0Uh anih New 3ItmarIIan
Genealogical and Personal History under Editorial Supervision of
CAPT. FENWICK Y. HEDLEY
I LLUSTRATED
93IL
VOLUME III I
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc.
NEW YORK
19184                    OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
daughter. R. Kirk McConnell, the eldest of the sons, is a graduate of Washington and
Jefferson College, of the class of I903, and is a member of the Westmoreland county
bar. Turney McConnell, the second son, has been engaged in the banking business,
and is now secretary and treasurer of the Amend Coal Company. Alexander'McConnell, the third son, attended Washington and Jefferson College, was graduated from
the law department of the University of Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Westmoreland county bar. Emma E. McConnell, the daughter, a graduate of Walnut Lane
Seminary, is now at home; and the youngest son, Robert Sloan McConnell, recently
abandoned his student life at Dartmouth College to enlist in the aviation branch of
the United States Army in the present world war.
JOHN  LATTA-John Latta, Lieutenant-Governor of Pennsylvania, was of
Scotch-Irish descent, and came to Greensburg from Unity township,- where he was
born March 5, I836. He was the son of Moses and Eliza (Graham) Latta, and the
grandson of John Latta, who, with his brother Moses, had settled in Mount Pleasant
township on the land upon which the Mammoth Coke Works are now built. John
Latta, the elder, was married to a Miss Storey, of Princeton, New Jersey, and by her
he had four children, among them being Moses, Latta, the father of Governor John
Latta. Moses Latta was born in I790, in Mount Pleasant township, about six miles
from the borough of Mount Pleasant, but in early life removed to Unity township,
where he was'engaged in farming. During the War of I8I2 he enlisted in a company
commanded by Captain Reynolds, but before his company reached the field of action
a treaty of peace was signed and the troops returned to their homes. He was married
to Eliza Graham, who was a daughter of Robert Graham, a native of Greensburg,
where he was engaged in dealing in horses. Their children were: Mary Jane, married to George R. Hughes, of Unity township, both of whom are deceased; and John,
of this sketch. Moses Latta died in February, I848, when he was fifty-eight years old.
John Latta grew up on his father's farm, and attended the Sewickley and Elder's
Ridge academies, the latter being then in its palmiest days. He spent five years in
these academies and thus laid a good foundation for that day for his professional
career. In I857 he began the study of law in the Yale College Law School and was
graduated from the law department of that well-known institution in I859. In November of the same year he was admitted to the Westmoreland bar and began his life's
work. He was elected to the State Senate in I863, when but twenty-seven years old,
and acquitted himself in a manner that reflected great credit upon himself and all his
friends. In 187I and 1872 he was elected to the Legislature, the sessions at that time
being held each year. This gave him a wide acquaintance through the State, so that in
1874 he was nominated by the' Democratic convention, which met in Pittsburgh, for
the office of Lieutenant-Governor of the State. At the election in November he led
the State ticket and received a majority of over four thousand votes, and this in the
strongly Republican State of Pennsylvania.
Governor Latta was, moreover, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Pennsylvania,
for the office had been created by the State Constitution which went into effect that
year. In the new position to which he was called, he had therefore no precedents to
guide him; yet it is the universal testimony that both as a presiding officer of the
Senate, and in the other duties of his office, he was eminently fair, courteous and successful. When his.term as Lieutenant-Governor expired he returned to Greensburg
and resumed the practice of the law, which mainly engaged his attention from that
time until the day of his death. As a lawyer he usually took the side of the poor and
tried many cases, particularly in his earlier days, wherein the fees were at best very
scanty.  He was alwavs called upon by the Democratic party to make politicalBIOGiRAPHICAL
Note-After the sketch of Albert H. Bell and family was written and printed,
word came that Albert H. Bell, Jr., had been killed on the battle front in France.
ALBERT H. BELL-Among the first soldier sons of Westmoreland county to
fall in battle in the war in which the Central Allies have plunged the nations of the
world, was Lieutenant Albert Harvey Bell, Jr., of Greensburg, who was killed on
July 23, I918, near Fere-en-Tardenois, France, in the second. battle of the Marne.
Lieutenant Bell, youngest son of Albert H. Bell and Mary (Clarke) Bell, was
born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on October 3, I893.  He passed through the
public schools, graduating from the high school in I9II with the highest honors
of his class. While in the high school he was a diligent and conscientious student,
engaging with earnestness and efficiency in the athletic and literary activities of the
school, and was on the editorial staff of the "Brown and White," the monthly paper
published by the students of the high school. One of his Ibeloved teachers has rendered this testimonial: "When I think back over my two years in Greensburg,
Albert has always stood out in my memory as one of the boys in whose future I
had great confidence. As a high school student he was always thorough and painstaking in whatever tasks we assigned him, and his influence upon others in conduct
and behavior was always of the best in every way." Upon his graduation from the
high school he entered Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, from which he was
graduated with high honors in June, I915. In his junior year he was editor-in-chief
of "The Ravellings," the student year book, and in his senior year was a member
of the winning inter-collegiate Monmouth College debating team.
In 1915 he entered the law department of the University of Pittsburgh, and
would have graduated in June, I9I8, if he had' not heard the call of his country
prior to that. He enlisted in the Second Student Officers' Training Corps, and
after three months' training at Camp Warden McLean, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia,
was graduated a second lieutenant on November 26, I917.
Lieutenant Bell was assigned to Company B, Fourth United States Infantry,
one of the oldest and most famous of the regular army regiments, stationed at Camp
Stuart, Newport News, Virginia. In addition to his duties as a platoon commander,
he taught the French language to his comrades, and served as battalion judge advocate during his stay at Newport News. He landed with his regiment in France on
April 26, I918. He. took part in the fighting in June at Villers Cotterets. When
the victorious Germans swept across the Marne, driving the Entente Allies in
retreat through Chateau-Thierry in the middle of July, the Third American Division,
with which Lieutenant Bell's regiment was brigaded, was thrown in the center with
other divisions to stem the retreat and turn the disaster into that glorious series of
victories that has driven the Germans back across the Hindenburg line and to the
environs of Metz. While storming the nerve center of the German defense in the
Soissons-Rheims salient, the young soldier with many of his comrades fell in battle.
Details are meager, but a young officer of his division writes of Lieutenant Bell's
death: "IHe died fighting like the brave and fearless officer he was. I talked with
some of the officers of his regiment the night he fell. They said he kept his head
and died fighting most bravely."
General John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American Army, in his
general order of August 27, pays this tribute to the Third and other divisions engaged
in this battle:
You came to the battlefield at the crucial hour of the Allied cause. For almost
four years the most formidable army the world has as yet seen had pressed its invasion of France, and stood threatening its capital. At no time had that army been
more powerful and menacing than when, on July I8, it struck again to destroy in one
great battle the brave' men opposed to it and to enforce its brutal will upon the
world and civilization. Three days later, in conjunction with our Allies, you counterattacked. The Allied Armies gained a brilliant victory that marks the turning point
58aOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of the war. You did more than give our brave Allies the support to which as a
Nation our faith was pledged. You proved that our altruism, our pacific spirit, our
sense of justice had not blunted our virility or our courage. You have shown that
America's initiative and energy are as fit for the tests of war as for the pursuits of
peace. You have justly.won the unstinted praise of our Allies and the eternal gratitude of our countrymen. We have paid for our successes in the lives of many of our
brave comrades. We shall cherish their memory always and claim for our history
and our literature their bravery, achievements and sacrifice.
Lieutenant Bell, having passed the State board law examinations, was sworn in
as a member of the local bar on December 4, I9I7. He was the first member of the
bar to fall in action. He was a membner of the Greensburg United Presbyterian
Church, and is the third in the honor roll of that congregation to answer "taps."
He was. an affectionate, joyous-hearted boy, and went into the service with a profound sense of his duty that excluded every suggestion to hunt the easy and safe
line of service. He was the scion of a race of soldiers that, excepting the SpanishAmerican, had fought in every war from the Revolution to the present world conflict.
Physically fit, intellectually qualified and morally clean, Lieutenant Bell's friends
had great hopes of his future earthly career. He had a mind keen in its perceptions and powers of analysis, with a decided literary bent and capability. Life was
big with mission to him which war's cruel tragedy has blighted. He is survived by
his father and mother; a brother, J. Clarke Bell; and a sister, Margaret Bell. He
was engaged to be married to Miss Alma Johnston, of Columbus City, Iowa, a college classmate.
The inscription upon a British soldier's grave in France speaks for Lieutenant
Bell, as well as all others who have fallen in humanity's cause: "He gave his Tomorrow for your To-day."
58bBIOGRAPHICAL
Mlargaret, educated at Westminster College, and has since resided with her parents at
Greensburg. 3. Albert H., Jr., was graduated from Monmouth College, Illinois, in
June, I915, and is now a student in the law school of the Pittsburgh University.
A word here is appropriate concerning Mr. Bell's family, which is of Scotch-Irish
derivation, his remote ancestors having come from the North of Ireland and settled
in Pennsylvania. His father, John R. Bell, was a native of Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, and regarded as one of its most active citizens in his day. He was associated with the educational interests of the region, served as teacher in the public
schools for a number of years, and was afterwards a justice of the peace and clerk of
the court of Westmoreland county. Mr. Bell's ancestral lines on this side of the house
run back to the Guffeys, the McBrides and Robinsons, all pioneer families of the
county. John R. Bell married Margaret Singer, who was of Scotch and Holland
Dutch parentage.
JOSEPH L. COTE-Joseph Lacasse Cote, one of the most successful and progressive business men and merchants of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, while himself a native of that State, is by parentage a Canadian and is a son
of the well known and much lamented Dr. Marcellin Cote, whose career in the city
of Pittsburgh brought him a well merited reputation- and the affection of the entire
community in which he lived and practiced with such beneficent results.
Dr. Marcellin Cote was born in the year I815, in the town of Cacouna, in Southern
Canada. He hattended the local schools of his native region and afterwards the college
of Nicolet in the district of Three Rivers. From this institution he was graduated with
the class of I836 and the possession of an excellent academic education. He had by this
time decided upon medicine as his career in life, and came to the United States, where
he entered the medical department of Bowdoin College, Maine, and here graduated in
the year i844. Between his course at Nicolet College and that taken by him at the
medical department at Bowdoin, he had spent about two years teaching and had gained
a very considerable advantage in the knowledge of life through this experience. Upon
leaving Bowdoin with his degree of Doctor of Medicine, he attended the Hospital
Clinics in the City of New York, where he made the acquaintance of Dr. Charles J.
Hemple. Dr. Hemple had a very important influence in the life of his young friend
and it was he who directed his attention to the subject of homceopathy. The principles
upon which this new medical doctrine was based appealed strongly to his reason, and
in I847 he decided to embrace it. He then removed to the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he put into practice his beliefs and remained there until his death,
which occurred May 29, I878, in the sixty-third year of his age. He was in all probability the most eminent homceopathic physician in the city during that period, and
worked up a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Cote was a member of the American
Institute of Homceopathy, and was one of the group of men who founded the Homceopathic Hospital and Dispensary of Pittsburgh. Another institution which owed in a
measure its organization to him was the Anatomical Society of Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania, of which he twice served as president. He was also a member of the
Homceopathic Medical Society of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and was president
of this society twice and a member of its executive committee for the last five years of
his life. He was also one of the founders of the Homceopathic Medical Society of
Pennsylvania and served as its president in the year I87I. Dr. Cote married Mary Miltenberger, a daughter of George and Rebecca (Banton) Miltenberger, a native of
Pittsburgh. The death of Dr. Cote called forth from his friends and associates many
warm tributes to the sterling qualities of the man, from which it is appropriate to quote
briefly. In a pamphlet entitled "In Memoriam," written and published at this time,
the following passages occur:
59OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
We need hardly recount to the members here present his great interest in all that
pertained to this organization, what hopes he had in its usefulness and further success,
what pleasure in the last years of his life he t'ook in having the meetings held in his
office, nor with what zest he entertained the members annually.
Aside from his enthusiasm in everything which pertained to the science and art of
medicine, he was ever alive to the amenities and pleasures of social life and it was a
real pleasure to see his hearty appreciation of humor and his ready perception of satire.
Simple, confiding, and loyal to a fault, he was ever ready to see the best side of a
brother physician's foibles, and to hold out his hand to help others over the rough
places in life's toilsome journey.
In his practice he held a firm belief in the efficacy of high potencies, and by their
use established homceopathy upon a firmer basis in this section and gained a large and
lucrative practice -by his successes.
When a man of his education and large experience thus gives us such proofs of his
opinion, it behooves us to carefully consider the elements of his belief, that we may
profit by them. With his translations from the French of Crozario, on "Midwifery,"
and Rapou, on "Typhoid Fever," we are all familiar.
As members of the Anatomical Society and of the profession of medicine, we have
lost a remarkable man from our midst, and while we mourn his departure, we feel that
his good deeds will long keep his memory green upon the earth. His spirit has taken
its flight to that silent and echoless shore, from which no tidings backward come. Thus
we are reminded that every tie on earth must be unwound, and that our fray of arts
must cross from busy Life to The Death's all silent night.
Our friend and brother has been laid in the house appointed for all living, there
to remain until the warmth of heaven's resurrection morn comes pouring down, and
darkness lightens into golden day.
In a memoir read before the Hommeopathic Medical Society of Pennsylvania at its
session in Pittsburgh, September 25 to 26, I878, the author said in part as follows:
He has enriched the repertoire of one school of medicine by translating from the
French the works of Crozario on Midwifery and Rapou on Typhoid Fever. The professional labors of our late member as a Homoeopathic practitioner in Pittsburg, extended over the period of thirty-one years, and for the last thirteen he has been the
oldest of our school in the city of his adoption; where he has dispensed the blessings
of homoeopathy to thousands of patients. His energy and industry rewarded him with
a large and remunerative practice, his dignity and probity of character commanded the
respect of the whole community while his genial manners and kindness of heart
endeared him alike to all, both young and old who knew him. With his patients he was
looked upon with love and confidence, among the profession he was held in high esteem.
Born April I6, I865, in the Fourth Ward of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joseph
Lacasse Cote, son of Dr. Marcellin and Mary (Miltenberger) Cote, passed his childhood and early life in his native city. It was there that he received his education,
attending for this purpose the local public schools, where he left behind him a fine
record for character and scholarship. Upon completing these studies at these institutions, Mr. Cote began his long and successful business career by forming an association
with the firm of Porter  Donaldson, who were engaged in the wholesale millinery
trade in Pittsburgh. With this concern he remained some seven years and had for a
large portion of this period charge of the ribbon department. He then severed his
connection and entered the employ of the Pittsburgh Dry Goods Company, where he
specialized in the silk and ribbon departments and remained for upwards of ten years.
He also went on the road for this concern, and traveled to various parts of the country
as a salesman, meeting with a considerable success in this difficult part of the business.
But although he was a valued employee, and there seemed every opportunity for further promotion with this company, Mr. Cote was not satisfied, as he was possessed of
an extremely independent character and a large share of self-confidence which impelled
him to embark upon a venture of his own. It thus happened that in the year I897 he
formed a partnership with Mr. A. E. Troutman and with this gentleman came to
Greensburg, Westmoreland county, where they opened a dry goods store. Their capital
at this time amounted only to seven thousand dollars and they were obliged to limit
C-%BIOGRAPHICAL
their establishment to one room. They secured, however, a good-sized place, measuring
one hundred and ten by twenty feet, with a floor space of twenty-two hundred square
feet. From the outset they met with marked success, and the business has grown to
such an extent as to demand a very large increase in its quarters. The concern now
occupies a large building of two floors and a basement and with a floor space of two
hundred and sixty-four thousand square feet. In the year I9o08, the business having
grown to great proportions in the meantime, the concern was incorporated under the
name of the A. E. Troutman Company, and at the present time carries stock to the
value of about one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. In addition to its
establishment at Greensburg, the A. E. Troutman Company has extended its ventures
to other parts of the county and are connected with the S. P. Reed Company, of Latrobe. They also purchased in August, I915, the old firm of A. S. Cunningham, of
Indiana, Pennsylvania, to which was given the name of the Troutman Company and
which is controlled entirely by the Greensburg concern. Of this great corporation Mr.
Cote is president. The Latrobe concern, however, is a separate corporation controlled
by the Troutman company.
Besides his large activity in the mercantile world, Mr. Cote is exceedingly active in
many other departments of the community's life and is a well known figure in Greensburg. He is an Independent in politics, and in his religious belief an Episcopalian,
attending the church of that denomination in Greensburg. He'is a member of the
Greensburg Country Club.
Joseph Lacasse Cote was united in marriage, June 21, I888, with Alma Atwood
O'Neil, a daughter of John W. and Josephine (Hanna) O'Neil. One child has been
born of this union, Joseph L., Jr., June I, I889.
Joseph Lacasse Cote, Jr., received his early education at the well known schools of
Trinity Hall, St. Paul's, Concord, New Hampshire, and Garden City, Long Island, and
the Pawling School at Pawling, New York. He was prepared for college at the latter
institution, and later matriculated at Yale University. From this institution he graduated with the class of I9I2, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Since his graduation, except for several months spent abroad, Mr. Cote, Jr., has been associated with
his father, in the latter's great mercantile business. He is at the present time vicepresident of the corporation and acts as general manager of the Greensburg store and
as buyer of the ready-to-wear goods of all three stores. He is very active in the social
life of Greensburg and in many other directions there, especially those in connection
with the improvement of civic conditions. He is chairman of the Patriotic Association
just formed in Greensburg, and is a member of Psi Episilon college fraternity, and the
Eli University Club, a senior society. Like his father he is a member of the Episcopal
church, and is very active in advancing the cause of that body in Greensburg, holding
at the present time the position of vestryman. He was for a time a teacher in and the
superintendent of the Sunday school there, but has recently given that up for Young
Men's Christian Association work and is a director of the Greensburg branch of this
great organization. He is also a member of the Greensburg Country Club and the
Greensburg Polo Club. Mr. Cote, Jr., is an enthusiastic lover of outdoor sports and
pastimes, and was at one time classed among the best tennis players of the country.
A word here should be said concerning the maternal ancestry of Mr. Cote. His
maternal grandfather, George Miltenberger, was a native of Philadelphia, born April
II, I783. He married Rebecca Banton, who was also born in that city, May 30, 1785.
