is still employed there. Mr. Whigham has
passed all his life in McKeesport, except six years which he spent in Mifflin
township. He and his family reside at No. 612 Petty street, and are members of the Central Presbyterian Churcih. His fraternal affiliation is with
the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Woodmen of the
World.  On May Io, I882, Mr. Whigham married Jennie B. White, a
daughter of Alexander and Isabel White, who resided in Mifflin township,
just across the Mononga.hela river from McKeesport. She was a school
teacher, having taught several years prior to her marriage in the vicinity
of her home. Mr. and Mrs. Whigham have two children: I. Hamilton,
unmarried. 2. Belle, who married William B. Stallings, a wholesale coinfectioner. To t!his union have been born two children: John Whigham
Stallings and William B. Stallings Jr.
s89gWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
She is a daughter of Garrett and Rachel (Logan) Van Eman, both of her
parents natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, after their marriage
settling on Pigeon creek in that county, and later moving to Burgettstown
where they died. In both places he owned and farmed land. Both were
members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, in the organization of which
he was an elder. Children of Garrett and Rachel (Logan) Van Eman:
I. James Adams, died unmarried in California, aged nearly ninety years,
having journeyed to that state in I852 among the gold seekers. 2. Rebecca,
of previous mention, married Samuel Dunbar. 3. Amelia, married Scott
Riddle, and died in Ohio. 4. Margaret, unmarried, died September Io, I914,
aged nearly eighty-nine years, near Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. 5. Rachel,
married Daniel Duncan, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 6.
Isabel P., married William Dunbar, and resides in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 7. Mary Jane, married Lilburn Shipley, and died in Burgettstown,
Pennsylvania. 8. Hannah V., married James Stevenson, and lives near
Burgettstown. 9. Hugh Lee, a justice of the peace of Michigan Bluff,
California. Io. Garrett Scott, at one time a United States commissioner
of Oklahoma, now lives retired in Jennings in that state, the owner of a
great deal of land, having during his active life been a hardware merchant.
Children of Samuel and Rebecca (Van Eman) Dunbar:  I. William V.,
married Rea J. Wilson, and lives on the home farm. 2. James Garrett, of
whom further. 3. Mary B., unmarried, and lives with her mother.
(III) James Garrett Dunbar, son of Samuel and Rebecca (Van Eman)
Dunbar, was born near Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, September 20, I852.
After attending the public schools he completed his studies in the Frankfort Springs Academy. For several years he taught school in that locality,
and was then employed on the home farm. In I890o he became proprietor
of a furniture store in East Liverpool, Ohio, but soon afterward moved
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and there established as a real estate dealer.
That has since been his field of effort, and he has conducted successful
operations in that city, his home having been in Carnegie, Pennsylvania,
since I9OI. His reputation in the business world is the most worthy, all of
his dealings having been conducted in a fair and honorable manner that
could leave no room for dissatisfaction or reproach. The Masonic Order
is the fraternal society to which Mr. Dunbar belongs, his membership being
in Burgettstown Lodge, No. 454, Free and Accepted Masons, while with
hiis wife he is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. He is allied with
no political party, his judgment as to candidates being his only guide at the
polls.
Mr. Dunbar married, in I9OI, Annie B. Galbraith, born in Washington
county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Matthew and Phoebe (Keys) Galbraith.
They are the parents of one daughter, Annetta Rebecca, born October 27,
I902, exactly eighty-five years after the birth of her grandfather, Samuel
Dunbar.
565WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The subject of this sketch, Thomas Robinson Kerr, M. D., is a
KERR member of an old family in the United States, descended from
Walter Ker, whose posterity at this day numbers many thousands.
The first mention of the family in Scotch history is of a young chieftain, William Ker, the companion and friend from boyhood of William
Wallace. "The stem of this brave name, in subsequent times, became two
great branches, the Roxburghe and the Lothian." John Ker, of the forest
of Selkirk, in 1357, was the father of Henry, sheriff of Roxburghe. In
I6I6 Robert of Cessford, a gigantic warrior popularly known as "Habby
Ker," was created Duke of Roxburghe, and English honors were conferred
upon the third Duke of Roxburghe in I722, creating him Earl Ker. The
present head of the family in Scotland is Henry John, eighth Duke of
Roxburghe. Sir Walter Scott says, "The family of Ker was very powerful
on the Border." Fynes Morrison remarks, in his travels, that their influence
extended "from the village of Preston-Grange in Lothian to the Limits of
England." The "Middle March" was ruled by the Kers; and the raids,
the feuds among the clans, and centuries of border warfare have been
the subject for a literature of stirring tales and ballads, in which it is evident
they believed in that day that "All is dishonorabell quhair there is not eie
for eie and tuith for tuith." They were a gallant host of freebooters whose
memory still is green.
Walter Ker, the ancestor of the family in America, was born in the
Parish of Dalsert, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in I656. He, with other Scotch
non-conformists, was deprived of his property and exiled under perpetual
banishment in I685, during the "Killing Times," as they are known in history, when more than I8,ooo were martyred for their faith. He came to
America in the ship "Henry and Francis" and settled in Monmouth county,
near Freehold, New Jersey. He became a landowner, as his name in early
deeds may show, in Matawan, in Topanemus and near old Tennent Church.
He was evidently a man of strong opinions and force of character, and he
and his sons were active elders and deacons in the church. He was called
"The Father of Old Tennent." About one-half mile east of Old Tennent
Church is the grave of Walter Ker, the Old Covenanter. His gravestone
may still be seen, bearing its quaint inscription:
"Here lies what's Mortal of Walter Ker
Deceased June ioth I748 in ye 92 year of his age
Who long with Patience Bore life's heavy load
Willing to spend  to be spent for God
The noble Portrait in a line to paint
He breath'd a Father liv'd  Dy'd a saint
Here sleeps in peace the aged sire's Dust
Till the glad Trump arouse the sleeping Just."
His wife, Margaret, born in I66I, died in 1734 and they left four sons:
William, Samuel, Joseph and John.
William Ker, the oldest son of Walter Ker, was the father of nine
children. His third son, Nathan, was educated at Princeton, ordained by
the presbytery, and was pastor of the church in Goshen, New York, for
thirty-eight years. One of the treasures of Old Tennent Church is the deed
890I10,WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
from William Ker for the first acre of ground in Old Tennent Cemetery
and on which the old church now stands. It is d,ated May I, I73I, and the
consideration one shilling. On his farm, situated a short distance southwest of Freehold on the Hightstown road, the main part of the Battle of
Monmouth took place, one of the hardest fought and longest battles of thle
Revolution, and its victory was the turning point of the war for independence. His house was used as a hospital by the Americans.
Nathaniel Ker, William Ker's eighth child, was born in I745. He
married Hannah Preston. The Prestons were one of the Monmouth families who later moved to Virginia. Nathaniel Ker emigrated to western
Pennsylvania, and was the father of eleven children. At least three of his
sons died in the War of I8I2.
Nathaniel Preston Kerr (as the name is now spelled), sixth child of
Nathaniel Ker, married Mary Gallagher, near what is now Apollo, Pennsylvania. They pushed on further west; he bought and partially cleared
his farm in Columbiana county, Olhio, then answered the call of his country
and died in the War of I812, near Erie, Pennsylvania. He was buried
there by a comrade, who wrapped his body in bark and grass. He left
three children: Thomas Gallagher, Nathaniel Preston and Mary Ann.
Thomas Gallagher Kerr was born in I8o8 in Columbiana county, Ohio.
His boyhood was spent on his Grandfather Thomas Gallagher's farm near
Apollo. He worked at his trade of blacksmithing near Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, now Monaca; married Grizel Henderson McCurdy, whose father
fought in the War of I812, and whose grandfather and great-grandfather
were officers in the Revolution. Later he was a steamboat builder of the
firm McCaskey  Kerr, which was in business for over forty years, building
some of the largest and finest boats that plied the Ohio and Mississippi rivers
in the palmy days of steamboating. He was w'ell known in all the river
towns'and cities between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Among the famous
boats of the day which he built was the Messenger, on which Charles
Dickens traveled; also the following other early boats: Crystal Palace,
Republic, John C. Simonds, Pennsylvania, Joseph Pierce, Grand Turk,
Harry Brown and Jos. D. Williams. (Mark Twain was pilot on the Pennsylvania, and says of the Grand Turk that she was a "fast and famous
boat.") He was justice of the peace for nearly fifty years, a charter member of the Freedom Methodist Episcopal Church and a leader in all church
enterprises, faithful in life and strong attachment to his church. He was
one of the original settlers of Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where
he lived until his death in I887. He had eleven children, three of wrhom
are still living: William Wallace, Rev. Nathaniel Preston and Mary (Kerr)
McCaskey.
Rev. Nathaniel Preston Kerr was born March Io, I835, in Freedom,
Pennsylvania. As a boy he worked in his father's boatyard and made
several trips as "ship's carpenter" on the river between Pittsburgh and
New Orleans, and Pittsburgh and Minneapolis, and also above the Falls of
St. Anthony on the first steamboat that ran from St. Anthony's Falls to
89iI9WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sauk Rapids. This boat, the H. M. Rice, was built by his uncle, Nathaniel
Preston Kerr, who served as its captain.
He was a charter member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in
Minneapolis. When he felt the call to preach he entered Mt. Union College,
Alliance, Ohio, and in I862 became a member of the Pittsburgh Annual
Conference. He was in the active work of the ministry forty-three consecutive years. His theological seminary was the circuit, his library in his
saddle-bags-for the first three years of his work. Later he served many
important charges in Pittsburgh and surrounding county seats; was secretary of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference for fourteen years, and of the
Ministerial Relief Association for a longer period. He organized, several
church societies and built several churches during his ministry. He retired
from the active work in 1905 and built his home in Oakmont, Pennsylvania,
where he still lives, among his sons, at eighty years of age. He recently
laid the cornerstone of the Oakmont Methodist Episcopal Church, an edifice
in process of building. This society he organized twenty-two years before
and laid the cornerstone of the first church. He has been past master in the
Masonic fraternity for more than fifty years.
He married Emma Josephine Robinson, of Freedom, Pennsylvania, in
I8'64. She died in I912. He had nine children of whom five are still living:
I. Mary Virginia, married Edwin Stanton Bayard; they have one son,
Samuel Preston Bayard.  2. Thomas Robinson, of whom  further.  3.
William Wallace, married Josephine Brown and has two daughters: Margaret M., married to Carl W. Klein, of Freedom, Pennsylvania, and Emma
R. 4. Emma Robinson, married Dorsey Weston Yealy, of Derry, Pennsylvania, and has one daughter, Isabel Wells Yealy. 5. D'urbin Swaney,
married Mary Belle Y,ealy; they have four child.ren: Dorothy Robinson,
Mary Akers, Ethel Lenore and Nat'haniel Preston Kerr 3d.  Also one
great-granddaughter, Virginia Dagmar, daughter of Margaret (Kerr) Klein,
of Freedom, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Robinson Kerr, M. D., was born June 25, I868, in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. He was educated at Waynesburg College, Waynesburg,
Pennsylvania, and graduated in I892 with honors from the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, now Medical Department of the University of
Pittsburgh. Aifter leaving school he practiced for one year with Dr. W. S.
Throckmorton, with whom he had read medicine, and then located in Oakmont, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He married Jessie, only daughter
of Dr. W. S. Throckmorton, of Nineveh, Greene county, Pennsylvania.
They have one daughter, Mary Virginia Kerr. The Throckmortons were
an old Monmouth county family-a street in Freehold, New Jersey, bearing
their name.
Dr. Kerr has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since
he was nine years of age and has always been active in the work of the
church, occupying many prominent and responsible official positions. He
has been a steward for twenty years and is in his third year as Sunday school
superintendent. He is a member of the building committee of the new
992s6-,WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
church now being erected. He organized the Young Men's Methodist Club
and the Susannah Wesley Club in connection with the Oakmont Church.
In politics he is Republican, of which party his father and grandfather were
also staunch adherents. He is a Knight of Pythias; a charter member of the
Phi Beta Pi fraternity, Alpha Chapter; and is a member of the Allegheny
County Medical Society and of the American Medical Association.
The Hubbard family of Avalon, which for many years
HUBBARD  was represented by the late Henry De Forest Hubbard,
trace their descent to, five brothers who settled in the New
England States in the early part of its history, contributing their share toward its development and progress.
Harvey Hubbard, father of Henry De Forest Hubbard, was born at
Old Stanwich, Connecticut, died in the state of Missouri. He was educated in the schools adjacent to his home, and later became a navigator of
note, and was also owner of a farm in Huron county, Ohio. He was married three times, his last wife, Emeline Jane (Ackley) Hubbard, born in
New York City or Philadelphia, was the mother of six children, among
whom was Henry De Forest.
Henry De Forest Hubbard was born in Ripley township, Huron county,
Ohio, October 24, I86o. After completing his studies in the schools of his
native township, he turned his attention to acquiring a knowledge of the
vocation of engineering and in idue course of time became a mechanical and
constructing engineer, entering the employ of the C.  G. Cooper Company,
of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, for whom he traveled extensively. Later he served as
constructing engineer with the Oil Well Supply Company, and had charge
of the engineering of twenty-one shops at the time of the building of Oil
City; was chief engineer and general manager of the Manchester Traction
Company;' was with the Avalon Auto Company; and with the Wooly
Smokeless Company of New York City for one year. He was one of the
most competent and reliable engineers in that section of the state. He was
a self-made man, learning his trade in the machine shops of Cleveland, Ohio,
and attending night school in order to supplement the education received
during his boyhood. He served one term as sheriff of Bear county, Texas.
He was an Independent in politics, an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal
C'hurch, and a thirty-second degree Mason. He resided at Esplen (Pittsburgh) until I903, when he removed to Avalon, where his death occurred
January II, I9I3.
Mr. Hubbard married (first) Alice Metheny; children: Claude, Harry,
Fred, George; married (second) December 3I, I89I, M'innie E. Moore, of
Massillon, Ohio, daughter of Charles F. and Julia R. (Runyan) Moore,
the former of whom was born in Lyons, New York, and the latter in Federalsburg, Maryland, and a granddaughter on the paternal side of John and
Mary (Wright or Williams) Moore, of Maryland, the former named a
slaveholder, and on the maternal side of James and Eliza (Blount) Runyan,
the former named born in New York, and the latter named in Connecticut.
9-n 3WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Charles P. Moore enlisted in Company G. Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteers, and returned from the war without having received a wound. He was
a moulder by trade. He died at the Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio, August,
I9o6. His wife, prior to her marriage, taught painting in the public school,
also taught Sunday school for forty-three years; she died at the age of
eighty-six years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard: Helen Emilie, resides at home; Mary
Grace, a student in the high school, resides at home; Dorothy Moore, deceased; Florence Carol, deceased; John De Forest, deceased. The family
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bellevue.
The Johnston family is well known and highly respected
JOHNSTON  in the vicinity of Wilkinsburg, in which section of the
state they have resided for many years, since the arrival
of the emigrant in this country from his native land, Ireland.
(I) Charles Johnston, grandfather of Benjamin Harra Johnston, ot
Wilkinlsburg, was born in Ireland, there reared and educated, married in
Scotland,   - Rodgers, great-granddaughter of John Rodgers, and upon
their arrival in this country they settled in the vicinity of Homestead, Pennsylvania, opposite McKeesport, where he was a farmer and distiller. Later
he purchased the property on which his grandson, Benjamin H. Johnston,
now resides, a tract of four hundred acres, formerly the property of a Mr.
Powell, and subsequently purchased one hundred and fo;rty acres adjoining,
formerly the property of a Mr. McDonald, also one hundred and eighty-six
acres in Plumb township, where he followed the same lines of work as
heretofore, and resided at the time of his death on the Powell tract. Mr.
and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of eight children, two of whom died in
childhood, and the names of the others were as follows: William, Andrew,
John, James, all of whom served in the state militia, Jane, Mary.
(II) Jo'hn Johnston, father of Benjamin Harra Johnston, was born in
Ireland, and his educational advantages were limited, being confined to
attendance at night school for a period of three months, but despite this
fact he was able to read and write, this being due to his own unaided efforts
and his determination to gain knowledge. He accompanied his parents to
this country, and throughout'his active years devoted his attention to farming and stock raising, raising the general line of produce, conducting his
operations on a farm consisting of one hundred and seventy-two acres. He
was a Democrat in politics, and served in the offices of school director and
county commissioner. He and his family attended the United Presbyterian
church. Mr. Johnston married (first) Margaret Long, who bore him nine
children, as follows: Boyd, James, John, William, George, Matthew, Rebecca, Hannah, Sarah. James and Matthew Johnston served in the Mexican War. Mr. Johnston married (second) Ann Parkison, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Benjamin and     (Rodgers)
Parkison, the former named born in England but raised in Ireland, the
latter named born in Scotland; they emigrated to the United States and
894WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
located where Monongahela City is now located, and there he was a distiller,
having in operation five or six stills at the time of the Whiskey Rebellion,
and he was also the owner of a grist mill. Mr. and Mrs. Parkison were the
parents of seven children: Jane, Margaret, Alevia, Ann, William, James,
Mortimer. Mr. Johnston had two children by his second marriage: Mortimer, Benjamin Harra, of whom further.
(III) Benjamin Harra Johnston was born on the farm on which he
now resides in Wilkins township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, July 2I,
I840. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood, and has always reside'd on the home farm, at first conducting general farming, operating one hundred and sixty acres, but of late years has devoted his atttention
to gardening, this occupation being less laborious. He is progressive in his
ideas, thorough in his work, and the neat appearance of his entire property
bespeaks a master mind, careful attention being paid to every detail. He
erected his present residence in I884, this being comfortable and commodious, adequate to the needs of his family. Mr. Johnston is a member of the
Uhiited Presbyterian church, in which faith he was reared, and is a Republican in politics. He has been the choice of his fellow townsmen on several
occasions for public office, the duties of which he performed in a creditable
manner.
Mr. Jo'hnston married (first) February, I863, Rebecca Duff, daughter
of Alexander Duff, a pioneer of this section, and she bore him one child,
Elmer; both mother and child died. He married (second) September 27,
I867, Elizabeth McCloskey, a sister of John McCloskey, a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this work. She died January I3, I909; she was a
Catholic in religion, and reared her children in that faith. Their children
are: William, Daisy, John, Jennie, Louisa, Elizabeth.
Kincaid is one of the oldest surnames in Scotland, and is
KINCAID from the Gaelic words "ceann" (head) and "chend" (hundred), head or chieftain of a hundred men. The spelling
of this name varies greatly in the different branches and often in the same
family. In the early records of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, it is
found as Kincaid, Kincade, Kinkead and Kinkaid. The family is of ScotchIrish ancestry, and in Pennsylvania first settled in Middleton township, where
John Kinkead is named in a list of settlers under date of I75I. In I768 John
Kincaid, George Kinkaid and James Kinkaid are named as residents of the
same township. In 1797 John Kincade was still living there. These were
all members of the same family, the spelling, no doubt, being determined
by the ability of the clerk making the entry. Many Kincaids served in the
Revolutionary War, principally from  Cumberland county, Pennsylvania.
The John Kincaid mentioned in the list of I75I was the father of John (2),
who later settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where John (3)
Kincaid was born in I79I. John (I) was the original Kincaid settler of
the family in Cumberland county, and there is no record found of any of the
name in Pennsylvania at an earlier period. Whether John (I) or John (2)
895WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The year I77I was the date of the arrival in Young township,
LEARD Indiana county, Pennsylvania, of Zachariah Leard, who came
thither from Ireland, his birth-place, his home in the northern
part of that island. He was the founder of a family, the line herein recorded continuing through his son John.
(II) John Leard, son of Zachariah Leard, was a native of Young
township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and married Mary Elder, one of
his sons being Zachariah, of whom further.
(III) Zachariah (2) Leard, son of John and Mary (Elder) Leard, was
born in Young township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, January 3, I823,
died on his seventy-seventh birthday. He was educated in the common
schools of the day, in young manhood mastering the surveyor's profession
through his own efforts and continuing in its practice during his active
years. In addition to his work in this line he owned and cultivated a farm,
always devoting a part of his time to agricultural pursuits. He held numerous positions in the public service, among them the office of school director,
and was frequently impressed by his neighbors in the preparation of contracts, papers of sale, and other legal documents, although he persistently
refused the office of justice of the peace. A thorough knowledge of legal
procedure and a strict and unbending sense of honor were the factors that
determined his appointment as executor in the settlement of numerous
estates, all of which he closed in a prompt and business-like manner, to the
satisfaction of all concerned. He married Jane Kelly, born in White township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Meek Kelly, a native of
White township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, his wife, a Miss Moorehead, born in the same locality. Meek Kelly, son of James Kelly, was a
surveyor by profession, and about I836 was a member of the Pennsylvania
senate, a Democrat in political faith. Children of Zachariah and Jane
(Kelly) Leard: Sarah A., Meek Kelly, of whom further; Mary J.
(IV) Meek Kelly Leard, son of Zachariah (2) and Jane (Kelly)
Leard, was born in Young township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, April
8, I856. He was educated in the public schools, and as a youth began
farming, operating a tract of two hundred and twenty-six acres until I9IO,
his agricultural activities general in nature. In that year Mr. Leard moved
to Tarentum, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and became a member of
the firm of Moser  Hough, the name of which was changed one year
later to the Hough, Leard Lumber Company, Mr. Leard becoming secretary
and treasurer. This is the capacity in which he is now connected with this
prosperous and thriving concern, his administration of the duties of his
offices exact and able. While a resident of Blacklick township, Indiana
county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Leard took an active interest in public affairs,
and for nine years was a member of the township school board. Always a
loyal Republican, he was for two terms a member of the state legislature,
sitting in that body from I899 to I903. He is a citizen of public-spirited
and progressive principles, and as well as becoming prominent in the business field of Tarentum has become a welcome addition to all branches of
566MWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Kincaid was the Revolutionary ancestor is hard to determine; both were
of age, capable of service, and, two Johns are named in Pennsylvania
archives as serving with Cumberland county militia,-one as John Kincaid,
the other as John Kincade, therefore, both may tiave served. In the list
of slave holders- filed at Carlisle in I768, John Kinkead is given as the
owner of one, slave.
(II) John (2) Kincaid was evidently still a young man when he moved
to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, as the census of I790o gives him
as then living in Salem township, having one son and five daughters at home,
all under sixteen years of age; at least one son, John (3), was born after
that date, perhaps others. The name of his wife is not known. The date
of settlement in Erie county is given as the year I8oo, when "William Carson and John Kincaide, with his five sons, some of whom were grown,"
settled in Wayne township. The five sons referred to were the sons of
William Carson, who was a brother-in-law of John Kincaid (3). Nothing
further can be told of the family in Wayne township during this period,
the burning of the court house, March 23, 1823, destroying the records of
the county up to that time.
(III) John (3) Kincaid, son of John (2) Kincaid, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 25, I79I, died in Wayne township,
Erie county, Pennsylvania, February 2, I874. He was a lad of nine years
when settlement was made in Erie county, and there he grew to manhood;
aiding in the clearing and cultivation of the tract upon which his father
settled. During the war of I812-I4 he served with the militia at Erie, Pennsylvania, ranking as sergeant, although then barely past his minority. He
was stationed at Erie at the time of Perry's victory over the English on
Lake Erie. He was a landowner and farmer. He married, February z8,
I8i6, Elizabeth Smith, born in Wayne township, Erie county, Pennsylvania,
March 29, I799, died September 30, I879, daughter of Samuel and Jane
(Dickey) Smith (see forward). Children of John and Elizabeth (Smith)
Kincaid: I. Jane, married Jesse Lyons. 2. William, of whom further.
3. Margaret, married (first) Dr. Ziba Colgrove, of Columbus, Pennsylvania,
and (second) Lyman Thomas. 4. John G., born on the home farm in Wayne
township, Erie county, Pennsylvania, February 4, I835; became well known
in church, towns,hip and county affairs; he married, January I5, I86I, Mary
Ann Dunn. 5. Samuel E., born in Wayne township, July I6, I837; he was
engaged with his brothers in cheese manufacture; was a very large land
owner and held several township offices; a member of the state legislature,
I876-77, and I878-79, as a Republican; he married (first) Ursula Anna
Yager, (second) Dora Wilkinson. 6. Henry.
Samuel Smith, father of Elizabeth (Smith.) Kincaid, was born in Ireland, June I6, I774, died September 4, I859. He resided in Ireland until
after his marriage, then he and his wife came to this country, landing at
Philadelphia in I796. After a residence there until the spring of I797, t!hey
migrated to Western Pennsylvania, making the journey on horseback. They
settled in Erie county, where Samuel Smith purchased four hundred acres
896WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at Beaver Dam. These he cleared and cultivated, enduring all the hardships
and privations inseparable from the life of a pioneer of that day and
locality. He prospered, however, and became a man of prominence. He
was a captain in the War of I8I2, and for many years was postmaster
at Beaver Dam. He was a Democrat in political faith until after slavery
became an issue; then after the formation of the Republican party, joined
with that organization, but did not live to see his party come into power.
He was reared in the Presbyterian churc'h, in Ireland, and ever afterward
was affiliated with that denomination. He married, in Ireland, Jane Dickey,
born June I2, I777, died November I7, I862. Eleven of their children grew
to mature years, all being members of the Presbyterian church. Children:
John; Elizabeth, married John Kincaid; William; Esther; Jane; Mary;
Lavina; Samuel; Nancy; Sallie; Sophia; and James D., the latter born
September 29, I817.
(IV) William Kincaid, son of John (3) and Elizabeth (Smith) Kincaid,
was born in Wayne township, Erie county, Pennsylvania, March 4, I82I, died
August 28, I9o8. He owned two hundred acres of land, was interested in
cheese manufacture with his brothers, and continued a tiller of the soil all
his active years. He was, in his early life, a member of the Congregational
church at Beaver Dam. When this society disorganized he became a member
of the United Brethren church, where he remained a member until his death.
He lived a life of honest, manly endeavor, serving the church at Beaver Dam
with a pious zeal. He was a Whig for many years, but w'h,en the question
of slavery in the territories became an issue, he joined with the Free Soilers,
and later with the Republican party. When the question of suppression of
the liquor traffic became an issue, he joined heartily with the' Prohibition
party, and ever after acted with that party. When a young man he was a
member and trained with the home guards of Wattsburg, Erie county. He
married, October 3, I84o, Jane Elizabeth Smith, born May I, I823, died
May 9, I9o6, daughter of John and Elizabeth Smith, of Phillipsville, Erie
county; her father was a pioneer, and a soldier at Erie, Pennsylvania, serving
there at the time Perry fought his victorious battle on Lake Erie. Children
of William Kincaid: Rev. John Smith, of whom further; Ida Elizabeth,
born March I, I863, married Frank E. Alverson.
(V) Rev. John Smith Kincaid, only son of William and Jane Elizabeth
(Smith) Kincaid, was born at the home place in Wayne township, Erie
county, Pennsylvania, July 17, I846, died at Corry, Pennsylvania, January
22, I897. He was early educated in the public schools of ft'he township, and
spent the years until I879 engaged in farming. He had long felt the call to
preach the Gospel and had neglected no, opportunity to prepare himself for
that holy calling. In I889 he was ordained a minister of the United Brethren
church, and became a member of the Erie Conference. From that time until
his death he was actively engaged in ministerial work, serving different
churches as pastor, serving well tihe Master whose cause he loved. Not
alone did he wage a peaceful warfare, but during the Civil War he enlisted
as a private in Company L, Twelth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, went
8978WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to the front and served under General Sheridan. He was engaged at the
battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek and Front Royal, during the Shenandoah
Valley campaigns. He was a Republican in politics, held several town offices
in early life, and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Salamanca, New York. He married, January 3I, I866, Margaretta Onelia
Tuttle, born March 25, I849, who survives him; child, William Wallace, of
whom further. Mrs. Kincaid married (second) Jacob Boyle, of Marietta,
Ohio, and resides in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Thomas
Fancher Tuttle, born September i6, I8I3, and his wife, Lucinda (McIntyre)
Tuttle, born December 8, I8i8. Thleir children: I. Maria M., born May 6,
I838; married, September 2, I859, Charles Steadman. 2. David W., born
December I2, I839, died, December 9, I9IO; married Melissa Patchen. 3.
Lucy A., born March 28, 1841; married (first) September 2, 1859, Bertrand
Perkins, and (second) James Rolland; died August 30, I9I3. 4. Helen M.,
born September 30, I843; marrieid, September Io, 1874, James K. Chesney.
5. Charles W., born December I2, I845, died January I9, I846. 6. Olive L.,
born April I9, I847; married, January 31, I866, John Nylen. 7. Margaretta
O., born March 25, I849; married, January 31, I866, Rev. John Smith
Kincaid, of previous mention. 8. Isora A., born April 2, I85I; married,
October 30, I869, Thomas V. Walter. 9. Almira, born May 30, 1854, died
August II, I856. IO. Darwin T., born July 9, i858, died June z, I862. II.
Inez Elizabeth, born August 9, I863; married S. E. Dawson, I888; died
May 7, I90I.
(VI) William Wallace Kincaid, only c'hild of Rev. John Smith and
Margaretta O. (Tuttle) Kincaid, was born in Wayne township, Erie county,
Pennsylvania, April 26, I868. He attended the public school of the town,
and later entered the high school at Corry, Pennsylvania, whence he was
graduated in the class of 1887. In the fall of 1887 he began teaching sc'hool
in Wayne township, continuing until the close of schools in I888. He then
became a subscription book canvasser, and until I896 he was engaged as
general agent and publisher, locating in I889 in Philadelphia. In I897 he
located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, as manager for the Keystone View Com:
pany, retiring from his position as sales manager with that firm in January,
I904. In that year he associated with M,arcus Merritt Beeman and Jesse
Homan Pardee in the formation of a firm for the manufacture of the Spirella
corset stay and Spirella corsets, the invention of Mr. Beeman. They organized first March I6, I904, as a copartnership, but a year later incorporated
under the laws of Pennsylvania as The Spirella Company, withi W. W. Kincaid, president; M. M. Beeman, vice-president and secretary; and J. H. Pardee, treasurer. On November 29, 1912, they incorporated under the laws of
the state of New York as The Spirella Company, Incorporated, with the same
officers. The business has grown to great proportions; six factories are engaged in the manufacture, the main plant at Meadville with branch factories
and sales offices establis'hed early in 1914 at Niagara Falls, New York, and
Lincoln, Nebraska; The Spirella Company of Canada, Limited, with plant
at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, of which Mr. Kincaid is president; The
898~[[.......
MO   /  i. il j
i   il[l  ii i~i~~ii?WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Spirella Company of Great Britain, Limited, with plant at Letchworth (Garden City), England, of which he is a director, and which was promoted in
I9o9 and I9IO by Messrs. Kincaid and Beeman and The Spirella Gesellschaft fiir Deutschland m. b. H., organized in I913, located at Diisseldo,rf,
-of which he is a director, Mr. Kincaid spending the summer of I913 in Germany for the purpose of organizing it. At the breaking out of the war in
Europe in August, I9I4, the Diisseldorf factory was partly dismantled and
offered to the German government as a hospital.
There never'has been, in the history of manufacturing in this country,
so instant a success as The Spirella Company has scored in its eleven years
of existence; an army of about twelve thousand factory and office employes
and corsetieres are exclusively engaged in making, recording and selling,
about ten thousand of these being women engagid as corsetieres in the
United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Germany, South Africa,
Australia, Mexico and Cuba. Patents have been taken out and trade
marks registered in the United States, Canada, the continental countries of
Europe, in Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico
and South American countries, the inevitable,result being, and' t!hat not far
distant, when business will be done on a large scale in these countries. With
perfectly equipped plants, a wise management and an organized sales force,
nothing is impossible to these three mature, ripened business men between
whom exists a m-utual friendship and confidence that means more than
the words imply.
A feature of The Spirella Company, that is most pleasing to contemplate, and a feature all too rare among factory owners, is the social and
educational work conducted at the various plants. The Spirella Association
has been formed, to which every one of the more than two thousand employes of the different plants, from president to office boy, belongs. To this
each contributes the sum of ten to twenty-five cents quarterly, the entire
excess of expenses over this sum being borne by tfhe company. This association has a constitution and by-laws, with a policy which sets forth the
worthy ideals and objects of its being. The company furnishes its factories
with large dining rooms and kitchens where meals are served at actual cost.
They also furnis'hi a splendid hall for weekly meetings, with rooms for a
gymnasium, a library and different classes and societies. Its educational
course embraces classes in vocal and instrumental music, china painting,
fancy work of various kinds, an orchestra of a number of pieces and a
choral class of more than a hundred voices, a class on the violin, a mandolin
class, and classes in the French and German languages, domestic science,
millinery and sewing. In athletics, it has physical training and bowling
classes for both men and women and a gun club for its men. It also has
a large baseball park and several tennis courts. All these various organizations are furnished with competent instructors paid for by the company.
At each of the Spirella plants a staff of young ladies trained in social and
educational work are regularly employed by the different companies to
devote their entire time to looking after the interests of the members. This
8999goo                 WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
corps embraces a social secretary, a physical director, librarians and nurses.
There is also a hospital equipped in the different institutions with regular
trained nurses who look after those who may become temporarily ill
or meet with accidents. They also counsel the girls and all employes on
points of hygiene and health, visit any that may be sick at their homes, and
see that they have perfect attention. The choral class and orchestra have
given a number of entertainments in the Academy of Music in Meadville,
filling it to its utmost capacity, and on two occasions have gone out of town,
once to Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, and once to Niagara Falls, New
York, one'hundred strong, to give concerts. The annual outing every year
since I907 is also a feature of the Association work; the last one of the
Meadville plant being on June 7, I914, at Oakwood Park, where about one
thousand of the company's and visiting corsetieres sat down at one banquet.
Two of the annual outings which were participated in by bot'h the American
and Canadian companies have been held at Niagara Falls, with an attendance of several hundred from the Meadville plant who went by special train.
The British Spirella Company completed and moved into its magnificent new building at Letchworth (Garden City), England, in July, I9I3.
The w'hole top story of this building is given over to the social activities of
the employes and embraces an auditorium seating Iooo people, a kitchen
and dining room, a library, a roof garden and baths. All employes are allowed thirty minutes a week of the company's time to take baths. The
business of the British Company has been organized and built up to its
present splendid proportions under the very able management of Joseph
Howard Moore who has been for many years a friend of Mr. Kincaid. Mr. Moore also started the business of the Canadian Company.
As a result of this organization and beneficent work done by the Spirella Association a general spirit of good fellowshipi pervades the entire institution, and The Spirella Companies have the most contented andi intelligent bodies of employes to be found anywhere.
Vast as are his responsibilities, and faithfully as they are performed,
Mr. Kincaid is in full sympathy with all progressive movements in public
affairs and shows the same interest for the "public good" that he manifests
in the promotion of the welfare of his own employes. From I9o6 he has
served on the school board of Meadville, giving freely of his time and
ripened judgment to the raising of a higher standard of education. He has
always been a Republican, but embraced the progressive movement of
I912 with all the airdor of his nature, as promising relief from conditions
he felt were not for the "public good." He was a delegate to the Republican
state convention of I912 and there was elected delegate-at-large to the Republican National convention of that year held in Chicago. He fought with
the Pennsylvania delegation for the seating of the progressive delegates
from contested districts, and, was one of the sixty-four Roosevelt delegates
who answered "present and not voting" when the roll was called for the
nomination for president. Later he was a delegate and present at the
National Progressive Convention, held in Chicago, August 6, I9I2, thatWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
nominated Theodore Roosevelt for president. Later he was appointed upon
the committee of five men from Pennsylvania to interview and consult with
Colonel Roosevelt regarding the settlement of the controversy relating to
electors on the Republican and Washington party tickets in Pennsylvania.
He was chairman of, and called to order, the first county convention of the
Washington party, held in Crawford county, September I4, I912. He was a
tower of strength to his party in the campaign that followed; was an important factor in carrying Pennsylvania for the Progressive cause and is
still firm in his support of that movement.
From June, I887, to June, I890o, Mr. Kincaid was a member of the
Pennsylvania National Guard, Company A, Sixteenth Regiment. From
I907 until I9IO he was president of the Meadville Chamber of Commerce;
is a member of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, also delegate and
national councilor to the United States Chamber of Commerce, held in
Washington, D. C., January 23, I9I3, and again at the annual meeting of
that body at Washington in February, I9I4. He was elected a member of
the board of the Meadville Commercial College, I9I3, and was also elected
for a number years to the board of trustees of the East Greenwich Academy
located at East Greenwich, Rhode Island. While sojourning in England,
during the summer of I913, he was appointed by President Wheeler, of
the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, in company with Randolph
Coolidge, of Boston, as a member to represent that organization upon the
International Cheque Committee which met in London in May of that year.
At the last meeting, he was named as one of the ten delegates to represent
the United States Chamber of Commerce at the meeting of the International
Chamber of Commerce held at Paris in June, I914. He was present at
this meeting at which the report of the International Check Committee
among other reports was unanimously adopted. Mr. Kincaid is a member
of the American Chamber of Commerce in Paris and of the London Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Round Table of Meadville
and a member of Volunteer Camp No. 57, Sons of Veterans, of Pennsylvania. In religious faith he is a Unitarian, belonging to the Independent
Congregational Church, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, being a member of its
board of trustees, and president of the Unitarian Men's Club, year I914.
Mr. Kincaid married, May 28, I894, at Rapids, Niagara county, New
York, Clara E. Greenley, from Albany, New York, formerly of Adams,
Jefferson county, New York, daughter of Albert Manferd and Mary E.
(Hunt) Greenley, of whom further. Child: Nina G., married, August 24,
I908, Larue Free Smith, superintendent of schools at Shawano, Wisconsin,
and has one child, Lamrue Free Smith Jr., born November 25, I9II.
Albert Manferd Greenley was'born in Rodman, Jefferson county, New
York, September Io, I83I, died December Io, I892. He was the second
son of Solomon Kellogg and Verona (Buell) Greenley. Solomon Kellogg
Greenley was a farmer of Rodman, New York, where his entire life was
passed. His wife, Verona (Buell) Greenley, who was a descendant of the
Buell family of Colonial days, also of Revolutionary and Civil War fame,
goiWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
bore him the following children: Orsums, Albert Manferd, Orin, Hiram
Buell, Mrs. Celestine Brown, Mrs. Zephiar Miles, Mrs. Amanda Perkins,
Mrs. Orcelia Perkins.
Albert Manferd Greenley was educated in the public schools, grew to
manhood at the home farm, and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits,
varied by stock raising and dealing. He was a Republican in politics, and
was a member of tVhe Methodist Episcopal church and of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He married, February 4, I858, in Adams, Jefferson
county, New York, Mary Elizabeth Hunt, born in Rome, Oneida county,
New York, August 27, I840, daughter of Rev. Isaac Lord Hunt, a minister
and presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Hunts are
connected with the Calkins family of Massachusetts. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth
Hunt-Greenley is related through her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Betsey
Adams Salisbury Smith, wife of David Smith, with the families of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and through her paternal
grandmother to the Caulkins family of Massachusetts. Other children of
Rev. Isaac Lord Hunt by his second marriage: Hon. Isaac Lord Hunt, and.
Mrs. Harriet Hunt Reynolds.
Hardly yet in the prime of life, Mr. Kincaid has already achieved a
success which would amply repay the average man at the elose of his career.
But he is not the average man and looks forward to many years of still
greater activity and usefulness, not for gain or fame's sake, but for the
good he may accomplish. His ideals are lofty, and when reached greater
benefits will accure to his fellowmen and the world will have been better
for his having lived in it.
Henry Peter Eicher, a native of Germany, came to this counEICHER  try in I832, and located on the Muskingum river for a time.
Later he removed to Brush creek, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and then to Pittsburgh, where he followed his trade of tailoring. From
there he removed to Manchester, where he continued in the tailor trade and
then purchased a farm in Ohio township, Allegheny county, on which he
resided until his death in I869. He married Philippine Wooster, also born
in Germany, and they had children: Jacob, Mary, two died in infancy,
Cyrus, Philippina, William, Julius, of further mention; Philippine, Anna.
Julius Eicher was born in Ohio township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, July Io, I845. His education which, however, was a very limited
one, was acquired in the public schools of his native township, but he is
now a well-read and well-informed' man, as he has made the best use of
his keen power of observation and of any opportunity that came his way.
At the early age of eight years he commenced the active business of life.
His daily work was t'he milking of two cows, in addition to a variety of
other duties. After the death of his father he removed to Pittsburgh and
there, in association with a brother-in-law, engaged in business as a wagon
builder, and' was identified with this line of industry for a period of three
years. Six months were then given to the conduct of a hotel, and he is now
902WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
engaged in the general produce business. His religious affiliation is with
the Presbyterian churc'h, and he is a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen and the German Beneficial Union. Mr. Eicher married,
in i870, Louise Caroline Cook, and they had children: John Henry, Clara
Ann, Viola May, Nelsena Louisa.
The Egler family, now ably represented in Sewickley, AlleEGLER gheny county, Pennsylvania, is an old and highly respected one,
their record being t'hat of well-spent lives, characterized by
honesty, integrity and faithfulness in every duty devolving upon them.
(I) William Egler, who was born in Germany, came to America with
his parents, and they located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a tailor
by trade, and during the Civil War filled many contracts for furnishing uniforms to the army. His death occurred in Pittsburghb.
(II) Wendel Egler, son of William Egler, was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and received his education there. When he had attained man's estate he engaged in the contracting business, with whic'h he
was successfully identified for many years, and is now living retired in the
city of his birth. He and his family are members of the Catholic church.
He married Mary E. Hegner, also born in Pittsburgh, and has had six
children.
(III) Leopold J. Egler, son of Wendel and Mary E. (Hegner) Egler,
was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July Io, I887. He attended the public
schools of Sewickley until about sixteen years of age, and was then apprenticed to learn the butcher's trade with E. B. Gray. He continued with
Mr. Gray until I906, in w'h.ich year he purchased the interests of the place,
and has since conducted it successfully alone. He is a devout member of
the Catholic church, and of the following named, fraternal orders: Improved
Order of Heptasophs, Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Columbus. Mr.
Egler married, in 90o7, Margaret Anna Burk, of West Virginia, and they
have children: Eleanor and Beatrice.
Frank Burdett Dillon, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, editor
DILLON and publisher of the Coraopolis Chronicle, belongs, on his
father's side, to a family undoubtedly, as its name seems to
prove, of English or Irish origin, while his immediate maternal ancestors
were natives of England.
Rev. Josiah Dillon, father of Frank Burdett Dillon, was born October
7, 1822, at Captina Creek, Ohio, and was educated for the ministry of the
Methodist Episcopal church. He was for a number of years a member of
the Pittsburgh Conference and ministered for a time to a church at Coraopolis. After the death of his first wife he temporarily abandoned his labors,
accepting a situation as bookkeeper in Wheeling. About the time of his
second marriage he re-entered the ministry, allying himself with the Pittsburgh and Eastern Ohio Conference. When the two branches separated
he adhered to the Pittsburgh Conference, maintaining the connection to the
903WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
community life. With his wife. he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Leard married, in I9Io, Mary E. Pownell, born in Lancaster county,
I'ennsylvania.
Emil Maurhoff was born in Hanover, Germany, and
MAURHOFF  after an excellent preparatory education was sent to a
university in his native land, and was graduated from
this with the degree of Civil Engineer. He followed the calling of surveying in America, and laid out Saxonburg, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
in I82I, residing there for the remainder of his life. He married Johanna
Pollert, also born in Germany, daughter of  - Pollert, who was a silversmith in Germany, and came to the United States about I820. At first
he made his home in North Carolina, from whence he went to Germantown,
Philadelphia, and finally settled permanently in Saxonburg, where his death
occurred.
(II) Emil E. Maurhoff, son of Emil and Johanna (Pollert) Maurhoff,
was born in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, and received an excellent education
in Witherspoon Institute, and later became a civil engineer. He commenced
practicing his profession in that part of the state, and shortly after his marriage removed to Pittsburgh, where he remained until I877, then to Saxonburg, and in I894 to Brackenridge, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where
he is still living, and is still engaged in the same line of business. He served
as school director in Saxonburg, and as borough engineer in Brackenridge.
He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
is now a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr.
Maurhoff married Matilda Koegler, also born near Saxonburg, daughtet
of John Koegler, who during the gold fever of I849 went to California,
but met with shipwreck on his return in I850. Mr. and Mrs. Maurhoff
have had children: Charles Herbert, of further mention; Franklin Walter,
a bookkeeper; Annie E., a graduate nurse; Presley Albert Luther, was graduated from the Pennsylvania State College, and is now a civil engineer in
Philadelphia.
(III) Charles Herbert Maurhoff, son of Emil E. and Matilda (Koegler) Maurhoff, was born on Locust street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June
23, I87I. He received a classical education in Thiel College, Greenville,
Pennsylvania, and came to Brackenridge in I89o. He is secretary of the
Brackenridge Estate, which originally covered the land now occupied by
Tarentum, Brackenridge, and Natrona, and still holds that position. He
and his family are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member
of the Masonic Fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr.
Maurhoff married, in I898, Lavena Eulalie Lelless, and they have children:
Elinor Lucile and Howard Lelless.
The American ancestor of this branch of the Edgar family is
EDGAR Jacob Edgar, a native of Switzerland, who made settlement
in the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania, latter moving to Al567WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
close of his life. While devoted to his ministerial duties Mr. Dillon found
time for t'he employment of his pen, and was for a time editor of the Fairmont West Virginia. He was also, at one period, associate editor of the
Pittsburgh Advance and a contributer to the Advocate. For some years
he was editor and proprietor of the Coraopolis Chronicle.
Mr. Dillon married (first) Sarah Watson, whose family record is
appended to this sketch, and three children were born to them: Frank
Burdett, mentioned below; James, died in infancy; and William B., died
December 29, I887, in Troy Hill, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Dillon died May I,
1859, and Mr. Dillon married (second) Mrs. Louisa Virginia (Laidley)
Burns, becoming by this union the father of the following children: Robert,
a druggist of Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Irene, resides on the old homestead; Henry Harmon, of Bellaire, Ohio, an engineer; Sarah, died in infancy. On November 3, I909, Mr. Dillon passed away, "full of years and
of honors." He maintained to the last his physical and mental vigor, and
until two years before his death continued his labors as a preacher.
Frank Burdett Dillon, son of Rev. Josiah and Sarah (Watson) Dillon,
was born December I9, I852, at Beaver, Pennsylvania, and received his
education in public schools. He learned the printer's trade, and for a time
was employed by his father in Fairmont, West Virginia, later working in
Sewickley and finally in Coraopolis, where he has since continuously resided.
In I897 Mr. Dillon purchased the Coraopolis Suburban, changing the name
to the Coraopolis Chronicle. He is still editor and publisher, having succeeded his father, whose journalistic ability he inherited. The Coraopolis
Chronicle now! occupies a foremost position in the newspaper world of
Western Pennsylvania.
As a citizen Mr. Dillon is actively public-spirited, and in politics is
allied with the Republican party, and served fifteen years in the office of
school director. He belongs to the Knights of Malta. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dillon married, January io, I882,
Mary Catharine Wilson, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter
of Robert and Isabella (Garaway) Wilson, and the following children have
been born to them: Ralph H., a printer, associated, with, his father; Isabella;
Robert and Samuel, twins, died at the age of two months; Lotta. Mrs.
Dillon is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
Mark Watson, father of Mrs. Sarah (Watson) Dillon, was born in
England, and about I830 emigrated to the United States, settling near Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a surveyor or civil engineer, also
owning a small brickyard. He,removed, after a short time, to Ripley, Ohio,
subsequently returning to Pennsylvania and settling at Coraopolis, where he
owned about one hundred and fifty acres which are now situated in the'
centre of the town. This land he cultivated as a farm, building a house
which is now situated at Io024 State avenue. It was his home during the
remainder of his life. He and his wife were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Watson married, in England, Ellen -, a native
of that country, and they were the parents of the following children: Tho(OliWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
mas Fawcett and John Bros, farmers, operators of a saw-mill and builders
of boats whic'h ran on the Ohio river, both died at Coraopolis; Margaret,
drowned at the age of fourteen, at Allentown, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth,
married William Hanna, and died at Salem, Ohio; Sarah, born March 22,
1822, in England, married Rev. Josiah Dillon, as stated above. Mr. Watson
was, highly respected as a man of unblemished character. Mrs. Watson,
after the loss of her husband, resided during the remainder of her life on
the homestead.
The pioneer of the Dippolds of Germany in the United
DIPPOLD  States was John, who in I84o settled near Economy, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, accompanied by his wife and family.
Besides dealing extensively in coal and coal lands he'was a contractor, having
learned in his young manhood the trade of stone mason. He was awarded
many contracts for the construction of bridges and culverts on the line of
the Pennsylvania Railroad between Pittsburgh and New Brighton, and was
also engaged in work on the "Pan Handle." His entire life was spent in that
neighborhood, his death occurring at Baden, Pennsylvania. He was a Democratic sympathizer, and' in;religion worshipped according to the tenets of
the Lutheran church. His wife, Anna, was a native of Germany, and they
were the parents of five sons and three daughters, of which children four
sons survive.
Frederick G. Dippold, son of John and Anna Dippold, was born in Germany in I840, and was but six months old when his parents emigrated to
the United States. He was educated in thle schools of Scottsville and Shousetown, later in life being attracted by river life and becoming a pilot, soon
after receiving a captain's license. During all of the years he passed on the
inland waterways the vessel of which he was in command made but two trips
without him, and on those occasions he was confined to his home through
illness. He was for a time engaged in the coal business, and about I867
purchased the property on the bank of the Ohio in Sewickley, where he has
resided for the past forty years. It has been his pleasure to secure boulders
from all sections of the United States to ornament his yard, a feature that
lends a peculiar and distinctive attractiveness to his riverside property. Independent in politics he yet is a believer in Democratic policy, and was for one
term a member o.f council, one of the few of his party to be elected to that
body. He holds the Knights Templar degree in the Masonic Order, and
with his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian ch,urch, his daughters
belonging to the Episcopal church.
Mr. Dippold married, in April, I86I, Abbie C. Logan, of Baden, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of John M., Louise Woodbridge, Mary
McDonald, William R., deceased, and Abbie C., deceased.
Only three generations of the Der family have lived in this counDER try, yet they have already amply shown their worth as citizens,
ready to discharge their duties in every particular.
905WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(I) John Der, born near Wittenberg, Germany, came to the United
States in lhis youth and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After his marriage he rented farms in what is now Carrick boroug'h, later removing to
Knowlton township, where he died on his farm, March 5, I874. He was
a Republican in his political views. He married Rose, born in Wittenberg, Germany, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom the
following named attained maturity: Peter, in t'he employ of a lumber company, lives at Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania; William, of further mention;
Elizabeth, married John Shulte, and lives at Bridgeville; John, who, was a
stationary engineer, died in Bridgeville.
(II) William Der, son of John and Rose Der, was born in what is now
Carrick borough, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 25, I865. His early
life was spent on the home farm, and he received his education in the public
schools in the vicinity of his home. He then established himself independently as a farmer, and continued this occupation until he had attained
his majority. He then entered the employ of the Pittsburgh Coal Company,
holding the position of machine boss for a number of years. He then, for
a period of eleven years, conducted the Bridgeville Hotel at Bridgeville,
and next formed a connection with the C. P. Mayer Brick Company, which
was in force from I902 to I913. During the last seven years of this period
he was superintendent of this plant, having about sixty men under his control. He was a director of this company, and also of the Bridgeville Land
Company, and has served as a director of the Bridgeville Trust Company.
Public affairs have always engaged a considerable share of his attention, and
he was elected a member of the common council, serving two terms, after
which he was appointed for one term, and in 19I3 again elected. He has
had a fine house erected on Washington avenue, Bridgeville, in which he
is residing at the present time. Mr. Deir married, in I9OI, Margaret, born
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Johin and Mary Chfeler,
and they have had children: Hilda, Alice, Olive, Robert, John, Mary.
This is apparently a name of Irish origin, and the family
DENNIS  under discussion here has been in America for a number of
generations. That they have ever been ready and foremost in
offering their lives and their property in behalf of the rights of their country is shown by the following record of their achievements.
(I) Samuel J. Dennis was born in Plhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, August
I6, I8I9, and died June 9, I873. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed
this calling until the outbreak of the, Civil War. September 29, I862, he
enlisted in Company G, Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served
until the close of the war, being discharged May I9, I865. He then returned to!his home and followed his trade until his death. He was a
Democrat politically, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias. He married, March I6, I840,
Mary Gibbons, born in New' Jersey, the last years of whose life were spent
with her son, George W., in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. They had children:
go6WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
George W., born December 3, I840, died April 12, 1842; George W., of
further mention; Charles, born September 4, I845, enlisted in Battery B,
Third Pennsylvania Artillery, January 24, I862, served on the gunboats
"Smith Briggs" and "Jessup," and was killed at the battle of Smithfield,
Virginia, February I, I864; Mary E., born September I8, I849, married,
November I4, I867, Peter Lavell, born August 22, I842, and had one son:
Harry, born September 4, I869, now deceased; Frank, born April 20, I853,
was a coach painter, and died in young manhood in Philadelphia.
(II) George W. Dennis, son of Samuel J. and Mary (Gibbons) Dennis,
was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 7, I843. He acquired his
education in the public sdhools of his native city, and was engaged in
learning the shipsmith's trade at the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted at Philadelphia in Company I, Eighty-second Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, September 20, I86I, to serve three years or until the
close of the war. He was discharged December 20, I863, by reason of reenlistment on the same day as a veteran in the same company, and the same
regiment. He served in the Army of the Potomac, and was an active
participant in the following engagements: The siege of Yorktown, Fair
Oaks, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Williamsport, Fredericksburg, Franklin Crossing, Marye Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg,
Funkstown, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run campaign, and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, in the fall of 1864, on account of
illness.
At the close of the war he was engaged in farming for about two years
in Philadelphia and Bucks counties, then worked for a time in Philadelphia
in the Addison Tube Works. He went to Boston, Massachusetts, for the
National Tube Works, remaining from I869 to I872, and in the latter year
went for the same company to McKeesport, where he remained in their
employ until I9o8, when he retired on a pension. During the last thirty
years of this long period of time he was foreman of the warehouse. In
i892 he built a fine house for himself, in which he is still residing. Republican in his political opinions, he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of t'he following
organizations: Titus Lodge, No. 207, Knights of Pythias; Union Veteran
Legion; Tube City Lodge, No. 57I, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
of which he is a charter member and past grand; Colonel Samuel Black
Post, No. 59, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is past commander.
Mr. Dennis married (first) Mardh, 9, 1870, at Boston, Massachusetts,
Maria D. Husher, born in Chelsea, Mlassachusetts, who died in I873. He
married (second) May 3, I876, Elizabeth, born in Pittsburgh, a daughter
of Michael and Jennie Ryan. Mrs. Dennis died March I7, 1902. Children
by first marriage: Charles, killed on the railroad at the age of sixteen
years; Mary Elizabeth, died at the age of nine months. Children by second
marriage: Jennie, born July 4, 1877, married O. A. Fraley; Emma, twitl of
Jennie, lives with her father, as does also Mrs. Fraley.
9o7WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Numerous in Delaware and first appearing in Pennsylvania
DE BOLT in Fayette county, the De Bolt family, of French origin, is
represented in Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
by George S. T. De Bolt. His grandfather took up land in Fayette county,
and died there, in Masontown. He was the father of a family of thirteen
children, nine of whom follow: I. George, a blacksmith,, died in the west.
2. Jerry, died young. 3. William, a blacksmith, died in Clarksville, Iowa.
4. Samuel, died young in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. 5. Maria, married
Alexander Mestrezat, and died in Mapletown, Pennsylvania. 6. Margaret,
married a Mr. Birch, and died at Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. 7. Nancy,
married a Mr. Barr, and died in the west. 8. Eliza, married a Mr. Notts,
and died in Ohio. 9. Teegarden S., of whom further. Four others died
young in Fayette county.
(II) Teegarden S. De Bolt was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
died in Mapletown, Pennsylvania, about I885. He was reared in the county
of his birth, and after his marriage settled in Mapletown, Pennsylvania,
where he was a farmer and distiller all of his life. He married Catherine
Tanner, born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, died in I867, whose parents,
lifelong residents of Mapletown, Greene county, Pennsylvania, had children:
I. Catherine, of previous mention, married Teegarden S. De Bolt. 2. Isaac,
a farmer, died in Mapletown, Pennsylvania. 3. William, died near Mapletown, Pennsylvania. Children of Teegarden S. and Catherine (Tanner)
De Bolt: I. Elizabeth, died unmarried.  2. Mary, married Spencer H.
Dusenberry, and died in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. 3. Nancy, died unmarried. 4. Alice, died unmarried. 5. George S. T., of whom further.
6. Hattie, unmarried. 7. William, died in infancy. 8. Sarah, died in
infancy.
(III) George S. T. De Bolt, son of Teegarden S. and Catherine (Tanner) De Bolt, was born in Monongahela township, Greene county, Pennsylvania, July 3, I863. He was educated in the public schlools. Until he
was twenty-eight years of age he made his home on the farm, and after
his marriage moved to Homestead, Pennsylvania, there establishing in real
estate dealing, a line that still occupies a part of his time. Soon afterward
he became a feed dealer, selling hay, grain, feed, and the like, which is a
prominent feature of his present business connections. About I898 he
added to his other activities, draying, heavy transfer work, and storage,
erecting buildings on Eighth avenue, which were subsequently destroyed by
fire. He then housed Ihis business in a spacious three-story brick structure,
later making substantial additions to the original building, so that his store
and warehouse extends from Sixth to Seventh avenues, being three stories
in height at one extremity and five stories at the other. The storage accommodations t'hlat he offers for household goods are unexcelled in the place,
and all departments of Mr. De Bolt's business are generously patronized.
Outside of the place of business described above, he is the owner of considerable real estate in Duquesne, having built several houses on land to
which he holds title, an investment always a profitable one in that place.
nr%8WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. De Bolt is a supporter of Republican principles, and holds membership
in the Presbyterian Churc'h, of which he is a trustee.
Mr. De Bolt married, October I4, I89I, Sarah J., daughter of George
and Sarah (Renn) Pollin, her parents natives of England, coming to the
United States before their marriage, settling in Pittsburgh. George Pollin
was for a time a miner, later entered the contracting field and performed a
great deal of railroad work. He died at sea in I892 at an advanced age,
having desired to visit the land of his birth before h,is death, and was
granted a sea burial; his wife died in Pittsburgh, buried in Chartiers Cemetery, at Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Children of George S. T. and Sarah J.
(Pollin) De Bolt: I. Minor T., a machinist, employed in a garage, lives
in California. 2. George E., employed by his father. 3. Mary Ethel Renn,
died aged twelve years. 4. Edna Catherine. 5. Jacob Pierpont Morgan.
There was one condition surrounding life in Western PennsylDAVIS  vania when Basil Davis arrived in that locality from Wales,
his homeland, that impresses the twentieth century mind with
its primitive strangeness, although upon close scrutiny of the lives of the
pioneers of that period it would be but one of many. This was the practice
of annually journeying to Philadelphia with a team to lay in a stock of supplies not purchasable in that part of the state. An item neglected or an article
forgotten had to hold over until the twelve months intervening had passed.
To those accustomed to rounding a corner and there procuring every necessity of life tfhis seems indeed semi-barbarism, but to the settlers of that time
it was but one of the inconveniences to be combated until the institutions
of civilization should catch up with those in the vanguard. The Welsh
immigrant, Basil Davis, received a grant for four or five hundred acres
of timber land in Economy township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and
lived there until his death. He'had several brothers in the American army
during the second war with Great Britain, one of whom was killed in battle.
He married and had children, one of them James H., of whom further.
(II) James H. Davis, son of Basil Davis, was born in Economy township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and there died. He attended the early
schools of that locality, much of his learning being received in that best of
educational institutions, home. His entire life was spent on the homestead
acres, which he cultivated until his death, holding the office of township
supervisor for one year. He married Mary Beam, born on Crows Run,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, her parents of German descent, their lives
spent in that place. Children of James H. and Mary Davis: A daughter,
died in childhood; Emilie, Aaron Morton, Louisa, Sarah, Susan, Samuel,
William W., of whom further; Mary Savilla, James H., John F.
(III) William W. Davis, son of James H. and Mary (Beam) Davis,
was born in Economy township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, December
II, I84'6. As a youth he attended the public schools. Until he was eighteen
years of age h,e lived on the home farm, assisting in its cultivation, then
went to Sewickley, where he learned the carpenter's trade with a Mr. Rudi.
909WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sill, later with William Boyd. Having mastered this trade under the careful
instruction of these able teachers, he was thus employed until about I882,
in which year he established a contracting business in Allegheny. Through
wise administration and an upright business policy, he prospered in this
line, engaging therein with excellent success until November, I913, since
which time he has lived retired. For the past thirty-four years his home
has been in Leetsdale, and he is there a member of the Presbyterian church.
He married, in I872, Mary N. Lindsay, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
and has children: Walter W., William G., C. E., J. A.
This family, like a great proportion of the inhabitants of PennCOX sylvania, is of that sturdy and reliable English stock which has
contributed so much to the, prosperity of the state and the entire
country at large.
(I) William Cox, who was born in Staffordsh,ire, England, about I835,
emigrated to America about I868, and settled at Fallbrook, Pennsylvania.
He followed his calling as a shoemaker about three years, then came to
McKeesport, where he followed his trade on Third avenue, and carried
this on two years, and (luring this time Mrs. Cox opened a store on Market
street and this she conducted for about seven years. She th,en opened a
millinery store in Fifth avenue, property she had purchased, and operated
a larger store for a quarter of a century, this being now in the possession
of her son, Will J. Mr. Cox Sr. continued in business for some time longer,
when he retired, and died in I9o8. Mrs. Cox retired from business about
I904, and is now living at No. I3I Seventh avenue. She is a remarkable
woman in many ways. Her success in business would be a credit to any
man well equipped for an undertaking such, as she founded, yet she was
without all educational advantages, being unable to read or write, until a
short time prior to her retirement, when she became able to sign her name
to checks, etc. Her executive ability, however, overcame all obstacles, and
enabled her to make a brilliant record. Her maiden name was Mary A.
Dunn; she was also born in Staffordshire, England, about I835, and both
were members of the Met'hodist Episcopal church.  They had children:
Thomas A., died December 24, I902, unmarried, at the age of twenty-four
years, and Will J.
(II) Will J. Cox, son of William and Mary A. (Dunn) Cox, was
born at Fallbrook, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, September 22, I869. He
received a sound, practical education in the public schools of McKeesport,
and received his business training in the store operated by his mother, of
which he is now the sole proprietor. In recent years the concern has been
incorporated, as the Will J. Cox Company, of which Mr. Cox is the president. They handle millinery, cloaks and suits, and it is the oldest millinery
store in McKeesport.  There are twenty-two people employed, and the
business occupies three stories in the Fifth avenue building. Mr. Cox is
independent in his political views, and he and his wife are members of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church. He married, in August, I899, Minnie,
gIoWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
born in McKeesport, a daughter of Casper and Wilhelmina Mathis, and
they have children: Mildred, William, Helen, Robert.
Now a prosperous merchant of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania,
COPE Mr. Cope reviews his active life since boyhood with satisfaction
that only comes to a man through knowledge of duty well performed and obligations fully complied with. Now past the allotted years
of life, he hlas been a worker since boyhood and can rightfully claim a life
well spent. He is a son of Thomas Cope, born in Manchester, England,
in I8oo, died in Cincinnati, Ohio, in I883. The first twenty-one years of
his life were spent in his native land employed after leaving school in the
Manchester mills. On arriving at legal age he left England and came to
the United States, landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, witlhl very little
cash. He did not like that city and started westward on foot, walking the
entire distance to Dayton, Ohio. From that city he went by canal to Cincinnati, there making a permanent location, living in that part of the city
known as Camp Washington. He first found employment with Mr. Longworth, great-grandfather of the present Congressman Nicholas Longworth,
with whom he remained several years. He then married and purchased a
small tract of land in the suburbs of Cincinnati and there conducted a profitable market garden until old age compelled him to retire from active labor.
In connection with his produce gardening he had a stand in the Cincinnati
public garden, where he disposed of everything he could raise. He was a
man short in stature, heavily built, very industrious and bore a high reputation with his neighbors and customers. Both he and his wife were members
of the Episcopal church.
He married Jane Lister, w'hose grandparents came from Yorkshire,
England, to Zanesville, Ohio, later settling in Cincinnati. She had two
brothers, William and Jacob, both of whom lived in Cincinnati. Children:
I. Thomas, of whom further. 2. Joseph, resides in Cincinnati, a blacksmith and horseshoer. 3. John, deceased. 4. William, killed at the battle
of Seven Pines, a private in Benson's battery, Heavy Artillery United
States Regular Army. 5. Obadiah, resides in Toledo, Ohio, a gold aind
silversmith. 6. Henry, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, a machinist. 7. Anna,
married William Coleman, and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. 8. Tava, married John Coleman, and resides in Cincinnati. 9. A daughter, died young.
Thomas (2) Cope, son of Thomas (I) and Jane Lister Cope, was born
in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 20, I843. He attended the public schools until
fifteen years of age, then as the oldest son he became his father's assistant
in the market garden, spending three years in that way. At eighteen years
of age he became a machinist's apprentice, spending four years in Holliber's
machine shop in Cincinnati. He there entered the employ of the Cincinnati
 Northern Railroad, finally becoming an engineer, running on that
road, and living for a time in Springfield, Ohio. He then came to the
Pittsburgh district and entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric
and Manufacturing Company, first as machinist in the East Pittsburgh
gIIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
s'hops, later became connected with the air brake department, becoming
manager. This important position he capably filled for twenty-three years,
until I903. In that year he resigned his position, feeling that the close
confinement and responsibility was undermining his health and that outdoor life would be beneficial. He purchased a farm in Erie county, Pennsylvania, settled thereon and for two years lived a rural life. In I905'he
traded his farm for a hardware store in McKees Rocks, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, at No. 516 Chartiers avenue, where he yet remains in successful business. He is also the patentee of an oxygen lamp and interested
in its manufacture. During his many years with the Westinghouse Company Mir. Cope resided in Edgewood, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where h,e
served six years as councilman. During this period Herman Westinghouse,
of the Westinghouse Company, was'a fellow member of council. Mr.
Cope is a Republican in politics, a member of the Christian church, and
prominent in the Masonic Order, belonging to McKinley Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, Shiloh Chapter, Royal Arc'h, Masons; Knights Templar;
Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is a thirty-second degree
member of Pennsylvania Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
He married, in I875, Harriet Ault, born at Ripley, Ohio, daughter of
William and Lavinia Ault, both of Harper's Ferry, Virginia. When John
Brown made his raid at Harper's Ferry he captured a brother of William
Ault; the latter has since visited the scenes of his youth and among his
treasures is a razor carried by John Brown during the raid. Later in life
William Ault and his wife left Virginia and for many years he was a merchant of Ripley, Ohio. They had children: I. Harriet, wife of Thomas
Cope. 2. William, residing in St. Louis. 3. Mattie, married Edward
Benter, and resides in Pittsburgh. Mr. Cope has no children.
It has not been possible to gain much detailed inforCOLTERYAHN mation about the earlier generations of this family.
It is known that they were simple, unaffected people,
for the most part engaged in farming, large of stature, and of kind dispositions.
August Colteryahn was born in a small town near Berlin, Prussia,
Germany, in I823, died in I903. He learned the trade of s'hoemaking, and
was engaged in that while living in Germany. He also served in the German
army, and he and his family were members of the Lutheran church. In
I864, with his eldest son, he emigrated to the United States, settling in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and the remainder of the family followed
later. Having purchased a farm in Moon township, he lived on this for a
period of twenty years. During the latter part of this period, he devoted
the greater part of his time to dairy farming, in a small way. About I886
he removed with his family to South Side, Pittsburgh, and engaged in the
dairy business there, having his sons associated with him. He lived there
until his death.  Mr. Colteryahn married, in Germany, Bert'ha
born in I835, died in I867, whose parents were engaged in the butcher
9I2WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
business. Children, all born in Germany with the exception of the youngest two: Henry, died in Germany; Frederick, deceased, was a blacksmith
for many years, and then worked in the dairy business in later life; Charles,
deceased, engaged in the dairy business on the South Side; William, lives
at No. I9I2 Jane street, Pittsburgh, is in the dairy business; Louis, died
young; August, of further mention; Augusta, married Theodore Lowe,
retired, lives in West Liberty, Pennsylvania.
August (2) Colterya'hin, son of August (I) and Bertha Colteryahn,
was born in Moon township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, one mile from
Coraopolis, October 13, I866. He attended the public schools in the vicinity
of his home, where he acquired a sound, practical education, and spent the
first twenty years of his life on the farm. He removed with the ot'her
members of his family to Pittsburgh, and there worked in the dairy in association with his father and brothers. In I890 he established himself in the
retail milk business on the South Side, and in I9oo removed to Homestead,
Pennsylvania, where he was in the dairy business. Seven years later he
removed to Munhall, Pennsylvania, and there started a butter and egg
store, to w'hiich he gradually added a line of groceries, until he now has a
large and well-stocked store. In connection with this he has continued his
dairy business. His store, which lie erected and equipped in the most
up-to-date manner, is located on Eighth avenue, Munhall. As a general
thing he is Republican in his political views, but reserves to himself the right
to vote for the man whom he considers best fitted for the office to be filled.
He is connected with other business enterprises, and is a member of the
board of directors of the Homestead Building and Loan Association. His
religious affiliation is with the German Protestant Evangelical Church,
and he is a member of Lodge No. 509, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr.
Colteryahn married, May I5, I890o, Emma, born in New York, a daughter
of Benjamin and Wilhelmina Pfeifer, both now deceased. Children: Edward, works for a dairy supply company; Carl, a pupil in the high school;
Matilda, Lillian, William, John, Nellie.
The first of this line of Coles, an English family, connected with
COLE the history of Western Pennsylvania, is John Cole, who resided
in Pittsburgh, and was all his life connected with the navigation
of the Ohio river. He married Elizabeth Gretrake, born in Wilmington,
Delaware, a descendant of a French family, the present spelling of the
name probably being an Anglicized version of the original orthography.
Her father was Gillett Gretrake. John and Elizabeth Cole were the parents
of nine children, one of them Samuel F., of whom further.
Samuel F. Cole, son of John and Elizabeth (Gretrake) Cole, was born
in Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 9, I849. He was
educated in the public schools of this native city. His studies completed,
he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad, with which he was
identified until his retirement in I9I2. His first position was as clerk in
9I3WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-eight years. 9. Martha C., married
Thomas P. Flinn, of Wellsville, Ohio.
Three generations of this branch of the English family
ENGLISH,have resided in the United States, the ancestor, Samuel
English, coming to Pennsylvania from county Tyrone, Ireland, in I823, settling first in Philadelphia, later in Allegheny county, where
his son, John English, and his grandson, Andrew Bowers English, have
succeeded him. The present representative of the family, Andrew Bowers
English, is one of the veteran farmers and veterinary surgeons of Allegheny county, now living retired at Mars, Pennsylvania.
(I) Samuel English married, in Ireland, Elizabeth McLane, and in
I823 came to the U.nited States, settling in Philadelphia. Later he journeyed
westward, finding a home at Evergreen, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
but moving to Pine township in I84I, there purchasing a farm that he
cleared and improved and on which he lived until his death at age of
eighty-seven years. He was a man of means and education, fond of travel,
and during his life in the United States revisited Europe on three occasions. On his return from his last journey abroad he landed in Canada
and for pure pleasure made the trip to Pittsburgh, overland, walking most
of the way. He did not engage in any business in this country, but man-.
aged his farming and clearing operations as overseer only. Children:
Alexander, James, Sanmuel, Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, John, Andrew, Margaret.
(II) John English, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McLane) English,
was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in I8o9. He attended school in Ireland until fourteen years of age, then came with his parents to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, there completing his education and learning his trade with
John Bowers, confectioner and baker. He worked with Mr. Bowers until
the latter's death in Philadelphia in 1830, then continued in the employ
of the widow, who succeeded to the business and eventually he married
Eliza, daughter of his employer, and engaged in business for himself. In
I84I he moved to Western Pennsylvania, locating in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh, North Side), where he was one of the first members of the regular
city police force and held a position in the state penitentiary. In I848,
owing to ill health, he was obliged to forsake city life and purchasing fifty
acres in Pine township, Allegheny county, resided thereon for several years.
Later he moved to Butler county, where he owned and operated a farm
of two hundred and twenty-five acres. Later he returned to Allegheny
county and with his wife passed his last years at the'home of his son,
Andrew Bowers English, who had been left a widower. He enlisted with
his son, John, in the Union army under President Lincoln's first call for
"three months"'men, but did not see much active service. He married
Eliza Bowers, of Philadelphia, daughter of John and Rosana (Bloom)
Bowers.' John Bowers was of prominent German ancestry, a soldier of
the War of I812, and was one of the leading confectioners, caterers and
53IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
legheny county, Pennsylvania. He made his home in the latter locality
about I829, and for many years held the position of toll collector on the
Butler Pike. Jacob Edgar married and had children: William; Isaac, of
whom further; Barbara; Belle, a resident of Kansas; Ann; Caroline; Rebecca.
(II) Isaac Edgar, son of Jacob Edgar, was born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and as a youth attended school in that locality. He retired
from all business and public connections in I899, failing sight making such
a move necessary, and has since resided in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. He
spent three and one-half years in the Union army during the war between
the states, a soldier in Company E. Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, one year after his enlistment being made wagonmaster of the regiment, a position he held until he received his honorable discharge from the
service.  Mr. Edgar married Mary Louise Zimmerman, born in Ohio,
daughter of John and Louise Zimmerman, her parents natives of Germany.
Children of Isaac and Mary Louise (Zimmerman) Edgar: Isaac W., of
whom further; John, Charles, George, Catherine, Mary, Clara.
(III) Isaac W. Edgar, son of Isaac and Mary Louise (Zimmerman)
Edgar, was born in Glenshaw, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1879.
After finishing a course in the public schools of that place he was for nine
years employed by the Pittsburgh wholesale dry goods house of Arbuthnot
Stephenson Company, in I9o4 purchasing the general store from the McMillan estate. Since that time he has conducted general mercantile dealings in Glenshaw, his business a profitable one of considerable size. Since
that date he has been likewise postmaster of Glenshaw. He is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church, and affiliates with the Masonic Order. Mr.
Edgar married, in September, I906, Anna M., daughter of Henry Ziegenheim, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, and has two daughters, Catherine and
Helen.
The lists of the earliest pioneers of Fayette county, PennPORTER sylvania, contain the names of the parents of John Porter,
grandfather of Robert Baird Porter, who came to that
locality from the family home in the north of Ireland, settling on Dunlap's
creek. John Porter was a native of Fayette county, and there married
Rebecca Mason, becoming the father of a family, among his sons Moses
B., of whom further, and Charles, the latter speaker of the Pennsylvania
legislature about 1835, afterward associate judge of Fayette county, serving for many years with distinction and honor until old age compelled
his retirement from this position.
(II) Moses B. Porter, son of John and Rebecca (Mason) Porter,
was born in I797, and at his death had attained a good old age. Throughout his entire life he was a farmer, prospering in his calling, and was a
man of influence and importance in his community. Under the old constitution of the state of Pennsylvania he was appointed to the office of
568WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the office of the freight agent at Allegheny City, but a short experience in
office work created in him a desire to go on the road, and he became a
brakeman, afterward a conductor. Being offered the position of station
master at Allegheny City, the place thlat had witnessed his initial appearance in railroad wlork, he accepted the place and held that position for thirty
years, resigning only after an unfortunate accident that affected his spine.
He has since lived retired at his home in Sewickley. His record in the
service of the Pennsylvania Railroad shows nothing but fidelity and devotion to duty, marked by a thorough, conscientious ability that made him
a trusted and valuable employee. Mr. Cole married, in September, I889,
Amelia Ihmsen, of Pittsburgh. They are the parents of two daughters,
Elizabeth and Marie, both living at home. Mr. Cole is a Republican in
politics, and a devotee of Christian Stience.
The quest for the immigrant ancestor of this line of Browns
BROWN takes the searcher back but three generations, when Philip
Brown, of Ireland, settled in Franklin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania. He was the owner of a tract of land vast in extent,
a part of which he cleared, erecting thereon a dwelling, where he passed his
remaining years. He married, one of his sons being Philip, of whom
further.
(II) Philip (2) Brown, son of Philip (I) Brown, was born in Franklin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I820, died on the homestead, and is buried in the Waxburg Cemetery. After attending the public
schools he became a farmer on the home property, and continued in agricultural pursuits for the remainder of his life. He took a prominent part
in the political activities of the locality, and was interested in all public
affairs, accepting and competently discharging all responsibilities laid upon
his shoulders. He was a communicant of the Roman Catholic dhurch.
He married Sarah Good, born in Ross township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I827, daughter of Balzier and Elizabeth (Cuvage) Good, her
father a native of France, her mother of Irish descent. Balzier Good was
a farmer, owning seventy-five acres of land in Perrysville, Pennsylvania,
the Harmony Route trolley line now intersecting his property. Pihilip and
Sarah Brown were the parents of ten children, eight sons and two
daughters.
(III) Hugh A. Brown, son of Philip (2) and Sarah (Good) Brown,
was born in Franklin township, Allegthleny county, Pennsylvania, May 4,
I86o. After obtaining his education in the public schools of his native
township he became a farmer, following that calling for several years. In
I902 Mr. Brown moved to Leetsdale, and for six years has been in the
employ of the Rider Conley Company. In his former occupation he was in
partnership witfh two brothers, the three operating the home farm of two
hundred and fifty-seven acres, owning and operating a steam thresher, with
which they did considerable work among their neighbors, and perform914WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ing all of the teaming in connection with the oil field on their farm. A
Democrat in political belief, Mr. Brown'holds membership on the Board
of Health and the Sanitation Commission. Mr. and Mrs. Brown made an
extended trip through the West, spending the greater part of their time in
California, Old Mexico and Texas.
He married, October 26, 1897, Theresa, daughter of Antone and
Theresa (Lutz) Lanz, her father a native of Germany, her mother born in
Glenfield, Pennsylvania. Antone Lanz came to the United States when he
was twenty-eight years of age, accompanied by his parents, Martin and
Helena (Geisel) Lanz, and located in Economy township, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania. Prior to his immigration he had served for three years in
the German army, in that service learning the habits of simplicity and
frugality that stood him in excellent stead, and by the exercise of'his native
habits of industry and thrift he prospered, becoming the owner of considerable real estate. His wife was the daughter of Amon and Magdalena
(Venger) Lutz, both natives of Alsace, Germany, who after coming to the
United States settled on Pine creek, Pennsylvania, later moving to Glenfield,
where he followed hiis trade, that of carpenter. Mr. Brown and his family
are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.
In the United States there are many families bearing this
BROWN  name, and from among them many men of prominence have
arisen. The surname is of the class called "complexion
names," and was probably assumed by its first bearer from the color of h,is
complexion or hair.
(I) Hugh Brown was born in Scotland, and came to America early
in the thirties of the nineteenth century. He located on Prince Edward
Island, Canada, where he became an extensive land owner and farmer, and
where his death occurred.. At the time of his ideath' he had cleared up
his farm land and made it very profitable. Politically he was very conservative, and he was active in all measures which were projected for the
benefit of the community in which'he resided. He married Henrietta McArthur, also a native of Scotland, and they had a family of nine children
of whom the following named are living at the present time: James C., of
further mention; Bernard, Henrietta.