Their wedding occurred October 28, I802, when the bridegroom was but nineteen and
the bride seventeen. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, born
February 6, I8o4; Emily, born July 5, I806; Mansfield, born March 3T, I8o9, died September IO, I856; George Brown, born November 28, I8II; Charles, born Christmas
Day, I814; Anthony, born September 6, 1817; Sidney, born February 2I, I8zo, died
August 7, I82I; Caroline, born December 4, I822; Henry, born July 8, I825, died No6iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
vember II, I825; Maria, born September 5, 1826; Mary, born July IO, 1829. Mr. and
Mrs. Miltenberger located in Pittsburgh during his early manhood, making the trip
from Philadelphia with their children in what was known as a canestoga wagon, in
which were transported all their household effects. The Miltenbergers are one of the
oldest and most prominent families in Pittsburgh.
This is a success worshipping age. The men whom we delight to honor are those
who have accomplished something real and tangible, the significance of which we can
grasp with our five senses, the men who have built up an industry or raised themselves
from a position of obscurity to one of distinctio'n and wealth. We demand success
and, as though in response, we have progress in all the departments of material achievement such as the world has never more witnessed. Perhaps the most characteristic of
all the achievements of the day is that which has taken place in the business world, in
the line of industry and commercial development, and it is the leaders of activity in
this direction that are our choicest heroes. Joseph L. Cote, the distinguished merchant
and man of affairs of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is one of those
who have risen by their own unaided efforts to a place of prominence in the city, and
whose career is as conspicuous for the high principles he observes in its course as for
the success that has attended it. It may be said of him without exaggeration that he is
a progressive, virile, self-made American citizen, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit
of this modern age, and who, in compassing his own success, is performing a corresponding service for the community of which~ he is a member.
WILLIAM  JACKSON McMICHAEL, D. D.--The United Presbyterian Church
of Greensburg has had for its pastor during the last ten years the Rev. William Jackson McMichael, a man of wide experience and one who has always kept thoroughly in
touch with the times. Dr. McMichael is descended from families long associated with
Pennsylvania and the Middle West and having traditions of service in the work of the
ministry.
John McMichael, great-grandfather of William Jackson McMichael, came from the
North of Ireland and settled in the United States in the latter part of the eighteenth
century. He seems to have lived in Ohio and is thought to have settled in Western.
Pennsylvania.
(II) John (2) McMichael, son of John (I) McMichael, was born early in the
nineteenth century, supposedly somewhere in Ohio. He was a farmer and spent the
greater part of his life near Jamestown, Pennsylvania. Mr. McMichael married (first)
Emily Burgess, and they became the parents of six children. The name of his second
wife has not come down to us.
(III) Jackson Burgess McMichael, son of John (2) and Emily (Burgess) McMichael, was born July 7, 1833, at Poland, Ohio, and received his early education in
local schools, afterward attending Westminster College and graduating from that
institution in r859 with the degree of Master of Arts. He next went to Xenia Seminary, and there, in I862, received the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. After spending a
number of years in filling a pastorate in Ohio, Mr. McMichael was called in I878 to
the presidency of Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ohio, a position which he filled until
1897. In that year he resigned in order that he might return to the parish he had left
nearly twenty years before and there, among constant and devoted friends, he passed
the remainder of his life. In politics he was a Republican, and as a young man had
had experience as a teacher, having, during one of his early pastorates, been an
instructor in Xenia Seminary.
Mr. McMichael married, October i6, I862, Mary, daughter of Dr. Thomas and
Jemima (Patterson) Hanna, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and their children were:
I. Thomas Hanna, born July IO, I863, in Greene county, Ohio, received his early education in local public schools, graduated in I886 from Monmouth College with the degree
62BIOGRAPHICAL
of Master of Arts, and in 1890 graduated from Xenia Seminary; after filling pastorates
at Spring Hill, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio, he became, in I904, president of Monmouth College, a position which he still retains; Mr. McMichael married, in 1890,
Minnie, daughter of Dr. David McDill, of Burlington, Iowa, and their children are:
Mary Lois, wife of George C. Vincent, of Washington, Pennsylvania; and David McDill, now taking post-graduate course at Harvard University. 2. John Charles, born
September 29, I865, in Greene county, Ohio, attended public schools of the neighborhood, graduated in I886 from Monmouth College, and in I892 became professor of
mathematics at the State Normal School, Indiana, Pennsylvania; then took a course in
medicine in the Western Reserve and Wooster University, graduating in I896 with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and has since been engaged in practice in Cleveland; he is a member of the County, State and National societies; Dr. McMichael married Ruby Richards. 3. William Jackson, mentioned below. 4. George Harold, deceased. 5. Mary Grace, also deceased. 6. James Starr Eekels. During the Civil War
Mr; McMichael served as a member of the Christian Commission. His death occurred
December 3I, I902, and his widow passed away September 2, I9I3. The Hanna record
is appended to this biography.
(IV) Rev. William  Jackson McMichael, son of Jackson Burgess and Mary
(Hanna) McMichael, was born November IO, I868, at Bellbrook, Ohio, and acquired
his early education in his native place. Subsequently he attended the public schools
of Monmouth, Ohio, and then entered Monmouth College, graduating in I888 with the
degree of Master of Arts. After teaching one year in Washington Academy, Salem,
New York,' Mr. McMichael entered upon a course of theological study, and in 1892
received from Xenia Seminary (Xenia, Ohio) the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. In
I913 Westminster College conferred upon him that of Doctor of Divinity. On completing his course of study, Dr. McMichael entered at once upon his life work. His
first pastorate was at Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, where he remained two years.
Next he took charge of a church at South Argyle, Washington county, New York,
this pastorate lasting eight years, and then, for about two years, he served in mission
work in Philadelphia. Thence he was recalled to his home congregation, near Dayton,
Ohio, and there he ministered for the ensuing five years. In I907 Dr. McMichael came
to Greensburg to take charge of the United Presbyterian Church, of which he has ever
since remained the pastor. His ministry has been frui'tful, the hearty co6peration and
close fellowship existing between pastor and people resulting in a united and therefore
strong and effective church. The principles of the Republican party are those to which
Dr. McMichael gives his political support, and in the affairs of the temperance cause
he takes an active and helpful interest. He is president of the County Ministerial Association, Westmoreland County Temperance Federation, and secretary of the board of
trustees of the Atkinson Young Men's Christian Association House of Greensburg,
Pennsylvania.
Dr. McMichael married (first) June I, 1892, Jennie, daughter of Robert Beatty, of
Salem, New York. Mrs. McMichael died March 29, 19o3, and Dr. McMichael mariried
(second) November I2, I904, Anna M., daughter of Jacob V. and Nanny (Brelsford)
Prugh. Mrs. McMichael is a woman of fine judgment and amiable disposition, admirably fitted to assist her husband in his pastoral work and to develop the social side of
the church life.
The most eloquent testimony to the influence exerted by a minister is that expressed by the simple fact of a long pastorate. The record of Dr. McMichael presents
this testimony and everything indicates that with the lapse of years it will gather constantly increasing clarity and force.
(The Hanna Line).
(I) John Hanna was the first ancestor of record.
(II) Thomas Hanna, son of John Hanna, was born October 4, I799, at North Buf63OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
falo, Washington county, where he received his preparatory education, afterward entering Jefferson College and graduating in I8i8. He then took up the study of theology
with Dr. Anderson, of Service, Pennsylvania, and in 1821 was ordained to the ministry.
Dr. Hanna filled several pastorates, resigning his charge at Cadiz, Ohio, in I849, and
shortly after taking charge of a church at Washington, Pennsylvania, where he served
during the remainder of his life. Dr. Hanna married (first) Jemima Patterson, and
their children were: Robert, Sarah, Mary, mentioned below; Joseph, Maria, James,
Matilda, and Thomas B. Mrs. t-Ianna passed away in I848, and Dr. Hanna married
(second) in I850, Sarah R. Foster. The death of Dr. Hanna occurred February 9,
I864. All his children are now also deceased.
(III)Mary Hanna, daughter of Thomas and Jemima (Patterson) Hanna, became
the wife of Jackson Burgess McMichael, as stated above. Mrs. McMichael, who was
a devoted wife and mother, was one of the latest survivors of a family of eight children, if she was not, indeed, the last to pass away. It can be truly said of her that
during the forty years of their union she was her husband's able co-adjutor in the work
of the ministry.
W. DICK HUNTER-A tax list of Mt. Pleasant township, Westmoreland county,
completed in I783, contains the name of John Hunter, great-great-grandfather of W.
Dick Hunter, nlow prothonotary of the county, son of John R., son of Jesse, son of
John Hunter, who came from Ireland about the middle of the eighteenth century. The
slow sailing vessel passage probably took the edge off his enthusiasm, at any rate he
did not remain long in Pennsylvania, but returned to Ireland at the first opportunity.
But the lure oi the New World again won him and he again came to Pennsylvania,
settling in Fulton county. Again he crossed the sea to Ireland and on his return to
Pennsylvania was accompanied by his family. Henceforth the Fulton county farm
was his home and there he lived, a prosperous farmer, and there he died.
Four of the sons of John Hunter, John, William, Alexander and David, crossed
the mountains on horseback to Westmoreland county, settling in Mt. Pleasant township, where descendants are numerous. John (2) Hunter bought a farm of two hundred acres, most of it virgin forest, but he carried forward the work of reclamation
until he had it all under cultivation. There he resided, a prosperous farmer, until his
death in I854, aged seventy-seven years. As he was too young to have been a taxpayer in I783, the John Hunter of the Mt. Pleasant tax list of that year must have been
his father, who added to his Fulton county lands a tract in Westmoreland. John (2)
Hunter was one of the progressive men of his day, active in the Presbyterian church
and in the development of the township. For over a quarter of a century he was an
elder of the Middle Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant, a thoroughly good man and
citizen. He had three wives, the last one, Rebecca (Hanson) Bell, widow of John Bell.
He had twelve children: Alexander, John, David, William, Barbara, Nancy, Hannah,
Jane, Sarah, Mary, Polly, and Jesse, of further mention.
Jesse Hunter, youngest of the twelve children of John (2) Hunter, was born January 28, 1827, died November I9, I897. He was born at the old Hunter homestead,
and there spent his active life a prosperous farmer. Later in life he moved to Greensburg, where he ended his days, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was
a life long member of the Presbyterian church, and from May IO, I862, when he was
elected ruling elder, until I885, he served the congregation in that capacity. In I885
he transferred his membership to Reunion Church of Mt. Pleasant, and on January
23, I887, was elected an elder of that congregation, serving until his removal to Greensburg in the autumn of I89I. There he joined Westminster Presbyterian Church at its
organization, December 3, I89i, and served as elder from that date until his death.
He was many times elected to represent his church in the State Synod, and in I876
was chosen as commissioner from his synod to the General Assembly of the Presby64BIOGRAPHICAL                                    65
terian Church held in Brooklyn, New York. The session of his church testified to
his usefulness by a series of resolutions and his memory is warmly cherished by his
many friends of the church and communities in which he lived.
He married Elizabeth Bell, daughter of John and Rebecca Bell, who bore him five
child-en: John R., of further mention; Harry E., deceased; James H., deceased;
Anna A., deceased; and Martha B., a missionary of the Presbyterian church, now in
charge of a mission school at Barranquilla, South America. Miss Hunter has been
engaged in missionary work for the past twenty-five years, three of which was spent
in Havana, Cuba, the remainder in work in South America.
John R. Hunter, eldest child of Jesse and Elizabeth (Bell) Hunter, was born at
the Hunter homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
September 13, 185I, and is now the owner of the homestead, but a resident of Greensburg. He was educated in the public schools and Elders Ridge Academy, and until
I892 engaged in farming exclusively. In addition to the homestead farm he bought
adjoining lands which, with the original farm, form a compact area of three hundred
acres. In 1892 he moved his residence to Greensburg and engaged in the real estate
business, although he still superintends the cultivation of his farms. He is a Republican in politics, and a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. John R. Hunter
married, September 17, 1I873, Anna B. Lobengier, daughter of John C. and Elizabeth
Lobengier, of Mt. Pleasant township. They are the parents of seven children, three of
whom are living: Lillian J., residing at home; Thomas L. and W. Dick. The deceased
are: Harry C., the first born; Robert J., Jesse, and Amy, the three youngest.
W. Dick Hunter, fourth child of John R. and Anna B. (Lobengier) Hunter, was
born at the Hunter homestead, Mt. Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, August 29, I881. He prepared for college in the grade and high schools of
Greensburg, then entered Washington and Jefferson College, whence he was graduated,
class of I9o6. H studied law under the direction of Bacon  Newell, of Greensburg,
and in I9IO was admitted to the Westmoreland bar. While a law student, he was
appointed deputy prothonotary of Westmoreland county, serving in that capacity from
January, I907, until his election to the office of prothonotary in November, I9I3. He
entered upon the duties of his office, January I, I9I4, and is the present efficient incumbent. He is a young man of keen mind and pleasing personality, has many warm
friends, and as from the past the future is predicted, he will go far in public and professional life. In addition to his official duties, Mr. Hunter superintends the cultivation of his farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Unity township. He is an ardent
Republican, member of college fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma; the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
JOHN MARTIN JAMISON-John Martin Jamison is a representative of a
family which has for many years been prominent in the affairs of Western Pennsylvania, and which is indeed to be numbered among the oldest of that State. It was
founded in this country by Francis Jamison, Sr., a native of Belfast county, Ireland,
who emigrated fromn the northern part of that country in the year I764, with his wife
and a family of four sons and two daughters. They came directly to Pennsylvania
and settled in Franklin county. The six children already mentioned were as follows:
John, who is mentioned below; Robert, Margaret, Rosanna, Marmaduke and Francis.
It was their eldest sons who first came to Westmoreland county, which has for so long
been the home of the family, and it was here, while visiting them that Mr. and Mrs.
Francis Jamison, Sr., met their death.
John Jamison, the son of Francis Jamison, Sr., was born in the year I749, and
spent the first twenty years of his life at his father's home. In I769, however, he came
w-5OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
with his brother Robert to Westmoreland county, where each took patent to about
three hundred acres of land. Robert Jamison's grant was located in Unity township
and his place is still in the possession of his descendants. John Jamison, on the other
hand, located in Hempfield township, but his homestead has passed out of the hands
of his descendants after remaining in their possession for more than a hundred,years
and now forms a part of the property of the Westmoreland Water Company, the original buildings, or their site, being now covered by the waters of the reservoir. In the
year I774 John Jamison was married to Janet Martin, a daughter of John Martin, of
Big Cove, Fulton county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Jafnison's life was a most romantic one,
she having been captured by the Indians in her early youth and rescued under circumstances the most perilous. To John Jamison and his wife the following children were
born: Francis, John, Hugh, who is mentioned below; Robert, Benjamin, James, Margaret, Janet, Mary and Martha. The old homestead was inherited by the two brothers,
Hugh and Janies, who. spent their life upon it.
Hugh Jamison, grandfather of John Martin Jamison, was born in I785, and lived
to the venerable age of eighty-eight years, his death occurring at the home of his son,
Robert S., in I873. During his entire life he followed the occupation of farming, and
he also taught for many years in the local public school. He was a soldier in the War
of I812, and was a man of prominence in the community. He married, in the year
I817, Jane Stuart, and they were the parents of the following children: John, born
in I8i8, died in I9o2; Daniel Stuart, born in 1822, died in I89I; Hugh Martin, who
went West and settled in Texas; Margaret J., who became a resident of Greensburg;
and Robert S., who is mentioned below.
Robert S. Jamison, youngest child of Hugh and Jane (Stuart) Jamison, was born
July I3, I835, near Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He received an education which was
very excellent considering the time and place, and spent his childhood on his father's
farm, where he was trained in the wholesome tasks incidental to farming life. He
had little more than attained his majority when he became a landholder in the community, and during the whole of his life he continued to farm his own land, although
he also devoted his attention to many other enterprises in connection with which he is
chiefly known. His taste for agriculture, however, remained unchanged and he was
recognized in the community as a leader in scientific methods for improving land. A
man of strong, progressive instincts, he carried them into the most conservative of all
callings, and was one of the first to introduce labor and time-saving machinery upon
his farm. He was also very successful in introducing new and better strains of live
stock, and he was one of the leading figures in the Westmoreland Agricultural Society,
which played so important a part in the life of the community, of which he was one
of the founders and its president for a number of years. But Mr. Jamison was living
at a time which saw the birth of an industry to which agriculture was destined to become secondary in importance, and he early in life recognized the opportunities which
awaited men of enterprise in the great coal and coke industry. The development of
the immense natural resources of the State in this direction had scarcely begun and
Mr. Jamison promptly availed himself of the opportunity to take a leading part.therein. In the year I88o he and a number of associates began the purchase of coal
land in Westmoreland county, and continued this process for a period of more than
twenty years, until they became the holders of an exceedingly extensive and valuable
tract. The event has justified these investments in the highest degree, all of which have
now become enormously valuable. But Mr. Jamison was not one of those men who
are content to sit back and let his investments multiply independently of his efforts.
On the contrary, he took a most extremely active part in the actual development of
the industry, and at the time of his death was president and one of the largest stockholders in the coal and coke company that bears his name and of which his son, the
Mr. Jamison, of this sketchl, is now the head. Robert S. Jamison was a conspicuous
66BIOGRAPHICAL
figure in the community in many of the departments of its life, and he was prominently
identified with church and social affairs. He was a member of the Second Reformed
Church of Greensburg and one of its officers for many years. He was married, December Io, I857, to Caroline Wible, who like himself was a native of Greensburg, and they
were the parents of ten children, as follows: Mary Emma, who died in I877; William
W.; Joseph Henry, who died in I865; John Martin, the subject of this sketch; Thomas
S., Charles M., Robert S., Hugh D., Richard H. and Jay C. The death of Mr. Jamnison, Sr., occurred on March I4, I903, at Redlands, California, where he had gone to
spend a few weeks on account of ill health. The death of his wife occurred at Greensburg, May 24, I905.
Born March 8, I864, at his father's home in Greensburg, John Martin Jamison, son
of Robert S. and Caroline (Wible) Jamison, spent his early life in his native place.
It was there that he received the preliminary portion of his education, attending the
local public schools for this purpose and he there was prepared for college. He then
entered Princeton University, from which he was graduated with the class of I887, having made up his mind in the meantime to adopt the law as his profession in life. With
this end in view, accordingly, he entered the office of Morehead  Head, the eminent
attorneys of Greensburg, and here read law for a year. His studies were conducted
to such good purpose that in I888 he was admitted to the Westmoreland county bar
and for a few years carried on the practice of his profession at Greensburg. It was
about this time, however, when the activities in which his father was engaged began
to develop to the great proportions which they afterwards assumed, and young Mr.
Jamison found that they offered an even greater realm for his abilities than the profession he had chosen. Accordingly, in I892, he became associated directly with his
father in the organization of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, of which concern
he was chosen secretary and treasurer. For eleven years he continued to hold this
double office and then, in I9o3, upon the death of his father, he succeeded him to the
presidency, an office which he has continued to hold continuously up to the present
time. The growth of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company has been a remarkable one
and amply reflects the great business talents and abilities of father and son. It began
in a small way and operated a single mine, while to-day it owns and operates twelve
large mines, which are included in some twenty thousand acres of the finest coal lands.
These mines are located in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and their operation gives
employment to between three thousand and three thousand and five hundred men. Of
this enormous enterprise, John Martin Jamison is the active head and his direction of
this great mass of'miscellaneous laborers is a tribute at once to his tact, his firmness
and his essential justice. His offices are maintained both at Greensburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
John Martin Jamison has not confined his activities to the conduct of his own
business, nor indeed to business even in its most general sense. He has, on the contrary, actively interested himself in the public affairs of the community and has played
a prominent part in politics. In the year I9o8 he was elected to represent Westmoreland county in the State Senate, and served in that body until 1912, taking a very
prominent part in legislation during that period. He was a member of a number of
important committees, including the judiciary committee, the highways committee and
the insurance committee, as well as others of less importance. He was also a member
of the public education committee. In the year I9o04 Mr. Jamison was sent as a delegate to the National Convention at Chicago which nominated Theodore Roosevelt for
the presidency, and he has always been a staunch supporter of the principles and policies stood for by the Republican party. Mr. Jamison is also a prominent figure in
the social and fraternal circles in Greensburg and is a member of Lodge No. 525,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Greensburg Country Club, the
67OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh, and other prominent organizations. In his religious
belief Mr. Jamison is affiliated with the Reformed church and attends the Second
Church of this denomination in Greensburg.
John Martin Jamison was united in marriage, February I, I893, with Hettie Barclay, a daughter of T. J. and Rebecca (Kuhns) Barclay. To them four children have
been born as follows: Carolyn, Isabel Barclay, Hettie Barclay and John Martin, Jr.
Among the various activities with which Mr. Jamison is connected should be mentioned the following: The Barclay Westmoreland Trust Company, the Tribune Publishing Compaijy of Greensburg, of both of which he is a director; the Westmoreland Hospital Association, of which he is a trustee; the Underwood fund, of which
he is also a trustee. He is also trustee of the Atkinson Memorial Home, which erected
and equipped the building now occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association.
Mr. Jamison resides in the Seventh Ward of Greensburg, where his handsome estate
is known as Eastgate. It forms a part of the old farm, upon which he was reared, and
is recognized as one of the most beautiful homes in the city.
LEVI PORTSER-The growth and development of a city depends largely upon
the character of its citizens, and to those men who live longest within its confines and
who devote their lives to developing their home cities, the greatest credit should be
given. Greensburg is greatly indebted to Levi Portser, who has spent a long and
useful career in the honorable discharge of commercial and civic duties. There is
scarcely a section of the city which does not show some sign of his activity.
Joshua Portser, the father of Levi Portser, born in York, York county, Pennsylvania, entered into business with his father, Christian Portser, who purchased a considerable tract of land north of Greensburg, and immediately upon their arrival in this
vicinity they began to improve this tract until it was in a condition to be sold at a
good profit. After concluding this sale they removed to Salem Cross Roads, which
was then known as Wilsonsburg, where Christian Portser purchased a large piece of
property. In this place he made his home until his death. In addition to farming he
followed the trade of cabinetmaker and was a mechanic of no mean ability. Throughout his life he was a member of the Lutheran church. He married Catherine Fishill.
Their son, Joshua Portser, took up the blacksmith trade in addition to farming and
established his smithy in Delmont. This proved a profitable undertaking for him, and
later in life he was able to purchase a farm where he spent the remainder of his life.
This property was located in Hempfield township, north of Greensburg, and his death
occurred in this place at the age of seventy-one years. His widow, who was a daughter of William Martz, survived him by several years, her death occurring at the age of
eighty. They were both members of the Lutheran church. They had a family of eight
children: Mary, married Simon Row; Jacob C., killed in the battle of Antietam, September I7, I862; William G., who married Hattie Job; Levi, of whom later; Matilda,
married Jacob Mainhart; Jeremiah D., served in the Civil War; Sarah A., who married James Orr; and Benjamin, who married Mary Doncaster.
Levi Portser is one of the most remarkable men in Greensburg in that he started
out with only the usual advantages of a country lad and has reached a position in his
community which places him high in business and banking circles. After spending his
early life on the home farm, receiving such education as is possible in a public school,
he left home at the age of twenty years to come to Greensburg to learn the plasterers'
trade. His apprenticeship lasted for about three years, but at the end of that time, finding that this would not give him the necessary advantages for the business talent which
he felt he could develop, he branched out into contracting, in which line he is still
engaged, although his many activities have made it necessary for him to leave the
active management of it in the hands of his employees. Through his building opera68BIOGRAPHICAL
tions he was brought into contact with real estate values in a most practical way, and
soon found he could increase his income by taking up real estate in addition to his
other work. There is perhaps no man in Greensburg who has done more to improve
its property than Mr. Portser. In fact, he had handled land in all parts of the city
and is at the present time owner of much valuable property, all of which has been
highly improved. For some years he has also been engaged in the coal business and
this gave him another chance to assist in the growth of a business enterprise. After
spending several years in developing coal properties in Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
and West Virginia, he found he could dispose of these holdings at very large profits
and was quick to take advantage of this opportunity.' Since I882 Mr. Portser has been
affiliated with the Building and Loan Company in Greensburg and since I888 president
of the company. He is also director in the Merchants' Trust Company of Greensburg
and the Westmoreland National Bank, and both of these institutions are greatly
indebted to him for his keen judgment and generous advice. In politics he is an Independent, having been raised a Whig. Throughout his life it has been his belief that
in politics one should be guided by principle rather than by party. He has held the
office of burgess of East Greensburg, was a member of the school board, and for the
last seven years has been assessor of the Seventh Ward of Greensburg. In addition
to his many business connections he has found time for some social activities, and is
an honorable member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 225, of Greensburg, and Kedran Commandery, No. I8; also Olivet Council, No. I3.
On June 5, 1870, he was married to Isabella Cochran, whose death occurred in
1903. They had six children: I. Robert K., an attorney; graduated from Princeton
in the class of I894; served in the Philippines as corporal in Company I during the
Spanish-American War; resides at home. 2. Idin M., physician and surgeon of Greens
burg, having graduated from the University of Bucknell and also from the University
of Pennsylvania, and who married Jeannette Sarver, and has two children. 3. Carrie
B., who married Joseph W. Steel, of Greensburg, a farmer and stockman; four children: Joseph W., Isabella, Levi, and Caroline. 4. Bessie V., who is at home. 5.
Wallace W., assistant supervisor of the Pennsylvania railroad at Mifflin, Pennsylvania,
married a Miss Culp. 6. Edwinna, who died in infancy.
In looking back over Mr. Portser's life as plasterer, soldier in the Civil War, contractor, real estate dealer, coal operator and banker, we find a man whose activities
have been varied, but his success has always been sure. This has been due to his strict
perseverance, integrity and the trust in which he is held by the members of his community.
CHARLES B. HOLLINGSWORTH--Four generations of Hollingsworths have
contributed to the upbuilding of Westmoreland county, the founder, John Hollingsworth, coming from Massachusetts and making settlement in the Ligonier Valley. He
was followed by his son, Charles Hollingsworth, a cabinetmaker, he by his son, Seymour C. Hollingsworth, a contractor and builder, yet a resident of Derry, and he by
his son, C. B. Hollingsworth, of the Westmoreland county bar, residing in Greensburg.
John Hollingsworth was a son of John L. and Rosina (Eldridge) Hollingsworth, was
a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and served under General Arthur St. Clair, on his
unfortunate expedition in Ohio. He resided on his farm in the Ligonier Valley until
over eighty years of age. He was twice married and had issue by both wives.
Charles Hollingsworth, son of John Hollingsworth, and his second wife, was born
in the State of Maryland, in I815, and died in the Ligonier Valley, August 9, I849. He
was reared a farmer, but later learned cabinetmaking and pursued his calling throughout the length and breadth of the Ligonier Valley. He married Rosanna Steinberger,
who bore him two children.
r--OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Seymour C. Hollingsworth, son of Charles and Rosanna (Steinberger) Hollingsworth, was born March 2I, I84I, and is now (I916) living retired in Derry, Pennsylvania. He learned the trade of carpenter and as contractor and builder erected many
buildings, public and private. In I86I he enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until honorably discharged at the close of the
war in I865. He was taken prisoner by the enemy on one occasion, but made his escape
the following day. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a man
highly esteemed. He married (first) Susanna Smith, died March I, I873, daughter of
Jacob Smith, of Derry township. She left two sons, Charles B., who is of further
mention, and Alvar S., now of Derry, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hollingsworth married (second) Elizabeth Liggett, who died in I891, leaving four children: May, married Londa
Leith, of Pittsburgh; Irene K.; Seymour E., now of Jeanette, Pennsylvania; Nelson
I,., now of Derry, Pennsylvania. He married (third) Winona Strickler.
Charles B. Hollingsworth, son of Seymour C. Hollingsworth, and his first wife,
Susanna (Smith) Hollingsworth, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, but when young
was brought to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where his life has been spent.
After complete courses in the public schools he entered Washington and Jefferson College, there completing his studies. After leaving college he entered the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, serving twelve years in a clerical capacity, and as
agent at New Haven, Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Deciding to enter professional
life he began the study of law under the direction of Walkinshaw  Banks, continuing
a law student until I896, when he was admitted to the Westmoreland county bar. He
at once began practice in Greensburg, continuing until his enlistment for service in the
war against Spain., After a year of military duty at home and abroad he returned to
Greensburg and resumed practice. Soon afterward he formed a law partnership with
H. E. Marker, practicing as Marker  Hollingsworth until 1913 in all State and Federal courts of the district. In 1913 Robert E. Best was admitted a partner, but without change of firm rUame, the location of their offices is the Coulter building. The firm
has a high standing at the Westmoreland bar, and in legal affairs is considered among
the leaders. Mr. Hollingsworth is a member of the various bar associations, and is
warmly regarded by his professional brethren as well as by his large clientele. During
the Spanish-American War he served with Company I, Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania
National Guard, enlisting as a private, returning with the rank of sergeant. He saw
service with the regiment in the Philippines, stationed at Manila, covering a period oi
about one year. A Democrat in politics, he has rendered his party yeoman service as
chairman of the county committee three terms, and as a member of the council served
well the interests of the entire borough. He is a member of the Presbyterian church;
is a governor of the Greensburg County Club; member of the Oakmont Country Club,
and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Hollingsworth married, October 22, 1901, Lucie Freeman, daughter of John
and Rebecca Freeman. The family home is at No. 626 North Maple avenue, Greensburg.
PHILIP KUHNS SHANER-In calling attention to the legal galaxy of the
Westmoreland bar, fairness suggests special reference to him whose name introduces
these memoirs. From the date of his birth (October 2I, I875) until now, Philip Kuhns
Shaner has known no other hearthside than Greensburg. Thus it follows that it was
here he received his early school training, graduating from the high schools in I894,
and later matriculating at Washington and Jefferson. Here he vigorously pursued his
studies for three years, at that time deciding on fitting himself for the practice of the
law, and in I897 entered the office of C. C. Crowell as his preceptor, and was admitted
to practice in i899. The rank he has taken and won in his profession needs no quali70BIOGRAPHICA I,
fying or eulogy from the historian, for it is already ineffaceably stamped on the court
records of old Westmoreland, and while his practice is of a general character, he perhaps is most widely known as a criminal lawyer, and his successes have not gone unnoticed throughout Western Pennsylvania. In I912 he was selected as attorney for
the county controller, an honor conferred and enjoyed up to this time. He is also
retained as counsel for the Westmoreland'National Banking'House, a post of responsibility and exactness. In political creed he is a Republican, though his professional
obligations -and allegiance take precedence. Fraternally he is connected with, and
prominent in, the social club life of Greensburg and elsewhere, holding membership
in the Union and Americus clubs of Pittsburgh, and in various social organizations of
his home city.
His parents were Neri and Dollie Shaner, both natives of Westmoreland county,
with which the family have been identified for more than a century.
Philip Kulins Shaner was united in marriage, December 31, I9OI, at Greensburg,
with Flo R. McCormick, a native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Dr.
John and Anna D. McCormick, old and highly respected residents of that place. To
Mr. and Mrs. Shaner three children have been born: Helen McCormick, Mary Elizabeth and Philip Kuhns, Jr.
HENRY  HARRISON  NULL-W ith the passing of Henry Harrison Null,
Greensburg's oldest resident, a most remarkable career, one that was begun in the early
years of the nineteenth century and ended in the budding of the twentieth century, terminated. But if nothing were written of him further than to say that he was a nonagenarian, Westmoreland's pages of history would not give him  the prominence he
deserves nor award him the proud position among her honored native sons so justly
due him. He was not a public official, yet he was a public character, and from the
ordinary affairs of life gained prominence.  For a quarter of a century he was a
wagoner on the different old turnpikes and often, with a six-horse team, hauled heavy
loads East and West. He had accomplished the achievements' of an ordinary lifetime
before making, in 1872, his home in Greensburg. To the last he retained almost unimpaired every faculty, and the giant intellect with which God so graciously had endowed
him, never, even in his declining years, failed to manifest itself, to the wonder and
admiration of his friends whose pleasure it was to listen to his powerful reasoning and
forceful, convincing logic. The generous, old-fashioned hospitality of his distinguished
forefathers remained as one of his chief characteristics and never will be forgotten by
those to whom it was extended. He was the soul of honor, abhorred deceit, and was
absolutely fearless in expressing his firm, unwavering convictions. It is not known that
he ever wronged, in the slightest, his fellow-man. Volumes could be written of his
tireless energy, of his keen and unerring foresight, of his sound judgment, of his
humane instincts, of his varied experiences as boy and man, of his failures and successes. He was tried by every test of character, yet he closed his life without staining
the pages of his record by unworthy deed. As a husband and father no more devoted
and affectionate man ever lived. As a friend and neighbor he was true as the needle
to the pole and kind-hearted and obliging in a marked degree. As a man of honor
and integrity his word never was doubted, his every action being as plain and open as
the noonday sun, and he fully met every demand of friendship and citizenship.
Mr. Null was a grandson of Captain P.hilip' Null, whose ancestors came from
Alsace-Lorraine.  Philip Null was born at Wrightsville, York county, Pennsylvania,
in 1752, and died at Point Pleasant, Virginia, in I834, being stricken with cholera while
on his way to visit his son, Henry Null, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. When
the mutterings of war preceding the Revolution were heard in Pennsylvania, he enlisted
in I775 in Captain George Hudson's company, associated battalions of Lancaster county,
and in I777 was a private in the First Associated Battalion, Fourth Company, com7I72                   OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
manded by Captain George Null. In I780 he went to North Carolina, settling at Lincolnton. There he again entered the army, attaining the rank of captain of militia.
He participated in the battle of Camden, fought in August, I78o, between Generals
Gates and Cornwallis, and was in the memorable two weeks' retreat after that battle
which was a defeat for the Colonials. He was with General Marion at the battle of
Cowpens, and was with him during that period of depression when the fires of Liberty
were burning very low save in those Carolina swamps. The records of North Carolina
in the Revolution were carried away or destroyed during the Civil War, and further
official record of his service is impossible.
Captain Philip Null married, in I782, Margaret Beauchamp, who died in I826.
She was a daughter of Pierre Beauchamp, a native of France with the rank of Count,
who was a resident of Rockingham county, Virginia. After the Revolution, Captain
Null and his family spent several years in that neighorhood, but in the year I8oo they
crossed the mountains to Pennsylvania, locating on the farm which is now the site of
St. Joseph's Academy at Greensburg. They resided several years on the farm on the
Sewickley known as the Colonel John T. Fulton farm. Later Captain Null returned
to Virginia with his three younger children and took up sixteen hundred acres in Putnam county on warrants issued to him on account of his services as an officer of the
Revolution. His son, Henry, and two married daughters remained in Westmoreland
county, and his grandson, Henry Harrison Null, is authority for the statement that in
1828 Captain Null came from Virginia to visit his son Henry. "He was then an aged
man and walked with a cane. I remember him well." It was from the lips of his
grandfather that Henry Harrison Null obtained the information concerning his military experiences in North Carolina as herein set forth. Children of Captain Philip and
Margaret (Beauchamp) Null: Henry, of further mention; Sarah, became the wife of
Christopher Harold, of VWestmoreland county, Pennsylvania; Julia, became the wife of
Jacob Saddler, of Westmoreland county; Gloria, became the wife of Ludwick Otterman, of Greensburg, from whom the street, Otterman, and borough, Ludwick, were
named; Philip, Jr., settled in Virginia with his father in what is now Putnam county,
West Virginia.