(II) James C. Brown, son of Hugh and Henrietta (McArthur)
Brown, was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, June 28, I845. After
his marriage he settled at Bayside, where he was engaged as a builder and
contractor until about I9oo, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and
ten acres near Bayside, and engaged in general and dairy farming, and is
living there at the present time. Although very conservative in his political
opinions, he is active in local politics, and is at present president of the
school board. He is also president of the Dairymen's Association. He
and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Brown married
915WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Margaret Ellen McDonald, born on Prince Edward Island, October 5, I857,
and they had children: William F., of further mention; Mary Helena, married
J. D. McLellan; Dr. John B., a physician at Charlotte Town, Prince Edward
Island; Anna, resides in Pittsburgh with her brother, William F.; Alphonse,
living with his parents; H. Justin, associated in business wit;h his brother,
William F.; Peter Raymond, a student in St. Dunstan's College; Harriet
Cecelia, a student in a convent in Nova Scotia.
Captain Hugh McDonald, father of Mrs. Margaret Ellen (McDonald)
Brown, was born in Scotland, and came to Prince Edward Island at an early
date. He was a sea captain for many years, owning his own vessel. Possession was taken of his ship by a mutinous crew while he was on shore at the
Isle of Barbadoes, and he was compelled to stay there for a time. He contracted yellow fever, the attack terminating fatally, and'he was buried on
the Isle of Nassau. He married, at Prince Edward Island, Cecelia McIntyre, also born in Scotland, who had come to the island at the same time
as he had, and whose mother lived to the advanced age of one hundred
and four years. She married (second) James Gillis, is again a widow, and
resides on Prince Edward Island at the age of eighty-four years. She had
ten children by her two marriages, of whom there are now living: Daniel,
Peter, Andrew, Margaret, Sarah, Lizzie.
(III) William F. Brown, son of James C. and Margaret Ellen (McDonald) Brown, was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, May 3I, I88I.
He acquired a sound and practical education in the common schools, and
was then engaged in the meat business at Bayside for a time. He then
learned the carpenter's trade at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and at
Berlin, New Hamps'hire, where he was also a millwright. From there he
went to Beverly, Massachusetts, then to Port Antonio, Jamaica, a town he
left just prior to the eruption of Mont Pelee. April I, I9o6, he came to
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he followed his tra!de for a period of two
years, then engaged in general contract work alone, and in I907 commenced his operations in D'ormont, and has continued there since thiat
time. The firm of Brown Brothers was organized in I9Io, and is in operation at the present time. Mr. Brown has put up some two hundred houses,
and employs an average of fifty men. In I912, in association with his
brother, H. Justin Brown, he organized the Dormont Plumbing Company,
C. A. Hafer also being one of the firm. Another industry which is engaging the attention of Mr. Brown is the breeding of silver fox, an enterprise
he started on Prince Edward Island, with two pairs. He is a member of
the local Board of Trade, a Democrat, and a member of the Cath,olic
church.
First identified with Western Pennsylvania as residents of
BOYD Beaver county, this line of Boyds was for a time connected with
the state of Indiana, sending one of its members to the front in
the Civil War as a member of a regiment recruited in that state.
(I) This record hias its beginning with James Boyd, of Beaver county,
gi6WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania, whose trade was that of stone mason, and who for many
years held the office of justice of the peace, a man of considerable local
reputation. He was twice married, the children of his first wife, a Miss
Scott, being: George K., of whom  further; a son, died in boy'hood;
Lavinia, died unmarried; Maria, died unmarried. Children of second marriage of James Boyd: Cynthia, died unmarried; Samantha, married Captain
McLaughlin, and resides in St. Mary's, West Virginia; Frank, a resident
of East Liverpool, Ohio.
(II) George K. Boyd, son of James Boyd by his first marriage, was
born near Hookstown, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, about I830, the exact
date of his death unknown, probably 1865. He was reared in his Beaver
county'home and there married, later taking his wife and children to
Indiana, settling near Oxford. When active warfare between the north
and south began in I86I he enlisted in an Indiana regiment of infantry.
He survived the first three years of the war, but toward the end of the
conflict met with a fatal mishap, in all likelihootd falling before the fire of
the enemy. His body was never recovered and his family was deprived of
even the sorrowful privilege of visiting his grave and there according him
the honors that his upright, manly life deserved. After the death of Mr.
Boyd his wife was stricken with a serious illness, her sister-in-law, Cynthia
Boyd, bringing her to Hookstown, where her death occurred not long after.
Prior to'her death she had secured good homes for her children and the
assurance that they would be well and carefully provided for. George K.
Boyd married, at Hookstown, Pennsylvania, Sarah Kerr, born in Ireland
about 1832, died in Hookstown about April, I866, daughter of Irish parents. She was reared in the Catholic faith, but after her emigration to the
United States and her marriage embraced Protestantism, an act that
estranged her entirely from her family. Children of George K. and Sarah
(Kerr) Boyd: I. James K., a resident of Knoxville, Pennsylvania. 2.
Emma, married Owens Wilson; their home is in Hookstown, Pennsylvania.
3. Elizabeth, married Hugh Ross; lives in Cleveland, Ohio; her husband
played a prominent part in t'he labor difficulties at Homestead, and was
debarred from membership in the union of steel-workers, an occupation
that he was compelled to forsake. 4. Harry C., of whom further. 5. Belle,
deceased, married Samuel Calhoun.
(III) Harry C. Boyd, son of George K. and Sarah (Kerr) Boyd,
was born at Oxford, Indiana, April 9, I86I. When he was five years of
age he made his'home with Henderson Kraus, of Frankfort township,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, who owned a farm of large acreage in that
township, and there lived until I884, obtaining a good general education
and assisting his benefactor in the cultivation of his farm. In that year
he moved to Pittsburgh and served a four years' apprentices'hip at the carpenter's trade with Anderson Brothers, establishing in the contracting
business in Coraopolis, which town was then preparing for the period of
growth that has made it into the city of its present importance. Mr. Boyd
continued in contracting with excellent success until I9o9, at which time
917WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
he had erected about one-third of the business houses and dwellings of the
entire town, w'hose population then numbered more than five thousand.
Among the business houses of Coraopolis the contracts for which he filled
are the Ohio Valley Trust Company Building, the McCormick Building,
and the Bremen Building, while many of.the most beautiful of the city's
houses were built under'his direction. In I898 he added a lumber yard to
his business interests, and with the expansion of this branch of his activities he withdrew from contracting and devoted his entire time and attention
to lumber dealing. He is also the owner of a small planing-mill, and at his
yard, No. I435 Fourth avenue, handles coal, lumber and builders' materials
of all descriptions. Prosperity has attended all of his business ventures and
in his present line he caters to a generous patronage, his business conducted
along lines of perfect fair dealing, a fact recognized and appreciated by
the purchasing public. He is an adherent of the Republican party. He and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. His residence is at No.
I804 Montour street, Coraopolis.
Mr. Boyd married, in Hookstown, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in
May, I883, Anna, daughter of Robert Stewart, her father a farmer of
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. C1;ildren of Harry C. and Anna (Stewart)
Boyd: Rena Bella, Alva N., Charles, Carrie E., Clarence R.
This line of Boyces is a record of three by the name of Isaac
BO'YCE Boyce, the third generation, William Boyce, all of American
residence, the first Isaac the immigrant ancestor. Isaac Boyce
was born in Ireland, and after coming to the United States settled near
what is now Boyce Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a place named
in honor of the family. He became the owner of a fair-sized tract of land,
which he cleared and cultivated, passing the remainder of his life in that
locality. He married and among his children was a son, Isaac, of whom
further.
(II) Isaac (2) Boyce, son of Isaac (I) Boyce, was born on the home
farm in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there died, buried in Melrose
Cemetery. After his marriage he brought his wife to the home of'his birth
and of his youth, passing all of his years in that locality. He was a staunch
and loyal Republican, he and his wife belonging to the Methodist Episcopal
church. He married Sarah Dennison, and was the father of: I. Thomas,
a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, died in a New York
hospital during the course of that struggle. 2. Jo'hn, enlisted in Company
K, First Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, and died in Missouri. 3. Joseph,
a soldier of Company K, First Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, died in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 4. Robert VV., a farmer, died on the homestead. 5. Richard, a cavalryman in the Union army throughout the Civil
War, died in Missouri. 6. William, of whom further. 7. Elizabet'h, married
Harvey Jemphrey, and died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 8. Margaret, married Andrew McConnell, and died in Illinois.
gi8WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) William Boyce, son of Isaac (2) and Sarah (Dennison) Boyce,
was born in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
I820, died at Boyce Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I904. He
was reared on the home farm, and after his marriage resided on a farm
in Washington county, later selling this property and purc'hasing a grist
mill at Boyce Station, there living from i866 until his death, operating
the mill and cultivating twenty-five acres of land on which the mill stood.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Boyce, then living in Washington
county, recruited and organized Company K, First Regiment Pennsylvania
Cavalry, of which he was elected captain, only seeing three months of
active service. He was a loyal adherent to Republican policies. He and
his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, and he held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Mary Giffen,
born in Cecil township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I830, died
in I9o8, daug`hter of Andrew Giffen, a farmer and large landholder, son
of an early resident of Washington county. He and his wife were of
Scotch-Irish descent, both members of the United Presbyterian church.
Children of Andrew Giffen: I. James, a farmer and merchant, died near
Venice, Washington county, Pennsylvania. 2. Andrew, died in young manhood. 3. Mary, of previous mention, married William Boyce. 4. Rebecca,
died unmarried. 5. Agnes, died unmarried. 6. Jane, married John Moore,
and died in Butler county, Pennsylvania. Children of William and Mary
(Giffen) Boyce: I. James, died aged sixteen. z. Andrew, died in infancy.
3. Margaret, married John Churchfield, and died in Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 4. Julia, married Newton Ross, and
died at her father's home in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 5. Isaac L.,
of whom further. 6. William J., a carpenter of Hill Station, Pennsylvania.
7. Thomas, died at Boyce Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I899.
8. Mary, died unmarried, aged twenty-seven years. 9. Sadie, died unmarried, aged twenty-five years.  Io. Bessie, died unmarried, aged twentytwo years.
(IV) Isaac L. Boyce, son of William and Mary (Giffen) Boyce, was
born in Cecil towns'hip, Washington county, Pennsylvania, February i8,
i86o. He was educated in the common schools of the locality, later learning the carpenter's trade, which has since been his calling. Until I9o8 his
home was at Boyce Station, in which year he moved to Bridgeville, where
he has since resided, his house, of his own construction, on Chartiers street.
Mr. Boyce's political attitude is strongly in favor of the Republican party.
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Patriotic
Order Sons of America, the Carpenters' Union, and with his wife he
belongs to the Met'hodist Episcopal church.
He married, in I884, Sarah N. Ross, born in Peters township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Matthew and Nancy Jane Ross,
and has children: I. Myrtle, lives at home. 2. Ross W., a clerk in the
National Mines. 3. Laura Ann, an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad
9I9WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in the Union Depot. 4. Nancy Mabel, employed by the Pennsylvania
Railroad in the Union Depot at Pittsburgh.
The success which has attended the well-directed efforts
BERRYMAN  of Percy G. Berryman, of Tarentum, one of the substantial and representative business men of that city, is
the direct result of energy, properly applied, industry and perseverance,
essential attributes in a successful career, whet'her along the lines of a
profession, commerce or finance.
(I) The pioneer ancestor of this family was a native of Ireland, from
which country he emigrated to the United States, being among the pioneer
settlers of Cayuga, New York, where he spent the remainder of his days,
and where his deat'h occurred.
(II) Thomas Berryman, son of the emigrant ancestor, was a native
of Cayuga, New York, his birth occurring in the year I823. He provided
a comfortable home for his family, and by his upright character won the
respect of his fellowmen. He married Margaret Cook, born in the state
of New Jersey, in 1824, who bore him ten children, as follows: William
Thomas, of whom further; Edward, John, Jerome, Sophia, Peter, Clara,
James, Frederick, and one who died in infancy.
(III) William  Thomas Berryman, son of Thomas and Margaret
(Cook) Berryman, was born in Cayuga, New York,-in 1847, died in
Canandaigua, New York, in I9I3. After completing his studies in the
public schools of his native place he served an apprenticeship at the trades
of carpenter and builder, and followed those lines of business, becoming
also a contractor, achieving a large degree of success. His work called him
to various sections of the country, and for a period of time he was a
resident of Genesee county, Michigan, Geneva and Canandaigua, New
York. He married (first) Emma Munson, born in Otisco, New York, in
I850, died in I885, daughter of Philander and Maria (Graves) Munson,
both of whom were born in the vicinity of Otisco, New York, and who
were the parents of three children: Emma, above-mentioned; Clara; Eva,
deceased. Mr. Munson was a farmer by occupation, a member of the
Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and a Republican in politics.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Berryman: Bert, deceased; Percy G., of whom
further; Floyd; Cora, deceased; Harry. Mr. Berryman married (second)
Carrie Johnson, who bore him one child, Lottie A., who resides in Tarentum, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Percy G. Berryman, son of William Thomas and Emma (Munson) Berryman, was born in Genesee county, Michigan, September I4,
I873. Shortly afterward his parents removed to Geneva, New York, and
his education was obtained in the public schools of that city, including a
course in the high school. Upon arriving at a suitable age he assisted his
father in the contracting business, and subsequently became connected with
the laundry business at Dundee, New York, remaining there for seven years,
920WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
during which time he gained a thorough knowledge of the details of that
line of work. In I903 he took up'his residence in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, and two years later purchased his present property and has since
conducted an up-to-date laundry, giving employment to between twentyfive and thirty-five people, according to the season, thus making it one of
the leading industries of that section. The thorough manner in which he
conducts his business, coupled with his progressive ideas and honorable
transactions, has been the means of his steadily increasing patronage. He
holds membership in the Presbyterian church, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Tarentum,
and in politics he adheres to the policy of the Republican party. Mr.
Berryman married, December 24, 1896, Lottie L. Halstead, of Dundee,
New York. Children: Bernice, Frederick, William Carlton.
After the arrival of the emigrant member of the Bauman
BAUMAN  family in the United States the name was connected with
Ohio for many years, a relationship later extended to
Pennsylvania. The former began with the arrival of the father of Frederick
Bauman, born in Germany, who in 1828 settled in Monroe county, Ohio,
receiving a grant of government land. His nearest neighbor was forty
miles distant, and here, in the desolate wilderness, he felled trees and
erected a house of hewed logs. His trade was that of cabinet maker, which
he followed until his death. He was the father of fourteen children, one
of them Frederick, of whom further.
(II) Frederick Bauman was born in Rheinbar, Germany, and is buried
on the old homestead in Monroe county, Ohio. He came to the United
States with his father, and in man'hood was the owner of a tract of land
two hundred acres in extent in Monroe county, later moving to Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where he likewise possessed land.  Physical disability prevented him from enlisting in the Union army at the outbreak of
hostilities between the North and South, but under the draft law he was
impressed into the service, being discharged two weeks later as physically
unfit. The Democratic party was that to which he yielded allegiance, and
in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He married Catherine Veiock,
who came to the United States when she was twenty years of age, her
father, a farmer, dying in Monroe county, Ohio. Frederick and Catherine
Bauman had children, one of whom, William, is mentioned further.
(III) William Bauman, son of Frederick and Catherine (Veiock)
Bauman, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, August 20, I856, and was
educated in the public schools. He became adept in the harness-maker's
trade through apprenticeship in Walrose, Pennsylvania, and was thus engaged until I890o, when he moved to Leetsdale and became the proprietor
of a general store. Six years later he built his present house, and continued in business in that place until his retirement in October, I9I3, closing a business career marked by success and profit, during which he never
92IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
deviated from a path of the strictest fair dealing and conscientious rectitude.
Alt'hough he has never pledged support to a party, he has always been
active in public affairs, and for eight years filled the office of constable in
Walrose, having for the past six years been a member of the Leetsdale
council. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Bauman married,
in I876, Margaret Gross, of Walrose, and is the father of: H. C., William
A., O. C., Edith Margaret, L. E., Erma.
The name of Baker is one of those which appear to have origBAKER  inated, at the time of the adoption of surnames, from the trade
pursued by the head of the family, whose right it was to
decide upon a name. It has, however, gained distinction in professions,
in the financial and commercial world since that time. T'he family discussed
in this review has been resident in this country many generations.
(I) Christopher Baker, in the early days of settlement, removed from
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, to Westmoreland county, in the same state,
and settled near the county home, where he bought a large farm, which
he and his sons cleared and cultivated. He married, and had children:
Jacob, of further mention; Solomon, a farmer, who died in Westmoreland
county; George, a farmer, died on the homestead in Westmoreland county;
Isaac, a blacksmith, died at Greensburg, Pennsylvania; David, a farmer,
removed to Dunkirk county, Indiana, where he died; John, a blacksmith,
died in Salem township, Westmoreland county; three sons, who died in
infancy; three daughters.
(II) Jacob Baker, son of Christop'her Baker, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and after his marriage settled on a farm. He
was a shoemaker by trade, but also followed farming on the farm which
he owned, and on which he died in the summer of I874. He married (first)
Holzer, and had children: Lucinda, married George Shettler, and
died near the County Home; Catherine, widow of Jacob Van Dyke, lives
near the County Home; John, a farmer, married Julia Gressman, and lives
at Jeannette, Pennsylvania. Jacob Baker married (second) Mary Pores,
whose parents were old residents of Dry Ridge, a small ridge near Pores
schoolhouse, on the Pores farm. Mr. Pores, who was of Pennsylvania
Dutch descent, was a cabinetmaker and farmer, and he and his wife were
members of the Lutheran churdh. They had children: Mary, mentioned
above as the wife of Mr. Baker; Catherine, widow of Zebulon Baker, is
the only one of the children now living, and resides in Greensburg; William,
went West, and has not been heard from in some years; Isaac D., a merchant, was one of the founders of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and died there
in I9II;, married Isaac Baker, and died in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. By his second marriage Mr. Baker had children: Sophia, married
Henry Klingelsmith, and lives near Stony Springs, Westmoreland county;
Daniel C., a carpenter, who served as a soldier, married Elizabeth Naley,
and lives in Greensburg; Jeremiah J., a carpenter, and also a soldier, mar922WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ried Lovina Wanamaker, and lives in Bouquet, Pennsylvania; William,
who was a school teacher, died in early manhood; Sarah, died in early
childhood; Aaron J., of further mention.
(III) Aaron J. Baker, son of Jacob and Mary (Pores) Baker, was
born in Hempfield township,' Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October
2, I853. He was educated at the public schools of his native county, and
also attended the Salem Crossroads Academy, where Delmont now stands.
He worked on the farm until the death of his father, after which he followed the carpenter's trade in Westmoreland county until he was twenty-nine
years old, a part of this time being spent in Mount Pleasant. In July, I882,
he came to McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and a few years
later established himself in the contracting business, with which he was
identified until I9I2. The greater number of his contracts were for private residences, but among the more prominent buildings were: The Beulah
Park Church, Ballentine Church on Huey street, the West Side Methodist
Episcopal Church, several school houses, etc. In 19I2 he turned his business over to his son, and now occasionally works for him. For about five
years he was also in the real estate business. He erected a fine residence
for his own use at No. 3oI7 Versailles avenue, and is now living there.
He has always been a staunch supporter of the Republican party, and
served for some time as a member of the school board. He and his wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum
and the Beneficial Union.
Mr. Baker married (first) in I878, Annie Catherine, who died May 8,
I88I; she was a daughter of Levi Naley, and a twin sister of the wife of
Daniel C., a brother of Aaron J. Baker. He married (second) in April,
I883, Mary, born in McKeesport, a daughter of David Miller. There was
one child by first marriage: Annie Catherine, born May I3, i88o, married
John Reese, lives in Greensburg, and has three sons; Naley, Earl and
Robert. Children by second marriage: Vivian Earl, born March 7, I884,
a contractor, married Oma Maxwell, and has no children; Ruby May, born
March 24, i885, died September 12, I898; Ollie Pearl, born November 22,
I886, lives at home; Bertha Elva, born January 23, I890, is a teacher.
The family name of Powers, also written Power, Poore and
POWERS  Poure, is from the old Norman name Le Poer, and is as old
in England as the time of William the Conqueror, one of
whose officers bore that name at the battle of Hastings, as appears on the
roll of Battle Abbey. From that time onward the name appears to hold an
honorable place in English, history, many bearers of it being distinguished
as soldiers. From England it was carried to Ireland, where many of the
name are living at the present time.
(I) Michael Powers was born in Dublin, Ireland, and spent his entire
life there. He was a farmer by occupation. He married Anne
923WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
justice of the peace, at a time when that office was one of dignity and
responsibility, and served thus for many years, continuing for a few years
after the office had been made an elective one. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas Wilson, of Scotch-Irish descent, her father for many years
ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church at his home in Fayette county.
Among the children of Moses B. and Mary (Wilson) Porter were: I.
Thomas W., a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, in whichi
institution he was a classmate and roommate of James G. Blaine, sharing
first honors with that talented statesman.and remaining his close friend
until death; Thomas W. Porter became an attorney, studying law under
Judge Buchanan, a well-known jurist, and was admitted to the bar of
Greene county, also becoming editor of the Greene County Republican, published at Waynesburg; his death occurred five years after his graduation,
and James G. Blaine ever was a staunch friend of the family. 2. William
J., a'soldier in the Union army in the Civil War, surviving that conflict.
O. Cyrus Alexander, a soldier in the Union army in the Civil War, lost a leg
in that conflict and was so impaired in health by the hardships and exposure of life at the front that he suffered during his remaining years,
although his death did not occur until long after the close of the war. 4.
Robert Baird, of whom further.
(III) Rev. Robert Baird Porter, son of Moses B. and Mary (Wilson)
Porter, was born at Merrittsville, near the Henry Clay Pike, Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, February 5, I847.  His early education was obtained in Dunlap's Creek Academy, then one of the three preparatory
institutions in Western Pennsylvania, and after the completion of his
studies in that place he entered Washington and Jefferson College, enrolling in I865 as a member of the sophomore class and graduating in
i868, fulfilling all of the requirements of the classical course.  He returned to his home and was immediately offered a controlling position
in the Dunlap's Creek Academy, the institution having just lost Professor Sloan, the head of the academy, the board of trustees selecting Mr.
Porter for the office.  Accepting the offer of the board, he was immediately installed in authority, and for five terms of five months each
taught in the academy, afterward having the deep pleasure and satisfaction
of witnessing the successful and, in many cases, brilliant careers of men
whom he had taught as youths. After resigning from his connection
with this institution, Mr. Porter matriculated at the Western Theological
Seminary and was graduated therefrom in 1874, his first charge being at
Senecaville, Ohio.  He was subsequently pastor of churches at Fairview, Hancock county, West Virginia, and Rochester, Pennsylvania, then
accepted a call from the Cross-Roads Church in Pine township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, to the congregation of which he ministered until
ill health caused his retirement in 1893.
Since that year Rev. Mr. Porter has cultivated his one hundred acres
of land in Pine township, Allegheny county, and has taken a place as
569WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and they had children: William Michael, of further mention; John; Edward, a teamster, died in Baltimore, Maryland; Thomas: Mary; Annie.
With the exception of the first and third mentioned, all of these children
died in Ireland.
(II) William Michael Powers, son of Michael and Annie Powers, was
born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1833, and emigrated to America at the age of
eighteen years. He settled in Cumberland, Maryland, where he lived until
about 1878, in which year he came to Braddock, Pennsylvania, and there
entered the employ of the Edgar Thompson Steel Works, with whom he
remained until I9o09, being at that time one of their oldest employes. While
living in Cumberland he had been engaged in the conduct of a hotel for a
period of five years. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife
were members of the Roman Catholic Church. He married Ellen, born in
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, about 1844, daughter of Michael and
Rosanna (Ward) Jordan, both born in Ireland, who came to America between I840 and I850, settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he
became the owner of some two hundred acres of land which he farmed, and
also followed his occupation as a stone mason. Both died in Somerset
county. They had c'hildren: Mary Ann, widow of Henry Suhre, lives in
Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Michael, who served as a soldier during the
Civil War, lives in New Baltimore, Pennsylvania; Lawrence, employed on
the railroad, lives in Massillon, Ohio; Ellen, who married Mr. Powers, as
above stated; Ann, married Charles Cavanaugh, died at Port Perry, Pennsylvania; Alfred; Rosa, widow of Frank Furley, lives in Cumberland,
Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have had children: James Thomas, of
further mention; Mary, widow of George L. Jones, lives in Braddock,
Pennsylvania, at 620 Fourth street; John, drowned in the Monongahela
river in I884; William, employed on the railroad, lives in Ohio; Albert,
is employed on the river; Bernard, also employed on the river; Celia, married John Cloheacy, and lives in Irwin, Pennsylvania.
(III) James Thomas Powers, son of William  Michael and Ellen
(Jordan) Powers, was born in Cumberland, Maryland, October 28, I866.
He received his education at Carroll Hall, in his native town, and then
entered the employ of the Edgar Thompson Steel Company, at Braddock,
Pennsylvania, remaining with this corporation until February, I9II, when
he established himself in the grocery business, continued this until I913,
when he sold out and retired to private life. He takes an active interest
in all that concerns the welfare of the community, giving his political support to the Republican party, and he is a member of the Roman Catholic
church, of which his wife was also a member. He married, in I887, Annie
C. Britt, born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 30, I868,
died January I, I9I3, a daughter of William and Mary (Glass) Britt, and
had children: William, born December 20, I888, died May 9, I914; Robert,
born May 23, I890, lives with father; Leonard, born December 20, 189I;
Ruth, born October 13, 1893, now deceased; Pierre, born October I8, I895;
924WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Theodore, born October 6, 1897; Helen, born May 3, I901; Walter, born
March 5, I904; Edna, born in I906, died in infancy; Cornelia, born August
3, I908; Richard, born October I9, I9IO.
Westmoreland is the county of Pennsylvania in which this
KUHN record begins, Arthur Kuhn having been an early settler at
Latrobe, in that county. The name is a numerous one in that
locality, and is also found in many other sections of the state. Arthur Kuhn
married Catherine Glass and had children, one of their sons, Andrew, being
of further mention.
(II) Andrew Kuhn, son of Arthur and Catherine (Glass) Kuhn, was
born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, died in Latrobe, that county,
aged thirty years. He grew to manhood in Westmoreland county and was
there married, becoming a merchant in the city of Latrobe. A promising
career in mercantile lines was shortened by an early death, his wife surviving him until May IO, I9o6, her death occurring when she was more
than seventy years of age. He married Margaret McGough, and had
children: I. George, a druggist, died at Cumberland, Maryland, about
I892. 2. Arthur James, of whom further. 3. Jennie, unmarried, organist
in a Roman Catholic church at Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
(III) Arthur James Kuhn, son of Andrew and Margaret (McGough)
Kuhn, was born at Broad Fording, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
February 2, I853, died in Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
July 8, I9I3. After completing his education in St. Vincent's College, in
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he was for fifteen years the partner of his brother,
George, in his drug business in that place, later spending three years in
Cumberland, Maryland. At the end of this time, in I891, he moved to
Homestead, Pennsylvania, there establishing in the drug business, so continuing for three years. Soon after his arrival in Homestead he was elected
to membership on the school board, serving for two terms as its secretary,
and after his election to the office of justice of the peace he withdrew from
his drug business, holding this office, through re-election, for a period of
ten years. The organization of the Homestead Realty Company followed
soon after, the founders being Mr. Kuhn and P. O. Boyd, Mr. Boyd being
its first president, Mr. Kuhn later filling that position and serving in that
capacity at the time of his death. The business of this concern was largely
local, and its records show long lists of transactions completed through its
office, among them many bearing with importance upon the development
and expansion of Homestead. Mr. Kuhn and his wife held membership in
St. Mary Magdalene's Roman Catholic Church, and he affiliated with the
Knights of Columbus, being a trustee of Duquesne Cbuncil, and the Catholic
Mutual Beneficial Association. Mr. Kuhn was a gentleman held in high
regard among his business associates, known only as a man fair and honorable in all relations, and by those who knew him in other walks of life was
respected for the strength of'his character and the uprightness with which
he conducted his life, looking always to the good and acting upon the impulses of a generous and sympathetic nature.
925WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He married, June 29, I876, Mary Hilda McCullom, born in Crum
Lynne, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. She was educated at Mount Aloysius, Loretta, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and was for four years a
teacher in St. Michael's parochial school, in Chester, Pennsylvania, being a
member of the faculty of that school at the time of her marriage. Since
the death of her husband she has resided in Homestead, her former home.
She is a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Honan) McCullom, her father
born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, March I7, I832, died at Chester,
Pennsylvania, about 1873, her mother born in Utica, New' York, October
31, 1834, reared in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and died in I870. Frank
McCullom was a riverman all of his life, passing the greater part thereof
as captain of tugboats on the Delaware river. He was a son of Frank and
Ellen McCullom, natives of county Donegal, Ireland, early settlers in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where both died, his trade that of stonemason.
Margaret (Honan) McCullom was a daughter of Michael and Catherine
Honan, natives of Ireland, who settled in Delaware county, Pennsylvania,
Michael Honan being a land owner and farmer near Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. He retired from active business when he had attained an advanced
age and moved to Chester, where he and his wife resided until their deaths.
Children of Frank and Margaret (Honan) McCullom: I. James K. Polk,
died in infancy. 2. Dennis Edward, a grocer, died in Chester, Pennsylvania.
3. Frank, unmarried, a gasoline and oil dealer of Chester, Pennsylvania. 4.
Mary Hilda, of previous mention, married Arthur James Kuhn. 5. John,
died in infancy. 6. Catherine, died in infancy. 7. Annie, died in infancy.
8. James, died in infancy. 9. Margaret, died in infancy. Child of Arthur
James and Mary Hilda (McCullom) Kuhn: Margaret Hilda, born April
9, I877, died February I3, I898, a graduate of the California State Normal
School, was for four years a school teacher.
The family of Gillespie is one old in Maryland and parGILLESPIE  ticularly numerous in Cecil county of that state, whence
came William B. Gillespie to Pennsylvania. William B.
Gillespie was educated in the public schools and afterwards followed the
profession of teacher for several years, subsequently becoming employed as
the manager of a store in Cecil county. HIe then moved to Swan Creek,
Harford county, Maryland, where he formed a triple partnership with a
Mr. Savington and a Mr. Hoak, the firm operating under the names of all
three partners, Savington, Hoak  Gillespie. After a short residence near
Darlington, he accepted a position at Harford Furnace as clerk, later moving
to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he died one year later. He was
twice married, first to Elizabeth Nelson, and had five children by his first
marriage, and the same number by his second marriage.
Edgar Downing Gillespie, son of William B. and Elizabeth (Nelson)
Gillespie, was born in Cecil county, Maryland, January 27, I844. He was
educated in the schools of that locality. He was but a youth at the time of
the outbreak of the Civil War, his home being near a place that was being
926WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
made a center of supplies for the Union army, and he obtained a position
as mule driver. Remaining in the government service, he was sent to Fortress Monroe, and was there located all of the summer. After returning to
his home he became employed on the river steamer, "Maryland," used on
the Susquehanna river as a ferryboat. While so engaged he was stricken
with typhoid fever, from which he did not recover until the fall, when he reentered the army as teamster. He was associated with the engineers of the
Fiftieth New York Regiment, and went to City Point, then to Fort Fisher,
North Carolina, and on to Wilmington, thence to Appomattox, constructing
pontoon bridges over which the army passed. He was soon afterward discharged and went to his home, the end of the war following close.
After leaving the army service, Mr. Gillespie went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to visit an uncle, a Mr. Nelson, with whom'he afterward embarked
upon dairying operations, which were continued for about one and one-half
years. At the end of this time Mr. Gillespie, he and his uncle having disposed of their business, began farming on a farm of one hundred and
seventy-five acres of land in Penn township, Allegheny county, continuing
its cultivation until I88o. In this year he sold his property in Penn township
and moved to Wilkinsburg, where he was for six years a news dealer, then
sold his business and opened a book and stationery store, in the proprietorship of which establishment he is now engaged. Mr. Gillespie is a member
of the First Presbyterian Church, and affiliates with the Improved Order of
Heptasophs and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He married, in I876, Alexinia Jane, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Alexander and Emmaline (Burryhill) Postley, her father a
native of Ireland, who came to the United States when ten years of age,
settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her mother born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Alexander Postley was a son of James Henry Postley, the immigrant ancestor of his line, an early settler in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh
North Side). Alexander Postley was the owner of a foundry and the pro.prietor of a retail establishment, his products being gun-barrels, shovels,
spades and other implements. He supplied the Federal Government with
many of their articles of this kind during the war between the states, and
for the last ten years of his life lived retired. His wife was a daughter of
James Burryhill, a descendant of an old Quaker family. Mrs. Gillespie
died March II, I914. Children of Edgar Downing and Alexinia Jane (Postley) Gillespie: Alexander P., James Oliver, deceased, and Frank Edgar.
The Gibb family is an old Pennsylvania family, David Gibb, a
GIBB  native of Scotland, being one of the early pioneers in Alleghenv
county, Pennsylvania, marching under General Washington, with
the Pennsylvania troops in the Revolution. Not a great deal is knownr concerning him.
(II) David (z) Gibb, son of David (I) Gibb, was a native of Robinson
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and became a coal miller in
Elizabethtown, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was here killed
927WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in an accident in the year I842. He was an active and intelligent man, a
Democrat in politics, and actively interested in local affairs. He married
Margaret Sisly, a native of Wellsville, Ohio, who survived him one year,
dying in West Virginia in I843. To them were born twelve children, as
follows: Washington, Daniel, Margaret, John, William, Nancy, Mary Anna,
Almina, Emily, Henrietta, Harriett, George.
(III) George Gibb, the youngest of these twelve children, was born
December 25, I832, at Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and passed his childhood,
up to his sixteenth year, in Ravenswood, West Virginia. What education he
had was self-acquired, as he had little or no schooling, and at the age of
fifteen years he removed from Ravenswood to Nevel Island. He quickly
found employment as a riverman under Captain Joseph Anderson, of West
Virginia. He did not, however, continue long in this aquatic life, but became
a gardener, September 3, I852, on Seven Mile Island, an employment which
remained his principal one for thirty-two years, although he also dealt successfully in real estate. He eventually settled in Leet township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, and there spent the remainder of his life. He owned
considerable property both in Leetsdale and in Edgeworth, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and was very well-to-do at the time of his death, April 17,
I909. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He married Mary Jane McCray, born at Brush Creek, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, July 26, I830. Mrs. Gibb was a daughter of Samuel
and Elizabeth (Stevens) McCray, of Brush Creek, whither Mr. McCray had
come as a young man. Mr. McCray was a laborer, and died in Edgeworth,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the year I873, his wife having died at
Leetsdale in I86I. To them were born six children, as follows: Mary Jane,
aforementioned as the wife of George Gibb; Robert; Thomas; William,
died in infancy; Ann; Abram, died February I6, I898, married Emily Gibb,
and by her had thirteen children: Margaret, Anna Margaret, Elizabeth Rebecca, Melissa Jane, Thomas Walter, Robert Aikens, Lida, Ansen McVay,
Maud Alberta, William Dickson, George Gibb, Laura Dickson, Agnes Graff.
Mrs. McCray was a member of the Methodist church. She died May 28,
I899. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibb were born ten children, as follows: I. Joseph
A., died at the age of sixteen years. 2. William Melvin, of whom further.
3. Perry Adams, of whom further. 4. Thomas McCray, now of Redstone,
Colorado, the superintendent of a mine and railroad there and president of
the Redstone Land and Fruit Company; married Arzorina Freeman Camp,
of Colorado, and by her has had two children, Frances Freeman, seven years
old, and Alma, aged three. 5. Samuel McCray, of whom further. 6. George
W., an engineer of College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania; married (first)
Alma Grady and by her had six children: Edna Pauline, Jennie Matilda,
George W., Jr., Shirley, Marian Helen and Robert Malcom; Mrs. George
W. Gibb died September, 1897, and Mr. Gibb married (second) Catherine
Croft, by whom he has had no children. 7. Archie Hamilton, died in infancy. 8. John Geary, of No. 332 Frederick avenue, Sewickley, assistant
yard master. 9. Maria Wilson, now Mrs. George W. Groom, of Edgeworth.
Io. James Forbes, also of Edgeworth.
928WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
(IV) William Melvin Gibb, the second son of George and Mary Jane
(McCray) Gibb, was born on Chestnut street, Edgeworth, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, June I, I856. He was educated in the local public schools,
and passed his boyhood in his native town. Upon the completion of his
studies, he took over the management of his father's business, and continued thus occupied until he had reached the completion of his twenty-fifth
year. He then bought out the ice, coal and contracting business of John
Agni, a successful fellow townsman. Mr. Gibb is now the owner of an excellent business building at Edgeworth, where he carries on his establishment,
which has grown, under his successful management, to its present large
proportions. Mr. Gibb is a prominent man in his community, and is active
in many ways besides that of business. He is a member of the Republican
party, plays an important part in politics, and has served as postmaster at
Leetsdale for four years. In spite of this he is not an aspirant for office
preferring to accomplish what he can while remaining in a private capacity.
Besides his business and political affiliations, he is a conspicuous figure in
fraternal circles, being associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the American Mechanics, the Knights of Pythias and the Heptasophs.
Mr. Gibb married (.first) I886, Evelyn Scott, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and by her had one child, a daughter, Nellie E. Gibb, now Mrs. John
G. Pitney, of San Francisco, California. Mrs. Gibb died in I888, and in
I897 Mr. Gibb married (second) Mrs. Mary A. (Gelder) Walker, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. There have been no children of this union, but
Mr. and Mrs. Gibb have adopted Mr. Gibb's nephew, Robert Malcom Gibb,
a son of George W. Gibb. The young man is now seventeen years of age,
having been born in I897. Mr. and Mrs. Gibb are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
(IV) Perry Adams Gibb, son of George and Mary Jane (M/cCray)
Gibb, was born March I7, I858, on the John K. Wilson farm in Leetsdale,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Here he passed his boyhood and obtained
his education, first at the local public schools and later at the Sewickley
Academy. At the age of eighteen years, having completed his studies, he became a river pilot, navigating between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Louisville, Kentucky, became a sub pilot of the steamer "Samson," continuing for
four years. In the phrase of that region, he "followed the river" until the
year I9II, when he retired to a more quiet mode of life, being now engaged
in real estate and gardening at Edgeworth, Pennsylvania. Mr. Gibb is
active in other directions than business, however, and plays an active part
in Republican politics in his community, although he has never aspired to
office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which his
wife also held membership.
Mr. Gibb married, February 2I, I888, in Sewickley, Margaret A. Whartin, a native of Washington, District of Columbia, where she was born in
the year I864; she died February 25, I905. Her father was Archibald
Whartin, a soldier in the Civil War, of Washington, and later of Sewickley,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Whartin is deceased and is survived by his widow, who
929930                WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at present resides at Haysville, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Perry A.
Gibb have been born eight children, as follows: Joseph McDonald, born
January 3I, I889; Whartin T., February II, I89o; Nelson, August Io, I89I;
Frank Miller, March 22, 1893; Margaret Whartin, November 28, I895;
Martin Luther, June I, I898; Paul Willis, April I4, I901; Dorothy, January
I2, I9o5.
(IV) Samuel McCray Gibb, son of George and Mary Jane (McCray)
Gibb, was born in Leetsdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August 31,
I865. He attended the private school conducted by James McDonald. At
the age of seventeen years he entered the railroad employ and for eighteen
years was engaged as baggage master. In I888 he moved to Sewickley,
Pennsylvania, and in November, I903, erected a handsome residence at No.
53I Strait street, where he has since lived. A Republican in politics, he and
his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
He married, February 8, I888, Jane E., born in London, England, June
20, I867, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Galloway) Stoker, her parents
both natives of England, he born in Staffordshire in 1831, she born in the
same year. Mr. and Mrs. Stoker resided in London for a time, later emigrating to the United States and settling at Galena, Illinois. They returned to the
homeland, in 1871 coming to Manor Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Thomas Stoker was a shoemaker and was killed in an accident in
the factory of Oliver Brothers, 1882. Thomas and Catherine (Galloway)
Stoker had children: I. Anna, married Robert Cooper. 2. Elizabeth, deceased; was first wife of Charles W. Hopkins. 3. Frederick. 4. Thomas,
a resident of Swissdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 5. Jane E., of
previous mention, married Samuel McCray Gibb. 6. Alice, married Augustus
Gernet, deceased. 7. William, died in infancy. 8. Frank, an employee of
the Westinghouse Electrical and Manufacturing Company, lives at Wilmerdale, Pennsylvania. Samuel McCray and Jane E. (Stoker) Gibb are the
parents of: I. Frank Raymond, born February I9, I890; was educated in
the Sewickley public schools, and is now a machinist in the employ of Reese
Brothers, Pittsburgh. 2. Samuel Wilbert, born April I6, I894; a graduate of
the Sewickley High School, Martin's Business College of Pittsburgh, the
American Bridge School, of Ambridge, now a student in the Pittsburgh
Academy. 3. Lawrence, born March I9, I899; a student in the Sewickley
public schools. 4. George Thomas, born September I5, I903.
George W. Groom, in whose untimely death Edgeworth, PennGROOM sylvania, lost one of the most promising of her young and
rising mechanical engineers and a citizen of the highest type,
was a member of an Ohio family, and himself a native of that state, where
his boyhood and early youth were passed. His father was Kersey H. Groom,
who was born at New Lisbon, Ohio, but at the time of his marriage.
removed to New Franklin, in the same state, the abode of his wife, and is
there a resident at the present time. He married Mary Elizabeth Martin,
a native of New Franklin, Ohio, and to them have been born four children,WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
as follows: George W., of whom further; Myrtle Edna, now Mrs. Van R.
Thompson; Daisey May; Olive, who died in infancy.
George W. Groom, the eldest child of Kersey H. and Mary Elizabeth
(Martin) Groom, was born at New Franklin, Ohio, April 9, I872. He was
educated at the public schools of Alliance, Ohio, and graduated from the
high school there, later becoming a mechanical engineer. In May, I895,
he came to the state of Pennsylvania and settled in the town of Edgeworth
in Allegheny county. Here he followed his profession with eminent success
up to the time of his death, which occurred January 5, I9o8, when Mr.
Groom was but thirty-six years of age, in the very prime of life and the
zenith of his usefulness as a citizen of his state and a member of society.
Mr. Groom married, October I2, I897, Maria Wilson Gibb, born April
Io, 1872, being thus one day younger than her husband. Mrs. Groom is the
daughter of George Gibb, who is mentioned in this work. To Mr. and
Mrs. Groom was born one daughter, now a charming girl in her fifteenth
year, her birth having been on November 26, I899.
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, is the district that finally
GORDON contains Luke Gordon, of Irish parentage and birth, who in
his American home has but recently made permanent residence in any locality, after a career that has taken him to nearly all parts of
the United States and which contains a war record brief, though exciting.
He is a son of Darby Gordon, born in county Mayo, Ireland, who there grew
to manhood and was married. He was a farmer by occupation, supplementing his income from this source by employment of different kinds that was
readily obtainable. His entire life was passed in the land of his birth, where
he died about 1872, his wife two years later. He married Jane Feeney, a
native of county Mayo, and had children: I. John, died in infancy. 2.
Bridget, married and lived in England. 3. Michael, died in Ireland, a soldier
in the English army, fought in the war of the Crimea. 4. Martin, came to
the United States subsequent to the arrival of his brother, Luke, served in
the Union army during the Civil War, and from latest reports lived in
Ohio. 5. Thomas, came to the United States, having seen Australian service
in the English army. 6. Luke, of whom further. 7. Patrick, emigrated to
the United States, no record of him subsequent to I874.
Luke Gordon was born in Ballereghim, county Mayo, Ireland, in I844,
and was there educated in the public schools, coming to the United States
when he was about sixteen years of age. Arriving in the city of New York,
he there remained for a time, on M!arch I9, T864, enlisting in Company E,
Fifteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of
the war as a member of this company and participating in the action at Farmersville, Petersburg, and Appomattox Court House, as well as several other
battles. T'hrough this military service he is a member of Post No. 157, Grand
Army of the Republic. After the close of the war he set out upon extensive
travels, obtaining employment at different callings, his itinerary including
Havana, Cuba, Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah, New York, Massachu93IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
setts, Rhode Island, Ohio, and finally Pennsylvania. The above mentioned
places are only those in which he remained for any considerable length of
time, California being the state in which he resided for the longest period.
After moving from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Providence, Rhode Island,
he was married in the latter place, soon afterward going to Youngstown,
Ohio, and there obtaining employment in the mills, in 1873 making his home
in Sewickley, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, which county has since been
the scene of his activities.
He was engaged in the construction of both the Fort Wayne  Chicago
and the Pittsburgh  Lake Erie railroads, and during the decade from I879
to I889 worked in the steel mills of Braddock, in the latter year entering
the hotel business, in which he has since remained, becoming proprietor of
the Gordon Hotel, on Eleventh street,'Braddock. One year later he moved
his establishment to a new location at No. II28 Eleventh avenue, naming it
the Gordon House, and in I899 came to Coraopolis and erected a hotel on
the corner of Montour street and Fourth avenue, which he conducted for
one year. Renting this house he built another hotel in South Sharon, also
finding a tenant therefor, the hiotel being conducted as the Stanton Inn, Mr.
Gordon retaining the rights of ownership. In this same city Mr. Gordon purchased the Allenton Hotel on Idaho street, and after five years as its proprietor sold the property and returned to Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. In this
place he bought several building lots on Ferree street and Fifth avenue, there
erecting a buff brick house, handsomely finished and finely furnished, where
he has since lived retired, after a strenuous and successful business life.
Although a Democratic sympathizer, Mr. Gordon's political action is to a
large degree independent of all party affiliation, his belief and conviction
being that party ties do not necessarily make for efficiency and uprightness
in office. With his wife he belongs to the Roman Catholic church. He holds
membership in the Improved Order of Heptasophs and the Catholic Mutual
Beneficial Association. Since coming to the United States Mr. Gordon has
returned several times to his homeland on visits.
He married (first) in Providence, Rhode Island, in October, I87I, the
ceremony being performed in St. Mary's Church by the Rev. John Quinn,
Bridget McHugh, born in county Sligo, Ireland, daughter of Laughlin and
Ann (Flannery) McHugh, who died in July, I9Io. He married (second)
in May, I913, Helen Malley. Children of Luke Gordon, all by his first marriage: I. John, died while studying for the priesthood of the Roman Catholic church. 2. Annie, a Sister of Mercy, known as Sister Anita. 3. Luke,
Jr., died aged fourteen years. 4. Thomas, died in infancy. 5. Michael, died
in infancy. 6. Mary, died aged seven years. 7. Mary, married George
Wethersteen, and resides in Farrell, Pennsylvania. They were also the
parents of two other children, who died in infancy.
Nicholas Germerodt was born near Muehllhausen, PrusGERMERODT sia, Germany, and there grew to maturity. He emigrated
to the United States alone about I846 or I847, and set932WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tled in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where he found employment in a coal mine.
About two years later his wife and their two children came to the United
States, and the family then removed to Pittsburgh, making their home on
the South Side, and later they removed to Mifflin township, Alleghieny county,
Pennsylvania, where Mr. Germerodt continued working in the coal mines,
and where he died in February, I894. He was a member of the Lutheran
Church, and prior to coming to this country had served in the German army.
He married, in Germany, Martha Dietrich, who died in M'ifflin township in
I887. They had children: Frederick, born in Germany, was a mill worker,
and died in Pittsburgh in I912, at the age of seventy-one years; Mary, now
the widow of Edward Shank, lives in Oakland, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; Margaret, married Joseph Waltmeier, and lives at Haysboro, Pennsylvania; Matthew, of further mention; Anna Eliza, married Charles Leppla,
and died at the age of thirty-five years.
Matthew Germerodt was born in Mifflin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, November 8, I853. He was educated in the public schools
of his native township, and reared on a farm at the settlement known as Six
Mile Ferry. After his marriage he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in that
section, remaining there eight years, then farmed for the next eleven years
in Moon township. He next removed to Coraopolis, Allegheny county, where
he established himself in the grocery business at Nos. 1223 and I225 State
avenue, and has since been identified with this enterprise in a very successful
manner. In political matters he is a Progressive Republican, and in religious
matters a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Germerodt married, in I875, Joanna Marie Buddrus, born at Koenigsberg, Eastern Prussia,
Germany, who came to the United States withh her parents, George Charles
and Wilhelmina (Naeubauer) Buddrus. Mr. Buddrus came to the United
States in I866, and located in Glassport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where he was employed as a coal miner. He removed to Spring Garden,
Fawn township, Allegheny county, P'ennsylvania, where he is still living as
a retired farmer, and where his wife died in March, I898. Mr. and Mrs.
Germerodt have had children: I. George N., born April 15, I876; wias
educated in the public schools of Mifflin township; he was engaged in farming
until he had attained the age of twenty-three years, since then has been in
the butcher business at No. 1225 State avenue, Coraopolis, in partnership
with his brother, Arthur William; he resides at No. 826 Chestnut street, with
his wife, who was Laura I. Fuchs, and their son, Howard E. 2. Anna C.,
born October 7, 1878. 3. Arthur William, born November 25, I88o; was
educated in the public schools and the Pittsburgh Academy; he also learned
the butcher business and engaged in this, in partnership with his brother,
George N., the firm being known as Germerodt Brothers; he married Madeleine Wirth, and had children: Margaret Marie and Arthur William, Jr. 4.
Elizabeth, born March 22, 1885, died unmarried, in February, I9II. 5.
Oscar Carl, born March I6, I89I; he is a stenographer by occupation; married Florence Meals, and lives near Coraopolis; they have no children. 6.
Edward Theodore, born January 25, I894; lives with his father.
933WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
one of the foremost agriculturists, stock, swine and poultry raisers of
the county.  His entire tract is under close and excellent cutlivation,
productive to a high degree, and thereon he has conducted numerous experiments with new grains. Fine Jersey cattle graze over his pastures,
and he is the owner of some thoroughbred swine that are unexcelled in
the region and with which he has improved the grade of stock of the
neighborhood to a noticeable degree. Through the crossing of two breeds
of poultry, he has developed a flock of distinctive qualities, good proportions, and unusual laying capacity, which have attained considerable
reputation among poultry fanciers.  He devotes his entire time to his
operations upon his land, and has the pride of the true agriculturist and
fancier in successful experiments with seed and soil and with breed and
blood.
Rev. Mr. Porter holds the universal liking of his neighbors, and as
a layman is as potent and active a factor for the right and good as when
occupying the pulpit. His upright, unselfish life preaches eloquently the
gospel he expounded from the pulpit, and he may always be found at the
head of movements for moral and civil welfare. On occasions of local
celebration he frequently accepts invitations to become the speaker of the
day, and his appearance upon the platform unfailingly meets with a hearty
and cordial reception, for time will never efface the memory of his ministry in the Cross-Roads Church nor the fruits of his diligent labor.
Rev. Mr. Porter, in his middle name, Baird, bore the patronymic of
an uncle who was known as one of the greatest of American travelers.
This uncle, perfectly familiar with his own hemisphere, directed his travels
toward the eastern hemisphere, and could converse in seventeen languages,
having learned by far the greater part of them by actual contact with the
races using them as a medium of communication. He lectured extensively
throughout this country, for many years giving a series of lectures during
the winter term at the Western Theological Seminary, and possessed such
a wonderful memory that, in spite of the numerous engagements that it
was necessary for him to keep, he never made a note of such a date, never,
during his long career upon the lecture platform, failing to meet but one
such obligation.
Rev. Mr. Porter married, in I875, Celia G., of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, daughter of Lewis M. Speer, a coal operator and builder of river
boats of large tonnage. Her maternal grandfather, Rev. Mr. Finley, was
the second minister of the Presbyterian Church to take up work west
of the Allegheny mountains. Children of Rev. Robert Baird and Celia
G. (Speer) Porter: I. Mary P. 2. Anna A., deceased. 3. Edward. 4.
George, deceased. 5. John, holds a clerical position in the United States
army, now (1914) stationed on the Mexican border. 6. Wilbur, a resident
of Valencia, Pennsylvania. 7. Arthur, lives at home. Mrs. Porter died
May 3, I913.
570WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The sources from which names are derived are varied, yet careful
FRY and prolonged research has discovered the origin of many of them.
Not a few are expressive of the condition of the persons who
originally bore them. Among primitive and uncivilized nations slavery has
generally been a recognized institution. Our Saxon ancestors cherished it,
and the last slave was not liberated in Britain until after the adoption of
surnames. In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, when men had but one
name, and a nickname was added to designate more closely the person referred to, a slave might be mentioned as "Ive De Bond," or "Richard le
Bond," while a man who had been born free, though of humble circutnstances, would be anxious to preserve himself from a doubtful or suspected
position by such a name as "Walter le Free," or "John le Freeman." In our
Frys, Freys and Fryes, we have but an absolute rendering of "free."
(I) Michiael Fry was born January 6, I799, and died August 9, I866.
He came to America about 1832, settled in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where he worked for a daily wage. He married, shortly before coming to
America, Eva Sachman, born in I797, died in September, 1885. Children:
Mary Ann, born September 25, I820, died January I8, I891; Agnes, born
April I, 1823, died May 3, I900; Henrietta, born August 5, I826, died
February 15, I9II; Christine, born March I9, I835, died September 30,
I88I; Cat,herine, born May 7, I840, died June 2I, I87I; John, born January
z8, I829, died in I9OI; Philip, see forward.
(II) Philip Fry, son of Michael and Eva Fry, was born in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, May 26, I837. His occupation was that of a carpenter. He was a member of the Democratic party and of the Lutheran
Church. He married Sophia Buckley, born March 9, I842, died October
3, I882, a daughter of James Buckley. Children: I. James, born September
24, I86o, died January I9, I900. 2. John, born February I7, I862, lives on
the adjoining farm; he married Mary Ann Montgomery, and has ch,ildren:
Mary Ann and William Philip. 3. Catherine, born September 24, I863,
died February 25, I891. 4. Morton, born March I2, I866, died September
I6, I889. 5. Philip Elias, see forward. 6. Lewis, born October 8, I870,
died June 13, I9o8. 7. Nathan, born February 28, I873. 8. Francis, born
August 23, I875, is unmarried, and lives in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. 9.
Harriette, born January 3, 1879; married Albert Wile, and lives on an adjoining farm. Io. George Lester, born July I6, I88I, died January 8, I888.
(III) Philip Elias Fry, son of Philip and Sophia (Buckley) Fry, was
born in Marshall township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 4, I868.
His education was acquired in the public schools, and upon the completion
of his studies he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, an occupation he has followed all his life. He also owns a fine farm of fifty acres,
which he cultivates for general products. He and his wife belong to the
Presbyterian church, and he has always supported the Democratic party,
and has served as justice of the peace. Mr. Fry married, November 29,
I899, Anna, a daughter of Frederick Siebker, whose children were: Sophia,
married Sidney Grubbs, of Cranberry township, Butler county, Pennsyl934WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
vania; Frederick, living in Butler county, Pennsylvania, married Flora
Freedberg; Maggie, married Alexander Biggler, and lives in West View,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; Henry, married Margarethe Berger, lives
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania; Anna, aforementioned as the wife of
Philip E. Fry; George T., married Ida Smith, lives in Franklin township;
Caroline, married William Goube, and lives in Butler county, Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. Fry have one child, Philip John, born March 26, I9OI. They
have reared a daughter of the brother of Mr. Fry, Bertha J. Fry, single.
William Fromm is one of a family typical of the splendid
FROMM German character which: has introduced into the composite
population of the United States so large and valuable an element, an element which has been so closely connected with and to a large
extent is directly responsible for the unexampled development of the industries of this country.
His parents were John and Romana (Schiffhauer) Fromm, both natives
of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where they spent their childhood and youth
and were eventually married sometime about the year I86o. Mr. Fromm's
birth occurred about I826, and that of his wife in I832. Immediately after
their marriage the young couple came to the United States, and upon their
arrival in the country made their way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and
settled settled in the old "North Side." For a number of years Mr. Fromm
worked as a laborer in Pittsburgh, but later set up a shoemaking establishment for himself and conducted a thriving business. About I870 he removed
to Lower St. Clair township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there
passed the latter years of his life, his death occurring September I7, I893.
He was survived by his wife almost ten years, the date of her death being
September 2, I903. Mr. Fromm was a member of the Democratic party,
and took a keen though disinterested notice of the political questions and
issues of his day. To Mr. Fromm and his wife were born nine children, of
whom, however, only three grew to maturity. These were: Rev. Gabriel
C. P., who became a priest of the Passionist Order, and died in the year
I906 at the age of forty-one years; Clara, who lives single as the housekeeper for the Rev. Father August A. Vogt; William, of whom further.
The children were all brought up in the-Roman Catholic faith, to which
their parents were firm adherents.
William Fromm, the ninth child of John and Romana (Schiffhauer)
Fromm, was born October 22, I873, in Lower St. Clair townsih'ip, now
known as Mount Oliver borough. He was educated in the Catholic parochial
schools of the neighborhood, and later took a course in the Iron City Business College at Pittsburgh. After completing his education, he engaged in
the saloon business in St. Clair borough, Pennsylvania, continuing this with
much success for five years. The rapid development of that whole region
made real estate a very desirable business, with constantly increasing demands and values, and Mr. Fromm was a sufficiently keen observer to perceive the opportunity offered and enterprising enough to avail himself of it.
935WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Accordingly, in I9oo, he started in a business including both real estate and
insurance, and now is a large operator in both fields, being the representative of ten standard fire insurance companies. He Ihas become a man of
large substance and a prominent figure in his community, conspicuously
identified with the life and industrial activities of the place. He is a director
of the St. Clair Savings and Trust Company. A member of the Democratic
party, he takes a keen and intelligent interest in all political questions,
whether of local or national import, and occupies a leading position in the
local councils of his party. He held the office of tax collector and treasurer
of Lower St. Clair township; later was elected justice of the peace, an office
he held for five years; was then elected township clerk and served two years;
he was one of the prime organizers of St. Clair borough, and was elected
first borough clerk after its incorporation and again in I9I4 was elected to
the same office. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual Beneficial Association, of the Knights of St. George, and of the Bankers' and Bank Clerks'
Mutual Benefit Association, also a trustee of St. Joseph's Church and active
in church work.
Mr. Fromm married, May I2, I896, Jennie Hogenmiller, a native of the
"South Side," Pittsburgh, a daughter of Leopold and Mary Hogenmiller.
To them have been born eight children, as follows: Genevieve, now her
father's assistant, Victoria, Herman J., Alphonsus, Joseph, Mary, Mildred,
Reta Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Fromm are both members of the Catholic church,
and attend St. Joseph's Church in St. Clair borough. Their children are
being reared in the same faith.
A member of the Fromm family whose name must be mentioned here
is Peter Fromm, an uncle of William Fromm, and a younger brother of
his father, who came to the United States some ten or twelve years after
the advent of John Fromm in this country. Peter Fromm settled on the
"South Side," Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and there engaged in the shoemaking business, as his elder brother had done. He died in Carrick, Pennsylvania, and left a family of five children, as follows: Philip, John, Emma,
Elizabeth, Clara.
The Fords were among the earliest settlers of Allegheny county,
FORD  Pennsylvania, coming to that section of the country wlhen it was
almost primeval forest, and bearing bravely all the hardships
incidental to that period of trial.
(I) Charles Ford, one of these pioneer settlers, cleared the land on
which he settled, and farmed there many years until his death. He married
and had a family.
(II) Peter Ford, son of Charles Ford, was born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and was educated in the district school near his home. He
was also a farmer and spent his entire life in his native county. He married Eliza, a daughter of William and Mary (Willoughby) Neely, also early
farmers in the county, and had seven children.
(III) Edward McCullough Ford, son of Peter and Eliza (Neely) Ford,
936WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 7, I858. He was
educated in the public schools of Allegheny City, and upon the completion
of his education learned the trade of brick laying. He followed this occupation for a number of years, and later engaged in the business of a general
contractor, in whichl he has been eminently successful. His fraternal connection is with the Order of the Moose. Mr. Ford married (first) Lizzie
Otto, and had two children: Edith and Elmer Norman. He married (second) Augusta Olnissey, and has one child by this marriage, Mildred.
Frederick Ehrhardt is a member of a German family, and
EHRHARDT a typical example of the sturdy German-Americans who'have taken advantage of the opportunities which the New
World offered- and have risen to prosperity and prominence through thrifty
toil and untiring effort. His parents were Peter and Eva Margaret (Krausz)
Ehrhardt, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States while
young and still unmarried and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Peter Ehrhardt was the son of Adam and Elizabethl Ehrhardt, who were
residents of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. Adam Ehrhardt was a mason by
trade, which he followed in his native land, and which he taught to his sons
as soon as they were old enough to handle materials. He had four sons and
five daughters.  Peter Ehrhardt was the first of his family to come to
America, and he assisted two of his half-brothers to come to this country.
When he landed in New York he was a poor youth of twenty-three years
and friendless. He at once started out to find work, walking from place to
place, working in Chambersburg, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and other places,
moving onward towards his objective point, Pittsburgh. He walked all the
way from New York City. Peter Ehrhardt married Eva Margaret Krausz,
a native of Ourbauch, near Hesse-Darmstadt. W'hen she was fifteen years
of age she was brought to this country by her mother and step-father, Philip
Martin, and when she was nearing her twenty-second year she was married
to Mr. Ehrhardt. Some two years later they moved to Moon township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where they purchased a small farm, near
Coraopolis, which Mr. Ehrhardt kept adding to little by little until he now
owns sixty acres upon which he has built two houses, and has always kept
the property in a high state of cultivation and improvement. After moving
to the farm Mr. Ehrhardt continued to ply his trade of mason, while his wife
took care of the farm, until Mr. Ehrhardt was fifty years of age, after which
he devoted much of his time to the farm. Mr:. Ehrhardt passed his eightyfourth year on December 29, I913, and Mrs. Ehrhardt her seventy-seventh
on June 6 of the same year; they are no longer living on the farm, however,
but are retired from active life in Coraopolis. Both he and his wife were
members of the Presbyterian church at Carnot, but are now communicants
of the Lutheran Church at Coraopolis. Mr. Ehrhardt is a member of the
Democratic party and still takes a lively interest in the questions of the day.
They had ten children born to them: Lizzie, who became the wife of Samuel
Meanor, both deceased; John Valentine, died at Coraopolis, in I9o8; Mary,
937WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
now Mrs. R. L. Hood, of Monaca, Beaver county, Pennsylvania; John, a
resident of Allegheny, Pennsylvania; William, a hotel keeper at Knoxville,
Pennsylvania; Peter, a worker in the oil fields and a resident of Butler
county, Pennsylvania; Christina, who died at the age of four years; Margaret, now Mrs. Harry Raybuck, of Coraopolis; Frederick, of whom further;
Benjamin, a policeman at McKees Rocks, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
Frederick Ehrhardt, the tenth and youngest child of Peter and Eva
Margaret (Krausz) Ehrhardt, was born March 22, 1878, in Moon township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the local public schools,
and upon the completion of his studies secured a position in a nearby grocery
store and there worked for three years. At the expiration of this period,
he left Moon township and came to McKees Rocks and spent three more
years in learning the butcher business. In the year I9OI he had an opportunity to purchase the well established meat business of M. Nauman, whose
excellent store stood at No. Io8 Singer avenue, McKees Rocks. This opportunity he availed himself of and further bought and remodeled a building
at No. I245 Chartiers avenue, not far from the original location, and th-ere
moved his new business. This building, whiich Mr. Ehrhardt still occupies,
has a frontage of twenty feet on the avenue and is one and a half stories high.
It contains a residence and the butcher shop, now one of the oldest in the
town. Mr. Ehrhardt is a Republican in politics and is keenly alive to the
questions of the day. He is a prominent member of the Knights and Ladies
of Honor.
Mr. Ehrhardt married, July I5, I902, Bridgett Fitzgerald, a native of
Gratztown, near McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where she was born September
I8, I883. Her father, Timothy Fitzgerald, was born in Ireland, and migrated
to the United States as a young man. He settled in Maryland and there
married Susan Moravy, a native of that state. After their marriage the
youthful pair moved to Gratztown, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
where he secured employment as a railroad gang boss, and later occupied the
same position in a mine. He was a soldier in the Civil War. His death
occurred April 30, I887, and ten years later Mrs. Fitzgerald was married to
John Welsh, of McKees Rocks, where she died in I9IO. Mr. Fitzgerald and
his wife at the time of their marriage were members respectively of the
Catholic and the Methodist Episcopal churches, but eventually they both
abandoned their churches and joined the Church of God. To Mr. and
Mrs. Fitzgerald were born eight children, as follows: Mary, now the
widow of Otto WVeis, and a resident of West Newton, Pennsylvania;
Thomas, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Maggie, now Mrs.
Peter Burke, of West Newton, Pennsylvania; Susan, now Mrs. Edward
Leonard, of Dickerson, Pennsylvania; Bridgett, died in infancy; Bridgett,
wife of Mr. Ehrhardt; Emma, wife of Fred Koontz, of West Newton,
Pennsylvania; John, died at the age of fourteen months. To Mr. and
Mrs. Ehrhardt have been born two children, as follows: Margaret Susan,
born July I2, I9o4; Mary Louise, born July 2, I9I3. Mr. and Mrs. Ehrhardt are both members of the English Lutheran Church.
938IN~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~::::i~:-iii
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4                                                                                        0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~::::::::WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Alsace, Germany, the birthplace of John C. Klein, father of
KLEIN   William C. Klein, of Fair Haven, Pennsylvania, and founder
of his family in Pennsylvania, is one of the localities of
Germany that has given most freely of her sons for the peopling and development of the United States. John C. Klein was born February 22,
1822, and there grew to manhood, being about twenty-four years of age
when he came to Pittsburgh.  Another of the passengers on the vessel
in which he made his transatlantic voyage from the homeland was Elizabeth Brueckenmeyer, a native of Hanover, Germany, who afterward became his wife. John C. Klein was master of the trade of locksmith, and
not long after his arrival in Pittsburgh became the proprietor of a tool
factory. Later, for purposes of increased capital and for enlarging the
plant, he admitted Edward P. Logan to partnership, the Klein-Logan Tool
Company being formed about I869. Mr. Klein retained his interest in
this concern until his retirement from business, aged sixty years, his family
succeeding him as members of the firm, holding a half share tiherein. In
I868 the family home was moved to the Brownsville road, in Baldwin
township, Allegheny county, and in that year Mrs. Klein died, her husband
surviving her until I9o4. John C. Klein was a man keen and shrewd in
business, in all of his dealings observing a fairness and uprightness that
gaineid the complete confidence of all of his associates. Politically he was
a Republican, and in religion a Lutheran. He married (first) Elizabeth
Brueckenmeyer; (second) Rebecca Brown, of Pittsburgh, who died in
I903. Children of the first marriage of John C. Klein: I. Frederick, deceased. 2. Christopher, deceased. 3. William C., of whom further. 4.
Charles, deceased. 5. Gustav A., a resident of North Carolina and Florida,
the former his winter, the latter state his summer home. Children of the
second marriage of John C. Klein: I. Ida. 2. John C., of whom further.
3. Emma. 4. Bertha. 5. Clara. 6. Alma, and also several who died in
childhood.
(II) William  C., son of John C. and Elizabeth (Brueckenmeyer)
Klein, was born on Pittsburgh Southl Side, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
August I, I854. He attended the public and German schools of this place,
and in I868 accompanied his parents to Baldwin township, where he became a gardener. For the following eight years he conducted a grocery
store with good results, and in I888 bought his present farm at Fair
Haven. In this place he was for five years a gardener, but for the past
twenty years has devoted his time and attention to floriculture, having
sixteen thousand square feet of hot-houses, and is one of the leading
florists of the region: His plant is equipped with most of the modern appliances for the culture of flowers, and, a skilled master of his calling, he
has pursued fortune in this line to excellent purpose. In addition to his
business interests as above mentioned, Mr. Klein is a director of the. KleinLogan Tool Company, of Pittsburgh, the company founded by his father,
and a stockholder in the Carrick Building and Loan Association. Mr.
Klein was instrumental in the organization of this latter institution, and
939WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for five years was a member of its board of directors. His political proclivities are Republican, and he has served the township for three years
as commissioner and for seven years as school director. He is prominent
in all political activity in the locality, and is a member of the Lutheran
church, having been financial secretary for the past seven years. His interests and connections in the life of the community are well-balanced,
and bespeak a man of broad mind and fine public spirit.
Mr. Klein married, November, I877, Martha, born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Frederick and La'vina
(Flowers) Olnhausen, her father a pioneer butcher on Pittsburgh South
Side, came to Baldwin township about 1855, where he died thirty y:ars
later. Lavina (Flowers) Olnhausen also died in that locality, a memnber
of an old Allegheny county family. Children of William'C. and Martha
(Olnhausen) Klein: I. Edward William, born October I4, I878, died December 6, I88I. 2. Charles August Fielding, born November 22, I879. 3.
Albert Loh, born January 26, I88I, married Ella Vogel, and has issue:
Florence Viola and William Albert. 4. Lavina May, born May 31, I882,
died November I8, I886. 5. John Christopher, born July 6, I883, died
October I9, I886. 6. Martha Nieman, born January II, I885. 7. Emma
Sophia Myran, born March 9, I886; married William F. Klein, of Syracuse, New York, and has children: Mabel Manton and Emma Viola. 8.
Lillian Viola, born October 2I, 1887, married John C. Schreiber. 9. Marie
Estella, born February 2, I889, died February ii, I889. Io. Pearl Edith,
born January 24, I890. ii. Alma Myrtle, born May 4, I89I, died November I5, I891. I2. Hazel Marie, born October 27, I893, died October 30,
I893. I3. Melvina Trilby, born July I9, I895. 14. Gilbert Franklin, born
December 13, I898.
John C., son of John C. and Rebecca (Brown) Klein, was born August
I7, I872, and was educated in the public schools of his native township
of Baldwin, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, completing his studies in the
Pittsburgh high, school and the Millersville State Normal School. After
learning the locksmith's trade, which had been the calling of his father,
he was employed thereat in an establishment on Third aivenue, Pittsburgh,
for some years. He then spent a short time in mercantile dealings, and in
I907 became associated with the Klein-Logan Tool Company, of Pittsburgh, and at the present time holds the position of secretary in that organization.  The company is a flourishing concern, conducting a large
domestic and foreign trade, and Mr. Klein has proven a worthy addition
to its officers, displaying in his new position business ability of high order.
Mr. Klein is the owner of a farm in Baldwin township. He affiliates with
the Republican party and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He married, in I895, Lucy, born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Willis, and has children: I. Lee. 2. Clarence. 3. May. 4. Ruth. 5. John C., Jr. 6. Roy.
7. Harold.
940WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Ewings of Kennedy township descend from Moses
EWING  Ewing, born in Center county, Pennsylvania, there grew to
manhood and married. He was a teamster, carrying freight
across the mountains, between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. He is supposed
to have been the owner of the first wagon on this side of the mountains,
also is supposed to have had the first threshing machine. About I794 he
moved with his wife, Sophia, to Allegheny county, and in I807 bought
one hundred and eighty-three acres in Robinson township, where he built
a log house and gradually cleared away the timber from his purchase.
There he lived a quiet life, harming none, kind to all, yet his life was saddened by the cruel murder of his wife, Sophia, by a band of cutthroats
Daniel Ewing, son of Moses Ewing, had sold a horse in Pittsburgh for one
hundred dollars, which was paid him in gold. This he carried home with
him and the next morning, while his sons were absent from the farm, three
men came to the house and demanded the money, which: the old couple gave
them. After it was handed over, Mrs. Ewing said: "I will know you
again if I ever see you." With that the men turned, raised their guns,
fired and Mrs. Ewing fell dead. The one that intended to kill Moses Ewing
had a momentary trouble with his gun, the cap failing to explode. Before he could put on another, Leah, a daughter, who was looking out of the
loom house door, screamed at the sight of her fallen mother, her shrieks
causing the murderers to hastily flee. They were never apprehended and
escaped man's justice for their crime. The old man continued living at the
farm, until death, but the cruel death of his wife broke his health, and
although tenderly cared for by his daughters and sons, soon passed away.
The family were members and regular attendants of the United Presbyterian church. Children: I. Samuel, moved to Jackson county, Ohio. 2.
James, a farmer of Moon township. 3. John, a farmer of Findley township. 4. Daniel, of whom further. 5. Leah, married William Gibson, and
lived in Robinson township. 6. Margaret, married John McMichall.
(II) Daniel Ewing, son of Moses and Sophia Ewing, was born in
Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 23, 1807, died
September 20, I88o. He grew up on the homestead farm which he helped
to clear, and after t.he death of his father bought out the other heirs and
never knew any other home. In I840 he erected the brick farm house, still
standing in excellent condition, and otherwise improved the property. He
was a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife were exemplary
members of the United Presbyterian church. He married, in I849, Jane
* Speer, born in I8I9, died January 4, I887, daughter of James and Mary
Speer, also of an old Robinson township family. Children: Elwild, Lulu
Mary, died unmarried; James H., of further mention; Lehman Oliver, died
young; Robert Addison, born March 26, I856, a farmer and Pittsburgh
property owner, now residing at the homestead in now Kennedy township,
married (first) Ida Letitia Fulton, (second) Ida May Eccleson, (third)
Mary McCoy; daughter Nellie by second wife married E. J. Barnes, son
of James Barnes, of Anderson Roads; E. J. Barnes is employed on the
Lake Erie Railroad, and his wife, who is a fine musician, teaches music.
94IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
George McCombs, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in
McCOMBS Washington county, Pennsylvania, was a cooper by trade,
and died at the age of seventy-three years. He married
Lydia Millholland, also born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Five
children:  I. 2. 3. Martha, Mary  and  George, triplets; Martha
married James Cameron and they were the parents of seven children:
Wilfred, James, William, Mary, Martha, Ella, Roint; Mrs. Cameron died
at the age of seventy-seven years. Mary married Scott McCleary and they
were the parents of three children: Ella, Flora, Scott; Mrs. McCleary died
at the age of twenty-eight years. George died shortly after birth. 4. Nancy,
married Harmon Gebhart; no issue; she died in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in
I893. 5. William M., of further mention.
(II) William M. McCombs, son of George and Lydia (Millholland)
McCombs, was born in New Castle, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, in
I845, died in I9O6. After his marriage he settled on South Side, Pittsburgh, and lived there until his death. He was a tinner by occupation,
and conducted a shop successfully for many years, changing the location
as the demands of business made necessary. About fifteen years prior to
his death he added roofing and sheet metal business, also state contracting,
in which he was equally successful.  He was an active worker in the
interests of the Republican party, and served as city councilman in the
old Thirtieth ward for a number of years; was school director in the same
ward, and in later years became secretary of the school board of the old
Twenty-ninth ward. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, the
Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Improved Order of Heptasophs, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, serving fifteen years as
secretary of the last mentioned organization. He and his wife were members of the Bingham Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was
secretary of the board of trustees for twenty-five years, and was also
superintendent of the Sunday school for a like number of years. Mr.
McCombs married Sarah Ann Slicker, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
in I847, died in I885, daughter of John and Mary Ann (Preston) Slicker.
They had children: Mary, unmarried, lives at No. 335 North Craig
street; Martha, unmarried, is a school teacher, and lives with Mary; Sarah,
died in I885, at the age of twelve years; Lydia, died in infancy; Alice,
died in infancy; William P., of further mention; Kinsley, who died at the
age of thirteen years.
John Slicker, a native of Germany, was the son of John Schlicker, and
after coming to this country, changed the spelling of the family name. He
was a young man when he emigrated to the United States, and he settled
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was a glass worker all his life. He became
a member of the firm of Stewart, Estep  Company, and died about I870.
He married Mary Ann Preston, born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, of
Quaker descent, and died in 1913. Her father, George Preston, was a
soldier in the War of 1812. She was brought to Pittsburgh in early chil571WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) James H. Ewing, eldest son of Daniel and Jane (Speer) Ewing,
was born in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, at the
old farm, now a part of Kennedy township, August I2, I85I. He attended
the "Clever District" school for many years, then entered a Pittsburgh
Academy and for two years was a student at Mount Union College (Ohio).
After leaving Mount Union, he returned to the home farm, which has ever
since been his'home and which he owns in association with his brother,
Robert A. Ewing, with whom he makes his home, when at the farm. Mr.
Ewing is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Second Presbyterian
Church of Pittsburgh.  He is an accomplished vocal musician, his voice
a fine tenor, and for several years he was a member of the choir of the
North Avenue Methodist Church. He is a member of the Mozart Club,
and formerly belonged to the P'ittsburgh Musical Association. He is also
an accomplished performer on stringed instruments and his services have
been in great demand, he being associated with several musicians of note.
His preference, -however, was for church and Sunday school music and
in that branch of Christian work he has ever been active and very useful.
He is now living retired on Eleventh street, in the West Park section of
McKees Rocks. He is unmarried.
Joseph E. McKrell, who for many years was actively and
McKRELL  prominently identified with the varied interests of the community in which he resided, was a descendant of an ScotchIrish ancestry, the characteristics of which were transmitted in large degree
to the descendants thus making them worthy citizens in the truest sense of
the wiord.
(I) Rev. Joseph McKrell, grandfather of Joseph E. McKrell, was a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, a man noted for his
piety and good works, whose influence was felt in various directions and
whose life was spent in the service of others. He married and among his
children was James Lynn, of whom further.
(II) James Lynn McKrell, father of Joseph E. McKrell, was a native
of Ireland, in which country he resided until attaining young manhood,
attending the common schools in the vicinity of his home. After hiis emigration to this country he settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he
worked for a number of years, later removing to West Deer township and
locating on a farm, which'h:e cultivated and whereon he resided until his
death, which occurred in November, I89I, and his widow is now residing
there, aged seventy-eight years. He married Jane Taylor, born in Ireland,
January 17, I836, daughter of Allen and Flora (Blakely) Taylor, both
natives of Ireland, from whence they came to the United States, locating
in Pittsburg,hi, Pennsylvania, and later settled on a farm  in West Deer
township, of which he was the owner, and there his death occurred in the
year 1884, his wife passing away in the year I876. Mr. and Mrs. McKrell
were the parents of seven ch,ildren: Joseph E., of whom further; Lydia;
John; Mary, deceased; James; Ellen, deceased; Sarah.
942WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) Joseph E. McKrell was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 6, I857. He was reared on a farm, gaining health and strength
from the labor and the open air life, and he acquired a practical education
in the common schools of hiis day. Later, upon attaining years of maturity,
he engaged in business on his own account, being the proprietor of a grocery
store in Pittsburgh, from which he derived a goodly income, providing well
for the maintenance of his family. He was progressive in his ideas, thoroughl and painstaking in the performance of his duties, and his willingness
to suit the requirements of his customers brought him an extensive patronage, which steadily increased year by year. He was active -in community
affairs, and was respected for his many excellent qualities, and his demise
on December I6, I9o09, at his home in Tarentum, was mourned by a wide
circle of friends.
Mr. McKrell married, November I8, I88o, Mary A. Herron, born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 3, I858; daughter of Robert and Mary
(Clegg) Herron, natives of Ireland, where they were reared, educated and
married, coming to this country in the year 1853, locating in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, where their deaths occurred, his in I896, and hers in 1894,
both aged sixty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Herron were the parents of
eight children: Elizabet,h!, deceased; Sarah; Mary A.; John; James; Henry,
deceased; Agnes, deceased; Martha, deceased. Robert Herron was a son
of John and Sarah (McKnight) Herron, natives of Ireland, the latter
named dying in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Children of Mr. and Mrs. McKrell, all of whom are living at the present time (1914): Robert Allen,
Flora Jane, James Lynn, Anna Mary, Samuel Herron, Joseph Evans, Walter
Wesley, Sarah Blanche, Homer Eugene, Rachel Elma.
This name, an honored one in Western Pennsylvania, is now
COWAN  worthily borne by descendants of David Cowan, who, born
near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, crossed the mountains at a
very early day, settling in what is now Baldwin township, Allegheny county.
There he bought a partly improved farm, a part of w,hich is yet owned in
the family he founded. He cleared and improved it and prospered, owning
in addition to his farm in Baldwin one in Bethel township on which his
son Thomas lived for many years. He was one of the strong characters
of his day, widely known and everywhere esteemed for his sturdy adherence
to the strictest code of honor in all his dealings. He died about I868, and
is buried in the graveyard of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, of which congregation he was a strong pillar. He married and h,ad nine' children: I.
Thomas, a farmer, died in Snowden township. 2. John, died in Bethel
township. 3. William, of further mention. 4. Rachel, married Jesse Cunningham, and died in Baldwin township. 5. Robert, died a young man.
Two daughters are deceased.
(II) William, son of David Cowan, was born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, in I8o5, and grew to manhood on the home farm. He learned
the blacksmith's trade, and for many years conducted a shop on his own
9439WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
farm. After his marriage in I838 or I839 he purchased of his father-inlaw one hundred and seventy-five acres of the original Calhoun farm, and
there lived until his death. He greatly improved his farm and thereon
erected the buildings that are yet standing and in use. His farm was on
the Brownsville road, in Baldwin township, and there he worked at his trade
and managed the farm. His wife died in I854, and although he survived
her until I883 he never again married. He was a Republican, and for many
years was township treasurer. Both he and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian church, and are buried at Lebanon graveyard. He married,
in I838 or I839, Margaret Calhoun, born in I805, in the old log and stone
house built by her father, daughter of Noble Cal,houn, born in Ireland, who
came to the United States when a young man. Noble Calhoun settled on a
farm in Baldwin township, there lived and prospered for many years, owning also another farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, known as the
"Buck Tavern Farm." He was a justice of the peace for many years, and
a man of well known integrity. Late in life he sold both his farms and
moved to Richland county, Ohio, where he died, a very old man. His children were:  Nbble, Samuel, Jo:hn, Sarah; Margaret, married William
Cowan; and Eliza. All of these children, except Margaret, moved to Ohio
and there died.
Children of William and Margaret Cowan: I. Jane, married John
Noble, and died in Baldwin township. 2. Margaret, married (first) William
Wilson, (second) William Moore, and died in Baldwin township. 3. Noble
Calhoun, a farmer, died in I9IO, in Baldwin township. 4. David, a farmer,
died in Baldwin township. 5. William T., of further mention. 6. Elizabeth,
yet residing on the old h,omestead, unmarried.
(III) William T., son of William and Margaret (Calhoun) Cowan,was born on the homestead farm in Baldwin township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, August ii, I840, and now occupies a part of the farm on
which he was born. He was educated in the public schools, and spent his
early life on the farm. He began business life as proprietor of the Bell
House in West Liberty, Pennsylvania, running that hotel three years. He
then ran the Castle Shannon House, at Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, for
three years. He then returned to farming, renting the Wilson farm for five
years. In I883 he moved to his present home on the Brownsville road, having
inherited forty-five acres of the Cowan homestead. Dhiring all these years
since, Mr. Cowan has been engaged in the real estate business and has
developed several residence additions, including the forty acre tract from the
Stauffer farm in Baldwin township and the Marysville addition to the borough of Carrick. He is also interested in the Colonial Trust Company of
Pittsburgh, and is well known in the business world as a man of energy and
probity. He is a Republican in politics, has served as township supervisor
and for six years was justice of the peace.
Mr. Cowan married, in I867, Anna M. Bell, daughter of Robert Reed
and Elizabeth Bell, of Washington county, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Cowan died
in September, I909. Children: I. Robert, died in Carrick. 2. Elizabeth,
9447rWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
married Albert Wilson and resides near his parents. 3. Charles, a resident
of Snowden township, an employee of the Allegheny county road department. 4. Annie M., married Jesse J. Doyle, and resides at Castle Shannon,
Pennsylvania. 5. Amzi, residing with his parents. 6. Howard, station agent
at Long View, on the West Belt railway. 7. Louis, died aged sixteen years.
8. Earl, resides in Carrick.
The Zeigler family, as the name plainly indicates, is of GerZEIGLER man origin, and the various members have done much to increase the material prosperity of the various sections in which
they have resided.
(I) Adam Zeigler, a native of Germany, came to America in his youth
and settled at Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he became an
extensive land owner, and a farmer, clearing much, of the land himself. He
and his wife were members of the German Reformed church. He married
Annie, and they had children: Gottlieb, a retired farmer, lives in
Harmony; Abraham, a farmer, died in Jackson township, Butler county,
Pennsylvania; David, a retired farmer, lives in Zelienople; Henry, of further
mention; Lizzie, widow of ~ Sheaver, lives in Harmony; Sarah, married,
and died at Harmony.
(II) Henry Zeigler, son of Adam and Annie Zeigler, was born in Butler
county, Pennsylvania, in I837. After his marriage he commenced to farm
on one hundred and sixty acres of land which had been given him by his
father, making many improvements on the property, and erecting the necessary buildings. He found much oil and coal on this land, and lived there
until about I904, when he retired and now lives in Zelienople. He was in
active service during the Civil War, but was fortunate enough to escape
wounds and capture. He is a staunch Republican, and a member of the
Reformed church. He married Mary Sechler, born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in I840, and they have children: Nettie, married Henry Dombaugh, and lives at East End, Pittsburgh; Charles W., of further mention;
William, a retail lumber dealer, lives at Duquesne; Katie, widow of William
Hooper, lives at East End; Anna, unmarried, lives in Pittsburgh; Frank, a
physician, lives in Altoona, Pennsylvania; Harry, a lumber dealer, lives in
Duquesne.
(III) Charles W. Zeigler, son of Henry and Mary (Sechler) Zeigler,
was born in Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, October 20, I866.
After being graduated from the Butler Highi School, he became a student
at the Renfrew Business College, from which he was graduated about I888.
He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed three years, then,
with his brother, William, came to Duquesne, Allegheny county, and there
organized the firm of Zeigler Brothers, retail dealers in lumber which they
continued until I9o7, when his brother Harry was admitted to the firm, and
it became The Zeigler Lumber Company, with Charles W. Zeigler as the
president. It is now the oldest firm of its kind in the section, also does some
mill work in connection with its regular routine, and employs from fifteen to
945WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
twenty men regularly. In January, 1914, Mr. Zeigler sold his interests in
this concern, and now devotes his time to real estate, in which the firm
was interested for ten years. He also represents four fire insurance companies, is a director in the Times Publishing Company, does some contract
work, and generally has several contracts to superintend at the same time.
Always an ardent supporter of the Republican party, he served his community as a member of the common council, in Igo6. He is a member of the
Reformed Church, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
Mr. Zeigler married, October 20, I893, Anna, born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a daughter of David Williams, deceased. They have hiad children:
Irene, a graduate of Slippery Rock Normal School, is now teaching in the
Duquesne High School; Laura, a graduate of the Duquesne High School,
is now making a special study of music; Beryl, a student in the Duquesne
High School-.
One of the contributing causes to the greatness of the
GARRAUX United States has been the influx of French emigrants,
who came from their native land to better their worldly
condition, and to assist in the upbuilding of this country. They have succeeded in doing both, and there is no element in the great mass of nationalities that goes toward making this republic the greatest on earth that has done
more toward this end than the representatives of France. The Garraux
family has been no exception to this rule.
(I) Isaac Garraux was born in France, and emigrated to the United
States, with his family, when he had already attained middle age. He settled
in what is now Richland township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, became
an extensive land owner, and assisted in clearing much of the land in his
possession. He married Lydia Garren, and they had children, all born in
the Province of Moliere, France: Adele; Aline; Rosalie; Magdaline; Ferdinand, of further mention;;Ulysses and William, who met their deaths at an
early age, in I848, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(II) Ferdinand Garraux, son of Isaac and Lydia (Garren) Garraux,
was a very young child when hle came to this country with his parents, and
was educated in the public schools of Richland township. He also became
a farmer, and was successful. He married Mary Anna Shepard, a daughter
of Robert and Hannah Shepard, and they had children: Esther, died young;
Hannah, married William Muekle; Elizabeth, married C. S. Sanders; Mary,
married Leal Allen; Henry A., of further mention; Robert, married Nancy
J. Hartsell; Isaac; Frederic, married Anna Hulbert; William, died young.
(III) Henry A. Garraux, son of Ferdinand and Mary Anna (Shepard)
Garraux, was born in Richland township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
September 20, i86o. He was educated in the public schools of the township, and very naturally turned to agriculture as his life work. He has a
fine farm of seventy-two acres under cultivation, and is very successful in
his methods. He is interested in the public welfare of the community, sup946WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
porting the Republican party, and his religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church. He married Nancy Jane, who died in I9o6, a daughter
of Lot L. Morrow, and they have had children: Edna V. and Mary E., both
at home.
John Thomas is a member of a Welsh family, representative
THOMAS of the best type of that race which has introduced into the
cosmopolitan citizenship of the United States a leaven of
their own peculiar virtues, a hardy and moral manhood.
His father was Evan Thomas, a native of Wales; who married in his
native land a fellow countrywoman, Mary Jones. Subsequent to his marriage the couple removed to England, and finally, in I879, came to the United
States. Their first choice of a home was Cincinnati, Ohlio, where they settled
in I879, but they remained in that place only three years, and in the year
I882 came to Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He worked in the steel works of
the Olivers, being what is technically known as a sheet steel heater, and one
of the most capable men the Olivers ever had in their employ. In the year
I905 Mr. Thomas went to Alexandria, Illinois, to make a visit to his son
David, who resided there, and while there died, at the age of fifty-nine
years. In politics, Mr. Thomas was a Republican, and both he and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Evan Thomas
were the parents of nine children, as follows: Nathaniel, deceased; Eleanor,
now Mrs. Edward Wible, of Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, and the mother of
two children, Mary and Rudolph; David, a resident of Alexandria, Illinois,
where he is a sheet steel heater, married, and they are the parents of three
children, David, Evan and Edward; Mary, now Mrs. Frank Francis, of
Bellevue, Pennsylvania, and the mother of three children, Cecilia, Eleanor
and Lois; Sarah, now Mrs. Joseph B. Hester, of Edinboro, Erie county,
Pennsylvania, and the mother of three children, Helen, William and Mildred;
Thomas, deceased; John, of whom further; William, deceased; Maggie, deceased.
John Thomas, the seventh child of Evan and Mary (Jones) Thomas,
was born August I7, 1877, in England, during:his parents' residence in that
country. They emigrated to the United States, however, when he was but
two years old, and took up their abode in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
when he was five, so that practically his lifelong associations are with this
region. He passed the major portion of his boyhood in Allegheny City, and
was educated in the local public schools. At the age of seventeen, having
completed his studies, he learned the trade of brick mason, and found work
in this line and various others for a number of employers until the year
I9o4. At that time Mr. Thomas decided to engage in business for himself,
and accordingly started contracting and building in brick work. He was
successful from the start, and since then his business has grown and flourished greatly. In I912 he came to Ben Avon, Pennsylvania, and there built
for himself a fine house at No. 240 Highland avenue, and there he resides
with his family at the present time. Besides his business Mr. Thomas is
947WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
very active in the life of the community in many ways. He is a member
of the Republican party and keenly interested in all political questions,
whether they have a local or general bearing. Both he and Mrs. Thomas are
members of the Pentacost Church, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, and are rearing their children in their own persuasion.'Mr. Thomas married, in I899, Lizzie Hillman, a native of Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where she was born December 8, I879. Mrs. Thomas
is a daughter of Charles and Theresa (Lewis) Hillman, and a granddaughter
of Allegheny county pioneers on both sides of thie house. Her father and
mother were born there in the years I854 and I858, respectively. To Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas have been born three children, as follows: May, born June
4, I900, Stewart, born December 2, I9o2; Elizabeth, born June 26, 1905.
Many of the families of Western Pennsylvania who trace to
TUCKER foreign ancestors in recent generations came to this state
directly from the homeland. That to which the late Michael
F. Tucker belonged was an exception to this rule, John Tucker, his father,
born in Ireland, settling first in Wilmington, Delaware, whence he came
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the latter place he was employed in Painter's
Mill during the remainder of his active life, retiring from business about
eight years prior to his death, which occurred about I899, when he was more
than seventy years of age. His wife, Bridget, had preceded him to the grave
by several years, both having been members of St. James' Roman Catholic
Church. John and Bridget Tucker were the parents of: I. John, died in St.
Marys, Pennsylvania. 2. James, died young in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3.
Mark, resides in the West. 4. Patrick. 5. William, a resident of Pittsburgh.
6. Michael Francis, of whom  further. 7. Kate, deceased, married John
Ford. 8. Mary, married (first) John Hanley, (second) John Tharp, and
lives in Elliott, Pennsylvania. 9. Annie, married Louis Spang, deceased,
and lives at Mount Washington.
Michael Francis Tucker, son of John and Bridget Tucker, was born in
Wilmington, Delaware, about I864, died in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania,
November 29, I903, having met an accidental death. He attended St. James'
parochial school until he was nine years of age, then beginning work in
Painter's Mill, where he was employed until he was seventeen years of age.
The following seventeen years he passed in the service of the Pittsburgh
 Lake Erie Railroad, and was then foreman of the assembling department
of the Schoen Car Company for about three years. In I903 he formed an
association with the American Car and Foundry Company at'Berwick, Pennsylvania, soon after assuming his new duties meeting with, what proved to
be a fatal accident. He was taken to the Wilkes-Barre City Hospital with a
fractured skull, and there, despite heroic efforts by the physicians in charge,
he succumbed. Since his marriage his home had been in McKees Rocks and
Esplen, and in the former place he had erected a comfortable house at No.
6I9 Frederick street, still owned by his widow, who has recently built a brick
house at No. 650 Broadway, where she now resides. Mr. Tucker belonged
948WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
949
to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Trainmen, and was for fifteen years a
member of the Catholic Mutual Beneficial Association. At no time in his
life did he pledge support unreservedly to a political party, at the polls choosing his candidates from all tickets. At the time of his lamentable accident
he was in the full strength of vigorous manhood, was the centre of a wide
circle of sincere friends, approved by all.
He married, June 13, I888, Mary Ann Bannan, born in Pittsburgh
West End, daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Gill) Bannan. John and
Lawrence Bannan, brothers of Patrick Bannan, fought in the Union army
in the Civil War, while Peter and James Gill, brothers of Catherine Gill,
were members of the same organization, the former holding officer's rank.
Catherine was a daughter of Patrick Gill, of Ireland, who after his wife's
death came to the United States with his daughter, Catherine, and son,
Peter, to join the remainder of his family in this country. He was a contractor, an occupation followed by many of:his ancestors, who erected not
a few of the manor houses on family estates in the homeland. Patrick
Bannan was born in county Galway, his wife in county Roscommon, Ireland,
both coming to the United States unmarried, their wedding ceremony being
solemnized in New York City when Catherine Gill was but sixteen years of
age. After residing for a time in New York City they moved to Pittsburgh,
where she died July 14, I9oI, his death occurring in Minnesota, at the home
of a son, in October, I909. Both were members of the Roman Catholic
Church, and are buried in the graveyard of St. Mary's Church, Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. Seven children were born to them in New York, eight
in Pittsburgh, of whom the survivors are: I. Sarah Jane, lives unmarried
in Crafton, Pennsylvania. 2. Joseph, a member of the Pittsburgh police
force. 3. Mary Ann, of previous mention, married Michael Francis Tucker.
4. Agnes, married Jesse McLaughlin, and resides in McKees Rocks. 5.
Paul, a-farmer, lives in Benson, Minnesota. 6. Michael, unmarried, makes
his home with his sister Agnes. Children of Michael Francis and Mary
Ann (Bannan) Tucker:  I. Michael Francis, Jr., born April I4, I889, a
member of th!e fire department, married Hilda Meyer, and has three sons:
Michael Francis (3), Edward, deceased, and Robert. 2. William Leroy,
born November I4, I89o, died in infancy. 3. Clement A., born July I3,
I893, died aged seven months. 4. Catherine Marie, born October 28, I898,
died in infancy.
From County Limerick, Ireland, came William Dbrsey in
DORSEY I852, settling in Eastern Pennsylvania, son of Irish parents,
and of an old Limerick county family,.his parents living in the
village of Newport, where William was born in I794. He had been a
farmer in Ireland, there had married, and had a family of six children.
He came alone to the United States, working for the contractors building
the Pennsylvania railroad for two years, then sending for his family to
join him. They came in 1854, and from that year the family home was in
Galitzen, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. In I858 William Dorsey died.WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
hood, and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Children: Sarah Ann, who married Mr. McCombs, as mentioned a/bove;
Isabella, died in infancy; Mary Elizabeth, who died December 25, I912,
married Kinsley T. O'Connor; Theodore Albert, a glass cutter, lives at
Jeannette, Pennsylvania; John Andrew, died in I9o7 in Pittsburgh; James
Miles, died in Pittsburgh in I887; Harry Preston, a glass cutter, lives
at No. Io6 South Twenty-third street.
(III) William  P. McCombs, son of William  M. and Sarah Ann
(Slicker) McCombs, was born at South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
January 3, I884. He was educated in the public schools-the Humboldt
School and the Birmingham schools, being graduated when about sixteen
years of age. He then spent one year in the commercial department of
the Pittsburgh High School, and supplemented this by a course at Allegheny College, at Meadville. His first business position was that of
clerk in the Anchor Rolling Mill, and in that he rose to the position of
paymaster. He left this in order to assist his father in the roofing and
sheet metal business, and after the death of his father conducted this
business alone until I9IO. In that year the business was incorporated with
the following officers: Lewis F. Wentz, president; M. J. McCombs, secretary; William P. McCombs, manager and treasurer. From small beginning this business has grown to huge proportions. They have branched
out into the general roofing business, and have executed many of the
most important contracts in the city of Pittsburgh. They employ from
twenty-five to fifty men regularly, and among the buildings they have
roofed are: The Sunday Tabernacle, St. Joseph's Hospital and the Germania National Bank. They have now also branched out into the field
of election specialties, and are noted for the quality of the wares they
manufacture, their ballot boxes and voting booths being shipped all over
the United States. Mr. McCombs served four years as a director of the
Polithania State Bank. He is a staunch Republican, and has served as
president of the board of health of Carrick; was elected a councilman
and entered upon his office, January I, I914, and was chosen president of
the council. He and his wife are members of the Bingham Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is secretary of the board of trustees.
For a period of ten years he was assistant-superintendent of the Sunday
school, and secretary of the Bingham Street Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. His fraternal affiliation is with the Order of Free and Accepted
Masons, being a member of the Chapter, Council, Commandery, Consistory, thirty-second degree, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Noble of the Mystic Shrine, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; he is a member of Carrick Civic Club and South Side Board of
Trade. He took up his residence in Carrick in I9o9, and has built a
beautiful house at the corner of Brownsville Road and Clifton Boulevard.
Mr. McCombs married, November 23, 1905, Ida Dorothy, born in
Pittsburgh, a daughter of Jacob A. and Louise (Grundel) Rose, and they
572WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He married Mary Carmody, born in Limerick, in 1802, died in I856. Children: I. Mary, deceased; married John Larkins, and lived at Irwin Station,
Pennsylvania. 2. Anna, died at the age of fifty years, unmarried. 3. William James, of further mention. 4. John, deceased, a professor in Notre
Dame University, South Bend, Indiana. 5. Michael, deceased, also a professor at Notre Dame University. 6. Nicholas, died at the age of twenty-one
years, h,is death caused by excessive bleeding from a cut from his own axe
while felling timber in Indiana county, Pennsylvania.
(II) William James, eldest son and third child of William and Mary
(Carmody) Dorsey, was born at Newport, Limerick county, Ireland, September I4, I841. He came to the United States in I854 with his mother,
brothers and sisters, and after the family settled in Galitzen, Pennsylvania,
attended the public schools, and later' attended a Catholic parochial school in
Indiana county. When his mother died in I856 he left home and for a short
time attended St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania. He next went
to Indiana county, where he worked on a farm and in the lumber woods
felling timber. From Indiana county he went to Trenton, New Jersey,
working there in a bakery for one year, then going to Philadelphia, where
he worked in a cake bakery. On January 7, I862, he enlisted in Company
E, Ninety-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving three
years and receiving an honorable discharge. He saw hard service with
the Army of the Potomac, participating in twenty-five battles and many
skirmishes. The battles hte engaged in with his regiment were among the
hardest fought in the Civil War, the list including Antietam, Second Bull
Run, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He
safely passed through the dangers of war, and after his term of service
ended he settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his sisters were living.
For two years he was clerk in Myers  Sawyer's stationery store, then for
two years kept a hotel at Shaner Station, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He then opened a hotel in Buena Vista, Pennsylvania, but sold
out in a few months and purchased "Ten Mile Inn," with the farm surrounding it, of which he was proprietor from I869 until 1898. His property was then taken by the Pennsylvania railroad under the law of "eminent
domain," Mr. Dorsey, however, receiving a fair price for his land and
"inn," the latter having been kept as a house of entertainment the preceding
eighty years. He then purchased the general store owned by James Mort
at Rock Run, which Mr. Dorsey conducted for eleven years, then moved his
store to Pine Run. While proprietor of "Ten Mile Inn" he also was proprietor of the American House at Coal Valley from 1892 until 1898. After
retiring from the mercantile business he moved to Duquesne, Pennsylvania,
where until 1912 he conducted the Dorsey Hotel. In November, 1912, he
retired from active business and now resides at Moss Side Grove in Mifflin
township, Allegheny county. In 1889 he planted the trees now forming
the "Grove," and erected the building necessary for a fine picnic and amusement park, and there resides. He is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic; Lodge No. 219, Free and Accepted Masons; Zerrubabel Chap95orve~  
lZ-c4~ "11~  IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ter, Royal Arch Masons, and Pittsburgh Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar. In religious belief he is a Spiritualist.
He married (first) in I870, Mary E., daughter of James and Rosanna
Hamilton, of Irish parentage. Prior to her marriage she was a teacher in
the Pittsburgh public schools, and at Temperanceville and Shady Side; she
died March, I884. Mr. Dorsey married (second) in I89o, Julia Brossman,
a native of Germany, born there January I7, I865, died October
20, I9I4. Children by first marriage: I. James Hamilton, died aged fifteen
months. 2. William J. (2), died aged twenty-three years. 3. John, died
in I9I2; an electrician. 4. Rosanna, married Charles Cole; children: Lois,
Theodore, Melvin, Olive, Clifford, and twins born October, I9I4, unnamed.
5. Elizabeth, unmarried. Children of second marriage: 6. Anna, residing
at home. 7. Minnie, residing at home. 8. Charles, a chauffeur. 9. Julia,
aged thirteen years. io. Ethel, aged fourteen years. I. Frederick, aged
nine years.
The homestead of the Stephenson family of this
STEPHENiSON  sketch, represented by the late William Wylie Stephenson, was in Cherry Valley, Pennsylvania, and was
held through several generations in the family name. They were a Virginia
family at an earlier date.
(I) James Stephenson, father of William Wylie Stephenson, was an
early settler of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the
occupation of farmer. He married Mary Jane Patterson, born near Philadelphia, and with her was a member of the United Presbyterian church,
his death occurring May 6, I872, hers January I9, I864. They were the
parents of but one child, William Wylie, of whom further.
(II) William Wylie Stephenson, son of James and Mary Jane (Patterson) Stephenson, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June I,
I86I, died November 7, I9o6. He was reared in his native county and
was educated in the public schools, completing his studies in Washington
and Jefferson College. His health was never robust and the extent of his
business operations was the administration of the estate that he inherited
from his father. His political party was the Democratic, which he ever
supported with his vote and influence. He married, April 20, I898, Edith
Montgomery Walker, born in Washington, Pennsylvania, November I,
I86I, daughter of James Thomas and Mary (Lewis) Walker, her father a
native of Barnsley, England, born August 4, I83I, her mother born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 25, I837. William Wylie and Edith
Montgomery (Walker) Stephenson had one son, James Oller, born in Bow
Station, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, May 3I, I899, now a student in
Paden's Preparatory School. He is a member of the Bellevue Young Men's
Christian Association, the Knights of King Arthur, and, as does his mother,
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson
in I9o04 moved from Bow Station to Bellevue, Pennsylvania, in the latter
place purchasing a house at No. 543 Orchard avenue.
95IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
James Thomas Walker was a son of William and Harriet (Wood)
Walker, both natives of England, who in I833 immigrated to Philadelphia,
later moving to Pittsburgh. James Thomas Walker attended school at
Meadville; he was a stone mason by trade and with an uncle came to Pittsburgh to contract for the old court-house, both he and his wife dying in
that city.
Mary (Lewis) Walker was a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Meehan)
Lewis, her father born in Fairfield, Connecticut, July 4, I794. The father
of Samuel Lewis was a soldier in the Continental army during the war of
the Revolution, attaining the rank of captain. He was a lad of eighteen
years when the news of the Boston Massacre reached his locality, and
leaving his work in the fields of his father's farm, walked two hundred and
fifty miles to enlist in a company of, "Minute-men," participating in the
rout of the British forces at Concord Bridge. His cousin, Francis Osgood
Lewis, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. When
Samuel Lewis was a lad of two and one-half years his father rode on
horseback to the town of Albany, New York, to invest some money that
he had saved, and was never heard from afterward. Nothing definite is
known as to the manner of his death except that his horse, bearing a bloody
saddle, subsequently found its way home. He was the only one of several
sons who did not adopt a seafaring life, one of his brothers, Ezekiel, being
the commander of a ship engaged in the slave trade, running to the coast
of Guinea.
Samuel Lewis left home when a young man and went to Cleveland,
Ohio, later going to New York City, whence he started on foot for the
west, falling in with two young men of about his age, the late James
Graham, of Pittsburgh, and H. H. Harvey, for many years a lumber dealer
on Herr's Island. They purchased a horse, contributing equal shares, and
rode and walked in turn, finally striking the upper Allegheny in western
New York, there selling the horse and building a flat-boat, in which they
floated down to Pittsburgh. In that city Mr. Harvey and Mr. Lewis became partners in a grocery enterprise, a business association that continued
until the fire of I845, in which Mr. Lewis lost nearly all of his property.
During the course of his career he made numerous trips to the west, and
was one of the passengers on the first mountain mail coach west of Vincennes. Real estate was one of the forms of investment that he most
favored, and in this line he conducted many transactions, and although his
judgment was usually of the best, he erred grievously when on one occasion
he refused to purchase ninety-five acres of land, the present site of the city
of St. Louis, Missouri, for the sum of six hundred dollarS. Samuel
Lewis was a strong advocate of the cause of abolition, and in the period
prior to the Civil War was active in the successful operation of the famous
"Underground Railroad," also contributing liberally to the numerous funds
for the aid and relief of the soldiers at the front. He was one of the few
who voted for James Birney in the presidential election of I840, his brother952WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in-law, James Birney, also casting his vote for that candidate. Samuel
Lewis died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in I888, aged ninety-four years.
He was twice married, hhis first wife Emily Hickox, of Cleveland, Ohio,
his second Jane, a sister of Captain Charles Meehan and Captain Thomas
Meehan, both well-known rivermen prior to the Civil War. By his first
marriage he had one son, Charles H., a mechanical engineer, identified for
the greater part of his life with the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad,
at Meadville, Pennsylvania. By his second marriage he had daughters:
Mrs. Peter Remning, of Edgeworth, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Mary Walker,
of Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), Pennsylvania, of previous
mention, wife of James Thomas Walker.
Gustav Schulz, born in Prussia, Germany, in October, I844,
SCHULZ  was a boy of about six or seven years of age when he was
brought to the United States by the John Schulz family,
who settled in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. There he was raised on a
farm until he was about fifteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to
learn the blacksmith's trade, with which he was occupied until the outbreak
of the Civil War. He enlisted, September 7, I86I, in Company E, Seventyfourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until December 17, I862. He was an active participant in the battles of Cross Keys,
Sulphur Springs, Freeman's Fort and the second battle of Bull Run. During this last engagement he was badly wounded in the head, a bullet entering beneath the left ear and lodging- in the lower left jaw. Sight and hearing were destroyed on that side of the face, and the jaw bone broken.
For six days, from August 29 to September 5, Mr. Schulz lay on the
battlefield, and at the end of this time had managed to crawl about three miles
in order to get aid. He was then taken to the Washington Hospital, where
he remained until December I7, and was then honorably discharged from
the Union army by reason of disability. Upon his return to his home after
the war he attended school for a while, then worked for some time in a
store. After a year spent in the west, he returned to Braddock, Pennsylvania, and for a period of ten years was engaged in the brewery business,
then sold this enterprise, and has lived retired since that time. For the
past forty-seven years he has been living in th!e comfortable house which
he built at No. 638 Washington avenue. He is a strong Democrat, and a
member of the Union Veteran Legion. He is very temperate in his habits,
and believes in total abstinence. Mr. Schulz never married.
The American progenitor of the family of which David
SHIELDS  Shields is a member was James Shields, descendant of an
English family, a native of Ireland, who settled in Chester
county, Pennsylvania, in the latter part of the seventeenth century. His
grandson, Thomas Shields, was a goldsmith of Philadelphia, and had a
son, David Shields, who was a merchant in the West India trade. David
953WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Shields was born August I6, I780, died November 2, I857, having settled
in Little Washington, Pennsylvania, about I8oo. Soon after his arrival
in this locality he married Eliza, only child of Major Daniel Leet. Children:
Maria, married a Mr. Wilson; Daniel Leet; Thomas L., of whom further;
Hannah; Eliza; Susanna, married Rev. Isaac Cook; R. B., a fifth daughter.
(V) Thomas L. Shields, son of David and Eliza (Leet) Shields, was
born in Little Washington, Pennsylvania, in April, I8o09, died in I879.
He was educated for the law and became a member of the Philadelphia
bar, subsequently being admitted to practice in all of the state and federal
courts of his district, and until I854 was active in professional work.
In that year he withdrew from legal pursuits and moved to Cromwell
county, Ohio, then to a farm in Sewickley township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, near Shields Station, there building the brick house which
is the present home of Captain David Shields. Thomas L. Shields was a
fluent and impressive public speaker, a Wh,ig in politics, and was one of
the organizers of his party in his locality. He was ever a gentleman
of influential position, and possessed the quality of easily adapting himself
to changed conditions, so that, after moving to his farm, he became a
respected authority on matters agricultural and horticultural, as before
he had been a reliable source of information on subjects legal. He married
Amelia, daughter of Joh,n and Harriet (Craig) Chaplin. Harriet was a
daughter of Major Isaac and Amelia (Neville) Craig, her mother a daughter of General John and Winifred (Conway) Neville and a sister of General Presley Neville, who served on General Lafayette's staff during the
war of the Revolution. Children of Thomas L. and Amelia (Chaplin)
Shields: I. Eliza S. 2. William C., first lieutenant of Company G, Twentyeighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was killed during the
Civil War at the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, his body never being
recovered. 3. Amelia, married James B. Oliver. 4. Lydia H., married
William L. Jones. 5. Wilhelmina. 6. Rebecca. 7. Thomas L. 8. David,
of whom further.
(VI) Captain David (2) Shields, son of Thomas L. and Amelia
(Chaplin) Shields, was born in Cromwell county, Ohio. After attending
the public and private schools near his Pennsylvania home, he became a
student in Jefferson College. His academic course was little more than
under way when war between the north and the south advanced beyond
the stage of threatening danger and became a terrible reality. He entered
the ranks of Company F, Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, as a private, and advanced through the grades of corporal, sergeant and second lieutenant to the rank of captain, receiving his commission
in November, I862, through Special Order No. 9, serving in that capacity
until his disablement and subsequent honorable discharge, dated June
9, I864.
Returning to his home, Captain Shields was for ten years engaged in
954WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the manufacture of woolen goods in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, the
company with which he was identified being the Keystone Woolen Manufacturing Company. Since withdrawing from this line of endeavor he
has engaged in the cultivation of the homestead, and there for the past
twenty-eight years has conducted experiments in the perfection of an ideal
fertilizer. For twenty-seven years h,e endeavored to procure from coal a
fertilizer that could be obtained cheaply enough for commercial purposes,
reasoning that, coal being a vegetable production, it should in some form be
valuable in plant fertilization. During all this time he did not attain success,
the solution, if one lies along that line, eluding him persistently. At the
end of this twenty-seven years of experiment he transferred his operations
to fire clay, with which all coal is underlain, and from that substance has
produced a fertilizer of all desirable.qualities at.a price moderate enough
to permit of its general use. This he has protected with all patent rights and
recently arranged a series of tests with fertilizers manufactured in England,
his product being awarded the victory in each case, its action upon plant
life inducing a steady, vigorous growth and increasing the productive power
thereof. The composition of this fertilizer is in the following proportion,
seventy per cent. fireclay, twenty per cent. powdered coal, and ten per cent.
salts of water. This last ingredient is procured twelve hundred feet below
the surface of the earth, the properties that make it of value in the fertilizer
having been taken from the soil as the water sank from the surface. The
fertilizer is now being placed upon the market, and upon the authority
of persons competent to judge should prove an immediate success, its use
being universal and its value to agriculturists almost beyond comprehension.
Its perfection represents many hours and days of seemingly hopeless
search on the part of Captain Shields, and in finally reaching the goal for
which he strove he has placed his name among those honored for their
accomplishments in the arts of peace, as he gave it position among those
loyal and valiant in thie business of war. Captain Shields is a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, the Union Veteran Legion, and wears the
decoration of the Loyal Legion.
Numbered among the prosperous and representative business
SMITH men of Avalon, men of energy, enterprise and determination,
whose success in life is the natural sequence of well directed
effort, is Alphons Wilson Smith, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
whose birth occurred on the site of the Union Depot, in December, I858,
son of Adam and Emilia (Miller) Smith, and grandson of Joseph and
Josephine Smith and Lewis Miller.
(I) Joseph Smith, paternal grandfather of Alphons W. Smith, was a
native of Baden, Germany, where he was reared and educated, and later
in life became a wine merchant. In I833 he came to this country, locating
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and there continued in the liquor business
under the name of Smith Brothers, achieving a large degree of success.
His death occurred in Pittsburgh.
955956                WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(II) Adam Smith, father of Alphons W. Smith, was born in Baden,
Germany, in I827. He accompanied his parents to the United States in
early life, coming by way of Castle Garden. He attended the schools of
Pittsburgh, and began his active business career in the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad, remaining with them for the long period of twentyeight years, a fact which amply testified to his faithfulness to duty. He
then engaged in the bottling of mineral water and sarsaparilla, under the
name of Adam Smith, his bottling plant being located at the Point. This
proved a failure, and his wife then opened a dressmaking and men's furnishing establishment on Ohio street, Pittsburgh, which proved highly successful, and from which they derived a comfortable livelihood. During
the Civil War Mr. Smith enlisted in Company G, First Maryland Cavalry,
and served for three years anid four months, coming through that terrible
conflict without a wound, a remarkable fact. He married Emilia Miller,
born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, daugh,ter of Lewis Miller, who came
from Stuckhard, Wurtemberg, Germany, to Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
where he followed his trade of comb maker, the work being done by hand,
and there his death occurred. They were the parents of eight children, all
of whom are living at the present time (19I4): Emma, Alphons W.,
Frank, Robert, William, Harry, Josephine, Lillian. Mr. Smith died in
I9o6, having survived his wife several years, her death, occurring in I9oo.
(III) Alphons W. Smith received a practical education in the schools
of the ninth ward, Pittsburgh, completing his studies at the age of twelve
years. During the following six years he worked in glass houses and rolling houses, and then turned his attention to the carpet industry, in which he
has continued to the present time, and since I900oo has been in business on
his own account and has met with well-deserved success. He is progressive in his ideas, thorough in workmanship, obliging and painstaking, and
this accounts for the increase in his business both in volume and importance.
In I888 he took up his residence in Avalon, and during the intervening
years has taken a deep interest in everything that pertains to the development and welfare of his adopted town. He and his family are members
of the Lutheran church. Mr. Smith married, in I88I, Clara Mischbaugh,
born in Rochester, Pennsylvania, reared in Kilbuck township, now Avalon.
Children, all of whom are living at thie present time: I. Elmer, has ranch
and mining interests in Turkey, Arizona. 2. Myrtle, wife of  Dotta,
of Oakland. 3. Ella Margaret, who resides in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 4.
Raymond, resides at home. 5. Melvin, resides at home. 6. Dorothy, resides
at home.
In I890, at the age of eighty-six years, there died in Venango
McBRIDE township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, Patrick McBride,
who was born in county Donegal, Ireland, March I7, I807.
He was a son of Michael McBride and his first wife, who died at the birth
of her son, Patrick. Michael McBride married a second wife, a Miss HarI
IAII- I_
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--il
IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
kins. Leaving one child, Patrick, in Ireland, he located in Buffalo township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he owned a farm cleared from
the forest by his own hands. There a son Michael was born to him, who
later was a solider of th,e Mexican War, settling in Texas after the war
was over.
(II) Patrick McBride, son of Michael, grew to manhood in county
Donegal, and there married Catherine Freel, born in I8II, died in Butler
county, Pennsylvania, aged about sixty-eight years. They lived in their
native land until after the birth of their second child, then' came to tlhe
United States, locating in Venango township, Butler county, where Mr.
McBride finally became the owner of two hundred acres of good farm land.
The family were all members of the Roman Catholic church, and people
of industrious habits. Patrick McBride stood six feet tall, weighed one
hundred and ninety pounds, and this bulk of bone and muscle he pitted
against the wild forces of the new world, winning his farm from the
forest and compelling prosperity to attend his labors. He joined his father
in Butler county in I840, and for half a century lived on his Venango
township farm. He was a fine type of the pioneer farmer, strong and
robust, honest, industrious and cheerful, his native Irish wit and hopefulness carrying him over the many hard places and lightening the gloom of
the pioneer farmer's life. Patrick and Catherine McBride had six children;
two were born in Ireland and came to this country with their parents, and
four were born in Butler county: I. Bridget, married Edward McCann,
and lived in Crafton, Pennsylvania. 2. Margaret, a Sister of Charity,
living in Cincinnati, Ohio. 3. Mary Ann, married John Conway, and resided on their farm in Butler county until death. 4. Catherine, married
John Gormley, a merchant of Murrinsville, Butler county, Pennsylvania. 5.
Michael J., a former partner of McBride Brothers, now living retired in
Braddock, Pennsylvania; he married Louisa Gormley. 6. Edward F., of
further mention.
(III) Edward F., youngest son and child of Patrick and Catherine
(Freel) McBride, was born in Venango township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in I853, died April II, I913, in Braddock, Pennsylvania.  He
grew up at the home farm, attended the public schools of the district, and
continued his father's assistant until reaching manhood. He then began
working in the Butler county oil fields, serving in different capacities until
finally obtaining interest in several leases, he became an oil operator on
his own account.  He remained in the business of oil production until
1892, having then located for several years at Millerstown. In I892 he
located in Braddock, Pennsylvania, where soon afterward, in partnership
with his brother, Michael J. McBride, and a Mr. Rogers, he established a
retail lumber business under the firm name of McBride, Rogers  Company. This firm only existed until November, I893, when fire destroyed
the yard and business. The firm then reorganized as McBride Brothers,
rebuilt, and began their long continued prosperity. The business grew
957WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
rapidly, and a planing mill was added to the plant at the corner of Fleet
street and Talbot avenue. The brothers, Edward F. and Michael J. MIcBride, continued their most successful business enterprise until January I,
I9I3, then retired, and were succeeded by their sons, William J., Harry E.
and Clarence J. McBride, the first the son of Edward F., and the two
latter son of Michael J. McBride, the cousins changing the old firm name to
McBride Lumber Company.
Edward F. McBride, in addition to his large retail lumber and planing
mill interests, also during his latter years dealt in real estate and was interested in other Braddock activities. He was a member of St. Brenden's
Roman Catholic Church, was a Democrat in politics, and for six terms
served as a member of council at Rankin, Pennsylvania.  He married
Julia Ann Forquer, born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, died August I,
I898, daughter of William and Margaret Forquer, of Irish parents, old
residents of Butler county, Pennsylvania, all living to a good old age.
Children of William and Margaret Forquer: I. Alphonse, deceased, an oil
operator in the Oh.io fields. 2. William, deceased, an attorney of the Butler
county bar. 3. Hugh, an oil operator of Butler county. 4. Joseph, deceased,
an attorney of the Butler county bar. 5. Julia Ann, married Edward F.
McBride. 6. Louise, married a Mr. Collins, a farmer of Butler county,
where both yet reside. 7. Edith, married John McNamara, a farmer of
Butler county, where both yet reside. 8. Tillie, married John Lane, a
coal operator of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. 9. Kate, married Michael
Higgins, a farmer of Butler county.
Children of Edward F. and Julia Ann McBride: I. Frank, in the
insurance business, now residing in Swissvale. 2. Anna, a resident of
McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 3. William J., of further mention. 4. Ralph,
a professional baseball player, now a pitcher in the New York State League.
5. Paul, an employee of McBride Brothers. 6. Alma, married Frank McCloskey, and resides in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
(IV) William J., second son and third child of Edward F. and Julia
Ann (Forquer) McBride, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, December 29, I88o. He attended the public schools of the district until
thirteen years of age, then, his parents moving to Braddock, his studies
were continued in the schools of that city until he was eighteen years of
age. During these years from boyhood his summers had been spent in
working in the lumber yards and planing mill operated by McBride
Brothers, consequently on leaving school he went into the business experienced and practical. He was associated with his father and uncle in business in a subordinate capacity until January I, I9I3, when with his cousins,
Harry E. and Clarence J. McBride, they purchased the business of McBride
Brothers, retail lumber dealers and planing mill manufacturers, the business being changed to McBride Lumber Company.  The business is a
large one, and the firm is widely known and highly rated, the young men
now in control fully maintaining the high standard of business integrity
established by their fathers.
958WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
William J. McBride is a Democrat in politics, and has served the
borough of Rankin as collector of taxes. He is a member of St. Brenden's
Roman Catholic Church, belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and is interested in church and society work. He married, October I2, I9IO, Margaret
McClain, daughter of William H. and Ann McClain, the former a grocer
of Braddock. Child: Edward F., born May ii, I9I2. The family home
of the McBrides is in the borough of Rankin at 22 Kenmawr avenue.
Used interchangeably with Rouse and permitting even more
ROWSE widely diversified spellings, this name had its origin in Germany. Those bearing it becoming entangled in the political
difficulties of their native land, and about the middle of the eighteenth
century many became refugees from political authority, some going to
Great Britain, others emigrating to the American shore. They are numerous at the present time in Devonshire, England, w hile in the states of
Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, Rowses are found, individuals having
carried the name over a still wider extent of territory. The line following
is descended from Simon Rowse, who after leaving his native land settled
at Post Bridge, Devonshire, England, where he passed his remaining years.
(I) In his line is Thomas Rowse, born at Dartmoor, England, where
he lived and died, his death occurring about I88o, and he is buried at
Post Bridge, England. He was a metallurgist and chemist by profession,
and for many years was an engineer in the copper mines of that locality.
He achieved considerable fame and prominence in his calling, and at one
time an exhibit that he had prepared was shown at Exeter, the specimens
having been taken from the Vitaver mine and arranged with the fine
accuracy of the skilled scientist. He married and was the father of a large
family- I. Matthew, a minister of the Church of England, lives at Post
Bridge, England. 2. John, died in England. 3. Thomas, of whom further.
4. Mary, married John Stacy, and lives in England.  5. Ann, married
William Worth, and lives in England. 6. Elizabeth, married a Mr. Weels,
and resides at Torquay, England. 7. Mark, a minister of the Church of
England.
(II) Thomas (2) Rowse, son of Thomas (I) Rowse, was born at
Post Bridge, Devonshire, England, March I3, I834, died in Homestead,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 29, I9o8. His scholastic training was received in a private school under the tutelage of Professor Bennett, one of a family of high reputation in educational circles in England,
and he was trained for the mining engineering profession. About I862 he
emigrated to the United States, but found few advantageous opportunities
in his profession, activities in that line having been considerably hampered
because of the conflict then on between the North and the South, and
returned to his native land. Two years later he once more came to the
United States, making his home at Harrisville, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
and entering the service of the Mercer Mining and Manufacturing Com959WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
pany. Retaining his home in Harrisville, about 1873 he and his family
visited England, and after a two months' stay in that country sailed once
more for New York, whence Mrs. Rowse and her children proceeded to
the family home at Harrisville, Mr. Rowse departing for Brazil, South
America, in the interests of the B. F. Folsom Company, of New York City.
Upon his return from South America he was successively employed by
companies in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Alabama and Kentucky, and was
exceedingly active in his profession until Igoo, in the latter year retiring
from business and making his home with his son, Edwin F., at Homestead,
Pennsylvania, where he passed his remaining years. Thomas Rowse was
an able master of his profession and during the course of a busy career
acquired an honorable reputation therein, and was frequently consulted
upon difficult questions by his professional brethren who wished an authority by which to proceed. Both he and his wife were members of the Episcopal church. He fraternized with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Masonic Order. He is buried in the cemetery at Harrisville,
Pennsylvania.
Mr. Rowse married Charlotte Martin, born in Tavistock, England,
in I836, died February z8, I886, daughter of Simon and Mary Martin, of a
family long seated in that place. Children of Thomas and Charlotte (Martin) Rowse: I. Charles, a farmer, died in Grove City, Pennsylvania, aged
twenty-nine years. 2. Thomas, a farmer of Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
3. Edwin F., of whom further. 4. William Louis, a druggist, died in
Monongahela City, Pennsylvania. 5. An infant son, died unnamed. 6. An
infant daughter, died unnamed. 7. George, died in young manhood in I885.
8. John, died at Harrisville, Pennsylvania, in I898. 9. Mary, married
John McTagarett, and resides in Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
(III) Edwin F. Rowse, son of Thomas (2) and Charlotte (Martin)
Rowse, was born in Harrisville, Butler county, Pennsylvania, March 25,
I865. He was graduated from Grove City College. In I884 he received
an appointment in the commissary department of the Bureau of Indian
Affairs, and for three years was located at McAllister, Indian Territory,
now Oklahoma, at the expiration of that time returning to Pennsylvania
and entering the pharmaceutical department of the University of Pittsburgh (University of Western Pennsylvania). He was graduated from
this institution in the class of I891, and soon afterward purchased an
interest in John Shafer's pharmacy at the corner of Sixth avenue and Ann
street, Homestead, Pennsylvania, a connection that continued until after
the labor disturbances of 1892. In the spring of the following year Mr.
Rowse bought Dr. Osborne's drug store on Dixon street, Homestead, and
was there located for four years, then, with H. J. O'Donnell, formed the
firm of Rowse  O'Donnell, a firm which was in business on Eighth
avenue until its dissolution in I900oo. Mr. Rowse moved to his present place
of business at No. I4IO Mifflin street when the affairs of the firm had
been settled, and now holds second place among the druggists of Home96oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
stead in years of continuance in business. Success has attended his professional ventures, and he is known as a careful, scrupulous and honorable pharmacist, attending to the needs of a most desirable patronage. Mr.
and Mrs. Rowse are members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Rowse married Eliza M. Simons, born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Richard and Eliza M. (Blackwell) Simons. Children
of Edwin F. and Eliza M. (Simons) Rowse: I. Edwin S., a pharmacist
of Beaver, Pennsylvania. 2. Ernest Clarence, a drug clerk, lives in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. 3. Earl C., a pharmacist of Philadelphia. 4. Elijah
F., associated in business with. his father. 5. George Thayer, a pharmacist
of New York City. 6. Eugene, a student in the Homestead High School.
7. Thomas Milton, a student in the Homestead High School. 8. Alice
Audrey, a student in the public schools.
Although born in McCandless township, Allegheny
RINGEISEN  county, Pennsylvania, Andrew  C. Ringeisen descends
from  German forbears, his grandfather, Philip Ringeisen, a farmer of Germany, living and dying in that land.
(II) Michael Ringeisen, son of Philip Ringeisen, was born in Germany, was there educated and lived until his eighteenth year, working on
his father's farm. On coming to the United States he located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where h.e worked in the Mount Oliver coal mines.
In I886 he bought a farm of fifty acres in McCandless, and as he prospered
he bought other farms until he owned three in McCandless and one in
Hampton township, aggregating about two hundred and thirty acres. He
lived on one of his McCandless township farms, improving it with excellent buildings and living there in prosperity until his death. He was a
member of the German Lutheran church, and a man highly esteemed. He
married Elizabeth Gerger, born in Germany. Children: Catherine, deceased; Caroline; Elizabeth, deceased; Louisa; Christian; Margaret;
Sophia; Andrew C., of further mention; John; William.
(III) Andrew C. Ringeisen, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Gerger)
Ringeisen, was born in McCandless township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 29, I87I. He attended public schools and from youth
has been a farmer and market gardener. He began life for himself on a
rented farm, but in I899 bought his present farm of thirty-one acres and
there continues a gardener and teamster. He is a member of the English
Lutheran church, and in politics a Republican. Mr. Ringeisen married,
in I893, Lena, daughter of George Meyers, of McCandless township.
Children: George, born April 26, I895, and Frank, born July 6, I9o4.
On April 29, 1884, there died in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, John
O'NEIL  Nixon O'Neil, who for a quarter of a century had been one
of the leading men of his town and section, dominating as a
member of the firm of J. N. and W. W. O'Neil and O'Neil  Company,
96iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the coal interests of his section. On the day of his funeral his townsmen
paid tribute to his memory by closing all business houses of the town, a
mark of respect since shown to but one man. John Nixon O'Neil was
the son of Denny and Sarah (Brauff) O'Neil, and grandson of John and
Mary (Robinson) O'Neil, who came to what is now Hays borough, from
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Denny O'Neil had three sons, the
two eldest associated as J. N. and W. W. O'Neil, becoming leaders in
coal production, and in the business life of their section ranking foremost.
John Nixon O'Neil was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, at
what is now Hays borough, August 6, I828. He was educated in the
public schools, and in early life worked in the Monongahela Valley mines,
there acquiring a practical knowledge of coal mining that was later of
great benefit to him. In I858, with his brother, William Woods O'Neil,
he formed the firm of J. N. and W. W. O'Neil and began mining and
shipping coal. Their first mines were at West Elizabeth on the west bank
of the Monongahela river, but the brothers extended their operations and
operated -very largely in other sections. In I866 the Large brothers, S. P.
and J. N., were admitted and the firm reorganized as O'Neil  Company.
The operations of the new firm were extensive and continued for many
years until sold to the coal combination, the sale, however, being consummated several-years after the death of John N. O'Neil. As long as he
lived-he retained his interest and gave to the business his full powers and
closest attention. He was president of the Pittsburg Coal Exchange and
had many large and important interests in banks and coal lands in different
sections. He not only stood high in the business world, but was a devoted
Christian, active in church work, particularly interested in the Sunday
school.
He was very charitable and generous, giving in an unostentatious way
a large amount to the support of churches, schools, hospitals and all good
causes. He was well known throughout Western Pennsylvania and was
particularly fond of young people. He belonged to many business and
social organizations, all of which in most beautiful words testified to
their high appreciation of his worth, in resolutions of respect and condolence
after his death. His funeral was largely attended, the sermon preached
on that occasion being yet preserved. The steamers on the river carried
their flags at half-mast and on the day of his funeral the schools and business houses of Elizabeth were closed and all united in showing the token
of love and respect to their long time neighbor and friend.
Although denied even the ordinary advantages of early education, Mr.
O'Neil overcame that handicap by self-study and a lifelong course of the
best reading. His strong natural intellectual ability was thus developed and
few men were better informed than he.
Mr. O'Neil married, October 25, I86o, Harriet R. Stevenson, born in
Western Pennsylvania, August 27, I839, daughter of John and Margaret
(Morrow) Stevenson, born in Belfast, Ireland. John Stevenson was born
962WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in I770, his wife in I790. They were married in Belfast and about one
year later came to the United States, locating near Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, spending there and at Latrobe, in the same
county, the years intervening until I86I, when John Stevenson died, his
wife surviving him until I873. He was a linen weaver, learning his trade
in the great Belfast mills. He continued in the same business in this country and operated a large bleachery in connection with his mill, employing
many men, some of them having come with him from Ireland. Two of his
brothers, James and Francis, accompanied him from  the Irish home, all
sons of John and Isabella (Barefoot) Stevenson. His sister Ann also
came with him and married a Mr. McWright, of Youngstown. Descendants of these are numerous in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
John and Margaret (Morrow) Stevenson had twelve children, three
dying at birth, unnamed. I. John, died near Greensberg, a ffarmer. 2.
Agnes, married Joseph Case, and died in Kansas. 3. Isabel, married John
Blakeley, and died in McKeesport. 4. James, died young. 5. William,
died young. 6. Hester Ann, died aged twenty years. 7. Margaret, married
Colonel James Trimble, a distinguished officer of the Civil War, and died
in McKeesport. 8. Eliza, deceased. 9. Harriet R., who was born August
27, 1839, her father aged seventy and her mother aged fifty.
She was educated in the public schools of McKeesport, her early life
being largely spent in that town, where she lived with her uncle. In I86o
she married John Nixon O'Neil, whom she survives, continuing her residence in the brick mansion erected by her husband at Elizabeth, overlooking town, river and valley. She is an exceedingly well read and informed
lady and in her beautiful home indulges her tastes to the full. Her favorite
fad, if fad it can be called, is her large and interesting collection of Indianmade baskets from many tribes in many localities. Children: I. Virginia,
married Richard Wiley, and died at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, leaving one
child. 2. James, died at age seventeen years. 3. Margaret, married Samuel
Luccock, whom she survives, now residing with her mother, Mrs. O'Neil.
4. Elizabeth, married Harry Christy, and died in Pittsburgh. 5. Dora,
married George Roda.
The Mitzel family has been identified with the industrial
MITZEL interests of the state of Pennsylvania for many generations.
Charles Mitzel, of Scotch ancestry, was born in York county,
Pennsylvania, and was the owner of a grist mill there at an early date.
He died in the county of his birth. He married Elizabeth Gibson, a descendant of an Irish family.
(II) William G. Mitzel, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Gibson) Mitzel,
was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and is now living in Carroll
county, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company
C, Twenty-first Cavalry of Pennsylvania, and served until the close of the
war. While he participated in many irportant engagements, he was never
9639WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
wounded and never taken prisoner. He followed in his father's footsteps
as a merchant miller, removing to Canton, Stark county, Ohio, in I877,
where he followed the same occupation, until he retired from business in
I9IO and removed to Carroll county. He married Amanda Bortner, also
a native of York county, Pennsylvania, who died at the age of forty-three
years. They had children: Mary E., Howard, Albert, of further mention;
Ammon, Charles, Frank, Wesley, Minnie, Sadie, Clarence, and four others
who died young.
(III) Albert Mitzet, son of William G. and Amanda (Bortner) Mitzel,
was born in York, York county, Pennsylvania, February I3, i869. He
was a young child when his parents removed to Ohio, and he acquired
his education in the public schools of that state. He then engaged in the
milling trade with his father, but in I891 entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Massillon, Ohio, becoming station baggage master
there. After I896 he was given charge of small agencies in various places.
June I5, 1905, he assumed these duties at Leetsdale, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and has been the agent there since that time. He has been a
member of the school board six years, and has still four years of his term
to serve. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and he and his family attend the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Mitzel
married, January 6, I891, Mary Bamberger, of Massillon, Ohio, and they
have had children: Evelyn, Luella and Irene, all living with their parents.
Industry and perseverance are the essential attributes in a
HODGSON successful career, and these traits of character were fully
developed in the late Pearson Hodgson, for many years
an, active and enterprising citizen of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania.
William Hodgson, father of Pearson Hodgson, was born in England,
died in early life, leaving a number of young children, and although his
widow was, left without means she kept the family together, and by industry and thrift was enabled to rear them properly and to give them educational advantages, and to her great credit is due, as to so many others
who are left in similar circumstances. For many generations back the
members of the Hodgson family were noted for their prowess in hunting,
and this trait descended in large degree to the late Pearson Hodgson.
Pearson Hodgson was born in Cumberland, England, obtained his
education ttere and in Pennsylvania. Upon his arrival in this country ne
located at Six Mile Ferry, Pennsylvania, later came to Turtle Creek, and
there worked in the coal mines for a number of years. In early life he
apprenticed himself for four years to Mr. Michael Leonard, at Turtle
Creek, Pennsylvania, to learn the trade of blacksmith, and he was the first
boy to serve the entire apprenticeship with Mr. Leonard, who was a very
severe taskmaster, but this fact proved that the boy possessed a large amount
of determination, which he displayed in his later life. He then worked as
a journeyman at his trade for one year with the Excelsior Cab Company of
Pittsburgh, after which he went to Braddock and worked at his trade until
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i88i, when he took up his residence in Turtle Creek and established a
blacksmith shop of his own on a small scale and operated the same up to
the time of his decease, February 20, I9o3, at the age of thirty-four, and
his widow has since continued the management of the business under the
name of Anna J. Hodgson. He was successful from the beginning, his
patronage increasing steadily, making it necessary to greatly enlarge his
facilities, and at the time of his death was the proprietor of one of the
best equipped establishments of its kind in that section of the state. His
political affiliation was with the Republican party, but he was independent
in casting his vote, giving his preference to the candidate who in his opinion
was best qualified for office. He took an active interest in local affairs and
served as town councilman, performing the duties thereof in a creditable
manner. He held membership in the Order of Free and Accepted Masons;
Royal Arcanum, of which he was treasurer; Lodge No. 777, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was treasurer; and the Master Horseshoers' Union, of which he was president. He and his family were members
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Hodgson married, November 3, I89i, Anna J. Herman, born in
the Sixth Ward, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and
Anna (Wagner) Herman, he born in Germany, and she in Old Salem, now
Delmont, Westmoreland county, P'ennsylvania. John H'erman was a son
of Christopher Herman, a native of Germany. John Herman served as a:
soldier during the Civil War, displaying his patriotism  by enlisting his
service in defense of his adopted country. His wife, Anna (Wagner)
Herman, had a brother who served in the Revolutionary War. She was a
daughter of John and Maria Wagner, the former named a native of
Germany, and the latter named born in the vicinity of Old Salem, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. John Wagner emigrated to the United
States and was first employed with the Economites, but later located at
Old Salem, where he followed his trade of cooper, and there both he and
his wife died. Mr. and Mrs. Herman were the parents of eleven children,
namely: Maria Juda, born November 2, I856, died November I8, 1856;
Elizabeth Barbara, born August I8, I86I, living at the present time (1914)-;
Christie Fredrick, born May 7, I863, died May 12, I896; John Ernest,
born June II, I865, died January 30, 1880; Xavier, born February 23, I867,
living at present time; William John, born June ii, I869, living at present
time; Anna Josephine, born October I6, I870, above mentioned as the
wife of Mr. Hodgson; Maria Jane, born September 4, I872, living'at
present time; George, born September 23, I874, died same day; Martha
Lydia, born October 30, I875, died April I8, I897; Emma Fredrick, born
October IO, I877, living at present time. Children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hodgson: Henry Herman, born February I3, I893, in Allegheny City;
Martha Lydia, born March 23, 1897; Mary Jane, born July I7, I898, died
September 24, 1898; Pearson Peel, born June I, I9oi, died January:I8,,
I9io; William Christy, born August 3I, 19)2, died December I3, 1902.
965WESTERN PEN NSYLVANIA
In the case of the Madden family, native to Ireland, the
MADDEN  order of immigration to the United States was directly reversed from that usually followed, the older generation following the younger to this land. Edward Madden was born in county Galway,
Ireland, there grew to maturity, and in I875 married, rearing his family in
that land. As his children attained an independent age they left the homeland and sought other fields of endeavor, all coming to the United States,
whither the parents' also journeyed, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
where he died in I9O2, his wife's death following in two years. Both were
members of the Roman Catholic church. Children of Edward and his wife,
Margaret (Grecken) Madden: I. Annie, married Peter Conners, and died
in Garfield, Pennsylvania. 2. Peter, a resident of Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), Pennsylvania. 3. Thomas, of whom further. 4. John,
a plumber of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. 5. Bridget, married James
Hughes, and lives in Allegheny City. 6. Edward, died in childhood in
Ireland.
Thomas Madden, son of Edward and Margaret (Grecken) Madden,
was born in county Galway, Ireland, about I859, and was there educated in
the public schools until he was about thirteen years of age, when he came
to the United States and made his home with his elder brother and sister
in Pittsburgh. In this city he learned the trade of moulder and was so employed for twenty-three years, in I9o9 establishing in independent business
as a cement contractor in McKees Rocks, where he had resided for twenty
years. This is the line he pursues at the present time in that locality with
profitable results, employing from five to twenty men in different seasons,
and has performed a great deal of work in his line, prosperity attending
his operations. His political party is the Democratic, and he is a member
of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, with his wife belonging to St. Francis de
Sales Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Madden married, in I875, Mary, born in county Galway, Ireland,
daughter of John Donohue, Father Lambing performing the marriage rites.
Of their ten children three are living at the present time: I. Katie, married
Andrew McCain, and lives in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. 2. Clara, married Samuel Comfort, their home being in Pittsburgh. 3. Eva, married
Frank Rate, and resides in McKees Rocks.
The English family of Lewis, connected in this line with the
LEWIS  Welsh family of the same name, is one of which the records
of the homeland speak frequently, and, did such records possess
the privilege of speaking in other than terms of the merest fact, they -would
tell a story of absorbing interest, of devotion to country, of duty well and
nobly performed, of lives lived in accordance to the dictates of right and
conscience. To a woman must be attributed the courage and bravery that
inspires venturesome deeds, under which head departure for a new home in
a strange land surely comes, and it was a woman who brought her family
to the United States, Harriet, widow of Alfred Lewis, of whom this record
tells further.
966WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
(I) Thomas Lewis was a life-long resident of Usk, Monmouthshire,
England, there pursuing his trade, that of tailor. He was a man of prominence in the place, and upon him rested the responsibility for so many of
the town's institutions that, in dispatching the duties of his numerous positions, his business must have suffered. A local preacher of the Methodist
Episcopal church, he collected in the locality sufficient funds for a house of
worship, and personally superintended its erection, his body finding its last
resting place in a vault under the chapel, a place accorded him in recognition
of his valuable service to the church. He was for a time attached to the
naval service of his country, and was with Lord Nelson just before that
gallant officer met his death at the battle of Trafalgar, a short record of his
authorship telling of his naval career. He was master of the Usk British
school, and in I8I6 received from his townsmen a handsomely bound
prayer-book, a testimonial of their respect and regard, public acknowledgement of the debt owed him for his tireless interest in local affairs and institutions, and an indication of the friendly and cordial feeling that everywhere
existed toward him. He married Jane Mcintosh, who is buried in the
church-yard at Usk. Children of Thomas and Jane (McIntosh) Lewis: I.
Sarah, married William Bennett, and died in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. 2.
Maria, married John Cresse, who died in Usk, England. 3. Alfred, of whom
further.
(II) Alfred Lewis, son of Thomas and Jane (McIntosh) Lewis, was
born at Usk, Monmouthshire, England, in I820, died in August, I879. He
grew to maturity in the place of his birth and there married, his occupation
being that of his father, tailoring. He was for a time a member of the
home guards of England, and held membership in the Ancient Order of
Shepherds and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and his
wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. After his death
his widow brought her family to the United States, dying in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, in I898. He married Harriet, born in Usk, Monmouthshire, England, in I8i8, daughter of John Lewis, a blacksmith, who passed his entire
life in Usk, England. The Lewis family is closely connected with the early
history of mining and manufacturing in Wales, members of the family
having been pioneers in developing the coal and iron lands of the country.
Children of Alfred and Harriet (Lewis) Lewis: I. John, died in infancy.
2. Alfred, died in infancy. 3. Jane, married Gideon Grimes, emigrating to
the United States and dying in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. 4. Maria, married
W. U. Smith, and resides in Los Angeles, California; she came to the
United States when young and was reared by an aunt. 5. Mary, died aged
twenty-two years, having emigrated to the United States. 6. Thomas W.,
of whom further. 7. Emma, married Albert Martin, and resides in Carnegie,
Pennsylvania. 8. Annie, married Edward Lang, and died in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. 9. Harry, of whom further.
(III) Thomas Walsh Lewis, son of Alfred and Harriet (Lewis) Lewis,
was born in Usk, Monmouthshire, England, December I, I855, and after
obtaining his education in the public school of his native land came to the
967WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
United States in young manhood. Settling in Pittsburgh, he was for one
year and one-half a house painter in the employ of Major Hope, then
engaged in independent business in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, for a like period.
On July 29, I876, he sailed for England, intending to remain in'that land
for two years and then return to the United States. Entering the employ
of Walter Hammond, a contracting painter, business opportunities too fortunate to be neglected detained him in his native country year after year, so
that twenty-five years elapsed before he left the employ of the son of his
first employer and once more came to the United States. He had married
the daughter of his employer and after her father's death they moved to the
United States, settling in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, in November, I9oI. Mr.
Lewis was for one year in the service of a Pittsburgh business man, in the
spring of I902 forming a partnership with J. B. Willetts, a connection that
continued for three years. After the dissolution of this firm he was one of
the organizers of the Carnegie Painting and Decorating Company, being
associated therewith for three years, at the end of that time purchasing'the
business established at No. I39 Main street by Fred Schumacher. To this
he has added several new lines, including paints and wall-paper, paper-hanging having become an important department of the business, and performs
work over territory of considerable radius, frequently employing from ten
to fifteen men in his operations. He is numbered among the substantial
business men of Carnegie, and has been a director of the local Board of
Trade, of which he is a member. Politically a Republican, he fraternizes
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Loyal Order of Moose.
He married, in September, I88I, Mary Ann Louisa Harriet, born in.
West Norwood, near London, England, daughter of Walter and Emily
(Shingler) Hammond, her parents old residents of her birthplace, he a contracting painter, both he and his wife being buried in West Norwood, England. Children of Walter and Emily (Shingler) Hammond:  I. Emily,
married William Tatnew, and died in England. 2. Mary Ann Louisa Harriet, of previous mention, married Thomas Walsh Lewis. 3. Frederick, died
in infancy. 4. Clara, married William Tolhurst, a florist, and resides inll:
Toronto, Canada. 5. William, a plumber of West Norwood, England. 6.
Hinchman, succeeded his father in business. 7. Elizabeth, married (first)'
Joseph Wilson, (second) Perry Hodge, and resides in Niagara Falls, New
York. 8.' Maude, married Harry N. James, a commercial traveler, and lives
in Florida. 9. Arthur, engaged in the insurance business, lives in Australia.
io. Horace, died aged fourteen years.
(ITI) Harry Lewis, son of Alfred and Harriet (Lewis) Lewis, was born
in Usk, Monmouthshire, England, November 14, I862, and until he was
fourteen years of age was a student in the public schools, then learned the
harness and saddle making trades. Coming to the United States with his
mother when eighteen years of age, he settled in Pittsburgh', where, not
finding employment at the trade of which he was master, he apprenticed
himself to a contractor, W. J. McMasters, with whom he remained for two
years. In I883 he located in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and after being em968WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ployed in contracting work until I89o, part of the time as foreman, in that
year formed a partnership with I. N. DuShane, operating as DuShane 
Lewis, general contractors. This business, begun as a local venture, has developed and grown in a most gratifying manner, and the firm maintains a
force of from fifteen to twenty men, working in Carnegie and neighboring
towns. Among the buildings that have been erected by DuShane  Lewis
are the Carnegie Library, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania; the First United
Presbyterian Church, of the same place; St. Philip's Roman Catholic Church.
at Crafton; the plant of the American Axe and Tool Company, at Glassport,
Pennsylvania; the Independent Brewery, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and
numerous other structures of a public and quasi-public nature, as well as
large numbers of dwelling houses. In I902 Mr. DuShane and Mr. Lewis
organized the Carnegie Mill and Lumber Company, the former gentleman
president, the latter secretary and treasurer, this concern still continuing in
active and successful business. Politically Mr. Lewis is identified with no
organization or party, but is in hearty sympathy with the cause of Prohibition. He has served as a member of the Carnegie Board of Trade. With
his wife he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to
Centennial Lodge, No. 544, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Sons of St.
George.
He married, November I9, I89I, Maria Ellen, born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, daughter of Henry Bell, an old resident of Carnegie. Children
of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis: Jane Alene, Harry, Jr., employed by his father,
Mary Bell, Wilfred Frank, Stanley Galbraith.
This is an old Dutch family, the first generation in the United
HARGER  States uniting his line with an Irish family of equal antiquity,
this effected by the marriage of Peter Harger, his wife,
Catherine, being of Irish birth and ancestry. Peter Harger was born in
Holland, in I8oo emigrating to the United States and- locating in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where he married. He obtained land from the government and followed the farmer's occupation until his death, being involved in
the internal disturbance known historically as the "Whiskey Rebellion." His
wife was born in Ireland, accompanying her parents to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. Children of Peter and Catherine Harger: Peter, Jr., George,
of whom further, Milton, John, Catherine, William.
(II) George Harger, son of Peter and Catherine Harger, was born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, died in that state. He was educated in his
native county, directing his studies with a view toward a legal career, and
with three of his brothers, Peter, John and William, was admitted to the bar,,
although he never engaged in practice to any considerable extent. Becoming
the owner of a farm, he cultivated this land and also became a skilled- millwright, later erected a mill upon his property and operated it until his death.
His farm was seventy-five acres in extent and this, in connection with his
work as proprietor of a mill, made his daily life a busy one. He married
Catherine, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Andrew and
9699WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Elizabeth Holmes, her parents of Scotch birth and ancestry, who came to
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer, and after half a
century of residence in that place moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania. Children of Andrew and Elizabeth Holmes: Enoch, William, Hiram,
Daniel, Nancy, Fannie, Catherine, of previous mention, married George
Harger, and Eleanor. Children of George and Catherine (Holmes) Harger:
Mary, Harriett, Sarah, Emily, Louisa, Francis, Nancy, Edwin, Holmes, of
whom further, Milton, George and William M. Milton and Peter, uncles
of Holmes Harger, were river pilots who, after floating vessels down the
Mississippi river to New Orleans, there purchased mules and rode them to
their starting point.
(III) Holmes Harger, son of George and Catherine (Holmes) Harger,
was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November I6, I84o, and was
educated in the public schools of Snowden township, when fifteen years old
running away from home and obtaining employment on the river as a deckhand on coal barges. "Floating" was the method of navigation employed at
that early date, and after floating the canal he performed work of the same
nature on the river, when twenty years of age piloting a couple of coal boats
to New Orleans, the youngest pilot to make that lengthy trip. Through the
many changes in manner of navigation and in power employed he followed
the river until 1913, when he retired from active life, at that time having
owned seven different steam propelled vessels. At the time of the Civil War
he enlisted in the northern service, soon afterward being designated by the
government for service on the river in piloting boats in the government
service. For five years after his marriage he was a resident of New Cumberland, Ohio, then moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and for the past sixteen
years has been a resident of Avalon, Pennsylvania. At the time of Pittsburgh's Centennial Exposition Mr. Harger prepared a scene for the water
parade entitled "Floating in I856," which was, in point of realism and effect,
one of the best of the entire celebration, exact attention to detail having been
paid by Mr. Harger, upon whose memory those former scenes are lastingly
painted. In political opinion he has ever been a staunch Republican. He
married, in I86o, Rachel Chambers, and has children: Josephine, George,
Holmes Elsworth, of whom further, John W., Ellen W.
(IV) Holmes Elsworth Harger, son of Holmes and Rachel (Chambers)
Harger, was born in Pittsburgh South Side, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
September 8, I864, and was educated in the public schools of that place, at
the age of fourteen years abandoning his studies to begin river work, and before he attained his majority held a pilot's license, a record equalling that of
his father. Soon after he became captain of a vessel in the service of the McKinley Coal Company, remaining in that employ for ten years, then spending
nine years in the same capacity with the United Coal Company, three years
with W. H. Flint, and two years with the River Coal Company. Captain
Harger has been in command of boats of all descriptions, and for fewness of
accidents and reliability in time his record is unsurpassed on the waters that
he has traversed. Well-known along the river, he is liked wherever known,
97oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
his many amiable qualities winning.him a large circle of friends. He holds
membership in the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Order of Independent Americans, and the Pilots' Association. Reared
in the Methodist Episcopal church, he now belongs to the Christian church, in
the work of which he has ever been active, and is a member of the men's
Bible class connected with that organization. Mr. Harger built his present
house in Avalon, Pennsylvania, in I9O2.
He married, August 2, I883, Hester A. Weaver; children: Harry, died
in infancy; Kirk P., a salesman of Pittsburgh; Pearl, married Harry Feick,
a bank cashier; George, a drug clerk, resides at home; Fallie McKinley,
lives at home.
Among the men whose personal exertions have done
CUNNINGHAM   so much toward the material prosperity of Turtle
Creek, Pennsylvania, it may be well doubted if any
deserve a more honorable mention than Robert H. Cunningham, senior member of the firm of R. H. Cunningham  Sons, general contractors.
John Cunningham, father of Robert H. Cunningham, was a native of
Ireland, where he spent the greater part of his life, receiving his education
in the common school, learning the trade of weaver, and there married
Martha Ackison, also a native of Ireland, and in I829 they emigrated to the
United States, residing for a time in.the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
From there they removed to the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where
Mr. Cunningham worked at his trade of weaver, and was also a teamster
and farmer, continuing these pursuits until his death, which occurred ill
Pittsburgh about the year I877. He and his wife were members of the
United Presbyterian church. They were the parents of five sons and one
daughter, one of the sons actively participating in the Civil War.
Robert H. Cunningham was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 30, I85o. After completing his studies in the schools in the neighborhood of his home, he gave his attention to the tilling of the soil, in which
pursuit he was successful, he having been well trained during his youth by
assisting his father in the work on the home farm, and he continued along the
same line until the year I886, when he removed to Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the general contracting business, which he has conducted up to the present time (I914) it being now run under the style of
R. H. Cunningham  Sons. His business is in a prosperous condition, owing
to the fact that he gives to it his personal supervision, that he is progressive
in his ideas and honorable in his methods, and he ranks among the substantial business men of his section. In I896 he erected a fine brick residence in
Turtle Creek, where he has since made his home. He casts his vote for
the candidates of the Republican party.
Mr. Cunningham  married (first) March Io, 1874, Mary Catherine
Whitesell, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Yockey) Whitesell. Children:
James S., Martha Bertha, Elizabeth. Whitesell, Robert J., Wilda Irene, William L. Mrs. Cunningham died May 20, I89J. Mr. Cunningham married
97IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(second) April i2, i893, Lydia R. Long, born in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Michael and Magdalene (Reeger) Long, natives
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and granddaughter on the paternal
side of Philip and Elizabeth (Best) Long, of Eastern Pennsylvania, early
settlers of Westmoreland county, and on the maternal side of John and
Phoebe (Byerly) Reeger, also early settlers of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Michael Long was a farmer by occupation, as also his father and
Mr. Reeger, and they were active members of the Reformed church. Mr.
and Mrs. Cunningham are well known in the social life of the community,
in which they take a keen interest, and he is also an active factor in the
various enterprises that are conducive to the growth and development of the
section wherein he resides. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham are members
of the First Presbyterian Church of Turtle Creek.
Although coming to the United States from Wales, his resiLLOYD  dence for several years, David Lloyd, the American ancestor
of his line, was of English birth and parentage, Wales, as the
birthplace and home of his wife, having been made his home after his marriage until his immigration to the United States. David was a son of John
Lloyd, born in England, where he died. His trade was that of blacksmith,
and for many years he was a dock-yard employee. He and his wife, Eleanor,
were the parents of several children, two of whom came to the. United
States: I. John, a coal miner, died in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. 2. David,
of whom further.
(II) David, son of John and Eleanor Lloyd, was born in England, died
in Pennsylvania, November I5, I887, aged seventy-one years. At the age of
seventeen he went to Wales, where he worked in the mines until 1849, in
whlich year he immigrated to the United States, being joined the following
year by his wife and two children. They settled on the present site of Hays
borough, and in that locality he was a miner until approaching old age
caused his adoption of a less wearing occupation and he purchased forty-six
acres of land, a tract now occupied by Bellwood, where his death occurred.
His political action was taken in favor of the Republican party, and he and
his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife surviving him
five years, her death occurring in I892, aged seventy-six years. He married Ann, born in Wales, daughter of William Watkeys, a native of South
Wales, who, after the death of his wife, about I853 came to the United
States to join his children, his death occurring at the home of his daughter,
Ann, at Six Miles Ferry, Pennsylvania. He was the father of a family, four
children of whom came to the United States: I. Ann, of previous mention,
married David Lloyd. 2. Eleanor, married John Reese, and died at Six Mile
Ferry, Pennsylvania. 3. David, from  last report in I9go, in Schuylkill
county, Pennsylvania. 4. William, journeyed to California about I85I, returned to Pennsylvania and died in Homestead. Children of David and
Ann (Watkeys) Lloyd: I. Thomas, of whom further. 2. John, a retired
steel worker, died in Homestead, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-eight years. 3.
972WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
David, died unmarried, aged twenty-eight.  4. William, for a time a
coal miner and afterward a steel worker, died in Homestead, Pennsylvania,
in I9I2. 5. Mary Eleanor, died unmarried, aged twenty-five years. 6. Sarah
Ann, married Harry Wilson, and died in Homestead, Pennsylvania, about
I89o.
(III) Thomas, eldest son and child of David and Ann (Watkeys)
Lloyd, was born in South Wales, August Io, I843, and when seven years
of age came to the United States, obtaining his early education in the common schools, as a youth entering the coal mines. After his marriage he
took a course in Duff's Business College, continuing in mine labor until
about I872, when for eleven years he was employed in a glass house. He
then entered the grocery business in Homestead, continuing in that line for
about twelve years, after which he passed three years on the old homestead
farm. Returning to Homestead he built an attractive and comfortable home
on Eleventh avenue, and has there since lived retired. At the organization
of the borough of Homestead he was a member of the first council, and was
largely instrumental in the framing of the constitution and by-laws that
govern that community. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of Pythias, and the Royal Arcanum. His early political allegiance was granted the Republican party, but of late years he has been a sturdy
supporter of the Prohibition movement. Mr. Lloyd has been the witnesso-f
long forward strides in the development of the Pittsburgh- region, for at the
time of his coming to that locality no railroad line extended west of'Pittsburgh, and the country gave but few indications of becoming the great industrial center that it now is. Mrs. Lloyd has also seen these changes, and
well remembers picking blackberries where now stand the mills and residences of Homestead. As a youth Mr. Lloyd enlisted in the Union army
and was accepted at the recruiting station, but before he had left for the
front his parents compelled his withdrawal because of his boyish years.