Henry Null, eldest son of Captain Philip and Margaret (Beauchamp) Null, was
born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, April 24, I783, and died in East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 9, I845. He settled in East Huntingdon township, when nineteen years of age, locating near Peter Pool's farm, which
is now Ruffsdale.' He was a farmer, but later became a contractor and founder of
various enterprises. His first contract was for a section of the Pennsylvania canal in
Indiana county, and later he built other sections. He built two and a half miles of
pike east of Williamsport, now Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, for the Washington
 Williamsport Turnpike Company, and completed the road to Washington. -He built
other sections of the National Pike; built the Washington  Bedford Pike, of which
he was one of the organizers and charter members; was for years a director of the
Middle Division of that highway; secured a charter for a cross-pike to connect the
Philadelphia  Pittsburgh Pike with the Washington  Bedford Pike and built a
pcrtion of that road; secured a charter for a road from "McKean's Old Stand," near
Ruffsdale, to Circleville, then known as Larimer, a distance of thirteen miles, building most of that road himself. In I836 he, in company witb Samuel Pool and others,
pelitioned to the Legislature to have survey made for a railroad from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh, via. Chambersburg. He also aided in procuring the first charter for slack
water navigation on the Y7oughiogheny river, owned two thousand acres of good farm
land, and was very active in business and public life. After permanently locating at
"McKean's Old Stand," in East Huntingdon township, he established in I828 a post
ofFcea by that name. He was candidate for the State Assembly in 1822 and 1829, and
delegate to the convention'which named General William Henry Harrison for presiBIOGRAPHICAL,
dent. He was most hospitable. He was held in high esteem, and both he and his wife
were members of the Lutheran church. He was one of the early men of Westmoreland
who laid the foundation for her twentieth century greatness, and when he laid down
the management of his affairs in I845, he had trained a capable son to continue his
vocation. He was an old-line Whig and Abolitionist.
Henry Null married, February 20, T804, Elizabeth Pool, of Reading, Pennsylvania,
born April 24, 1784, died January I9, I873. She was a daughter of Christopher Pool,
of Revolutionary ancestors, who later settled in Hempfield township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Null, a woman of strong character, survived her husband
twenty-eight years. They were the parents of a large family noted for longevity,
most of them living to be over eighty. The sons were noted for their strictly temperate
habits. Children: Joseph, married (first) Ellen Reagen, of Reagentown; (second)
Esther Myers, niece of Judge Lobinger and daughter of Michael Myers, of Mt. Pleasant township; Jonathan, married (first) Anna Mary Seanor, daughter of Michael
Seanor, II., of Grapeville, (second). Mary Seanor, daughter of Adam Seanor, of New
Alexandria; Jacob, married Mary Billheimer, of East Huntingdon township; Catherine, became the wife of William Ruff, for whom Ruffsdale is named, son of Anthony
Ruff, of Mt. Pleasant township; Henry Harrison, of further mention; Andrew Jackson, married (first) Matilda Ruff, daughter of John Ruff, of Hempfield township,
(second) Lucinda Robinson, daughter of Thomas Robinson, of Rostraver township;
Philip, drowned at the age of twenty-five year's in attempting to rescue his cousin,
John Pool; Jemima, died in infancy; Keziah, married (first) J. Mechling, and (second) John Sloan, of East Huntingdon township; Francis Marion, married Christina
Ruff, daughter of Daniel Ruff; who survived her husband and all others of those above
mentioned; she is now (I9I7) eighty-five years of age. Christopher Pool, father of
Mrs. Henry Null, came from the north of Germany, having gone there from England.
In I75o he located at Reading, Pennsylvania, on land purchased from the Pelns. Later
the Pools settled in Hempfield township, the Null-Pool Family Association having been
formed from the hundreds of descendants of Captain Philip Null and Christopher
Pool. The Nulls and Beauchamps, French Huguenots, came to America on account'of religious persecution, and it is of interest to know that the religious trait was
dominant in all the seven sons of Henry Null.
Henry Harrison Null, fourth son of Henry and Elizabeth (Pool) Null, was born
near Ruffsdale, East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February I6, I8I5, and died in Greensburg, W\estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May I6,
I905. He grew up on the farm and early began his association with his honored father
in his turnpike building and contracting activities. He once said: "I worked as a cart
boy on the half mile of pike near the Monongahela river. I forded the river often
before there was ever a bridge of any kind on that river. My father built a large culvert on the section near the river and I had the pleasure of leading the first horse that
ever crossed it.", He was in Greensburg in I825, when it was a small village. He
worked with his father in building the Portage canal, and when fifteen years of age
crossed the Allegheny mountains to Bedford during the deepest snowfall known for
half a century. In the summer he assisted in building operations with his father, and
in winter months, after he attained suitable age, hauled goods east and west to Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, driving a six-horse team drawing a heavily-loaded
Conestoga wagon. He made two trips to Philadelphia with a drove of horses and
often told of the great droves of cattle, hogs, and even turkeys, he saw being driven
to the Philadelphia market from Western Pennsylvania. At the age of thirty, upon
the death of his father, Henry Iharrison Null, inherited the old homestead at "McKean's
Old Stand," near Bethany, now Ruffsdale. For many years he served as postmaster,
cultivated the farm, served for a time as revenue officer and was one of the promoters of the Wellersburg  West Newton Plank Road Oompany. He was very
73OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
active in business affairs and until 1872 continued his business headquarters at the
homestead.
In 1872 Mr. Null moved with his family to Greensburg and there opened the Null
House. He was the proprietor until his death. He was very popular with his patrons,
was known far and near, and won the regard of all who patronized the house. With
his son, S. Freemont Null, and others, he owned and operated the J. D. Boyd Coal
Company at Smock, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, until its purchase by the United
States Steel Company. He was president of the Robbstown  Mt. Pleasant Turnpike
Company, which operated the road extending from  the bank of the Monongahela
river, opposite Williamsport, through Robbstown (XVest Newton) to Mt. Pleasant, a
distance of twenty-two miles. The first section was built by Henry Null, and about
the year I865 Henry Harrison Null became president and manager of the company,
continuing as such for forty years. He retained his controlling interest until his last
years.
Mr. Null was a great reader and one of the best informed men on public events
in the county. He was very liberal in his views and very outspoken in his support or
opposition of any matter of public interest. He was opposed to capital punishment,
was in favor of woman suffrage, advocated freedom of thought and conscience, was
humane, generous and public-spirited, ready and willing to aid a good cause or an individual need. From the year i856 he kept a diary, recording each day's happenings with
an accuracy particularly valuable to historians, as the diaries contain a wealth of interesting facts. He loved to talk of the "olden time" when Westmoreland was in the
making; of the building of roads, bridges and canals; of the glories of the "Old Pike,"
and of the noted men who were entertained at the "Old Stand" by his father and himself. The visit of Henry Clay with his four white horses, each bearing an American
flag, often was told, and he was a recognized authority on public happenings.
Like his father, Mr. Null was an ardent Whig, casting his first vote for General
Harrison in I836. He took an active interest in the affairs of the Whig party and
supported each candidate of the party until I856, when he voted for General John C.
Fremont, the first candidate of the Republican party for President. He voted for
every Republican candidate from Fremont to Roosevelt, casting his last vote in November, I904, Roosevelt making the eighteenth Presidential candidate for whom he
had voted.. He'was a candidate for commissioner in I863. He had a great regard for
President Lincoln, this regard only being excelled by his regard for the Union, for
which he was willing to make any sacrifice, expending untiring energy in its behalf
and contributing liberally of his means when necessary. He was firm in his support
of political friends and he never declined a political debate. The years of the last
decade of his life were happy ones, happy in his family whom he saw well settled in
life with children and grandchildren of their own, happy in the respect and esteem
of his fellow-men of city and county, and happy in the satisfaction which comes
from a knowledge of duty well performed.  He played well his part in the upbuilding of a State, and, although he was not one of those whose names prominently
appear, no man more honorably filled his station in life, no man was actuated by a
higher sense of honor, and no man left a brighter record for integrity, generosity, diligence or morality.
Mr. Null married, July I, I845, Eleanor Dom, born December I7, 1825, died December 28, I904. She was the eldest daughter of Philip and Margaret (Gerhardt)
Dom, of Wellersburg, Somerset county, Pennsylvania. Early in life she became a
member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, and her children, over whom she
exerted a wonderful influence, "rise up and call her blessed." She came a young and
beautiful bride to the homestead at "McKean's Old Stand" in I845. The golden anniversary of their marriage was celebrated in I895, and for nine years longer she was
the kind and loving mother, the adored grandmother, the devoted wife and constant
74BIOGRAPHICAL                                  74a
Note-After the former sketch was written and printed, the sad news came that
Henry Harrison Null was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice on the battle
front in Europe.
HENRY HARRISON NULL-He was the son of Millard F. and Charlotte B.
Null, of Greensburg, and was a grandson of the well remembered late Henry Harrison Null, whose honored name he bore. He was born in Ruffsdale, on October 3,
1893. In IgoI his parents moved to Greensburg, and there he attended school and
grew to manhood. He was a member of the graduating class of 1912 of the Greensburg High School. The natural bent of his mind led him into drafting and architectural work. After spending considerable time in studying these branches, he
secured employment in the office of the county road engineer. In the fall of I913
he entered the Carnegie Technical Institute in Pittsburgh, where he remained one
year. He then, through his own efforts entirely, secured an appointment in the
United States Geological Survey Department, and was sent to do field work in
Michigan, after which he was transferred to do work in Oregon and other North
Pacific States. He remained there until he was called from that work because of
serious illness in his father's family. Remaining in Greensburg but a short time, he
then secured employment in one of the department offices of the Jones  Laughlin
Steel Company of Pittsburgh. There he was actively employed until the fall of
I917, when he enlisted as a private in the headquarters company of the Tenth (generally known as the "Fighting Tenth") Regiment.
On September 7 he, with other young men from Greensburg, bade good-bye to
his -friends and entrained with the regiment for Camp Hancock, at Augusta, Georgia.
Shortly after his enlistment he was made an orderly at company headquarters. He
remained with the regiment in Augusta until the following April, when they were
transferred to Camp Merritt, near New York, and were united with the Twentyeighth Division, now known in the great World War as the "Iron Division." On
May 3 they embarked for France. Landing in England, they were hurried across
the English Channel, and being part of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and
having been thoroughly drilled at Augusta, they were soon placed on the front line
of battle.
It will be remembered in this connection that the duties of an orderly require
him to carry messages from one commanding officer to another, and are most hazardous, indeed, and call for active young men of undaunted courage, of quick decision, and of unerring judgment. They must carry messages and carry them over an
unknown country,-messages directing the methods of attack, messages or great
importance, which would be. of untold value to the enemy, and are frequently compelled to carry them.in the night time and without lights to guide them. On account
of the restrictions and censorship of the army, little is known of his personal service
in this line of duty, but his friends have the consciousness of knowing that his
services were eminently satisfactory to his commanders.
Late in July, I918, in the battle of the Orcqu, which was a continuation of the
second battle of the Marne, the American forces were in the first line of battle and
were contending for the possession of the hills and woods east of Courmont near
Chateau-Thierry. These positions were of great strategic value to the enemy in
their position on the eastern side of the Marne, and the German forces only relinquished them after several days of bitter contest. Through the heroic work of the
American forces, the Germans were gradually pushed back, and were finally on July
30 forced to a hasty retreat. This greatly aroused the wrath of the Germans, and
they began to shell most violently all the regions occupied by the pursuing American forces. They were using high explosive shells of large caliber. The regimental
headquarters were in a stone building, and both Henry Harrison Null and his companion, even from his youth, Edward H. Bair, Jr., were on duty in the afternoon at
headquarters. A highly explosive shell of large caliber struck the building and comOLD AND NEW~ WESTMORELAND
pletely wrecked it. Both Null and Bair and fourteen others, including some German
prisoners, were killed, while many were wounded.
We cannot forbear in this connection to quote from a letter written by Captain
Charles Schall, chaplain of the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment and pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. The letter was written to his parents
-and bears date August 5, I918, and it says, among other things:
* * * Harrison was killed on July 30, about 3:30 p. m. He and I were very intimate in the work over here, and I mourn his death with great sorrow. I was not a
great distance from the building when it was wrecked and ran over immediately.
Harrison's body and that of Edward Bair were soon recovered and I buried them
side -by side as soon as preparation could be made. Their graves are near Courmont
and overlook a beautiful part of France. Your son was full of devotion to his work
and was doing it most efficiently. He is the first member of our church in the service up to this time to pass to the great Beyond.
In a letter to his aunt, written some time before his death, he had the precision
and fortitude to write the following words:
I desire to recommend-the army for any one, I care not who he is. The experience is wonderful and I would not be without it. I believe every soldier here has
the proper feeling. They are not worrying -over what may happen, but worrying
for fear they will not have a hand in bringing about the victory we are sure to secure.
The day Henry Harrison Null enlisted, a brother, M. F. Null, Jr., a graduate of
Washington and Lee University, Virginia, enlisted in another organization in Pittsburgh. Later he was sent to Fort McPherson, at Atlanta, Georgia. When he arrived
there he was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Ordnance Department, and from
there was sent to Peoria, Illinois, thence to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and thence to Aberdeen proving ground in Maryland, and is now at Raritan Arsenal, New Jersey.
Henry Harrison Null was, as indicated above, since I9o09 a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. He was also a member of the Greensburg
County Club, and took a great interest both in the religious and social work of his
home town. In statue he was about six feet, was very active and quick in his movements and rather slenderly built, though a young man of perfect health. Nature had
been generous to him by giving him an unusually bright and cheerful disposition.
He looked always on the glowing side of life, and was greatly admired by those with
whom he associated on account of his splendid temperament and his uprightness of
character.
Thus, when he had scarcely reached the years of manhood, his life was ended.
Bred to industry and economy, depending not on the influences which wealth can
bring, but rather on his own ability and energy, he had already made his mark in the
world and had before him every prospect of a successful and happy life.
74bBIOGRAPHI CAL
companion. Even after the fiat had gone forth, she fought heroically against death
that she might continue to minister to him who had for so long been her strong arm
of support. Gentle, kind and considerate, she left a precious memory.
Henry Harrison and Eleanor (Dom) Null were the parents of three sons and six
daughters: 1. Marietta, married (first) June 20, I867, Andrew Yont, a merchant,
who died March 3, I869, at the age of twenty-three years, leaving a son, Harry Null
Yont, former prothonotary of Westmoreland county and now a practicing attorney at
the bar of that county; married Emma Sander Reeves, of Altoona, Pennsylvania; she
married (second) May 27, I875, John J. Houseman, of Greensburg, and had a son,
Lewis Sutton Houseman, who died aged three years. 2. Minerva, married, November
23, I885, Joseph W. Hough, treasurer of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and had two
sons: Henry Harrison Null Hough,. now with the Western Maryland Railroad Company, and Gerhardt F. Hough, a graduate of Waynesburg College, now a law student.
3. Josephine, married, June I2, I874, John Dempsey Boyd, a civil and mining engineer,
and has children: Harrison Null Boyd, superintendent of II. C. Frick Coke Company,
married Eliza McCullogh, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Burgess Beauchamp Boyd,
superintendent of the H. C. Frick Coke Company at Hostetter, Pennsylvania, married
Anna, daughter of O. W. Kennedy, of Uniontown, Peinsylvania; Paul William Boyd,
died aged three years; Logan Dempsey Boyd, coke inspector at Clairton, Pennsylvania, married Osie Rich, of Greene county, Pennsylvania; Josephine Null Boyd,
married Harold D. North, a manufacturer at Cleveland, Ohio. 4. Millard Filmore,
surveyor, mining engineer, superintendent, prothonotary of Westmoreland county,
I90I-07; married, March 29, I877, Charlotte Bennett, daughter of William and Frances
(Bennett) Bell, her father sheriff of Westmoreland county, I862-65, son of Walter and
Polly (Finley) Bell, and grandson of Andrew and Jane Finley, of Scotch ancestry,
Andrew Finley a soldier of the Revolution, came from North Carolina; Mr. and
Mrs. Millard Filmore Null are the parents of Charles McCully Null, accountant with
the Keystone Coal and Coke Company; Walter Bennett Null, accountant with the
American Sheet and Tin Plate Company, married Mary Durstine, of Scottdale, Pennsylvania; Eleanor Dom  Null, married Edgar F. Lawrence, assistant superintendent
of the Corapolis Glass Works; Millard Filmore Null, Jr., coal broker; Genevieve Null;
Galia Minota Null, a teacher, and Henry Harrison Null, II., was with the United
States Geological Survey in the West, now with the Jones-Laughlin Company, of
Pittsburgh. 5. Jessie Benton, married Samuel Alwine, of the Keystone Coal and Coke
Company, and has children: Eleanor Elizabeth Alwine, married John F. Whiteley,
of London, England, now chief inspector for the Fidelity and Casualty Company,
Cincinnati, Ohio; Jessie Marguerite Alwine, married Edward Colston Taylor, president and general manager of the Fire Creek Smokeless' Fuel Coal'Company, Lego,
West Virginia; George Huff Alwine, married Helen Keenan, of Omaha, Nebraska,
and now a contractor of that city; Zita Marie Alwine, married Edward A. Cremer,
register of wills of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; Samuel Vincent Alwine,
married Mary Potts, of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, assistant superintendent of the
H. C. Frick Coke Company at Brownsville, Pennsylvania; Henry Harrison Null
Alwine, unmarried, assistant superintendent of the Fire Creek Smokeless Fuel Coal
Company, Lego, West Virginia; Cyril Beauchamp Alwine, a salesman, married Bertha
Theobald, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 6. Sumner Fremont, retired, residing in
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 7. Edwina, married (first) December Io, I885, Dr. Smith
Fuller, Jr., of Uniontown, Pennsylvania; (second) J. Clark Work, president judge of
the Orphans' Court of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. 8. Eleanor Nevada, residing in
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 9. Henry Harrison, Jr., superintendent of the Keystone
Coal and Coke Company, married Elsie Roth, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, a greatgranddaughter of Christian Roth, a soldier of the Revolution; their children are:
Henry Harrison Null III., and Anna Josephine Null. Through the patriotism of their
7 O6OLD AND NEW WESTMOREI,AND
great grandsire, Captain Philip Null, his descendants are eligible to the societies of
the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, and many of this branch are
prominent in these organizations. The family is identified with the Presbyterian
church. The impiress of charity, liberal education and genuine hospitality are marked
characteristics of the entire Null family.
Mlargaret (Gerhardt) Dom, mother of Mrs. Henry H. Null, was a daughter of
Casper and Catharine (Hentz) Gerhardt. Catharine Hentz was the second daughter
of Sir John Jacob Hentz, who was an Artiman, the custodian of all public records and
recorder of the town of Beuren, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He was a fine musician,
being musical director of the town, a gentleman not only of rank, but of high personal
character. He married Elnora Krauch, who bore him a son, Henry Adam Hentz, and
three daughters. One of them, Catharine, married Casper Gerhardt, whose daughter,
Margaret, married Philip Dom, a contractor. The latter's daughter, Eleanor, married
Henry Harrison Null. After the marriage of Catharine Hentz to Casper Gerhardt,
they came in I8I9 to the United States, and located in Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsylvania.