Mr. Lloyd married, in I863, Jeannetta, born near Beck's Run, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January   I, 1847, daughter of Thomas and'Margaret (Morgan) Woozley, her parents natives of Wales, her father
born about I812, her mother about I8I5. After their marriage in that land
they came to the United States, settling in Chartiers Valley, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, about I845. He was at first employed in the coal mines,
later moving to Hays borough, where he was placed in charge of some railroad construction and where both died, he in I850, she in I866. Mr. and
Mrs. Lloyd in I9I3 celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding.
Their union has been a most happy one, she his ready helper in all things,
his inspiration in all of his works, and together they have reared a family
the pride of both and to both a credit. Their children: I. David T., a steel
worker, lives at home. 2. William Charles, died aged eleven years. 3. John
Wesley, died in infancy. 4. Margaret Ann, married Clark S. Lessig, and
resides in Munhall, Pennsylvania. 5. Howard Ellsworth, a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal church, lives in Springdale, Pennsylvania. 6. Elizabeth
973WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
have had children: Dorothy Louise; William  Preston, Jr., died at the
age of two years; Martha Mary.
This has been an American family in the branch of
FLANAGAN which Michael K. Flanagan was a member since I850,
when John Flanagan, a native of Ireland, immigrated
to the United States, making his home at Bradys Bend, Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania. He was a son of Timothy and Mary (Lahive) Flanagan,
his father a farmer of Ireland.
(II) John Flanagan, son of Timothy and Mary (Lahive) Flanagan,
was born in Ireland in I8Io, and when he was forty years of age came
with his wife and family to Pennsylvania, as previously stated. He was
for nearly all of his life an iron-worker in the employ of the Great Western Iron Works. His religion was the'Roman Catholic, and in all church
activities he was prominent, holding the superintendency of the Sunday
school at Bradys Bend, being also connected with the other organizations
of the church. He was a Democrat in political conviction. He married,
August II, 1840, Bridget Kelly, born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1822,
and had children: I. Michael K., of whom further. 2. Martin, born in
1843; married Mary Droyer; resides at Bradys Bend, Pennsylvania. 3.
Patrick, for about thirty years weighmaster in the employ of a coal company at Dubois, Pennsylvania; married Ann Walsh; died in March, I905.
4. John, engaged in the oil business in Oklahoma; married Nancy Boyle.
5. Mary, married James McLoughlin; lives at Bradys Bend, Pennsylvania.
6. Thomas, a farmer of Bradys Bend, Pennsylvania; married Catherine
Reid. 7. Stephen, a machinist; married Mary Manahan; lives in Corry,
Pennsylvania. 8. James, a railroad employee; married Margaret Sommers;
lives in Newcastle, Pennsylvania.
(III) Michael K. Flanagan, son of John and Bridget (Kelly) Flanagan, was born in county Clare, Ireland, September I5, 1841, died in
May, I905. He accompanied his parents to the United States when he
was nine years of age and obtained the major part of his education in
the schools of Bradys Bend, Pennsylvania, although his studies had begun
in the homeland. In young manhood he was a teacher at Bradys Bend,
and for three years during the Civil War was a member of the crew of
a gun-boat in the Union service, stationed at Pittsburgh. After his discharge from the service he settled on a farm owned by his mother and
himself at Bradys Bend, a tract of land forty acres in extent, which he
cultivated for twenty-eight years, and was afterward engaged in the service of the borough of Wilkinsburg until his death. He was a man of
upright honesty and in his dealings with his fellows was ever guided by
motives of strict integrity. A genial disposition and a nature delighting
in comradeship gained him many friends, and those of his acquaintances
and friends who survive him bear willing testimony to his value as a
man, his consideration as a neighbor, his loyalty and his worth. He was
573974                \WESTERN  PENNSYLVANIA
Mabel, died aged eight years. 7. Edwin Winfield, died aged five years. 8.
Clara Beatrice, married Herbert G. Bennett, a druggist, and lives in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
James W. Jones is a member of a representative Welsh family,
JONES of the type which makes valuable citizens wherever they may be,
and which, though they have not come to the United States in
the great numbers in which many peoples have reached these shores, have yet
contributed a leaven of their own peculiar virtues to the cosmopolitan citizenship of the country. His paternal grandfather was James Jones, a native of
Wales who passed all his life in the land of his birth. He was a teamster
who worked about the steel mills of Monmouthshire, and the parent of three
children-John, the father of our subject; James, who died in his youth, in
Wales, and Mary Ann, who married Leyshon Clarke, a resident of M\iillsboro, England, where she died, and where her children are living at the
present time.
John Jones, the father of our subject was born in Pembrokeshire in
the year I830. He grew up in hbis native region and became associated
with a rolling mill in which he remained until the time of his death, which
occurred when he was but forty-seven years of age. He was a conspicuous
and popular figure in the community, and a good and charitable man as
well as possessing great musical talent. He was a member of the Phiilharmonic Society of Rhymney, Monmouthshire, and organist in the Episcopal church there. He went from Pembrokeshire to Rhymney, Wales, almost on the border of England, and there met Mary Ann Powell, with whom
he fell in love, and afterwards married. Miss Powell was a daughter of John
and Mary Powell, natives of Breconshire, where their daughter was born
November 9, I837. Mr. Powell was a stone mason by trade and to him and
his wife were born seven children, as follows: Henry, who went to
Australia and there died in I9O7; John, who came to America and died in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; David, who spent his entire life in Wales,
finally dying at the town of Penarth; William, who became a resident of
London, and died there; Annie, who became Mrs. James Lewis, and in
I856, came with her husband to the United States and made her home
in Poughkeepsie, New York, and died April 15, I914, and is buried in
Freeland, Pennsylvania; Margaret, who died single in Australia; and Mary
Ann, the mother of our subject. The marriage of Mr. Jones and Miss
Powell took place in I858, and of the union there were born three children,
as follows: John Henry, who came to the United States in I893 and is
now a resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, where he is a music teacher
and where he married Miss Joan Davis and by her had five children; James
W. Jones, the subject of this sketch; and Mary Ann, who, coming to
America in 1887, married Arthur Lewis and is now the mother of his four
children. After the death of her husband Mrs. John Jones came to the
United States in 1887, with her daughter, for the purpose of joining her
son, Mr. James W. Jones. Her death occurred in Steubenville, Ohio,
February 28, I9o6, but she was buried in Homestead, Pennsylvania.WESTERN PEN N SYL-VANIA
James wV. Jones, second child of John and Mary Ann (Powell) Jones,
was born June 6, I863, in Rhymney, Monmouthshire, Wales, and was educated in the local common schools, attending these until he reached the age
of nine years. He then secured employment in the steel mills, and after
five years of this work, applied himself with customary energy and intelligence to mastering the bricklaying trade. He turned his efforts to such
good account that in two years he had become proficient with his tools
and was able to sail for America, where he intended to put his ability to
practical use. His coming to the United States was in the year I886, and
immediately upon arriving he went to Pennsylvania and took up his abode
in Homestead, Allegheny county, in that state. One year later he was followed by his mother and sister, who came over to join him. In Homestead he first turned his attention to the great steel industry then in process
of its gigantic development, and soon secured a position with the Carnegie
Steel Works, with which concern he continued for thirteen years. At the
end of that period he found himself in a position to engage in business for
himself, and accordingly embarked upon a venture which he had long in
contemplation, a contracting business in brick construction and cement work.
In this venture his native capacity and prudence, and not less his scrupulous adherence to his word and the spirit of the contract, made him speedily
successful, and he is still conducting his prosperous business today, being
recognized as one of the oldest contractors in the city of Homestead.
Mr. Jones is a man of substance and a very prominent figure in the community of which he is a member. He takes an active part in the life of
Homestead in all its various aspects, and nothing of value to the city escapes
his notice or fails to receive his hearty support. He is a member of the
Republican party and takes a keen and intelligent interest in all political
questions, whether of local of national application. He is a member of
the Masons and!of the Veteran Masons, of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of the Elks, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the Protected
Home Circle. Some time ago, Mr. Jones built himself a handsome residence
of buff brick on Margaret street, Munhall, as well as another house in the
immediate vicinity.
Mr. Jones was married, March 3, I89I, to Miss Ellen A. Morris, also
a native of Wales. Mrs. Jones is the daughter of David and Mary (Jones)
Morris. Both Mr. and Mrs. Morris were born in Wales, and there the
latter died. The father and daughter then came to'America in the year
I88o, Mr. Morris finally dying in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, and now lies
buried in Columbiana, Ohio. The maternal grandparents of Miss Morris
were John and Mary Jones. They lived in the United States for many
years and died in Homestead, Pennsylvania, and were there buried. They
had three children, two sons and a daughter, John, William and Mary. Both
the sons lived their lives in Pennsylvania, but the daughter returned to
Wales as the wife of Mr. Morris, little knowing that her daughter would
in turn find her way back to Homestead.
To Mr. and Mrs. James W. Jones have been born five children, as
975WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
follows: Minnie, now a teacher in the Homestead public schools, and
living at home with her parents; Adelaide, now Mrs. John Jones, of Homestead, Pennsylvania; Arthur, who. lives with his parents at home; Agnes,
w.ho died at the age of seven years; and Dorothy, living at home with her
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Episcopal church, and
their children have been reared in that faith.
Charles Philip Laird is a member of a family of partly Scotch
LAIRD  and partly Irish parentage, and representative of the best types
of both peoples, whoo contributed so largely in the early days
of American colonizaton to the formation of that basic population, the
foundation upon which all the subsequent immigration, vast and diversified
as it has been, has been erected into the great and complex edifice of
American citizenship in safety. To the splendid staying qualities of the
Germanic and Anglo Saxon stocks, they superadded the poetry, the fire and
inspiration of the Celtic race, a leaven which has had its characteristic
effect in the development of the American people up to the present. His
paternal grandfather was William Laird, a native of Huntington county,
Pennsylvania, but of Scotch parentage, who passed his childhood and youth
in'the region of his birth during the rough pioneer days, taking those first,
most difficult steps, upon which the whole of the great subsequent development of the region depended. He was.a charcoal burner by trade, plying his
trade around the old forges, the remains of which are still to- be seen
through the countryside. His trade was successful and, with industry
and thrift,-he was -eventually able to lay up, enough money to buy himself
a farm, which he operated successfully. This property stood in Cromwell
township, and upon it he spent the last years of his life and finally died
there in I885. He was married to Miss Bridgett Malloy, also a native of
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where she was born in I8Io. She survived her husband until the year I9o2, when she died at the age of ninetytwo years. They were both buried in Huntingdon county. He was a Democrat in politics, and they were both members of the Roman Catholic church.
To them were born a large family of chiildren, six of whom grew to maturity.
They were: Dominick, the' father of our subject; Charles, who now resides
on the old Laird homestead, where he is a farmer; Elizabeth, now the
widow of James Repper and a resident of Orbisonia, Pennsylvania; Matilda,
who became Mrs. John Speck of Burnt Cabins, Fulton county, Pennsylvania; Mary, who became Mrs. John Piper of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania; and Exile, who married George Trexler, a resident of the state of
Ohio.
Dominick Laird, the father of oiur subject, was born March 29, I850,
in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He became a miner in his youth and
worked in the great coalfields in the midst of which his birthplace is situated, but at the time of'the oil excitement, went to Armstrong county as
a tool dresser. He later returned to Huntingdon county and continued his
mining until the year I89I, when he removed to Homestead, Pennsylvania,
4I',
976WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
wlhere he has made his home ever since. Upon arriving at Homestead he
secured employment with the Carnegie Steel Works, and remained in that
service for a period of ten years. In the mean time hie had become well
known and popular in his adopted town, and in I9OI was made chief of
police of West Homestead, a position which he held until I912. He is a
member of the Democratic party, and has taken an active part in local politics. During the time of the oil excitement, while Mr. Laird, Sr., was in
Armstrong county, he met there Miss Mary Cullion, a daughiter of Patrick
and Susan (Freel) Cullion. Mr. and Mrs. Cullion were natives of Ireland,
who had come to America while single and settled in Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, and- were there married. He was a coal miner all his life,
and owned his own home at Leechburg, Pennsylvania. He and his whole
family were all members of the Catholic church. To him and his wife were
born seven children, as follows: Mary, the mother of our subject; Sarah,
who died single in youth; Bridgett, now the widow of James Stroup and a
resident of Leechburg, Pennsylvania; Nellie, a resident of Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Catherine, who lives with hier sister Nellie; Joseph, a barber and
resident of Goldfield, Nevada; and Daniel, a steel worker of Pittsburgh.
To Miss Mary Cullion Mr. Laird was married in Kittanning, Pennsylvania,
and he afterwards took his bride back to Huntingdon county with him at
the time he returned to the coalfields. Mr. and Mrs. Diominick Laird are
still residents of Homestead, where they attend the Roman Cathiolic church.
They were the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Charles Philip, the
subject of this sketch; Victor, a machinist of West Homestead; Mabel, now
Mrs. Joseph Leech, of Homestead; Susan, now Mrs. Nicholas Ackerman, of
Homestead; Minnie, a trained nurse who lives at home with her parents;
Florence, also a trained nurse with the same residence; Exile, a school teacher in the Allegheny County Industrial Schools; Catherine, now Mrs. Edward
O'Donnell, of Pittsburgh; Dominick, w'ho died when but six years of age;
Frank, a steel worker and a- resident of Pittsburgh; John, a chauffeur for
the Homestead Steel Works; Joseph, who died in infancy; and Lawrence, a
machinist, who resides at home with his parents.
Charles Philip Laird, the eldest son of Dominick and Mary (Cullion)
Laird, was born March 30, 1875, in Armstrong county. Pennsylvania. The
conditions surrounding his childhood were such that he was obliged to go
to work at a very early age; so early, indeed, that he was never able to
attend school. When only eight years old he found employment on a farm
and continued at this work until he was twelve. He then secured a position
in the iron mines and, in I89I, came with his father to Homestead, where he
has ever since resided. Like his father, he entered the employ of tlle
Carnegie Steel Works, and is still with that concern, having risen to a position of responsibility. He began as a hand in the mechanical department
and by dint of ability, and conscientious effort has raised himself through
many ranks. After a year he was promoted to be a bottom maker on the
heating furnaces, at which work he stayed for seven years, he then became
a heater for six years, then a steel roller for one year, and then, in recogni977WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tion of his faithful, able service, was made night superintendent of the
plate mills, an office wh,ich he held for six years, and finally, in I913, was
given the superintendency of the forty-eight inch plate mills, his present
office. The duties of this responsible capacity involves the overseeing of
about two hundred and sixty men on the average, in the performance of
some of the most difficult tasks in the steel mills. Mr. Laird has not, however, confined his energies to the pursuit of his private business, but, on the
contrary, has given generously of them to many aspects of the city life, and
has taken a vital interest in all that promised to contribute to the welfare
of the community. He hhas been particularly interested in local politics on
the Republican side of the fence, and has been twice elected to the council
of West Homestead on that party's ticket, and during both terms has given
the highest kind of satisfaction to his constituents. He also occupies a
conspicuous place in the social and fraternal life of his town, and is a member of Lodge, No. 650, B. P. 0. E., and of the C. M. B. A. In the year
I9oo Mr. Laird built for' himself and family a substantial residence at No.
3Io Walnut street, Homestead, and here he still dwells.
Mr. Laird was married, July I, I896, to Miss Margaret Cloonan, a native
of Ireland, where she was born, a daughter of Martin and Margaret
Cloonan, alsoi natives of Ireland, in which country they lived and died. Miss
Cloonan came to this country about I89o, and made her home in Homestead, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Laird have been born ten children,
as follows: Dominick, wh;o now works in the steel works at Homestead;
William, a student in the Homestead high school; Matilda; Grace; Helen,
and who died at the age of four and a half years; Mabel; Gerald; Mary;
Olga and Charlotte.
Mr. and Mrs. Laird are both members of the Roman Catholic church,
and in that faith; are rearing their children. They attend the Church of St.
Mary Magdalen, of that denomination.
The name of Fowler is a very ancient one, and can be
FOWLER  traced back through many centuries in Scotland and England. In days when men were taking surnames, those of
many were indicated by their occupations. Among these was the bird hunter
or fowler.
(I) Henry Fowler was born in county Midlothian, near Edinburgh,
Scotland, and followed'the occupation of mining coal, although his father
had been a farmer. Later he removed to Lanarkshire, Scotland, and there
his death occurred. He married Jane Carr, and had children, all of whom
lived and died in Scotland: William, Alexander, Henry, John, of further
mention; Joseph, Mary. He and his wife were of the Presbyterian faith.
(II) John, son of Henry and Jane (Carr) Fowler, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1814, and died in I865. After his marriage he removed to Stirlingshire, and was engaged in contract work, opening mines
and shafts, etc. He was a Whig politically, and active in local matters. He
married Isabella Gray, born in Lanarkshire in I8i8, died in Wilkinsburg,
978WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania, at the home of her son, Thomas. She outlived her husband
and, about I888, came to America. They had eleven children, of whom
nine attained maturity: Mary, widow of Robert Archibald, lives in Scotland; James, a coal miner in Scotland; John, of further mention; Archibald,
died in young manhood; Jane, widow of John Bell, lives in Wilkinsburg,
Pennsylvania; William, a foreman, lives in Wilkinsburg; Alexander, a
miner, lives in Scotland; Isabella, married James Craig, and lives in Scotland; Thomas, a miner, living in Wilkinsburg.
Mrs. Fowler was a daughter of James and Mary (Lang) Gray, who
were old residents of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and in later life removed to
Stirlingshire, where he followed his occupation of coal mining, and died
there. They had at least four children, and possibly more: James, Archibald, Mary, Isabella, mentioned above.
(III) John, son of John and Isabella (Gray) Fowler, was born in
Stirlingshbire, Scotland, May 29, I850. He attended the public day schools
in his native land until he was nine years of age, when he commenced working in the coal mines, and after that attended the night schools. When he
commenced working in the mines he earned twelve cents a day, gradually
increasing this amount, but forseeing no great opportunity for advancement
in hbis native land, he emigrated to America at the age of twenty-two years.
He settled at Wilkinsburg, where he was engaged in coal mining for a
period of six months, then returned to Scotland, where he remained four
years. Again coming to America, he again located in Wilkinsburg, and
worked in the mines five years. Having found employment in the Edgar
Thompson Steel Works, at Braddock, he removed to that town, and remained with this concern twenty-six years, retiring at the age of sixty years,
and continued to live in Braddock. In I9OI he purchased a half acre of land,
in Swissvale, on which was a good house, and owns other property in Braddock. He is a member of the Presbyterian faith, as also was his wife; and
fraternally he is a member of: Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights
and Ladies of Honor, Knigh,ts of the Maccabees, and the Order of Ben
Hur.
Mr. Fowler married, in Scotland, September I, I87I, Katherine, born
in Ayrshire, Scotland, a daughter of Robert and Bethia (Whitelaw) McEwen, who spent their lives in Scotland, where he was a farmer. Four
children were born in Scotland, and five in this country, as follows: Bertha,
married William McCune, and lives at Hawkins Station, near Braddock;
Isabella, married William King, and lives at Lincoln Place; John Jr., a boss
roller, lives in North Braddock; Robert and James, roll turners, live at
Swissvale; William, a roll turner, living at Braddock; Jennie, married Harry
Oakley, lives at Swissvale; Katherine, married Harry Heffner, lives in
Swissvale; Harry, unmarried, a roll turner, lives with his parents. Mr.
Fowler gives his political support to the Republican party. Mrs. Fowler
died June 20, I9I4, aged sixty-two years.
979WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
A descendant of the ancient and powerful Douglass clan
DOUGLASS  of Scotland, Elisha P. Douglass, of Elizabeth township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, traces his American
ancestry to Robert Douglass, who, crossed the mountains from Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, the family settling in Raccoon Creek, near Burgettstown, Washington county. This change of residence is believed to have been
accomplished about the close of the American Revolution. Robert Douglass
married Isabella Orr, who is believed to have been of Rostraver township,
Westmoreland county. He died about 1794, leaving a widow and seven
sons, the youngest a posthumous child. Shortly after the death of her
husband, Mrs. Douglass with her seven sons left Washington county and
moved to Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, settling on a farm about
one-half mile away from the village of Greenock. This farm was later
known as the Kelly farm, and there Isabella Orr Douglass lived to be
ninety-four years of age, dying about I849. She is buried at Round Hill,
Elizabeth township. Robert Douglass was buried in the Raccoon Creek
graveyard. Children: I. Thomas, married Margaret Crawford; children:
Rebecca, married William Crawford; Robert; Colonel William; Isabelle,
died aged thirteen years; John J.; Maria, married Washington Waddell;
Sydney J., and James, all of whom married except Sydney Jane, who died
quite aged. 2. Robert (2), married and had issue: Margaret, unmarried;
Robert (3), married a Miss Weimer and lived near West Newton, Pennsylvania; John, married a Miss Fulton and lived at Latrobe; William, married Mary Smith and lived at Mt. Pleasant; Isabella, unmarried, lived at
West Newton, and died about 19I3. 3. James, of further mention. 4.
Andrew, married Elizabeth Fletcher, and became a farmer of Butler county,
Pennsylvania; he also lived for a few years at West Newton, Pennsylvania,
removing thence to Michigan, thence to the state of Iowa, where he died
about I887, aged eighty-two years. His wife died about I893, aged ninety
years. Children: Robert, married Jane Patterson; Mary, married Thomas
Wakeman; Margaret, married James Bowman; John married Ophelia Oldman; Isabella, married a Mr. Oldham, and.died two months after, her
marriage; William, married a Miss Wallace and moved to Topeka, Kansas,
and died there about two years ago; Lizzie, married William Donnell, and
moved to Topeka, Kansas; Catherine, married James Donnell; James, married a Miss Culbertson. 5. John, died unmarried, in middle life. 6.
Samuel, died aged about fifty years, unmarried. 7. William, died unmarried, a very old man, a soldier of the War of I812. These three brothers
all lived in Elizabeth township, and are there buried.
(II) James Douglass was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in
1790, died in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, in I874. He came with
his widowed mother and his six brothers to Elizabeth townshiip, about a
year after the death of his father, Robert Douglass, and there grew to
manhood, married, and always lived a farmer. After his marriage he
lived on the old Drennan homestead until his death. He married Mary
Ellen, daughter of John and Margaret Drennan. The Drennans located
98oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at the Forks of the Yough in Elizabeth township, prior to the Revolution,
about one mile from New Douglass station, on the Pittsburgh  Lake Erie
railroad. John Drennan died in the year I8oo, and was buried in Round
Hill Cemetery. On'his tombstone is engraved: "Within this small lot lie
the remains of seven small children of the decedent." Margaret, his widow.
survived him forty years. They had six other children who grew to mature
years. James and Mary Ellen (Drennan) Douglas had children: I. Robert,
married Clarissa Warne, and had issue: Dr. James Harvey, who recently died
at Eldred, McKean county, Pennsylvania; Mary Susanna, died unmarried;
Stephen W., who moved to Oklahoma; John, of Coffeyville, Kansas; Melissa
D., married Joel Warne, of Winlock, Washington. 2. John, died February
6, 1892; he married Sarah McKinley, and left an only child, John D., a
member of the Allegheny bar and late assistant district attorney; he married
Sue J. Cowan, and had an adopted son, Ralph E., who died November 28,
I914. 3. Thomas, of further mention. 4. Mary Ellen, married William Caldwell, and had issue: James Ebenezer, John, Belle, Mary, William, Lizzie,
Annie. 5. David, married Sarah Smock and had issue; John P., married
Minerva McGrew, and lives at Fresno, California; Laura, married James
Latimer, lives at West Newton, Pennsylvania; William, died in childhood.
6. William, married Elizabeth Rogers, and had issue: Ella Bell, married John
Billick, of Elizabeth township; Catherine, now living in Elizabeth township,
unmarried; Philip D., married Fannie Douglass, a second cousin, and resides
in Elizabeth township; children: Clyde, Olive, Mary, Philip, Harry, Helen,
Rose Ella, John and three who died young; Annie, married Victor Culbert,
of Elizabeth township; Elizabeth, married William McFadden. 7. James
(2), died about I885, unmarried. 8. Isabella, died in childhood. All of
these children of James and Mary Douglass were farmers, as were their
forebears and most of their descendants, there being but two or three exceptions.
(III) Thomas, third son of James and Mary Ellen (Drennan) Douglass, was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January I8, 1822, and there passed his life, a prosperous farmer. He died June
6, I896. He married Lydia C. Peairs, of Dutch ancestry, daughter of
Elisha and Sarah (Wycoff) Peairs, and granddaughter of Joseph Peairs,
who purchased his farm in Elizabeth township from the state of Pennsylvaniia
in 1778, and there lived with his wife and family until his death in I8o8. The
old Peairs farm adjoins the Old Round Hill church, the ground occupied by
that church and by Round Hill Cemetery having been originally a part of the
Peairs farm. Joseph Peairs left sons Elisha, David, John, Joseph, Allen,
William and Isaac; all of these sons except Elisha moved to the state of
Ohio in early days, five settling near Zanesville, and one, William, in
Morgan county. They all left large families and descendants are found all
over the west. He also left three daughters: Nancy, married William
Fulton, lived in Westmoreland county, leaving children: Robert William and
Nancy, the latter unmarried, died in Keokuk, Iowa. Another daughter,
Susan, married John Wychoff; and the third daughter, Mary, married John
981.WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Plummer. Nancy Peairs, many years after the death of her husband, William Fulton, moved with her son, Robert Fulton, and his family to Warsaw,
Illinois, not far from Keokuk, Iowa, where her son William had previously
located. She died in Warsaw, aged over ninety years. Robert Fulton, her
son, left a large family. One of his sons is a Presbyterian minister; another,
William. J. Fulton, is now a lawyer of the Keokuk bar. Elisha, eldest son
of Joseph Peairs, inherited the Peairs homestead in Elizabeth township,
Allegheny county, and there lived until death. He married Sarah Wycoff
and had nine children, eight growing to mature years. Lydia C., youngest
child of Elisha and Sarah (Wycoff) Peairs, was born March 22, 1830, died
April 6, I9I2; she survived all her brothers and sisters and attained a greater
age than any of them, eighty-two yea'rs. Children of Thomas and Lydia C.
(Peairs) Douglass: I. Elis!ha P., of whom further. 2. Mary E., now residing in McKeesport, unmarried. 3. Sarah J., married J. B. Billick, and resides in Elizabeth township; children: Thomas D., Clyde, Fergus, Earl and
Catherine, all married and residing in Elizabeth township. 4. David P.,
married Annie M. Barron, and lives on the old Thomas Douglass homestead
in Elizabeth township; he has a son Elisha Barron. 5. James D., died I866,
aged five years.
(IV) Elisha P., eldest son of Thomas and Lydia C. (Peairs) Douglass, was born at the Douglass homestead in Elizabeth township. He is a
graduate of the University of Wooster, class of I877, and for thirty-five
years has been a practicing lawyer at the Allegheny county bar. He married
Elvira P. Weddell, of Elizabeth township, and has two sons: I. Howard
Weddell, a graduate of Cornell University, class of 1904; married Virginia
Van Kirk, of McKeesport, and has a son, Thomas Van Kirk. 2. Earl Leroy,
a graduate of Princeton, class of I913, now a student of Divinity at Union
Theological Seminary, New York City. He married, September 4, I913,
Lois Haler, of Versailles township, Allegheny county.
Mr. Douglass resides in McKeesport and there conducts his legal practice. He is a member of the various legal societies and practices in all state
and federal courts of the district. He is president of the McKeesport Title
and Trust Company; also vice-president of the McKeesport Tin Plate Company. The family are members of the United Presbyterian church, Mr.
Douglass serving at the present time (I914) as elder. He is also president
of the board of trustees of McKeesport Hospital; president of the board of
trustees of McKeesport Y. M. C. A., and also a member of the board of
directors.
Born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, of a sturdy race
STERNER of German farmers, John Sterner grew to manhood in
Elizabeth township and there married Hannah Weaver.
After his marriage he settled in Westmoreland county, where he worked
rented farms for a time. Later he bought a farm of ninety acres where he
lived until his death, aged sixty-two years. His wife survived him, dying
at the age of seventy years. He was a member of the Masonic order, and
982:::: -~\:~ MR,
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XE~~2;\WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, to which his family belongs.
Mr. Flanagan married, July I7, I865, Anna Powell, born in county
Clare, Ireland, in I841, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Moroney) Powell.
Patrick Powell was a soldier in Company F, Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanded by Captain Taylor. On one occasion the company was engaged in battle, Mr. Powell fighting by the side of his
captain, when a sword thrust that would have ended Captain Taylor's life
was averted by the quick action of Mr. Powell, a service that won him
the life-long affection of his superior officer. Children of Michael K.
and Anna (Powell) Flanagan: I. John, died aged five years. 2. Mary,
died aged three years. 3. James, died aged two years. 4. Winifred, lives
with her widowed mother at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 5. Bridget, died
aged one year.  6. Ellen, died aged three years.  7. Edward, died in
infancy. 8. Anna. 9. Catherine. IO. Jane, married, June 24, 1914, Joseph
McConnell, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Since its founding in the United States, its residenice
LONGMORE mainly in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, members of
this Irish family have been associated in business, not,
like many of their countrymen who have settled in this region, preferring
agricultural pursuits.
(I) James Longmore, the emigrant, was born in I815, in county
Antrim, Ireland, died September 2o, I87I. He was educated in the land
of his birth, and after coming to the United States became a wholesale
leather merchant of Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side), his place
of business being on South Diamond street.  After a business career
profitably spent, he retired in I869, living free from all business responsibilities until his death, two years later. He was a Democrat in politics,
and with his wife a member of the United Presbyterian Church.  He
married, in I842, Jessie Blackstock, born on Prince Edward Island,
January 6, I82I, daughter of Joseph and Janet (Watt) Blackstock, who
came to the United States with her parents about I840, seven years after
the immigration of her future husband, her parents passing their lives in
Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North Side). Children of James and Jessie
(Blackstock) Longmore: I. Margaret, born in I843, died in infancy. 2.
Robert Harrison, born I845; married Emma Lynch; a daughter, Beulah.
3. Mary E., born April 4, I848. 4. Sadie, born March I, I85I; married
Thomas Craig Carson; children: Jessie May; Mary Longmore, wvho married William Henry Hastings, and has one child, William Henry Jr.;
Mildred Reed; Margaret Jane; Alida Benhani. 5. John Buchanan, born
February I4, I855; married Mary Elizabeth Warwick; resides in Buffalo, New York; children: Edna Warwick and Lillie T. 6. Alice Jane,
died in infancy. 7. William James, of whom further. 8. Joseph Blackstock, born October 25, I864; married Viol Ashworth; resides in Pittsburgh; son, Harry Ewing.
574WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
both he and his wife were members of the German Lutheran church.
Children: I. Adam, a farmer of Westmoreland county. 2. Daniel, a farmer
on the homestead. 3. Levi, stable boss for a Westmoreland county mining
company. 4. George, an Illinois coal miner. 5. Albert, an Iowa farmer.
6. John, deceased, a Westmoreland county farmer. 7. Cyrus, of further
mention. 8. Harriet, married George Hart, of Westmoreland county. 9.
Mary, married Caleb Curry, of Westmoreland county.
(II) Cyrus, son of John and Hannah (Weaver) Sterner, was born in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 5, I848. He was educated in the
public schools near his home, and spent his early life on the farm, his
father's assistant. On starting out as a wage earner he entered railroad
employ, serving the Baltimore  Ohio for four years. He then began
working for the Pennsylvania Gas Company in their coal mines, and for
twenty years continued a miner. He then returned to the pursuit of his
youth, farming, beginning on a rented farm in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, which he worked for nine years. In I899 he moved to a
farm of one hundred and three acres in the same township, which he had
purchased. Tihis farm he improved by the erection of a modern residence,
also adding barns and other buildings, making the property with its fertile
acres a highly desirable home. There he has since resided, engaged in general farming. The farm is underlaid with a rich coal vein, which he has
opened and operates on a small scale. He is a Republican in politics, and
for two years served as road commissioner. Mr. Sterner married, February 28, i873, Susan Hart, born June 28, I853, in Allegheny county, daughter
of John and Cunigunde (Fick) Hart. Children: I. Alice, died aged fifteen
months. 2. Arthur, a resident of Elizabeth township. 3. Elmer, also resides
nearby. 4. Lawrence, a farmer of Illinois. 5. Effie, married Charles Cadman, and lives near the home farm, a widow. 6. Calvin, residing at home.
7. Wilbert, twin with Calvin, died in infancy. 8. Hattie, married George
Knight, and resides at Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 9. Mattie, twin with Hattie,
resides at home. io. Minnie, died aged three years. II. Lily, resides at
home.
John and Cunigunde Hart were both born in Germany, and many years
after their marriage came to the United States, joining their eldest son in
Western Pennsylvania. John Hart was a stone cutter, and preceded his wife
to the grave. Children: I. George, now residing in Connellsburg, Pennsylvania. 2. Barbara, married Michael Keck, and resides in West Newton.
3. Michael, killed in a mine disaster at age of twenty-one. 4. Jasper, now
living in Pittsburgh. 5. Susan, married Cyrus Sterner, of previous mention.
6. Adam, deceased. Four other children are deceased.
Many years ago there came to what is now North Versailles
MILLER township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a middle aged
German emigrant, George Miller. There.he' became a large
land owner and lived to be an old man. He retained the manners and
customs of the "Vaterland," and even the speech, speaking English very
983984                WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
imperfectly and brokenly. He died between 1840 and I845. He married
and had four children, sons Jacob and John; daughter Eliza, married William
Michaels; and Frances, married David Bowman. Each of these children
received from their father a farm containing over one hundred and fifty
acres.
(II) Jacob, son of George Miller, grew up on the homestead in North
Versailles township, and at his father's death received his share of the farm
lying on the Greensburg pike. He built a house of logs for his bride, and
there lived all his life. He became one of the leading men of the township,
an extensive stock raiser, and from youth to old age was ever a farmer.
He married Catherine Boyd, and died during the Civil War, aged seventythree years, she surviving him eight months. Children:  I. George, of
further mention. 2. Eliza, married William Spielman, and died in her native
township. 3. Ann, married Fauntley Muse; she died in the township of her
birth. 4. Boyd, lived and died on the old homestead farm. 5. Maria, married Joihn Hughey, and died in Leavenworth, Kansas. 6. John, a farmer,
died in Wall, Pennsylvania.
(III) George, eldest son of Jacob and Catherine (Boyd) Miller, was
born on the homestead farm, North Versailles township, Allegheny county,
in I8i6, died on the same farm October 25, I87I. He grew up on the farm
owned by his father and grandfather and ever his home, becoming owner
of the same after his father's death, by inheritance and purchase of his
brother's share. He was a well known and highly respected citizen of
North Versailles, serving that town as assessor and collector of taxes. He
was a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife honored members of
the' Methodist Episcopal church. He married Sarah Jane White, born in
Versailles township, Allegheny county, who survived him, daughter of
Thomas and Eliza Jane (McLain) White. Eliza Jane McLain was the
daughter of Mordecai and Mary McLain, who came from Scotland and
settled at Wall, Allegheny county, where John followed his trade as shoemaker. Later they moved to Versailles township, where they died, his wife
the last survivor, making her home with her sons. Sarah Jane, their
daughter, married Thomas White, born in Ohio, but in youth came to
Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he lived on
Long Run. After his marriage to Sarah Jane McLain, he bought a farm of
eighty acres in North Versailles, near the Greensburg pike, and there died
about 1845 aged thirty-five years. His wife never again married, living to
be a very old lady. Both were active members of Long Run Presbyterian
Church, the husband serving as trustee. Children: I. Sarah Jane, widow
of George Miller. 2. Mary, died in Pittsburgh, unmarried. 3. William, died
on the home farm. 4. Rush, a farmer, died in Wall, Pennsylvania. 5. John,
died aged eleven years. Children of George and Sarah Jane (White) Miller: I. Laura M., married William McCracken and resides in East McKeesport. 2. Wesley, died aged four years and four months at the old
home farm. 3. Horace Greeley, of further mention.
(IV) Horace Greeley, son of George and Sarah Jane (White) Miller,WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was born on the old Miller homestead farm in North Versailles township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 9, I864, of the fourth generation to
own and occupy it, three generations of Millers having been born there. He
was educated at Point Pleasant school, and in youth aided in cultivating the
farm. He learned the carpenter's trade, and all his life has followed that
trade at irregular intervals, but since I9o04 has devoted himself to it exclusively. He bought the interest of the other heirs of George Miller and
now owns the old farm, but no longer cultivates it himself, he and his aged
mother residing in the beautiful little borough of East McKeesport. He
is a Republican in politics, and served as commissioner of North Versailles,
when living in that township. He is a member of Tyrian Lodge, No. 612,
F. and A. M., of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania; Lodge No. 136, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Knights of Pythias, and Knights of
Malta, the latter three McKeesport lodges. Mr. Miller is unmarried.
The McLays, a Scotch family, first settled in the west, on the
McLAY  Pacific coast, near Vancouver Island, in the territory of California. There James McLay was born and lived until his
marriage. In latter years he settled in Latonia, Ohio, with his family, there
engaging as a coal operator, being one of the pioneer operators of the state.
He was a man of prosperous condition, an active Republican, and was influential in the early party. His wife, Jennie Lishman McLay, was also
the child of Scotch parents who settled in Northern California. Several of
the children of James McLay returned to Scotland, the home of their grandparents. Children: I. David, now and for the past twelve years living
retired in Scotland. 2. John, born in the United States, but died in Scotland. 3. George, a practicing physician, died in San Francisco. 4. William,
of further mention. 5. James, now aged over ninety years, lives on Vancouver, an island off the west coast of Canada, a part of the province of
British Columbia, separated from the United States by the strait of Juan
de Fuca. 6. Alexander, now residing in Scotland. 7. Robert, resides in
Vancouver island. 8. Mary, married and died in California. 9. Janet,
married and died in California.
(II) William, son of James and Jennie (Lishman) McLay, was born
in Northern California, died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in April,
I898. He resided in California until after his marriage, then came east
with his bride, settling in Latonia, Ohio. Later, about I853, they came to
Pennsylvania, locating in Allegheny county, where William engaged in coal
operating in partnership with his brother-in-law, Alexander Love. Thev
opened the "Catbird" mine, and after exhausting its supply of coal opened
the "Lovedale," in Elizabeth, the largest mine in the country. This mine
they later sold to the John A. Wood Coal Company, and William McLay
retired from the coal business, devoting himself to agriculture the remainder
of his active years. He began with a purchase of eighty-seven acres, and
by later purchase acquired an estate of about three hundred acres in Elizabeth and Lincoln townships. His wife died in April, I898, and one week
985WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
later he joined her in the spirit land. Both were members of the United
Presbyterian church, and he was a Republican in politics. He married, in
Scotland, Janet Love, daughter of Alexander and Agnes Love, both born
in Scotland, and early settlers in California, where Alexander Love engaged
in gold mining, and both died. Children of William McLay:  I. Isabel,
married Charles Binkney, and now resides in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, a
widow. 2. Mary, resides in Elizabeth, unmarried. 3. John, resides in Elizabeth, a mine foreman. 4. James, a farmer of Elizabeth township. 5. Alexander, a mill polisher of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6. George, a farmer
of Elizabeth township. 7. Thomas, chief electrician of the Lovedale mine.
8. Janet, resides in Elizabeth, unmarried. 9. David P., died in Phoenix,
Arizona. io. William (2), of whom further. ii. Robert, resides with his
brother, William. Two other c;hildren died in infancy.
(III) William (2), tenth child of William and Janet (Love) McLay,
was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, September
26, I873, on the farm owned by his parents and near his present residence.
He was educated in public schools and Martin's Business College in Pittsburgh, graduating from the latter in 1893. After leaving college he spent
three years as clerk in the wholesale dry goods house of Schumann Brothers,
Pittsburgh, preparatory to himself becoming a merchant. He first opened a
store in Buena Vista, Pennsylvania, and soon afterward a similar store at
Scott Haven, Pennsylvania, conducting both stores successfully for seven
years. He then sold and for two years was out of business. He then became
manager of store No. Io07, belonging to the Valley Supply Company, continuing as such for six years, then was connected with the Carnegie Steel
Company, at Clairton, Pennsylvania, for two years, but on the death of his
brother,'David P. McLay, in I912, resigned his position to succeed the
latter in the management and operation of the McLay homestead farm in
Elizabeth township. There on a tract of eighty-seven acres he maintains
a modern poultry farm devoted to the breeding of single comb and white
leghorns. He does business on a large scale, his pens containing at times
twenty-five hundred hens and chickens. He is one of the leading farmers of
his section, well known and highly esteemed. He is president of the Allegheny County Farmers' and Threshers' Association, a body of agriculturists
with a membership of three thousand, devoted to the protection of the
farmers' interests. He is also interested in the State Bank of Elizabeth,
and other local enterprises. He has held the office of township auditor for
six years, and while residing in Elizabeth township served as school director.
Both he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, which
Mr. McLay serves as trustee. In political faith he is a Republican. He is
a charter member of Laurel Crown Commandery, No. 354, Knights of
Malta, and belongs to Camp I63, Modern Woodmen of America. His club
is the Youghiogheny Country. Mr. McLay married Isabel Richardson,
daughter of David and Elizabeth Richardson, of Scott Haven, Pennsylvania.
One son, David Lester McLay, born I899.
986WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
George McLay, sixth child of William and Janet (Love) McMcLAY  Lay, (q. v.), was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, January 12, I866. He was educated in the public
schools, and in earlier life was his father's assistant at mine and farm.
After becoming of age he continued a mine worker for twenty years, then
retired to a tract of sixty-three acres, part of the McLay homestead, where
he makes a specialty of market gardening. He has erected several dwellings
on his farm and otherwise improved it, making it a more sightly, valuable
property. He is a Republican in politics, and with his wife belongs to the
United Presbyterian church.
Mr. McLay married Minnie, daughter of Henry and Nancy (Lyman)
Carothers, of Coal Valley, Mifflin township, Allegheny county. Children:
Stanley C.; Howard H., married Olive Smith, has a daughter,'Dorothy, and
is a farmer of the state of Oregon; Albert, Stella B., Nancy, Walter R.,
and Erma.
The O'Neils came to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, from
O'NEIL "East of the Mountains," the original settlers being John and
Mary (Robinson) O'Neil, of Irish parentage and grandparents
of William Woods O'Neil, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, who died December
26, I902. John O'Neil and Mary Robinson were born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, married when young, and came to Allegheny county, settling in what
is now the borough of Hays. The farm John O'Neil owned and on which
he resided until late in life is now part of the James Hays estate. Both
John and his wife are buried in Lebanon cemetery. Children: I. John (2),
a coal operator, died in Fayette City, Pennsylvania. 2. James, a coal operator and dealer, died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 3. Samuel, killed near
Cincinnati, Ohio. 4. Denny, of further mention. 5. Mary, married William
Hamilton, and lived in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. 6. Elizabeth, married
William Rapp, and died in West Elizabeth.
(II) Denny, son of John and Mary (Robinson) O'Neil, was born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I803, died in I836. He was engaged
in the coal business all the active years of his short life, and was an able
business man of high standing. He married Sarah Brauff, whose mother,
Rebecca Nixon, was born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, died in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, the mother of seven children: i. Sarah, married Denny
O'Neil. 2. Mary, married Abraham Robinson, and died in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. 3. Eliza, married Mr. Gilliland, and died in West Elizabeth. 4.
John, died in Elizabeth, where he lived retired for many years. 5. Jonathan,
died in Pittsburgh, a prominent politician and commissioner of Allegheny
county. 6. Wesley, a bachelor. 7. Alfred, a bachelor.
Denny O'Neil is buried in Concord Cemetery, Garrick, Pennsylvania.
His widow, who never again married, survived him until March, I896, and
died aged eighty-seven years, at the home of her brother in Elizabeth, and
is buried in the Elizabeth Cemetery. Children: I. John Nixon, died in
Elizabeth, a partner in business with his brother, William Woods O'Neil.
9879WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
2. William Woods, of further mention. 3. Alfred Brauff, died in McKeesport, a real estate dealer, father of J. Denny O'Neil..4. Sarah, died in
youthful womanhood.
(III) William Woods, second son of Denny and Sarah (Brauff) O'Neil,
was born in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August I6,
I830, died in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, December 26, I902. He was educated
in the public schools, and began business life as a miner, the Monongahela
mines. Later he became a river pilot and ran the Monongahela and Ohio
rivers for a few years. Coal mining was then in its infancy in Western
Pennsylvania, and as he ran the rivers he noted the excellent chances for
locating and developing the mines in the surrounding hills. Finally he left
the river with the remark: "The coal is there, merely waits to be mined. I
may go broke in shipping coal, but that will be my chronic condition if I
remain a river pilot."  He did not go broke, but won success that brouglht
him fortune and fame. This success came through his own strong character
and determination to succeed, as well as his almost prophetic vision of the
great coal business that was to be developed. Leaving the river, he formed
a partnership with his brother, John Nixon O'Neil, operating a mine and
shipping their product as J. N. and W\. W. O'Neil. The brothers were very
successful and extended their operations until their business, mining and
shipping, became a very extensive one. In course of time they admitted the
brothers, S. P. and I. N. Large, to the firm, and operated still more extensively. Finally the firm dissolved and William Woods O'Neil organized
the W. W. O'Neil Coal Company, of which he was president until the company was absorbed by the combined coal companies. He extended his operations all over the coal districts of Pennsylvania and the central west,- becom,
ing a national character whose advice in business and financial matters was
sought and followed.  He developed with the years, and the castles he
erected as he guided the river steamers past the deposits of undeveloped
coal were not "castles in Spain," but all became actualities. He became the
efficient president and real managing head of the Pittsburgh and Southern
Coal Company, the Marine National Bank of Pittsburgh, the First National
Bank of Elizabeth, and had numerous private interests in various coal fields,
as well as in other lines of business. Two years before his death he retired
from business and gave himself a needed rest. But he retained his interest
in the town where he long resided, Elizabeth, and at his death was president
of the town council. For many years he was a member of the National
Board of Steam Navigation, serving on its executive committee. He was
clear-headed, energetic and fearless, believing implicitly in himself and evet
willing to lead in any enterprise of which his judgment approved. He
gained high rank among his contemporaries of the business world and held
it by his superior qualities. At his death the entire press of the country
noted the event and gave extended accounts of his business life. His one
relaxation and enjoyment was the light harness horse, owning and driving
some of the best of his day. Among some of the noted trotters he owned
was "Ruth Wilkes," afterwards sold to the Emperor of Austria. He was a
member of the Masonic order, and in political faith a Republican.
988ALi~~WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. O'Neil married (first) December 8, I853, Elizabeth B. Cunningham, who died iDecember 25, I863, who bore him six children: I. James
Denny, now a lumberman of Virginia. 2. Anna, married Newton P. Williams, and resides in Evanston, Illinois. 3. Sarah, married William M. Ekin,
whom she survives, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. 4. Rachel, married
R. P. Kennedy, w,hom she survives, a resident of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
5. William, died in youthful manhood. 6. John N., a resident of Charleroi,
Pennsylvania. Mr. O'Neil married (second) January 9, I867, Mary B.,
daughter of Robert and Dorcas (Flack) Means, both of Western Pennsylvania. Robert Means was a shipbuilder on the Monongahela river, later
moved to Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, where both died, members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Children by second marriage: I. Grace, married
(first) Edward F. Goodwin, and by this union one son, William O'Neil
Goodwin; married (second) Joshua Hunt, whom she survives, a resident of
Elizabeth; she has a son, David Thomas Hunt. 2. Lizzie, died in infancy.
3. Binnie, married George Acheson, whom she survives, a resident of Elizabeth; she has children, George and Virginia. 4. Emma, married L. W.
Walker, and resides in Pittsburgh. 5. Louise, married W. W. Dempster,
and resides in Elizabeth; child: Alexander. Mrs. Mary B. (Means) O'Neil
survives her husband, residing in Elizabeth, her home a beautiful mansion
overlooking the town and the Monongahela river.
During some of the years the old National Pike was in
NICHOLLS its glory, one of the ferries across the Monongahela river
was operated by James Nicholls, one of the first early
settlers of Washington county, Pennsylvania, near Monongahela City. He
was the grandfather of John Barr Nicholls, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
James Nicholls married Rebecca De Vore, and soon afterward moved
to Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, where he purchased a partly improved farm of two hundred acres. The farm he greatly improved and
developed, tearing down the old log buildings and replacing them with more
modern structures. Just prior to his death he erected a brick farm house on
his property that is still standing and in constant use. He was a quiet,
retiring man, very industrious and energetic, held in high esteem by his
neighbors, and with his wife active in the Presbyterian church., Children:
I. William, died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a farmer.  2.
Lucinda, married William Finney, and died in Elizabeth township. 3. Mary,
married Hugh Wilson, and died in Ohio. 4. Cassandra, married James Warren, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 5. Sarah, married
Moses Curry, and died in Pittsburgh. 6. David, died in West Newton,
Pennsylvania, a farmer. 7. James, of further mention. 8. Nancy Ann,
married John V. Scott, and resides near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. 9. Elizabeth, married Hiram Warren, and resides in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Io. Martha Jane, deceased, married William Stoner, and resided in Forward
township, Allegheny county. Four other children died in infancy.
(II) James, seventh child and third son of James and Rebecca (De989I0WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Vore) Nicholls, was born on the Elizabeth township farm owned by his
parents, February 26, I828,- and has there spent his long and useful life of
now eighty-six years. He inherited a share of the original farm and to
this has added by purchase, his home farm, now consisting of one hundred
acres. In addition he also owned another farm of ninety-four acres, which
he sold to his son, J. B. Nicholls. He has succeeded well in life and bears
well his eighty-six years. He has devoted his life to farming, and has ever
been one of the leading, progressive men of that occupation in his township. He has been for many years a trustee of the United Presbyterian
church, and in political faith is a Republican. He is honored and respected
by his community and has a host of warm friends. He married Elizabeth
Barr, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 2I, I834, daughter of William and Ann (Bell) Barr, both born in Washington county. William Barr was a tanner and farmer, operating a tannery on his Washington
county farm. He is buried in Pigeon Creek cemetery. By his first wife he had
James and Mary, neither of whom married. By his second wife, Ann Bell,
he had seven children: I. Rachel, married Thomas Long, and died in Pittsburgh. 2. Elizabeth, married James Nicholls, of previous mention. 3. William, a Union veteran, now a farmer in the state of Kansas. 4. John, a
Union soldier, killed at the battle of Gettysburg. 5. Joseph, yet a farmer of
Washington county. 6. Fanny, married Samuel Ralston, and now lives in
Kansas. 7. Jenny, died, aged sixteen years.
James Nicholls and Elizabeth Barr were married May I9, I863, and
fifty years later, on May I9, I913, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, surrounded by children, grandchildren and many of their intimate
friends, who made the occasion one of supreme happiness for the venerable,
well beloved couple. - Children: I. John Barr, of further mention. 2. William Wilson, died aged twenty-five. 3. James Clavin, a practicing physician
of Braddock, Pennsylvania. 4. David Franklin, who now cultivates the
home farm. 5. James Albert, died aged six years. 6. Robert Delmar, a
practicing physician of Sharon, Pennsylvania. 7. 3Martha Jane, married Dr.
Joseph Hunter, a practicing physician of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
(III) John Barr, eldest son of James and Elizabeth (Barr) Nicholls,
was born at the home farm, September 17, I864. He was educated in public
schools, McKeesport Academy and Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, and
after finshing his school years returned home and assisted in cultivating the
home farm. He then rented a farm in the township which he cultivated for
five years, until the year I9o00. In that year he moved to his present farm
of ninety-four acres, adjoining the home farm on which he was born, and
there conducts general farming operations. He is a Republican in politics,
and has served his township as school director. Both he and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian church, which he serves as trustee. Mr.
Nicholls married, June T4, I894, Martha Peairs, born in Elizabeth township,
daughter of Joseph Peairs.
99oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
This name, so familiar and honored in Western PennMcKINNEY sylvania, and represented in the present by John McKinney, of Forward township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, was brought to Pennsylvania by Matthew McKinney, born in
Scotland. He came to Eastern Pennsylvania a grown man, and about I777
crossed the mountains to Western Pennsylvania, locating on government
land w,hich he patented. His farm of three hundred acres was then virgin
forest, located in what is now Forward township, Allegheny county. He.was
a hardy pioneer, full of energy and courage, two qualities greatly needed by
him who would subdue the forest, battle with adverse circumstances, and,
with danger lurking in every quarter, cause the fertile field to follow his
labor. While clearing his land, he lived in a log house built by his own
hands, and for his stock built a log barn, both standing as monuments of
his untiring energy for many years. His first wife, Elizabeth Lord, soon
succumbed to the privations of frontier life, and he married a second wife,
Ann Thompson, and with her lived on his farm until his death, October-22,
I8o9. He was a Presbyterian in religion, and of that sturdy Scotch blood
that made their lives conform to the strict creed they so strongly believed
the correct rule of life. Children of Matthew and Elizabeth (Lord) McKinney: I. James, of further mention. 2. John, a farmer, married, moved
to New Concord, Ohio, where his descendants are yet found. 3. Henry,
also moved to New Concord, Ohio, married, and left issue. 4. Polly, married a Snodgrass and died at Braddock, Pennsylvania. 5. Nancy, married
Isaac Storrer, and died in New Concord, Ohio. 6. Matthew (2), died in
infancy. Matthew by his second marriage had no issue.
(II) James, eldest son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Lord) McKinney,
was born on the frontier farm, now Forward township, Allegheny county,
February 9, I783, and there lived until his death, October I8, I863. He
was his father's assistant from an early age, being the first born son, and
at the death of Matthew McKinney he bought out the other heirs and retained possession of the acres he had helped to wrest from the forest. He
owned two hundred and forty acres of the original three hundred, and
replaced the original log house with a four-room frame house, and also
erected a commodious frame barn. These buildings stood for ninety-two
years, until July 30, I909, when they were struck by lightning and destroyed by fire. He cultivated his farm all his active years, but between
seasons was a "freighter" on the old National Pike, making trips over that
noted road until after his marriage. On many of these trips he drove as
far west as Chillicothe, Ohio, and as far east as Philadelphia. He prospered
in his undertakings, but his freighting business was brought to an abrupt
close, as his wife, whom he met at the "Black Horse Tavern" in Wheeling,
would not be left alone during the many weeks a trip required. So henceforth he devoted himself entirely to the cultivation of his farm. He served
for a short time during the second war with Great Britain, but in the main
lived a quiet retiring life, devoted to home and family. He and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian church. He married Mary Wallace
ggi9WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Blee, who survived him ten years, dying March 24, I873, aged seventyseven years. Children:  I. Elizabeth, born September 29, I817, died unmarried, January 28, I873. 2. Nancy Jane, born Jaunary 28, I820, married
Peter Reasoner, and died at New Concord, Ohio, February 29, I908. 3.
Margaret, born December 2I, I82I, died at the homestead, unmarried, October I8, I895. 4. Matthew, born May io, 1822, died September IO, i822. 5.
Ann, born December 2I, i823, married Solomon Speer, and died at Elizabeth,
Pennsylvania, in January, i9io. 6. Robert, born May 2I, i825, died at the
old homestead, January I3, 1902. 7. John, of further mention. 8. Mary, born
September 2, I829, married Louis Snee, and died April I8, I856.
(III) John, second son and seventh child of James and Mary Wallace
(Blee) McKinney, was born on the farm in Forward township, Allegheny
county, owned by his father and grandfather, November 2I, I826, died there
August I2, I9I1. He attended public schools and remained at the home
farm until his marriage. He then bought the adjoining farm and there
resided until I86I, when his father, an old man, induced him to give up his
own farm and return to the homestead, where he remodeled and enlarged
the farm house and there resided until his death. He lived to be eighty-five
years of age, and until two years prior to his death was active and vigorous,
giving little evidence of his great age. He was a Democrat in politics, and for
twenty-eight years served as school director. Both he and his wife were
members of the Presbyterian church. He married, November 14, I850,
Mary Jane Marshall, born October I7, I828, in New Concord, Ohio, daughter of Judge Robert and Polly (Reasoner) Marshall. Judge Marshall settled
in Ohio from New Florence, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was a
judge of Guernsey county (Ohio) courts for twenty-eight years, a well
educated man, a just judge, and an upright citizen. He died March I, I873,
and his wife, Polly Reasoner Marshall, September 20, I840. He married
a second wife, Polly Wilson. Children: I. Elizabeth, born December 8,
8I19, died unmarried, at age of seventy-five years. 2. AMartha, born August
2, I821, married Samuel Marshall, and died in Kirkwood, Illinois. 3. Nancy,
born November 5, 1823, married Robert McKinney, and died in Forward
township, Allegheny county. 4. Margaret, born August 3, I826, married
Mack Galbraith, and died in Monmouth, Illinois. 5. Mary Jane, born October I7, I828, died January 28, I896; married John McKinney, of previous
mention. 6. John R., born February 26, I830, deceased; a farmer of Muscatine, Iowa. 7. Robert W., born February I5, I832, now a farmer near
Stronghurst, Illinois. 8. Samuel, born May 3, 1834; a minister of the
United Presbyterian church, and at the time of death president of Tarkio
(Missouri) College. 9. Joseph, born March 3, 1836, died aged eighteen
years. Io. Benjamin, born November I6, I837, died at the old Marshall
home in New Concord, Ohio, November 4, 1912. TI. Sarah Catherine, born
February I4, I840, married Samuel Torrance, and lives in Monmouth, Illinois.
Children of John and Mary Jane (Marshall) McKinney: I. Robert
Biddle, born February Io, I852; now a grocer of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
fln2WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
2. Anna Martha, born April Io, i857; married Stephen Wall, whom she
survives, a resident of Forward township. 3. James Lord, born September
20, I862; now working the home farm in connection with his brother John,
unmarried. 4. Eliza W., born July 6, I867, unmarried; residing with her
brothers at the homestead. 5. John, of further mention.
(IV) John, youngest child and third son of John and Mary Jane (Marshall) McKinney, was born on the homestead, October i5, i869. He was
educated in public schools and Elizabeth Academy, and after finishing his
school years returned to the home farm and in association with his brother,
James L., works the one hundred and twenty-one acres. They are breeders
of pure blooded Guernseys, their herd numbering about twenty-five head
of these choice dairy breed of cattle. Their farm is well improved and
well managed, the brothers and sisters there residing all being interested in
its upkeep and thoroughly capable. John McKinney is unmarried, is an
Independent in politics, and, like all the McKinneys, a member of the
Presbyterian church.
The founder of the Guffey family in this country was WillGUFFEY iam Guffey, a native of Ireland, who upon arrival in America
located in Westmoreland county, settling on the old Guffey
homestead in Sewickley township, the application for which was made to
King George in I769 by James Baird, the consideration being ~2,Ioo. On
this land Mr. Guffey built a log cabin and made the first clearing said to
have been made west of the Allegheny Mountains. He was one of the
members of General Forbes' expedition, and died in Sewickly township in
January, I783.
(II) The line of descent traces through his son, James, born in I736,
who was two years of age when his father immigrated. He was twice married, his first wife being Margaret, daughter of William  and Margaret
Campbell, who bore him four children: John (of whom further), Polly,
and Belle; and    ----, who died in May, I79I. His second wife was a
Miss Findley, who bore him two children, Sarah and William.
(III) John, son of James and Margaret (Campbell) Guffey, was born
in Sewickley township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, August 6, I764.
He was for many years a justice of the peace, and spent his entire life in
the vicinity in which he was born. He married (first) Agnes Lowry, born
April i8, I773, and they had eleven children: James, William, Anna, John
(see sketch of J. D. Guffey), Robert, of whom further; Margaret, Isabella,
Mary and Nancy. By his second wife, Rebecca Stewart, he had Benjamin
and Stewart.
(IV) Robert, son of John and Agnes (Lowry) Guffey, was born in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, near Ligonier, there married Sarah
Campbell, and with her moved to Sewickley township, in the same county.
He bought a farm there, lying about one and a half miles from Sutersville,
containing one hundred acres that he cleared and brought under cultivation.
The buildings he erected are still occupied and owned in the Guffey name.
993WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
994
He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of
the Presbyterian church. He died about I870, his widow, Sarah, living until
I904, aged over ninety years. Children: I. James Lowry, of further mention. 2. Mary, died aged eighty-two years, unmarried. 3. Campbell, a
retired farmer, now residing in West Newton, Pennsylvania, aged eightytwo years. 4. John, living on his farm near Harmony, aged eighty years.
(V) James Lowry, eldest son of Robert and Sarah (Campbell) Guffey,
was born at the Sewickley township farm of his parents near Sutersville,
April 23, I825. He remained at home, his father's assistant, until his marriage, then bought a farm of fifty-six acres in Forward township, Allegheny
county, and there lived until his death, January 29, 1913. He was a prosperous farmer, and added adjoining acres to his fifty-six original ones until
they totalled two hundred, well improved and fertile. He erected substantial
buildings on his farm and made it one of the most desirable of properties.
He did not invest all of his profits in land, but laid by a goodly bank balance
and was rated one of the prosperous men of his section. He was a Democrat in politics, served as road supervisor, was very prosperous, and held in
high esteem wherever known. Both he and his wife were members of
Round Hill Presbyterian Church, of which he was ruling elder for fortyfive years. He married Mary Scott, born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, in I828, died in I886, daughter of Zacheus and
Catherine (Andrews) Scott, old residents of that section. Zacheus Scott
was a farmer, owning one hundred and forty acres that is now owned by his
son, Zacheus Scott. Both were members of the United Presbyterian church,
and are buried in Round Hill cemetery.  Children:  I. Mary, married
James Lowry Guffey, of previous mention. 2. Eliza, married Alexander
Thompson, and died in Westmoreland county. 3. Catherine, married Allen
Williams, and died in Westmoreland county. 4. Lucinda, married Josiah
Johnson, and died near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. 5. Zacheus (2), now living
retired near Dravosburg, Pennsylvania.
Children of James Lowry and Mary (Scott) Guffey: I. Calvin, now a
farmer of Westmoreland county. 2. Scott, died aged nineteen years. 3.
Robert Campbell, of whom further. 4. Catherine, married A. P. Culp, and
resides at Lock No. 4, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 5. James L.,
residing with his brother, Robert C.; unmarried. 6. William, killed by a railroad train, about I904. 7. Mary, married J. Finney Wall, and resides in
Forward township. 8. Albert, a physician practicing in McKeesport. 9.
Lucinda, married S. W. McConnell, and resides in Forward township.
(VI) Robert Campbell, third son of James Lowry and Mary (Scott)
Guffey, was born on the Forward township farm, July 27, I86I. He attended
the public schools of the district, and after completing the courses therein
taught, took a course at Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh. He then
returned to the home farm and conducted it for father for many years,
eventually becoming its owner. He devotes the farm to general agricultural
purposes, including stock raising, and is both modern in his methods and
successful in his results. He is a Democrat in politics, served six years asWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA                            995
supervisor, is a member of the board of trustees of Round Hill cemetery,
and both he and his wife members of Round Hill Presbyterian Church. Mr.
Guffey married Laura Billick, born in Elizabeth township, daughter of
Alexander and Mary (Hall) Billick. Children: I. Iva Myrtle, a graduate
of the State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania, and for two years
a teacher in Elizabeth township public school. 2. Mary Catherine. 3. Dora.
4. Robert Campbell (2). 5. William.
Howard G. Mowry is descended on his father's side of the
MOWRY family from a mixed German and English ancestry, from
both of which sources our complex American citizenship has
drawn such valuable characters. His forebears have dwelt in this country
for so many years, however, that they have become thoroughly identified
with the life and traditions of the region which they have inhabited, namely,
western Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob
Mowry, of German parentage, and a very early settler in Jefferson township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He owned a fine farm in that locality,
where he lived a prosperous but retired life with his wife and family, and
finally died there and was buried by the old Jefferson Church, as was his
wife also. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an
officer of the Jefferson church. He was married to Miss Sarah Woodford,
a native of Pennsylvania, but of English parentage, and they became the
parents of four children as follows: Ann, now Mrs. Archibald A. Sloan, of
Findlayville, Pennsylvania; John N., the father of our subject; Snyder, a
farmer, residing on the old Mowry homestead, and Ella, now Mrs. Frank
Cady of Gastonville, Pennsylvania.
John N. Mowry, the father of our subject, was born in Allegheny
county, and there passed his childhood and youth. He bought from his
grandfather, Mr. Woodford, the latter's farm, a place consisting of about
fifty acres, and from time to time kept adding to this until at the present
time he owns a property of some one hundred and thirty-four acres. The
property is a very valuable one, as under it runs the great Pittsburgh vein
of coal. He lives now in retirement from active business, but is none the
less an active member of his community. He is a member of the Republican
party, and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, as were his parents before,him. At the time he was growing to
manhood, there was in the same locality, growing to womanhood, a Miss
Goodrich, whose parents were also early residents of Jefferson township.
John and Mary Goodrich had moved thither in their youth, and there lived
until after the marriage of their daughter, Miss Mary Goodrich. Then they
moved to the neighborhood of Morgantown, West Virginia, where Mr.
Goodrich died in 1907, whereupon his wife returned to her old home in
Allegheny county, and now lives with her daughter. This daughter, Miss
Mary Goodrich, was married to Mr. John N. Mowry, and now lives with
her husband on his farm. She was one of her parents' eight children, who
were as follows: John, died in the west; George, now a farmer of Colorado;WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Edward, a merchant of West Virginia; Mary, the mother of our subject;
Ann, now Mrs. Snyder Mowry, of Jefferson township, Allegheny county;
Rose, now Mrs. Albert Everly, of West Virginia; Louise, now Mrs.
Clark Raber, also of West Virginia, and Ella, died as a young girl.
To Mr. and Mrs. John N. Mowry there have been born seven children, as follows:  Howard G., the subject of this sketch; Charles, a
farmer, residing on the old Mowry homestead; Mabel, deceased, was Mrs.
R. Malcolm Heath, of Fairhaven, Pennsylvania; John a farmer of Mifflin
township, Pennsylvania; Rose, now Mrs. Samuel Hall, of Jefferson township; Sarah, now Mrs. William Stilley, also of Jefferson township, and
Frank, who resides at home with his parents.
Howard G. Mowry, the eldest child of John N. and Mary E. (Goodrich) Mowry, was born August 9, I875, in Jefferson township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania. He received the elementary portion of his education
in the local public schools, which he attended until his eighteenth year. Having completed the courses which they had to offer, he then enrolled at the
old Duquesne College, later taking up teaching as a profession, and continued it for a period of two years, when he decided to take a course in the
California State Normal School, to further perfect himself in his subject.
He graduated from this institution in I898, and continued his teaching for
another two years. In the spring of I9oo, however, he quit his profession
and, coming to Homestead, entered the employ of the Carnegie Steel Company, his work being in the Howard Axle Works. Mr. Mowry has remained in this service ever since, rapidly rising in position from recorder to
pay clerk, and is now the assistant to the chief clerk, Mr. Irwin. Besides
his duties in the Carnegie Company Mr. Mowry is interested in Homestead
real estate, and is now a considerable owner, his property including three
apartment houses in the city. He has made his home in West Homestead
since coming to this city. Mr. Mowry does not by any means confine his
energies to his business or personal affairs. He takes, on the contrary, a
keen interest in the affairs of the community, and plays an active part therein.
He is a member of the Republican party, and has entered to a large extent
into local politics, and has served on the school board of West Homestead.
Mr. Mowry was married, October Io, I9oo, to Miss Iva Whitehill, a
native of Edenburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, where she was born
May 8, I88I. Mrs. Mowry is a descendant of Scotch ancestry on her
father's side, her paternal great-grandfather being James Whitehill, a native
of Scotland, who came in the very early days to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and there settled. The Whitehill family continued to live in Lancaster county for many years after their first settlement there, and James
Whitehill's son, Samuel Milliken Whitehill, was there born and became a
large land owner in the neighborhood and successfully farmed his properties.
He finally died in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, at Old Edenburg. He was
married to Miss Julia Thompson, and their son, John Preston Whitehill, is
the father of Mrs. Mowry. He was married to Miss May Lightner, a
daughter of John and Sarah (Long) Lightner, also early residents ofIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA                            997
Clarion county. Mr. Lightner enlisted for service in the Union army during
the Civil War, but after leaving was never heard from, and it is presumed
that he was killed in the early part of that historic struggle. Mrs. Lightner
was a second time married to Mr. Alex. Black, and is now a second time a
widow, residing in Center county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mowry's parents
were both born in Clarion county, he on August 5, I850, and she on May
27, 1859. There, too, they grew up and were married, and their children
born to them. Of these there were four, as follows: Samuel Milliken, Jr.,
now an oil contractor of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Iva, now Mrs. Mowry;
Earl Preston, engaged in the oil business at Wetumka, Oklahoma; and
Marie, who lives with her parents. Mr. Whitehill was an old time Pennsylvania oil man, and in I9o02 moved out to Chelsea, Oklahoma, and continued
his oil operations there.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mowry have been born two children: Kenneth
Whitehill, April I2, Igo7; and Helen Marie, July 24, I91. Mr. and Mrs.
Mowry are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in that persuasion are rearing their children.
The Duff family, whose present representative is Cyrus Bryson
DUFF  Duff, of Wilkinsburg, trace their ancestry to Ireland, from
whence they removed to Scotland, and from there numerous.
members found their way to the United States, a large number settling in
the state of Pennsylvania.
James Duff, grandfather of Cyrus B. Duff, in early life was engaged
in packing salt from Baltimore, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and
subsequently purchased the land on which Cyrus B. Duff now resides, at a
sheriff's sale, and later ascertained that the place had never been patented,
after which he secured the patent for it, the place consisting of eighty-four
acres. During the summer months he devoted his attention to the cultivation of his farm, and the remainder of the year he packed across the mountains, that being one of the principal occupations of that time. His wife,
Katherine (Fisc,her) Duff, bore him seven children: James, William, Isabelle, Mary, Katherine, Ann, and a son whose name is not known.
James Duff, father of Cyrus B. Duff, was born on the farm in Penn
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on which his son, Cyrus B.
Duff, now resides. His chief occupation was farming, conducting his
operations on the abovementioned farm, and in this way he provided a
comfortable,home for his family. He served as school director, supervisor,
and justice of the peace, in the latter capacity performing the marriage
ceremony for many persons in Penn township. He married Betsy McClurkin, born in what is now Unity, Plumb township, Pennsylvania, and they
were the parents of two children: Catherine Ann; and Cyrus Bryson, of
whom further.
Cyrus Bryson Duff was born on the farm whereon he now resides, inll
Penn township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, April ii, 1848. His early
education was acquired in the township schools, and later he pursued a5WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
bakers of Philadelphia. Rosana (Bloom) Bowers was born in Center
county, Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and as Mrs. Bowers was very
prominent in Philadelphia, and during the Jackson campaign she superintended several great feasts prepared by his adherents. At one of these
was served an immense bear, as the "piece de resistance," roasted whole,
another time a buffalo was furnished to the crowd, and at a third gathering a large ox was roasted for the entertainment of the enthusiastic democracy. John and Rosana (Bloom) Bowers had children: Eliza, married
John English, John, died young, George, Samuel, Christian, Susanna, John
(3), Andrew. Children of John and Eliza (Bowers) English:  Samuel
John, served in the Civil War; Andrew Bowers, of further mention;
Alexander, served four years in the Union army; Elizabeth McLane, John
Bowers, Samuel, Hugh Craig, Mary Jane, James Thompson, Margaret
Logan, Sarah Bell, Matilda Stanton.
(III) Andrew Bowers English, son of John and Eliza (Bowers) English, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in I839, and was brought to
Pittsburgh North Side (Allegheny City) by his parents, May 4, I843. He
could read even at that early age, and for the next four years was instructed in the public schools. He continued his studies in the country
schools and at an older age read medicine with a local doctor, intending to
become a physician. In I862-63-64 he taught in public schools and also
taught singing schools. At the age of twenty-eight years he established a
general store at Five Points, near Mars, Pennsylvania, which business three
years later he sold to his brother, Hugh Craig English. After his marriage
in I87I he purchased a farm of seventy-two acres near Mars, on which
he yet resides. After farming exclusively for a few years, he began practicing as a veterinarian, the medical study of former years having been
supplemented by study and by practice in a small way on his own and neighbors' stock. He became quite famous locally as a horse and cattle doctor,
and until quite recently conducted practice in connection with his farming
operations. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
since his youth, and in political faith is a Republican. He has held several
public offices in the township, including that of auditor, and although now
in his seventy-sixth year is well preserved, active and interested in all the
affairs of life.
Mr. English married, March 2, I87I, Lizzie, youngest daughter of
Judge Samuel Marshall. She died June 6, I888, the mother of five children: Daisy Deane, Walter Barr, Margaret Logan, Eliza Bowers, deceased, and Hamilton Crawford. After the death of his wife the parents
of Mr. English returned from Butler county and under the loving care of
their grandmother the children were reared. They yet reside with their
honored father, there being but two vacant places in the family circle.
the mother and daughter, Eliza Bowers English, who died in I888.
5327               01'
vWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
course in Shaffer's Business College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He then
returned to the homestead farm, where he at first gave his attention to
the raising of grain and hay, and later engaged in the raising of general
garden produce, continuing along this line up to the present time (I914).
In former years considerable coal was taken out of his property, this adding
considerably to his income therefrom, and there is still some of that necessary
article there, although the supply is constantly diminishing. Mr. Duff was
reared in the faith of the United Presbyterian church, and at the present
time he and his family hold membership in the Hebron United Presbyterian
Church. He is a man of honor and integrity, active in community affairs,
respected and esteemed by all with whom he is brought in contact.
Mr. Duff married, January 14, I874, Margaret Ellen McNary, born in
Snowden township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 2, I846, daughter of William Hill and Elizabeth (Holmes) McNary, who were the parents
of five children, all of whom are now living but John A., namely: Dorcas
Wells, Margaret Ellen, abovementioned, Harriet Jane, Anna Weyman,
John A. McNary. William Hill McNary was born in Harrison county,
Ohio, son of Alexander and Margaret (Pollock) McNary, both born
(probably) in Harrison county, Ohio, the former named having been a
farmer, and the father of Alexander McNary was John McNary, who
~served in the Revolutionary War. Children of Alexander McNary and
wife: Joseph, Alexander, James, John, William Hill, Ellen. Elizabeth
(Holmes) McNary was born in Snowden township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, only child of John and Elizabeth (Estep) Holmes, of Union
township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, early settlers of that section,
and granddaughter of Abraham Holmes, who served as a colonel in the
Revolutionary War. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Duff: Daisy Lloyd, born
July 8, 1878; Bessie Trax, born April 7, I88o.
The Moore family of Picairn, although their residence in the
MOORE  Keystone State has not been of long duration, ranks among
the honored families, the members thereof being noted for
integrity and honorable character.
Samuel Moore, father of Alpheus W. Moore, was born in Harrison
county, Ohio, died in Hardin county, same state, where he spent his last
years, and where he erected a substantial residence. In early life he
learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed, in connection with contracting, for a number of years, was also a millwright, and conducted farming operations on a small scale, being the owner of a forty acre farm which
yielded good harvests. He displayed his patriotism by enlisting in the
Civil War, serving from I862 to I865, two enlistments, first in the Sixtyfirst Ohio Regiment, and later in a regiment that consolidated with the
Sixty-first. He was a member of the United Brethren church, and a man
of influence in the community. He married Margaret E. Mause, born in
Allen county, Ohio, daughter of Nicholas Mause, a native of Pennsylvania,
from whence he removed to Ohio and located there, between the yearsWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I830 and I840, he being a farmer by occupation.  The mother of MIr.
Mause was known as "Aunt Peggie," and she lived to be ninety-six years
of age. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the parents of four children: Mary E.,
a resident of Massillon, Ohio; Peter N., a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
George W., a farmer on the old homestead near Alger, Ohio; Alpheus W.,
of whom further.
Alpheus W. Moore was born in Westminster, Allen county, Ohio, December I5, I866. His early education was obtained in the schools adjacent
to his home, and this was supplemented by attendance at the township
school near Alger, where he completed his studies. His first work was
done on his father's farm, and later he learned the trade of carpenter under
his father's supervision. He also commenced the study of telegraphy, but
finally abandoned this, it not being to his liking., In 1887 he accepted a
position as brakeman with the Lake Erie  Western railroad, and so continued for some time, resigning in order to engage in the carpenter work.
Later he again took up agricultural pursuits, but after a short period of
time returned to railroading, accepting a position as brakeman on the Pan
Handle railroad, running between Pittsburgh and Denison. In the following year (I890) he became a brakeman on-the Pittsburgh division, in 1892
filled a similar position in the Pitcairn yards, became crippled in I893, but
still (I914) serves as brakeman on a transfer shifter. His active career has
heen varied, but in all his labor he has served his employers well, performing the duties assigned to him in a conscientious manner that has won the
approval of his superiors. Mr. Moore is a member of the United Brethren
church, Lodge No. 993, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Encampment
No. 122, Canton No. II, and Rebekah Lodge, No. 2IT, and of the latter
also his wife; Pennsylvania Railway Relief Association, and the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. His political affiliation is with the Washington
party.
Mr. Moore married, October 28, I890, Jennie Gibbons, of Jira, England,
who came to the United States at the age of seventeen years. Her father,
Peter Gibbons, was a native of England, as was also his wife, Ann (Steel)
Gibbons, a descendant of a Scotch ancestry. Peter Gibbons came to the
United States twice, the first time in I873, when his daughter, Jeanne C.,
was three years of age. They were the parents of one other daughter, Mary.
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Moore: Margaret E.; Howard Samuel; Clyde
A.; Lorian LaMont; Sarah Olympia; an infant son, born December I, I899,
died December i8, I899; Reua May; Edith F.
Patrick William Feeney, of Wall, Pennsylvania, although of
FEENEY English birth, descends from Irish ancestors long seated in
county Mayo, where Patrick Feeney lived and died, leaving
a son, John.
(II) John Feeney, born in County Mayo, Ireland, there grew to manhood. He resided in Wilberhampton, England, and there married. In
I858 he came to the United States, settling in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where
999WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Donegal, Ireland, died in Mount Vernon, Ohio, not long after their arrival
there, having contracted ship fever on the passage across the Atlantic. She
left two children: Margaret, married James Tobin, and resides in Genesee,
Idaho, and Patrick William, of further mention. John Feeney married
(second) Mrs. Eliza (Williams) Noonan, of Newark, Licking county, Ohio.
After his second marriage Mr. Feeney moved to Newark, where he was
engaged in the retail coal business until his death. His widow yet survives
him, a resident of Newark, Ohio. Children by second marriage: John,
a tailor; Ann, married (first) Lucius Sullivan, and (second) Dennis Welsh.
Mrs. Patrick Burns Feeney, mother of Patrick William, was one of the
twenty-four children of her father, who had three wives; of these children,
twenty-one were sons, one of the daughters of one of the sons, Mrs. Katherine Hawk, still survives, one of her sons being a priest of the Roman
Catholic church.
(III) Patrick William, only son of John Feeney and his first wife,
Catherine Burns, was born in Wilberhampton, England, March I2, I854,
and when four years of age was brought to the United' States by his parents.
He was soon afterward left motherless, and after his father's second marriage was taken to Newark, Ohio, where he was educated. In I877 he
began working on the Pan Handle railroad as brakeman, but continued his
residence in Newark. In I879 he was promoted to conductor, and until
I907 held that position, ranking high in efficient, faithful service. In that
year he unfortunately met with an accident while crossing a railroad track,
the accident costing him a leg. After his recovery he returned to the railroad as train baggage master, his present run being from Pittsburgh to
Columbus, Ohio. He was appointed to his present position December 9,
I907, just twenty-eight years to a day from the date of his promotion to the
position of conductor. He is a member, with his family, of St. Aloysius
Roman Catholic Church, Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, and belongs to the
Brotherhood of Railway Conductors. Since T896 he has resided in the
borough of Wall, where for six years he served as a member of the borough
council.
Mr.. Feeney married, November 20, I883, Mary Ann Doyle. Children:
John Michael, Edward Francis, Leo Joseph, Thomas Ambrose, Margaret
Mary, Charles Leonard, Andrew Paul, deceased; William George.
We are indebted to the countries of the Old World for a
ZISCHKAU number of our patriotic and public-spirited citizens, and
to Germany in particular, from whence came the father of
Philip George Zischkau, of whom this article treats.
George Zischkau, the emigrant, was born in the portion of Poland that
belongs to Germany, was reared and educated in his native place, and after
his marriage to Christina Michel, a native of Germany, emigrated to the
United States, accompanied by his wife, and located in Millvale, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the butcher business, having a
stand in the Thirteenth Ward Market, which he successfully conducted
ioooWESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
until I856, when he removed to Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and established a butcher business which he conducted up to the time of his death in
the year I874. Mr. and Mrs. Zischkau were the parents of six childrenthree sons and two daughters, who attained years of maturity; and one child
that died in early life. Their living children are: Henry, Anna, Philip
George, Mary, Oscar.
Philip George Zischkau was born in Millvale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 24, I857. His educational advantages were limited, he
leaving the public schools in early boyhood in order to assist his father in
the butcher business, with which he became thoroughly familiar, and when
he started upon his own business career he followed the same line. After
the death of his father, his mother and her sons continued in business together, operating a general store and meat business at Port Perry and also
a meat business at Turtle Creek, running a line of meat wagons throughout
that section of the state. Later one of the sons engaged in business on his
own account, and when the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad was built they had
to dispose of their general store and meat market at Port Perry as the site
was needed for that purpose, but they continued in the meat business until
the death of the mother, when the business was disposed of. Philip G.
Zischkau then engaged in the concrete construction work, which he has
continued to the present time (I9I4), and is also actively interested in the
real estate business. He ranks among the representative business men of
Turtle Creek, highly esteemed for his many excellent characteristics. He
is active in local affairs, having served as a councilman and member of the
school board of Turtle Creek, and he is a member of Valley Lodge, No.
6I3, Free and Accepted Masons; Valley Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and
Askalon Commandery, Knights Templar. His family are members of the
Lutheran church.
Mr. Zischkau married, in I877, Helen B. Ament. Children: Charles,
Oscar, George, Joseph, Gertrude, Frank, Philip, Marie, Anna, Elmer. The
family occupy a prominent place in the social life of their home town, and
their home is noted for hospitality.
The Chamberlain family, resident in Turtle Creek,
CHAMBERLAIN  Pennsylvania, where they are well and favorably
It       known, is of French origin, in which country the
members of the branch here represented were wealthy and influential, being
the owners of considerable property, including mills, which were confiscated
by the authorities of France.
Jules Chamberlain, father of Ralph Chamberlain, was a native of
France, son of Saturne Chamberlain, also a native of France, who followed
agricultural pursuits. Jules Chamberlain acquired a practical education it
the schools of his native land, after which he entered the coal mines and in
due course of time became thoroughly competent in that line of work
Being of the opinion that the United States possessed greater possibilities
for advancement than France, he left his home town in the year I890o and
upon hi- arrival here settled in Turtle Creek. Pennsylvania, where he and
IOOIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
his wife still reside. He married Valeria Polg, also a native of France,
daughter of a wealthy resident of France who served in the capacity of
judge. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are the parents of three children:  I.
Gabriella, wife of Morris Faber, and mother of three children: Gabriel,
Martha, Marshall. 2. Emile, a molder by trade; married Frances Kuth;
children: Emile, Rose and Ralph, twins; George, Matilda, Martha, and
Eleanor and Charles, deceased. 3. Ralph, of whom further.
Ralph Chamberlain was born in France, February 26, I883. He accompanied his parents to this country, being then seven years of age, and has
spent the greater part of his life in Turtle Creek, where his parents settled,
attending the common schools, and later learning the trade of confectioner,
being engaged in that line of business since I9o4, in which he has been
highly successful, and in addition to this he is actively interested in the pool
business, from which he derives a comfortable income. He is enterprising
and energetic, progressive and active, and therefore merits the success
which has attended his well directed efforts. In political belief he is independent.
Mr. Chamberlain married, March 22, 1905, Nellie Patterson, daughter
of John and Jean Patterson. Children: Ralph, Jr.; Margaret, deceased;
Thelma; Helen, deceased; Roy; Clyde; Alvin. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain
enjoy the respect of all with whom they are associated.
Nearly a century ago John Gamble came to Western PennGAMBLE sylvania, settling in Allegheny county, where prior to I830
he bought a farm in what is now Forward township. There
the present representative of the family, Hezekiah D. Gamble, now lives
and there he and his father were born.
John Gamble bought his farm of two hundred and twenty acres when it
was virgin forest, and his after life was devoted to clearing and improving
his purchase. He erected good buildings and lived to see the greater part of
it yielding bountiful crops. He was a justice of the peace for many years,
and as "Squire" Gamble was widely known and a terror to evildoers. Both
he and his wife Sarah were members of the Presbyterian church. Children:
James, John, Oliver, Hiram, of further mention; Harvey, Sarah, Mary.
(II) Hiram, son of John and Sarah Gamble, was born at the Forward
township homestead, and there died in I898, aged seventy-three years. He
aided in its clearing and cultivation as his father's assistant, and at' the
death of the latter inherited the property. He remodeled and enlarged the
buildings and greatly improved the property, which was ever his home and
chief interest. He is buried at Round Hill Cemetery, with his wife, who was
a member of Round Hill Presbyterian Church. He married Jane Torrence,
who died in I884, aged fifty-two years, daughter of John Torrence and his
wife, Mary Powers, old residents of Elizabeth township, Allegheny county,
where both died. John Torrence was a farmer, and both are buried in
Round Hill Cemetery. Children of Hiram and Mary Jane Gamble: I.
Hezekiah Douthitt, of further mention. 2. Power Torrence, an agent and
collector of Avalon. 3. Elliott A., died in the west. 4. Oliver Perry, now
I002I
IpqLiWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
residing on the west half of the old homestead farm. 5. Mary, died in
youthful womanhood. 6. A child died unnamed.
(III) Hezekiah Douthitt, eldest son of Hiram and Mary Jane (Torrence) Gamble, was born on the homestead farm in Forward township,
Allegheny county, now his home, July 2I, 1853.  He was educated in
Pleasant View public school, and from boyhood aided his father in the
cultivation of the home farm and for several years was its manager. Later
he became owner of one hundred and ten acres of the homestead, and there
still resides, engaged in general farming operations. He is a supporter of
the Prohibition party and steadfastly supports its nominees.
Mr. Gamble married, in I907, Mrs. Mary Lizzie (Brawley) Hickman,
daughter of John and Martha (James) Brawley, of Athens county, Ohio,
and widow of'Daniel Hickman, of Coal Run, Washington county, Ohio.
John Brawley is a farmer of Athens county, and both he and his wife
(Martha James) descend from old Ohio families. Mrs. Brawley died in
June, I9I2. By her first husband Mrs. Gamble has three children: Hattie;
Major Dewey, died in August, I912; and Charles.
The record of this family, whose name was spelled Curth or
CORT  Kurth in Germany, the homeland, and Kort or Cort in America,
begins in America with the emigration of John Yost Kurth. He
was a son of John and Elizabeth Curth, of Biedenbach, province of Westphalia, Prussia, Germany, in which locality many bearing the name now live.
It is believed that the family is of French origin and that members thereof,
either Protestants or Reformed church believers, sought shelter in the
western provinces of Germany, others finding refuge in Great Britain and
Holland.
(II) John Yost Kurth was born in Biedenbach, province of Westphalia, Prussia, November i6, I737, and was baptized November 24 of that
year, his sponsor being John Yost Hofer, assistant judge of the parishes of
Ferndorf and Crombach. He came to America in the year that he attained
man's estate, I758, the reason for his emigration probably being the desire.
to escape conscription for military service. Either on the voyage or shortly
before or after that event, he became acquainted with Dr. David Marchand,
a Huguenot surgeon of the French army, whose fortunes were closely
intricated with those of John Yost Kurth thereafter, the two men marrying
sisters. They resided for a time in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, then
moved to Washington county, Maryland, in which place there was a considerable settlement of German Reformed people as early as I746, the
pioneer Reformed church preacher, Martin Schlatter, ministering to them
soon after his arrival in that year as superintendent of German Reformed
congregations in America. John Yost Kurth, accompanied by Dr. Marchand, moved thence to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and settled at
Port Royal, near West Newton, soon making his home upon a large farm,
about two miles south of Adamsburg, where he and his wife resided until
death. John Yost Kurth was in charge of Fort Marchand during the
I003WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Indian wars, that place serving as an asylum for the women and children
when the savages were troublesome, the fort being located several miles
from the Kurth homestead. John Yost Kurth was noted for his piety and
integrity, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He died November 22,
I827, his wife, Margaret (Kemerer) Kurth, born near Hagerstown, Maryland, in 175I, dying the following year, I828. Children of John Yost and
Elizabeth (Kemerer) Kurth (the name hereafter will be spelled Cort, in
deference to the usage of the line following): I. Frederick, married and
moved to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he died in I85o, aged eightytwo years, the father of two sons and four daughters. 2. Susannah, married
Michael Kunkle, and had numerous children, most of whom settled in the
west. 3. Catherine, married John Baughman, many of his descendants living
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 4. Hannah, married John Knappenberger, her children making their homes in Westmoreland county. 5.
Elizabeth, married Leonard Croninger, their descendants living in the west.
6. Joseph, married a cousin, a Miss Gross, and after occupying a part of
the homestead for many years moved to the vicinity of Quincy, Illinois,
where his children remained. 7. Daniel, of whom further.
(III) Daniel Cort, son of John Yost and Elizabeth (Kremerer) Kurth,
was born at Port Royal, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 5,
1780, died at West Newton, in the same county, May I, I859. After his
marriage he resided on a part of the old homestead until October, I854,
then moved to West Newton, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his death.
Both he and his wife are buried in the cemetery on the bank of the
Youghiogheny river. He married, October 4, I803, Elizabeth, born in
Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, April I5,
I786, died March ii, I860, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Miller)
Turney (more correctly spelled Dorney). The Dorneys, doubtless Huguenots, emigrated from Holland to eastern Pennsylvania. Daniel Dorney was
born in I750, his wife in I759, and after their marriage they moved to
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, locating near Hannastown, his death
occurring in I8o2, Margaret (Miller) Dorney dying in Kittanning, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, in I829. Children of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Dorney) Cort: I. Margaret, born July 24, 1804, married Jacob Baughman, and had thirteen children, one of their sons, William, moving to Iowa
and becoming a member of the legislature of that state; another, Henry,
a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, being wounded in the
battle of Fair Oaks and dying from the effects of his injuries three years
after the cessation of hostilities. 2. Joseph, born November 3, I805, married
Mary Skelly, her father, William, a soldier of the War of I812, her maternal
grandfather, Jacob Byerly, a soldier of the Continental army in the Revolutionary War; Joseph Cort was a merchant and farmer and for several years
owner of the Pennsylvania Argus, published in Greensburg, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania; one of his sons is Cyrus, a well-known author and
divine of the Reformed church, and in 1895 chaplain of the Delaware state
senate. 3. Hannah, born July 25, 1807, married (first) George Byerly;
1004WESTERN  PENNSYLVANIA                           Ioo005
(second) Samuel Zimmerman. 4. Jacob, born September 2, I809, married
Jane Mary Carson, and died October I3, 1855. 5. Simon, born November 8,
i8II, died in California in March, I907; married Sophia Hardin; he was one
of the founders of the Presbyterian church in the Rocky mountains; first
elder of the first congregation in Denver, Colorado; helped in the organization
of the first Presbyterian Synod; was several times delegate to the general assembly; his daughter, Mary Lavina, one of his thirteen children, was missionary helper and teacher in the Presbyterian Mission School at Petchaburi,
Siam, for seventeen years, during which time she gained a complete mastery
of the vernacular and wrote a number of valuable books on the country. 6.
Daniel, born November I, I813, married Sarah Buchman; he was founder
of the town of Zwingle and father of the Reformed church in that place.
As a member of the Iowa legislature he played a' prominent part in the
suppression of legislation in favor of the railroads, whereby charters for
operation for all time, at a fixed and nominal rate of taxation, would have
been granted to four trunk lines. 7. Eliza, born December 5, I8I5, married John W. Marshall, and had seven children. 8. Lavina, born October
28, I817, married James Marsh, and died in October, I857, the mother of
four children. 9. Catherine, born February I3, I820, died May 23, 1887;
married Lewis Kline. io. Albert, born April I5, I882, died at Zwingle,
Dubuque county, Iowa, December I8, I898; married Maria Eisamen, and
had ten children.  II. Rev. Lucian, of whom  further.  I2. John, born
March 5, I826, died unmarried September 27, I85I, from accidental injuries. I3. Lucetta, born October 26, I828, married George Plummer, and
is living in West Newton, Pennsylvania. I4. Amanda, born June I5, I832,
married James F. McQuaid.
(IV) Rev. Lucian Cort, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Dorney) Cort,
was born at Adamsburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April I8,
I824. After his ordination to the ministry of the Reformed church he was
for a time located at Harmony, Pennsylvania, later devoting his time and
talents to educational work. He was a gentleman of broad culture and
found the latter field most congenial and enjoyable, being at different times
connected in official capacity with some of the leading institutions of higher
learning in the state. At one time Rev. Cort filled the chair of mathematics
in a college in Dubuque, Iowa, and upon his return to the east conceived
and brought into being Clarion Collegiate Institute, at Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, of which he was the owner for several years. A natural teacher
and an instructor of force and power, he reserved for himself a place upon
the faculty of this institution, and by this relation to the student body
gained an insight into and a sympathy with undergraduate life and problems invaluable to him in maintaining the spirit of co-operation and the
oneness of purpose that must exist between teachers and pupils for a successful school. After severing his connection with this institution, Rev. Cort
became superintendent of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, in Quakertown,
Pennsylvania, then went to Allentown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania., where
he was connected with the Allentown Female Seminary, and subsequentlyWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(II) William James Longmore, son of James and Jessie (Blackstock)
Longmore, was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
November I8, I86o, and there lived until he was eleven years of age. His
education was obtained in the public schools of Allegheny City and Bellevue, in which latter place he has resided since 1872. For the past thirtythree years Mr. Longmore has been connected with the Westinghouse
Electric and Manufacturing Company, his present position in the employ
of that concern being as general purchasing agent. He has served this
great company in that capacity since I892, and during the twenty-two
years that have elapsed since his appointment to his important station has
filled his position with conspicuous ability. Mr. Longmore is devoted to
the interests of his company, a fidelity that reaches above the satisfactory
discharge of his daily duties and works for and delights in the supremacy
of the Westinghouse Company in its wide field. In I889 Mr. Longmore
built a handsome residence at No. 79 North Sprague avenue, Bellevue.
He is a loyal Republican, and as such has been elected to the highest
offices within the gift of his fellow  citizens, serving on the borough
council for six years, and from I9OI to 1903 filling the position of burgess.
To this latter office he was again elected without opposition at the election
in I9I4, and assumed the duties of the office, with which he is familiar
through his former service, on January I, 1914. With his wife, he was
a member of the Avalon United Presbyterian Church. Progressiveness
and public spirit are the attributes that have characterized Mr. Longmore's
relation to the Bellevue community, and in the offices to which he has
been called he has exercised the executive force and power that have
made him valuable to the Westinghouse Company, with the same happy
results.
He married, in I888, Emma C. Scheidemantel, born in Pittsburgh,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, died May 2I, I9I4, daughter of George
and Magdalena Scheidemantel, early settlers of Pittsburgh. Children of
William  James and Emma C. Longmore:  I. William  James Jr., born
August 4, I89o, died October 21, I9I3. 2. Charles W., born May 5, I896,
a student in Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
John P. McWilliams is a member of a family of
McWILLIAMS Irish descent, which has, however, lived in the western part of the State of Pennsylvania since the old
pioneer days and became identified with the life and traditions of the
region. His father was Alexander McWilliams, a native of Ireland, who
came as a boy from that country to the United States, and went directly
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he settled and made his home. The
city of Pittsburgh was at that time little more than a marsh and Mr.
McWilliams, Sr., made his home in a log cabin situated on what is now
Fifth avenue. He learned the trade of stone mason and was one of
those who worked upon the construction of the first bridge piers ever
575WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
became identified with Juniata Collegiate Institute, at Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. After selling this institute he founded the Greensburg Seminary,
at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, retaining his interest in that institution until
his retirement from active life. He died at Scottdale, Pennsylvania, aged
eighty-four years. Rev. Cort was a minister of sincere and earnest convictions, a preacher easy and convincing in expression, and an educator who
held true to the highest aims of education, striving not only to fill the minds
of the students in his care with learning, but endeavoring to teach them to
think and live to noble ends.
He married (first). He married (second)
Harriet Scott, born at Scotts Mills, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He
married (third) Mrs. Sabina Ochs, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania.
Children of his second marriage: I. Monica, married J. D. Evans, deceased,
and lives in Scottdale, Pennsylvania. 2. John Calvin, of whom further.
Children of his third marriage: 3. Hulda, married 0. R. Snyder, Esq.,
and resides in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 4. Nevin A., an attorney, of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, his home being in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. 5. Ada, married Joseph Mcllvaine, and lives in Scottdale, Pennsylvania.
(V) Dr. John Calvin Cort, son of Rev. Lucian and Harriet (Scott)
Cort, was born in Rimersburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, September 8,
I86o. He was educated in the Greensburg Seminary, of which his father was
the founder and owner, and subsequently became assistant principal and
professor of mathematics and languages. His studies for the medical profession were begun in the office of Dr. J. W. Anawalt and completed in the
medical department of the University of Maryland, whence he was graduated March 17, 1885. For two years subsequent to his graduation he was
in practice in Salisbury, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, then in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, for a like time, subsequently moving to Butler county,
where he remained in pursuit of his profession until I902. In that year he
became one of the first settlers in Clairton, Allegheny county, and the growth
of that place has measured the steady and vigorous increase in his professional activity. He is now a member of the Clairton Board of Health,
and formerly held membership in the Pennsylvania State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. In Westmoreland and Butler counties he belonged to the local medical societies, and while a resident of Evans
City, in the latter county, he was for ten years surgeon for the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad. His prestige in medical circles is based on firmer foundations than his popularity, on certain knowledge and extensive experience.
He is a Republican in political sympathy, and served two terms as a member
of the Clairton School Board, being president of that body at the time of
the building of the splendid and finely equipped high school building. Dr.
Cort is familiar with educational methods and systems and advised wisely
and led with confident assurance the movement for an increasingly better
school system in the town.
Dr. Cort married, April 2, I890o, Lydia R., daughter of Captain Austin
G. and Harriet (Robinson) Lynch, granddaughter of Patrick Lynch, a
IOO 6WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
soldier in the American army in the War for Independence. Dr. and Mrs.
Cort are the parents of one son, Austin L., who received the degrees A. B.
and M. D. from the University of Pittsburgh, the former in I9II, the latter
in 1914, now an interne in the Allegheny General Hospital.
The name is spelled in a variety of forms, and is of ancient
PHILLIPS  and classical origin, being derived from the Greek "Philoshippos," or horse-lover.  In Wales and other parts of
Great Britain its use as a surname has continued for a long period, evidently for five hundred years, and perhaps much longer. Families and individuals of this name commenced to emigrate from the Old World at a very
early date in the history of this country, as early as I630, and even a little
earlier, and located at different points near the sea coast, more especially
in New England. From that time to the present they have continued to
multiply and spread, until they are now to be found in every state from
Maine to California. Pennsylvania has not remained without its full share
of those bearing the name of Phillips, but the exact date of their coming
is not known, nor where they first located.
(I) John Phillips was of Welsh descent, and came over the mountains
to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, many years ago. He settled on a farm
of one hundred acres in what was then Elizabeth township. This was
practically a wilderness at the time he acquired the land and he cleared a
portion of it, and erected a stone, house, Which is still occupied at the
present time. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church.
They are buried in Edmundson graveyard. They had children: John, of
further mention; Rebecca, married James Leech, and died on an adjoining
farm; Ezra, died on a farm near Newcastle, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania; Jane, married Abel Walker, and died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
(II) John (2) Phillips, son of John (I) Phillips, was born in I8II, and
died in T849. He bought out the others who were heirs to the homestead,
cleared more of it and died in the old stone house erected by his father.
He was a Whig in politics, a member of the Presbyterian church, and a
great and powerful advocate of temperance principles. He married Mary
Edmundson, born in I8I7, died in I89I. She was a daughter of William and
Jane (Muse) Edmundson, the former born in Eastern Pennsylvania, settling'in Glassport, Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, before his marriage.
He purchased one hundred acres of land and improved this, the ruins of a
log house still marking his place of residence. He and his wife were Presbyterians. They are buried in the Edmundson Cemetery near Glassport.
Their children were: Isaac, a tailor, who lived and died in McKeesport;
Sinclair, whose life was spent on a farm near Elizabeth; Hiram, died in
McKeesport, where he was a retired farmer; Caleb, a farmer, died in
Forward township; Jane, married Andrew McClure, died while living on
the McClure homestead; Rebecca, married Hugh Dougherty, and died in
Columbus, Indiana; Catherine, married Joel Peobles, and died at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; Mary, who married Mr. Phillips. Mr. and Mrs. Phil00oo7WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lips had children: Eliza Jane, who died unmarried in McKeesport; Franklin John, a retired grocer, living in McKeesport; Adeline, married Jerry
McGrew, who died in McKeesport; William Prosper, of further mention.
(III) William Prosper Phillips, son of John (2) and Mary (Edmundson) Phillips, was born in the old stone house on the Phillips homestead, in
Liberty borough, June 24, I849. The public schools of Elizabeth township
furnished his education, and his entire life has been spent on the homestead.
When he attained maturity he purchased all the interests of the others
heirs to this property. Later he sold a portion of it for building purposes,
there now being a number of small houses located on the original homestead, but he retained about sixty acres for his own use for general farming
purposes. He is a man of great business and executive ability and has
been prominently identified with numerous important enterprises. He was
one of the original stockholders of the Thirteenth Street Bridge, a toll
bridge, and was secretary of the board controlling it for many years. For
many years he has been an active worker in the interests of the Republican
party. He has been a member of the school board of Portvue borough, and
secretary of this body; a member of the council of the same borough; also
assessor. He owns property in Florida; in Chautauqua, New York; in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and in Portvue borough. The home place now
lies for the greater part in Liberty borough, which has only recently been
separated from Portvue. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
church, in which he has been an elder and trustee many years. For some
years he was a member of the Royal Arcanum, but no longer affiliates with
that body.
Mr. Phillips married, April Io, I872, Angeline, born near Newcastle,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Isaiah and Ann (Young) Johnston, an old
family of the state. They have had children: John Isaiah, died at the
age of one year; Ada M., married E. N. McMichael, and died in Portvue
borough, leaving children: Ethel Romaine and Helen May; Caleb H., was
killed in a street car wreck, was a street car motorman, lived in Youngstown, Ohio, married Laura Hughes, and left children: Blanche, Irene and
Edna Anna; Mary I., married Charles Sinn, a mierchant, lof Portvue
borough; Herbert, died at the age of seventeen years; Edna A., married
Robert Stevenson, has a son, Robert, and lives in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania;
Mabel Blanche, married D. M. Patterson; Viola Angeline, married Edgar
Patterson, lives in Liberty borough; Prosper Morrelle, and William Roy,
living with parents.
The family bearing the name of Sinn was resident in WuertemSINN berg, Germany, for many generations, and brought to this country the sterling qualities which had characterized their ancestors,
and made them worthy and esteemed citizens in the mother country.
John Sinn, born in Wuertemberg, Germany, February 6, I8o6, died in
Liberty borough, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in I89I.  He was married
in his native land, and in I867, with his wife, children and father-in-law,
IOO8WESTERN PENNSYIIVANIA
came to this country. He settled in what is now Liberty borough, but at
that time was known as Elizabeth township, and there he retired from,business after he had amassed a competence. He married Louise Freathover, born in Wuertemberg in I805, died in Liberty borough in I870. Both
were members of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Sinn was a daughter of Jacob
and Regina Freathover, both born in Wuertembeig. wherz the latter died
Mr. Freathover, at the age of eighty-stven years, came to this country witn:his son-in-law, Mr. Sinn, and his family, and died while living with his
son Michael, in Lincoln township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He had
children: Louise, who married Mr. Sinn; Johanna, married (first) Gottlieb
Schmidt, (second) a Mr. Heisterman, and died in Brownsville, Pennsylvania;
Caroline, married Gottlieb Spahr, and died in Germany; Christena, died in
Germany at the age of twenty years; Katherine, married Peter Gebhart, and
died in North Versailles township; John, a wagon maker, died in McKeesport; Michael, a nail maker by trade, but later a miner and farmer, died in
Lincoln township. Mr. and Mrs. Sinn had nine children, of whom three
died in infancy in Germany, the others being: Fredericka, married Christian
Glotz, and died at Portvue; John, a miner, died in North Versailles township; Louise, widow of Jacob Diehl, lives in Liberty borough; Caroline,
married Henry Lukhart, and died in McKeesport; Gottlieb, a miner and
farmer, died in Versailles township; Ludwig, of further mention.
Ludwig Sinn, son of John and Louise (Freathover) Sinn, was born in
Wuertemberg, Germany, December 13, I845. He received his education in
the public schools of his native country, coming to America in I867 with his
parents. For a period of nine years he was employed as a miner, then
rented a small farm and cultivated this for a time, and by his thrift and
frugality accumulated a small capital. He then, in partnership with his
brother Gottlieb, purchased two hundred and eleven acres of land in what
was then Elizabeth township, and commenced farming this. At the end of
two years his brother died, and Ludwig Sinn purchased his interests from
his heirs, and has been the sole proprietor of this farm since that time. He
sold a portion of the land, but still owns about one hundred and seventyfive acres. This is cultivated for general market produce, and he makes a
specialty of dairy farming. In I907 he built a fine dwelling house on
Liberty way, a paved road. He is a strong supporter of the Republican
party, and his religious affiliation is with the German Lutheran church, of
which he and his wife are members. He married, in T870, Maria Margarete
Charle, born in Wuertemberg, died in McKeesport, June 3, I907. She was
a daughter of Christopher and Margarete Charle, and came to America in
I868 with her widowed mother. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Sinn: Caroline,
married Godfrey Dannenhauer, and lives on her father's homestead;
Charles, a dairyman and merchant, living at Portvue; Lewis, a machinist,
living with his father; John, a carpenter, lives in McKeesport; Ernest, a
farmer on the homestead; William, employed in the tin mills, lives with his
father; Elizabeth, married Raymond Carr, lives in Liberty borough; Minnie,
unmarried, lives with her father.
(1009WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Collins family, well represented in the vicinity of Wil,COLLINS kinsburg, Pennsylvania, were originally French Huguenots,
drifting from France to Scotland, then to Ireland, from
whence they emigrated to this country in I640, locating in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania.
(I) Cornelius Collins, the first of the line here under consideration of
whom we have definite information, purchased a farm in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, in the year I756, located three miles from Quarryville, and
there resided until his death, in I778. He married Mary Speer, who was a
half-sister of the wife of James Buchanan, and among their children was
David, of whom further.
(II) David Collins, son of Cornelius Collins, was born in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, died in York'county, Pennsylvania. In addition to
operating a farm, he followed the trade of blacksmith, thereby providing a
comfortable living for his family. He served in what was called thi
"Light Horse Company" in the War of 1812, thus displaying his patriotic
spirit. He was a Republican in politics. He married Dorcas Neel, born in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Thomas Neel, who, with five
brothers, served in the Revolutionary War, two of the brothers being later
killed by Indians near Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Neel attained the rank of lieutenant, and at the battle of Germantown carried Captain Marshal, either dead or alive, on his back for a distance
of about a mile. He was a member of the Fifth Company of Colonel Watson's battalion. Some of his brothers were killed at the battle of Germantown. The Neel family located in York county, Pennsylvania, prior to the
Revolution, and many of their descendants reside in Mifflin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Thomas Neel was the father of twelve
children, Dorcas, abovementioned, being the sixth or seventh in order of
birth. The members of the Neel family were Democrats in politics.
(III) David (2) Collins, son of David (I) Collins, was born in York
county, Pennsylvania, April, I8o8. He attended the common schools in the
vicinity of his home, and in I835 had the first coal incline in this section of
the country, located opposite McKeesport, sending a portion of his coal to
New Orleans. In I850 he purchased a farm in Penn township, where the
family still resides, and this he operated successfully until his death in the
year I895. In his early life he learned the trade of stone mason, but this
not proving to his liking, he never worked at it, securing employment in the
mills. He was a self-made man, his success in life being the result of his
own unaided efforts, he possessing from the beginning a determination to
succeed. He was a Presbyterian in religion, and an Abolitionist in politics,
and during the Civil War served one term as county commissioner of Allegheny county. Mr. Collins married, in I836, Mary Manifold, of York county, Pennsylvania, granddaughter of Joseph Manifold and Major Alexander
Turner, both of whom were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and the
former named, after the war, returned to Duquesne, Pennsylvania, where
he married and where he spent the remainder of his life. Children of Mr.
iOIOWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and Mrs. Collins: I. Dorcas R., became the wife of James L. McDowell.
2. Elizabeth G., became the wife of Rev. James A. Marshall. 3. David H.,
enlisted his services in behalf of his country during the Civil War, was taken
sick, and shortly after his return home died as a result of that sickness. 4.
George W., also served in the Civil War, and died a prisoner in South
Carolina. 5. Cassius C., served during the Civil War; married Lyde Elder,
of Elders Ridge, Pennsylvania. 6. Joseph, enlisted in the Civil War at the
age of sixteen years and completed his term; married Leanore Shaffer;
died in Kansas City, July 7, I9I I. 7. Emma. 8. Ralph, resides on the home
farm, which he operates in conjunction with his brother, Robert A. 9. Helen
Manifold, now deceased, was the wife of S. M. Brinton. Io. Robert A.,
operates the home farm in conjunction with his brother, Ralph. Two other
children died in infancy. In addition to the four brothers abovenamed, who
served in the Civil War, they had twenty-nine first cousins who also
served in the same conflict.
The Duncan family is one of the foremost in Scotland, and
DUNCAN  is believed to be of ancient Norse origin. Before I700 the
family was well established in Forfarshire, Scotland. In
the Duncan family are held the earldoms of Camperdown, Gleneagles and
Lundie; the viscountcy of Duncan; the barony of Lundie, and many distinguished men of this family have lived in Scotland during the past few
centuries. In I86I the census showed that of the name Duncan twelve
thousand four hundred and sixty-seven persons lived in Scotland. In I890o
forty-one children of this name were born in Ireland, of whom twenty-five
were in the Scotch counties of Antrim and Tyrone. A branch of the family
went from Scotland to these counties in the North of Ireland as early as
I700.
(I) William Duncan, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, passed his entire
life there. He was the organizer and owner of a foundry, and achieved
prominence in his line of industry, being frequently consulted as an expert.
He married Jeannette Todd, born in the same city as her husband, and they
had children: Jean, who married Alexander MacAlpine, and died in Sandusky, Ohio; Mary, married Archibald Patterson, and died in Kansas;
James, a shipbuilder, died in Glasgow; William, a mechanic, died in Indianapolis, Indiana; George.
(II) George Duncan, son of William and Jeannette (Todd) Duncan,
was born in Scotland, and became an engineer in Glasgow for the Oriental
Gas Company of London. He had charge of numerous important works,
among them being the installation of gas works at Turin, Italy; Smyrna,
Asia Minor: and Calcutta, India. Upon the completion of the last named
piece of work he returned to Glasgow and was engaged in business independently for a period of three years. In I872 he came to America, settled in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and there became foreman of the machine shops
of the National Tube Works, which was then just starting on its magnificent career. This position Mr. Duncan held until his death on March I5,
1011.  t2WESTERN  PENNSYLVANIA
I884. iHe was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian
church, and of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Duncan married Mary MacCurdy, who married (second) John Hayne, of Braddock, and died April 4,
I902. She was a daughter of Robert MacCurdy, born in Duntoucher,
Renfrewshire, Scotland, who was a soldier in the British army, and the
father of Archibald, also-a soldier in the British army. Children of Mr. and
Mrs:. Duncan: George of further mention; Archibald, a mill superintendent,
lives in McKeesport; Cornelius, foreman in a machine shop, lives in McKeesport; James, superintendent of the Buttweld Mill, lives in McKeesport; Mary, died in girlhood.
(III) George (2) Duncan, son of George (I) and Mary (MacCurdy) Duncan, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, January 2I, I864. The
greater part of his school education'was acquired in the public schools of
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and upon its completion he was apprenticed in
the machine shops of the National Tube Works. He became successively
journeyman, foreman and superintendent of the Buttweld Mill, and in I9go
was made master mechanic and assistant general superintendent of the
tube mills, a responsible position he is still filling, having control of more than
four hundred and fifty men. In political matters, he is a Republican, and a
member of the Central Presbyterian Church. He is a thirty-second degree
Mason, a member of the Knights Templar, Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,
also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Youghiogheny Country Club. Mr. Duncan married, in I888, Anna, born in McKeesport, a daughter of Louis and Margaret Held, and they have one
daughter, Annie Sinclair, has attended the McKeesport High School.
The family of Kearney, well and favorably known in McKEARNEY Keesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and its vicinity,
is an old and honored one, and the members in the various
generations have well performed the responsible duties which have devolved
upon them.
(I) Edward C. Kearney, married and had children: James; David;
Edward C., of whom further; Emma, married James Malloy, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and one other.
(II) Dr. Edward C. (2) Kearney, son of Edward C. (I) Kearney,
was born in Monongahela City, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in I844,
and died in August, I903. Upon the completion of his studies in the
schools of his native city, he commenced the study of medicine under the
preceptorship of Dr. Stuckslager, of McKeesport, and then became a student
at the Cleveland Medical College, from which institution he was graduated
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then took a further course in
the Johns Hopkins College, from which he was also graduated. He commended the active practice of Ihis chosen profession in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, removing from there thence to, McKeesport, where he spent the
remainder of his life, about twenty years. He was a skillful practitioner,
won and held the esteem of his many patients,' as well as the confidence and
I012WESTERN PE.NNSYLVANIA....,good; will of his medical brethren.. He took an active part in public affairs,
his influence for good being felt in many directions,, was a prominent member of the First, Methodist Episcopal Church, and a staunch Democrat in
political opinion, serving his party on many occasions. He married Mary
Jane Stone,. living at the present time (1914) at No. I412 Manor avenue,
McKeesport. She is a daughter. of William Aylsbury and Mary Jane Stone,
he a native of England,. and after they came to Pittsburgh he engaged in the
coal business, being the first man to float coal to; New Orleans, and the
owner of five steamboats for that purpose. He amassed a considerable
fortune by this means. He died on the ocean while making a trip. to England, and his wife died at Dravosburg. They were the parents of six
children besides Mrs. Kearney: Joseph A., deceased.; George W., deceased;
William S., deceased; John W..; Thomas B., engaged in the hardwood lumber business in Cincinnati, Ohio; Elizabeth. Mr. Stone named his boats for
his children, and also named one, the "Coal Valley."'  Dr. and Mrs.
Kearney had children: Edward C., who married Alice. Hunter, of McKeesport, and had children: Edward C. -and Alice Louise; William Stone,
of further mention;. Charles E.......
(III) William Stone Kearney, son of Dr. Edward C. (2) and Mary
Jane (Stone) Kearney, was born in Stonesburg, Pennsylvania,. July 31,
I877. His earliest years were spent in the town of his birth and! he then
attended schools in McKeesport,; both grammar and'high school, and then
matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of I9o00, with degree of A. M. In the same year he was one
of the organizers of the Glassport Trust Company, was chosen cashier,
secretary and treasury of this corporation, and is still filling this responsible
office. He has a beautiful home at No. I4I2 Manor avenue, McKeesport.
He is a Democrat politically, and a member Qf the First Methodist Episcopal
Church. He married, November I4, I906, Mary Ann Griffiths, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of children:.Elizabeth Griffiths, Mary Jane, William Stone Jr.
The father anld grandfather of Alexander Wilson Douds, of
DOUDS' East McKeesport, Pennsylvania, were of Armstrong and
Washington county residence, the former born in that county,
at what is now Canonsburg, a borough of several thousand population, on
the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago  St. Louis Railroad, twenty-two miles
southwest of Pittsburgh.
There James Douds was born in I809, his wife, Eliza Johnson, was
born nearby in I8Io. After their marriage they moved to Armstrong county,
four miles from Saltsburg, but in Armstrong county, Saltsburg being in
Indiana county on the Kiskiminetas river, twenty-eight miles east from
Pittsburgh. There James Douds erected a shop and plied his trade of cooper
until life ended. Both he and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian church and he a Democrat. James Douds died in I86I, his wife surviving him one year. They had twelve children, three of whom died in.zJ0.1I3WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
infancy. The nine who lived to mature years are: I. Robert, a Union
veteran of the Civil War, now residing on his farm in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, aged seventy-eight years. 2. James, a comrade in arms of his
brother, was captured and confined in the Andersonville prison pen, succumbing there to the miseries of that inferno. 3. Rachel Ann, married
Thomas M. Waddell and died at Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. 4. Margaret
J., married W. M. Kuhns and died at Turtle Creek. 5. Sarah, married
Robert Sylves and died at Turtle Creek. 6. Samuel, also a veteran Union
soldier, died at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. 7. Joseph, a mill worker, died in
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 8. Alexander Wilson, of further mention. 9.
Mary, married Robert Painter and resides at Export, Pennsylvania.
Alexander Wilson Douds, son of James and Eliza (Johnson) Douds,
was born at the Armstrong county homestead of his parents, March I6,
I853. He attended the public schools in both Armstrong and Indiana counties and for.a few years in early manhood engaged in mining. In I88I he
entered the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad, continuing with that company for nine years, rising from brakeman to conductor. After leaving the
employ of the Pennsylvania, he was proprietor of a hotel at Turtle Creek
for two years, then became engaged as a contractor, a business which he
successfully conducted until I904, when he retired. After his retirement
he purchased a home in the borough of East McKeesport, where he now
resides. A Republican in politics, Mr. Douds served the borough of Turtle
Creek two years as collector of taxes and for three years was a member of
the borough council. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and both he and his wife
are communicants of the Lutheran church.
He married (first) in I879, Caroline Jenkner, born in Port Perry,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Barbara Jenkner.
Mrs. Douds died March 5, I899. Children: I. Stella, married Frank
Philips and resides in Cleveland, Ohio; children: Caroline, Franklin and
Alice May, the latter deceased. 2. George D., in railroad employ, residing
with his parents. 3. Rachel, married A. K. Roberts and resides at Turtle
Creek; children: Caroline and Homer. 4. May, married W. R. Kennedy
and resides in Turtle Creek. 5. Alexander, with the Westinghouse Air
Brake Company, residing with his parents.
Mr. Douds married (second) August I9, 1913, Mrs. Anna A. (Patterson) Farrell, a daughter of James and Abbie (Greer) Patterson, natives of
Westmoreland county.
James Evans, ancestor of Oliver Evans, of McKeesport, PennEVANS sylvania, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, February 12,
I775, of Welsh forbears and came to McKeesport in 1796, aged
twenty-one years. There he married, in I797, Emily, daughter of Hugh
Alexander, a member of the Second Continental Congress and a member
of the Pennsylvania House of Assembly, from Cumberland county, in I776,
and a member of the Conference of Deputies and of the Convention of July
IOI4WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I5, I776. Hugh Alexander was born in Scotland in I724 and came to Pennsylvania in his youth. He was a farmer of Cumberland county, in that
part now Perry county. In I752 he married Martha Edmiston and in I773
married a second wife, Mrs. Letitia Thompson, who bore him James, and
William (twin) and a daughter, Emily (twin), who married James Evans.
After Hugh Alexander died his widow and two children, James and Emily,
came to Western Pennsylvania, locating their home in Allegheny county,
where she died.
James and Emily Evans, after their marriage, lived for many years in
McKeesport, on what is now Third avenue. Later he built a fine brick residence on Second avenue, near Walnut street, in which he lived until his
death, January 30, I846, aged seventy-one years. He was a hatter by trade
and during his long life in McKeesport, was engaged as a merchant. He
was one of the first elders of the Presbyterian church in McKeesport and
a memorial window in the present church testifies to the worth of this
pillar of the church in its earlier days. In I820 he was appointed justice of
the peace, the first man in McKeesport to hold that office, and was also the
first postmaster of the town. He was a successful merchant and left his
children large estate, including the Hill farm and lands in the West. His
wife was also a devout Presbyterian, and after being left a widow resided
until her death with her daughter in Allegheny City, now Pittsburgh North
Side. Children: I. Maria, born January 14, I8OO, married Dr. George
Huey, April I6, I8i6, spent her entire life in McKeesport and there died
in May, I830. 2. John, born March 25, I802, married Catherine Park and
died April 25, I852, a farmer. 3. Hannah, born April 20, I804, married
December 25,.1820, Hugh Rowland and died in McKeesport in May, I87I.
4. Emily, born November, i8o6, died December 4, I835. She married (first)
Thomas Backhouse, (second) Dr. Robert McClellan, she died in Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania. 5. Julianna, born in I8o9, died in I8i6. 6. James, born
October I6, I8II, died in Wayne county, Michigan, on the farm inherited
from his father. 7. Harriet, born March 26, I8I4, died December 5, I855.
She married Daniel Kline. 8. Oliver, of further mention. 9. George Huey,
born December 3, I8i8, died September I5, I844, a lawyer unmarried.
(II) Oliver Evans, son of James and Emily (Alexander) Evans, was
born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, November 22, I8I6. He was educated
for the medical profession at the University of Pennsylvania, but ill health
overturned his plans and he was all his active life engaged in farming. He
lived on the Hill farm, overlooking McKeesport, an estate inherited from
his father. There he lived a quiet, retiring life, but was interested in all
that pertained to progress and was one of the public spirited men, who contributed to the material prosperity of McKeesport. He was a good business
man, managing well his affairs and was universally esteemed. Both he and
his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church of McKeesport, which
he served as trustee all his mature life. He died in his seventy-third year.
He married Mary Ann Sampson, who died about I896, aged seventy-seven,
daughter of Thomas and Annie (Kuhn) Sampson. T,homas Sampson was
I015WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
erected in the city. He was still a resident of Pittsburgh at the time of
of the great fire, but about seventy years ago he bought a farm in Center
township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and moved there with his wife.
Butler county was pretty much all a wilderness at the time of Mr. McWilliams' settlement, and he was obliged to clear his property of the
virgin growth of forest and build for himself the log cabin in which our
subject was later born. He and his wife continued to reside there for
the remainder of his life, and t'here he finally died, at the age of eighty-three
years; his wife is still living, at the age of eighty-nine years. He married
Eliza Beatty, a native of Belfast, Ireland, and a daughter of Hugh Beatty
of that place. Her mother died in Ireland leaving Mr. Beatty a widower
with three young daughters. He did not remain long in the "Old Country,"
but sailed for the United States, bringing his daughters with him, and
settled in Butler, Pennsylvania. He later bought a farm in the neighborhood and there lived until his death. He had the reputation throughout
the region of being an unusually honest man, a hard worker, and one who,
in the homely phrase, "could mind his own business." To Mr. and Mrs.
McWilliams were born eight children, six boys and two girls, as follows:
John P., of whom further; Hugh B., deceased; Anne Jane; William; Mary
Elizabeth; Samuel, a resident of Avalon, Pennsylvania; Robert, deceased;
David. The old pioneer days, when Mr. McWilliams, Sr., was rearing
his family, were rough indeed, and it is recorded of him that his wages
during the first years in Pittsburgh were stipulated to be fifty cents a day.
John P. McWilliams, the eldest child of Alexander and Eliza (Beatty)
McWilliams, was born November Io, I849, in Center township, Butler
county, Pennsylvania. At that time the only school in the neighborhood
was one of primitive log construction, and in this the child received his
education. After the completion of his general studies he turned to the
learning of a trade, and for this purpose he went to Pittsburgh and apprenticed himself to William Trimble, of Trimble  McIntyre, a firm of
builders. He here served out his full term of apprenticeship and continued
in their employ for a period of about ten years. After severing his connection with this concern, Mr. McWilliams became engaged in the building
and contracting business, the firm name being McWilliams  Beatty.
Afterward a two years' employment by the Gill Car Works was followed
by a position as foreman with the Pittsburgh Street Car Company, which
he held for four years. After this he turned once more to his ambition
of an independent business, and engaged in contracting. His residence
in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, where his business is situated,.has continued
for twenty-one years.
Mr. McWilliams married, May 28, I872, Imelda Meals, also a native
of Butler county, Pennsylvania, she having been born upon the farm near
to that of the father of Mr. McWilliams. Mrs. McWilliams was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Jack) Meals, and a granddaughter of Jacob
and Catherine (Varnum) Meals, early residents of Butler county, Pennsyl576WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a farmer of Versailles township, his farm of two hundred and fifty acres
lying-opposite Lincoln Way. He died aged forty-six years, his widow, who
never again married, lived to about the age of eighty-five years. Children:
Kuhn, Harvey, John, William, died in infancy; William, died in infancy;
Mary Ann, married Oliver Evans, of previous mention; Margaret, Letitia,
all of whom are deceased. Children of Oliver and Mary A. Evans:  I.
James, an attorney, and organizer of the First National Bank, of McKeesport, died in I9IO. 2. Thomas, a farmer, died in McKeesport. 3. Cadwallader, now a retired physician of Pittsburgh and very prominent. 4. Anna.
5. Oliver (2).
(III) Oliver (2) Evans, youngest son of Oliver (I) and Mary Ann
(Sampson) Evans, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, June 3, I853.
He was educated in the public schools' and Millersville Normal School. At
the age of nineteen, in I872, he began farming on a farm of ninety-six acres,
purchased for him by his father, and there he yet resides. He has prospered
wonderfully and has added to his original acres many of those adjoining,
until his estate now contains two hundred and fifty compact well improved
fertile acres, on which he has erected a beautiful country residence. For
many years he made a specialty of dairy farming, but since I9o09 has lived
retired at his comfortable home, overlooking a beautiful stretch of the
Lincoln Highway, not far from McKeesport. He is a Democrat in politics,
was township supervisor for five years and president of the school board
nine years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order
of Eagles and both he and his wife are communicants of the Presbyterian
church.
Mr. Evans married, in I873, Frances Cook, who died April 23, I902,
daughter of Eli and Kate (Arthurs) Cook, of McKeesport, of an old Allegheny county family. Children: I. Oliver (3), a farmer of Westmoreland
county, married Rebecca Williamson. 2. Catherine married Ivan G. Owens
and resides in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. 3. Rebecca, died aged
eighteen years. 4. Allen Eli, residing at home. 5. Mary, married H. B.
Smith and resides at the home farm; has one child, Frances.
At about the beginning of- the war for independence, Adly
CALHOUN  Calhoun, a native of Ireland and the immigrant ancestor
of this line of the Calhoun family, settled in Elizabeth
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in which locality his descendants
still reside. He secured from the government a patent for several hundred
acres of land, and built thereon a large log house, which after it had outlived its usefulness as a dwelling was used as a shelter for farm machinery,
now standing but almost a complete ruin. On this place Adly Calhoun
passed his remaining years, cultivating his wide acres. He married and had
children: I. Jane, died in girlhood. 2. Nancy, died unmarried, aged eightyfour years. 3. Mary, married a Mr. Clugston, and died near Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. 4. Margaret, died in girlhood. 5. John, of whom further.
(II) John Calhoun, son of Adly Calhoun, was born in the log home in
ioi6WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
Elizabeth townsllip, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was reared at the
family home, and being the only son, inherited the entire tract upon his
father's death. After his marriage he brought his wife to the farm and lived
in the old log house until his death, which occurred in June, I849. He completed the clearing of the farm, and lived prosperously and comfortably, his
agricultural operations uniformly successful. He married Margaret, born
in Ohio, daughter of Adly Calhoun, a native of Ireland, who passed his life
as a farmer in Ohio. She died in April, I849, two months prior to the death
of her husband. Children: I. Adly, a minister of the Presbyterian church,
died aged twenty-seven years. 2. Mary A., married John K. Graham, and
died in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 3. John, a
farmer, died in young manhood. 4. Nancy, married Thomas Rankin and
died in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county. 5. James, proprietor of e
saw-mill, died aged forty-nine years. 6. Thomas, a farmer, died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 7. Moses, a farmer, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 8. Alexander, of whom further.
(III) Alexander Calhoun, son of John and Margaret (Calhoun) Calhoun, was born in Lincoln township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
September 27, I839. He was reared on the home farm and obtained his
education in the public schools. Upon the death of his father he fell heir
to a portion of the old home property, and through purchase of a part of
the share held by his brother James became the owner of a farm two hundred
and twenty-five acres in extent. The land was well improved, James
Calhoun having erected a comfortable home upon his property, in which
Alexander Calhoun resided until his death, May 23, I903. General farming
was the line he followed during his active years, his fertile land giving large
yields under his skillful cultivation. He held the confidence and favor of
his neighbors, in his dealings with whom he was ever fair, courteous, and
honorable. In political action he was a Democrat, serving for many years
as school director of his township, and with his wife belonged to the Presbyterian church, in which he held the position of elder.
Mr. Calhoun married, January 2, I862, Sarah, born in Lincoln township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 27, I841, daughter of Francis
and Martha (Curry) McClure. Francis was a son of Alexander and Sarah
(McClure) McClure, Alexander a son of Richard McClure, who came to
western Pennsylvania from the eastern part of the state, settling on the
present site of Glassport.
Alexander McClure, son of Richard McClure, was born in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, and after his marriage made his home on a farm upon
which the borough of Port Vue has grown up. He and his wife, Sarah (McClure) McClure, were the parents of twelve children. Sarah was a daughter
of Judge Francis and Margaret (McClure) McClure, who came from "east
of the mountains" at an early date and settled first in Wheeling, West Virginia, later moving to Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
Judge Francis McClure sat upon the bench of Allegheny county for many
years, a just and popular jurist. Francis, son of Alexander and Sarah
1oI7WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(McClure) McClure, was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, February 7, I807, died May 30, I86I. After his marriage he
lived on a one hundred and twenty-two acre farm in the present township
of Lincoln, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Both he and his wife, Martha
(Curry) McClure, were members of the United Presbyterian Church. She
was born in Coal Valley, Pennsylvania, April I, I812, died April I5, i888,
daughter of Robert and Mary (Barnes) Curry. Her grandfather was a
soldier in the American army in the Revolutionary War, her parents born
near Havre de Grace, Maryland, where they were married, moving first to
West Virginia and afterward to Coal Valley, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Children of Francis and Martha (Curry) McClure: I. Sarah, of
previous mention, married Alexander Calhoun. She was educated in the
schools of McKeesport and the Remington Academy. Since the death of
her husband she has continued the family home. 2. Alexander, a farmer,
died on the homestead in Allegheny county. 3. Nancy Belle, married Joseph
Finney and resides in Lincoln township, Allegheny county. Mr. and Mrs.
McClure had three other children, who died in infancy.
Children of Alexander and Sarah (McClure) Calhoun: I. John Franci-,
an attorney of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 2. Edward Alexander, lives on
the home farm. 3. Robert Calvin, a court-house employee, lives in Lincoln
township, Allegheny county. 4. Joseph Walter, manages the home farm. 5
Sarah Belle, married William C. Boyd, and lives in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
For over thirty-five years Jacob Bestwick, father of John
BESTWICK  H. Bestwick, of McKeesport, was sole proprietor of the
tinning, sheet iron and roofing establishment that bore his
name. This house is one of the oldest in the city and was formerly owned
by Stewart  Bowman. In I907 Jacob Bestwick turned the business over
to his son, John H., by whom it is now successfully conducted as in former
years.
Jacob Bestwick was born in New Brighton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 25, I846, son of Henry and Mary Bestwick. He was educated in
the public schools and on attaining suitable age began learning the tinsmith's
trade in Warren, Ohio. In I863 he ran away from his employer and enlisted
in Company K, Eighty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served
one year and received an honorable discharge but in two months re-enlisted
in a Pennsylvania regiment, served three months and then until the close of
the war served with an independent company of scouts commanded by
Captain J. K. Weaver. After the war he finished learning the tinsmith's
trade, working for some time with his brother, Isaac, in New Brighton.
Later he was admitted a partner, but after two years went west, remaining
nine months. After his return from the west, he worked in Pittsburgh as
foreman for W. W. Bradshaw, remaining two years, then locating in McKeesport. He there worked at his trade for two years with Stewart  Bradshaw, then about I872 purchased their business and ran it under his own
ioi8tWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
name most successfully for thirty-five years. In I907 he retired, installing
his son, John H., as his successor. The last two years of his life he devoted
largely to travel, and shortly after returning from a trip to Florida was
stricken with a fatal illness and died March 20, I9o8. He was highly esteemed in his city as a business man and citizen and held high position' in
the Masonic order, being past master, past high priest and past eminent
commander of lodge, chapter and commandery. He was also a Knight of
Pythias, an Odd Fellow, an Elk and was past commander of Post No. 59,
Grand Army of the Republic. Both he and his wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr. Bestwick married Catherine Burkett,
who survives him, residing at No. 333 Penney avenue, McKeesport.
John H. Bestwick, only child of Jacob and Catherine (Burkett) Bestwick, was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania,' October 2, I866. His
parents moved to McKeesport when he was very young and there he was
educated in the public schools and has there passed his subsequent life. He
was taught the tinsmith's trade under his father's direction and to this added
an expert knowledge of the other lines his father engaged in, sheet iron
work, slate roofing, etc. He continued closely associated with his father
in business, was virtually its head for several years prior to I9o7, but on
that date succeeded his father as sole owner. He has continued business
along the same lines until the present date, has been very successful in all
his undertakings and is rated one of the able, energetic, prosperous merchants of McKeesport. His business is large and he executes contracts
and distributes goods all over Allegheny county. He is a Republican in
politics, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to the
Elks, Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, and is as popular a man as he
is a successful merchant.
Mr. Bestwick married M'ary Helen Peterson, daughter of Henry and
Nancy (Thomas) Peterson, of McKeesport. She died June 17, I909.
Children: Catherine, died aged four months; two who died at birth; Jacob,
a student at Mercersburg Academy; Catherine Margaret.
This name is one of fairly frequent occurrence in Ireland, and
WYLIE was probably brought to that country from Scotland during
the times of religious persecution. It varies in its form, as
Wylie, Wiley, Willey, Wyley, Wylley, etc.
(I) Samuel Wylie was born in the North of Ireland, emigrated to
America, and was an early settler in Eastern Pennsylvania.  Later he
removed to Allegheny county, in the same state, settling in Mifflin township,
on a farm of about five hunidred acres which he had purchased there. He
cleared a part of this, lived there until his death, and is buried in Round
Hill Cemetery. He was a member of the Covenanter church. He married
and had children: Elizabeth, born January 29, I777; John, born June 4,
1778; James, born May 25, 1780, died in infancy; Margaret, born March
II, 1782; Samuel, born November zo, I783; Sarah, born February 28, I786;
Mary, born May 25, I787; Oliver, born February 20, I790; Moses, twin of
ioigWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Oliver; James, of further mention; Florence, born June 25, I795; Rebecca,
born September 28, I797.
(II) James Wylie, son of Samuel Wylie, was born October 30, I792,
either in Ireland or America, and died near Wylie Station, Pennsylvania,
in I869. About i8i8 he purchased a farm of one hundred and ten acres
in Elizabeth township, cleared this and lived on it many years, in an old
frame house. With this as a foundation he built, early in the sixties, a
substantial brick house, still occupied by his widow, near Wylie Station.
Mr. Wylie married (first) Mary Jane Parkhill, and had one daughter:
Mary Jane, who married Charles Orr, has one son, and lives in Peoria,
Illinois. He married (second) October 24, 1859, Elizabeth Calderhead
Easton, born in Scotland, February 6, I832, who came to this country with
her parents in I852. She is the daughter of John and Margaret (Lindsay)
Easton, both natives of Lanarkshire, Scotland, the former born in I8oo,
died October 25, I875, the latter born in I8o6, died August I6, I88I. They
emigrated to America about I85Z, settling in Elizabeth, now Forward township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was a shoemaker and miner,
as he had been in his native land. Both were Covenanters, and both are
buried in the Elizabeth Cemetery. Children: James, born August 8, 1824,
died in March, I890o, at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, was a coal miner, and had
been an invalid many years; Thomas, born January 4, I826, died December
26, of the same year; Thomas, born February 24, 1828, died May i8, I86o,
in Elizabeth township, was a coal miner; Mary, born September I8, I830,
married John Russell, died in Elizabeth township, in December, I888;
Elizabeth Calderhead, mentioned above as having married Mr. Wylie;
Margaret, born December 20, 1833, widow of William  Kidney, lives in
McKeesport; Jean, born December 8, I836,.died August I3, I838; William,
born March 15, 1838, died in Elizabeth, was in active service three years
during the Civil War; John, born April 2I, I841, died September 27, I844;
Bryce, born August 23,.I843, enlisted during the Civil War, in August, I862,
in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania- Volunteer Infantry, and died of fever, October 5, I86z, at Sharpsburg, Maryland; Jean,
born September 5, I845, died August 9, I847; Marion, born March, 4, I847,
died March 2I,, in Elizabeth township. Mr. and Mrs. Wylie had children: Samuel John, married Clara Heil, and lives on the homestead; James
Renwick, in the real estate business in Wilkinsburg, married Laura Steele;
Maggie Lindsay, born March 6, I863, died January I8, I889; Bryce Easton,
of further mention; William Parkhill, a partner of Bryce Easton Wylie, his
brother, lives in Elizabeth township, married Alma Tupman.
(III) Bryce Easton Wylie, son of James and Elizabeth Calderhead
(Easton) Wylie, was born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 4, I864. He acquired his education in the public schools and
at the Elizabeth Academy, and in I887, in association with James Whitlatch,
established the hardware business of Wylie  Whitlatch, the partnership
lasting two years, and then Mr. Wylie bought out the interest of his partner. The business had been located on Market street, and Mr. Wylie then
I 020~aR~~J~.WESTERN - PENNSYLVANIA
associated with himself his brother, William P., the firm name becoming
Wylie Brothers. In September, I889, they moved to their present location,
and in I9OI, they erected a three-story brick building, which now houses
their business. They deal in stoves, farming implements, and in hardware
and everything pertaining to it. Mr. Wylie is also vice-president of the
State Bank of Elizabeth. He is Independent in local politics, and gives his
allegiance to the Republican party in national affairs. As a member of the
common council of the borough, he has served two terms.: He and his wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Wylie served
as trustee for a number of years, and is now ruling elder; his fraternal
connection is with the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
Mr. Wylie married, September 4, I889, Laura Blanche, born in Elizabeth borough, a daughter of Charles and Melinda: (Michiner) Thompson,
and they have had children: Maude L.; Bryce E., in business with his
father, married Pearl McGowan, and has one son, William P.; Margaret;
Sherwin M.; Helen B.
The Magill family is of Scotch-Irish descent, a.,, it is of
MAGILL  record in this country since prior to the Revolution. The
name was formerly spelled McGill and MacGill, the first of
the name to come to America being John Macgill, who changed the name to
McGill, and later it became Magill. He landed in Massachusetts, where
there are many of the name at the present time, and from whence they
spread to adjoining states and all over the Union. The Macgills were. connected by ties of blood and a community of interests with the Campbell
clan, Fergus Campbell coming to Amelica with John Macgill. Owing to the
frequent destruction of early records, it is not always possible to trace the
connection of the present generations with the earlier ones in an uninterrupted manner, but there is every reason to suppose that all the Magills
now in this country have had a common origin.
(I) John Magill was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where he learned
the tailor's trade, and followed it in that city all his life, his death also
occurring in that city.
(II) John Magill, son of John Magill, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and there received his education. He learned the tailor's trade under
the auspices of his father, after a time removing to Venango county, Pennsylvania, and finally making his home in Illinois, where he died. He married Mary, born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Grossman, of German descent, who were farmers.
(III) William R. Magill, one of the seven children of John and Mary
(Grossman) Magill, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, February
8, I862; attended the public schools, and spent two years in the high school
at Millerstown, Pennsylvania. For a time he was then in the employ of
the Keystone Oil Company, and in 1884 went to Pittsburgh, where he followed a variety of occupations. He was the general agent at Scott Haven
for the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad Company, then became passenger agent'I02IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
vania. On the paternal side Mrs. McWilliams is of German descent, and
in the maternal line from the Jack family of Scotch origin. Her grandparents on this side were Samuel and Jane (Newell) Jack, pioneers in
Butler county. Mr. Jack had six hundred acres in that region upon which
he settled, securing it directly from the state government. Much of this
he cleared and upon it built his own house,. wherein he lived to within
two years of his death, when he moved to Butler, where he died. A part
of this property has never been sold, but has remained in the hands of
the family since the days of the original government grant. Mrs. McWilliams and sister, Mrs. C. M. Furrow, are now the owners of this
portion. Mr. Ebenezer Jack, a son of Samuel Jack, and an uncle of the
present Mrs. McWilliams, served during the Civil War as a lieutenant in
the Union army. To Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams have been born six children, as follows: Ella Elizabeth, who has held for some years the position
of head bookkeeper of the Consolidated Lamp  Glass Company; Olive
May, a nurse; Lawrence Alex, died at age of two years; Wade Linton,
married Ida L. Abbott and had by her two children, Marguerite Hill and
Jack Linton; Earl Lavern, married Martha M. Ford and had by her one
daughter, Martha Marie; Dean Leroy, who lives at home with his parents.
Mr. McWilliams and his family are members of the United Presbyterian
Church.
John White, of Avalon, Pennsylvania, is a man of excepWHITE tional mechanical ingenuity and skill, which he uses to good
advantage, his efforts in this direction having been the means
on several occasions of saving many human lives, the best recompense a
man could wish for. He is also a man of integrity arnd worth, actively
interested in various movements of benefit to mankind, and therefore a
valuable member of the community in which he resides.
David White, formerly Whyte, father of John White, was a native of
Scotland, residing near Dundee, from whence he emigrated to the United
States, in I840, accompanied by his wife, Euphemia (Will) White, and
children, making the voyage in the ship "Cragie Var," being four months
on the water, a fact which seems incredible in these days of swift travel.
It was the captain's first trip across the Atlantic Ocean and he lost his
course; at the end of the three months, when their food was almost exhausted, they came in sight of St. Johns, Newfoundland, where they replenished their food supply, and at the end of another month, when they
reached the port of New York, their food was again near exhaustion. Mr.
White and his family came direct to the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the brother (Thomas Will) of Mrs. White had previously
settled, he being a member of the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. White followed the occupation of carpenter, working on steamboat
cabins, in which he achieved a large degree of success, being enabled to
provide a comfortable home for his family. His death occurred in Pitts577WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at McKeesport, and finally was engaged in the passenger department at
Pittsburgh. In I893 he started a building supply business in Braddock,
although continuing to reside in Pittsburgh', and when he later became a
building contractor, he removed to North Braddock, where he is now living.
He is a man of many sided activity, is a director of the State Bank of North
Braddock, and a member of the school board of the same community. His
religious affiliation is with the First Presbyterian Church, of Braddock, and
he is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Order of Free and
Accepted Masons. Mr. Magill married, in I89I, Jennie E. Zimmerman, of
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and they have had children: Charles R., Elizabeth, Elfreda Jane, Ruth and Sarah.
Jack Kapteina, whose entire life was passed in his native
KAPTEINA land, Germany, was a farmer by occupation. He was a
soldier in the army during the wars of I813-I4. He married Mary Weyarek, also of Germany.
(II) Charles Kapteina, son of Jack and Mary (Weyarek) Kapteina,
was born in Germany, and died there in I866. He, also, was a farmer. He
married Eva, a daughter of John Sakofski, who was the proprietor of a
large hotel in Germany. Among their children were: John, of further
mention; Charles, a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War of I870-7I, during
which he was wounded, and later died from the effects of this wound;
Gottlieb, also a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War, who is still living.
(III) John Kapteina, son. of Charles and Eva (Sakofski) Kapteina,
was born in Germany, April I6, I852. He received a good education in
the schools of his native country, and at the age of twenty years entered
the German army, in which he served two and a half years. He then found
employment in a plate glass factory, and followed this line of industry in
Germany eight years. In I88o he emigrated to America, where he settled
at Creighton, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and, entering the employ of
the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, remained with them for a period of
eighteen years, during the last five of which he held the position of foreman. He then formed a connection with the Heidenkamp Plate Glass Company, of Springdale, Pennsylvania, becoming foreman in the employ of this
concern, and still holds this position. He has erected the fine home in
which he is residing at the present time, and also the bank building in
Springdale. He was one of the organizers of this bank, and has since its
organization served it as a director. He is a Lutheran.
Mr. Kapteina married, in I879, Jennie Barnofsky, of Germany, and
they have had children: I. Otto, married Grace Anderson, of Oil City,
Pennsylvania; one child, Jane. 2. Martha, married Fred Berz, of Chicago,
Illinois, who died December 25, I9I4; was bevelling foreman of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, at Ford City, Pennsylvania; three children:
Otto, Roland and Leonard. 3. Eleanora. 4. Alfreda. 5. John. 6. Edward.
7. Irene.
1022WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The home of the Ganoe family in Pennsylvania has long been
GANOE Clarion county, Thomas Ganoe, grandfather of Wilbur G.
Ganoe, having been a carpenter and builder of that locality.
There was not much room for the full exercise of his trade, planing mills
being then a rarity in that section, so that the greater part of the buildings
he erected were made from hewn logs. One of the children of Thomas
Ganoe, J. W., was a soldier of the Civil War, and of another, Jerry, further
mention is made.
(II) Jerry Ganoe, son of Thomas Ganoe, was born in Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, died in I87o. Throughout the most of his life he was an oil
operator, and floated his product down the river to Pittsburgh prior to the
construction of the railroad. He married Mary, born in Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, daughter of John L. and Hettie (Mahew) McGee, her father
a native of Clarion county, Pennsylvania, her mother born in New York
State. John L. McGee was a farmer, cultivating a large tract of land, and
was a son of Presley McGee, who is buried on the old homestead in Clarion
county. Children of Jerry and Mary (McGee) Ganoe: Harry C.; Wilbur
G., of whom further; Clara Jane, married Robert J. McDate.
(III) Wilbur G. Ganoe, son of Jerry and Mary (McGee) Ganoe, was
born in Phillipsburg (now Philipston), Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in
I866. His father died when he was four years of age and two years afterward he entered the Allegheny Valley Orphan Asylum, there remaining for
seven years. Leaving this institution he was employed on a farm until he
was sixteen years of age, then learning the trade of spring-fitter in Pittsburgh; following this for two years. He subsequently moved to Oakmont,
Pennsylvania, and there began the manufacture of ice cream, the humbleness of his beginning shown by the fact that his only apparatus for business
was a six-quart freezer. This occupation failing in the winter season, he
began -the delivery of bottled milk, his trade growing until within three
months the demand for his milk required thirty-five gallons a day for its
satisfaction. When Mr. Ganoe erected his present ice cream plant he sold
his dairy business, in its stead operating an ice manufacturing plant. His
ice cream is of his own make, the recipes the uses in its mixing those that
he has tested and found good, and for which he has been offered attractive
prices. The output of his plant is from two to three hundred gallons per
day, machinery having performed the work formerly done by hand since
I898. The business was incorporated in August, I912, Mr. Ganoe being
manager. The building formerly occupied by Mr. Ganoe's ice cream business he has converted into four dwellings, and he also owns the house in
which he and his family live, where he has resided since coming to Oakmont.
The success that Mr. Ganoe has made of his business career is thorough
and complete, an accomplishment that reflects credit upon his innate qualities
of determination, industry, and application. His start in business was
small, yet all that his limited capital permitted, and from this he has built a
business flourishing and profitable) which he directs with wise judgment and
I023WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
knowledge. Persistent application and unfailing courage have overcome the
obstacles that have reared themselves before him, and he holds the commendation of his fellows for the victory he has wrested from fortune. He
is a member of the Baptist church, and for the past twenty-four years has
been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He married, February 24, I898, Lillie, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of Theodore and Sophia; (Holsten) Woernley, her parents natives of
Germany who came to the United States in childhood, her mother now
deceased.  Children of Mr. and Mrs. Ganoe: Lillian Katherine an(d
Dorothy Jane.
This is an old an-d honorable family of Germany,
HEIDENKAMP  which has only recently been represented in this country, but to such excellent effect that the country has
profited greatly by its advent here.
Henry Heidenkamp never left his native country, Germany, where he
was engaged in agricultural pursuits. For some years he served in the
German army. He married Annie Blome, and they became the parents of
twelve children.
Joseph Heidenkamp, son of Henry and Annie (Blome) Heidenkamp,
was born in Germany in I863, and there acquired his education in the public.
and private schools, and also learned the art of manufacturing glass. From
his earliest years he had displayed business ability of a high order, and
foreseeing a better opportunity for advancement in the United States than
could be found in his own country, he emigrated to America in I882, and
since that time has become prominently identified with the industrial life of
the United States. He made his way to Tarentum, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there found employment with the Pittsburgh, Plate Glass Company, with which he remained for a period of nine years, advancing from one
position to another, his last being that of foreman in the mirror department.
In I891 he started the Tarentum Mirror and Art Glass Works, his entire
working force consisting of himself, a man and a boy. From this small
beginning grew what is now a very important concern. It was no great
while before he was employing sixty men, and in I9oo he saw that it was
necessary to increase his working capacity to a much greater extent than
he could do in Tarentum. He then organized the Heidenkamp Mirror Company of Springdale, having purchased fifty acres of land there, facing the
river, and erecting the first unit of the present group of buildings, this
giving employment to one hundred and twenty men. Then another problem
confronted him. There were no- houses in Springdale to accommodate the
large number of workmen he was bringing into the town. The simplest solution, according to the ideas of Mr. Heidenkamp, was to build houses for
them, and this was done in as quick a manner as was consistent with good
work. They were built of all sizes, to accommodate large and small families,
and all with plenty of light and grounds about them. These he rented to
his employees, and they are never empty. The rent that he demands is
r P2SCNI
lb
tWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
simply an amount sufficient to pay the cost of taxes and necessary repairs,
for he is the friend as well as the employer of his people, and they have
come to recognize the fatherly interest he takes in them. By means of this
policy he has earned the love of his employees, and they work for him with
greater faithfulness and diligence than could possibly be expected under
ordinary conditions. Mr. Heidenkamp has been the first and only president
of this corporation, which is now known as the Heidenkamp Plate Glass
Company, and he is the owner of the majority of the stock. The company now
gives employment to about three hundred and sixty men, and has a yearly
output of about three million feet of glass. Their products are shipped to
all parts of the country. For some time they have no longer manufactured
mirrors, but have confined themselves to the manufacture of plate glass only.
Mr. Heidenkamp is closely connected with a number of other important
business enterprises, a partial list being as follows: Director and organizer
of the Pottery  Cement Company of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Motor
Gas Engine Company, and of the People's National Bank of Tarentum;
organizer and president of the Springdale National Bank; director of the
German National Bank of Pittsburgh, Lincoln National Bank of Pittsburgh,
and German Club of Pittsburgh; and member of the Pittsburgh Athletic
Association, Country Club, Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. His religious
affiliation is with the Roman Catholic church, and he has served two terms
as a member of the common council of Springdale. Mr. Heidenkamp married, in I884, Louisa Baldus, of Germany, and they have had children:
Annie, who is in a convent; Theresa; Mary; Elizabeth; Joseph; Louise.
The Teemer family at present resident in Allegheny county,
TEEMER Pennsylvania, is of German-French origin, and displays the
sterling qualities so characteristic of the inhabitants of both
countries.
John Teemer was born in Prussia, near the river Rhine, in I828, and
died in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, January 28, I898. Until the age of
seventeen years his life was spent on a farm, and after he had completed his
education, he worked in vineyards near his home. In order to escape mili.tary duty in the German army he then emigrated to America, going direct to
Philadelphia, where his sister was living. There he followed the baker's
trade for three years, then removed to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he
became a riverman, and followed this occupation all his life, for which
strenuous work his enormous stature and extraordinary strength well fitted
him. He floated some of the first coal that was ever transported in this
manner down the Monongahela river. In I879 he built a house at No. 324
Fourth avenue, which was his residence until his death. In politics he was
a Democrat, and in religious belief a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
Church. Mr. Teemer married Margaret, born in Mifflin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, June I8, I840, a daughter of Frederick and Catherine
(Gerber) Schano, whose history follows. Children of Mr. and Mrs.
Teemer: I. Frederick, a steel roller, lives in McKeesport; married Minnie
I0z250WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
McCartney. 2. John, lives in Lorraine, Ohio, foreman of the National Tube
Works there; was at one time the champion oarsman of the world in rowing
contests; married Isabella Rogers. 3. Jacob, a heater for the National Tube
Works, at Lorraine, Ohio; married Effie Whittaker. 4. Andrew, was with
the National Tube Works; married Mayme Porter; lives in Pittsburgh. 5.
William, a professor at the Carnegie Technical University; married Elizabeth Butler; lives in McKeesport. 6. Lena, married John Lager, a shearman
at the rolling mill; lives in McKeesport. 7. Sylvester Leo, of further mention.
Sylvester Leo Teemer, son of John and Margaret (Schano) Teemer,
was born in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 27, I879.
His education was acquired at St. Peter's Parochial School in;McKeesport,
and when he left this institution at the age of fourteen years he engaged in
the occupation of window dressing in dry goods stores, and followed this
seven years. He then became a heater for the Carnegie Steel Company, at
their Thirty-third street plant, in Pittsburgh, and remained there five years.
In I9o6 he established'himself in the real estate business in Elwood City,
Pennsylvania, and still has a well equipped office there. In I9I3 he opened
a branch office in McKeesport, and there handles local real estate, buys and
sells houses as well as builds them. He is a staunch Republican in political
opinion, a devout member of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and
belongs to the Catholic Mutual Beneficial Association, having been a member
of this for the past seventeen years. Mr. Teemer is unmarried, and makes
his home with his mother.
(The Schano Line.)
Frederick Schano was born in the village of Hamburg, Alsace-Lorraine,
then a province of France, now German possession, December 25, I8oi, and
died in April, I87I. His earlier years were spent on the home farm, and
later in life he entered the army, serving under Napoleon five years by
enlistment, and five years as a substitute, but was never actively engaged in
a battle. About 1834 he and his fiancee emigrated to America, and were
married immediately after their arrival in this country. They soon left
Pittsburgh and removed to Mifflin township, where he worked in the coal
mines. In the spring of 1849 he removed with his family to McKeesport,
where he built a small brick house on the Youghiogheny river at the foot of
Fifth avenue, his son Frederick living in this at the present time, the house
having been considerably enlarged since its was first erected. He and his
family were Roman Catholics, and were communicants at a little church
which stood on the present site of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. He
married Catherine Gerber, born in Hamburg, Alsace-Lorraine, September
7, I8o6, died December 20, I893. They had children: I. Catherine, who
died in I9oo; married Andrew Stromer, and lived in McKeesport. 2. Margaret, married John Teemer (see Teemer). 3. Frederick, of further mention.
Frederick Schano, only son and youngest child of Frederick and Catherine (Gerber) Schano, was born in Mifflin township, Allegheny county,
io26WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania, September 7, 1841. In 1849 he came with his parents to McKeesport, where he attended a German school during the first year, then was
a pupil in the little schoolhouse on wheels conducted by a Mrs. Markham.
At the early age of twelve years he commenced working in the mines with
his father, his work being that of driving the coal carts, which had dogs as
the motive power. Until the age of twenty-eight years he continued to work
in the mines near McKeesport. In I88I he entered the employ of the
National Tube Works, remained with them for a period of seven years,
then retired. After the death of his father he purchased the interest of
the other heirs to the homestead. He owns considerable real estate, and has
erected a number of houses on land he owned. He has always been a staunch
Republican since he voted for the re-election of Lincoln as president. He
and his wife are members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Scharno married, August 4, I895, Mrs. Mary (Lewis) Evans,
born in the town of Chirawe, Wales, in I848, a daughter of Morgan and
Jane (Davis) Lewis, both natives of Wales; he died June 28, I895, at the
age of seventy-eight years, and she died March I5, I907, at the age of
eighty-eight years. In I852 they emigrated to America, settling an Canago
Falls, Ohio, where he was a coal miner many years. Later they removed to
Alliance, where their deaths occurred. They had children: I. David, a
farmer in Beloit, Ohio. 2. William, a retired farmer, living in Alliance,
Ohio. 3. Benjamin, a farmer at Beloit. 4. Mary, who married Mr. Schano,
as above mentioned. 5. Harriet Harlan, lives on farm near Alliance. 6.
Kate Buck, lives retired on a farm near Alliance. 7. Marian, married
Walter Berlin, a teamster, lives in Alliance.
The Gill family of Western Pennsylvania date from the year I772,
GILL the ancestor, John Gill, coming from Ireland in that year and
with all the ardor of his Irish blood espousing the cause of his
adopted country against the English.
John Gill was born in Ireland in I748, died in Pennsylvania, January 9,
I822. He married, in Ireland, Jean Shaw, born in I749, died April 27, 1841,
remaining a widow nineteen years. In I772 they came to this country, settling in Pennsylvania. John Gill served in the Revolutionary army, later
moving to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Children: I. Sarah, born
in Ireland, September 4, I769; married (first) Mark Deary, married (seeond) M. Rowan. 2. Elizabeth, born in Ireland, February 7, I772, married
John Gormly. 3. Ebenezer, born in Pennsylvania, October 9, I774, married
Agnes Mitchell. 4. Jonathan, born August 9, I777, married Rachel Steen.
5. Isaac, born September I9, I780, died unmarried. 6. Samuel, born March,
I783, died unmarried. 7. Jean, born January 23, I786, married John McDowell. 8. Rebecca, born September 6, I788, died unmarried. 9. John (2),
of whom further.
(II) John (2) Gill, youngest child of John (I) and Jean (Shaw) Gill,
was born in Pennsylvania, January I6, 1791, and became a farmer in Western
Pennsylvania, residing in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. He married Sarah Rowan and had issue.
I027WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(III) Isaac Newton Ambrose Gill, son of John (2) and Sarah (Rowan)
Gill, was born in North Washington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
and spent his life engaged in farming in that county. His farm was located
in Patton township and there his children were born. In 1834 he aided in
organizing a militia band and the drum he beat is yet preserved in the family.