JOHN H. ALLEMAN, Ph. D.-As an educator Dr. Alleman, superintendent of
schools, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has taken rank with the most progressive, and
covets for Greensburg preeminence among the schools of the State for aggressiveness,
particularly in those modern branches, domestic science and manual training. He came
to Greensburg in December, I9II, from Dubois, Pennsylvania, fully equipped with
the learning of college and with experience as a teacher which began in his seventeenth
year. But beyond his ability and his experience is the spirit of the educator, striving
with all its poWer to break down the spirit of conservatism and often indifference of
a community and to make the public schools a greater force and blessing to the young.
Since coming to Greensburg he has added a first-class commercial department and
hopes to add an agricultural course with proper buildings and lands for all. He is
doing much and hoping' for much more in the years to come.
Dr. Alleman is a great-grandson of John Alleman, a miller of northern Lebanon
county, Pennsylvania, and later a farmer of the same locality. His son, Henry Alleman, was a lifelong farmer of northern Lebanon county; married a Miss Killinger
and reared a large family, all communicants of the Evalngelical church. Their son,
John Alleman, was born in North Annville township, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania,
and there grew to manhood and spent the active years of his life as a farmer. He
served the township as supervisor of roads for sixteen years, and was one of the
progressive, substantial men of his community. When many years added their weight
he retired from the farm and now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He married
Elizabeth Backenstose.
John H. Alleman, son of John and Elizabeth (Backenstose) Alleman, was born
at the home farm in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1866. After completing public school courses in the district school, he entered Palatinate, now Albright,
College, Myerstown, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Science, class
of I89o. During the succeeding ten years he taught and studied, completing his college
training at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated
Bachelor of Arts, class of Igoo. At the age of seventeen years Mr. Alleman first began
teaching, and from that time until the present he has been engaged in educational work,
either in adding to his own learning in college or in imparting instruction to others. The
only break in this service was one year's service as teller for the Lebanon National
Bank. For five years he was principal of the schools of Palmyra, Pennsylvania; for
two years principal of the Advanced Grammar Schools of Lebanon, Pennsylvania;
assistant principal of Lebanon High School; supervising principal of th'e schools of
Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, for three years; superintendent of schools at Dubois.
76BIOGRAPHICAL
Pennsylvania, nine and one-half years; and since I9II has been superintendent of
Greensburg public schools. It is a matter of high compliment to Dr. Alleman that
Dubois, after allowing a matter of salary to deprive them of his services, has recently
made a strenuous effort to again secure his services, even advancing their offer beyond
the figure which would have retained him. As in his other positions, Dr. Alleman has
wrought vast improvement in the efficiency of Greensburg schools, working along the
most modern educational lines with the means at his command and striving to bring
the people to a higher conception of its duty to the youth of the city. In I909 he
received from Wesleyan University of Illinois the degree Doctor of Philosophy after
completing courses in philosophy, pedagogy, psychology and ethics, covering a period
of four years of study. He is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of his work, efficiency
is his slogan, and hard work his gospel. He is interested in the work of'the Teachers'
Institute and assists in whatever way he can in Westmoreland and other county institutes. He is a member of the First Reformed Church of Greensburg, and a valued
worker in the Sunday school, teaching a Bible class which has an enrollment of over
two hundred members, one of the largest Bible classes of the county. He is a member of several societies, educational and scientific, belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons
of America, of Lebanon, and is interested in all that appeals to a man of culture and
modern tendencies.
Dr. Alleman married, December 24, I887, Gertrude E. Smith, daughter of Cyrus
J. and Elizabeth (Heilman) Smith, of Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Children: John H.
and May, both graduates of Greensburg High School.
CHARLES EDWARD WHITTEN-Charles E. WVhitten is a prominent member of the Westmoreland bar. Alexander and Elizabeth (Martin) Whitten, the founders of the family in America, were of Scotch-Irish parentage. Alexander Whitten was
born in Ireland and came to this country when seventeen years of age. He was a
miller by trade and soon became foreman of the old City Flour Mill, of Pittsburgh.
This occupation was rather a confining one, and on this account he removed to a farm
in Burrell township, which marks the beginning of the Whitten family in Westmoreland county. He spent his mature years in developing this farm, and died in his sixtyfirst year. His widow is still living. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church and later of the Presbyterian church.' He was the father of six children:
William James, Alexander, Thomas, Charles Edward, Ellen Elizabeth and Sarah Jane.
Charles E. Whitten was born and brought up on a farm in Burrell township. He
was graduated from Indiana State Normal School' and afterwards studied under private instructors. He taught school, studied law in the office of Judge McConnell, and
was admitted to the bar in November, I893. In I9OI he formed a partnership with
J. R. Smith, under the firm name of Smith  Whitten. This partnership continued
until I907, when he joined Paul H. Gaither, thus organizing the law firm of Gaither 
Whitten. This is the oldest legal firm in the city, and has been in continuous existence
since I837, when it was founded by Congressman Albert Marchant. Mr. Whitten is
an elder in the Presbyterian church, a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and
vice-president of the State Bar Association. His political allegiance is given to the
Republican party. He has given much of his time to, his party and State as a member of the Legislature from I903 to I907, during which period he served on important
legislative committees.
He married, April 6, I898, Bessie Purdue, daughter of William  and Katherine
(Stoner) Purdue, and granddaughter of Mentor Purdue, an iron manufacturer
of Coatsville, Pennsylvania. The Purdue family were Quakers. They were actively
identified with the early industrial development of Pennsylvania and also took an
equal interest in education. Mrs. Whitten was educated at Northwestern University,,,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Illinois, and is a grandniece of John Purdue, the founder of Purdue University. Her
parents reside in Paxton, Illinois, her father being a merchant and banker. Mr. and
Mrs. Whitten are the parents of Elizabeth Hortense, a student at Hiland Hall, and
Katharine Minerva, a student in Greensburg High School.
As a lawyer, prominence has come to Mr. Whitten as a result of natural ability,
recognized trust, and fidelity to duty.
LOUIS J. C. BAILEY, M. D.-Although a graduate of the medical department
of the University of Michigan, and a physician of many years' experience in both medicine and surgery, Dr. Bailey is yet the earnest student and keen in the pursuit of all
modern medical knowledge, preventative and curative. He has not confined himself
to the advantages of his own land, but in the hospitals of London and Vienna he has
sought for the knowledge which would render him better prepared to combat human
ills as presented to him, in his practice. He has been located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, since I904, and is one of the honored practitioners of that city, his home and
offices at No. 2o5 West Pittsburg street. Dr. Bailey is a son of James and Isabella
(Carrick) Bailey, both born in Canada.
Dr. Louis J. C. Bailey was born at Galt, Province of Ontario, Canada, July 26,
I867, and there obtained his academic education. Deciding upon the profession of
medicine he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann
Harbor, there pursuing study until graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of I888. After
graduation he located for practice in the suburbs of Connellsville, Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, continuing there in successful practice for ten years. He then spent six
years in practice in Virginia, locating in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in I9O4. His practice is general in character, medical and surgical, in addition to his duties as a member of the surgical staff of the City Hospital. As further preparation Dr. Bailey
studied in Soho Hospital, London, England, and in I913 took post-graduate courses in
Vienna, Austria. To the learning of university and hospital he added the experience
of twenty-eight years of successful practice in different localities, and under different
conditions and experience that qualifies him as an authority in certain diseases. He is
a member of the American Medical Association; the Pennsylvania State Medical
Society; the Westmoreland County Medical Society,; the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of British Columbia; Uniontown Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Uniontown Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Uniontown Commandery, Knights Templar, and
the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. In political faith he is a Democrat.
Dr. Bailey married (first) Annie E. Esser, deceased; one child, John E. Dr.
Bailey married (second) Jean Cruickshank, a graduate Doctor of Medicine, University of Toronto, class of I898, now practicing in Greensburg, specializing in diseases of
women and children very successfully. They are the parents of one son, Louis
J. C., Jr.
OBADIAH  M. BENNETT-At the age of fifty-nine Squire Bennett, of New
Florence, Pennsylvania, passed to his reward, rich in the esteem of the people of West
Fairfield and New Florence, who had known him from boyhood. He was active in
business for forty-four years, and for thirty years served as justice of the peace. He
succeeded in his business, and at his passing left a well established furniture and
undertaking business which is now conducted by'his widow, Mrs. H. Margaret (Graham) Bennett.
Squire Bennett was a grandson of Captain John Bennett, born in St. Clair township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, his farm on the Ligonier Pike, bordering
on Tubmill Creek, later and for more than half a century being known as the "William
78BIOGRAPHICAL
Bennet" farm. Captain John Bennett became the owner of a tract of land in Fairfield township, the patent for which dates back to the opening of the land office in
Westmoreland county. It was on this Fairfield township farm that he died April I9,
I826. He married (first) Elizabeth Good, who died March 23, i816, at the birth of
her eighth child, Catherine. Captain Bennett married (second) Nancy McColly. Children of first wife: William, born December 23, I803; Mary, August 5, 1805; Addie,
June 4, I807; Abraham, May 2, I8o9; John, April 3, I8II; Elizabeth, October I6, I812;
Agnes, August Io0, 814; Catherine, March 23, i8i6. Children of second wife: Sarah,
born Mlarch 25, 187; Isaac, of further mention; Clarana, born June 2I, I820; Susan,
August 3, 1822; Amanda, March 30, I825. All of whom lived to be'eighty years of age
except the youngest, who died aged forty-eight.
Isaac Bennett, eldest son of Captain John Bennett and his second wife, Nancy
(McColly) Bennett, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December I,
I818, and died in West Fairfield, in the same county, September I3, I899. After leaving public school he learned cabinetmaking under the instruction of Mr. Bartley, of
West Fairfield, and after his marriage, in I845, he opened a shop of his own and made
fine furniture. He also established an undertaking business with John Kirker as partner, but later bought him out and ran the business alone. He was an active, honorable
member of his community, keen and alert in furthering the interests of his town, a
Presbyterian in religion, and a Republican in politics. He married, April 29, I845,
Margaret Brown, who died in January, I9o8, having a limb amputated two years prior
to her death. She was borh December 27, I820, daughter of William and Mary (Huston) Brown, of St. Clair township, the Brown home, a stone house, built by Mr.
Brown in I837, on the Ligonier Pike, one mile from New Florence. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown were the parents of: Robert, born March 6, I817; Archibald H., December 7,
I8i8; Margaret, wife of Isaac Bennett; Eliza, born April 5, 1822; Nancy, November
27, I'826; William, March 7, I828; J'ohn, October I2, I830; George, December 28, I832.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bennett were the parents of: Obadiah M., of further mention;
William B., born February I6, I855, married, August 20, 1884, Alice L. Larned, they
were.th'e parents of two daughters: Carrie, married Dr. J. L. Luther, of Pittsburgh,
and Essie, married Dr. Harry C. Updegraff, of Canock, Pittsburgh, also of a son Donald; Mary E., born February 2I, i858, married Wallace Love; Nancy E., December
29, i863, married John P. Findley, children: Bennett and Wallace Findley.
Obadiah M. Bennett, eldest child of Isaac and Margaret (Brown) Bennett, was
born in West Fairfield, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 185i, and died
in New Florence, Pennsylvania, April 26, 191o. He was educated in the public schools
and West Fairfield Academy, and early in life began working at cabinetmaking under
the direction of his father, becoming an expert workman, and from I865 he was associated with his father in the furniture store and undertaking business. Later he moved
to New Florence, where he successfully conducted a furniture store and an undertaking
business. He was highly esteemed by his fellow-men, they electing him to every
borough office within their gift, including school director and justice of the peace.
From term to term he was elected continuously until his tenure of office as justice
covered a period of thirty years, his last election being just before his death. He fully
realized the importance of the public schools and devoted considerable time to the
cause of education. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and a Republican in politics.
Squire Bennett married, January I9, I876, Hannah Margaret Graham, born March
I4, I855, daughter of William and Margaret Ann Graham, of further mention. Mr. and
Mrs. Bennett were the parents of twelve sons and daughters, two of whom died in
infancy: I. Anna, born November 5, i876; married J. P. Robb, of Butler county; children: Bennett, now in France with United States Army; Meredith, and Pierce Robb.
the latter dying in September, I905. 2. Kate, born May 13, I878, died May 26, I890. 3.
79OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Margaret C., born April 20, 188o; married H. H. Horrell, of New Florence; children:
Henry and Margaret Horrell. 4. Charles G., born February 7, 1882; married Elizabeth
Delaney; they had children: Hannah Margaret, born July 31, 1914; Maria Elizabeth,
born July 13, 1916; and J'anet Amelia, born February 27, I918. 5. Mabel R., born September 25, 1883; teacher in public schools. 6. Ada Florence, born July 29, 1885; married Alexander Lynch. 7. Andrew J., born February 3, i888, died September 28, I904,
at the result of an accident. 8. Jeanette T., born May 7, 1892, at home. 9.. Obadiah S.,
born October 27, 1894, at home. IO. Robert, born July 17, I9oo, died March 28, 1901.
Hannah Margaret (Graham) Bennett, who survives her husband, was born in
Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 14, 1855, daughter of
William Graham, born in County Derry, Ireland, January I, i800, died May 13, 1876.
He was the owner of a two hundred acre farm in Fairfield township, and was a contractor, his activity alternating between the farm and his business. He bought the
farm in Fairfield township, in 1828, and there resided until death. He married (first)
June I8, 1822, Margaret Ann Brown, of Scotch parentage, born east of the mountains,
July 17, I8oo, and died November 13, i85I, daughter of James and Polly (Faber)
Brown, who came to Fairfield township in I804. William and Margaret Ann Graham
were the parents of nine sons and daughters: I. James T., born March i8, 1823, died
November i6, 1899; married Sarah Ogden. 2. Robert, born December 8, 1824, died
April 2, 18,87, at Pittsburgh; married Priscilla Johnson. 3. Thomson, born May 25,
1827, died June I, 1838. 4. William Faber, born March I, I831, died in Virginia; married Nancy McPherson. 5. David L., born February 7, 1833, died July 31, 90o4, at
Cincinnati; married Jane Watt. 6. Paul Faber, born March 13, 1836, died February
I0, I869, at Burning Spring, West Virginia, met with an accident; married Mary
Moorhead.  7. John Laughry, born February Io, 1838; married Maria Ogden, of
Beloit, Kansas. 8. Thomas Maban, born October i6, 1840, died January 3, i866, killed
in a railroad wreck; married Eliza Pershing. 9. Andrew Thomson, born November 9,
1842, died April 29, 1852. William Graham married (second) May 30, 1854, Mary Ann
Peale, born November 9, I820, died at New Florence, Pennsylvania, December io, 1895,
daughter of Jonathan and Hannah (Thomson) Peale. Children: I. Hannah Margaret,
widow of Obadiah M. Bennett. 2. Alexander George, born February 7, 1857; now
living in Clinton, Iowa. 3. Hugh Charles, born March 21I, 1859; married Mary Smith,
of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. 4. Edgar Thomson, born April 29, 1862; married Cora
McClure, and resides at Seattle, Washington; they had children: Chauncy, a soldier
of the United States army, and Margaret. 5. Allen Hamill, born January 15, i865;
married Margaret Hammond, and resides in Denver, Colorado; children: Helen Brett,
and Fred Hammond, a soldier of the United States army. William Graham, the father,
was an old-line Whig, then a Republican, representing his district in the Pennsylvania
House of Assembly in 1832 and 1833. He was a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and he with both his wives are buried in United Presbyterian Cemetery in
Fairfield township.
William Graham was a son of Robert Graham, who came from Ireland, in 1806,
and settled in Fairfield township on what is now the Ross farm, there died January I8,
I825, and was buried in the old Fairfield graveyard, with his wife. He was a Democrat in political faith, and a member of the Masonic order. He married Eleanor McCreary, who died November 3, 1839. Children: James, married Allen Hamill; Margaret, married John Laughry; Anna, -married James Dick; Eliza, married Robert Martin; Ellen, married a Mr. Barnwell; William, of previous mention, father of Mrs.
O. M. Bennett; Andrew, married Margaret Graham;- James, married a Miss McConoughy; Robert, married a Miss Pollock; Hugh, married Nancy Ogden.
The grandmother of Hannah (Thomson) Peale was a daughter of Archibald
Thomson, and a granddaughter of Alexander Thomson, who came from Scotland to
America with his family in I772, only his eldest son Robert remaining in Scotland.
soBIOGRAPHICAI,
Children, all of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, except Archibald, who was of
Franklin county: Alexander, married Jane Grier; William, married Jane Lindsey;
Archibald, nmarried Ann Andrews; John, married Hannah Rhea; Andrew, married
Isabella Edgar; James, married Nancy Wright; Margaret, married Andrew Watson;
Barbara, married William Watson; Nancy, married John Calhoun; Mary, married
John Purveyance; Jennie, married Andrew  Shaw; Ann, married (first) Matthew
Ligan, (second) David Cowan; Jean, married (first) Arthur Shields, (second) Andrew McClellan.
Archibald Thomson, the third son, married Ann Andrews. Their children were;
I. Elizabeth, born August 7, I786, died in Fairfield township, September 9, I85I; married James Brown. 2. Alexander (2), born January I2, I789; was twice married, one
of his sons, Frank Thomson, being a one-time president of the Pennsylvania railroad.
3. James L., born December I6, I790; married Barbara Watson, and died in Pittsburgh.
4. Jane, born October 7, I793; married John Hendricks, and. died at Shelbyville, Indiana, they the parents of Thomas Hendricks, a vice-president of the United States. 5.
Ann, born November I8, 1795, died young. 6. Agnes, born July 12, 1798, died young.