He married Mary Jlane McDowell, born at the family residence on Sixth
street, Pittsburgh, daughter of John and Mary Jane (Gill) McDowell, her
parents born in Pennsylvania. On coming to Pennsylvania the McDowells
settled across the river from Braddock, where they owned five hundred acres
underlaid with coal. Later the family moved to Patton township. John
McDowell was educated at Gill's Academy, taught by Jonathan Gill, later
himself became a teacher, having a private school in Pittsburgh. After his
retirement he removed to Monroeville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Samuel A. Gill, son of Isaac Newton Ambrose and Mary Jane
(McDowell) Gill, was born in Patton township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December 24, I848. He was educated in the public schools of Monroeville, and until I890o was engaged in farming in Patton township and in
Westmoreland county. In I8gI he moved to Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and
since then has there been engaged in bridge building operations. He is a
Republican in politics, and in religious faith a United Presbyterian. Mr. Gill
married, in I88o, Leila C., daughter of Robert Graham McElroy. Children:
I. William Wellwood, married, in June, I913, Fayetta Morgan, and resides
in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 2. Elizabeth Donald, residing at home. 3.
Mary Jane, married Welden Fairbanks Barnes, and resides in Kansas City,
Missouri; children: Welden Fairbanks (2) and Samuel Gill. 4. Ethel Leila,
a teacher in the public schools of Pittsburgh. 5. Letitia. 6. Dorothy Margaret, deceased. The family are members of the United Presbyterian church,
the early family having been Covenanters.
The Bickertons of Western Pennsylvania are of English
BICKERTON descent, although the family were originally Scotch
Highlanders, who crossing that natural barrier between
Scotland and England, the Cheviot Hills, settled on the English side of the
hills in Northumberland. They were a race of hardy men, tall and powerful, devoted adherents of the established church, earnest in their religious
belief and life.
Robert Bickerton, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, is a grandson of Thomas
Bickerton, who was born in Lancashire, England, and died in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Thomas (2) Bickerton, father of Robert Bickerton, of
Clairton, was the American founder of the branch.
(I) Thomas Bickerton was a sheep farmer of the Cheviot Hills in
Northumberlandshire, England, until after the birth of his son, Thomas (2),
in I814, and later lived in Lancastershire. He died in England, but his
widow came to the United States and died in Wheeling, West Virginia, a
very old lady. Thomas Bickerton had children: I. James, came to the
United States and was a coal miner in West Virginia, living at Wheeling;
I028WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
it was at his home that the Widow Bickerton passed her last years. 2. John,
came to the United States and met his death by drowning in the Ohio river,
about I870; he was a coal miner and in connection with his brothers operated
a coal bank of their own. 3. Alexander, resided at Boggs Run, below Wheeling, where with his brothers he operated a coal bank. 4. Thomas, of further
mention. 5. Robert, died in I888; was an iron master of Wheeling, operating furnaces in association with partners. 6. Arthur, died in I904, at Fayette
City, Pennsylvania; coal miner. 7. Margaret, married John Douglass, a
"forty niner" who never returned, spending his later life in Utah; she died
about I847. 8. William, a Mormon preacher and missionary, but not a
believer in polygamy, died in St. John, Kansas.
(II) Thomas (2) Bickerton, son of Thomas (I) Bickerton, was born
in the village of Bedlandton, Northumberlandshire,' England, in April, I814,
died in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, January I8, I886. He spent the first
eighteen years of his life in England, acquiring an education and learning the
carpenter's trade. About I832 he came to the United States, settling in
Wheeling, West Virginia, where he worked at his trade around the coal
mines, also building the flat-bottomed barges used in transporting coal on
the western rivers. In I849 he caught the "gold fever," and joining the army
of treasure seekers journeyed to California, where he was quite successful
in finding gold. In two years, however, he returned east for his wife and
family, but she refused to go and persuaded her husband to remain with her.
Yielding to her wishes in the matter, he purchased a house in West Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there for the remainder of his
days engaged in coal mining. In his later years he bought a small farm
near West Elizabeth and there resided until death, but continued a mine
worker in connection with the cultivation of his small farm. He was a man
of large stature, standing six feet in height and was proportionately well
built. Both he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He married Eliza'Smith, born in Staffordshire, England, in 1823,
died in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, in June, I896, daughter of Frederick
and Mary Smith, and granddaughter of William Smith, all of Staffordshire.
The Smiths came to the United States about I825, William Smith settling in
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he became a river boatman. Frederick
and Mary Smith, with their daughter, Eliza, went further west settling in
Steubenville, Ohio, Eliza at that time being four years of age. They finally
located in Wheeling, West Virginia, where Frederick Smith engaged in the
retail coal business. Later he moved to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where
he became a successful general contractor. He was a devout Methodist, a
local preacher and very prominent in the church. Frederick and Mary Smith
had children: I. Eliza, married Thomas (2) Bickerton, of previous mention.
2. Alfred, superintendent of the Fawcett Coal Company, lived in Pittsburgh.
3. William, died in I887; was a pilot on the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers, maintaining his residence in Louisville, Kentucky. 4. Thomas (3),
an Ohio river pilot and steamboat captain until his retirement; he now
resides at Haysville, Pennsylvania, aged eighty-two years. 5. Jane, married
10297WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
burgh at the age of ninety-one years. Mr. and Mrs. White were the
parents of three children: Margaret McLagan; Jessie, who became the
wife of Joseph McNaugher, a prominent contractor; John, of whom
further.
John White was born near Dundee, Scotland, May 17, 1834, and at
the age of six years was brought to this country by his parents, as before
narrated. He was educated in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, coming into the city from the country school, where he acquired
a good mathematical training. He was employed for a short time in a
jack factory. Leaving that he entered the employ of a gold beater, where
they manufactured gold leaf, gold and tin foil, also gold plate and springs,
which were then used by dentists. During the nine months with him he
learned the art of refining gold and giving it the proper alloy for the
purpose for which it was to be used. Not liking the business, he left to
learn pattern making and drawing at Fort Pitt works, where he served
four years under the instruction of Mr. N. K. Wade, at that time a noted
mechanical engineer. Leaving there he was employed for a short time in
Wightman's machine shop, where he finished some woolen machinery, and
also three sets of patterns for improved oscillating engines. Leaving there
he entered the employ of the P., F. W.  C. Railroad shop in Allegheny,
where he began a career which continued for over thirty-two years. At
that time everything in railroading was quite crude. Noticing that car
wheels were being pressed on the axels with a large screw and required
the services of five men, he suggested to the master mechanic to change
to a hydraulic press, and after some argument was authorized to build
one, which was done, and thus cut down the labor to three men and the
time from twenty-seven minutes to seven. This established his reputation
as a mechanical expert. From that time on he was authorized to continue improvements in all the mechanical branches, which would be too
numerous to mention. But a few of them were the designing and construction of the first engine and truck for steam cars, which were used
for some time on the accommodation trains. Also changed the style of
the locomotive cylinders which were then made right and left, so that
they would fit on either side of an engine by having the exhaust and steam
parts cast central on the cylinders. This was at once adopted by the Pittsburgh Locomotive Works and other railroads. The Janney coupler, which
has become universal, was given to him to develop. He got two models
one-eighth size, and from them designed and modeled the complete coupler,
establishing the centers, the contour of the connection which has remained
the same. The general manager then requested him to design two Belgian
Buffers to be used with the Janney coupler. He did so, and invented an
equalizing bar connecting the buffers, which would keep them both in connection at the same time. In order to do so, he raised the platform floor
up to the door sill, making it safe to walk from one car to another while
in motion. A severe test was made of this improvement. A short time
578WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Marshall Leasure, whom she survives, a resident of Charleston, West Virginia. 6. George, a steel mill worker, died in East McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 7. James, a worker in Wood's Rolling Mills, died in East McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 8. Henry, spent his active life a worker in Wood's
Rolling Mills, now retired on a company pension, a resident of McKeesport.
9. Frederick, a cattleman, owning a ranch in Nebraska, where he died.
Children of Thomas (2) and Eliza (Smith) Bickerton: I. Robert, of further
mention. 2. Watson, a coal miner, residing at Dravosburg, Pennsylvania.
3. Thomas Smith, a well-to-do farmer of Jefferson township. 4. Jennie,
married Thomas Bennett, and resides at Clairton, Pennsylvania. 5. William,
a farmer of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. 6. Frederick, a general workman
of Riverview, Pennsylvania.
(III) Robert Bickerton, eldest son of Thomas (2) and Eliza (Smith)
Bickerton, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, January 8, I848. He was
denied the advantages of early education, a few months in day public school
and later attendance at night school covering his entire school life. But
reading, self study and close observation made up in a measure for the lack
of earlier advantages. When nine years of age he began doing boy's work in
the coal mines near West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, his home, then he became
a miner and was engaged in digging coal in the bituminous mines until I886.
Then he bought the old "Rothher place" in Jefferson township, Allegheny
county, containing one hundred and twenty-nine acres, which he converted
into a dairy farm, marketing the product of his herd in Clairton, near by.
He has been very successful, has rebuilt and enlarged the farm house, added
a commodious barn and greatly enhanced the value of his original purchase.
For the past six years he has been school director of the township, is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a Republican in politics. He is a
man of energy and high standing in his community and rated a valuable
citizen, a good friend and neighbor.
Mr. Bickerton married, April 26, I872, Melissa J. Gilmore, born in
Jefferson township, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Gilmore, early settlers
in Jefferson township, both deceased. Children: I. Myra, married Albert
Herron, a farmer and merchant of Washington county, Pennsylvania. 2.
Harriet, married Edwin J. Thorne, a tailor of Pittsburgh North Side. 3.
Ethel, married Edward Gogley, a steel mill worker of Gary, Indiana. 4. Mary
Gilmore, residing with her parents. 5. Benjamin Leslie, his father's assistant.
6. Paul, also residing at home. 7. Philip, residing in Gary, Indiana.
The Keils were for many generations residents of the ancient city
KEIL of Cassel, capital of the province of Hesse-Nassau, Prussia, now
part of the German Empire. There the grandparents of Henry
E. Keil, of Large, Pennsylvania, were born, lived and married. John Keil,
the grandfather of Henry E. Keil, emigrated to the United States in I849,
bringing wife and children. He settled in the Lawrenceville district of Pittsburgh, near where the Allegheny Cemetery is now located, and was among
I0o3oWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the pioneer glass workers of the district. The family were members of
the German Protestent Evangelical church, and highly respected people.
(II) John (2) Keil, son of John (I) Keil, the emigrant, was born in
the city of Cassel, Prussia, in I838, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (South
Side) in I912. Cassel, a city laid out more than two centuries ago by French
Huguenots, on both banks of the river Fulds, ninety-one miles from Frankford-on-the-Main, is one of the handsomest towns of its size in Germany,
the architectural and sculptural adornments of former ages being richly
supplemented by the works of recent art. About three miles west of the city
are the famous castles and park of Wilhelm-Shohe, on the steep slopes of the
Habichswald (Hawk Forest). It was there that Napoleon III. was confined
after the surrender at Sedan. John Keil attended the excellent schools of
Cassel until eleven years of age, then in I849 was brought by his parents to
Pittsburgh. After his father secured employment in the glass works, the
lad John was also given a job at boy's work around the factory and as soon
as size and age warranted began regularly learning the trade of glass bottle
blower. For twelve years he was employed in the Chambers glass works
and many years for other glass manufacturers of the Pittsburgh district,
and was one of the most expert men in the business. Two years prior to his
death he gave up working in the factory and lived retired. For four years,
I886 to I89o, he and his wife kept a small dry goods store on the South Side,
Mrs. Keil being in charge during the day time, her husband at night. Both
were members of the German Protestant Evangelical church, and for nine
years prior to his death John Keil was a director of the Humboldt school,
South Side.
He married Catherine Shlothauer, born in Pittsburgh, South Side, in
August, I846, who yet survives him. Children: I. Alfred G., expert for
the Riter-Connelly Company, residing on West Gregory street, Pittsburgh.
2. Henry E., of further mention. 3. Ralph C., chief cost clerk for the Macbeth-Evans Glass Company, residing in Mt. Oliver, Pennsylvania. 4. Rosa,
married Adam Kreuger, a real estate dealer, located at the corner of Frankstown and Brushton avenues, Pittsburgh. 5. Mary, married Otto Loest, a
foreman machinist, residing on Twenty-second street, Pittsburgh. 6. Kate,
married Henry Braun, a meat dealer, at No. 312 Fallowfield avenue, Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
(III) Henry E. Keil, second son of John (2) and Catherine (Shlothauer) Keil, was born on Eighteenth street, Pittsburgh, South Side, July 28,
1879. He was educated in the Humboldt school of the South Side and the
Washington school in the Seventeenth ward of Pittsburgh, attending the
latter school four years. He then learned the printer's trade with the printing
firm of Duncan  McElvaney, working as an apprentice and journeyman
printer with that firm for six years, acquiring a thoroughly practical knowledge of the business. In I899 he became manager and foreman for John S.
Boreland, printer, remaining with him in that capacity until May 3, 1907,
precisely eight years; on that date he resigned and severed his connection
with the printing business at the same time. He chose the town of Large
I03IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, as a location and there erected a
fine modern hotel, that he named the Hotel Large, opened it as a first class
house of entertainment and still continues its proprietor. He has been
very successful as "mine host" and is highly regarded by his patrons. He is
a member of the Masonic order, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Foresters of America, Independent Order of Foresters, the French Beneficial Union, the German-American Musical Union
of Pittsburgh, is treasurer of the Russellton Amusement Company, and is
identified with the Republican party.
Mr. Keil, married (first) August I5, I9oi, Clara Ruhlandt, born in
Pittsburgh, died November 17, I903, leaving a daughter, Margaret Catherine,
born May 3, 1903. He married (second) October 6, I907, Hilda Klumpp,
born on Twenty-fourth street, Pittsbuigh, South Side, daughter of Charles
and Lena (Reiff) Klumpp, her father a patrolman on the South Side. Child,
Henry E. (2), born September 29, 1908.
The Hershey family has long been seated in the state of
HERSHEY  Pennsylvania, several generations of the family residing
there, and their history is closely interwoven with that of
the section wherein is located the counties of Lancaster and Allegheny.
(I) Christopher Hershey, the earliest known ancestor of the family,
was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, near Chambersburg. Duiring
his early manhood he removed to Penn township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and located on a farm consisting of about two hundred acres, the
same on which his descendants still reside, and he cleared and cultivated
considerable of this, devoting his attention to the raising of general produce.
He erected a log house, in which both he and his wife lived and died. He
married Nancy Storer, whose birth probably occurred in the vicinity of
Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of six children;
Mary, Elizabeth, Ann, John, Susan, Christopher.
(II) John Hershey, son of Christopher Hershey, was born on the farm
on which his son, Harry W. Hershey, resides, the same mentioned in the
preceding paragraph, in Penn township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
January 23, I816, died December 2, I904. He was reared on the home farm,
attended the common schools, and late in life purchased a portion of the
farm at Universal, Pennsylvania, which Charles Cunliffe, his father-in-law,
had purchased previously, the latter named having secured the land at the
low rate of fifty dollars per acre, and later Mr. Hershey disposed of fortytwo acres of the same land to a cement plant at Universal for the sum of
six hundred dollars per acre, quite an increase in price. He married Elizabeth C. Cunliffe, born in what is now Second avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Hazelwood), August 25, I839, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth
(Wilson) Cunliffe, the former named born at what is now the corner of
Third and Wood streets, Pittsburgh, and the latter named born on the site
of Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. Charles Cunliffe was the owner of considerable property in Pittsburgh, and in early life farmed thirteen acres, the
I03264n -9/tey
I
iIWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
site of his birthplace. He later moved to Universal, Pennsylvania, where
he purchased two hundred and seventy acres at the low price mentioned
above, and there continued his farming operations up to the time of his
death. He was an active politician, and during his residence in Pittsburgh
held many local offices. He married Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of William
and Barbara (Staley) Wilson, the former named, a descendant of an Irish
ancestry, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at an early day, the latter'
named a descendant of Pennsylvania Dutch who located in Lancaster county.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cunliffe were the parents of eleven children: Elizabeth C., Barbara, Agnes, Margaret, Robert, Mary, Charles, Sarah, John,
died aged four years; Theodosia, and a child died in infancy. Charles Cunliffe was a son of Robert and Margaret (Fisher) Cunliffe, the former named
a native of England, and the latter named a Quakeress, probably born in
the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Robert Cunliffe emigrated to
this country in I790; he located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was a merchant at the corner of Third and Wood streets for many years, and later
purchased property on Second avenue, where his death occurred. Children
of Robert Cunliffe: Hannah, Mary, Eliza, James, Charles. Children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Hershey: I. Kate W., resident of Wilkinsburg, married
John D. Euwer, who died October 26, I9o9, and has four children: John
H., Laurence C., Herbert D., and George A. 2. Elizabeth J., married William Green, and has three children: Clara, Anna, and William; a resident of
Penn township. 3. Mary A., deceased; married Frank Kirchartz, and has
children: James, Mildred, John, Frank. 4. Daisy, married William Frack,
and has children: George, Marion, William, Robert. 5. Harry W., of whom
further. 6. Charles, died in infancy.
(III) Harry WV. Hershey, son of John Hershey, was born on the farm
on which he now resides in Penn township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
November 12, I879. He obtained his preliminary education in the common
schools of that section, and later was a student in the Indiana State Normal
School. He has chiefly devoted his attention to farming on the old homestead, which has proved both congenial and remunerative, and in addition
to this for the last few years he has been a hauling contractor, which occupation has considerably added to his income. He erected his present residence,
which is of brick, commodious and comfortable, in the year I9o8. He served
as township road commissioner for a number of years, the duties of the
office being performed in a highly efficient manner.'He is a member of
Unity United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Hershey married, November 27, I9go, Margaret Reiter, of New
Texas, Plumb township, Pennsylvania, daughter of George W. and Ida
(Kistler) Reiter, both natives of Plumb township. George W. Reiter was
a son of Henry'and Isabella (Patterson) Reiter, both natives of Squirrel
Hill, and grandson of George J. Reiter, a native of Germany, who emigrated
to this country and was among the early settlers of Squirrel Hill. Ida
(Kistler) Reiter was a daughter of Josiah and Margaret (Elliott) Kistler,
he a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and she of Plumb townIo333WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ship, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and a granddaughter of Samuel and
Katherine (Fink) Kistler, residents of Westmoreland county, who later removed to Allegheny county, locating at Center. The members of the Reiter
and Patterson families attended the Presbyterian church. Five children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Hershey, as follows: George Walter, Grace Elizabeth, Harry William, Anna Margaret, Charles Cunliffe.
About 1845 Michael Ruffing, grandfather of Michael RufRUFFING  fing, of Lincoln Place Post Office, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, came to the United States, a widower with children. He was born and married in Germany, where he was for years a
farmer and miner. After the death of his wife, Ursula, he came to the
United States with his seven children and settled at Mount Oliver, a part
of the city of Pittsburgh, where he died at an advanced age. Children: I.
Mary, remained in New York City. 2. Elizabeth, married Michael Fleeher,
and lived in Mifflin township, Allegheny county. 3. Louis, always lived in
Mount Oliver, after the family settlement there. 4. Jacob, lived in Lower
St. Clair township. 5. Michael (2), of further mention. 6. John, also lived
in lower St. Clair township. 7. George, lived on a farm in Baldwin township.
(II) Michael (2) Ruffing, son of Michael (I) and Ursula Ruffing,
was born in Germany, in I827, died on his farm in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 30, I912. He was about eighteen
years of age when his father came with his family to Mount Oliver (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania, and soon after their arrival Michael (2) began
working in the coal mines of the district. But he did not like a miner's
life and as soon as he had sufficient capital he opened a dairy in Mount.Oliver that was quite successful. But he was not yet satisfied and leaving
the city he began farming, renting in succession three Baldwin township
farms. He then tried farming in Mifflin township, renting a farm of James
Hays which pleased him so well that one year after "renting" he became its
owner by purchase, on July 8, I876. This farm, containing one hundred
and three acres, he brought to a high state of fertility and operated it
largely as a dairy farm. He continued dairying for over thirty years, disposing of his dairy and farm products to good advantage to the Pittsburgh
South Side residents. He was a man of industry and energy, causing his
farm to yield large returns. He built the house in which his son Michael
(3) now resides, enlarged the barn and thoroughly improved his property.
He was a Democrat in politics, and, like his parents, a Roman Catholic in
religion.
He was twice married, but the name of his first wife is not known.
He married (second) Christina Grodwalt, born in the southern part of
Germany in I827, died in I890, leaving eleven children (see forward).
He married (third) Catherine Schamm, who survives him, a resident of
Lower St. Clair township. Children of Michael (z) Ruffing, by his first
wife: I. Jacob, now a farmer of Boston, Pennsylvania, married Lena
IO034WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Haut. 2. Catherine, married George Smith, a baker, of Pittsburgh. 3.
John, left home in 1887 and has never since been heard from. Children of
second wife: 4. Louis, now a blacksmith of Mifflin township, married Eva
Eberline. 5. Elizabeth, married Gustave Rousch, and died in I9IO. 6.
Anna, married Andrew Leopold, a farmer of O'Hara township. 7.
Michael (3), of further mention. 8. George, now a coal miner of Hays,
Pennsylvania, married Martha Rousch.  9. Christine, married Charles
Peters, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. io. Margaret, residing in Pittsburgh,
unmarried. ii. Clara, residing in Pittsburgh.
(III) Michael (3) Ruffing, fourth son and seventh child of Michael
(2) Ruffing by his second wife, Christina (Grodwaldt) Ruffing, was born on
the farm on which he now resides, near the "Mifflin Road," Mifflin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 28, I869. He attended public
school and St. Peter's parochial school (the latter on Pittsburgh South
Side) until thirteen years of age. He then became his father's assistant
and so remained until his marriage at twenty-eight years. He then for a
time rented the home farm, but later moved to Pittsburgh South Side, where
he engaged in teaming until December, I9I2. In that year his father died
and Michael (3) Ruffing, inheriting the home farm, returned to his birthplace and there continues the dairy business established by his father. He
is a Democrat in politics, and a member of Holy Angels Roman Catholic
Church, located at Hays, Pennsylvania.
He married, May Io, I9OI, Margaret Eberline, born in Byron, Germany, daughter of Jacob and Dora Eberline, both deceased.  Margaret
was thirteen years of age when her parents came to this country, settling
in Pittsburgh, where her father was a worker in the steel mills, and died in
Pittsburgh in I905; her mother survived him until I909. Jacob and Dora
Eberline had children: I. Jacob, now a Pittsburgh steel mill worker. 2.
John, now a Pittsburgh steel mill worker. 3. Eva, married Louis Ruffing,
a blacksmith of Mifflin township, brother of Michael (3) Ruffing.  4.
Margaret, married Philip Deidorn, and resides on Pittsburgh South Side.
5. Margaret, married Michael (3) Ruffing, of previous mention. 6. Clara,
married William Miller, a stationary engineer, residing at Mount Oliver.
Children of Michael (3) and Margaret (Eberline) Ruffing: Dora, born
July I9, I902; Catherine, November I9, I905; Lena, October I8, I9o9;
Anna, August II, I913.
Represented in the present day in Forward township,
MIcKINNEY  Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, by James Wallace McKinney, this family was planted in Pennsylvania by
Matthew McKinney, born in Scotland. He was a man at the time of his
immigration to Eastern Pennsylvania, and about 1777 made the journey over
the mountains to Western Pennsylvania, patenting three hundred acres of
government land. The present location of the tract to which he gained
title is Forward township, Allegheny county, and while putting this land
into arable condition lived in a log house which he erected unaided. His live
Io35WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
stock was quartered in a log barn, the two buildings standing in their
place for many years after their erection.  Matthew  McKinney's battle
with the wilderness was fraught with danger from man and beast, men
who knew the white man only to hate him and beasts who knew him so
little as to be unafraid, and more than once even his stout heart must have
faltered because of the loneliness and privations of his life. His first
wife, Elizabeth (Lord) McKinney, did not long survive the unequal struggle with the harsh elements, -and he married a second time, making Ann
Thompson his wife, and lived on his farm until his death, October 22, I809.
The faith of one who would choose the life that he elected must always be
vested in a power greater than himself, and Matthew McKinney was one
of the most devout of Christians, worshipping the Master of his destiny
in the Presbyterian religion. Children of Matthew and Elizabeth (Lord)
McKinney: I. James, of whom further. 2. John, a farmer, married and
moved to New Concord, Ohio, where numerous of his descendants remain
to this time. 3. Henry, moved to the same locality in Ohio, married, and
had children. 4. Polly, married a Mr. Snodgrass, and died in Braddock,
Pennsylvania. 5. Nancy, married Isaac Storrer, and died in New Concord,
Ohio. 6. Matthew (z), died in infancy. Matthew McKinney had no issue
by his second marriage.
(II) James McKinney, eldest son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Lord)
McKinney, was born in what is now Forward township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, February 9, I783, died in that place, October I8, I863. The
eldest son of his parents, from an early age he shared in the responsibility,
and upon the death of his father he purchased the interests of his co-heirs,
owning two hundred and forty of the original three hundred acres. The
log house that had been the first family home was replaced by him with a
substantial four room frame house, and at the same time a commodious
frame barn was built, the buildings standing for ninety-two years, until
July 30, I909, when they were struck by lightning, the following flames
wiping them out of existence. James McKinney farmed during his active
years, but between seasons "freighted" on the old National Pike, on numerous of his trips driving eastward to Philadelphia and as far west as Chilicothe, Ohio. He met the maiden whom he made his wife at the "Black
Horse Tavern," in Wheeling, West Virginia, and after his marriage discontinued freighting, his wife dreading his long absences, which were often
many weeks in length. During the second war with Great Britain he was
for a time in the army, then returned to his agricultural operations, which
he continued until his death. With his wife he was a member of the Presbyterian church.
James McKinney marrried Mary Wallace Blee, who died March 24,
1873, aged seventy-seven years, having survived her 4husband ten years.
Children of James and Mary Wallace McKinney: I. Elizabeth, born September 29, 1817, died unmarried, January 28, I873. 2. Nancy Jane, born
January 28, I8I9, married Peter Reasoner, and died at New Concord,
Ohio, February 29, I908. 3. Margaret, born December 2I, I820, died on
Io36WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the homestead, unmarried, October I8, I895. 4. Matthew, born May Io,
1822, died September Io, I822. 5. Ann, born December 2I, I823, married
Solomon Speer, and died at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, in January, I9Io. 6.
Robert, of whom further. 7. John, born November 2I, I826, died August
I2, I9II, married Mary Jane Marshall. 8. Mary, born September 2, I829,
married Louis Snee, and died April I8, I856.
(III) Robert McKinney, son of James and Mary Wallace (Blee) McKinney, was born on the homestead farm in Forward township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, May 7, I825, died there January I3, I902. He was
educated in the schools near his home, and from young manhood was a
farmer, living in quiet industry on the homestead. He owned one hundred
and twenty-one acres of the original tract, and in partnership with his
brother John held title to another farm. He held strong Democratic convictions, and was a member of the Presbyterian church. Robert McKinney
married Nancy, born near New Concord, Ohio, November 23, I823, died
December 20, I88o, daughter of Judge Robert and Polly (Reasoner) Marshall. Judge Marshall moved to Ohio from New Florence, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, and was a judge of Guernsey county, Ohio, courts
for twenty-eight years, a man of education and culture, a judge fair and
just, and an upright citizen. He died March I, I873, his wife, Polly (Reasoner) Marshall, September 20, I840. His second wife was Polly (Wilson)
Marshall. Children: I. Elizabeth, born December 8, I8I9, died unmarried,
aged seventy-five years. 2. Martha, born August 2, I82I, married Samuel
Marshall, and died in Kirkwood, Illinois. 3. Nancy, of previous mention,
married Robert McKinney. 4. Margaret, born August 3, I826, married
Mack Galbraith, and died in Monmouth, Illinois.  5. Mary Jane, born
October I7, 1828, died January 28, I896; married John McKinney, brother
of Robert. 6. John R., born February 26, I830, deceased; was a farmer of
Muscatine, Iowa. 7. Robert W., born February I5, I832, a farmer near
Stronghurst, Illinois. 8. Samuel, born May 3, I834, a minister of the
United Presbyterian church and at the time of his death president of
Tarkio (Missouri) College. 9. Joseph, born March 3, I836, died aged
eighteen years. Io. Benjamin, born November I6, 1837, died at the old
Marshall home in New Concord, Ohio, November 4, I912.  II. Sarah
Catherine, born February I4, I840, married Samuel Torrance and lives in
M'onmouth, Illinois. Children of Robert and Nancy (Marshall) McKinney:
Robert Marshall, James Wallace, of whom further; Mary Jane, Margaret
Elizabeth.
(IV) James Wallace McKinney, son of Robert and Nancy (Marshall)
McKinney, was born on the old home farm in Forward township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, May 22, i85I. His entire life has been passed on the
homestead, his education being obtained in the local schools, and he now
cultivates the land that bore fruit under the labors of three generations of
his name before him. His operations cover one hundred and twenty-one
acres, and the soil that for more than a century and a quarter has yielded a
living to those of the name McKinney has been the source of prosperity.
Io37WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
after it was applied to a new train of five cars on the E.  P. division.
The train consisted of three coaches, smoker and baggage car. By some
misunderstanding of orders this train met with a heavy freight train on a
curve. Both engines were wrecked. The front end of the baggage car
was forced on the tender, but none of the remainder of the train was
injured, and not a passenger hurt. Had it not been for this improvement,
the train might have been wrecked and many lives lost. This improvement was patented and signed over to the railway company without any
compensation, thus making railway travel safe and comfortable. He also
organized the Allegheny branch of the Railway Young Men's Christian
Association, was its first president, which organization continues to do
good. After leaving the railway, he continued to, manufacture patterns
and models for other inventors, which did not prove a financial success,
and he is now retired from active mechanical work.
Mr. White has always taken an active interest in the First United
Presbyterian Church of Allegheny. On June zo, I863, he was elected
elder of the church and is still serving in that office, and on the fiftieth
anniversary of his election as elder was presented by his friends in the
church with an eloquent testimonial to his faithfulness and efficiency. For
many years. he had charge of the music of the church. Mr. White was
also one of the committee of five which revised the first Psalter and Bible
songs used by the United Presbyterians. He also engaged in mission work
in the Third Ward many years, the outgrowth of which was the Fifth and
Tenth United Presbyterian churches of Allegheny.
Mr. White married, September 20, I887, Annie Warden Donaldson,
born in Pittsburgh, North Side, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Carson) Donaldson. Children: I. Audley Donaldson, born July 28, I888;
attended and graduated from the Avalon High School, studied mechanical
engineering at Carnegie Institute night school, graduating as an honor
student in a class of eighteen; six years of this time he was employed by
the R. W. Hunt Company, engineers; he died after a brief illness, June ii,
I9I3. 2. John Stanley, born July 5, I89o; now connected with the firm
of Hubbard  Company. 3. Margaret Elizabeth, born November 28, I892,
died November 8, I9I3. 4. Kenneth Warden, born March 26, 1895; a
student at the Carnegie Institute of Technology.
(The Donaldson Line.)
Robert Donaldson, grandfather of Mrs. John White, was born in
Utica, New York, in I775, a descendant of a Scotch-Irish ancestry. He
was a civil engineer by profession, and laid out the central part of the city
of Pittsburgh. He and the members of his family were connected with
the Associate Reformed Church, now the United Presbyterian Church.
He was the owner of considerable property on Wood and Water streets,
Pittsburgh. His sister, Isabel, married Judge James Mitchell, of Philadelphia. Mr. Donaldson married Isabel Clendennin, and among their
children was Robert, of whom further. Isabel Clendennin was a daughter
579WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He adheres to the religion of his fathers, the Presbyterian, and in political
allegiance is a Democrat. Mr. McKinney married, October 5, I88I, Adaletta, born in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March
30, I858, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Fife) Pierce, her parents
natives of Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, their parents
early settlers in that locality. Children of James Wallace and Adaletta
(Pierce) McKinney: Ethel May, born March 6, I890; Frank Lee, born
September I8, I892.
The Hardwick family of McKeesport and vicinity, well
HARDWICK known for integrity and trustworthiness, characteristics
which mark the members in the various generations, is
of English origin, from which country have come so many of our representative citizens.
(I) Samuel Hardwick, grandfather of Edwin Hardwick, was a native
of England, where he died April I5, I841. His wife, Phoebe Hardwick,
bore him eight children, as follows: William, born June I2, I827, died
June 12, 1895; Henry, born July 2, 1829, died December I, I9O4; Samuel,
born November 2, I83I, died December I5, I832; Elizabeth, born December I3, i832, died December ii, I833; Jane, born December I, 1835,
died April i5, 1839; John, born June I5, I837, died May I, 1839; James,
born March 26, I839, was killed in Bells Mines at Carnegie, Pennsylvania;
Samuel, born March 5, I84I, died December 22, 1908. After the death of
Mr. Hardwick his widow married (second) James Ingham, by whom she
had one child, Robert, born July I7, I848.
(II) William Hardwick, son of Samuel Hardwick, was born in England, June I2, I827, died June 12, I895, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He
came to the United States in the "forties" and resided in various places,
following his trade of coal miner, residing for a time at Shafton, near
Irwin, and for some years in McKeesport, where he spent his last years.
He was a member of the Episcopal church, and a Republican in politics. He
married Ellen Garsite, born in England, in I8o30, married in England, and
they were the parents of the following children: Samuel, died in I913;
William, Mary Jane, John, Phoebe, Edwin, of whom further; Ann, Nellie,
died young; several died in childhood.
(III) Edwin Hardwick, son of William Hardwick, born near Irwin,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May 2I, I867, was reared in what is
now West End, Pittsburgh, and attended the public schools in the vicinity
of his home. He began his active business career by accepting a position in
the lock shop at Lockton, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, near Carnegie,
and in I884 removed to McKeesport, and since then, a period of thirty
years, has been employed in the National Tube Works, coupling and tap
department, and his long term of service eloquently testifies to his ability
and efficiency. In I9II he purchased a fine house located at No. 720 South
Union street, McKeesport, which is modern in every particular, well suited to
the needs of his family. He is a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church,
an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and a Republican in politics.
io38WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
Mr. Hardwick married, November 2I, I895, Caroline Reynolds, bornl in
England, July 4, I87I, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Briggs) Reynolds,
who came to the United States in I882, settling in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in the rolling mill and in the tube works, and
at the present time (1914) he is aged seventy-three years and his wife
seventy-eight years. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds: James, George,
William, deceased; Thomas, Paul, Caroline, Samuel, Clara, Arthur, Annie,
Emma. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Hardwick: Samuel Edwin, born December 20, I896, at No. I712 Beaver street, McKeesport; Helen Elizabeth,
born June 29, I898, at same place; Joseph, born July 3I, I902, at same place;
William, born September II, I9o4, at same place; Caroline, born November
I5, I9O9, at No. I4o8 Flagler street, McKeesport.
His family long resident in Westmoreland county, PennsylKIFER vania, from which state his father rendered service to the
Colonial cause in the Revolutionary War, Henry Kifer, grandfather of Dr. Logan M. Kifer, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, passed the
greater part of his life in that locality. He married Susan Painter, and was
the father of children: Henry, Albert, Michael, Joseph, of whom further,
and several daughters.
(II) Joseph Kifer, son of Henry and Susan (Painter) Kifer, was born
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July I5, I815, died May i5, I889.
He was reared in the place of his birth, and from early youth was trained
for the life of a farmer, following that calling all of his life. He was a
strong Democratic sympathizer, and a member of the Reformed church, his
wife affiliating with the Lutheran denomination. He married Eliza, born
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, August 9, I818, daughter of John
P. and Sarah (Wegley) Miller, her parents early residents of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where their lives were passed. Children of
Joseph and Eliza (Miller) Kifer:  I. Logan M., of whom  further.  2.
Melissa Jane, born July 29, 1857, married M. M. Cleland, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, and has Charles E. and Gertrude M.
(III) Dr. Logan M. Kifer, son of Joseph and Eliza (Miller) Kifer,
was born near Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, September 15,
1853. He attended the public schools and later the Murraysville Academy.
He then took a three years' course in Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated in I875, afterward completing a course in
Jefferson Medical College, receiving his M. D. from that institution in I878.
For seven and one-half years after. his graduation Dr. Kifer was a practicing physician of Irwin, Pennsylvania, in I886 establishing in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he has for the past twenty-eight years held a
leading position in the medical profession. Dr. Kifer is a member of the
County, State and American medical organizations. He has no party preferences in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran church. Dr. Kifer
married, in I88I, Mary, born in McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
May 30, 1859, died December 26, I886, daughter of William Morris. Dr.
Io39WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Kifer is the father of one daughter, Lida J., born February 3, I882, lives
at home, unmarried.
A native of Ireland, Matthew Anderson in I852 found an
ANDERSON American home in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh North
Side), Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His occupation
was that of carpenter, and he lived in the place of his first settlement for a
time, later moving to Oakmont, in the same county, where his death occurred
in 1876. During the Civil War he was in the service of the United States
government at Nashville, Tennessee, engaged in the manufacture of coffins, a
gruesome occupation, but one for which, during the years from I86I to
I865, there was only too much need. Matthew Anderson married, in his
native land, Sarah Robinson, also born in Ireland, and was the father of
five children, among whom was John Taylor, of further mention.
John Taylor Anderson, son of Matthew and Sarah (Robinson) Anderson, was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January
ii, I862. He was educated in the schools of the Third Ward of-his native
city and of Oakmont. One of his brothers, William, was the owner of a
planing mill at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, and here he worked from his
early youth until he attained his majority, at which age he became foreman
of the planing mill of L. Bentz. His brother, William, was the owner of
another planing mill in O'akmont, and in I890 John Taylor Anderson became
owner of this property by purchase, operating the mill for fourteen years.
In I904, at the expiration of that time, he purchased his present site in Verona, Pennsylvania, and there continues as the proprietor of a planing mill,
his business extensive and regular. In I907 Mr. Anderson organized the
Oakmont Motor and Boat Company, of which he has since been president,
holding the same office in the management of the J. W. Hodil Company,
organized in I9o4. He is a director of the Interior Lumber Company, a
Pittsburgh concern, that was organized in I903, and in I907 was one of the
founders of the First National Bank of Oakmont, of which he has since
been a director. As a Republican, which party he has ever supported, Mr.
Anderson was for three years a member of the Oakmont council, for two
years of that time being its president. He is a business man of forceful
and energetic qualities, quick in his perception of an opportunity and decided in the advantage he takes of it, a man of methods, whose methods
are not cumbersome, and above all, a loyal and public-spirited citizen.
He married, in I887, Anna Mary, daughter of Robert Glover, her
father a member of the firm of Thomas Coffin  Company, which manufactured the first glass pots made in Pittsburgh, a descendant of a Revolutionary family. John Taylor and Anna Mary (Glover) Anderson are thd
parents of one son, William Pressley, manager of the Oakmont Motor and
Boat Company, resides at Oakmont, Pennsylvania; he married Sadie Belle
Clark, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of ex-County Commissioner
James A. Clark; Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one child, Sadie Belle.
I 040'SWESTERN  PENNSYLVANIA                            Io04
The family of which John H. Malloy, a representative busiMALLOY  ness man of McKeesport, is a worthy member, is of Irish
origin, the land from which so many of our best citizens have
come, all of whom have ever performed well their part in the progress and
development of the communities in which they settled.
Patrick Malloy, father of John H. Malloy, was a native of Ireland, and
was there reared and educated. In young manhood he decided that the
opportunities for advancement were greater in the United States than in
his native land, and he accordingly came hither, taking up his residence in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a coal miner. He married, in that city, Mary Cunningham, also a native of Ireland, and they
later removed to Greene county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the
same line of work. About the year I86o he removed to Westmoreland
-county, Pennsylvania, and there spent the remainder of his days, his death
occurring in I896, being survived by his wife, who is living at the present
time (1914) with her children, aged eighty-three years.
John H. Malloy was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, October 3I,
I859. His parents removed to Westmoreland county during his infancy, and
his education was acquired in the public schools of that section of the state.
After completing his studies he turned his attention to the mining of coal,
continuing until he was nineteen years of age, and he then engaged in the
hotel business, to which he devoted his attention for about three and a half
years. In I889 or I8go he changed his place of residence to McKeesport
and there embarked in the wholesale liquor business, which line he has since
followed and in which he has been highly successful, accumulating during
the intervening years considerable capital, which he has wisely invested in
real estate in McKeesport, from which he derives a goodly income. He was
also one of the organizers of the Tube City Brewing Company, of which he
was treasurer, and one of the organizers of the McKeesport Brewing Company and Duquesne Brewing Company of Pittsburgh, all successful enterprises. Mr. Malloy is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, serving in the capacity of treasurer of the same, and a member of the
Order of Heptasophs. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, and a
Republican in politics, but has never aspired to public office, simply casting
his vote for the man who in his opinion is best qualified for office. He is
active in community affairs, ever willing to aid in the advancement of all
projects which have for their object the welfare of the people.
Mr. Malloy married, in West Newton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Howell, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
daughter of James and Elsie (Paull) Howell. They are the parents of two
children: Mary Irene; Ethel Frances, wife of Roy Jameson, of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, who are the parents of one child, John Henry Jameson.
A successful grocer of Braddock, Pennsylvania, since I9o9,
McGEARY Loyal E. McGeary has won honorable standing in the business world and ranks with the prosperous and publicWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
spirited men of that thriving city of Western Pennsylvania, in which he has
resided since I88I. He is a son of John McGeary, of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and a grandson of William McGeary, who came to Butler from
Westmoreland county, settling in Buffalo township, where he and his wife
Elizabeth died.
(II) John McGeary, son of William and Elizabeth McGeary, was born
in I829, died in January, I9I3. He was a farmer of Butler county, a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Elizabeth
Gibson, born in I830, died in the seventies. Children: Belle, deceased;
Joseph, Eleanor, William, James, deceased; Loyal E., of further mention;
Ida; Losetta, deceased; John, deceased; Clifford.
(III) Loyal Ellsworth McGeary, son of John and Elizabeth (Gibson)
McGeary, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, March ii, I864. He
was educated in the public schools, and until seventeen years of age worked
on the farm. In I88I he first came to Braddock and there for a time worked
as a teamster. Later he formed a partnership with Robert Gibson and for
twenty-five years they conducted a general contracting and teaming business
in Braddock. After this long association terminated Mr. McGeary in I9go
opened a grocery store at 63I Fourth street, which he most profitably conducts at the present time. He has accumulated considerable property in the
city, including his present business location. He is widely known in his city
and highly esteemed as a business man and citizen. He is a Republican in
politics, is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Knights of Malta.
Mr. McGeary married, in i9o6, Hilda Totzke, daughter of Carl and Wilhelmina Totzke, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. McGeary died in May,
I9I3, leaving a daughter, Mildred.
A. Curtin Evans is a member of an old and prominent Welsh
EVANS  family, representative of that sturdy race which, though it has
not contributed so largely to the population of the New World
as have some of the other European peoples, has nevertheless furnished us
with an element second to none in value, and which acts as a leaven of the
Welsh virtues, those of sturdy endurance in labor' and a strong moral fervor.
(I) His paternal grandfather was Evan J. Evans, a native of Wales,
where he was born about the beginning of the nineteenth century, and passed
his childhood and youth. There also he was married, and in 1840 he came
with his family to the United States and took up his abode in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where he soon owned a farm. On this farm he lived, operating it for the remainder of his life, and finally both he and his wife died
there.
(II) Evan C. Evans, son of Evan J. Evans, was born in Wales, April
29, I830. He received a portion of his education in the schools of his native
land, but was only ten years of age when his parents emigrated from their
country to the United States, taking him with them. Here he completed his
studies and then learned the trade of wagon maker and carpenter, following
these occupations for many years. He finally retired from active business,
I042WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and is now living with his wife in Cambria county, on the old family
property. He was married to Elizabeth Evans, a native of Cambria
county, Pennsylvania, where she was born December 30, I840. By a
strange coincidence her father bore the same name as did the father of her
busband and was also an Evan J. Evans. Like his namesake on the other
side of the house, this Mr. Evans also came to the United States with his
wife and family, and settled in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in the old
pioneer days, and here both he and his wife eventually died. To Mr. and
Mrs. Evan C. Evans were born three children, of whom only A. Curtin
Evans is now living. They were Melancthon, A. Curtin, Mary Emma.
(III) A. Curtin Evans, the second child of Evan C. and Elizabeth
(Evans) Evans, was born October 9, I86o, in Cambria county, Pennsylvania.
He passed the early years of his life in that region and there obtained his
education in the local public schools. His alert mind readily supplied the
somewhat glaring deficiencies in these admirable institutions, and gained a
more than average education from his studies, supplementing these with a
great deal of reading on his own account. Among other things he learned
was bookkeeping, so that upon leaving school he was able to secure a position as bookkeeper with the Pennsylvania railroad. After a time it became
convenient for him to move to the town of Pitcairn, which was then, I889,
just beginning its development. After coming to Pitcairn, which has ever
since remained his home and the scene of his busy and active life, he found
that it would be possible as a result of his skill and industry, together with
his frugal habits, to embark upon a business enterprise of his own. He accordingly withdrew  from his association with the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, and established a grocery business in Pitcairn, which was from the
start highly successful. Later he gave up the grocery trade, but only to take
up that of house contractor. In his new business he has been even more
successful than before, the same alertness of mind and innate industry soon
placing him in the front rank of the contractors in the community. He has
done a great deal of carpenter work and become a man of large substance,
and a conspicuous figure in the neighborhood. In I9Io he was appointed by
President Taft as postmaster of Pitcairn, and has held that office ever since,
the term having amounted to four years and three months, in June, I914.
Mr. Evans has also served his fellow citizens in the capacity of school director. He is a member of the Republican party, and has always taken a
keen and intelligent interest in all political questions, whether these involve
issues of national or local significance, and he now stands high in the local
councils of his party. Mr. Evans has also been active in fraternal circles
in Pitcairn, and is a member of the Summit Lodge, No. 3I2, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and of the Pittsburgh Consistery, thirty-second degree, of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Evans married, April, 1892, Effie Myers, a native of Ebensburg,
Pennsylvania, daughter of James A. and Lavina (George) Myers, of that
place. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans have been born four children, as follows:
George, born June I, I893, now a mail clerk in Pittsburgh and Fairchance,
Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, Lavina, Grace.
Io430WESTERN -PENNSYLVANIA
Mr.? and Mrs. Evans are staunch members of the Presbyterian church,
attending the church of that denomination in Pitcairn, and are actively
engaged in the work in connection with it, materially aiding in the support
of its benevolences and charities. They are rearing their children in their
belief, and- with the intention of making of them good church members and
conscientious, God-fearing men and women. Mr. Evans is himself regarded
as a citizen of the most valuable type. His reputation is of the highest
among his fellow townsmen, as a man of unimpeachable integrity, a successful and yet charitable man, and one whose conservative judgment is to
be entirely depended upon. He is the owner of a large amount of valuable
property in Pitcairn, in which may be included his own dwelling.
The name of Perry is an old. English one, and is exceedingly
PERRY  numerous in this country, boasting of many distinguished representatives. It is thought that the family came originally
from Wales, and settled in the southern sections of England. Bearers of
this name were here in the early Colonial days, and others have come at
various times since that period in the history of our country.
Thomas Perry, born in England in I826, died there in I905. He served
in the English army for a period of twenty-one years and received a long
service medal from Queen Victoria. He married Charlotte Moorby, born in
I840, died in I895, and they had children: Sarah, John T., of further
mention; Edward, Walter, all living.
John T. Perry, son of Thomas and Charlotte (Moorby) Perry, was
born at Birmingham, Staffordshire, England, September 26, I866. He
acquired his education in the public schools of his native land, and when he
attained his majority emigrated to the United States. Energetic and ambitious, he took the first work that came to hand, when he settled in Braddock, which happened to be that of a stone mason. After a time spent in
that occupation he branched out into contract work, and then became connected with the Edgar Thompson Steel Works, for whom he has now
worked twenty-seven years. He gives his active support to the'Republican
party in politics, and the family are members of the United Brethren church.
Mr. Perry married, June 7, I888, Ellen, born in England in I865, a daughter
of Robert and Jane (Evans) Thomas, both natives of Wales, who migrated
to England, then to the United States in I894, where he died in Braddock in
1897 at the age of seventy years, and she died in 1909 at the age of seventysix years. They had children: John, died in infancy; Annie; Margaret;
Elizabeth, and Robert, deceased; Ellen, mentioned above; Jane, and Mary.
Mr. and Mrs. Perry have had children: Charles, born May 31, I889, died
February 12, I890; Charlotte Jane, born August 27, I892, was educated in
the public schools; Robert, born February I3, I894, drowned, July 4, I9I3;
Leonard, born June 7, 1897; Nellie Elizabeth, born June 8, I900oo.
10o44WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
John Ross King comes of a family originally of German stock
KING  and representative of the best type of that race, but which has
lived for so many years in the state of Pennsylvania that its
members have become completely identified with the life and traditions of
the region.
(I) His paternal great-grandparents were Jacob and Margaret King,
natives of Germany, in which country they lived the major part of their
lives. Jacob King was a wagon maker by trade and prospered thereat in a
modest manner. His son John was the pioneer of the family in their removal to the "New World," but the elder man followed there before many
years were gone, and settled in the "East End" of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the new home of his son, and there engaged in the occupation of
gardening. He and his wife finally died there.
(II) John King, already mentioned as the son of Jacob King, was also
born in Germany, passing his childhood there and eventually marrying
Margaret Wentzel, a fellow countrywoman. The youthful couple, for a
honeymoon trip, embarked the day after the wedding to' find them a new
home in the United States. They went directly upon arrival to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and settled in the'"East End." He had learned the trade of
wagonmaker in Germany, but in America he engaged at once in farming and
gardening. He purchased a property of Seventeen and a half acres adjacent
to what is now the German Lutheran Cemetery in Pittsburgh and operated
this as a farm with great success. To Mr. King and his wife were born eight
children, as follows: Mary Ann, Nicholas, Henry, Margaret, Katherine,
George, Elizabeth, John, the father of our subject. Katherine and George
were twins, the latter dying in early childhood.
(III) John (z) King, the youngest son of John (I) and Margaret
(Wentzel) King, was born between Wilkinsburg and the "East End,"
Pittsburgh, April 22, 1839. He attended school at Negleys Run, since
known as Brilliante Hollow, in the "East End," and upon completing his
studies turned his attention to gardening as. an occupation, and later added
dairying to his labors. When twenty-four years of age he was employed on
the James McCullough farm at Verona Hill, whither he had come from
Pittsburgh, and remained in that service for fourteen years. At the expiration of that period he went to Oakmont and there entered the employment
of William Wade as a gardener, and continued there for a period of twentynine years, dying July 3, I9I4. He owned his own house at Oakmont, and
lived there not far from the Wade estate, the scene of his work. He was
married at the age of twenty-four years, at the time of his removal to
Verona Hill, to Sarah Jane Bayless, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of William and Mary Ann (Miller) Bayless,
and a granddaughter of James Bayless, a resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, and the owner of what later became known as the old Duherst farm.
William Bayless lived many of his youthful years on the DIuherst farm in
Penn township, and all his life was a resident of Washington. He was a
farmer and also conducted a mill at Sandy Creek. His wife, who was
-o045WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of James Clendennin, who was a soldier in the Continental Army, thereby
making Mrs. John White, his great-granddaughter, eligible as a Daughter of
the Revolution.
Robert Donaldson, father of Mrs. John White, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. His first employment was with Dennis Leonard, engaged in the lumber business, and
he remained with him for forty-one years, this fact attesting to his faithfulness to duty. He married (first) Lethea Chambers, daughter of John
Chambers, who was the owner of considerable real estate in Pittsburgh,
and whose relatives were prominent in the glass business there. They were
the parents of three children: John, a veteran; Presley; Isabella. He
married (second), in February, I849, Elizabeth Carson, daughter of William Carson, who came to this country from Ireland in I830 on the ship
"Dumfries," being six weeks and four days en route, and landed in Baltimore, Maryland, from whence he removed to Romney, Virginia, coming
from  there to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in I835, making the trip in a
four-horse wagon. He was one of the first teachers in the First Ward
of Pittsburgh, North Side, and later was a leather merchant, in which
business he was very successful. He was a land owner in Ireland and
also had a haberdashery in Belfast. He married Ann Warden, a native
of Ireland, although her people were of Scotland, daughter of Robert
Warden, who was born in I794, married Mary Orr, and spent his entire
life in Scotland and Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Donaldson had five
children: William, Annie Warden, Lizzie, Sarah, Emma. John C. Donaldson, a half-brother of Mrs. John White, enlisted during the Civil War
as a private in Company J, One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, when a mere boy, served as secretary to Colonel Rowley
and was honorably discharged August 7, I862. The members of the
family are active in the work of the United Presbyterian Church.
The name of Wagner is one which is known the world
WAGNER  over, in many fields. In America it has been chiefly identified with commercial and financial affairs, in which various
members of the family have achieved a large measure of prominence.
Peter C. Wagner, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, was born in Prussia,
Germany, February 2, I829, died in Pennsylvania, January I, 1892. IIl
I849 he came to the United States, settling in Allegheny, where he commenced working at the trade he had mastered in his native country, shoemaking. He opened a shop and store for the sale of his handmade product,
and two years later, because of lack of space for his increased business,
was obliged to move, and located in the brick building at the corner of
Main and Thirteenth streets, where he did a prosperous business, employed
a large number of workmen, and continued there until I87I, at which
time the machine-made goods of New England, and the east in general,
had almost driven handmade work in this line from the markets of the.0WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mary Ann Miller, was a daughter of Joseph Miller, a farmer of Butler
county, whither he had moved in early time, when the country was yet a
wilderness, with bear in the mountains, and where he reared a family of
thirteen children. To them were born the following children: James Mc.,
Anna J., John Ross, William H., Charles E., Frank N., George B., who died
in infancy.
(IV) John Ross King, son of John (2) and Sarah Jane (Bayless)
King, was born April 22, 1867, in Penn township, Allegheny- county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the public schools of Oakmont, and both
while attending school and later as a young man worked with his father.
To him, as to the three preceding generations of his family, the life of a
farmer and gardener appealed strongly, and he has accordingly devoted himself to a study of all kinds of plant culture and has become an expert in the
same. At first, after leaving school, he secured employment on the Wade
estate with his father, and worked there for many years, but later he was
offered the position of janitor at the Oakmont school, with care of the
grounds, and he has thus been employed ever since.
Mr. King married, April 24, I892, Margaret Buschner, a native of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, born on the lot now occupied by herself and family.
Mrs. King is a daughter of John Gotleib and Eliza (Rimmel-Shay) Buschner. Mr. Buschner was a native of Germany who came to the United States
about the middle of the last century, with a family of the name of Feistel,
who settled in the Pittsburgh vicinity, and with whom he made his home.
Here he met his future wife, a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.
She was a daughter of George Rimmel, of French descent, and was first
married to John Shay, and became the mother of his three children. After
Mr. Shay's death, his widow and her father removed to Oakmont, and lived
on the Black farm, and there Mr. Rimmel made baskets. To Mr. Buschner
were born two daughters, Margaret, the wife of John R. King, and Martha
Ann Rose, now Mrs. Anderson, of Oakmont. Mr. Buschner met his death
by being thrown from a wagon. Two brothers of Mr. Buschner accompanied him to this country when he came here from Germany, and one
sister remained in the "Fatherland." This sister was later married, and a son
of hers eventually went to South America, where he held a professorship
in a college. He was a clever man and a great linguist, speaking seven
languages fluently.
To Mr. and Mrs. King have been born six children, as follows: John
Wesley, deceased; Margaret Elizabeth; William Wade, named for Mr.
King's old employer; Edward Elliott; John Ross, Jr., deceased; and Sarah
Jane. Mr. King and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and in that persuasion are rearing their children.
Sweden has furnished us with many valuable and desirLINDBERG able citizens, not the least among whom are the members
of the Lindberg family.
Anders-Peter Lindberg was born in Sweden, and died in his native
io46G'/Col~IJ /t/eL~
Lp~-;I~~~4"II  WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
land at the age of eighty-four years. He was a steel blower at Orebro sen
Boo Soken, Gryte Breek. He married Mary Andersen, a native of the same
town, who died at the age of eighty-five years.
Carl G. Lindberg, son of Anders-Peter and Mary (Andersen) Lindberg, was born in Sweden, June 9, I85I. There he was educated in the
public schools, and was employed in steel works until I88I, in which year
he emigrated to the United States, coming to Braddock, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. In Braddock he entered the employ of the Edgar Thompson
Steel Works, with which he remained for the long period of twenty-nine
years. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Lindberg married, in I872, Christina Earnberg, born
in Sweden in I859, died in I9II, and they have had children: Carl, living at
home; Walter, a steel worker, of Braddock; Felix, a resident of Swissvale,
married Margaret Groft, and has two children, Carl and Margaret; Amelia,
married Dr. Rose, and has one child, Anna; Paul, a steel worker, married
Pauline Huits, and has two children, Pauline and an infant son unnamed;
Ida, at home; David, a clerk in Pittsburgh, lives at home. Mr. Lindberg is
the owner of the fine house in which he is living, and of a considerable
amount of other property.
The Kestners of Fairhaven, Allegheny county, PennsylKESTNER vania, descended from an ancient family of Waltershausen,
a town in Saxony, Germany. There Bernhard Kestner,
grandfather of Bernhard Kestner, of Fairhaven, Pennsylvania, was born,
married, and lived until I854. His son Theodore had left his native land in
I847, and seven years later Bernhard joined his son in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, his wife being then deceased.
(I) Bernhard Kestner was born in I798, was a tanner by trade, served
his term in the German army, came to the United States, settling on the
South Side of Pittsburgh in I854, there died in I864, and is buried in South
Side Cemetery. His wife was born, lived and died in Germany. Children:
I. Theodore, of further mention. 2. William, a butcher and- meat dealer.
3. David, a butcher and meat dealer. 4. Christian, a butcher and meat dealer,
died on the South Side. 5. Carl, a tanner, died in Evansville, Indiana. 6.
Caroline, married Hermon Ross and died in Pittsburgh. 7. Augusta, di;d
on the South Side, unmarried.
(II) Theodore, son of Bernhard Kestner, was born in Waltershausen,
Saxony, Germany. His forebears had been tanners or butchers, and after
completing his school years Theodore Kestner learned the butcher's trade
in all its detail, slaughtering, dressing and retailing. He married young, and
in 1847 came to the United States with his wife and brother William,
finally settling at old Manchester, now Woods Run, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There he remained one year, then located on the South Side of
Pittsburgh. In I854 he was joined by his father and the other members of his
family except his mother, whose gentle form had been reverently laid away
to eternal rest in her beloved Fatherland. In I854 Theodore Kestner estabI047WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lished a slaughtering house and meat market on the South Side, and there
continued' in successful business until his death, November z8, I888. He
was a man of influence on the South Side, a Republican in politics, representing his ward in the city council, and both he and his wife were leading
members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Both are buried in South
Side Cemetery.  He married in Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Anna, daughter of
Bernhard Mohrstet, also a native of Saxe-Coburg, that city made famous
as the home of Prince Albert, husband of Victoria, Queen of England and
Empress of India. After the death of his wife Bernhard Mohrstet came to
the United States to join his daughters Anna, Johanna and Christina. He
landed in Canada, made his way up the St. Lawrence and around the lakes
to Detroit, Michigan, from there coming to Pittsburgh, where he died a
year or two later, about I859, and was buried in Troy Hill Cemetery. Both
he and his wife were Lutherans in religious faith. He had three daughters:
Anna, married Theodore Kestner; Johanna, married William  Kestner,
brother of Theodore, and died on Pittsburgh South Side; Christina, died in
Pittsburgh. He also had three sons, two remaining in Germany, the other
emigrating to England.  Anna (Mohrstet) Kestner died July 2z, i869,
leaving five children: I. Anna, married William Schafer, and resides in
Baldwin township, Allegheny county. 2. Theodore (2), his father's assistant in the butcher business, died unmarried. 3. Sarah, now residing with her
brother, Bernhard, unmarried. 4. Bernhard (2), of further mention. 5.
Adolph, his father's assistant in the butcher business, died on the South Side.
(III) Bernhard (2), second son and fourth child of Theodore and
Anna (Mohrstet) Kestner, was born in Birmingham  (now  Pittsburgh),
August 2I, I857. He was educated in the old Bedford public school in the
borough, finishing his studies in Shafer's Business College. Although eight
generations of his immediate family had been butchers and tanners and his
brothers were all butchers, he decided on a new line of activity, and apprenticed'himself to Robinson and Rea to learn the machinist's trade. He
served four years as apprentice, worked six years as journeyman, then fate
brought him back to the family business. The death of their father in I888
left his valuable business without a head, and joining with Adolph, his
younger brother, Bernhard abandoned his trade  and the brothers jointly
conducted the business until the year I90o when the death of Adolph Kestner dissolved the very successful partnership. Bernhard Kestner continued
the business alone for one year, then made an advantageous sale and
retired. In I9oi he moved to his present home on the Brownville road,
three-eighths of a mile from the borough of Carrick, where he erected a
modern dwelling. For eight years Mr. Kestner was president of. the Progressive Mutual Savings Fund, and for twelve years was a director. This
was one of the useful, successful building and loan associations of the
South Side, and under wise management did a great deal of good in that
section. On May I, I9I4, he resigned from the position of commissioner
of Baldwin township, an office he had filled for two and one-half years.
He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and a man held in
Io48WESTERN PENN SYLVANIA
high esteem wherever known. His home is in Baldwin township, on Rural
Delivery Route No. I from Fair Haven. Mr. Kestner is unmarried, but
has a most capable housekeeper in the person of his maiden sister Sarah.
The Newlin family made their home in the state of PennNEWLIN sylvania during its early period, and members in the various
generations have contributed their share in the early conflicts, one having served in the Revolutionary War and one in the War of
I812, and the love of patriotism which prompted them to offer their services
has been transmitted in large measure to their descendants of the present
day.
Jacob Newlin, great-grandfather of James H. Newlin, of Pitcairn, was
born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where'he spent his entire life.
He served as a drummer in the Revolutionary War. In early life he was
engaged in packing salt across the mountains, and later became the possessor
of a farm located near Finleyville, Pennsylvania, which he cleared and
cultivated.
Thornton Newlin, grandfather of James H. Newlin, was reared on the
farm near Finleyville, Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was an active
participant in the War of 1812, giving valiant and faithful service. He was
a shoemaker by trade, at which he worked in addition to farming, conducting his agricultural operations in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, one of
the most beautiful spots in the entire state, where he spent the remainder
of his days. His wife, Sarah (Lewis) Newlin, was a native of Virginia,
a member of an old and honored family of that state. They were the
parents of nine children, among whom was David, of whom further.
David Newlin, father of James H. Newlin, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and died there. He was educated in the schools of
his neighborhood, and then gave his attention to the tilling of the soil, in
which he was successful. After his death his widow, Ruth (Elmer) Newlin,
married David Larue, and the family moved to Pennsylvania, locating in
Wilkins township, Allegheny county, where Mr. and Mrs. Larue died.
James H. was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Newlin, but Mr. and
Mrs. Larue were the parents of four sons and four daughters.
James H. Newlin was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, July I3,
I849. He added to the knowledge gained at school by self study, thus becoming well informed on a number of subjects. Being inured to farm
labor, he chose that as his work upon attaining a suitable age and followed
the same for almost a quarter of a century, the last three years conducting
his operations in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He then began to dig
coal, at which he continued for twelve years, and during eight years of this
period served as constable of Patten township, to which office he was elected,
and for a similar period of time served as tax collector. He again took up
the work of farming, which he followed for one year, and was then appointed supervisor of Patten township, to the duties of which he gave his
entire attention for some time. In 1895 he erected a dwelling house in
Io049WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pitcairn, with a store in the lower part, and he conducted a general business
there for eighteen years, at the expiration of which time he sold out, and
during three years of this time acted also as constable of Pitcairn. In I9o09
he was elected justice of the peace and is still serving in that capacity, his
term to expire in the year I9I5. He is capable and efficient in the performance of his duties, and he is steadily advancing in the estimation of the
public. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and the
Knights of Pythias, and is a Democrat in politics.
Mr. Newlin married, 187I, Milison Wright, of West Virginia, daughter
of David and Lucinda (Anderson) Wright. Children, all living in Pitcairn
and all married: I. Ida Lee, married Harry Naley; children: Ruth L. and
Elmer. 2. Alice Christina, married L. A. Weaver, no children. 3. John
Thomas, married Mrs. Mary Sloan; children: James, John T. and Bertha.
4. James H., married Mrs. Dora Lee, one child, Winifred. 5. Katherine
Lenore, married (first) George Bolen, by whom she had Allen, George and
Russell; she married (second) Clem Cherry, and has two children, Ethel M.
and Clarence. The family are well known in Pitcairn, active in community
affairs and advocates of all enterprises that advance the interests of the
section.
From Saxony, Germany, many years ago came two
WUNDERLICH  sons of Gottleib Wunderlich, settling in Allegheny
county in the year I865. These two sons were Christian, a coal miner, who was drowned in the Youghiogheny river forty years
ago, leaving a wife and six children, and Carl Frederick Wunderlich, late
of Forward township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Gottleib Wunderlich was a weaver of Saxony, and there married, lived and died, leaving
eight children, six of whom remained in their native land.
Carl Frederick Wunderlich was born in Saxony, Germany, July 24,
1836, died in Forward township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, April I4,
I9I4. He obtained a good education in the local schools of his district, and
remained in his native land until I865, then with his wife came to this
country, settling on the Penney farm on the Youghiogheny river, now a
part of the borough of Port Vue. He rented at first for a few years, but
as he prospered became a land owner. He was industrious and thrifty, a
good farmer, and thoroughly understood how to make his land produce
bountifully. His first purchase was a small one, the land now being part of
the town of Glassport. During his earlier years in Allegheny county he
worked in the coal mines as well as on his land, and from this double income soon saved capital for a larger purchase. In I894 he sold his Glassport farm and purchased one hundred and six acres in Forward township,
on which he lived until his death in I914. He brought his land to a high
state of productiveness and through his energy and capability, prospered.
He was a Democrat in politics, but took little part in public affairs, his family
being his greatest interest in life.
He married, in June, I863, in Saxony, Fredericka Pauline Baumble,
1050WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
born in the same province as himself, in the town of Konig-Keicht, Saxony,
Germany, June 3, I840, daughter of Terguat and Caroline (Carnir) Baumble. Childlren: I. William, born in Saxony, died aged twenty-eight. 2.
Emma, born in Saxony, Germany; married Joseph Crossland, and resides
in Port Vue, Pennsylvania; children: Fred, married Estella Smith, and has
Fred and Roger; Mary, married Wesley Steenburgh, and has Watson and
Bertha; Charles, married Bessie -; Pauline and Irene, twins. 3.
Marguerite, married John Cochenour, and has Fred, Helen and Willard.
4. Caroline, married Robert McClure, and has a daughter Anna. 5. Mary,
married William Heath, and has Carl, Clifford, Clyde, Leroy, Fred and
Ruth. 6. Fred, married Charlotte Jedico, and resides in Elizabeth; children:
Pauline, Ruth, Anna and Donald. 7. Lizzie, married William Smith, and
has Pauline, Howard, Wallace, Arthur and Elizabeth. 8. John, married
Linnie Jedico, and resides in Youngstown, Ohio; children: Minnie, Emma,
John, Catherine and Harold. g. Conrad, married Alice Kelly, and resides
in Duquesne; children: Charles, William and Conrad. IO. Charles, a
farmer on the old home, married Bessie Cochenour; children: Mary, Harvey
and Albert. I. Harvey, also a farmer at home. Mrs. Wunderlich survives her husband, and with her two sons resides on the farm purchased
by her husband in I894.
The original seat of the McCloskey family was in IreMcCLOSKEY  land, where they were noted for honesty, thrift and
enterprise, and the descendants of the family, who have
made their home in the New World, inherited in large degree the same
worthy characteristics.
John McCloskey, the pioneer ancestor of the family, was born in Ireland, was reared and educated there, and in 1833 came to the United States
and located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent the remainder of
his days. His life was an active and useful one, and his death was deeply
regretted. He married Jane Mullen, also a native of Ireland, whose death
occurred in Pittsburgh, and among their children was John, of whom further.
John McCloskey, son of the pioneer ancestor, was born in Ireland, attended the schools in the vicinity of his home, and then served an apprenticeship at the trade of tailor, which line of work he followed successfully
in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whither he accompanied his parents,
and where he spent the greater part of his life. In later years he became the
owner of a farm consisting of one hundred and thirty acres, which he cultivated and improved, the same being now occupied by his son John, of whom
further. He married Minetta Harris, a native of Germany, and they were
the parents of three children: John, Elizabeth, Jane.
John McCloskey, eldest of the three children above mentioned, was
born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May I, I837. He obtained his preliminary education in the common schools of his native city, and then pursued a
course in Duff's Business College, which thoroughly qualified him for the
activities of life. His chief occupation was as clerk, serving in that capacity
1051052WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in various concerns, but since I894 he has given his attention to farming
operations on the farm purchased by his father, giving especial attention
to the raising of fruit, his efforts meeting with well deserved success. About
the year I899 he erected his present residence, which was entirely remodeled
in I9IO, adding greatly to its attractiveness and to the comfort of its inmates. His life has been an active and useful one, and he well merits the
respect in which he is held by all who know him.
Mr. McCloskey married, February 9, I869, Elizabeth Mellon, of Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, who died April, I888. They were the parents of one
child, Mary, born February z, 1875, married, June 29, I895, William G.
Croft, and they reside on the farm with her father. Mr. and Mrs. Croft
are the parents of three children: Elizabeth Mellon, wife of Henry Aubele,
of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, one child, William Croft Aubele; John, Minetta'Harris, both of whom  reside at home. The family are members of
Colemans Catholic Church.
The Davidsons of the branch represented by Wilson M.
DAVIDSON Davidson, of Verona, Pennsylvania, descend from ScotchIrish families, Davidson and McLaughlin, of Butler and
Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania. The Davidsons came from Ireland,
settling in Butler county. There the parents came with children: David,
James, Martha, Elizabeth, Nancy, John and others.
(II) John Davidson was born in Ireland, and in early life worked on
the Butler county farm, on which his parents settled after coming to Pennsylvania. Later he located on Federal street, Allegheny city, where he
resided until his death in I852; he was a mill worker. He married Nancy
McLaughlin, daughter of Edward (2) and Mary (Speer) McLaughlin,
both of Scotch lineage, residents of Unity Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The McLaughlins were early settlers in Allegheny county, Edward (I) McLaughlin first settling at the Forks of the Ohio, but not liking
the location, took up one thousand acres at what is now Unity Station, in
preference to the land, a great deal of which is now within Pittsburgh city
limits. Edward McLaughlin and his son, Edward, both served in the American army during the Mexican War. The one thousand original acres were
divided among the children of Edward, the founder, each child receiving a
farm. The Speers were also early settlers. Edward and Mary (Speer)
McLaughlin had issue: Jemima May, Zephaniah, Zachariah, Jane, Nancy.
Children of John and Nancy Davidson: Wilson Miller, of further mention;
Mary Jane, died aged twelve months.
(III) Wilson Miller Davidson, only son of John and Nancy (McLaughlin) Davidson, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, December 5,
I849. He was three years of age when his father died and from then until
his ninth year he lived with his uncle, Wade McLaughlin, at Unity Station.
His mother then bought eighty-five acres, lying between the present towns of
Milltown and North Bessemer, and there Wilson M. lived until 1889, having
the management of the farm as soon as he became old enough. In I889 he
101,2I4ez    I9$,      2lIIWESTERN  PENNSYLVANIA                          I053
bought the Robert Black farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Penn
township, where he has ever since resided, a general farmer, prosperous
and contented. He is: an elder of Unity Presbyterian Church, which he
also served for fifteen years as trustee. His ancestors were instrumental in
founding this church and his mother was for seventy-two years a faithful
member. Mr. Davidson has held many local offices and is now serving as
township commissioner.
Mr. Davidson married, February 29, I876, Jeanette Speer, born on
Sixth street, Pittsburgh, daughter of James and Martha Jane (Wallace)
Speer. The Speers, of Scotch-Irish descent, were early settlers at Speers'
landing and Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Rev. Speer, grandfather of Mrs.
Davidson was a minister of the Baptist church. James Speer, his son, was
-a first class engineer and for twenty years was engineer on Ohio river
steamboats, at one time owning and running a steamboat in partnership
with his brother. Later he engaged in brick manufacturing, and while employed around his works he fell from a ladder, the fall causing his death
soon afterward. He married Martha Jane Wallace, daughter of Arthur and
Anna (Garrett) Wallace, the former born in Ireland, the latter a member
of the Quaker Garrett family of Philadelphia and Delaware county, Pennsylvania. After coming to the United States, Arthur Wallace located with his
mother in Pittsburgh, where he became wealthy, owning land along the
Monongahela. He freighted across the mountains in the early days, also
was engaged  in the coal business.  He lost his wealth later and
died at the age of fifty years. Arthur and Anna (Garrett) Wallace had
children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Martha, Jane, Cyrus, Rebecca, George.
Children of James and Martha Jane (Wallace) Speer: Jeanette, wife of
Wilson M. Davidson, Cyrus, William, Arthur, John, George, Anna, HIester,
Emma Jane, wife of William Elliott. Children of Wilson M. and Jeanette
(Speer) Davidson: I. Alice Blanche, married Charles K. Ryan; children:
Hilda, Jane, Helen, Jeanette. 2. Nancy, married Glade Jones; children:
Nancy, Zena. 3. Wilson Miller (2), married Belle McCrady.
In Germany and the United States members of this family
LORCH have been identified with the ministry of the United Evangelical
Lutheran church. The first of the members of the family
whom this record mentions is Rev. Carl Philip Lorch, a minister, who
passed his life in German charges. He married, one of his sons, Gustav, of
whom further.
(II) Rev. Gustav Lorch, son of Rev. Carl Philip Lorch, was born in
Germany. As a young man he attended the universities at Munich, Heidelberg and Tubingen, and after the completion of his theological studies was
ordained into the ministry. He was at first assistant to his father in the
latter's church, and subsequently was called to a Pittsburgh charge. He was
devoted in his ministry to his own congregation and found much time to
devote to the perfection of the church organization, being at the time of his
death president of the Pittsburgh conference. In the course of a ministryWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
that began January I7, I869, and ended with his death, March 29, I899, he
christened eight thousand, eight hundred persons, confirmed two thousand,
five hundred and eleven, performed the marriage rites for two thousand,
two hundred and eight couples, gave the sacrament to twenty-five thousand,
eight hundred and twenty-four, and read the burial services over four
thousand, four hundred and sixteen. He is well remembered by his good
works, and many of those to whom he brought the light of a true Christian
life and the inspiration of service hold the goodness and piety of his life in
their hearts as a guide for footsteps prone to stray and resolutions apt to
falter. Rev. Gustav Lorch married Matilda Dambrum, and had children:
Bertha, deceased; Clark P., Emma, Sophia, Anna, Clara, Albert Theodoie,
of whom further; Lena, Freda.
(III) Albert Theodore Lorch, son of Rev. Gustav and Matilda (Dambrum) Lorch, was born on Pittsburgh South Side, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, September 2, I88o. After attending the public schools he became
a student in Duquesne College, completing his studies in Duff's Business College, of Pittsburgh, whence he was graduated.  He then
entered the service of Burkie, of Bellevue, a florist, his intention
being to learn the business, and was afterward connected with
John L. Myland, of Hampton township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
the same line. His next position was with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Parks,
after which, in February, I902, Mr. Lorch established independently in
Hampton township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, under the firm name of
A. P. Lorch  Company. Here he owns twenty-one acres of land and greenhouses under sixty thousand square feet of glass, his entire place devoted
to the culture of carnations. All species of carnations, in the widest possible
range of tints, are here grown, and plants entered by him in carnation
shows in the United States and Canada have frequently been the object of
the highest awards. Mr. Lorch is a member of the American Carnation
Society, and is skilled and learned in the culture of this delicate and beautiful flower, putting into practice in his modernly appointed greenhouses
several new departures of his own devising. Mr. Lorch is affiliated with the
Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also holding
membership in the Pittsburgh and Allegheny Gardeners' and Florists' Club.
He was formerly a member of the school board of Hampton township, and
on January 31, I913, received an appointment as justice of the peace from
the chief executive of the state, an appointment that was confirmed by
election in I914. He married, in I9oi, Bertha Scheidmantenal, of Pittsburgh
South Side, and has children: Alma, Theodore, Albert, George.
Edward F. Portman was born in what is now North Side
PORTMAN Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 2, I866. His father,
Peter Portman, was born in Switzerland, and came to
America with his father and mother when ten years old. He died March I,
I9o4, aged eighty-two years, was a farmer and dairyman all his life, and
lived in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Mary Portman, mother of EdIo54WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ward F. Portman, now seventy-seven years of age, lives on her farm in
Green Tree borough. Her maiden name was Mary Baker and she was born
in Troy, Indiana.
Edward F. Portman was educated in the public schools of Union township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and the Pittsburgh Academy at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He lived with his father and mother on the farm
until twenty-nine years of age: In August, 1895, he started in the real
estate and insurance business in Carnegie borough, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and is now engaged in the same line of work, having built up a
large trade, and is a large property owner and dealer. He is also interested
in other lines of business, and is a director of the Carnegie National Bank of
Carnegie, Pennsylvania. He married Margaret Hally, who was born in
Brownsville, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Portman have been born
seven children as follows: Edward Peter, born September 29, I896, died
October 24, I897; Mary May, born November 26, 1897, now attending
school in St. Joseph's Academy, at Titusville, Pennsylvania; Charles Joseph,
born August 12, I9go, now attends school in Carnegie; Eugene Anthony,
born October I, I902, now attends school in Carnegie; Margaret Agnes, born
June 28, I905, died December 24, I9II; Paul Regis, born May io, I907,
died August I, I907; Helen Gertrude, born June IO, I9O8.
Charles Naumann, a successful merchant and prominent
NAUMANN citizen of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, is a native of
Germany and descends from German ancestors. His parents were Matjo and Mary (Powell) Naumann, who were born in the
Kingdom of Prussia, and there lived and died. Mr. Naumann, Sr., was a
coal miner by trade and his life and the lives of his numerous family were
quiet ones. Both he and Mrs. Naumann were members of the Catholic
church, and in this faith reared their children, of whom there were ten.
Two of these, Louisa, now Mrs. Peter Bestel, and Johanna, now Mrs. Peter
Buschery, are still living in Germany.
Charles Naumann was born in the Kingdom of Prussia, October 8,
I863, and was educated in the volkschule of his native region. In the year
I88i, when he was but eighteen years of age, he left the parental roof in the
Fatherland and migrated to the United States of America, where he believed were to be found much wider opportunities for his abilities and effort.
Upon arriving in this country he settled in McKees Rocks, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in which town he still makes his home. He had learned
the trade of carpenter while still a youth in Germany, but after coming to
the United States he took up farming as an occupation, working at this off
and on for some time. Eventually, however, he returned to his old trade,
and securing employment in the carpenter shops of the Pittsburgh  Lake
Erie railroad, continued in this work for some eighteen years. Somewhere
about the year Igo4 or 1905 he abandoned this position, having in the meantime saved up, as the result of his industry and thrift, enough money to
enable him to engage in a wholesale and retail milk business on his own ac12055WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
count. He embarked on this enterprise at No. II44 Church street, McKees
Rocks, and has continued at this location ever since. His business has in
the meantime grown to great proportions, and he now employs two men to
aid him in the conduct of it. As a result of it Mr. Naumann has become
a man of substance, and he now is the owner of a large amount of real
estate in his community, and has built himself a handsome house there.
But Mr. Naumann's interests are not confined exclusively to his private
business. On the contrary he is keenly interested in the conduct of local
public affairs and takes an active part in the politics of his town. He is a
member of the Republican party and is at the present time serving his fellow citizens in the capacity of a member of the council. He is also very
prominent in fraternal circles and is a member of a number of organizations
of this sort. He belongs to the Order of Moose, the Order of Elks and the
Order of Eagles. He is also a member of the Knights and Ladies of
Honor, the Knights of Columbus, a South Hungarian beneficial society, and
the German Beneficial Union. Besides these fraternal societies Mr. Naumann is a member of the McKees Rocks Maennerchor, and the German
Catholic Casino.
In the month of January, i888, Mr. Naumann married Magdalena
Penisch, a native of Germany, where she was born. The parents of Mrs.
Naumann lived and died in the Fatherland, and she came to the United
States as a young girl and settled in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Here
she met Mr. Naumann and was married to him, and as the result of their
union they have had eleven children born to them, as follows: Charles,
now a resident of McKees Rocks; Mary, now Mrs. Miller, of McKees
Rocks; Louisa; Rosa; Anna; Carrie; Albert; Johanna, who died in infancy;
Emma Marguerita; Johanna. Mr. and Mrs. Naumann are members of
the Roman Catholic church, as their parents were before them, and as
their children are faithfully being trained to be after them.  They are
prominent members of the congregation of St. Mary's Church of that
denomination in McKees Rocks.
This family, like a great proportion of the inhabitants of
HOLTZMAN  Allegheny and surrounding counties, is of that sturdy,
reliable European stock which has contributed so much'
to the prosperity of the entire country at large, and to the state of Pennsylvania in particular.
Louis Holtzman was born in Alsace, Germany, where he became a
farmer. He emigrated to America in I852, locating in Braddock, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where he was occupied as a coal miner. He married,
in his native country, Theresa Schilling, also a native of Alsace, and they
had eight children. They wrere Catholics.
Louis F. Holtzman, son of Louis and Theresa (Schilling) Holtzman,
was born in Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 4, i856.
His education was not an extensive one, as he only attended the public
schools of Braddock until he was twelve years of age, at which time he
I056N:'1IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
commenced working in the coal mines. He followed this occupation for a
period of seven years, then worked three years in a steel mill. Upon leaving
this occupation he estar:ished himself as a merchant in Braddock, carried
on this business seven years, then resigned it in favor of the real estate
business, with which he has been successfully identified since I886. In that
year he was also appointed a justice of the peace and he has taken a prominent part in the public affairs of the community. He has been a member of
the borough council twenty-nine years, serving as president of that honorable body during eleven years of this period. He represents the Republican
party, and his opinions carry weight. His religious affiliation is with the
Catholic church, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Holtzman married, August
26, I88o, Mary McMonigle, and they have had children: Alice, Robert, Rose.
Originally a Welsh family, the immediate ancestors of WillTHOMAS  iam  H. Thomas, of Wildwood, Pennsylvania, were for
several generations seated in England. They were of a
roving disposition, William Thomas, father of William H., dying in Australia, and William H., at eighteen years of age, leaving his English home
for the United States. Richard and Ann Thomas, grandparents, lived and
died in England.
(II) William Thomas, son of Richard and Ann Thomas, was a civil
engineer in England, a man of talent and education. In I842 he left his
English home and went to Australia, never again being heard from. He
married a relative, Maria Thomas, and left issue.
(III) William  H. Thomas, son of William  and Maria (Thomas)
Thomas, was born in England in 1841, consequently never knew a father's
care or remembered his face. He attended public schools, and worked in
English rolling mills until I859, and on Christmas day he sailed for the
United States. He came directly to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he
was employed in the rolling mills until April, I873, when he moved to
Hampton township, Allegheny county, where he has ever since been engaged, owning a farm of fifty-six acres in the township, and another tract
of fifteen acres. He specializes in fruit culture and is especially noted for
his fine strawberries. He has prospered abundantly and has won a high
place in the esteem of his neighbors. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Thomas married, in I870, Mary Jane Tucker; children:
William Edward, Frank, Clara, Ely (or Eli), Jane, Rosa.
The,home of the paternal ancestors of the Zinkhans of this
ZINKHAN branch was, prior to the immigration of John Zinkhan,
Prussia, Germany, where the American ancestor of the line
was born. He accompanied his parents to the United States, settling in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he learned the blacksmith's trade and was
for several years engaged in the manufacture of iron parts used in boat
building. He withdrew from this business upon purchasing a farm in
IO0570WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Rochester, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, whereon he erected necessary
buildings, cultivating his land until his retirement. He married, in Pittsburgh, Anna Bosley, born in Prussia, Germany, who came to the United
States unmarried. She died on the farm in Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
and after his retirement he moved to Rochester, where his death occurred
about 1884. He was twice married, all of his children being by his first
wife. Both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church. Children of John and Anna (Bosley) Zinkhan: I. William, of
whom further. 2. George, lives retired in Beaver, Pennsylvania. 3. John,
died in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. -4. Mary, married Rev. George Getz,
a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and resides in Cleveland,
Ohio. 5. Elizabeth, deceased.
(II) William  Zinkhan, son of John and Anna (Bosley) Zinkhan,
was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, June 2, I849. After his marriage he resided on the south side of Pittsburgh, engaging in grain
dealing until I88I. He was the owner of a boat, named the "William
Zinkhan," which carried grain from the fertile valley farms to Pittsburgh, the most profitable market in the locality. Mr. Zinkhan moved
to McKees Rocks in I88I, then but a small village in a farming community, and established in general contracting and building. From i88I
until I892 he continued in this business in McKees Rocks, during that
time erecting fully ninety per cent. of the buildings reared in that place,
and conducting numerous other operations that fell within his province.
He kept a large force of men constantly employed, many of the houses
and buildings that he erected still being considered the best properties
in the locality. After abandoning contracting he became an operator
in the oil fields of Western Pennsylvania, and since then has been engaged in this line with varying degrees of activity. In I898, on the death
of his brother, John, he assumed the management of the wholesale liquor
business at No. 200 Chartiers avenue, of which he has since been the
sole proprietor. His only other business interest was as organizer and
director of the United States National Bank, of Pittsburgh, with which
he is no longer connected. Always a Republican, he was for two terms
burgess of McKees Rocks. His fraternal orders are the Masonic, in
which he belongs to Monongahela Lodge, No. 269, Free and Accepted
Masons; Duquesne Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Commandery No.
I, Knights Templar; the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He married Louisa Hague, who died in
1885. Their children: I. Laura, married Robert Clark, deceased, and
lives at her father's home. 2. Stella, married Dr. Hazleton, and resides
in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 3. Rachel, died in infancy. 4. J. Ray, of
whom further. 5. William B., a member of the council of McKees
Rocks, lives on Singer street, and is associated with his father in business. 6. Clay, lives at home. 7. Louise, lives at home.
(III) J. Ray Zinkhan, son of William and Louisa (Hague) Zinkhan,
was born in Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1878.
1058WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
After obtaining a general education in the public schools of McKees Rocks
and the Pittsburgh Academy, graduating from the latter institution in I895,
he entered Duff's Business College and completed his course there in I896.
His first year in business was spent in the employ of the Anderson-Depew
Steel Company, and he was connected with his father's wholesale liquor
business until I907. In that year he and E. J. Huckestein formed the firm
of Zinkhan  Company, locating at No. 12I8 West Carson street, Pittsburgh,
where they conduct wholesale beer dealings, being also agents for the Mutual Brewing Company. They employ a force of forty men and cover the
entire Pittsburgh district. Mr. Zinkhan is a strong Republican, and holds
membership in the Masonic order and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks.
Thomas Dixon Stoops is a member of a family associated
STOOPS with the region about Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since the very
earliest times. His great-great-grandfather, William Stoops,
was the first of the family to make his way thither, and was, indeed, one of
the earliest pioneers. The date of his settlement at what came to be known
as Esplen, just below the site of the present city of Pittsburgh, was long
prior to the Revolution, somewhere, probably about the middle of the
eighteenth century. He came into the country, from where is not known,
with his wife "Jinnie" Stoops, when the position of Pittsburgh was marked
by Fort Duquesne and a few log huts. The life of the family from the
date of their settlement in this wild spot reads like a novel of Fenimore
Cooper. A log cabin was their first abode, and here Mrs. Stoops gave birth
to a son, James Stoops, the great-grandfather of Thomas D. Stoops. William Stoops began to clear away a corner of the wilderness for "sowing land,"
but while thus engaged, his son being still an infant, there occurred a terrible Indian uprising which threatened to wipe out the little settlement. The
family, perhaps not realizing the imminence of their peril, remained in their
new made home, but Stoops himself maintained a continual vigilence. The
Indians did not keep him waiting long, and he soon espied them descending
the Ohio river in their canoes. Stoops at once hid his wife and infant son
under the floor of the cabin and set off through the wood for Fort Duquesne
for aid. The commandant of the fort, being fearful of reducing his none
too great garrison, was unable to send more than three soldiers to the
assistance of Stoops. These were a Captain Brady and two privates. With
this forlorn hope, the pioneer set off on his return only to find his cabin in
flames and the Indians gone. For a time the unfortunate man was in
despair, but upon investigating they found no trace of any remains of the
supposed victims among the ruins, and soon came to the conclusion that
they were captive with the Indians. The little party, under the direction of
Captain Brady, at once started to track the savages through the wilderness,
taking up a trail they had apparently made no attempt to cover, towards
their villages on the upper Beaver river. After about a day's march they
overtook the Indians, but finding the force a strong one, they kept themIo59
0io60               WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
selves well hidden and contented themselves with reconnoitering the
enemy. Seeing nothing of the captives, they passed the main body and
before long came up with an Indian chief riding alone on horseback some
half a mile ahead of the main detachment. He was leading by a rope the
unfortunate "Jinny" Stoops, while to his back was strapped the infant.
Captain Brady quickly perceived the greatness of the opportunity, and
without delay more than was necessary to obtain a careful aim, shot the chief
with his musket. The chief fell dead, but the rest of the Indians, hearing
the shot, hurried forward so quickly that the band had only time to escape
with Mrs. Stoops and were obliged to abandon the rescue of the child.
The party hastened back to Fort Duquesne with all speed, Mrs. Stoops
clad only in a shawl and a badly torn skirt. For several months the parents
of the child were in complete ignorance of the fate of their child and in
terrible anxiety concerning it, but eventually the warfare was concluded
and the Indians resumed their peaceful commerce with the white settlement. Stoops then sought news of his son and learned to his delight that
he was still alive, having been preserved for a ransom. After some negotiating, Stoops finally paid in ransom an old gray horse and seven gallons of
home-made wine.
Of the career of the rescued child but little is known after its romantic
beginning, but he apparently developed a farm probably near the present
town of Monaca, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He married. Children: I. James, a farmer who lived near Beaver Falls in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania. 2. George, a farmer and riverman of the region about
Monaca, Pennsylvania. 3. Richard, who went to live in Ohio, where he
operated a farm. 4. Isabella, married Robert Douglas, a ship carpenter.
5. William, of whom further. 6. Sarah, married Captain James Woodburn,
commander of a river craft and a resident first of Shousetown and later of
Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
(III) Captain William Stoops, grandfather of Thowas D. Stoops, was
born about I8I3, somewhere in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, though
the exact location is not known, and passed his childhood upon his father's
farm in Beaver county. Upon reaching manhood he became a builder of
boats for river service in the boat yards at Shousetown, Pennsylvania, and
later went to Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and worked in the
yards there in the same capacity. Seeing his opportunity to engage in
business for himself, he started a retail lumber trade in partnership with a
Mr. Mason, locating in a most favorable position at what is known as the
point, Pittsburgh, where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join to
form the Ohio. In this business they were very successful and continued
it for several years until Mr. Stoops bought a controlling interest in a
number of river boats and went into the river traffic, acting himself as
captain of his own craft. A small steamer called the "Skipper" was the
first upon which he acted as captain and in this plied the waters between
Pittsburgh and Beaver, Pennsylvania. The "Ohio" was his next vessel, of
considerably larger size, but after operating this for a time he sold out hisWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
interest and purchased a farm in iMoon township, Allegheny county. After
three years he traded this for a property in Pittsburgh at the corner of
Fourth and Ferry streets, and upon which stood a dwelling and a large
storehouse. Here he built a large boat which he named the "Return" in
honor of his return to the river life, and ran this and later the "J. S. Prindell," a still larger craft, for a number of years. It was his life on the
river that earned for him the title of Captain Stoops, by which he was
universally known, but it was a life by no means uninterrupted, as he was
a man with an eye to every opportunity, and always closed with a bargain
even when it led him from his favorite occupation. His next move was
the sale of the "J. S. Prindell" and his Pittsburgh property and the purchase
of a farm near Shousetown in I854. This property stood in M'oon township in that time, but is in what is now known as Crescent township, the
farm itself having since been known as Mark's, and later as the Anderson
farm. Mr. Stoops then purchased property in Shousetown and still another steamer, the "Jacob Poe," in which-he navigated the'Ohio during war
times and made a great deal of money. His next venture was the purchase
of the Manchester Ferry, crossing the river from Allegheny to Saw Mill
Run, but after operating this for two years he sold it.  A saw mill
situated at Sewickley, Pennsylvania, was the versatile captain's next enterprise, which, after running successfully for three years, he sold. In'i868
he bought what was then known known as Begg's Ferry, but which, along with the
village at its terminus, came to be known as Stoops' Ferry, a name they bear
to this day. This ferry Captain Stoops continued to operate until, in I878,
he died after an active and eventful life lasting but sixty-five years. He
was a man of character and wealth and a well known figure in the community.
Captain Stoops married (first) Margaret Smith, a daughter of John
and Mary (Porter) Smith, natives of Moon township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Stoops was born. Captain and Mrs. Stoops were
members of the Presbyterian church. To them were born seven children, as
follows: I. Thomas Dixon, of whom further. 2. Charles, who served in
the Civil War and afterwards disappeared and was never heard from. 3.
Edward, who lived at Stoops' Ferry. 4. Frank, died as a young wan. 5.
Alice, who later became Mrs. Edward McFarland, of Mahoning county,
Ohio, where she is still living. 6. Margaret, later became Mrs. William
Hamilton, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. 7. Sarah, who became Mrs.
John Tesh, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Mr. Tesh eventually died and his
widow now lives at McKees Rocks. Captain Stoops married (second)'
Nancy McClellan, who is still living in Pittsburgh, at Mount Washington.
Their children were: I. Bessie, who became Mrs. Elmer Hoop, of Mount
Washington, Pennsylvania. 2. Nancy Woodburn, became Mrs. Robert
Dempster, of Atlantic City, New Jersey. 3. William, a resident of Canton,
Ohio. 4. Harry, a resident of Scio, Ohio. 5. Lilly. 6. Kate, later Mrs.
Sheldon Johnson.
(IV) Thomas Dixon Stoops, eldest son of Captain William and MarI00IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
garet (Smith) Stoops, was born in Crescent township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and grew up on his father's farm there. He helped with the
farm work and attended school in Pittsburgh, where he obtained an excellent education for those days. He was still employed on his father's farm
at the age of twenty-seven years, when he died of pneumonia and was buried
at Carnot, Pennsylvania. Mr. Stoops married Elizabeth Hazelett, a daughter
of John Hazelett, natives of the region about Shousetown, Pennsylvania, in
which town their daughter, Mrs. Stoops, was born. Mr. Hazelett was a
river man on the Ohio, and he and his family were Methodists. To Mr.
and Mrs. Stoops was born but one child, Thomas Dixon, of whom further,
but Mrs. Stoops was a second time married, this time to a Mr. Swogger, of
Shousetown, and later Coraopolis, and by him had four children.
(V) Thomas Dixon (2) Stoops, only son of Thomas Dixon (I) and
Elizabeth (Hazelett) Stoops, was born August 5, I86I, in Shousetown, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The death of his father and the remarriage
of his mother caused him, when about six years of age, to make his home
with Mr. Christian Selfer who had married Mary McNamee, a half-sister
of Mrs. Stoops. With the Selfer family the boy passed his early years,
growing up amid the healthful surroundings of a farm life near Carnot,
Pennsylvania.  He obtained his education at the district school in his
locality, and after completing his studies he remained with the Selfer
family, learning of Mr. Selfer the butcher business, in which the latter was
engaged. In I888 Mr. Stoops removed to Corapolis and there opened a
butcher shop on Fourth avenue on the site occupied for the past four years
by Tucker's restaurant. He was so successful here that he was enabled
later to build a frame building of his own on the corner of Mill street and
Fourth avenue, where the Trust Bank now stands. He sold this concern in
I9oo and then established himself in the same business on Fifth avenue,
where he remained until he sustained an injury which rendered him unable
to continue in this line of business. He then sold out and retired temporarily from active life. In 90o6 he bought the roofing business of George
McBrier, which he now conducts with the addition of a business in furnaces.
He is also interested in the oil production. Mr. Stoops is a prominent man
in his community, keenly interested in public affairs, a Republican in politics
and has been elected on that party's ticket to the Coraopolis council. He
is a member of the I. O. O. F.. A. M., A. P. A., and the Fraternal Legion.
Mr. Stoops married, March 17, 1888, Ursula H. Holsinger, a native of
Crescent township and a daughter of Patterson and Elizabeth Holsinger.
Mr. Holsinger was a resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where he worked
as a ship carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dixon Stoops have had two
children, Thomas Dixon, Jr., born i89I, and Leroy Walker, born I9oo.
Peter J. Balles is a member of a family of German origin, his
BALLES  grandfather, Jacob Balles, being the first of the name to come
to the United States. The date of his immigration was I843,
when he brought with him his wife and family and settled for a time in
io6iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
New York state and six years later removed to Honesdale, Wayne county,
Pennsylvania, where he passed the remainder of his life. Peter Balles' son
of Jacob Balles, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany also, in 1827, and was sixteen years of age when he accompanied his
parents to the United States. Besides his general education, he had learnedl
in Germany the trade of cabinet making, but after the family had settled in
Honesdale, Pennsylvania, he secured employment for a time in the construction of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. He later found work as a
gardener with John Torrey, of Honesdale, and remained in his employ for
thirty-seven years, continuing his long and faithful service until his retirement in I89I; his death occurred in March, I9II. He was a member of the
Democratic party and took a keen and intelligent interest in local affairs.
In common with all the members of his family, Mr. Balles, Sr., was a
member of the Roman Catholic church, and in that faith brought up his
numerous family of children. During the six years he resided in New York
State, he met Theresa Schilberger, also a native of Germany, where she was
born in the year I833, and the daughter of John and Sabina Schilberger, of
that country. Her father, John Schilberger, passed his entire life in the
Fatherland, and finally died there, after which his widow  brought her
children to the United States and settled in New York City, remaining until
the time of her daughter's marriage to Mr. Balles, when she removed to
Honesdale, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Balles, Sr., were born in all
fourteen children, as follows:  Peter, deceased; John, deceased; Jacob,
deceased; Joseph, deceased; Peter J.; William; Charles; Mary; Susan;
Theresa; Kate; Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, and Anna.
Peter J. Balles, the eldest living son of Peter and Theresa (Schilberger) Balles, was born September 26, 1870, at Honesdale, Wayne county,
Pennsylvania. He was reared in his native place and educated in the local
schools, both public and parochial. He in 1894 went to Elmira, New York,
where he made his home until I9o4, that year removing to Western Pennsylvania, going first to Leetsdale, Allegheny county, and a year later to
Sewickley, in the same county. In partnership with A. C. Benzenhoefer,
he founded the Sewickley Plumbing and Heating Company. Having learned
the plumbing trade in his youth, he was well calculated to succeed in such
an enterprise, and, as a matter of fact, worked up a large and substantial
business of which he is now in charge. Mr. Balles is a prominent member of
his community in more departments than that of business. He is independent in politics and takes an active interest in the conduct of local affairs,
besides being a member of a number of local organizations, of a social and
fraternal character. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and secretary of Branch No. 68, Knights of St. George, of Sewickley.
Mr. Balles was married, August 7, I912, to Alice Gallagher, a native
of Pittsburgh, where she was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Balles has been
born one child, Paul William Balles. Mr. Balles and the members of his
family are all Roman Catholics, of which faith his forebears have always
been adherents.
i-663WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The name of Kennedy has existed both in Ireland and
KENNEDY Scotland for centuries, but its origin cannot be accurately
ascertained.  Its bearers in the Emerald Isle are still
numerous in the interior counties, although many of them have established
homes in America, and through their habits of industry and frugality have
for the most part become prosperous.
(I) Joseph Kennedy, who was born in Saltsburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, came to Allegheny county, in the same state, after his marriage. He
settled in Mifflin township, where Duquesne is now located, and the Carnegie
Steel Works cover a part of his farm land at the present time. He was a
successful contractor. He married and had children: David, who was in
active service during the Civil War, died from the effects of the hardships
he was called upon to endure during that struggle; Margaret, married Morris Lee, died in Ashland, Kentucky; Annie, married Morris Price, and died
in Portsmouth, Indiana; Joseph, of further mention.
(II) Joseph (2) Kennedy, son of Joseph (I) Kennedy, was born at
Saltsburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, in I827, died in Allegheny county,
in the same state, in I9II. He was a very young man when he came to
Allegheny county, and after his marriage settled at Squirrel Hill, in Pittsburgh. During his earlier years his chief occupation was on the river, and
later he became interested in farming. He owned a farm now covered by
the borough of Duquesne, taking possession of this in I866, when he
erected a number of new buildings, and made it a comfortable place in
every direction. He and his wife lived to see Duquesne a flourishing town,
and he had the satisfaction of feeling that he had assisted in this development, as he had divided his farm into building lots, erected about eighteen
houses, and sold both lots and houses. He was a Republican, and served
as a member of the school board. He and his wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Both are buried in Versailles Cemetery. Mr.
Kennedy married Priscilla Birchfield, whose parents were early settlers in
Oakland, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where she was born, and she
died in the same county, in I907. They had children: Joseph, a cattle
dealer, living in Chicago; David, a stone mason, died in Lancaster, Ohio,
in February, I914; Annie, married H. L. Black, lives in the old house in
Duquesne; Katie, married Samuel Kelly, and died in East End, Pittsburgh;
William Henry, of further mention; Charles, a cattle dealer, lives in Chicago; Lillie, widow of Otis Reneker, lives in California; John C., a sheet
mill roller, lives in Newport, Kentucky; Fannie, died at the age of eight
years; Frank, died in boyhood; Auriles, a bookkeeper, lives in California.
(III) William  Henry Kennedy, son of Joseph  (2) and Priscilla
(Birchfield) Kennedy, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 22,
r86I. He acquired his education in the German school at the head of
Grant avenue, Duquesne, and was then apprenticed to learn the machinist's
trade, in Rees' shop, in Pittsburgh. He obtained employment as an engineer
on the river in 1882, and was advanced to the position of captain of a boat
in I886, continuing in this line of occupation until I9II, and during this time
IO64WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was in the employ of Harry Brown for a period of seventeen years. He
made the trip to New Orleans many times, and retired to private life after
he had spent about one year as engineer of the People's Brewery. After
a short period of rest he engaged in the wholesale liquor business at No.
I2 Superior street, and has been identified with this since that time, covering the Duquesne territory. He is a Republican in political affairs, and a
member of other organizations as follows:  Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Order of Moose, the Owls,
Turn Verein, German Beneficial Union and Knights of Maccabees.
Mr. Kennedy married, in I890, Alma E. McMichael, born at Port
Perry, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Hart) McMichael, and they have had children: Margaret, Joseph, a
rougher in Merchant Mill; Charles, Priscilla, William, Alma, Nancy.
The Speer family of Coraopolis, Allegheny county, PennsylSPEER  vania, descends from an ancieht Highland Clan who, in their
own land, Scotland, were powerful and influential, bearing arms
and controlling large estates.
(I) James Speer, the American progenitor of the family, came to
America in I750, with his wife and a family of children, all born in Scotland.
They sailed up' the Chesapeake Bay, landed in Maryland, where they remained for about fifteen years, then removed to where McKeesport, Pennsylvania, now stands, traveling by way of the Ohio and Monongahela rivers.
At the expiration of eleven years Mr. Speer removed to a place six miles
from Pittsburgh, on the Coraopolis road, Robinson township. There, in a
log house across the road from the frame house now occupied by his
grandson, Alexander Speer, he and his wife, Margaret (Braden) Speer,
lived to a good old age, Mrs. Speer dying at the house of her son Andrew,
at the advanced age of one hundred and one years. They were both buried
on the hillside below the log house and above the spring house. At the
time of the death of Mr. Speer only two of his sons were living, and his
property in Robinson township was divided between them. James and
Margaret (Braden) Speer had children: I. Robert, who did not come to
Pennsylvania with the others of the family, but removed to a place in
Kentucky, and later to the middle west, where his descendants still live;
the Rev. Mrs. Collins, who died recently in Pittsburgh, was a granddaughter,
and the Rev. Robert E. Speer is a great-grandson. 2. Andrew, of further
mention. 3 Alexander, started on a return trip down the river, was never
heard from again, and it is presumed that he was captured by hostile Indians. 4. James, of further mention. 5. Ann. 6. Jane. 7. Elizabeth.
8 and 9. Jean and Ginny, did not come to America with their parents, but
lived and died in Scotland.
(II) Andrew Speer, son of James and Margaret (Braden) Speer, was
born in Maryland in 1758, and died July 4, I838. He was young when the
family removed to Pennsylvania, and was variously engaged prior to his settlement in Robinson township, where he owned a good farm of one hundred
io65WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
andc seventy-five acres. He married Elizabeth Boyd, born in county Down,
Ireland, brought to this country when young by her parents, and lived to an
advanced age. Mr. Speer and his wife were active members of the United
Presbyterian church, and among the founders of the Union Church in
Robinson township. They had children: I. James, of further mention. 2.
Andrew, died unmarried. 3. Alexander, was a farmer all his life, having
inherited a part of the original Speer homestead, and died at the age of
sixty-three years; he married Hannah Philips, and had children: George
Samuel, Emma, Arra, Ella and Laura. 4. Martha, married (first)
(second) a Mr. McWhirter, and moved to Ohio. 5. Margaret, married
Samuel McCoy, her cousin, and lived in Robinson township. 6. Jane, married James Robinson, a carpenter of Robinson township, and died quite
young. 7. Mary, married James Hazlet, of Butler county, and they resided
in New Castle, Pennsylvania. 8. Ann, married Samuel McCoy, a nephew
of her sister Margaret's husband, and lived in Robinson township.
(III) James (2) Speer, eldest son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Boyd)
Speer, was born in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
I8oo, and died there in I837. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and
after his marriage rented a nearby farm of Alexander McKee, which he
cultivated until his early death at the age of thirty-seven years. He married
Elizabeth McCoy, born in Robinson township in I8Io, died in March, I880.
She never remarried, but after the death of her husband removed to the
farm he had left to the wife and children of his son James. There she
built a house in I842, which was her residence until its destruction by fire
in I878, two years prior to her death. Elizabeth (McCoy) Speer was the
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Speer) McCoy, and granddaughter of
Thomas and Jane McCoy, who came from county Down, Ireland, in I790,
finally settling in Robinson township, where the family became extensive
land owners. John McCoy, brother of William McCoy, married Sarah King,
and became one of the prosperous men of the township, and founded a
family that is now represented by Thomas (2) McCoy. William McCoy,
son of Thomas and Jane McCoy, was born in Ireland. He owned a large
tract on Chartiers' creek, near the Steubenville pike, where he died about
1835, being survived by his wife, Elizabeth Speer, until I850; she was a
sister of Andrew Speer. Children: William, died unmarried in early manhood; Robert, died unmarried; John, died unmarried; Samuel, married
Margaret Speer, and moved to Guernsey county, Ohio; Elizabeth, married
James Speer, as previously mentioned; Margaret (Peggy), married George
McCready. James and Elizabeth (McCoy) Speer had children: I. William,
died unmarried at the age of twenty-four years. 2. Absalom, died unmarried at the age of twenty-one years. 3. Andrew, died in infancy. 4. Andrew Braydon, of further mention. 5. Elizabeth Jane, died unmarried at
the age of seventy-seven years, having resided with her mother until the
death of the latter, after which she took up her residence in Coraopolis,,
Pennsylvania.
(IV) Andrew Braydon Speer, fourth son of James and Elizabeth (Mcio66WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA7
Coy) Speer, was born in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 27, I833, the farm on which he was born now being a part of
the borough of McKees Rocks. Until he was eighteen years of age he attended the public schools of McKees Rocks and the "Clever" district for
about six months of each year, and thus acquired a good education. Afterthe death of his two elder brothers, in I85I, he became manager of the
home farm, and so continued until the death of his mother. This farm
was willed to his mother and her children by Andrew Speer, their grandfather, and after the death of Elizabeth (McCoy) Speer, Andrew Braydon
Speer bought out his sister's interest and became the sole owner. The barn
on the farm was built in I854 and the house in 1879. The homestead is
devoted to general farming, although market gardening is a prominent
feature. Mr. Speer is an elder of twenty-five years' standing in the Forest
Grove Presbyterian Church, which he has also served as trustee and treasurer. The McCoys and Speers, in Scotland, Ireland and Pennsylvania, have
ever been Covenanters and Presbyterians, devout in their religion and exemplary in their lives. In politics hle is an ardent Prohibitionist, and has
voted that ticket for many years.
Mr. Speer married, October I3, I864, Elizabeth Ann Glass, born in
Robinson township, a daughter of William and Sarah Glass, both deceased.
Children: I. William James, now manager of a company store at Cherry
Valley. 2. Albert Howard, a practicing dentist of Long Beach, California;
married Anna Petrie. 3. Clayton Wesley, married Margaret Blanche Riddle; resides with his parents at the farm. 4. Harvey Barnett, a practicing
physician of Coraopolis; married Anna Moore. 5. Walter Braydon, a
jeweler, died unmarried.
(II) James (2) Speer, son of James (I) and Margaret (Braden)
Speer, was born in I765, in the family log house in Robinson township, and
died on his half of the estate left by his father, July 25, I847. He married
Mary Boyd, who died November 22, 1859, a daughter of Roland and Nancy
Boyd, and they had children: I. Roland, born in I797, died November I5,
I88o; his father left him a farm in Sharon. 2. Alexander, born on the homestead, in I799. 3. Agnes, born on the homestead, September 4, I802, diedl
November 4, 1892; she married John Ritchey, of Pittsburgh, and had
children: Martha, who was burned to death; James; Sarah, married William Crayton, and had one child, who died in infancy, the mother dying soon
after; Ann; Mary Jane, married, August 30, r86I, Samuel Young, and had
children: Charles Andrews, who married Sarah Johnston, and Willard
Woods, who married Dolly Baker; Andrew, who died in I862 from the
effects of wounds received in the Civil War; John Irvine, died of starvation
in Libby Prison, in November, I863. 4. Margaret, died in infancy. 5. Mary,
married James Robinson, and had children: Mary and the Rev. George
Robinson, of Pittsburgh; she died January I, I873. 6. James Boyd, born
July 4, I807, died April 2, I886; he married Agnes Twiford, who died
August 21, I913, at the age of eighty-two years. Children: Wilhelmina,
married Philip J. Magnus, a farmer and has a son, Edward; Cordelia, marto6ToWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ried, October 2, i888, Dr. J. R. King, removed to Riverside, California, in
Ig96, and has children: Dr. Errol R. King, Hazel 0. and Raymond J.; Harriet, deceased; Newton; Frank; Howard; Grant; Cora; Elmer; Garnet;
Elizabeth, deceased. 7. Ann, born in I809, died November 27, I882; married John Phillips and lived in Moon township; children: Matthew, Boyd
and John. 8. Elizabeth, born in I8II, died in June, I841; married a Mr.
Young, and died a year after her marriage. 9. Robert, born in I8I3:; married Sarah Sampson, and had children: William; George; Robert; Mary,
deceased; Elizabeth.  Io. John, born I815; married Sarah McCoy.  II.
Jane, died January 6, I887; married Daniel Ewing, and had children: Elwilda, James and Addison. I2 and I3. Died in infancy.
The name of Smith is probably the one of most frequent ocSMITH  currence in the United States, and this is due to a variety of
causes. Some adopted the name, when surnames first came
into use, because of the'callings they followed, such as: Blacksmith, tinsmith, etc. Others have inherited the name from their ancestors who came
here from different countries, Germany, Holland, and others, and anglicized the form of the name in the course of years, so that at this period of
time it becomes a matter of some difficulty to trace the origin of the various
families, owing to the destruction of early records.
Alexander Smith was a native of Inverness, Scotland, was a farmer,
and after his emigration to America settled at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He
married Mary Campbell and had children: Angus, John, Daniel, Catherine,
Alexander, of further mention; William, killed in the Civil War; Mary Ann,
Isabella. All deceased.
Alexander (2) Smith, son of Alexander (I) and Mary (Campbell)
Smith, was a farmer in Ross township, Allison Park, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and died there in I908. He was the owner of one hundred
acres of land, which he devised by will to his wife, to be her property as
long as she lived. He took an active part in political affairs in behalf of the
Republican party, and was also an active member of the Presbyterian
church. He married, October 23, I873, Mary A. Smith, born in Ohio,
December 28, 1846. Children: I. Mary Isabella, born October 12, I874;
married Thomas Deer, who is the owner of the adjoining farm; they have
children: Charles Alexander and Thomas Keown. 2. Margaret Jeannette,
born December 9, I876, died June 30, 8963. Edna, born July 22, 1883,
lives at home with her mother.
(Maternal Smith Line.)
Finley Smith, grandfather of Mrs. Mary A. (Smith) Smith, was one
of the first settlers in what is now the state of Ohio. The region was at that
time a wilderness, and Indians were numerous. Hardships and privations
were many, but the brave settlers overcame all difficulties in the course of
time, and planned and developed homesteads which were a rich inheritance
for their descendants. Mr. Smith married Ann    --- and had children:
Daniel, John, Duncan, of further mention; Isabella, Margretta.
io68WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Dluncan Smith, son of Finley and Ann Smith, was educated in the
district schools near his home, and became a man of influence in the community. He was an elder many years in the Presbyterian church, and was
an active worker in the interests of the Republican party. He married Isabella, a daughter of William McIntosh, and had children: I. Philip, who
served in the Civil War, in which he was wounded, but regained his health
and strength; he married Isabella Fraser; both dead. 2. William, was a
member of the Seventy-eighth Regiment in the Civil War; married Josepha
Arbickle, of Ohio. 3. John, who served one hundred days in the Ohio
National Guard, now lives in Madison township, Columbiana county, Ohio;
he married Katherine McKenzie, now deceased. 4. Mary A., who married
Alexander Smith (see Smith II, above). 5. Isabella, married John McPherson, and lives in Columbiana county, Ohio. 6.'Daniel, married Margery
McIntosh, and died in I888. 7. Margrette, died unmarried in I9o6. 8.
David, living on the old homestead in Ohio, married Catherine Falconer.
While settlement was first made in Pennsylvania by the imLANDIS migrant ancestor of this family, John Landis, who came from
Germany, and the subsequent wanderings of one of his descendants, Uriah, took the family name into the far west. John Landis
married and had children, this line continuing through his son, Harry, of
whom further.
(II) Harry Landis, son of John Landis, was long a resident of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, his home near Berlin. He had a distillery for
many years in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He married, one of his
sons was Uriah!, of whom further.
(III) Uriah Landis, son of Harry Landis, was born October 6, I844,
died in Idaho in I9o9. For several years after his marriage he lived in
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, then took his family to the west, making
his home in Idaho. Here in addition to his other business activities, he
became interested as an investor in a gold mining proposition, a venture
that met with indifferent success. He married (first) Caroline, daughter of
Jesse Long, her father a farmer of Somerset county, Pennsylvania; (second)
Margaret Stoner. Children of first marriage of Uriah Landis: I. Ida, of
wvhom further. 2. Harry.
(IV) Ida Landis, daughter of Uriah and Caroline (Long) Landis, was
born November I3, I870. She married, December I, I903, John, son of
William and Catherine (Moore) Rodenbaugh, who were the parents of
three children: I. William Henry, died May 22, I908. 2. Elizabeth, died in
I864, aged twenty-eight years. 3. John, born August I3, I845, died May 6,
I9I3. He was educated in the public schools, and after different business
connections became a dairyman, a line in which he continued for twenty-two
years with success and profit. During his long business experience he built
up a substantial and flourishing trade in the dairy products that he handled,
and with it a reputation for honor and integrity that was never questioned.
Mr. Rodenbaugh left a wide circle of friends to bear witness of his many
I069WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
country. He therefore opened a regular shoe store, and in I883 was
obliged to seek larger quarters for this, when he moved to a point on
Main street, below Ninth street, and remained there until he retired from
business in I890. He was a director of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank
from its inception, and was the treasurer and a director in the Sharpsburg
and Etna Fire Insurance Company from I873 to I88I. With his own
hands and spade he helped to dig the trenches for fortifications at Morning
Side road when General Robert E. Lee was expected to enter the city of
Pittsburgh, during the Civil War. Politically Mr. Wagner was a Democrat, and he was a trustee of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Mr. Wagner married, at St. Mary's Church, Allegheny, in I852, Elizabeth Bourget, of French descent, born in Germany, January Io, I83I,
came to this country at the age of two years, and died April I, I886. They
had children: Mary S., born in I853, is unmarried; John H., born March
I, I856, married Mary Schramm, and in association with his brother,
Sylvester N., conducts a retail shoe store in Sharpsburg, and a wholesale
one in Pittsburgh; Elizabeth, born March I4, I858, entered the Convent
of the Sacred Heart, at Buffalo, New York, and is known to the world
as Sister M. Brigitta; Peter C., of further mention; Amelia, born October
5, I862, is unmarried; Sylvester N., born February 25, I865, married
-Catherine Glauber; Leo J., born June 9, I867, is a dry goods merchant in
Sharpsburg, and married Henrietta Jehle; Martha R., born in I872, is also
unmarried, and the three sisters live together.
Peter C. (2) Wagner, son of Peter C. (I) and Elizabeth (Bourget)
Wagner, was born at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, August I7, I86o, died
August I9, 1913. He acquired his education in the public and parochial
schools of Sharpsburg, and this was supplemented by a course at Duff's
Business College, from which he was graduated in I878. Until I879 he
assisted his father in his business, then entered the employ of G. W.
Tilghman, who was engaged in the clothing business. Two years later
he became assistant bookkeeper and shipping clerk with Spang, Chalfant
 Company, and after some time again entered the employ of Mr. Tilghman, and at the expiration of two years was appointed assistant postmaster of Sharpsburg, under Mr. Casey. In I887 he and Mr. Tilghman
formed a business partnership, and opened a clothing store in Homestead,
which was conducted under the firm name of Tilghman  Wagner. Mr.
Wagner purchased the interest of his partner in I888 and conducted the
business alone until I895, when he admitted his brother, Leo J., as a
partner, but bought him out in I899, and conducted the business alone
again until his death. He was connected in various capacities with a number of other business enterprises, a partial list of these being as follows:
A director of the Homestead National Bank; director in the Homestead
Heating Company; director in the Swasteka Developing Company (Coffee)
in Texas; president of the Homestead Business Men's Association for a
period of twenty-one years; a member of the Merchants' Association.
581'WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
excellent qualities, friends whom his sterling merit and pleasing personality
had bound to him strongly. He married Ida Landis, above mentioned.
Since his death his widow has lived in their beautiful country home, with
grounds twelve and one-half acres in extent, her half-sister, Naomi, there
making her home.
This surname comes from England, and is found among our
MASON  oldest family names, but it cannot be claimed that the immigrant heads of the several families are in any way related to
each other. In New England the name appears in the earliest times of the
colony, and those bearing it took a prominent part in the establishment of
government and the defense of the plantations against the Indians. In New
York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey' the Masons were early settlers, but
many of the name came over at various later dates.
(I) William Mason was born in Lancaster, England, in I828, and there
acquired his education and learned the trade of shoemaking. He emigrated
to this country in I846, and joined his brother James, who had already made
his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He followed his trade as a shoemaker for a period of ten years in that city, then removed to East Deer
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade until
his death.  -Ie purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, and
farmed this. His political affiliation was with the Republican party, and he
was a member of the Presbyterian church.  He married (first)
Miller; (second) Elizabeth, a daughter of John and Nancy (Bear) Montgomery, the latter born in Ireland, whose other children were: Mary, deceased; Stewart, a farmer; William, deceased; John, lives in Homewood,
Pennsylvania. By his first marriage Mr. Mason had children: Robert, who
lives in Oklahoma; James, lives at Braddock, Pennsylvania; Edward, lives at
North Side, Pittsburgh; John, lives in Indiana township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania; Ellen, deceased. Children by second marriage: Mary, married Frank Fraser, lives in Braddock; Thomas, deceased; Stewart, unmarried, lives on the homestead; Elizabeth, lives on the homestead; Joseph, of
further mention; Irving, a blacksmith, lives near Tarentum, Pennsylvania.
(II) Joseph Mason, son of William and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Mason, was born in East Deer township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He
was educated in the district schools in the vicinity of his home, and at an
early age commenced to assist in the cultivation of the homestead. This has
recently been divided, and the share falling to the lot of Mr. Mason is
forty acres in extent. He has his mother, a brother and a sister living with
him. He takes an active interest in whatever concerns the welfare of the
community, and is one of the leaders in the Progressive party in that section. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Mason
married, in I9II, Jane Thompson, and they have one child, Evert, born in
I912.
iol-o(D'
aWESTERN - PENNSYLVANIA
Tlhe McGovern family has been an honored one in Ireland
McGOVERN  for many generations, and no less so since its advent in
this country.
Michael lMcGovern was born in county Cavan, Ireland, where he grew
to maturity. After his marriage he emigrated to the United States, about
1833 or I834, bringing with him his wife and only child. He settled in New
York City for a time, becoming an employee in engineering construction
work on the railroad. This necessitated a frequent change of residence, and
he lived in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He finally
made his permanent home at Brownsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
following the occupation of a river man for some time. Later he held the
position of boss in the construction work of the old National Pike, then removed to Allegheny county, where he worked in the coal mines at Fort
Prairie, in Versailles township, until he retired, and made his home on the
South Side, where he died in the early eighties. He married, in Ireland,
Elizabeth Gillronan, who died at  Becks Run, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I86I. Both were members of the Catholic church, and had children:
Mary, born in Ireland, died at Washingtonville, Ohio, married John Brady;
Catherine, died in infancy; Catherine and Ann, both unmarried, live with
their brother, Thomas; William, died in childhood; John, also died in childhood; Elizabeth, married John Schorr, and lives at Becks Run; Thomas, of
further mention.
Thomas McGovern, son of Michael and Elizabethl (Gillronan) McGovern, was born at Brownsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, April 25,
I844. Educated in the public schools of Allegheny county, he was still a
young lad when he commenced working in the mines. His record during the
Civil War is one of which any man may well feel proud. September 2I, I86I,
he enlisted as a private in Company H, Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served until February 17, I864. He re-enlisted at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and served until August 23, I865, when he was mustered
out at Macon, Georgia, as second lieutenant, commanding Company H. He
was an active participant in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, the
siege of Atlanta, Selma, Alabama, being wounded slightly in the hip during
the last mentioned engagement. In the first battle his horse was shot under
him, but hle managed to capture a horse belonging to a Confederate soldier
and made his escape, while almost all of his company were taken prisoners.
At the close of the war he returned to Becks Run, and there accepted a clerkship in the grocery business of Mr. Samuel Grove, becoming associated with
him in a business partnership in I869. In 1872 the interest of Mr. Grove was
purchiased by a Mr. Miller, when the firmn transacted business four years as
McGovern  Miller. Mr. McGovern sold out in I876 and about one year
later opened a store on the Brownsville road, near the Carrick postoffice, and
has been identified with this since that time, being the oldest merchant in the
borough of Carrick. He was elected justice of the peace in I889, and with
the exception of one term has been the incumbent of that office ever since,
his present term expiring in I9I6. He has served as school director, both in
.To, 71WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the township and the borough, and was township auditor before the borough
was organized. As a director of the Carrick Building and Loan Association
he has done a great deal in developing the town. He is a member of St.
Basil's Catholic Church, and has served as trustee since its organization in
1905; he is also a member of the Holy Name Society. Mr. McGovern is
unmarried.
The original name of the Robinson family was doubtless
ROBINSON  Robert or Roberts, which after a while became Robin, son
of Robert, and was finally contracted to Robinson. It is
claimed that the Robinsons were Saxon Thanes before the time of William
the Conqueror, and that they were seated in Lancashire for three centuries,
being lords of the manor of Chalburne in that county. The name is more
commonly found in the north than in the south of England, and Northamptonshire is the stronghold. On Parlimentary rolls and Calendar of Proceedings we find the forms of Robynson and Robbynsone, and some claim
that Robson is a contraction of the name. The meaning of the original
Robert is "famous in counsel," from "rode," "counsel," and "bearht, bert or
bericht," "bright." The following mottoes are among those in use on the
family arms of the Yorkshire and Lancashire branches: Virtute non verbis,
"By bravery, not by words," and Virtus Pretiosior auro, "Virtue is more
precious than gold." Some members of this family migrated to England
before coming to this country. The coat-of-arms borne by the Robinsons
of the north from whom the American branches are descended, is as follows: A gold field crossed by a green chevron with three gold cinquefoils
set between three bucks tripping. The crest is a green buck tripping, with
gold antlers and gold spots on his hide. While the exact connection cannot
be established at the present moment with the branch treated of in this
review, it may be taken for an undisputed fact that all the bearers of the
name have had a common origin.
(I) James Robinson was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America
prior to his marriage. He settled on the Dr. Gilford farm in Marshall
township, which was known as the Robinson homestead. This consisted of
four hundred acres of land which Mr. Robinson had purchased. He was
for many years a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active worker
in its interests. Mr. Robinson married Isabella Colter, born in 1825, died
February 26, 1877, and they had children: I. William, of further mention.
z. David, deceased. 3. Thomas, deceased. 4. Henry, died March 25, I869,
while a student in the senior class at the Washington and Jefferson College.
5. John, deceased. 6. Nancy, lives at Zelienople, Pennsylvania. 7. Belle, died
March 2 I, I876.
(II) William Robinson, son of James and Isabella (Colter) Robinson,
was born in Marshall township, Allegheny county,' Pennsylvania, February
5, i844, and died December Io, I913. He was educated in the public schools
near his home, and spent his life in general farming, owning a fine farm of
one hundred acres. He gave his political support to the Republican party,
I072WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and served some years as road supervisor. Mr. Robinson married Catherine,
born November I2, I860, died December 12, 19I3, daughter of George File.
They had children: I. Sadie, born May I8, I879; married George I. Sickles,
and lives in Franklin township; children: Arthur, Clara, Grace and George.
2. William, of further mention. 3. WVfalter, born November 4, 1884; in the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; lives in Conway, Pennsylvania. 4. Ellie, born February I8, i886, died April 20, I888. 5. George,
born February I5, 1889. 6. Thomas. 7. Grace, born November Io, I899.
(III) William (2) Robinson, son of William (I) and Catherine (File)
Robinson, was born on the homestead, May 6, I88I. He was educated in
the public schools and has always lived on the homestead. He is a Republican in his political opinions, and a member of the Methodist church. His
fraternal affiliation is with the Order of the Moose. Mr. Robinson is not
married.
The home of this line of Roberts has for a long time been
ROBERTS  in the counties of southeastern Pennsylvania, including
Chester, Delaware and Montgomery, according to the presenit division of the territory.
(I) Hugh Roberts was a resident of the latter county, his home being
at Merion. He married Jane, who, according to some authorities, was a
daughter of Owen ap Evans, of Wales, son of Ievan, or Evan Robert Lewis,
of Merionethshire, Wales. This line traces its descent back through many
generations to Mervyn Vrych, King of Man, one of the Welsh Princes of the
little island, whllo married Essylt, daughter and sole heiress of Conan Tyndaethwg, King of Wales, who died 818-20. Both Mervyn and Essylt were
descended from Llud, King of Britain, brother of Caswallon, the chief who
resisted the invasion of Caesar, and whom  that Roman general, in his
famous "Commentaries," calls Cassevallaunus.  Hugh and Jane (Evans)
Roberts were the parents of children, one of their sons, Joseph, of whom
further.
(II) Joseph Roberts, son of Hugh and Jane (Evans) Roberts, was born
in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, died in Norristown, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania. He was a farmer throughout his active life, moving to the
place w'here he died after his retirement from that field of labor. He married Mary Walker, a descendant of the family founded in this country by
Lewis Walker, of English birth, who settled in Pennsylvania in the early
part of the eighteenth century, owning a large tract of land in what is now
Tredyffrin township, Chester county, his estate named "Rehobeth." Joseph
Roberts was a member of the Society of Friends. Children of Joseph and
Mary (Walker) Roberts: I. Sarah, married John Williams, and lived in
Schuylkill township, Chester county, Pennsylvania. 2. William, of whom
further. 3. Lewis, a farmer, married, and he and his wife, Sarah, lived in
Schuylkill township, Chester county, Pennsylvania. 4. Mary, who married
Caleb Hoopes, and lived in Baltimore, Maryland.
(III) William Roberts, son of Joseph and Mary (Walker) Roberts, was
Io073WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
born in Schuylkill toxwnship, Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 3, I812,
died in Tredyffrin township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, in October, I889.
He attended the schools of his native township and was also a student in a
Friends' school in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in which institution he took a
course in civil engineering, a profession in the practice of which he embarked
after finishing his preparation. He obtained an appointment as engineer in
charge of the construction of the state canal and was stationed at Columbia,
Pennsylvania, remaining in that position until just prior to his marriage,
when he resigned. After his marriage he and his bride moved to the farm
which she had inherited in Tredyffrin township, Chester county, the land the
richest in that locality, a district noted for the fertility of its soil. On this
property he erected a comfortable house, necessary out-buildings for the
stock and farm implements, and there both lived until their deaths. William
Roberts was a gentleman of education and cultured training, and in public
affairs was always given a leading part. He was a Republican of the most
loyal type, and as the candidate of that party was elected to numerous township offices. During the Civil War he received an appointment as United
States deputy marshal, and after the first patriotism-inspired rush to the
front had drained the country of those anxious to go to war, leaving behind
only those who felt that a greater duty required their presence at home, he
was in charge of two drafts made in Chester county. He held membership
in the Society of Friends.
He married Susanna Malin Havard, born in Tredyffrin township,
Chester county, Pennsylvania, October I6, i818, died in April, I905, daughter
of Benjamin and Mary (Jones) Havard, both of her parents natives of
Chester county, Pennsylvania. The family of Havard is of English origin,
appearing in Pennsylvania about contemporaneously with the arrival of
William Penn, and in the homeland was of aristocratic rank, members thereof being wealthy in their old home and the new. Chester county was its
residence and there the name is numerous to the present time, Havards having contracted marriage alliances with many other of the old families of that
region, among them that of Marshall and that of Miller. During the war
of the Revolution the French nobleman, Lafayette, visited at the home of
Samuel Havard in Chester county, Samuel being a brother of Benjamin,
grandfather of Susanna Malin Havard. Benjamin Havard, father of Susanna Malin Havard, was a farmer on an extensive scale, holding title to
five hundred of the one thousand acres that originally comprised the homestead, his death occurring when he was forty-one years of age, the result
of unusual exertion in the performance of his daily duties. He died when
his daughter, Susanna M., was six years of age, his wife surviving him many
years, dying aged eighty-seven years. Although not a member of any
religious denomination, he was of Quaker tendencies, and worshipped with
those of that faith. Benjamin and Mary (Jones) Havard were the parents
of: I. Susanna Malin, of previous mention, married William Roberts. 2.
David, married Mary Rhinehart, inherited four hundred acres of the original
homestead. Children of William and Susanna Malin (Havard) Roberts:
Io74WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I. Benjamin, enlisted in Company K, Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, died aged eighteen in Camp Pierpont, Virginia, the victim of an
attack of fever. 2. Isaac Walker, died in 1875; married Anna Daniels, and
resided in Philadelphia, where he was a ticket agent in the employ of the
Philadelphia  Reading railroad. 3. Mary E., died in I912; married Isaac
Walker, who died in I872; they lived in Chester county, Pennsylvania. 4.
David Havard, died in I885; married Margaret Rodney, and lived in Norristown, Pennsylvania, employed by the Philadelphia  Reading railroad. 5.
William H., of whom further. 6. Anna, died aged three years. 7. George
W., a real estate dealer of Norristown, Pennsylvania; married Jeannette McInnes. 8. Charles J., a medical examiner in the relief department of the
Pennsylvania railroad; married Mary Rickabaugh, and resides at Berwyn,
Pennsylvania. 9. Clarence B., unmarried, lives on the home farm.  10.
Susan, married Elliott J. Thomas, lives on a farm in Chester county, Pennsylvania.
(IV)- William H. Roberts, son of William and Susanna Malin (Havard) Roberts, was born in Tredyffrin township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, January I7, I85I. In his youth he attended the district schools near
his home, later becoming a student in Friends' Central School, of Philadelphia. His studies completed, lie obtained a position as chainman in the
engineering corps of the Allegheny Valley Division of the Pennsylvania
railroad, for two years being employed on construction work in. Chester
county, Pennsylvania. In January, i875, he moved to Pittsburgh, becoming
inspector of coal and steel rails for the Pan Handle railroad, and, after
service in different departments, he became chief clerk in the maintenance of
way department. He resigned from railroad employ in 1889, three years
later building a handsome stone residence in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, at No.
4I7 Center avenue, his home having been in that borough since I879. After
resigning from the eimploy of the Pan Handle railroad he entered the field
of general contracting, and in various lines of railroad and mine work is
well known through the Pittsburgh region, his operations having.been wide
and uniformly successful. His business interests have not been bounded by
contracting, but in real estate dealing he has a record unexcelled by any
single operator, principally in property in the vicinity of Carnegie. At the
present time he is active in both of the above-mentioned businesses, bears a
reputation throughout the county as an honorable and upright gentleman
whose simple word in business or private matters is as binding as his sworn
oath, and holds prominent place among the progressive and energetic citizens
of Carnegie.  He is a member of Centennial Lodge, No. 544, Free and
Accepted Masons, of which he is past master, and belongs to Cyrus Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons. He is a Republican in political action, never accepting
public office.
He married, June 8, 1882, Kate Errett, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of Russell and Phoebe (Reeder) Errett, both of her parents deceased. Russell Errett was editor of the Commercial Gazette, published in Pittsburgh, prominent in the councils of the Republican party, and
I0o75WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
held membership in both branches of the state legislature. Mrs. Roberts is
a woman of liberal education, fond of intellectual pursuits, and is a member
of the Monday Club, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Children of William H.
and Kate (Errett) Roberts: I. Emily, a school teacher of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. 2. Anna. 3. Havard, a student in Pennsylvania State College.
While this is a familiar name in Western Pennsylvania,
RITENOUR Carey Clinton Ritenour, of McKees Rocks, is the first of
his branch to settle in Allegheny county, his father, a Virginian, his grandfather a native of Maryland. George, the grandfather,
spelled his name "Ridenour," that being the ancient form.
(I) George Ritenour (as now written) was born in Maryland, moved
to Virginia when a young man and there spent his after life in farming
near Woodstock, the capital of Shenandoah county, in the fertile valley of
Virginia. He was an old man when war broke out between the states, but
years did not deter him from military service and for most of the war period
he was a soldier of the Confederacy. Like most of his family he was a large,
well-built man and lived to the great age of eighty-eight years. The family
were members of the Baptist church. His first wife, Lavina (McIntosh)
Ritenour, died a young woman, and he married a second wife, Susan
Children by first marriage: I. Alfred, of further mention. 2. Philips, a
blacksmith and gunsmith of Shenandoah county, Virginia, left a good business which since his death in February, I896, has been conducted by his son,
Edward, his shop being located near Seven Fountains. 3. Joseph, now a
retired Shenandoah Valley farmer, living near Seven Fountains; his first
wife was a Miss Shipe, his second wife Sarah Brown. 4. Sandy, now a
Shenandoah Valley farmer, near Seven Fountains; his first wife was a Miss
Rinker, his second Mattie Burke. 5. Lemuel, now a blacksmith of Carmel,
Virginia; married a Miss Ritenour. 6. James, now a carpenter of Seven
Fountains; married Susan Nicholas. 7. Morgan, now a carpenter of Gilbeck, Virginia.
(II) Alfred Ritenour, eldest child of George and Lavina (McIntosh)
Ritenour, was born near Woodstock, Virginia, in 1834, died March 3, I896.
He served an apprenticeship of five years under Abraham Baker, who taught
him the blacksmith's trade. After completing his trade he opened a shop on
the pike at Seven Fountains and for forty years he was there engaged in
prosperous business. Seven Fountains, once a famed summer resort of the
beautiful Shenandoah Valley, is now but a hamlet, situated six miles from
Woodstock, the capital of Shenandoah county. Alfred Ritenour, in addition
to his prosperous smithy, was the owner of two fertile farms in the valley
which he managed and caused to yield bountifully. He was a Republican in
politics and one of the four of that faith in the village at that time. He was a
member of the Campbellite church, his wife a Baptist.
He married (first) Isabelle Cullers, who died in 1884. He married
(second) a widow, Mrs. Lydia Peters, who by her first husband had four
children, James, Kate, Annie and Benjamin. Isabelle Cullers was a daughter
io76WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Daniel Cullers, of German descent, the family coming early to the Shenandoah Valley, with the early German immigration to the Valley of Virginia. They were members of the Baptist church and people highly regarded.
Daniel Cullers died aged eighty-seven years, having been twice married, but
both wives died soon after marriage. He owned considerable land in the
Valley, but was not a slave owner. Children of Alfred and Isabelle (Cullers) Ritenour, all born at Seven Fountains, Virginia: I. William, postmaster of Seven Fountains and a farmer; married Ada Munich. 2. Cyrus
Field, of further mention. 3. Virginia Adelaide, married Abraham Yates, a
saw mill owner and lumber dealer of Woodstock, Virginia. 4. Zachariah
died aged fifteen years. 5. Luella, married Robert Funk, a merchant at
Seven Fountains. 6. Carey Clinton, of further mention. 7. Stella, married
Eugene Munch, and resides at the Cullers homestead at Seven Fountains.
8. Sarah Ann, married Avery McClannahan, a farmer of St. Davids, Virginia.
(III) Cyrus Field Ritenour, second son of Alfred and Isabelle (Cullers) Ritenour, was born at the old "Cullers homestead" at Seven Fountains,
Shenandoah county, Virginia, March I5, I867. He attended the Dry Run
district school for eighteen months only, and with this exception had little
early opportunity to acquire an education, but by self study, reading and
observation, he has made himself a well informed, well-read man. He early
began working on his father's farm and as he grew older took part in the
heavier work of clearing the timber from other tracts his father purchased.
He also worked in the blacksmith shop owned by Alfred Ritenour, who also
taught his son the simpler parts of a blacksmith's trade. At the age of
seventeen years he left home and for five years worked for Linden Allen on
the latter's five hundred acre plantation in the Shenandoah Valley. At the
expiration of this term of employment he left Virginia and travelled westward to Licking county, Ohio, where for nine months he worked in a tile
factory. In I890o, with Jacob Baker as partner, he engaged in contract work,
setting, curbing and work of a similar nature, in Washington, Monongahela
city, Homestead and other Pennsylvania boroughs. Early in I893 Mr. Ritenour began working for the Philadelphia Gas Company, then running a pipe
line in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. After completing this line he
was sent in June of the same year to the McKees Rocks district and placed in
charge of the company's gas wells there. In I907 he was promoted to the
position of foreman and given charge of the entire "Akin Farm" district in
Allegheny county. This position he yet holds and on his private account
operates a poultry farm in Kennedy township, specializing in pure blooded
White Leghorns. He purchased his property in Kennedy township in I895
and in that year erected his present residence thereon. He also owns residence properties in West Park and is one of the prosperous men of his community. He is a Republican in politics and for seven years has served his
township as school director.
Mr. Ritenour married, April 7, I897, a distant relative, Vollie V. Ritenour, born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, at her father's farm, one and a
I077WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The father of George Edward Beck, of this chronicle, John
BECK Jacob Beck, was a native of Germany, and was there educated.
Coming to the United States in young manhood, he became a
carpenter and contractor, afterward specializing in the building of furnaces.
About I870, in partnership with a Mr. Guinner, he accepted a contract
for paving the streets of Sharpsburg, which was successfully completed, the
streets of the town being raised about three feet in the course of the operation. At one time he was assistant manager of the Isabella Blast Furnaces,
resigning that position to continue his independent business dealings, abandoning contracting in I872. Mr. Beck was made a Mason in Allegheny
City (Pittsburgh North Side), and in Etna was, with J. J. Kyle, the organizer of a lodge of that society, the lodge owning at this time chairs
that he purchased for use in the lodge rooms. In the building of the Smithfield Street German Lutheran Church he played an important part, H. J.
Heinz also contributing generously to the fund thus employed, and Mr.
Beck and his family were members thereof. He was twice married, his
first wife Catherine --, his second Catherine Miller, both natives of Germany. Children of the first marriage of John Jacob Beck: Frederick,
Catherine, Louisa, Gustav, Oscar, Christina, John Jacob, of whom further.
Children of the second marriage of John Jacob Beck: Charles, George
Edward, of whom further, Anna, William, Herman, Carrie.
John Jacob (2) Beck, son of John Jacob (I) and his first wife, Catherine Beck, was born in Manchester (Allegheny City), Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, in I864, and was educated in the schools of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. In this place he learned the trade of butcher, and was thus employed in Sharpsburg for thirty years. He subsequently became a partner
in the glass business and in December, I9Io, succeeded to the offices of
president and general manager, which he now fills. The company is one
of firm founding, ably officered, and has had a successful career, Mr. Beck's
share in its present prosperity one of which he may well be proud. He is
a Republican in politics, and elected on the ticket of that party to the borough council, he served as a member of that body for six years. He affiliates
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternizes with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Order, in the latter society holding
the thirty-second degree.
George Edward Beck, son of John Jacob and his second wife, Catherine (Miller) Beck, was born in Stewartstown (Etna), Pennsylvania, in
I869. He was educated in the public schools of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania,
Professor Paulson his instructor. For twelve years he was employed in
the Spang-Chalfante Mills, and in I9OI purchased his present property,
the Windsor Hotel, of which he is now proprietor, his business a profitable
and flourishing one. Mr. Beck is a member of the Pittsburgh Automobile
Club, the Schuley National Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. Politically he is a strong Republican sympathizer, and has been
active in public affairs. He married (first) in I89o, Florence Drummond,
533WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
His connection with other organizations was: A member of Duquesne
Council, of Pittsburgh, No. 264; Branch 70, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association; Knights of Columbus, and held the office of secretary of the
Branch for sixteen years; Knights of St. George, No. I8, of Homestead;
Brotherhood of Elks, No. 650, of Homestead.  He was independent in
his political opinions, and had the courage of his convictions. He was a
member of St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church, a member of its
board of trustees at the time the new church was built, and a member of
the Holy Name Society connected with it, having also served as president
of this society. In I895 he built a fine residence at No. 337 Tenth avenue.
When the Homestead Park movement was first spoken of, he was one of
the men who went to Mr. Frick and solicited his aid in favor of this
project, and it was largely through his instrumentality that success attended
these efforts.
Mr. Wagner married, November 8, I888, Alice O'Leary, born in Pittsburgh, on the present site of Mercy Hospital, September 26, I870. She
is a daughter of William O'Leary, born in Pittsburgh, November 15, 1828,
who was a glass manufacturer in that city until his death, being a pioneer
in that field of manufacture. He owned the property on which Mercy
Hospital now stands, and lived there many years. He married Mary Derby,
born in 1847, died in East End in 1872, a daughter of James Derby, and
his wife, both natives of England, who were early residents of Pittsburgh,
where she died at the age of thirty years, and he also died young. Mrs.
Wagner is the granddaughter of John and Mary (Murphy) O'Leary,
both born in Pittsburgh, and married there, and he was also a glass manufacturer.  Mr. and Mrs. Wagner had children:  Alice, who married
Charles Dublin and lives in Munhall, has children: Alice Marie and Geraldine; Mercedes, married John Hienry Bullen, has a son, John Henry Jr.,
and lives with her mother; Mary was graduated from the Sacred Heart
Academy, in Buffalo, New York, as were her two elder sisters also; Peter
Charles, a student in Homestead High School; Jospehine, a student in
Sacred Heart Academy, Buffalo; Margaret, died in I912. Mrs. Wagner
and her daughters have a talent for painting which would do honor to
many a professional artist, and their magnificent home is filled with beautiful oil paintings and paintings on china, the work of their brushes.
Tihe family name of Knox has a territorial origin, being deKNOX  rived from  the Celtic word "Cnoc," signifying a small hill.
About the year 1266 Johanne de Cnok is named as a witness
in a charter of the lands at Ingleston, Renfrewshire, Scotland. In I328
two payments from the exchequer of King Robert the Bruce were made
to Alamus del Knoc. Those bearing the name of Knox in this day are
proud of the fact that they are connected with the family that produced
John Knox, the illustrious Scotch reformer, to whom Englishmen are
indebted for the Protestant character of their Book of Common Prayer,
582WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
half miles from Seven Fountains, in February, I872. She is the daughter of
Milton Ritenour, a Shenandoah Valley farmer, who died in August, I9I3.
His wife, who was a Miss Keller, is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus
Field Ritenour have one child, Isabelle, born May 17, I9OI, now attending
preparatory school at McKees Rocks. She has a special gift for music and
has made such progress that she is giving instruction in music to neighboring children.
(III) Carey Clinton Ritenour, sixth child and fourth son of Alfred and
Isabelle (Cullers) Ritenour, was born at Seven Fountains, Shenandoah
county, Virginia, January 29, I877. He attended the public schools of the
village until arriving at a suitable age, and then began working on the farm
and in the blacksmith shop owned by his father, eventually becoming a
capable smith. At first when a boy he only worked morn'ings, evenings and
Saturdays in the shop, later giving his entire time to the trade. He continued at home until twenty years of age, then for one year worked for the
Wilson Lumber Company at Wilson, West Virginia. In I898 he came to
Pennsylvania, entering the employ of the Philadelphia Gas Company at
Beaconwood, Stowe township, Allegheny county. He began as a general
mechanic and is now in charge of the three oil wells operated by the company
in Kennedy township. He is a Republican in politics, and both he and his
wife are members of McKees Rocks First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ritenour married, April 29, 1903, Mabel S. Stewart, born in Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January I6, I874. In I9IO
he built his present residence on Pine Hollow road in Stowe township and
there his youngest child was born. Children: I. Alfred Stewart, born
February I3, I905. 2. Mary Helen, born June 2I, I907. 3. Margaret, born
July 22, 1909. 4. Gertrude Virginia, born April 21, 19II.
Mabel S. (Stewart) Ritenour is a daughter of William and Mary
(Young) Stewart, the former born in Robinson township, January 9, I84.0,
died April 9, I903, the latter born in Greentree township in I848, died February, I876. William Stewart was a son of James and Mary (Worth) Stewart,
he born at Squirrel Hill, she at Shousetown, Pennsylvania. Mary (Young)
Stewart was a daughter of Andrew Young, a farmer of Greentree township.
After their marriage William and Mary Stewart lived on their farm in Robinson township, near Beacon and the Kansas district school house. He was a
veteran of the Civil War, having served in Battery B, Pennsylvania Light
Artillery. He was a Republican in politics, and both were members of the
United Presbyterian church. By his first wife, Mary (Young) Stewart,
William Stewart had a son, Andrew, and daughter, Mabel S. He married a
second wife, Susan King, who yet survives him.
This record, beginning in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, deals with
REED three generations of the line of Israel Bebont Reed, M. D., of
Crafton, Pennsylvania. John Reed, his grandfather, was an early
settler in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death, his
occupation being that of farmer. He was twice married, having by his first
I078WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
wife two children: I. Isabel, married John Boyd; died in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania. 2. Isaac M., of whom further. Children of the second marriage of John Reed: 3. James M., a resident of Crafton, Pennsylvania. 4.
Robert, deceased. 5. Mary, died in fall of I914, unmarried; lived in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 6. Elizabeth, married James Walker, lives in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 7., lives in West Virginia.
(II) Isaac M. Reed, only son of the first marriage of John Reed, was
born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and was there reared, moving to
Washington county after attaining man's estate, and was there married. He
settled in Cross Creek, Cross Creek township, Washington county, and there
began mercantile dealings, continuing in that line at the present time, his
business career in that place having covered a period of forty-two years. As
a Democrat he has filled many local offices, and with his wife belongs to the
Presbyterian church, of which he is trustee and elder. He married Rebecca
L., daughter of Israel and Elizabeth (Barber) Bebont. Her parents were
old residents of Beaver and Washington counties, and after their marriage
lived for a time on Raccoon Creek, their deaths occurring in Washington
county, where Israel Bebont was a farmer and land owner. He was twice
married and had children: I. Enoch, deceased. 2. Elizabeth, deceased. 3.
Sarah Jane, married Simon Close; lives in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. 4.
Rebecca L., of previous mention, married Isaac M. Reed. 5. Rachel Ellen,
married James Stevenson; resides in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. Children
of Isaac M. and Rebecca L. (Bebont) Reed: I. Israel Bebont, of whonm
further. 2. John Orlando, a physician of Crafton, Pennsylvania. 3. Francis
Orrin, a shoe merchant of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 4. Thomas Charles, a
shoe merchant of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 5. Wilbur Stewart, associated
in business with his father.
(III) Dr. Israel Bebont Reed, son of Isaac M. and Rebecca L. (Bebont)
Reed, was born in Cross Creek, Washington county, Pennsylvania, September
26, I863. After attending the public schools he became a student in the
Cross Creek Academy, later matriculating at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia.'He was graduated M. D. from this institution in I886 and
immediately established in practice in his native town, there remaining for six
years, at the end of that time moving to Crafton. He has since been engaged in general practice in that place and is the oldest member of his profession in Crafton in point of years of service. His wide practice is a tribute
to his complete' mastery of his profession, and a factor that has contributed
wonderfully to his success is the confidence that his calm, certain demeanor
and his unfailing knowledge inspires in his patients. He is identified with
the county and state medical societies, and fraternizes with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and
the Masonic order, in the last-named society beltonging to Crafton Lodge,
No. 653, Free and Accepted Masons, Cyrus Chapter, No. 280, Royal Arch
Masons, Mount Moriah Council, Royal and Select Masters, Ch'artiers Commandery, No. 78, Knights Templar, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Dr. Reed married, in 1892, Jessie Belle DowIo79WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
den, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and has one child, a daughter,
Frances Lucile.
Among the residents of McKeesport who claim Ireland as their
McKAY birthplace, and who demonstrate in their daily lives that they
possess the characteristics of that sturdy race of people, namely,
perseverance, energy and thrift, must be mentioned Henry McKay, who has
made a success of his business life, and whose career is well worthy of
emulation.
Michael McKay, father of Henry McKay, was a native of Ireland, and
there spent his entire lifetime, dying about the year I840, after which his
family emigrated to the United States, his widow, Catharine (Ross) McKay,
settling in Braddock, Pennsylvania, where she spent the remainder of her
days, her death occurring about the year I884.
Henry McKay was born in county Down, Ireland, May 7, I833. He
attended the common school in the vicinity of his home for a short period of
time, and although his educational advantages were so meagre he is now a
well informed man on many subjects, devoting considerable of his after time
to the improvement of his mind, being well versed in Roman, English, Spanish and Ancient History, a fact which redounds to his credit. On December
I, I846, he left his native land, taking up his abode in Scotland, where he remained until I856, in which year he came to the United States and began
work as a coal miner near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for the Cambria Coal
Company. In January, 1858, he removed to Port Perry, Pennsylvania,
where he was employed in a coal mine, and later took'up his residence in McKeesport, and has followed the occupation of farmer, dairyman, gardener,
merchant, grocer and dry goods merchant, in all of which he was highly successful, being a man of progressive ideas, honorable and straightforward in
his methods, and the capital he accumulated he invested in real estate in McKeesport, being the owner of considerable pieces of property in addition to
his attractive place of residence, which is located at No. 2308 Bridge street.
He is a communicant of the Catholic church, and an Independent in politics.
Mr. McKay married, in Scotland, May 30, I854, Helen McKinley, born
February 15, I833, daughter of John and Margaret (McClura) McKinley.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKay, the first six mentioned
being alive at the present time (I914) and the remainder being deceased:
James, Mary, John, Helen, Elizabeth, F. Joseph, Margaret, Catherine, Ann
Jane, Patrick Paul.
The Ramage family is of English descent, and Benjamin
RAMAGE Ramage was born in Reserve township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, where he later followed the occupation of
farming. He was a Republican in political opinion, and a devout communicant of the Methodist church. He married, and had children: William, Letitia, John, of further mention; Margaret, Benjamin, Rebecca, all now
deceased.
I080aWESTERN: PENNSYLVANIA
(II) John Ramage, son of Benjamin Ramage, was born in Reserve
township, in 1822, and died there August 2, I904. He was a farmer all the
active years of his life, a Methodist, and a staunch Republican. He married
Rebecca, a daughter of William Hamilton, a farmer, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Children: Rebecca, died unmarried, at the age of sixty-two years;
Susan, died unmarried, at the age of sixty-one years; John, married Catherine Remmel, and had children: John, Irene, Minnie, Ellis, Benjamin,
Florence and Rebecca; H. W., unmarried, lives in Reserve township; Annie
Gilbert, died at the age of fifty-four years; Harry E., of further mention.
(III) Harry E. Ramage, son of John and Rebecca (Hamilton) Ramage, was born in Reserve township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 5, I86I. He acquired a sound, practical education in the public schools
in the vicinity of his home, and then engaged in farming, which he has made
his life work. He has a fine farm of eighteen acres, which he keeps in an
excellent state of cultivation, using all the most modern methods. He supports the Republican party in political matters, and is a member of the
Methodist church. Mr. Ramage married, March 28, I886, Minnie Geyer,
born August 23, I86I, died June 30, I913. Children: Jessie, married Lewis
Stickel, lives at Mount Troy, Pennsylvania; Aubrey; Henry, died in infancy; Stella, married Edward Nungasser, and lives at Troy Hill, Pennsylvania; Beulah; Margaret; Edna.
The Wise family was represented among the earliest settlers in
WISE the state of Pennsylvania, and bore their share bravely in enduring the hardships which fell to the lot of those who came at that
time.
(I) Daniel Wise, the first of whom we have definite record in this
branch, cleared his tract of land for farming purposes, and was the founder
of the Wise homestead. He married Mary Powell, and had children:
Jacob, James, Sarah, Catherine, Isaac, of further mention; John, Andrew,
Elizabeth, Mary, Jane, Margaret. He was a Democrat politically, and a
member of the Presbyterian church.
(II) Isaac Wise, son of Daniel and Mary (Powell) Wise, was born on
the Wise homestead in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
and there attended the public schools, in which he obtained a sound, practical education. In early manhood he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and later became a farmer in Butler county, Pennsylvania.
He married (first) Lucy, a daughter of John and Lucy Wise; (second)
Rebecca Kennedy. Children by first wife: Mahala, died young; Andrew,
deceased; Mary L.; Milton; a son, who died in infancy. Children by second
wife: Marinda, died in early youth; William, Calvin, Henderson, Hannah,
Phoebe, George B., of further mention; Ruth, Etta, Joseph, and several
who died young.
(III) George B. Wise, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Kennedy) Wise, was
born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in I862. He obtained a practical
knowledge of farming operations under the supervision of his father, and
1081WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
later became the owner of a farm of seventy-five acres at Thorn creek, Butler county. He married Josephine, daughter of Paul and Louise Garwig,
and has had children: Harry B., of further mention; Floyd, married Anna
Elder, and has one child, Elsie Martha; Alvin; Lula, married Frank Taylor;
Lottie May, Dora, George, Bessie, Elsie.
(IV) Harry B. Wise, son of George B. and Josephine (Garwig) Wise,
was born on the old Wise homestead in Shaler township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, January I3, I886. He was educated in the public schools of
his native township and at Locust Grove, and has conducted farming operations from the time he left school. He has a farm of forty acres which he
cultivates for general market purposes. He is a staunch Republican in
political matters, and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Wise married, November 2, I909, Mabel I., born April ii, I890, a daughter of William Neal, of Ross township, and they have had children: Viola Pearl, born
October 26, I9IO; George Bradford, born July 21, I9I3.
Agriculture, in Germany and the United States, the old and new
VEITH homes of the family of Veith, has been a calling that has
claimed numerous of its members.  Joseph Veith, of this
chronicle, is the first of his line to reside in this country, having immigrated
in I879. He is a grandson of Philip Veith, a native and life-long resident
of Germany, who married and reared a family.
(II) Joseph Veith, son of Philip Veith, was born in Baden, Germany,
and died in that country. His occupation was that of farmer, and he conducted his operations upon a thirty-two acre tract of land, continued in this line until his death. He married Theresa Carrick, born in
Baden, Germany, and had children: Alvina, Kate, Anthony, Verona, Christian, Joseph, of whom further; Rosa, Anna.
(III) Joseph (2) Veith, son of Joseph (I) and Theresa (Carrick)
Veith, was born in Baden, Germany, April 6, I854. While assisting his
father on the home farm he attended the public schools. In young manhood
he served for two years and four months in the German army, and in I879
came to Pennsylvania, locating in Pittsburgh and there being employed for
half a year. In I88o he became a farmer on ten acres of rented land in
Ross township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, afterward renting fifty
acres in McCandless township and then returning to Ross township, where
he rented a fifty acre tract. In December, I897, he purchased sixty-eight
acres of land in McCandless township, and there resides at the present time,
successful in his farming and well regarded in the community. His farm is
well stocked with fruit trees, his orchard a productive and profitable one, and
flourishing berry patches occupy a portion of the land. Mr. Veith raises a
considerable quantity of vegetables for the nearby market as well as pursuing heavier farming. He is a member of the Perrysville Roman Catholic
Church.
He married, in 1879, Louisa J., born in Baden, Germany, daughter of
Jacob and Louisa (Fritz) Fisher, life-long residents of Germany, her father
IO82WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a butcher in occupation. Jacob Fisher was a son tof Ludwig and Catherine
(Hagie) Fisher, Ludwig Fisher, a gardener, he and his wife at their death
the oldest residents of the German community in which they lived. Louisa
(Fritz) Fisher was a daughter of Charles and Sophia (Houck) Fritz, her
father a farmer of Baden, Germany. Jacob Fisher was a soldier in the war of
I866, and was the father of: I. Louisa J., of previous mention, married Joseph Veith. 2. Sophia. 3. Catherine. 4. John, served in the German army. 5.
Freda. 6. Frederick, served in the German army. 7. Minia. 8. Carrie. 9.
Anna. Children of Joseph and Louisa J. (Fisher) Veith: I. Freda, died in
infancy. 2. William, resides in Pittsburgh North Side. 3. Sophia, a resident of Bellevue, Pennsylvania. 4. Charles, lives in Semples Station, Pennsylvania. 5. Louise, lives at Mount Nebo, Pennsylvania. 6. Lewis, lives
at home. 7. Mary, resides at Oakland, Pennsylvania. 8. Anna, lives at
home. 9. Joseph, lives at home. IO. Theresa, a resident of Pittsburgh. II.
Emma, lives at home. 12. Clara, lives at home. 13. Dolly, lives at home.
The name of Thompson is one of the most common of
THOMPSON English names, naturally to be taken as meaning the son
of Thomas, although it is possible that in some instances
it may be of local origin. In the United States it is also of frequent occurrence, and in all probability is the name, not of one family, but of many.