7. Hannah, born October 13, I8oo, died at Covodesville, Westmoreland county, February 28, I874; married Jonathan Peale, son of John Peale, born August 2, I765, married,
September io, I795, Mary McClintock, born. October 9, I777, and was a farmer of
Franklin county, Pennsylvania; children of John and Mary Peale: James, born July
23, I796; Jonathan, of further mention; Dr. John, born June 15, I8oo, died in Sunbury,
Pennsylvania, father of State Senator Peale; William, born April I5, i802, killed at a
mill in Franklin county; Eliza, born May 8, I8o4, married a Mr. Christman, moved to
Illinois, and there died; Jacob, born May 4, i8o6, died in Mississippi; Mary Ann, born
August 8, I8oS, married Dr. French, and died from an inljury while sleighing; Elijah,
born July 12, ISIo, settled at New Orleans, Louisiana; Alexander, born February 5,
1814; Robert, born March 24, I8i6, drowned in Rock river, Illinois; George W., born
July, i819; Amanda, born in I820, married George Mentzer, and moved to Rockford,
Illinois.
Jonathan Peale, second son of John and Mary (McClintock) Peale, was born May
I4, I798, and died at Covodesville, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I858. He
married Hannah Thomson, they the parents of sons and daughters: Mary Ann, married William Graham, they the parents of Hannah M., widow of Obadiah M. Bennett;
Margaret Andrews, born August Io, 18,22, died April 24, I889, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, married John Covode, a Congressman and eminent public man; Elizabeth, born
December 28, I823, married George Reynolds, and died in Dubois, Pennsyl-vania, the
mother of nine sons and daughters: Hannah Jane, born March 5, 1826, died February I5, 1874, married Thomas McCoy, they the parents of six children; John Alexander,
born March 12, I828, married Juliet Bland, and died at Vicksburg, Mississippi; Henrietta, born November 9, 1829, died February 6, 1842; James Thomson, born December
2I, I830, died August, I832; Susan, born September I5, 1832, died November 3, I835;
Amanda, born May 20, I835, married Captain George Mabon, they were the parents
of two children; Major James Thomson, born January 25, I837, married Jessie Nixon,
and yet resides in Ligonier, Pennsylvania; Edgar, born July 4, I839, died February 28,
I84O; Emma, born January 14, I84I, married Dr. Samuel Hamill, and has two daughters and three sons.
JOHN DUFF GILL-Although a lawyer of high repute, it is for his untiring
efforts and his valiant service to the cause of temperance and constitutional prohibition
that Mr. Gill is best known. He is not a recent convert. for from the year I884, when
he left the Democratic party, he has been continuously not only an advocate but an
earnest worker for the cause of prohibition. Nor has his work for the principles of
W-6
8iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Christianity and for the cause to reform been less persistent and valuable. He is one
of the men to whom the adoption of a cause is to throw himself into it body and soul,
and this is as true of his law causes as of his philanthropies. He knows no middle
ground; if a cause is just, support it, if it is wrong, oppose it, is the theory upon which
he bases his public action. As an advocate he lends strength to any cause and as an
antagonist he is formidable.
Mr. Gill is a descendant of Cornelius Gill, of Scotch-Irish blood, who came from
Ireland and located in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, at Monroeville, there
opening a tavern. He married Sarah Beatty. Children:  Matilda, married
Henning; Arthur, of further mention; Samuel; Jane, married Robert Hunnell; Nancy,
married William Holloway; Maria, married William Read; Mattie, married Robert
Young; David, married Martha McKee; David, died in infancy; John, married, and
had issue.
Arthur Gill, son of Cornelius and Sarah (Beatty) Gill, was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, in 1781, and died January 6, 1842. He was a farmer of the
county all his life, owning a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Allegheny township, along Charteris creek. When he bought the tract it was in virgin condition, but
he cleared it, and at his death it was well improved. The forests of that period
abounded in game, and as a means of supplying the larder and as a sport he obtained
local fame as a hunter. He was a member of the old Associate church and a man of
good standing in his community. He married Mary Hunnell, and had five children:
Cornelius, of further mention; John, died at the age of twenty-five years without issue;
David, born June 6, I82I, died March 2I, I9o05, associated with his brother Cornelius
in business; Sarah, married Daniel Hawk, of Westmoreland county; Hiram S., born
October 9, 1824, deceased,- married Elizabeth Young.
Cornelius Gill, eldest son of Arthur and Mary (Hunnell) Gill, was born at the Gill
homestead in Allegheny township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 12, I8I7,
and died at his own farm near Freeport, same township and county, October I8, I876.
He was educated in the district school, and grew. to manhood at the home farm, which
he helped to clear and improve. Later he became a lumberman, operating in Allegheny and Venango counties, Pennsylvania. His plan of operation was to purchase
timber tracts, erect saw mills and raft the product down the rivers to a market in
Pittsburgh. He continued in the lumber business until; I865, when.he purchased a
farm of one hundred and fifty acres near Freeport in Allegheny township upon which
he resided eleven years and until his death. He was a man of intellectual strength, a
wide reader and a deep thinker, a member of the United Presbyterian church. He married Sarah Goldinger, of German descent, born July Io, 1823, died May Io, I86o, daughter of Major John and Hannah (McCalip) Goldinger. They were the parents of eleven
children: John Duff, of further mention; Mary Ann, unmarried; Johnson H., builder
of derricks and wooden oil well machinery, a resident of Newark, Ohio, married Charlotte; Thomas W., a railroad man, residing in Alabama; Melvina, died young;
Kate, married James H. Watt, of (Greensburg; Hannah, Cornelius, Sarah and Duncan,
all died young; William H., a ranchman of California.
John Duff Gill, eldest son of Cornelius and Sarah (Goldinger) Gill, was born at
Allegheny township, Pennsylvania, October Io, I845. After completing public school
and academic courses of education, he began the study of law under the direction of
J. G. D. Findley, of Freeport, Pennsylvania, completing his legal preparation under
the preceptorship of Henry D. Foster, of Greensburg, an eminent member of the Westrncreland bar. He was admitted to practice in August, I87I, and has continued in
general practice at the Westmoreland bar until the present, his business extending to
all State and Federal courts of the district. He is a member of the various bar associaticns and is highly esteemed by his professional brethren. His reputation as a lawyer of learning and ability is more than local, and he ranks among the leaders of the
82BIOGRAPHICAL
Western Pennsylvania bar. A Democrat in his early political life and until I884, he
then became an advocate of prohibition and joined with the only party which dared
make constitutional prohibition of the liquor traffic an issue. From that year he has
been a leader of the Prohibition party and one time was the candidate of that party
for Governor. He was a member of the Greensburg Board of Education for a number of years, and director of Allegheny Theological Seminary many years. He has
long been a director of the National Reform Association and to the twin causes, education and temperance, has been a tower of strength. He is wholly devoted to his
profession and has sought few outside business connections, but since I874 has been
secretary of the Greensburg Building and Loan Association. He is an elder of long
standing in the United Presbyterian church.
Mr. Gill married Agnes B. Gemmell, daughter of James and Nancy (Brown) Gemmell. Mr. and Mrs. Gill have five children: I. Henry S., a graduate of Muskingum
College and a Bachelor of Laws of the University of Pennsylvania, admitted to the
bar and associated with his father in practice until I9I6, now in Livingston, Montana,
where he is engaged in teaching, both local and instrumental music; married Marguerite Shirey. 2. Arthur B., a graduate of Muskingum College and an Doctor of
Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, now practicing in Philadelphia; married
Helen Childs. 3. Robert G., a graduate of Muskingum College, now a civil engineer
of Greensburg; married Olive Fishell and has two children: Agnes S. and Robert G.
Gill. 4. John G., educated in public schools and academy, now a sales agent residing in
Newark, Ohio. 5. Kenneth, a graduate of Muskingum College, and a graduate civil
engineer of the University of Pennsylvania, now located in Los Angeles, California;
married Gertrude Steits; one child, Gertrude. The family home is at No. 207 Welt
Third street, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
CURTIS B. CLAWSON--A native son of Greensburg, Mr. Clawson has become
one of the substantial business men of the city and a worthy representative of a family
that has been long and intimately connected with the progress of Westmoreland. His
father, Lucian Clawson, one of the Democratic wheel horses of the county, was sheriff
of the county, elected in i899, and his grandfather and great-grandfather were farmers
of Bell township, where the family early settled; his grandfather was also a' boatm.-"
on the old Pennsylvania canal, Blairsville to Pittsburgh.
Peter Clawson was an industrious and thrifty farmer of Bell township, Westmoreland county. He married Barbara Ringle, of German parentage, who survived her
husband until the year I88o, dying at the great age of ninety-three years.
Their son, Peter (2) Clawson, was born in I8i8, died in I85o, a victim of typhoid
fever. He was a farmer of Bell township, and spent much of his time in boating on
the old canal. He was an ardent Democrat, and a devoted member of the Lutheran
church, a man highly respected by all who knew him. He had a family of seven children, including a son Lucian.
Lucian Clawson, son of Peter (2) and Elizabeth Clawson, was born at the home
farm in Bell township, Westmoreland county, August 26, I839, died in Greensburg,
January I9, I914. He was educated in the public schools and Elders Ridge Academy,
remaining at home with his parents until eighteen years of age. He then went into
the oil regions of Venango county, running an engine and drilling wells, then for a
short time was engaged in boating oil on the Allegheny river. During the oil field life
he made the acquaintance of John D. Rockefeller, they occupying the same shanty for
a time, and in later years kept in touch with each other. He did not enjoy the rough
work of the oil field, and was next a clerk in the Oil City post office, later going to the
State of Illinois, where he worked in a grocery store for a year. In I865 he returned
to Pennsylvania, and through the influence of Judge Pettie he was appointed mail
83OLD AND NEW WESTMORELA.ND
agent on the old Farmers railroad. When the Pennsylvania railroad bought that road
in I862, Mr. Clawson, in partnership with his brother, Thomas Clawson, engaged in
boating on the old canal and dealt in grain. In March, I868, he came to Greensburg,
working at the carpenter's trade for one year and at huckstering another year. He
became a partner with C. Cribbs in the tobacco business in Greensburg in I872, that
association continuing until I879, when Mr. Clawson retired from the firm and for a
time was connected with Joseph Bowman in mercantile business. From I882 until 1889
he conducted a wholesale and retail grocery business on Main street under the firm
name of L.  O. J. Clawson. In 1889 he became proprietor of a book and stationery
store on Main street, which he conducted very successfully until. his election to the
sheriff's office. He also dealt in and owned considerable real estate.
An ardent Democrat, Mr. Clawson was an untiring worker for party success and
became well known all over the county. He served as deputy sheriff in I875 and I876,
and in I879 was nominated in the primaries for sheriff, having a majority of nine
hundred over his nqarest competitor. At the November polls following he was elected
by a majority of ten hundred and sixty-two over the Republican opponent, Colonel
John R. Oushler. He filled this office most satisfactorily to all having business with
the sheriff's office and won the high regard of even his political adversaries.
After retiring from office he joined with others in organizing the Westmoreland
National? Bank, was elected its first president and continued its able executive head
until his death. He also aided in the organization of the First National Bank of New
Kensington, of which he was president for many years. He was interested in street
railway ownership in Warren, Pennsylvania. He filled many of the local offices in
Greensburg and was one of the leading men of the city, holding the confidence and
esteem of the public to an unusual degree. He was a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and socially very popular.
Mr. Clawson married, November 28, I867, Mary Elizabeth Bowman, daughter of
Joseph and Elizabeth (Hine) Bowman, both natives of Bell township, Westmoreland
county, and granddaughter of Adam Bowman, a farmer of Bell township, and a devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church, who married Elizabeth Ann Kuntz, of
Greensburg, and had children:  John, Daniel, Samuel, Philip, Joseph, Adam, Polly,
Margaret and Hannah. Joseph Bowman followed the trade of carpenter for several
years and erected many residences and barns in the country and in Greensburg. About
187o he, with his sons, opened a mercantile establishment in Greensburg and was one
of the leading merchants of the city for many years. He was an active member of
the Lutheran church until his death, March 7, I9I2, at the age of eighty-six years, six
months; his wife died in January, I9II, aged eighty-five, their married life having extended over a period of sixty years. They were the parents of three children: Mary
Elizabeth, married Lucian Clawson; Simon H., a merchant, died in March, 1912; Adam
Keller, now residing at Vineyard, New Jersey. Lucian and Mary E. Clawson had six
children, three of whom died in childhood; the living ones are: Henrietta B., born
September 20, I876, married J. E. Vestal, of Los Angeles, California; Lurine B., born
December Io, 1879, married J. R. Speigel, lawyer, of Greensburg; Curtis Bowman, of
further mention.
Curtis Bowman Clawson, a son of Lucian and Mary Elizabeth (Bowman) Clawson, was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, March II, I882. He was educated in the
public schools, Mercersburg Academy and Greensburg Seminary, beginning his business career with an engineering corps from West Point doing government work at
Pensacola, Florida. After severing that connection, he'returned to Greensburg, where
for a time he was in the employ of ex-Sheriff McCann, who was conducting a contracting business. His next position was with the Westmoreland National Bank as clerk,
continuing with the bank until I905. He then went in partnership with E. C. Hunter,
purchased the old store business founded by his father, operating for a time as Clawson
84BIOGRAPHICAL
 Hunter. He then purchased Mr. Hunter's interest and conducted the business alone
until I9o9, when he sold out and entered the automobile business as salesman for the
Standard Auto Company. He continued with the Standard Auto Company for three
years, then was engaged in managing his father's business affairs until the organization of the Clawson  Blank Tire Company, his present business. The firm located
at No. Iio East Pittsburgh street, Greensburg, handle the Stronghold, Racine and
Capital tires in connection with other automobile accessories, and are building up a
profitable business.
Mr. Clawson married, October 28, I9o8, Nellie C. Rorke, and has children: Lucian
J., Curtis J., Richard R. and Sarah Elizabeth Clawson.
WALTER M. BORTZ, M. D.-After graduation from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in I9o8, and subsequent service at West Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, Dr. Bortz located at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where as a general practitioner
he is winning his way to a leading position as an honorable and skillful physician. He
is of ancient Westmoreland family, son of Adam F., son of Michael, son of George
and Martha (Fisher) Bortz, all of whom spent their lives in the county. George and
Martha (Fisher) Bortz had four children: Martha, John, Michael and Joseph.
Michael Bortz, born February I I, I830, died March 15, I9o00. He learned the
mason trade in early life and followed it for several years, but most of his life was
spent in farming in Unity township. He served with the nine months' men during the
Civil War, was a man of industry and thrift, a member of the Reformed church, and
faithful to all the obligations of life. He married Mary M. Wible, born November II,
I830, daughter of Henry and Susanna (Thomas) Wible. They were the parents of
six children: Edward, born September 8, I849, married Florinda Albright; Henry G.,
born January.25, 185I, married Mary M. Fourtney; Emma, born November I6, I854,
married Joseph Sutts; Malinda born September 2, I858, married Welty Bortz; Adam
F., of further mention.
Adam F. Bortz, youngest son of Michael and Mary M. (Wible) Bortz, was born
in Unity township, September I5, I862, or I863. He attended public schools until sixteen years of age, then taught for seven terms in the county schools. After two more
years spent as clerk, he opened a meat market in Greensburg, which he has since successfully conducted. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and in political affiliation a Republican. He married, in I884, Anna Wineman, daughter of Andrew and
Caroline Wineman, and has four children: Walter M., of further mention; James,
now a professor in Pittsburgh High School, married Nellie J. Eckert, and has children:
Nellie J. and Anna C. Bortz; Flora, residing at home; Edward, a student at Harvard
University.
Walter M. Bortz, eldest son of Adam F. and Anna (Wineman) Bortz, was born
in Youngwood, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 27, I885.  He passed
through all grades of the Greensburg public schools, finishing with high school, then
entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, whence he was graduated Doctor of
Medicine, class of I9o8. After a term as interne at West Pennsylvania Hospital in
Pittsburgh he located in Greensburg in general practice with offices on Penn avenue.
He is a member of the Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania State and American Medical societies, and in his practice keeps fully abreast of all medical and surgical discovery, preventative, curative or mechanical. He is a member of the First Reformed
Church;'Greensburg Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons; Phi Alpha Sigma
Fraternity, and active and interested in all.
Dr. Bortz married, January 23, I909, Jennie Catherine Robinson, daughter of Jacob
and Josephine Robinson, of Hempfield township. They have three children: Adam
Franklin, Donald Worcester and Helen Frances Bortz.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
THOMAS FRANCIS WALSH-It is the peculiar privilege of the Catholic
church to speak most nearly to those great masses of people that we roughly class as
"the poor," and its strength that it speaks to them in a language that they understand
and love. It does not lack authority for stating as one of the proofs of the truth of
its mission that, "the poor have the Gospel preached to them." This alliance, the
strongest of earthly unions, because it bears in it something of the divine, the alliance
between the church and the democracy, is further manifested in the fact that, not alone
are its congregations made up so largely of the poor, but that its priests and ministers
are also drawn in such great proportions from the humble and simple classes of society,
and especially from the simple rural class. An excellent example of the self-sacrificing
devotion of those who have entered the priesthood from this source is to be found in
the life of the Rev. Father Thomas Francis Walsh, pastor of the Church of St. Regis,
Trafford, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
Father Walsh is a native of Rheymne, Wales, born March I6, I856. He is a'son of
Maurice and Margaret (Lynch) Walsh, his father being occupied in business as a mill
worker. The son spent but the first six years of his life in his native land, and then
came to the United States with W. C. and Joanna (Murray) Walsh, an uncle and aunt,
who settled in Danville, Pennsylvania, where Father Walsh attended the public school.
Shortly afterward they removed to New York City, and the lad's education was continued at a school on Greenwich street, which he attended for two years. In the year
I868 his parents came to this country and located at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where
Mr. Walsh continued to work in the mills until his death in i899. Maurice Walsh was
a native of County Cork, Ireland, and during his early manhood worked for Lord
Roche there. His wife, who was Margaret Lynch before her marriage, was also a
native of County Cork, and her death occurred in the year I894 at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Walsh the following children were born: William, who
worked for a number of years in the National Tube Mill at McKeesport, and met his
death there in the year I88I through an accident; Dennis, who is employed in the
foundry of the Jones  Laughlin Mills, of Pittsburgh; Edward, who died in infancy
at Johnstown; and Thomas Francis, with whose career we are here especially concerned.
After studying for two years at the school on Greenwich street, New York, Thomas
Francis Walsh went with his uncle and aunt to Brooklyn, where he studied for one
year at the Parochial School of St. Peters on Hick street. It was then, when he was
twelve years of age, that his parents arrived in the United States and settled in Johnstown, the lad naturally going to live with them there. His parents' circumstances were
anything but good from the worldly point of view, and he was obliged to begin work at
the age of twelve years at the rolling mills of Johnstown and remained there until he
was eighteen. He had felt, however, even as a lad, a strong calling to a religious life,
and at the age of eighteen began his studies for the priesthood at old St. Michael's
Seminary at Glenwood, Pennsylvania, not far from the City of Pittsburgh. Here he
remained for two years, and then went to St. Vincent's College and Seminary, at
Beatty, Pennsylvania, from which he was eventually graduated in the year I884. On
June 20, i884, he was ordained to the priesthood by the Right Rev. Tobias Mullin,
Bishop of Erie, Pennsylvania, for the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Father
Walsh was first appointed to St. Malachi's Church in Pittsburgh, located on West
Carson street, in the south side of the city. Here he remained for eleven months, and
was then appointed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Connellsville,
Pennsylvania, from which he served at Missions at Jimtown, Dawson and Ohiopyle
Falls. In the year I886 he removed to Pittsburgh once more and took up his work at
the Church of St. John the Baptist, on the corner of Thirty-second street and Liberty
avenue, Pittsburgh, as curate to the Rev. Father Nesson. He remaind in this position
for four years, having in his charge at that time the religious affairs of the Penn Hos0 IrBIOGRAPHICAI,
pital and ministering to the sick there. The! next move of Father Walsh was to the
Church at Lilly, Pennsylvania, of which he had charge for four months in the absence
of its pastor, Father Richard Brown. He then went to Cannelton, where he took charge
of the Church of St. Rose of. Lima, in connection with which he attended missions at
Hoytdale, Wampum, Moravia and Dellwood, Pennsylvania. This work occupied him
for seven years, and he was then sent to the Church of the Transfiguration at Monon.
gahela City, where he ministered to the congregation for four years, and also ha4
charge of a mission at Webster, Pennsylvania. Father Walsh was then transferred to
the Church of St. Mary of Mercy on the corner of Third avenue' and Terry street,
Pittsburgh, and thus returned to that city, where he remained for some six years. His
next charge was St. Mary's Church at Freeport, Armstrong county, and here he
remained for one year. He again returned to Pittsburgh to take charge of the Church
of St. Benedict on Overhill street, remaining for a year, and then went to Anbridge,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and took charge of St. Veronica's Church there. He did
much to build up this parish, which through his efforts became the owner of a whole
city square upon which their church edifice and other parish buildings stood, so that
at the expiration of the five years of his work here the church had been placed on a
very firm foundation. At the end of this time Father Walsh was granted three months'
vacation to recuperate from the hard work which had somewhat undermined his
health. He was then called back by Bishop Canavin, at the death of Father Tobin, to
take up work for a short time at St. Mary's on Forty-sixth street, Pittsburgh. Upon
leaving this church he became pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Victory at Madison, Pennsylvania, and also had charge of a mission at Herminie, Pennsylvania. He
continued to work at this post for five years, and then, at the request of his bishop,
took charge of St. Catherine's Church at Leechburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained
for one year and three months. He was then sent to Trafford and took charge of the
Church of St. Regis, March 23, I916.
Father Walsh, besides displaying those qualities which are essential to the priestly
character, is also an excellent organizer and has done much to put the affairs of the
various parishes where he has served on a firm, financial basis. His work at St.
Regis has been most successful, and he has gained the respect and admiration as well
as the affection of all his flock. He is very active in the conduct of the affairs of St.
Paul's Orphan Asylum, Idlewood, Pennsylvania. Father Walsh is a man of strong
and independent mind and in his political belief is swayed by no partisan consideration.
He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has served as chaplain of the Duquesne Council of Pittsburgh for the past ten years. He is also chaplain of Lodge
No. ii, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Pittsburgh, and has held this
post for three years. He is a man whose public spirit and loyalty to, the welfare of
the community has never been questioned, and whose work in his priestly capacity has
been cr-owned with the most gratifying success. He has been very active in assisting in
every way toward the causes helpful to the war, and is frequently called to address
meetings of this character. He is broad-minded in all things and is ready to render
assistance to anyone, no matter what their creed may be. His benefactions are many,
and he is loved and honored by all who know him, and is familiarly known as "Old
Tom Welsh."
JOHN  C. HUDSON-The original family of Hudsons came to Westmoreland
county from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. James Hudson made the journey across
the mountains with his family, settling on a farm in Unity township where the village
of Unity now stands. He owned and cultivated that farm and in addition followed
his trade of carpenter. Almost the first building he worked on after his arrival was the
old Null House in Greensburg. He lived to be almost ninety years of age, and was
remarkably active in his later years. He was originally a Democrat in his political
87O,D AND NEW WESTMORELAND
faith, and was a devout member of the Presbyterian church. He married' Mary McCasland, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a Quakeress. They were the parents of Thomas,
James, Josiah, William, George, John, Mary, and Martha, who married Hamilton
Tittle.
William Hudson, son of the pioneer, James Hudson, was born in Lancaster county,
in 18I6, and was but an infant when brought to Westmoreland county, where he died
in I902, aged eighty-six. He taught scho-ol for a few winter terms during his early
manhood, later became a farmer in Salem township. He married Sarah E. Fishell,
who died at the age of seventy-five, the mother of his seven children: John, of further
mention; Jacob F., now a resident of Georges Station, Westmoreland county; James,
also residing at Georges Station; William, a resident of Unity township; Amos H., of
Mt. Pleasant township; Mary, widow of T. J. Brown, of Greensburg; Margaret E.,
deceased.
John-Hudson, son of William and Sarah E. (Fishell) Hudson, was born April 28,
I842, and is now living a retired life in Greensburg. He grew to manhood on the home
farm, and was educated in the public schools. He abandoned the farm for the carpenter's trade, but after five years decided he had made a mistake and returned to farming,
so continuing until his retirement in I9o8. He has been an active Republican ever since
becoming a voter, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. He married, December 3, I863, Lydia E. Wilson, daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Berlin) Wilson. She
died October 2I, 1I95, after a married life of fifty-two years. MNr. and Mirs. Hudson
had six children: William L., road foreman of engineers for the Pennsylvania railroad,
residing in Wilkinsburg; George, died in childhood; Edward J., a carpenter of Greensburg; Harry L., a contractor of concrete construction, residing at Pleasant Unity; John
C., of further mention; Elizabeth E., married Charles Geiger, of Greensburg.
John C.^ Hudson, son of John and Lydia E. (Wilson) Hudson, was born on the
home farm in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 2, I88I, and has ever resided
in that county, now being a contractor and builder of Greensburg. He attended public
schools until fifteen years of age, then began working at the carpenter's trade with
different builders until master of his trade. In I9OI he began contracting, his first
contract being the private residence of James Bell, of Greensburg. He continued contracting for three years, then was otherwise engaged until I909, when he again entered
the field and has erected many residences in Greensburg, employing a considerable force
of mechanics. In addition to his work for others he has built several residences, which,
when placed upon the market, have found a ready sale, his reputation as an honorable,
reliable builder being a guarantee of the quality of the material used and of the workmanship. He is a progressive and energetic man, highly esteemed for his sterling uprightness of character. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the First Lutheran Church.
Mr. Hudson married, October 26, I9o3, Anna M. Bair, daughter of Charles F. and
Emma Bair, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, her home in youth at Pleasant Unity..Mr. and
Mrs. Hudson have one child, a son, Clyde Hudson. The family home is at No. II6
Tremont avenue, Greensburg.
EDGAR COWAN GRIFFITH-The active years of Mr. Griffith's life have been
spent in varied occupations and in widely separated localities, his permanent residence
in Greensburg beginning in I89o. Since that year he has founded and developed his
present real estate and insurance business at No. I20 West Otterman street, and is one
of the substantial men of the city. He is a grandson of James Griffith, born in Ireland,
who there married. Together they came to the United States, accompanied by a
brother, William Griffith, and two sisters, finding a home near Elizabeth, in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where James and Margaret Griffith died at a very old age. They
88BIOGRAPHICAL
had children:.Thomas, Robert, James, Hugh C., of further mention; Elizabeth, Martha, married Cyrus McClain.
Hugh C. Griffith was born in Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1829, and died in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May 5,
I9I3. He was a saddler and harnessmaker and followed his trade in his native county
until I862, then nioved to Westmoreland county, where he continued at his trade until
retired by old age. He was an active Democrat, and a member of the United Presbyterian church. He married Isabel Lewis, at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, who was born in
1832, died September I5, I915. She was a daughter of Abraham and Willie Ann
(Cowan) Lewis, and granddaughter of Captain William  Cowan, an officer in the
Revolutionary army. Abraham Lewis wvas a noted boat builder of his day, who later
moved to a farm at New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he
remained several years. Later he moved to Adamsburg, same county, where he died
at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife, Willie Ann Lewis, daughter of Captain
William Cowan, an officer in the Revolutionary army, was a woman of high attainments
and greatly beloved by all who knew her, died at the age of ninety-three years. They
had seven children: Harriet, Lucinda, Isabel, married Hugh C. Griffith; Mary, Margaret, Wilson and John Lewis. Hugh C. and Isabel Griffith had Edgar C., of further
mention; James, deceased; Mary E., unmarried; Thomas W., retired colonel of the
United States army, a graduate of West Point Military Academy, now living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served thirty-eight years in the regular army in every form
of service including fighting in the Philippines, with his regiment, the Eighteenth
Infantry; William A., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an attorney-at-law; Anna, married
Theodore Butterfield, of Greensburg; Harry, a merchant and traveling salesman of
Greensburg, now deceased.
Edgar C. Griffith, eldest son of Hugh C. and Isabel (Lewis) Griffith, was born at
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1852, being ten years of age when his parents
moved to Adamsburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was graduated in the
public schools, and until eighteen years of age worked at farming. He then taught
school for a time, after which he spent several years in the West. He returned to
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in I89go, and spent four years in the real estate and insurance business with the firm of Gay, Bair  Lane. In I894 he opened a real estate and
insurance office in Jeannette, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, which he conducted
five years. In I8g9 he located in Greensburg, where helhas since been actively engaged
in the real estate and insurance business. He is one of the best known men in the business and has been very successful. His insurance line includes fire, life, accident and
surety, the companies represented being strong; reliable institutions which have proved
their worth to the insuring public. He confines his operations to Greensburg and
vicinity, but is widely known all over this and other counties. He is a Democrat in
politics, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Griffith married Sarah Jane Lenhart, born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Gongaware) Lenhart. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith
have two children living, two dying in infancy: Jennie, a graduate of Greensburg Seminary, married R. Spencer Ward, night yardmaster of the Pennsylvania railroad, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Robert E., born September 2, I875, a plumber and tinner of
Scottdale, Pennsylvania, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, serving two years
in the Philippines with Company C, Tenth Regiment, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry; he married Mary A. Felgar, of Scottdale, Pennsylvania.
THOMAS P. COLE, M. D.-Dr. T. P. Cole, who is a descendant of a family who
have long resided in Pennsylvania, has given Greensburg the benefit of his professional
services for many years, although the family lived outside of this city for some time.
Dr. Cole's high rank among the physicians and surgeons of the county gives him par89BIOGRAPHICAL
addresses. He was always eloquent and interesting, and was perhaps as potent as any
member of his party in the county.
On September I2, I865, Governor Latta married (first) Emma A. Hope, daughter
of C. C. Hope, of Uniontown. Four children were born to them: I. Cuthbert H.,
born September 7, I866. 2. Mary Maud, born March I7, I868; married to W. B. Ryan,
who has been engaged successfully in the railroad business in Mexico most of his life,
but who is now with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, being sent there by
the Government to aid in the transportation facilities for the needs of the allied armies.
3. Isabel G., born February 7, I875. Mrs. Latta died in I876, and in December, I877,
Governor Latta married (second) Rose McClellan, a daughter of E. B. McClellan, of
Greensburg. There children were: 4. Rose, born December 2I, I879; married (first)
James T. Brunot, who died in I902; she married (second) M. A. Turner, of Hammond, Indiana; she died in I913. 5. Marie Josephine, born July 23, I88I; married to
Richard H. Jamison, of Greensburg. 6. John, born May I5, I883, died in 1885. 7.
Thomas Pollard, born January 5, I885; now general superintendent of the mines of
the Jamison Coal and Coke Company that are in Westmoreland county. 8. Sarah
Marguerite, born October I8, I886.
Governor Latta was undoubtedly one of the most universally admired and best
known men in WVestmoreland county. He gave much of his time gratuitously to the
conduct of public affairs of his home town. He had, moreover, the good fortune to
seem not to grow old as most men do. He continued to take an interest in all the current events of the day, in all youthful sports, and in all movements which tended to
advance the social side of life, so that, with advancing years, he became more and
more companionable to the young people of his community. There is no doubt among
those who knew him best, but that his most notable characteristics were his kindness of
heart and his unbending integrity. He was, furthermore, at all times, a man of polished
manners and of retiring disposition, who might well be called a cultured gentleman of
the old school. After a brief illness, he died February I5, I913, and his remains repose
in the St. Clair Cemetery at Greensburg.
THOMAS S. JAMISON--A  potent factor in the management and successful
operation of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, Thomas S. Jamison must be numbered with the men of the coal industry whose energy, vision and courage have
achieved such wonderful results, nowhere more apparent than in Western Pennsylvania. The sons of Robert S. Jamison inherited a predilection for coal operations from
their honored father, who in early manhood was impressed with the fact that coal and
coke were to play a most important part in the developments of the future. With broad
vision and keen insight he studied the coal formation of his own Westmoreland district, and for twenty years in association with others he bought such lands as seemed
good to him. The years justified his judgment, all the properties purchased proving
producers, and at the time of his death he was president of the Jamison Coal Company,
which then passed to his sons.
The Jamison family is of Scotch-Irish origin, and was founded in this country by
one Francis Jamison, who, together with his wife and six children, came from the
North of Ireland in the year I764, and settled in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He
and his wife were the parents of the following children: John, of whom further;
Robert, Margaret, Rosanna, Marmaduke, and Francis, Jr., who became very prominent
in the affairs of the community in which he resided.
John Jamison first came to Westmoreland county in the year I769, and he was
among the early pioneers in that region. He was accompanied by his brother Robert,
and each of them took patent to about three hundred acres of land there. John Jamison located in Hempfield township, and the property of which he became the owner
5OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ticular importance among its most useful citizens. He resides and maintains his offices
at No. 2I8 South Pennsylvania avenue.
Bernard Cole, grandfather of Dr. Cole, was a citizen of Ligonier, where he was
engaged in the mercantile business for many years. This proved very lucrative and
his later life was spent in retirement, as a reward of an energetic and successful business career. He married Jane Galbraith. Several of their children died in infancy,
but three reached maturity: John, Thomas, of whom later, and Matilda.
Thomas Cole confined his business activities to real estate, in which he was meeting
with- considerable success, when poor health forced him to discontinue. His death
occurred at the age of forty-two. He was survived by two children: Blanche, and
Thomas P., of whom later.
Dr. Thomas P. Cole, whose birth occurred in Latrobe, March 23, I87I, received
his early education in the public schools, and after finishing the course they prescribed
he attended Washington and Jefferson University, where he took up the study of medicine. He graduated in I893 and subsequently for three months practiced in Washington county. At the end of this period he came to Greensburg and engaged in a general
practice. By diligent and careful attention to his duties, he soon won an enviable
position for himself and became one of the most trusted physicians in the city. Continuous study of medicine showed him that the tendency of the times is leaning toward
surgery more and more, and being of an ambitious nature he made a special study of
this branch. A large portion of his practice is now given to surgery. Some slight idea
of his important standing in his profession can be gained from the list of medical
societies of which he is a respected member, i. e., County, State and American Medical
associations, Clinical Congress of Surgeons of America and College of Physicians of
Pittsburgh, also American College of Surgeons. By being in touch with the activities
of these various organizations he is able to keep himself cognizant of the latest successes in both surgery and general medical innovations. The only lodge to which he
has given his support is No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons. His professional duties
occupy so much of his time that he finds it impossible to extend his social activities
further than this one organization and the First Presbyterian Church, of which he, is a
consistent member.
Dr. Cole has been married twice. On June 6, I893, he married Rebecca Carlisle,
daughter of Andrew  and Margarett Carlisle. To them three children were born:
Arthur, Edward and Evelyn. Mrs. Cole's death occurred July 2I, I9O4. On July Io,
I9o7, Dr. Cole married Ellen Seifert, of Manns Choice, Pennsylvania, the daughter of
Joseph and Ann Seifert, and they have had three children: Richard, Catherine and
Elizabeth.
JOHN FRASER HORN--A leading business man of the Pittsburgh district and
one who for the last twenty years has been a resident of Vandergrift is John Fraser
Horn, president of the Vandergrift Land Improvement Company and of a number of
other important industrial organizations. Mr. Horn is prominent in Masonic circles
and is closely identified with the social and religious life of his community.
John Fraser Horn, son of Andrew and Christina (Fraser) Horn, was born August
27, 1857, at Partick, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Partick being now included in the city of
Glasgow. Until the age of fifteen he attended a local academy, and then became a
clerk in his father's insurance office at Dunfermline. For eight years he served both
in the office and on the road, and in I88o obtained employment at Falkirk, Stirlingshire,
associating himself' with the Carron Company, operators of a large foundry and extensive shipowners. M\r. Horn was employed in the accounting department. While: holding this position his thoughts were directed toward the subject of emigration to the
United States, his wife's two brothers having come hither and settled in Pittsburgh,
90BIOGRAPHICAL
Pennsylvania. Their accounts were such as to induce Mr. Horn to resolve to join
them and accordingly, in April, I888, he embarked for the ocean voyage. On his
arrival in Pittsburgh Mr. Horn became shipping clerk for the Carnegie Steel Company
at Homestead, and at the end of a year was made accountant in the office at Mansfield
(now Carnegie), of the Penn Lead Company, refiners of lead and precious metals,
fully one-eighth of all the silver in the United States being refined by this concern.
This position being both congenial and lucrative there is no doubt that, had it not been
for business reverses, Mr. Horn would have continued to hold it indefinitely. But misfortunes came and the company was placed in the hands of a receiver.