Several families of the name of Thompson were conspicuous in the Provincial and Revolutionary periods of Pennsylvania history, in civil and military service. The family under discussion here came to this country from
Ireland.
(I) William Thompson was born near the town of Springfield, county
Donegal, Ireland, and after his marriage he emigrated to America and made
his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to Indiana county, Pennsylvania, then to Allegheny county, in the same state. He
was a gardener by occupation, and lived retired some time before his death
in I884. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married, in Ireland, Ann Irvine, who died in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
1882. They had children: John N., of further mention'; William, when last
heard from was in Chicago, Illinois; Henry, died in infancy; Thomas, a
contractor, died at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, died unmarried in
Moon township; Margaret, died unmarried in Moon township; Anna, married Anson B. Harper, died in Pittsburgh.
(II) John N. Thompson, son of William and Ann (Irvine) Thompson,
was born in county Donegal, Ireland, about I837, and was a child when
brought to the United States by his parents. He was a ship's carpenter by
occupation, and was thus employed until after the war, and was then engaged in general contracting until his death in I885. He was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Republican party, and served
once as judge of elections. He married Elizabeth Phillips, who died in 1882,
a daughter of John B. and Anna (Speer) Phillips, granddaughter of James
and -        (Boyd) Speer, and granddaughter of William  and Susanna
Io838WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Neely) Phillips. The Speers and the Phillips were among the early settlers of that section of the country. Children of Mr. anid Mrs. Thompson:
Henry, died in infancy; Ella, died at the age of four years; J. Edgar, of
further mention; John Irvine, chief engineer for the government at Lock
No. 4, on Neville Island; William E., is the business manager for a manufacturer at Wheeling, West Virginia.
(III) J. Edgar Thompson, son of John N. and Elizabeth (Phillips)
Thompson, was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
October 2, I870. He was educated in the public schools of the Fifth Ward,
then attended Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh, from which institution
he was graduated in I889 or I890. For a time he was a clerk for Chantler
 Cunningham, and in grocery stores until the year I9o00, when he came to
Coraopolis and was employed in the Coraopolis National Bank two years.
He then became assistant treasurer for the Ohio Valley Trust Company, an
office he held until I912, when he was made secretary-treasurer of the corporation, and is still the incumbent of this office. He is an Independent in
his political opinions, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Thompson married, in I9O5, Mary, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Thomas Greiner, and they have had children: Frank
G. and Dale Phillips, died in infancy; Mary Elizabeth; Wayne Edgar.
Andrew McWh, inney, the immigrant ancestor of this
McWHINNEY  family, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and emigrated to
this country with his family about 1845, making his
home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had been a ship's carpenter, and in
Pittsburgh he found employment in this line with the Standard Oil Company,
working for this concern many years. His deathi occurred at the age of
eighty-one years. He was a tall, sinewy man, of fine appearance, and weighed
almost two hundred pounds. He married Belle, also born in Belfast,
Ireland, who died at the age of seventy-five years. They both belonged
to the Methodist church.
(II) James McWhinney, son of Andrew and Belle McWhinney, was
born in Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland, in 1825, died in Pennsylvania,
October 31, I888. In his boyhood he learned the carpenter's trade under
the supervision of his father, and he was already a young man when he
came to the United States. His first position was at the Elida Furnaces,
owned by James Laughlin, and he then managed the Laughlin country place
at Hazlewood for a few years. In I869 he went to Six Mile Ferry, where
he was engaged in truck farming for some years, and in I874 removed to
Homestead, where he was engaged in teaming and the livery business. In
I878 he was appointed street commissioner of Homestead, and filled that
office until his death. Politically he was a Republican, and he and his wife
were charter members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Homestead. Mr. McWhinney married Elizabeth McDade, born in Pittsburgh, in
I83I, died in October, 190oI. She was a daughter of James and Elizabeth
McDade, both born near Belfast, Ireland, and came to America about 1830.
io84IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and Scotchmen for a reformation so thorough as to permanently resist
the encroachments of an aggressive sacerdotalism. By three centuries he
anticipated the parochial system of education, now the law of England,
and by nearly half that period he set for those principles of civil and
religious liberty which culminated in a system constitutional government.
The members of the family in Scotland, Ireland and England are prominent all down the years of recorded happenings in those lands in civil,
ecclesiatical and military life. They have held the highest positions in
church and state, and in transplanting to America the family lost no
portion of their strength, power or prominence.
Major-General Henry Knox, of the Revolution, descended from the
Belfast, Ireland, family. Alexander Knox, a powerful and elegant writer,
was of the Londonderry, Ireland, family, and was a personal friend of
the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. Hugh Knox, of the Scotch
family of Ranfuilie, settled in the Parish of Donogheady, Londonderry,
Ireland, and had sons and grandsons, prominent as divines. Philander
Chase Knox, secretary of state in the cabinet of President Taft, descendsc
from the family of James Knox, of Strathburn, Ireland. The first record
of the branch of the Knox family under discussion here is in I689 when.
tradition says, they settled in county Tyrone, Ireland, at Stony Falls.
Straburn, whence they had come from Scotland.
(I) James Knox, two brothers and one sister, were at Stony Falls,
county Tyrone, Ireland, in I689. James Knox married, and had children:
William, Arthur, Mary, Nancy.
(II) William Knox, eldest son of James Knox, was born in Ireland
in I720, married, and had children.
(III) Rev. William (2) Knox, son of William (I) Knox, was born
at Stony Falls, Straburn, county Tyrone, Ireland, January 23, I767, and
died in Cadiz, Ohio, June I6, I85I, while on the "circuit." From his
early youth he was a devoted student of theology, and at the early age of
seventeen years was a regularly licensed preacher. He began ministerial
work as a local preacher in his native country, but desiring a wider field,
came to the United States in I797, accompanied by his wife, Margaret
(MacCollum) Knox, and her family. The English and French were at
war at that time, and tradition has it that a warship of one of these nations compelled their vessel to lie-to while the passengers were searched,
and everything of value taken from them, the cargo also confiscated.
The only articles of value saved were some jewelry and moneys which
William Knox had wrapped about him. He joined the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in I8oo, but subsequently became a member of the Pittsburgh Conference. He has the record of having preached in every city and town of Western Pennsylvania, and also in
many in Ohio. While preaching in Connellsville, he married his second
wife, Nancy Smith, a native of that town; he married (third) Esther
Tingley. Children by first wife: James, born in Ireland; William, John.
583rL~~~~~~~~~C41)r  WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
For many years Mr. McDade conducted a store at Bardstown, now a part of
Pittsburgh, then bought a farm near New Galilee, Beaver county, on which
he died at the age of eighty years, his wife dying at the age of sixty-eight
years. Both were Methodists. Mr. and Mrs. McWhinney had children: I.
James, the owner of a fine fruit farm at Kittanning, married Matilda Cusac.
2. Andrew, a painter, lives in Homestead Park. 3. Margaret, married James
B. Wall, now deceased; she lives in Pittsburgh. 4. John Wesley, of further
mention. 5. Alexander, a painter, lives at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. 6.
Robert, lives at Homestead. Pennsylvania, which he has served as postmaster and burgess, and has been a Republican member of the state legislature for ten years; he is in the real estate business, is a director in several
land companies, and vice-president of the Homestead and Mifflin Street
Railway Company; he married Ada Eliza Craig. 7. William, a painter,
unmarried, lives with his brother, John Wesley. 8. Alice, married Thomas
Williams, a steel mill worker, and lives at Pittsburgh. 9. Elizabeth, who
died in I899; was the wife of L. A. Elliott.
(III) John Wesley McWhinney, son of James and Elizabeth (McDade)
McWhinney, was born at Hazlewood, now a part of Pittsburgh, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, February i8, I862. He received an excellent education, attending the public schools at Hazlewood, Six Mile Ferry and Homestead, until he was eighteen years of age, when he became a clerk for the
Carnegie Steel Company. In April, I882, he became a fireman for the same
company, holding this position until he was advanced to that of engineer,
and has now held this position for the same company for the long period of
thirty-one years, during which time he has never had an accident, an unusually creditable record. His engine is one of the largest in the Carnegie
Steel Company's yards. Mr. McWhinney purchased the house erected by his
father in I88I at No. I52 West Tenth avenue, and has lived in it up to the
present time. He is a Republican, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. McWhinney married, November I5, I908,
Elizabeth Van Horn, born near Parnassus, Pennsylvania, November I8,
I867, died March I8, I9T4. She was a daughter of William Alexander and
Ida Mary (Slocnack) Van Horn, who were married in I85i and lived in
Pittsburgh. Mr. Van Horn was a coal operator, having a retail establishment in Pittsburgh, where he died, March 6, 1894, at the age of eighty-six
years. Mr. McWhinney has no children.
Irvin James Thomas is a member of an old German-AmeriTHOMAS can family, which for a number of generations has been
identified with Somerset county, Pennsylvania, among whose
lovely hills successive members of the family have engaged in the basic
hu-man industry, agriculture.
(I) The paternal grandparents of the Mr. Thomas who forms the subject of this sketch, Jacob and Elizabeth Thomas, were residents, of the
region, he being a farmer who had purchased in a wild state a tract of some
four or five hundred acres of land, which to a great extent he cleared and
1.08.5WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tilled. By a former marriage he had had three children, only one of whom
reached mature years. This was Peter Thomas, who inherited a portion of
the farm, but whose subsequent death left the property intact to the children
of the second marriage. These were Simon, who now lives on a part of the
old homestead, and Ephraim, the father of Irvin James Thomas. Jacob
Thomas and his family were staunch Lutherans, people of strong moral
fibre and intelligence, of the type which forms the backbone of the great
rural population of America. He was in his youth a Whig, and continued
so up to the time of the formation of the Republican party as an expression
of the new issues arising before the American people, after which he joined
the new movement.
(II) Ephraim Thomas, the second son of Jacob and Elizabeth Thomas,
was born on his parents' farm in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, March 4,
I853. He passed his childhood and grew up on the old place, of which he
inherited two hundred and thirteen acres, and has there made his home up
to the present time. He is, like his father, a staunch member of the Republican party and actively interested in the questions of the day., On the old
farm property there have been discovered several fine veins of coal which
have given it great value, and recently Mr. Thomas sold it to, the Conaway Coal Company. Mr. Thomas married Cora Augusta Hammer, a native
of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where she was born December 2, I863,
in Jenner township. On Mrs. Thomas's side the associations with Somerset
county are not less venerable or worthy than on her husband's. The founder
of the Hammer family in America was Solomon Hammer, a native of Germany, who emigrated to this country about th'e year I8oo and settled in
Jenner township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, the home of the family
until shortly after the birth of Mrs. Thomas, when they moved to Roxbury,
Pennsylvania, now a ward of Johnstown. Solomon Hammer took up eight
hundred acres of land and here passed the remainder of his life and died at
a good old age. He and his family were members of the Baptist church.
Joseph Hammer, a son of Solomon Hammer, was born and grew to man's
estate on the old Hammer farm. As a small child he fell from his bed and
was crippled for life by the injuries he received. Soon after marriage he
removed to Roxbury, Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of shoe
making, following the same up to within a short time of his death at the age
of sixty years. Shortly before his death he engaged in the business of commission merchant and dealt considerably in stocks. He was married to
Elizabeth, also a native of Jenner township. Their children were: Nettie, later Mrs. John B. Shaeffer, her husband an electrician of Johnstowi,
Pennsylvania; Ella, who later married Mr. Chriss, engaged in the real estate
business in Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Pearl, married George Baldwin, a
conductor, of Johnstown; Charles, now a physician, of Johnstown; Ross,
also a resident of that place. Cora Augusta Hammer, who later became
Mrs. Thomas, was the eldest of the large family of children: To Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas were born six children, as follows: Irvin James, of whom
forward; Ida May, who later married Irvin S. Faust, who carries on a retail
io86WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
coal and ice business in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania; George Morton, a school
teacher in Allentown and resides at home; Slater Wilson, who also teaches
and is at present attending college at Ada, Ohio; William Harvey, also a
teacher, residing at home; Cora Belle, now in the district school.
(III) Irvin James Thomas, a son of Ephraim and Cora Augusta (Hammer) Thomas, was born December 26, I88I, in Oconoma township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the old Thomas homestead, where his father
had been born before him. His first schooling was gained at the local schools
in the vicinity of his home, and he later attended the normal schools in the
district. Teaching is a family ability and taste with the Thomas household,
and Irvin James began his career by entering that profession, as have all
his brothers after him. For five years he taught in the school of his home
township, but feeling that the opportunities in a business career were greater,
he then abandoned this position and took a commercial course in a college
at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Having completed his studies satisfactorily,
he removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and there secured a position as
bookkeeper with the Fairbanks Company, manufacturers of the well known
scales. This was in I903, and it is interesting to note that Mr. Thomas is
still employed by this company. In the year I9o9 he was made cashier of
the Fairbanks Company, a position which he still holds. Mr. Thomas is a
very young man to hold so responsible an office, being but twenty-eight
years of age at the time of his appointment, nor is this the only position
of trust and responsibility in which he has been placed. From I9O8 to I9IO
he was associated with the Coffield Real Estate Company as secretary. In
the year I909 he changed his place of residence from Pittsburgh to Coraopolis, where he built himself an attractive house at No. 812 Seventh avenue.
Politically Mr. Thomas is a member of the Republican party, and is actively
interested in the affairs of his community.
Mr. Thomas married, October, I9o9, Julia Jane Ritchey, a daughter of
Robert and Jennie Ritchley, of Columbiana county, Ohio, where she was born.
Mrs. Thomas is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas have been born two children, Richard Warren, born October I8,
I9IO, and an infant daughter, born December 12, I913.
Isaac Little, now a retired iron molder and farmer of Ohio
LITTLE township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, is a son of David
Little, born in Ireland, who came to Pittsburgh a young man
and there (lied in I862, a foundry worker. IHe married Susannah, daughter
of John Thompson, and had issue: I. James, died young. 2. John, married Elizabeth Lester and moved south; he served in the Confederate army,
fought at Gettysburg and was there taken prisoner by his brother David, a
Union soldier. 3. Elizabeth, deceased; married John Hawthorn. 4. William,
died young. 5. Joseph, deceased; married Mary Black. 6. Agnes, deceased;
married David Taylor. 7. David, a soldier in the Union army at Gettysburg, met and captured his brother John, a soldier of the Confederacy. 8.
Isaac, of further mention. 9. Robert, deceased.
io87WESTERN:PENNSYLVANIA
Isaac Little, eighth child'and sixth son of David and Susannah (Thompson) Little, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March I7, I842. He
was educated in public schools, and on arriving at suitable age learned the
molder's trade with Nicholson  Paine at their works below Lock No. I,
on the Monongahela river. He continued working at his trade until I9oo,
then retired. He lived as well as worked in Pittsburgh, until I876, then purchased a small farm in Ohio township, near Bellevue, where he has since
resided. He continued working at his trade until I9oo, making the journey
from farm to foundry each day. The only break in his life as a molder was in
T876, when allured by the discovery of gold he made the journey to the Black
Hills, in search for the golden metal. He soon decided there was more gold
to be obtained in Pittsburgh, returned and has since lived at the little farm.
Since I9oo he has devoted himself entirely to his orchards, poultry and fields
and there is spending a contented, happy old age. He erected all buildings
upon his farm, in fact, every tree, bush, flower or building speaks eloquently
of the care and attention he has bestowed upon this haven of comfort, to
him the (learest spot on earth. In religious faith Mr. Little is a Presbyterian. He never married.
The vessel on which Henry Kummer, the founder of the
KUMMER  American line of his family, came to the United States,
docked at New Orleans, Louisiana, having consumed eight
weeks in making the passage from Germany to that port. Prussia, Germany,
was the birthplace of Henry Kummer, and there he was reared and educated,
making his home in that country until after his marriage and the birth of
six children, three of whom died in Germany. He was a farmer and drover
in his native land, and soon after immigrating to the United States moved to
St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for one year. In this city he formed
a partnership in the hotel business, through which association he lost all of
his possessions, his partner embezzling the entire funds and absconding.
Coming with his family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Kummer there
made a fresh start, soon afterward purchasing a farm in McCandless township and cultivating it until his death, which occurred while he was on a
visit in Butler county, Pennsylvania. He married, in Germany, Maria
Lappy, a native of that country, and of the six children of this union the
following attained mature age: T. William, a farmer of West View, Pennsylvania, aged ninety years. 2. Frank H., of whom further. 3. Sophia,
married a Mr. Meyers.
Frank H. Kummer, son of Henry and Maria (Lappy) Kummer, was
born in Prussia, Germany, May 28, 1836. He had been attending the public
schools of his native land but a short time when his parents brought him to
the United States. In St. Louis, Missouri, for a time he was a student in a
school where German was the language spoken, and after coming with his
parents to Pennsylvania he was enrolled in a public school. At the early
age of eleven years he became self-supporting, working for his board, and
for two winters attended school, then became second engineer on a river858S
io88WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Children by second wife: David Smith, of further mention; Nancy, who
married --  White; Jane. Children by third wife: Jeremiah, Matthew,
Arthur, Mary, Sarah, Esther.
(IV) David Smith Knox, son of Rev. William (2) and Nancy
(Smith) Knox, was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, May I9, I8o5,
died in I867. His early education was acquired in the public schools of
Cadiz, Ohio, and at the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to learn
the trade of printing.  At one time, in connection with Judge Weeks,
he was editor of the Uniontozu  Democrat, although he held Republican
principles. After severing connection with this paper, he taught school
for several years, then, in association with Dr. Lafferty, engaged in the
drug business, conducting a store opposite the old iron bridge, the first
built in this country. In I836 he removed to Brownsville and became the
teller of the Monongahela Bank, was advanced to the position of cashier
in I840, and held this until his death. He was a member of the board
of directors which built the first public school in Brownsville. The bank
with which Mr. Knox was connected, and two others, the Franklin Bank
of Little Washington and the old Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were
the only ones in the State of Pennsylvania which were not overwhelmed
by the panic of I873. He was a Whig, then a Republican, in politics, and
he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
married (first) Sarah, born in Connellsville, May 29, I829, a daughter
of Dr. James Franciss, whose wife belonged to the Quaker sect. Dr.
Franciss was a surgeon under Washington in the Revolutionary war, and
gained great praise for his tireless energy and kindness in caring for the
sick and wounded during the terrible winter at Valley Forge. He married (second) Rebecca, daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca Page, of Connellsville. Children of first marriage: I. Sarah, born in I830; married,
in I850, James Smith Miller, who died at the age of thirty-one years. 2.
William Franciss, of further mention. Children of second marriage: 3.
Thomas Page, born in I837, now deceased. 4. Samuel B., born in I839;
was in active service as a surgeon during the Civil War. 5. Richard,
born in I84I, now deceased. 6. Mary Eliza, born in 1843; married George
Graff, and lives in Omaha, Nebraska. 7. Caroline, born in I845. 8. Alfred,
born in 1847; vice-president of the Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh.
9. Narcissa, born in I849.  io. Rebecca, born in I85I.  I I. Philander
Chase, born May 6, 1853; was appointed attorney-general of the United
States by President McKinley, served as United States senator from
the State of Pennsylvania, and was secretary of state during President
Taft's administration. I2. Harriette, born in I855; is living on the old
homestead.
(V) Dr. William Franciss Knox, son of David Smith and Sarah
(Franciss) Knox, was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, March 30,
I83I. The public schools of Brownsville turnished his preparatory education, and he then became a student at Allegheny College, which conferred
584WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
upon'him the honorary degree of A.M., and from which he went to
the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and was gradulated from this institution, April I, I854, the degree of Doctor of Medicine being conferred upon him. In December of the same year he located at McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and has been engaged in the practice of his profession there for the past sixty years,
although he has partially retired now. He was one of the organizers of
the Allegheny County Medical Society. He is also a member of the State
Medical and the American Medical associations, and of the Masonic Fraternity. He is a Republican politically, and he and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married (first) Elizabeth Kiddoo,
of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and they had children: Jennie; William, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; Sarah, married Rev. William D.
Irwin, a Presbyterian minister, of Meadville. Dr. Knox married (second) Mary Paull, daughter of Colonel W. L. Miller, of Port Perry, Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller was a well known business man, the owner of saw
and grist mills, at Port Perry, and active in the interests of the Democractic
party.
Of true Scotch-Irish blood, William H. Koughan, of McKOUGHAN, Keesport, of the first generation of his branch born in
the United States, traces to William Koughan and his
wife, Sarah (Akin) Koughan, the first named born in Ireland, the latter
a descendant of Scotch Highlanders. Two generations of their descendants were born on Prince Edward Island, a province of the Dominion of
Canada, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, an island inhabited by descendants
of Scotch, Irish, English and Acadian settlers, about one-half the population being of Scotch descent. With the third generation began their
residence in the United States. William H. Koughan, of the fourth generation, now a resident in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, is of the first generation born in Pennsylvania, he now residing in the city of his birth.
(I) William Koughan, born in Ireland, there married Sarah Akin, of
Scotch parentage. William and Sarah Koughan soon after their marriage
crossed the ocean to America, settling on Prince Edward Island, in the Gulf
of St. Lawrence, where their second son, Martin, grandfather of William
H. Koughan, was born, in I804. William and Sarah Koughan had two
sons, William and Martin, and two daughters, one married a Mr. Prolt and
the other a Mr. Redden.
(II) Martin Koughan, son of William and Sarah (Akin) Koughan,
was born on Prince Edward Island, Dominion of Canada, in I804, died
there in 1894, after a long and useful life. He was a ship carpenter by
trade, but was also a house and bridge builder and general contractor.
He married Catherine Cahill, born in Limerick, Ireland, in I802, who
came to Prince Edward Island when a young woman and there died about
I882.  Children:  William, deceased; Mary, deceased; John, deceased;
585WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Martin (2); Barbara; Emma, deceased; Joseph J., of further mention;
Theresa, deceased; Dennis, deceased; and three who died in infancy.
(III) Joseph J. Koughan, son of Martin and Catherine (Cahill)
Koughan, was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, February 22, 1850.
He was educated in public schools and lived at home until sixteen years
of age, then the same spirit of adventure that brought his grandparents
across the seas impelled him to leave home and seek his fortune in a
strange land. He landed in Boston, Massachusetts, and there learned the
blacksmith's trade and remained seven years. In I873 he located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and there secured employment at his trade in the
steel tube works and with the exception of eight years spent at Middletown, Dauphin county, Pennsylsvania, in the tube works there, has resided continuously in McKeesport, employed in the steel mills. He has
prospered and has not confined his activity to his own trade. In I896 he
established a bakery in McKeesport under the firm name J. J. Koughan 
Son, that was conducted by his sons, William H., Charles and John, and
was a very successful venture until the plant was sold to the Zieglers. He
owns property in the city and may well consider his years, sixty-four, well
spent. He is an active and earnest Republican, but has never sought or
accepted public office. In religious faith he is a Catholic.
Mr. Koughan married, in I874, Mary E. Atkinson, of Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of William and Alice (Quinn) Atkinson. William Atkinson was born in New York City and gave up his life in defense of the
Union, falling in a battle of the Civil War. Alice (Quinn) Atkinson, born
in Ireland, died in New York City about 1854. Children: William and
Mary E. William Atkinson was a son of William Atkinson, who was a son
of William Atkinson, who was born in England, died in New York City.
Children of Joseph J. and Mary E. Koughan: Catherine, deceased; William H., of further mention; John F.; Theresa, deceased; Charles J., of
further mention; Mary Elizabeth; Hilda Ellen; Theresa Regina.
(IV) William H. Koughan, eldest son of Joseph J. and Mary E. (Atkinson) Koughan, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, January 5, I877.
He attended the public schools of Middletown, Pennsylvania, during the
eight years of the family residence there, finishing his studies in the parochial schools of McKeesport. He then learned the baker's trade, and in
I896, with his father, formed the firm J. J. Koughan  Son, establishing a
bakery at i IOO Walnut street, McKeesport. To the bakery he has added
an ice cream manufacturing plant, the latter branch of the business now
being conducted at the new building 80 by I20 feet erected in I909. Mr.
Koughan is not only practical and experienced in every detail of his business, but possesses an acute business instinct that rarely leads him astray.
He transacts a large and profitable business in McKeesport and suburbs
and has also an additional outlet for his products by supplying Oakford
Park, at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and they also operate what is known as
the Koughan Amusement Company, at that park, of which he is president.
586WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. Mr.
Koughan is a member of McKeesport Lodge, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. Mr. Koughan married, in I902, Matilda Porter, daughter
of William and Mary Porter, of McKeesport. Children: Margaret and
William A.
(IV) Charles J. Koughan, third son of Joseph J. and Mary E. (Atkinson) Koughan, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, January 24,
I882. He was educated in public and parochial schools in Middletown and
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and began business life as a newsboy. From
I898 until 19oI he was employed in the tube works at McKeesport, then
until I9o04 was associated with the firm of J. J. Koughan  Son, bakers
and ice cream manufacturers. From November Ii I904, until January I2,
I9o09, he was in partnership with Peter Koch, in the real estate business
as Peter Koch  Company. On the latter's death he purchased Mr. Koch's
interest and is now sole owner of the business. He has been very successful and has accumulated considerable property in the Seventh and Eighth
wards of the city. He is a Republican in politics, is a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and for the past six years has
been treasurer of his lodge. In religious faith he is a Catholic. He married, June 6, I904, Anna C. Koch, of McKeesport. Children: Frances,
born February I7, 1905; Anna, December 30, I909.
The Hissrich family has been in this country but a
HISSRICH few generations, but they have made their mark as men
of  excellent executive  ability  in  business  as  well
as private life.
Charles Hissrich was born in Germany, and emigrated to America in
I86I with his wife and family. He settled at Wheeling, West Virginia,
where he followed his calling as a tailor until he retired from active business, and is now living near Canal Dover, Ohio, at the age of eighty-three
years. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church.
Mr. Hissrich married, in Germany, Lizette Bieker, born in I836, died in
I891. They had children: Richard, of further mention; Frank, who died
in March, I914.
Richard Hissrich was born at Kur-Hessen, Germany, October 8, I859.
He was but two years of age when he was brought to this country by his
parents, and in everything but the actual fact of birth was an American.
He was educated in the public schools of Wheeling, West Virginia, and
was graduated from the Wheeling Business College. He was then apprenticed to learn the trade of tailoring, and was for a number of years
with T. C. Moffitt, a brother of Professor Moffitt, president of Washington
College. In I886 Mr. Hissrich came to Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was in the employ of Jacob Katz for seventeen }years,
and ther formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, George Aul, which
continued five-years. In political matters he is a Democrat. Mr. Hissrich
5875WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
married, August 24, 188o, Emma Louise Aul, born in South Side, Pittsburgh, June 4, 1862, daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Peter) Aul, the
former born in Germany in I827, died in 1894; the latter born in Canton,
Ohio, in I839, died in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 90o6. Mr. Aul came
to America in his young manhood, and went to Canal Dover, Ohio, removed
to Dover, in the same state, and subsequently to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He was a dyer and cleaner by trade, and when he removed to Wheeling,
West Virginia, he established a business under the firm name of C. Aul 
Son, with which he was identified until the time of his death.  This
business is still carried on under the same firm name. He had children:
Emma Louise, mentioned above as the wife of Mr. Hissrich; George Conrad; Anna, deceased; Charles Adam; Henry Jacob; Minnie Catherine. Mr.
and Mrs. Hissrich have had children: I. Charles Conrad, deceased. 2.
Minnie Catherine, married A. L. Seddon; one child living, Virginia C., and
Ruth B., deceased. 3. Richard John, married Mary Naylor; two children:
Bernadette M. and Verne C. 4. Arthur Charles. 5. Harry Frank. 6.
Edgar George. 7. Mary, deceased. 8. Catherine Lizette. 9. Margaret
Louise. Mrs. Hissrich owns a beautiful home at No. 428 Hawkins avenue,
North Braddock, Pennsylvania. The family are members of St. Joseph's
Roman Catholic Church.
John McGreevy was born in Ireland, died in Port Perry,
McGREEVY  Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in I884. He emigrated
to America in I852, and located at Braddock, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, then removed to Leechburg, and finally made his
home in Port Perry. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church. He
married, in Ireland, Mary McGinty, a native of that country, who died in
Leechburg, Pennsylvania, in I86I. They had children: Nicholas, deceased;
John, of further mention; Patrick, wounded while in military service during the Civil War; Hugh, wounded at the battle of Gettysburg; Bernard,
also an active participant in the Civil War, died in Andersonville Prison;
Mary, now deceased, married John Graham, of Braddock; Edward, died
in Hazelwood, March 30, I912.
John (2) McGreevy, son of John (') and Mary (McGinty) M1cGreevy,
was born near Belfast, county Down, Ireland, May 6, 1838, died in Braddock, Pennsylvania, March 2, I912. His education was commenced in Ireland and completed in the public schools of Leechburg and McKeesport.
Coming to Braddock in 1852 he found employment on a farm, receiving
five dollars at first, and later ten dollars. For a time he was then engaged
in coal mining, after which he was in the contracting business, in which he
continued until I895. He then engaged in the mercantile business at No.
669 Jones avenue, and was identified with this until I9II. This business
is now conducted by Mrs. James Costello and her husband. He was a strong
Democrat, and a conscientious member of the Catholic Church, ~o which
he was also a liberal contributor. He was married at St. Thomas' Church,
588WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in Braddock, in I870, to Catherine, born in Maryland in I852, daughter of
John and Margaret (Morgan) McMullen. He was of county Louth, Ireland, and she was born in the same county. Her mother died in Ireland,
and she came to America with her father, but he later returned to Ireland
and died there. They married in Ireland, and had children: John and
Mary Ann, deceased; Charles; Catherine, mentioned above as the wife of
Mr. McGreevy; Ellen; Margaret; Bridget; William; Hugh, deceased; Rose;
Alice. Mr. and Mrs. McGreevy had children: I. James, who married Mollie
Walters, of Braddock, and had children: Gilbert, Walter Jacob, Catherine,
Irene, Mercedes, Joseph, Ruth. 2. Charles Edward, of Braddock, married
Elizabeth Farrell, and had children: Charles and Lois. 3. Mary Elizabeth, married John Sheehan, of Braddock, and had children: Mildred, Daniel, Joseph, Dorothy. 4. Hugh, unmarried. 5. John, married Catherine
Salmon, and has one child, John Kenneth. 6. Rosella, married James Costello. And Bernard, Margaret, Agnes, Margaret, Joseph, all deceased. Mr.
McGreevy was a very successful man of business, and at the time of his
death had acquired a very considerable fortune.
While the name of Rothrauff has not become AmeriROTHRAUFF canized in form, the family, which has now been resident here for some generations, has become American
in every respect.
(I) Jacob Rothrauff was born east of the mountains, and at an early
day settled at Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland. He took an
active part in the War of I812. He died in Mercer county, Pennsylvania,
at an advanced age.
(II) Samuel Rothrauff, son of Jacob Rothrauff, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in I812, died in I855. He removed to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, where he was a coal miner and farmer, and made his home
in Braddock in I849, later living at what is now Dewey, Pennsylvania, and
later came to Braddock, where he bought an acre of land extending from
Tenth to Eleventh streets. He married Ann, born in I8II, died in I865,
daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth McCloskey, the former of whom died
in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, the latter died in Allegheny county in the
same state. They had children: Henry, Elizabeth and Barbara, deceased;
Thomas, of further mention; Samuel and Jane, deceased; Mary, Adeline,
John, Robert and William, deceased.
(III) Thomas Rothrauff, son of Samuel and Ann (McCloskey) Rothrauff, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 23, I838. He was
seven years of age when he was brought to what is now Dewey, and in
I849 to Wilkinsburg township, where Braddock now stands, and was educated in the public schools. He became a coal miner, and then worked in
the Edgar Thompson Steel Plant for eighteen years. He was then a merchant at No. 932 Talbot avenue, on property which his father had purchased twenty-four years previously, and this has now been rebuilt. His
589WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
daughter, Mrs. Lightner, now conducts a confectionery business in the same
building. In political matters Mr. Rothrauff is a Democrat, and he is a
member of the Catholic Church. He married in January, I863, Amanda,
born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and
Esther Ream, and they have. celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
They have had children: Samuel, of Braddock; William, now deceased,
lived in Braddock; Charles, deceased; Mary Eleanor, widow of Joseph
Ridge; T,homas, of New Castle; Laura, deceased; Adda, married Michael
Gorman; Agnes, widow of Daniel Lightner, who died October 30, I9I3;
Gertrude, married James Christ, of Braddock; Albert, of Braddock; George,
o~f Rankin; Frank, of Altoona; Bertha Lorena, married Leo Struif. Mrs.
Lightner, mentioned above, has had children: Joseph Kenneth, Daniel Oliver, Charles Ralph, Ream, Agnes Lorena, died in infancy.
Lewis N. Morgan is a member of a family drawn from
MORGAN a number of races, a combination of the kind which seems
to produce the most virile and dominant element in the
population of the United States. On his father's side of the house he is
descended from Welsh forebears, men representative of that stalwart race
at its best, with their peculiar virtues of worthy industry and moral fervor.
From his mother, on the other hand, he inherits English blood, the blood
which laid the firm foundation of the social structure in this country.
The Morgan family, however, has resided in the country for many
generations, and has, indeed, grown up with the region of Western Pennsylvania included in Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties, so that
it has become thoroughly identified with the life and traditions of that part
of the world.
(I) His paternal great-grandfather was John Morgan, a native of
Wales, who came to the United States and settled in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, when that region was little more than unbroken wilderness,
and the savage was still a threat. He was one of the pioneers of Western
Pennsylvania, whose sturdy toil and undaunted courage made the opening
up of that part of the country possible, and upon whose work the subsequent great development there is primarily based. He had been a civil
engineer in his native land, but in this new and undeveloped land he was
obliged to supplement what work of engineering he could get with other
kinds of occupation. Thus he became the owner and operator of a saw
mill, and conducted a distillery also. He became as a result of these varied
occupations a man of considerable wealth and owned a number of slaves,
besides large tracts of land in the form of farms in Allegheny, Washington
and Beaver counties. It was on one of these farms in Finley township, Allegheny county, that he established his home and there eventually died. He
married Betsey Rierdon, not less a pioneer than himself.
(II) Dr. Charles D. Morgan, son of John Morgan, was a physician,
who carried on a considerable practice in the region just beginning to open.
590WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(second) Barbara Fischer, of Millvale, Pennsylvania. By his first marriage
he had one child, Levern, deceased, and by his second he has a daughter,
Catherine, living at home.
This name Rights is one of the Anglicized forms of the GerRIGHTS  man surname Reitz and prevails quite generally in this branch.
Lawrence Rights, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, was a son of
Simon and Eva (Nirod) Rights, early settlers of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where Simon died. His widow moved to Ohio and there died, aged
nearly one hundred years. Children: Simon, Lawrence, of further mention; Adam, deceased; M/Iary, Elizabeth.
Lawrence Rights was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, November
2I, I840. His early years were spent in Ohio with his mother and there
he attended public school until his fifteenth year, when he moved to Pittsburgh, making his home with his mother's brother. There he attended the
Iron City Business College. He learned the tinsmith trade, was for twentyone years foreman for a large Pittsburgh concern, and a well known master
builder. He was a resident of Bellevue from I871 until his death in I899,
owning a comfortable house at No. go Sheraden avenue. He served in
the Civil War for three months, was a Republican in politics, and for over
thirty years was a mem6ler of Lodge No. 336, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He was a Lutheran in his religious faith.
Mr. Rights married, October I2, I871, Martha Coates, born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December Ig, i85I, daughter of Daniel Matthews and Mary Ann (Boneworth) Coates, her father born in Staffordshire, England, January 20, I8I5, her mother in Germany, November, I820.
Daniel M. Coates was a son of John and Ann (Matthews) Coates, of
Sheffield, England. John Coates came to the United States in I821, his
wife and family coming in 1824. They settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
where John and Anna Coates both died, the former August I5, I855, and
the latter January 22, 1863. Daniel Matthews Coates came to Pittsburgh
when a boy and there lived until his death, May I9, I88o. He was an artist
of unusual talent. He married, in Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, April I,
I836, Mary Ann Boneworth, born in Butterdorf, Germany, died January
4, I892. Children: John, William, Mary Ann, Anna, Martha, wife of
Lawrence Rights; Sarah, and a son, deceased. All born in Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. Children of Lawrence and Martha (Coates) Rights:  I.
Gertrude, died aged four and a half months. 2. Mary M'aude, educated in
private school and Avalon High School; studied music, and later took a
course in music at Wooster University, Ohio, and studied harmony under
Professor Charles M. Boyd; Miss Rights is now organist of Avalon Trinity
Lutheran Church, and is a well known, accomplished musician. Mrs.
Martha (Coates) Rights continues her residence in Bellevue, she and her
daughter being members of the United Presbyterian Church.
534I
(WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was himself born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, as early as 1802,
and saw the first steps of Pittsburgh development, continuing with undiminished power to the present day. He married Matilda Vail, a native
of West Virginia, born in Wheeling. One of their children was Lewis N.,
of whom further.
(III) Lewis N. Morgan, son of Dr. Charles D. Morgan, was born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, I844, and there passed his entire life. He
received his education in the schools of his native place, and afterwards
became a ship carpenter, a trade in which he continued many years. Onl
November 5, I875, he went to the city of McKeesport and there made his
home. He worked at a number of different occupations, until receiving
his appointment to the police force, in McKeesport, and served on that
body for twelve years, becoming at length chief of police for the city. He
was a member of the Republican party, and very active in local politics. On
the breaking out of the Civil War in I86I, Mr. Morgan enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served in the Union army
for over a year. Three of his brothers, Rush, Jefferson and Frank, enlisted
at the same time, and the two latter, both of whom are now deceased,
served through the entire conflict. While still a very young man Mr. Morgan married Amanda E. Taylor, a young lady not yet seventeen years of
age, a native of Pittsburgh, where she was born in I846, and who bore him
three sons, as follows: Charles D., deceased; Lewis N., of whom further;
Harry H., deceased. Mr. Morgan has always been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Morgan's affiliation is with the Presbyterian Churoh. They are now living in retirement in McKeesport.
(IV) Lewis N. (2) Morgan, the second and only surviving child of
Lewis N. (I) and Amanda E. (Taylor) Morgan, was born January I9, I864,
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He spent his childhood, up to the age of eleven
years, in that city, and received a portion of his education there. In the
year I875 his father removed to McKeesport, and there the boy resumed his
studies in the public schools of that city. Upon completing his studies, he
secured a position in the Tube Mills, where he remained until nineteen
years of age. He then entered the grocery business and continued in the
same for five years, prospering greatly during that time. In I889, however,
he gave up this pursuit and turned to the hotel business in which he believed
great opportunities were to be found. In the meantime he had entered
actively into politics, following the example of his father, and began to
make himself known in the local councils of the Republican party. His
great natural aptitude for management, which had always made him highly
successful in the world of business, drew the attention of the important
members. of the party to him, and they began to perceive that here was a
young man with whom to be reckoned. In the year I9oo he was his party's
candidate for member of the city assembly and was elected'triumphantly.
This office he held to the entire satisfaction of his constituents for three
years, and then accepted the Republican nomination for alderman. This
59IWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was in I903, and once more he was victorious in the election. The term
of this office does not expire until I9zo, and Mr. M'organ is now in the
midst of performing his important and responsible functions, with ability
and unimpeachable integrity. He is at present engaged in the real estate
and insurance business, and is prospering greatly in that field. Besides his
public duties and private business, Mr. Morgan is a man of varied tastes
and activities, taking part in many aspects of the life of his community.
One of his tastes is for horticulture, and his achievements in this line are
very distinguished, and have brought him an honorary membership in the
Luther Burbank Society of Santa Rosa, California. He is also a prominent
fraternity man, a member of Aliquippa Lodge, No. 375, Free and Accepted
Masons, and member of the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Morgan married, July 13, I888, Margaret J. Williams, daughter of
Edward and Mary (Edwards) Williams, of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Morgan was born in Irwin, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan
have been born two sons, as follows: I. Walter L., born July 29, I89o;
educated in the public schools of McKeesport, and later in Duff's Business
College of McKeesport; now assisting his father in his business. 2. Herbert
E., born October 28, I9o4; now a pupil in the McKeesport public schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are staunch members of the Baptist Church, attending the First Baptist Church of that denomination in McKeesport. They
are active in the work in connection with the church body, and materially
support its various dependent benevolences. They are rearing their children in this persuasion.
The Engelhardts of Glenshaw, Allegheny county,
ENGELHARDT  Pennsylvania, are descendant of an old family of the
Kingdom of Bavaria, since I87I, one of the leading
states of the German Empire.  John Engelhardt was taken prisoner
by the French while serving in the German army and died soon after his
release from confinement. He was a shoemaker by trade, married and
reared a family of sons, among them, John Albert, father of Andrew Engelhardt, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.
(II) John Albert Engelhardt was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 7,
I825, there grew to manhood, obtaining a good education and learned his
father's trade, shoemaker. After coming to the United States in I853 he
settled in Lawrenceville, (now Pittsburgh) obtaining his first employment
with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later he worked for the firm of Siebert
 Burg, then until I873 conducted a shoemaker shop at the corner of
Thirty-eighth and Butler streets in Pittsburgh. In I873 he moved his residence and business to M'illvale, where he carried on a prosperous business
until his retirement in I893. He was an expert boot and shoemaker and
drew his patronage from the best class of patrons, the era of factory-made
boots and shoes not then having arrived. He was a member of the First
Lutheran Church, and for many years was collector of taxes for Millvale.
592WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He revisited his Bavarian home thrice during his later years and greatly
enjoyed his sojourns amid the scenes of his youth. He died February 28,
1904, deeply regretted by his many friends.
He married, in I853, Margaret Popp, in Pittsburgh, soon after his arrival in that city from Germany. She died November 28, I897. Children:
I. Anna Rebecca, born October I8, 1855, died aged two years. 2. Mary A.,
born February i8, I857, married F. F. Walther. 3. John Albert (2), bornt
March I, I860, married Sadie Datz. 4. John, born May 7, I862, married
Mary Rickey, deceased. 5. Charles, born December 20, I864, died November 3, I865. 6. Andrew, of further mention. 7. M!atthew, born April 3,
I868, died November 22, I9OI; married Margaret. 8. Louis Henry,
born October 28, I87I, married (first) Margaret George, (second) Lottie
Creather. 9. Rebecca Elizabeth, born February 9, I874, married Frederick
J. Grealman. IO. Gustav, born September 22, 1875, married Catherine
Kamar.
(III) Andrew Engelhardt, sixth child and fourth son of John Albert
and Margaret (Popp) Engelhardt, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
corner of Thirty-eighth and Butler streets, February 2, I866. In 1873 his
parents moved to Millvale, where he attended the public school. After
finishing his school years he began working in the meat market, conducted
by his brother-in-law, F. F. Walther, in Millvale, and there thoroughly
learned the butcher business. Later he worked one year in Youngstown,
Ohio, then returned to Pittsburgh, where for six years he was in the employ of Philip Graver, butcher and retail meat dealer. At the end of this
period Mr. Engelhardt, in partnership with William G. Fried, a nephew of
Philip Graver, bought the business, but were associated but one year when
Mr. Engelhardt became sole owner and so continues. He occupies stall No.
24 in the Pittsburgh Public Market and conducts a large and profitable
retail business. In I9o6 Mr. Engelhardt bought a site in Glenshaw, and
in I907 erected thereon his present beautiful country home. He is a man of
energy and thoroughly understands every detail of the business, also possessing the good judgment and clear brain necessary to business success. He
is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Glenshaw, and in political faith
is a Republican.
Mr. Engelhardt married, in November, I892, Amelia, daughter of Adam
and Catherine (Sauers) Ochsenhist, whose children are: I. Elizabeth, married Anton Riester. 2. Adam. 3. Charles, deceased. 4. Henry, deceased.
5. Louisa, married Theodore Carson. 6. Jacob. 7. Catherine, married John
Noble. 8. Amelia, married Andrew Engelhardt. 9. Anna, deceased. Io.
William, deceased. All born in Louisville, Kentucky. Adam and Catherine
Ochsenhist were born in Germany, emigrated to the United States, settled
in Louisville and there resided until I88I, then came to Pennsylvania, locating in Pittsburgh. Children of Andrew and Amelia Engelhardt: I. Margaret Catherine, a teacher in the public schools in Shaler township. 2.
Walter Frederick, a student at the University of Pittsburgh. 3. Edna
593WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Elizabeth, a student at Pittsburgh North Side High School. 4. Robert Edward. 5. Mildred Anna. 6. Andrew (2).
George A. Sweitzer is a member of a family originating
SWEITZER  in the old French province of Alsace-Lorraine and representative of the characteristic virtues of that region, an
unusual degree of industry, noticeable even among their proverbially thrifty
neighbors, and the power of practically adapting ideas to the conduct of
life.
Henry Sweitzer, father of George A. Sweitzer, was born in AlsaceLorraine, and there passed his youth and young manhood, but emigrated
to the United States when he was twenty-seven years old, and settled in
the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sweitzer Sr. proved his patriotism
for his adopted country by enlisting in Comnpany B, Sixty-second Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, at the outbreak of the Civil War, and
served for two years in that historic struggle. He entered the army as a
lieutenant, and was promoted to a captaincy, but resigned his commission
upon the death of his wife in the year I862. During this period he saw
considerable active service, and took part in the battles of Bull Run, Seven
Pines and the Wilderness. He was twice wounded in the hand. Originally
a tailor by trade, Mr. Sweitzer engaged in the grocery business, and was
enabled to start with a very excellent establishment through the money he
had saved up from his wages while in the army. He remained in the grocery business for twenty-five or thirty years, and was extremely successful, and finally retired and removed to Knoxville, Pennsylvania, where he
died about i893. He was a member of the Republican party and always
took a keen interest in all political questions whether of local or national
application. He was a member of Hays Post, No. 3, Grand Army of the
Republic. Mr. Sweitzer married Barbara Heller, born in Byron, Germany,
on the river Rhine. Miss Heller came to the United States as a girl, and
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, met Mr. Sweitzer and there was married to
him in the old German Evangelical Church at Sixth avenue and Smithfield
street. The young couple at first resided in the First Ward, Pittsburgh,
later on Penn avenue and at length in the "South Side," where Mr. Sweitzer
continued to make his home until his final retirement to Knoxville. To Mr.
and Mrs. Henry Sweitzer were born three children, as follows: Emma,
who married William Henry Nierste, of old Allentown, now a part of
Pittsburgh; George A., of whom further; Caroline, now Mrs. August
Roth, also of Allentown.
George A. Sweitzer, the second child and only son of Henry and Barbara (Heller) Sweitzer, was born February 2I, I857, in the First Ward,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He received his education at the Humbolt
School in the "South Side," but when a boy of thirteen or fourteen years
of age he left home and learning the barber's trade he soon set up a shop
for himself in Lower Allegheny, on the corner of Beaver and Pennsylvania
594WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
avenues. He prospered from the start, and later removed to Smithfield
street, opposite the City Hall. In i88o he went to Chicago, but did not
remain there over a year, and upon his return to Pittsburgh, located in
succession on Market street, Fifth avenue, near Smithfield street, and on
Fourth avenue. His next venture was into quite a different line of business, but one in which he was even more successful. In I9oI he moved
to Hayes Borough, Pennsylvania, and their applied for a hotel license.
Three years later he purchased a hotel, which he at once began to operate
under the name of the Hotel Sweitzer, and where he has continued ever
since. He is now one of the oldest hotel keepers of the town. Mr. Sweitzer does not by any means confine his attention to the conduct of his business, but takes, on the contrary, the keenest interest in the general life of
the town, and is prominent in the social and fraternal circles there. He is
a member of the local lodges of the Order of Elks, the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Free and Accepted Masons, the Order of Moose, the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Turners of Homestead. Mr. Sweitzer
is unmarried. He is a member, as was his father before him, of the
Lutheran Church, and is prominent in the work of that body.
Michael Augustin was a native of Prussia, Germany,
AUGUSTIN  where his entire life was spent. He was a carpenter by
trade. He married (first) Elizabeth Lorson, by whom he
had eight children, and eight children by a second marriage. Of these only
the following named came to America: Michael, of further mention; Peter,
now retired from business, and lives in St. Clair borough; Elizabeth, married John Gorius; Margaret, a half-sister of Michael, married (first) Christian Mergan, now deceased, (second) George Dornbacher, also now deceased, and lives in St. Clair borough.
(II) Michael (2) Augustin, son of Michael (I) and Elizabeth (Lorson) Augustin, was born in Prussia, Germany, August 6, 1842, died in I9oo.
He came to the Ulnited States at the age of twenty-two years, with his
cousin, and made his home with him for a time. After his marriage he
lived in what was at that time Lower St. Clair township. He was occupied
as a miner until 1876, when he conducted a hotel on Carbon street for one
year, then another on Southern avenue five years, and finally removed to
where his widow is living at the present time, Nos. 145-47 Southern avenue.
He was a strong Democrat, and he and his wife were members of St.
Joseph's Catholic Church, and of several church societies. He married,
in Pittsburgh, November I5, 1867, Wilhelmina Klein, born in Prussia, October 5, I847, and who came to the United States with her parents in I848.
She was a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Pack) Klein, both born
in Prussia, and came to the United States in April, 1848, when they settled
at West Liberty and later removed to what is now Mount Oliver borough.
Mr. Klein was a miner all his life after he arrived in this country, and is
buried in St. Michael's Cemetery. They had children: Jacob, a book595WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
keeper, died at Mount Oliver; Wilhelmina, mentioned above; John, a merchant, died at St: Clair borough; Barbara, died in a convent; Mary, died
unmarried at Mount Oliver; Nicholas, died at the age of eight years; Peter,
a painter, lives in Coraopolis; Helena, married George Bullion and lives in
Pittsburgh; Mary, died in a convent. Mr. and Mrs. Augustin had children: Marguerite, married John Ubinger and lives in Locust street; Jacob,
died in infancy; John P., a shoe merchant in Mount Oliver, has served
seven years as burgess; Joseph J., of further mention; Helen, married
Louis Bregencer, and died at Pittsburgh; Andrew, an iron molder, living in
Carrick; Peter C., a barber, died in Mount Oliver; William, a painter,
living in Pittsburgh; George, a barber, lives in Mount Oliver; Clara, died
at the age of twenty-one years; Alphonse, a machinist, lives at Beechview, a
suburb; Edmund J. V., twin of Alphonse, a barber, living in Mount Oliver;
Raymond G., lives with his mother. Mr. Augustin has thirty-four grandchildren.
(III) Joseph J. Augustin, son of Michael (2) and Wilhelmina (Klein)
Augustin, was born in Lower St. Clair township, now Mount Oliver borough, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 28, I873. He acquired
his education in St. Joseph's Parochial School, and upon its completion became an architectural sheet mill worker, an occupation which he followed
for about six years. He then met with an accident which incapacitated
him for further work in this direction, so in I908 he established himself in
business at No. 208 Southern avenue, selling newspapers, periodicals, confectionery, etc., and later removed to No. I43 on the same avenue. He is
independent in his political opinions, and a member of the German Beneficial Union and the Washington Progressive Association. He and his wife
are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Mr. Augustin married, January 15, I9oi, Dorothy Clemens, born on the South Side, Pittsburgh, December 5, I876. They have no children. Mrs. Augustin is a daughter of
George and Theresa (Gleckley) Clemens, both born in Germany, came to
this country single, and married in Pittsburgh. He was a brewing master in
his early days, filling this position for twenty-three years for the Nusser
Brewing Company, and when they went. out of business he held a similar
one with the Duquesne Brewery until his death, November 2I, I9I3, at
the age of sixty-five years. His widow still lives on Nusser street, South
Side. They had children: Joseph, who died at the age of twenty-three
years; Dorothy, who married Mr. Augustin, as mentioned above; Catherine, married Charles Slyke, and lives in Chicago, Illinois; Mary, died at
the age of two years; George, in the employ of an automobile manufacturing company, lives at South Side; Theresa, married Harry Deckler, and
lives in Mount Oliver borough; Frank, a brush maker, lives in Mount
Oliver borough; Clara, married Vincent Berg, and lives in East Liberty;
John, in the employ of the Duquesne Brewery; Charles, unmarried.
596WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The name of Spillman is probably of German origin, and
SPILLMAN the bearers of it have been resident here for a number of
generations, and some of them have earned distinction in
various fields of industry, notably in mercantile lines.
Frederick Spillman was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in I828,
died in Martinsburg, West Virginia, December 24, I9O5.  He settled in
Martinsburg after his marriage, and there engaged in mercantile business
with which he was identified actively until his death, being at that time
the oldest merchant in active business in that town. His business is now
carried on by his two sons, William H. and Frederick P. He was a staunch
Republican, and took an active part in local political matters, was a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Spillman married Susan Snook, who is still living in Martinsburg. She is a daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Smith) Snook, both born
in Berkley, Virginia. Mr. Snook was a cabinetmaker by trade, served as a
soldier under General Stonewall Jackson, until disqualified by age, and
died in Berkley. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church, anrd had children: Mary, now deceased, married Nathan H. Vancleve; Susan, married Mr. Spillman, as mentioned above; Peyton H., a
retired merchant of Atlanta, Georgia; Henry D., died as a young man;
Charles S., a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia; Hattie, who died in
Martinsburg in I884, married J. C. Hutsler; Ella, became the second wife
of H. N. Deatrick; Elizabeth, who died in Martinsburg, married H. N.
Deatrick; George M., proprietor of a department store, a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Spillman had children: William H.,
mentioned above, lives in Martinsburg; Annie, died at the age of three years;
Mary, who died in Martinsburg, married George M. Hoke; Frederick P.,
mentioned above; Ella, married William S. Jolliffe, and lives in Morgantown, West Virginia; Charles Owens, of further mention.
Charles Owens Spillman, son of Frederick and Susan (Snook) Spillman, was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, August 22, I874. He was
educated in the public schools of his native town, and was graduated from
them with honor. At the age of seventeen years he entered the employ of
the National Bank of Martinsburg, remaining with them for a period of two
and a half years. Eight years were then spent as assistant cashier of the
Merchants' and Farmers' Bank of Martinsburg, after which he became
cashier of the Jeannette National Bank, at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, holding
this office until it went into liquidation in I902. He then came to Allegheny,
where he was one of the organizers of the Provident Trust Company, and
filled the office of secretary and treasurer for four years. Becoming connected in a similar capacity with the Pennsylvania Light and Power Company, he retained this office until they sold out in I912. Mr. Spillman,
in association with a few other men in the Pittsburgh district, organized
the Carrick Bank, a state bank, of which he has been the cashier since that
time. Upon the organization of this bank it had a capital of $50,ooo, the
597WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
first year's deposits were less than $50o,ooo, and the annual deposit at the
present time was $I35,347. In I9I3-I4 the business of the bank had grown
to such proportions, and everything connected with it was in so satisfactory
a condition, that it was found advisable to erect a beautiful three-story
brick building, on Brownsville Road, in Carrick. This has a frontage of
forty-four feet, houses a drug store as well as the bank, and has two floors
of flats above. Mr. Spillman has also served as secretary and treasurer
of the Union Ice Company, and the Allegheny Ice Company. In political
matters he is Independent, and he is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 525,
Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Spillman married, October 3, I900, Williamette, born in Martinsburg, daughter of William and Isora Blackwell,
and they have one son, Charles Owens Jr., born January 25, I902.
This name with its various ways of spelling, as adopted by loSPEER cality or possibly errors in writing, appears to be distinctive of
locality, as in Maine we find the direct spelling Spear, and in
other parts of New England, Speare and Spears. In Pennsylvania and the
southern states it is universally spelled Speer, in the west either Speer or
Speers. In New Jersey Speir seems to have been the original spelling.
Speer and Speir are the only spellings used by the immigrant ancestorsSpeer by Scotch Covenanters, who came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, and drifted south and west, and Speir by the Dutch.
John Speer lived at Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, at
an early day, probably coming to that section from the eastern part of the
state. In his later days he was a manufacturer of bricks. He married
Sarah Randolph.
William  H. Speer, son of John and Sarah (Randolph) Speer, was
born near Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February i7, I838,
died in Braddock, in the same county, December 17, I904. He received his
education at Osceola, Pennsylvania, then became a pilot on a tow boat, on
the Ohio river, an occupation he followed many years. After his marriage
he located in Elizabeth, lived there three years, then removed to Braddock,
where he filled the office of deputy sheriff. Later he became clerk in the
sheriff's office, and then clerk, in the clerk of courts office. About three
years prior to his death he opened a store in Braddock, which he conducted
successfully. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Junior
Order of United American Mechanics, the Knights of Malta and the Grand
Army of the Republic. At the outbreak of the Civil War, when President
Lincoln issued the first call for volunteers, Mr. Speer enlisted for three
months in Company C, Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
and later for three years in Company G, Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. During one of the numerous engagements in which
he participated, he was wounded in the shoulder.
Mr. Speer married, in I864, Alice M. Fritzius, born in Mifflin township,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on a farm directly opposite Port Perry,
598WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Louis Knell, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, is a son of John P.
KNELL  Knell, born in Germany, who in i86o came to Pennsylvania,
settling in Pittsburgh, where he plied his trade of shoemaker.'He operated his own shop and employed several men in caring for his large
trade. His home was in Oakmont, where he died in I9II. He married
(first) Elizabeth Freedman, born!in Pittsburgh, who bore him three children:
Louis, of further mention; Elizabeth, lRose. He married (second) Mary
McChesney, who bore him six children: John,'Aggie, Harry, Anna, deceased, Ida, George.
Louis Knell was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May I9,
I865. He was educated in the public schools and spent his earlier years
in that city. Later he was on a farm in Armstrong county for three years,
lived in Verona, Pennsylvania, seventeen years, then returned to Allegheny
county, where he resided until I898, then moved to Bellevue, Pennsylvania,
where he has since been continuously engaged as a hardware merchant,'his
*residence being at No. Io7 South Harrison avenue. He is a Republican in
politics, a member Of Avalon Lodge, No. 657, Free and Accepted Masons;
Bellevue Chapter, No. 287, Royal Arch Masons' Allegheny Commandery,
No. 35, Knights Templar; Bellevue Lodge of'Heptasophs; and was a
charter member of General M'cClellani Lodge,'No. I5o, Junior Order of
United American Mechanics. Both he and his wife are members of the
United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Knell married, in I89I,' Anna Hunter, born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Mary (Chestmran) Hunter, both born
in England, coming to Pittsburgh in r850o. They are both deceased. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter: Mary, Elizabeth, John, deceased, Anna,
wife of Louis Knell; Jennie, deceased, Julia, Laura.' Louis and Anna
Knell have one son,; Louis Raymond, born May 31, I893.
Germany has'contributed to the population of the United
KAMMERER  States to a large extent, her sons being numbered among
the -most patriotic and loyal of our citizens, and John
Kammerer, of this review, was no exception'to the rule, he ever proving
faithful to the country of his adoption.
John Kammerer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November I7,
1843, which country was also the birthplace of his parents, who spent their
entire lives there. John Kammerer left his native land with the idea of
improving his surroundings, the New World offering opportunities not to
be found in the Old, and in I868, the year of his emigration, settled in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where for a number of years he followed his
trade of shoemaker. Later he removed to Etna, Pennsylvania, where he
was the successful proprietor of a shoe store, and in I9oI changed his place
of residence to Brackenridge, where he was the proprietor of a hotel, which
was largely patronized, it being conducted in a manner satisfactory to its
many guests, and he conducted the same until his death, which occurred
535I -ffl-~ "WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
daughter of George and Eliza (Stewart) Fritzius; granddaughter of John
George and Catherine Fritzius, born in Germany, came to Philadelphia,
and then located in Mifflin township; and granddaughter of Peter and
Alice (Rodgers) Stewart, pioneer settlers of Pittsburgh. George Fritzius,
father of Mrs. Speer, was an early burgess of Braddock. He moved to
Port Perry about I850, to Braddock in I866, and in both places followed
his trade as a carpenter. He was an active worker in the interests of the
Republican party, and died in I873. He had eight children. He was born
in Philadelphia, while his wife was born in Pittsburgh. Children of Mr.
and Mrs. Speer: I. Lydia E., deceased. 2. Randolph E., deceased; married
Estella M. Sharp; two children: Elizabeth A. and William M. 3. Josiah
E., of Zanesville, Ohio; married Lillie M. Kligensmith; no issue. 4. Emma
M., married E. N. Hall, of Braddock, Pennsylvania; one child, Alice Speer.
The name of Walker has come to us from England, and
WALKER while the family under discussion here has only come to
this country in recent years, the name has been a familiar
one in America for many generations. The name of Captain Richard Walker, undoubtedly of English descent, is found on the records of Lynn, Massachusetts, as early as I630, when he was ensign of the local military company. All the Walkers in America of English descent probably trace to
the same ancestor.
Thomas Walker was born near Manchester, England, where he obtained his education, and became a manufacturer of hats. He came to
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, about I830, and had a hat establishment at the
Scotch Hill Market, now the corner of Second and Grant streets. Later
he removed to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and there his death occurred. He
married Sarah Harrison Berkenshire, and they became the parents of four
sons and four daughters.
Thomas (2) Walker, son of Thomas (I) and Sarah Harrison (Berkenshire) Walker, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in I840. He acquired his education in the night schools of that city, and at an early age
learned the machinists' trade with the Rees Hartupee Company. He conlmenced with this company at the very bottom of the ladder, his first work
being the wheeling of ashes. He remained about ten years with this concern, after which he was employed by Mr. Rees independently in his establishment in Pittsburgh on the Allegheny river. At the time of the Civil
War Mr. Walker established the brewing business of Fawcett  Walker,
which was located on the present site of Kaufman's warehouse, on what
was then Stevenson street, but, acting on the advice of Thomas Marshall,
a well known attorney, he withdrew from this line of business. He then
removed to Braddock, where he established a foundry in I862, under the
style of McVay  Walker, later incorporated under the name of the McVay-Walker Company, of which Mr. Walker became the president, an
office he is still filling with remarkable executive ability. He was formerly
599WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
treasurer of the Pittsburgh Wire Company; is now treasurer of the Columbia Steel  Shafting Company; vice-president of the Union Insurance
Company, of Pittsburgh; and president of the Merchants' Savings  Trust
Company, of Pittsburgh. He now resides on Bluff street, Pittsburgh. He
served as councilman of the city at the time the present system of water
works was constructed, and is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. Mr.
Walker married Amelia Cubbage, and has children: Alexander Cubbage,
secretary and treasurer of the McVay-Walker Company; Thomas Algo,
secretary of the Columbia Steel  Shafting Company.
This line of the family of Kennedy was founded in PennKENNEDY  sylvania, removing from Ohio, he with whom the record
opens, James Kennedy, having been long a resident of
Youngstown, in the latter state, living there in the latter part of the eighteenth
century. He was a farmer in calling, owning and cultivating a wide extent
of land, on a part of which has since been built a section of the city of
Youngstown. He married Sarah Reid, and had children: I. James
Bailey, a farmer, died near Youngstown, Ohio. 2. Thomas Walker, a
farmer and iron master, died near Poland Center, Ohio. 3. Joseph Clark,
only survivor of the children of James and Sarah (Reid) Kennedy, lives
in Youngstown, Ohio. 4. William Harrison, a soldier of the Civil War,
died in Etna, Pennsylvania, in I9I3. 5. David S., of whom further. 6.
Reid, deceased, father of D. S. Kennedy, of Munhall, Pennsylvania. 7.
Goodwillie, a veteran of the Civil War, died a short time afterward from
ailments contracted while in the service. 8. Eliza, married George Little,
and died near Struthers, Ohio, aged eighty-nine years. 9. Margaret, married, and died in young womanhood. IO. Matilda, married a Mr. Crossman, and died about I9I2, aged eighty-seven years.' (II) Rev. David S. Kennedy, son of James and Sarah (Reid) Kennedy,
was born near Youngstown, Ohio, in I834, died in DeKalb county, Illinois,
in I899. After a preparatory course he entered Westminster College,
whence he was graduated in I858, after which he matriculated at the Allegheny Theological Seminary, subsequent to his graduation being ordained
into the ministry of the United Presbyterian Church. His first charge was
as pastor of the Center Church, near Midway, Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until I873, in that year going to Sewickley,
continuing in the ministry in that place until December, I878. The following sixteen years he passed as pastor of the church in Somonauk, DeKalb
county, Illinois, thereafter retiring from the ministry and living until his
death on a farm he had purchased in that county, being there buried.
Until late in his life he was a sturdy supporter of the Prohibition party,
prior to his death forming allegiance with the Republican organization.
While a resident of Sewickley he held membership on the local school
board. He was a faithful and inspired minister, and the five years that
he passed in retirement prior to his death were years of rest well earned
6ooWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
by.a life of blessed activity for the promotion of the Kingdom. As
became a minister, he abounded in good works, but so gentle and synmpathetic was his nature that had he been called to some other occupation
much of his substance would have been given to others less fortunate than
he and much of his time spent in their service. During his life he practiced with faith and fidelity the doctrines that he expounded from the pulpit,
his life an inspiration to those in doubt, a revelation to those who thought
they believed. During the Civil War Rev. David S. Kennedy was sent
to the front by the Christian Commission as a chaplain-at-large, visiting
the camps and hospitals and in all ways doing all of the good possible.
His services were recognized by his admission to membership in the Grand
Army of the Republic.
He married Nancy W. Kelly, born near Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, in
I838, now a resident of Oak Park, Illinois, who was with him a student
in Westminster College, graduating in the same year, I858. She is a
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Moore) Kelly, her father an early resident of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, owning land which is the present
site of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. Here his death occurred when he was
but a young man, his wife attaining the age of eighty-three years. Children of John and Elizabeth (Moore) Kelly: i. John, a soldier in the
Union army during the Civil War, now deceased, his home having been
in Kansas. 2. Archie, died young. 3. Nancy W., of previous mention,
married Rev. David S.. Kennedy. 4. Mary, married Rev. Anderson, a
minister of the United Presbyterian Church, located for a time at College
Springs, Iowa. 5. Lydia, was twice married, her second husband being
Samuel Trimble, and died at College Springs, Iowa, at an advanced age.
Children of Rev. David S. and Nancy W. (Kelly) Kennedy: i. Sadie E.,
married T. C. Hare, a member of the old Pittsburgh firm of T. Hare 
Son, and resides in Oak Park, Illinois, her husband deceased. 2. Belle. died
unmarried in I89I, was a mission worker in Chicago, Illinois. 3. Harry,
until recently general superintendent of a United States Steel Company
blast furnace at Clairton, Pennsylvania, now general mnanager of a wagon
manufacturing plant at DeKalb, Illinois. 4. Reid, of whom further. 5.
Archie G., of DeKalb, Illinois, judge of the court of claims, to which position he was appointed by Governor Dineen. 6. Minnie, died in I899, unmarried. 7. Matilda, unmarried, lives with her mother. 8. James, died
in I879, in boyhood. 9. Annie, married Dr. James Kleinschmid, and resides
in Aledo, Illinois. IO. Thomas W., in partnership with his brother, Judge
Archie G. Kennedy, a real estate dealer of DeKalb, Illinois.,(III) Reid Kennedy, son of Rev. David S. and Nancy W. (Kelly)
Kennedy, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January I4, I865.
He was educated in Westminster College, from which institution he was
graduated in I889. He had earned his college tuition and expenses by
working in the steel mills of Homestead, and after his graduation he became a roller in the Armor Plate Mills, continuing thus for three years,
6o iWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
then beginning real estate dealing. He contracted numerous other connections and this feature of his business life was gradually relegated to
the background, the importance of his newer associations being much
greater. Mr. Kennedy was one of the organizers of the Homestead National Bank, of which he later became president, and upon the organization of the Monongahela Trust Company in I9oi became its president, a
position he has held to the present time. At about the same time Mr.
Kennedy became associaed with Mr. W. M. Henderson in the Henderson
Coal Company, his present position in the concern being that of secretary,
the company's offices being in the Commonwealth Building of Pittsburgh.
He is also secretary and treasurer of the Orient Coke Company, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kennedy is thel owner of considerable real
estate in Homestead, and is occasionally a party to transactions along this
line, although his other business interests prevent his giving it his entire
attention.
His political belief is Republican, and for one term he served as burgess
of Homestead. His interest in local affairs is strong and active, and in any
project of civic improvement his support is always enthusiastically given.
Mr. Kennedy is one of Homestead's successful business men, and he has
risen to his position of responsibility and honor through innate qualities
of determination and persistent courage, qualities that made their appearance in the gratification of his desire for a college education and that have
made their influence felt throughout the latter years of his life. He possesses a wide circle of business and social friends, in whose regard he has
an assured place.
Mr. Kennedy married, in December, 90oi, Martha A., daughter of
Lowrey West. She is a descendant of Colonel Alexander Lowrey, born in
county Donegal, Ireland, in I723, who came to America with his parents
when six years of age and was reared at Donegal, Pennsylvania. He traded
extensively with the Indians of the locality and became one of the seventeen largest land owners in the colony. In I758 he was one of General
Forbes' guides on that officer's march to Fort Duquesne and was also the
guide of Colonel Bouquet's force five years later. He narrowly escaped
death in the massacre at Bushy Run, in I762, living a most strenuous life
during Revolutionary times because of his activity in behalf of the American cause, and on September Io, I777, was in command of the Lancaster
county militia at the battle of Brandywine. He was a member of the
convention which in I776 framed the first constitution of the state of
Pennsylvania, and for several years was a member of the general assembly, serving as senator for one term. In I790o he was appointed a
justice of the peace by Governor Mifflin, filling that position until his death,
January 30, I805. About the middle of the eighteenth century Colonel
Lowrey built a stone house upon his three hundred and ninety-one acre
estate near Marietta, in Lancaster county, which was known as Locust
Grove and which is still in the.possession of his descendants.
602WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mary Lowrey, daughter of Colonel Alexander Lowrey, married (first)
Matthew Hay, and moved to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, prior to I8oo,
settling on land overlooking the Monongahela, a part of which is now occupied by the borough of Homestead. After the death of her first husband
she married again, her second husband being Joseph West, a slave owner
of Pennsylvania, their home continuing on the farm in Allegheny county.
Mary (Lowrey) West died and was buried in the old Lebanon Cemetery
in Mifflin township, Joseph West married again, his second wife being
Katherine Whittaker, and upon his death he was buried in the Franklin
graveyard. Children of Joseph and Mary (Lowrey) West: I. Alexander,
sold his share of the homestead to his brothers, Joseph and Matthew, and
moved to Illinois, his death occurring on his farm on the Wabash river.
2. Edward, disposed of his share of the home property in the same manner
as did his brother, Alexander, and moved to Illinois, purchased a farm
adjoining that of his brother, where he died. 3. Joseph, of whom further.
4. Matthew, a farmer on part of the homestead, engaged in mercantile dealings in partnership with a Mr. Willock, an association that was later discontinued, after which Matthew West returned to farming and was so
engaged at his death.
Joseph (z) West, son of Joseph (I) and Mary (Lowrey) West, was
a farmer on part of the old homestead, and there died about I872. He
established a brickyard on the river near Brown's Station, and was its
proprietor for about twenty years.  He mtarried Sallie, a sister of his
father's wife, and had children: I. Martha, married Simpson Walker, and
died in Washington, District of Columbia. 2. Sarah, married Joseph Morrell, and died in Winona, Minnesota. 3. Margaret, married Thomas Potter,
and died on the old homestead. 4. Mary Ann, married Joseph Tuttle, and
died in Pittsburgh. 5. Lowrey, father of Martha A. West, of previous
mention. 6. Aaron, a physician, died in Illinois. 7. Edward, a river captain, died in Homestead, Pennsylvania. 8. Alexander, a bricklayer, died
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 9. Matthew, a retired farmer, died in
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Io. Joseph, died in young manhood.
Many of this name have come to the United States, and in
BOYLE  the Colonial period they were to be found in the various settlements. The family under discussion here came to this country at a more recent date, and have already shown their worth as lawabiding citizens.
(I) John Boyle, who was born in Ireland, came to America while he
was still young. He located in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and was employed on the railway.
(II) Robert Boyle, son of John Boyle, was born in Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, and received his education in the public schools of Cambria
county, Pennsylvania. In Cambria county he engaged as a school teacher
at an early age, and in I850 commenced the manufacture of charcoal, with
603WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
which industry he was identified three years. He then removed to Johnstown, and was connected with the Cambria Iron Company until his death.
He married Sarah Sproul, born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, daughter
of Andrew and Nancy (Ripley) Sproul, both Americans by birth, who
early made their home in Cambria county, where he was a farmer. Mr.
and Mrs. Boyle had children: Allen Laughlin, who was in active service
during the Civil War; Andrew J., of further mention; William; Eliza Jane,
deceased; Mary Ann; David; Oliver; Sarah Catherine; Charles; Ginevra,
deceased; Susan; Phoebe; George; John; Robert.
(III) Andrew J. Boyle, son of Robert and Sarah (Sproul) Boyle,
was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, February I2, i846. His education was acquired in the public schools of Cambria county, and at an
early age he commenced to work at the blast furnaces, his duty being to
carry water. At the age of thirteen years he was engaged there permanently
during the summer months, but was able to attend the schools during the
winter. He then went to Johnstown, and when his elder brother joined the
Union army he took his place in the finishing department. He was employed there until the new mills were built, when he went to "rolls," where
he remained until the big strike. He then went to St. Louis, Missouri,
where he worked three months in the Crondelett Works, an iron mill, and
at the expiration of that time returned to Johnstown and cut ice during
that winter. In I874 he went to Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and was active in the construction work of the Edgar Thompson
Steel Mills, and when these were completed became a roller there. After
the death of Captain Jones, C. H. Schwab became general manager, and
appointed Mr. Boyle to the position of night superintendent. Mr. Boyle
filled this efficiently until I9o9. In I9o6 the company sent Mr. Boyle and
his wife on a pleasure trip to Europe, and in I909 he retired from active
work. He built an excellent house about 1903 on Belle avenue, North
Braddock, and is still living in it. He served as a member of the board
of school directors for a period of thirteen years, and as a member of the
common council of Braddock for three years. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and of the Workmen of the World.
Mr. Boyle married, in I867, Jennie Kuntz, and they have had children:
Lula May, Ida Ann, Emma Viola, Minnie May, Charles Frederick, Jennie,
James Franklin, Effie Gertrude, Alverta Pearl, Edgar F., Elmer N.
The name of Adams is one which has gained distinction in
ADAMS  this country as well as in England and Ireland, from which
it was brought here originally. There is no doubt that all
bearing the name have had a common origin, some branches of the original
family being established here in the early Colonial days, others coming
at various other periods, but all have proved their worth and the possession of sterling qualities which have rendered them desirable citizens.
604WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
James Adams was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America in his
youth. He married Mary Oxley, a native of Pittsburgh, whose father
was a Frenchman, and whose mother was born in Ireland. They were
early residents of Pittsburgh.
George Adams, son of James and Mary (Oxley) Adams, was born
on Pike street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in I854, died in I895. He received
his education in the public schools of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, then
learned the trade of stove molding, with which he was identified until his
death. He married, January 6, I88I, Hannah Brophy, born in Ireland, a
daughter of Michael and Catherine (Henebry) Brophy, both natives of
Ireland, the former a shoemaker, and granddaughter of John and Catherine
(Size) Brophy; Mrs. Adams came to the United States in I865. She is a
wom,an of much energy and determination, and erected two fine houses on
the site of the one she had occupied while her husband was still living.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams had children: James W., living with his mother;
John A. and Charles F., both deceased.
Henry Herbel was born in Prussia, Germany, where he grew
HERBEL to maturity and married. In 1849, with his wife, Philomena,
and his children, he emigrated to the United States, and
settled near Sligo, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there found employment in the glass works. He was industrious and economnical, and
when he had amassed a sufficient capital, he purchased a farm in Sack
county, Wisconsin, where the remainder of his life was spent, and where
he and his wife are buried. He was a staunch Republican, and he and
his wife were devout members of the Presbyterian Church. They were
the parents of children as follows: John George, of further mention;
Emma, who married Jacob Able, died young; Henry, who was a farmer
in Marion, Indiana, is also deceased; Conrad, a farmer of Marion, Indiana,
now deceased; Kate, married Henry Black, and died in Wisconsin.
John George Herbel, son of Henry and Philomena Herbel, was the
eldest child of his parents, and was born January 29, I83I. His school education was acquired in his native country, and he was about eighteen years
of age when he arrived in America. He had served his apprenticeship
as a tailor, and engaged in this occupation in this country, with a very
satisfactory amount of success. For the greater part his work was custom
trade in and around Pittsburgh. Politically he was a strong Republican,
and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was also a member of a Pittsburgh Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons;
and of the Knights of Honor. His death occurred August 7, I883. Mr.
Herbel married, in I852, Margaret Buck, born in Bavaria, Germany, December 24, I833, and came to America with her parents when she was
twelve years of age. About a year after the death of her husband she
purchased a house on Dixon street, Homestead, and lived in it until I907,
when she removed to No. 543 Ninth avenue, where she lives at the present
605WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
time. She was originally a Lutheran, but became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church about forty-six years ago, and has been unswerving in her allegiance to this denomination since that time. Mr. and Mrs.
Herbel had children: Lewis, who was a planing mill man, died in Pittsburgh, leaving five children; Caroline, married David Hafer, has twelve
children, and lives in Denver, Colorado; August, died in boyhood; Henry,
died in boyhood; Frederick, a mill worker, lives in Homeville; William,
deceased, was a mill worker, lived in Homeville; Ida, died in infancy;
George, assistant superintendent of a steel mill, lives in Homeville.
Frederick Buck, father of Mrs. Herbel, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and married Bertha, a native of the same section, who died in
I842; he came to this country in I845, with six of his children, and settled
at Sligo, Pennsylvania. The sons found work in a glass concern, but
Mr. Buck lived retired, and died I853, and is buried in the old Allegheny
Cemetery. He was of the Lutheran denomination. He had children:
Maggie, who died unmarried in Germany; Thomas, a blacksmith, died in
Germany; Katherine, married Justus Walter, and died in Homestead, Pennsylvania; Christian, a farmer, died in Ohio; Annie, married John Broadright, and died in Homestead; Coona, married John Reever, and died in
Ohio; Frederick, now retired, lives in Homestead; Margaret, who married
Mr. Herbel.
George Lippert, of McKeesport, is a self-made man in the
LIPPERT  best sense of the word, having begun his career without
capital or influential friends, with nothing to aid him but
the determination to succeed, and at the present timie (I914) he is owner
of considerable property in McKeesport and is ranked among her representative citizens.
Michael Lippert, father of George Lippert, was a native of Germany,
where he was reared and educated and also spent his entire lifetime, his
death occurring there in I9oo, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years.
His wife, Gertrude (Miller) Lippert, also a native of Germany, who died
in 1913, aged eighty-three years, bore him five children, all of whom are
living at the present time: Edward; Leonard, emigrated to the United
States; George, of whom further; John, emigrated to the United States;
Sophia.
George Lippert was born in Germany, January 8, I867. He attended
the school in the vicinity of his home, acquiring a practical education, and
in I883, at the age of sixteen years, emigrated to the United States and
located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in which city he has since resided,
being well and favorably known in the community in which he resides.
He secured employment in the W. Dewees Wood Iron Company, with
which concern he was identified for seventeen years, and in 900oo, at the
expiration of that period of time, becanme the proprietor of the Lake Erie
Hotel, located at Nos. 406-408 Walnut avenue, McKeesport, also becoming
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