Being thus obliged to look elsewhere for employment Mr. Horn had the good
fortune to be placed by a friend in touch with an official of the Vandergrift Land
Improvement Company, a subsidary of the Apollo Iron and Steel Company, of which
George G. McMurtry was then president. In I897 Mr. Horn entered the office of the
Land Improvement Company as bookkeeper in charge under the local agent. In the
course of time E. W. Pargny succeeded to the presidency and when the Apollo Iron
and Steel Company was sold the Land Improvement Company became entirely distinct.
When this occurred Mr. Pargny resigned and Mr. Horn became president of the company. At the same time he was also made president of the following corporations: The
Water Company, the Electric and Power Company, the Telephone Company, the Gas
Company, and the Steam Heating Company. He is likewise a director of the Savings
and Trust Company. To the affairs of these corporations Mr. Horn has-since devoted
his undivided attention. All are subsidiaries of the Land Improvement Company, organized to serve the town each in its respective field. All have kept pace with the growth
of Vandergrift, over ninety employes being required and the pay-roll exceeding monthly
five thousand dollars. The Vandergrift Water Company is specially important, the
supply being furnished by some twenty artesian wells about two hundred feet deep and
scattered over five huhndred acres some three miles from the city. The water is pumped
by electric power and filtered daily, the amount on hand being such that consumers are
insured an abundance of the purest water direct from nature's reservoirs.
In his affiliations with the Masonic fraternity Mr. Horn figures with special prominence, being a past worshipful master of Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 617, Free and
Accepted Masons, and also holding membership in the Valley of Pittsburgh Consistory,
Scottish Rite Masons. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and for some years
held the office of elder. As a citizen Mr. Horn is earnestly public-spirited, ever on
the alert to seize every opportunity of ministering to the welfare and progress of his
community. He looks like' the aggressive business man he is and no one in Vandergrift is more sincerely liked and respected, for he has proved himself a kind neighbor and a true friend, a man to be implicitly trusted in all the relations of life.
Mr. Horn married, August 30, I88I, while employed at Falkirk, Catherine McPherson, of Dunfermline, and they are the parents o.f the following children, some of whom
were born in Scotland and some in the United States: I. Andrew.G., cashier of the
Drovers' State Bank, Denver, Colorado. 2. John M., graduated at Cornell University
and the University of Pittsburgh; now an attorney at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, retaining offices at Vandergrift; in June, 19I7, he was appointed a lieutenant in the United
States Army; he marr:ed Katherine Huff, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 3. Fraser
M., attended Vandergrift High School, class of I9,7; now at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, where he is preparing for Yale. 4. Christine, wife of J. W.
Elliott, of,Vandergrift, associated with the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company.
Mrs. Horn excels in the qualities which make the model wife and mother, and her husband is devoted to the ties of home and family.
John Fraser Horn is a native of a land which has given us some of our ablest
men and best citizens, and has shown himself possessed of the traits of character which
render Scotchmen valtable in the Old World and the New. He has been a lifelong
devotee of outdoor athletic sports, and was a prominent athlete in his young days.
giOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
JOHN PIERCE PINKERTON-Come of the sturdy stock of Western Pennsylvania, John Pierce Pinkerton is one of the many native sons of Westmoreland county
who has achieved substantial success in the honorable profession of the law. He was
born in Sewickley township, August 6, I866, on his father's farm, about one and a half
miles west of Madison borough in Westmoreland county. He is a son of John P. and
Martha Jane (Guffey) Pinkerton, and a grandson of Robert and Ann (Pierce) Pinkerton, his ancestors on both sides of the house having been among the pioneers of this
region. His grandfather, Robert Pinkerton, was a farmer and house carpenter, who
settled in Sewickley township at an early day, having purchased there what is now the
old Pinkerton homestead, in I836. This property, which was already in the possession
of a brother, from whom he bought it, consisted at the time of one hundred and
twenty-nine acres, to which, however, he subsequently added. Here he made his home
until his death, about I863. He and his wife were the parents of two children, John
P., the father of the subject of this sketch, and Mary, who became the wife of a Mr.
Highberger and the mother of one child, Anna M., who is now a resident of Irwin,
Pennsylvania. John P. Pinkerton followed the same occupation as his father and was
a successful farmer until his tragic death, which occurred in the autumn of I867,
when he was but twenty-five years of age and was the result of a kick from his horse.
He left a widow and one child, John Pierce, the subject of this sketch. His mother
since remarried and resides in Madison.
John Pierce Pinkerton was educated in the public schools of his native region and
then attended the Indiana Normal School, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Washington 
Jefferson College at Washington, Pennsylvania, graduating from the latter institution
with the class of I889. He had already at this time decided upon the law as a profession and began the study of his subject in the office of Atkinson  Peoples, prominent
attorneys of Greensburg. Here he made such good progress that he was admitted to
the bar of Westmoreland county, February, I892, and later he was admitted to practice
before the Superior and' Supreme Courts of the State. He established himself in general practice at Greensburg and has been eminently successful therein from that time
until this. His office he has always maintained in this city, but makes his home at
Madison, Pennsylvania. Mr. Pinkerton is a staunch Republican in his politics, but
has never aspired to office. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church. He
is still the owner of the old Pinkerton homestead, near Madison. Mr. Pinkerton is a
member of the very distinguished family of Guffey through his mother, she being the
daughter of Colonel Joseph Guffey, who was a member of the State Legislature.
CHARLES J. JOHNSON-One of the most energetic and popular young business
men of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is Charles J. Johnson, whose connection with the
firm of Kuhus  Johnson has brought added prosperity and success to that business,
is a native of Westmoreland county, and has resided in this region all his life. He is
a member of a family which, in his father's time, came to this country from Sweden,
where it has its home in the southwestern portion of that country, not far from the
town of Falkenburg. In this country, during the middle of the nineteenth century,
Mr. Johnson's grandfather, John Aaron Johnson, made his home and was a prominent
man in the community. He married Annie Christina Swanson, also a native of that
region, and here, in the year I864, their son, John O. Johnson, was born, who later
came to this country and was the father of the Mr. Johnson of this sketch.
John O. Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native land, and when
only seventeen years old left there and made his way to the United States, residing
for a time in Carroll county, Ohio. This was in the year I88I, and in the fall of I883
he came to Pennsylvania. While in Ohio he had secured work on the railroad and
this he continued for a time in Pennsylvania, but the following year secured work in
92BIOGRAPHICAL
the coal mines, an occupation which he continued to follow for twenty-four years,
during most of that time in Westmoreland county. For five years Mr. Johnson, Sr.,
has been in the employ of the large firm of Kelley-Jones, working in the manufacturing plant at Greensburg. He is a Knight of the Golden Eagle, a member of the Scandinavian Brotherhood and several other important societies. In the year I886, at the
age of thirty years, he was married to Bernadina Sophia Carlson, and they are the
parents of three children, all of whom are living, as follows: Charles J., of whom
further; Alma Nathalia and Albert Ludwig. The family are all members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Sr., make' their home on Madison street,
Greensburg.
Born August II, I887, near Scottdale, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Charles
J. Johnson, the eldest child of John 0. and Bernadina Sophia (Carlson) Johnson,
passed the years of his childhood and early youth in his native place. There he received
his education, attending the local public schools for this purpose, and at the age of
fourteen years he abandoned his studies and found employment in the great coal mines
of Westmoreland county. At first.Mr. Johnson was engaged in the humble occupation
of digging the coal out of the mine. Still later he secured a position with the Western
Union Telephone Company, and in the year I903 entered the employ of Brinker
Brothers, the prominent clothiers of Greensburg. Greensburg has remained Mr. Johnson's home since this period and he is now most closely identified with its affairs. For
a time he held a clerical position with the clothing firm, and when finally the business
was sold to A. E. Troutman  Company, he continued in the employ of the new owner
and was regarded as one of their most valued clerks. But Mr. Johnson's business
capability had given him a reputation beyond the limits of'the firm where he was
employed, and in the year I9IO he was offered a partnership with the firm of Brinker,
Kuhus  Company, which he immediately accepted. In 1915, upon the withdrawal of
Mr. Brinker from the business, the firm became Kuhus  Johnson and is now engaged
in a rapidly increasing business in Greensburg, where it is becoming one of the largest
of its kind in the city. Mr. Johnson is very active in the general life of Greensburg,
and is affiliated with a number of prominent societies and movements there. He is a
member of the Rotary Club and Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted
Masons. In his, religious belief Mr. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran church and
is active in the cause of that church and of religion generally in that part of the State.
JOHN E. TRACY-One of the most active of the younger generation of business men in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is John E. Tracy, who has been
closely identified for the past fifteen years with the business interests of Greensburg,
in that county, to which he moved in I9OI. He is a native of Dunbar, Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, borh September 4, I878, a son of James C. and Mary (Utt) Tracy, the
latter deceased. Mr. Tracy, Sr., was born in Washington City and spent most of his
life in Fayette county. He survives his wife, who died in the year I9OI, and at the
present time makes his home with his son, John E. Tracy. The Tracy family is of
Scotch-Irish origin, and came to this country from the North of Ireland several generations ago.
John E. Tracy p~ssed the early years of his life in his native town of Dunbar, and
was there educated in the local public schools, graduating from the Dunbar High
School in the year I896. He then learned the trade of machinist, apprenticing himself
to the Dunbar Furnace Company, one who followed this calling at Dunbar. Here he
was employed for sometime and was then taken into the office, where he was given a
clerical position and worked for one year longer on the books of his employer. For a
while after this Mr. Tracy went from shop to shop in that part of the State, securing
advancement in salary and betterment in position, and worked for a while with the
93OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Westinghouse Company and with the Kelly  Jones Company. In the year I9O8 he
took the position oif circulation manager of the "Greensburg Tribune," where he
remained for upwards of two years and a half, giving most efficient service to this
progressive paper, so that his withdrawal from it in I9tO was a matter of keen regret
to its managers. This withdrawal on the part of Mr. Tracy was the result of his
attention having been called to the opportunities awaiting an enterprising man in the
real estate business in that neighborhood. The whole of Western Pennsylvania had
been undergoing and, for that matter, is still undergoing a process of great development, which is accompanied naturally by a large increase in population. Both of these
things have the effect of greatly increasing land values, the result being an unsurpassed
opportunity for legitimate investments. Accordingly, in the month of August, I9IO,
Mr. Tracy entered the real estate field, adding to his activities in this direction an insuraniice business, in bpth of which he has been phenomenally successful. While he does
not confine himself at all rigorously to the limits of Greensburg and its immediate
neighborhood, his operations are mostly within the local field and he has built up a
very satisfactory and still developing business. In I912 he became associated with
Mr. E. E. Shaulis, and in I914 they engaged in a contracting and building business,
but this connection was only continued for about two years when the partnership was
dissolved, Mr. Tracy then withdrawing from the contracting and building, as he found
that his time could be more advantageously employed in his original enterprise.
Mr. Tracy is not, however, one of those who finds no time for anything but business: On the contrary, he is one of the active figures in the general life of Greensburg
and is particularly well known in social and fraternal circles there. He is a member of
several important orders and fraternities, among which should be mentioned the
Masonic order, he being affiliated with the local lodge. He also belongs to Greensburg
Castle, No. 366, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and Greensburg Lodge, No. 840, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Tracy was united in marriage, March 20, I9OI, with Mary A. Long, a daughter of S. P. Long, a well known citizen of Greensburg. They are the parents of three
children, as follows: Raymond E., now in his third year in High School; Edgar L.;
John W., all of whom, together with their parents, are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Tracy and his family make their home at his handsome residence on Broad street, South Greensburg.
Mr. Tracy is a fine example of the "self-made man" in the best sense of that term,
which properly includes many ideas besides that of mere success in the material world.
It should include, for instance, the idea of having made the most of one's opportunities,
involving that of improving educational and cultural advantages and the development
of character. In all these ways Mr. Tracy measures up to the ideal, and at present
occupies a well deserved position of respect and esteem in the community, of which
he may be rightly considered an important factor in its advancement. His success has
unquestionably been due to his own efforts, to his close application to the work in hand,
and an indefatigable industry which knows no discouragement.
SAMUEL S. ULERICH-That this is the name of one of the representative citizens of New Florence none of the residents of WVestmoreland county within a radius
of many miles needs to be informed. Mr. Ulerich, who is now chief burgess of his
home town and also holds the office of justice of the peace in addition to being prominently identified with the political life of his community, is widely known as a successful business man.and takes an active and influential part in fraternal circles, in
church work and religious enterprises.
Samuel Ulerich, grandfather of Samuel S. Ulerich, was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, and was a descendant of German ancestors. He removed to Ligonier
94BIOGRAPHICAI,
Valley and there appears to have lived to fhe close of his life. Politically Mr. Ulerich
was a Democrat, and in religious matters he seems to have been favorably disposed
toward the doctrines of the Presbyterian communion. He married (first) Mary McDowell, and their children were: Joseph, married Catherine Walker; John, mentioned below; William, died young; and Julia Ann, married James Roberts. Mr.
Ulerich married (second) Elizabeth DcDowell, sister of his first wife. By this union
there were no children.
John Ulerich, son of Samuel and Mary (McDowell) Ulerich, was born in Ligonier
Valley, Pennsylvania, and began his agricultural career by renting the Thomas Pollock farm, later moving to Waterford, where he purchased the farm of Mrs. Fannie
Noble. He did not make his home on this estate, but resided on another of Mrs.
Noble's farms. In all he was the owner of one hundred and eighty acres.' The political
adherence of Mr. Ulerich was given to the Republican party, and he filled at different
times all the township offices. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Ligonier. Mr. Ulerich married (first) Mary Ann Kaylor, born in' Unity
township, daughter of Squire Kaylor, whose other children were Susan and Catherine,
also another daughter who resides in Kansas and one son who is a physician. Squire
Kaylor died at the age of, forty years when his daughter, Mary A., was but twelve
years old. Mr. and Mrs. Ulerich were the parents of the following children: Mary
Elizabeth, married Joseph Walters; Adelaide, widow of Dr. John A. Ashcom, a biography of whom appears elsewhere in this work; William W., married (first) Nora
Walters and (second) Anna Keener; James B., died at the age of fourteen years;
Samuel S., mentioned below; Margaret R., became the wife of Frank McConnaughey;
Albert K., married Lulu Griffith; and Sadie, died young. Mr. Ulerich married (second) Eliza, daughter of Peter Lenhart, there being no children by this marriage. Mr.
Ulerich's death, which occurred March 5, I895, was caused by an accident, and his
funeral was the largest ever held in the Ligonier Valley. His widow died in January, I9I8.
Samuel S. Ulerich, son of John and Mary Ann (Kaylor) Ulerich, was born May
25, I864, in Ligonier township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He received his
early education in township schools, afterward attending the Ligonier Academy, then
conducted by I. M. Graham. On completing his course of study Mr. Ulerich taught
for eight terms in the schools of the following townships: Unity and Ligonier; also
the borough of New Florence. This time spent as an instructor was but the prelude
to the real work of his life, which awaited him in the sphere of commerce and affairs.
As a member of the firm of Lang  Ulerich he associated himself with mercantile
business in Johnstown, but the year was that of the historic flood and his stay there
was necessarily shortened. After four years spent in business in Latrobe, Mr. Ulerich
went to Waterford, Ligonier township, bought out the business of R. O. Barber and
for one year was engaged in a mercantile enterprise on his own account. The next
migration of Mr. Ulerich was to New Florence, where he was destined to remain.
Identifying himself immediately with the commercial life of the community, he has
now been for twenty-five years one of its prominent and influential factors. As the
proprietor of a general store he carries fine lines of stock and conducts a flourishing
business. Always intensely public-spirited, Mr. Ulerich has been foremost in the promotion of every project which he deemed calculated to further the cause of progress
and reform. In I898, when the New Florence Water Company was organized, he became its secretary, an office which he filled for six years, at the end of which time the
concern handed over their outfit to the borough of New Florence.
In the realm of politics Mr. Ulerich has always been active and arways in association with the Republican party. He has never missed a vote in either primary or general election. For eighteen years he served as school director, and at the election in
November, I9I7, was again made a member of the board, being now its vice-president.
95OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
has since become the site of the present reservoir which supplies that entire region and
is owned by the Westmoreland Water Company.
John Jamison's son, Hugh Jamison, became a prominent and successful member
of the community. He followed farming as an occupation during practically his entire
life, and also taught in the local public school for many years. He served in the War
of I812. He married, in I817, Jane Stuart. They were the parents of the following
children: John, Daniel Stuart, Hugh Martin, Margaret J., and Robert Smith, of
whom further.
Robert Smith Jamison, son of Hugh Jamison, was the founder and for many years
the head of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, and the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this work.' He married Caroline Wible, who was also a native of
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and who died in Greensburg, May 24, I905.
They were the parents of ten children, as follows: Mary Emma, William W., Joseph
Henry, John M., Thomas S., of whom further; Charles M., of whom further; Robert
S., Jr.; Hugh D.; Richard' Howard, of whom further, and Jay Curtis, of whom further.
Thomas S. Jamison, fourth son of Robert Smith and Caroline (Wible) Jamison,
was born March Io, I866, and educated in the public school, Greensburg Seminary and
Kiskiminetas Seminary at Saltsburg. He began his business career with the Mutual
Coal Company, a Frick subsidiary interest, becoming superintendent of mines, a position he filled until I892. With the founding of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company,
he became an integral part of that corporation, and with his father and his brothers he
was associated in developing the properties owned by the company. With the death
of Robert S. Jamison, in I903, the management passed to his able sons, and the company is one of the leaders of their section. Thomas S. Jamison is a member of the
executive board and potent in the company's affairs, also has large business interests
outside, being a director of the Merchants' T'rust Company; is connected with the'Westmoreland Grocery Company, and other companies of less importance. He is
interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his community, and holds membership
in several organizations, social and fraternal. He belongs to Greensburg Lodge, No.
518, Free and Accepted Masons; is a member of Greensburg Country Club, a communicant of the Second Reformed Church, and a supporter of all good works.
Mr. Jamison married, November IO, I902, Margaret P. Welty, who died November
24, I916, daughter of James H. Welty. Mr. and Mrs. Jamison were the parents of two
daughters: Priscilla and Elizabeth, and of a son, Thomas S. (2) Jamison.
CHARLES M. JAMISON-Charles M. Jamison, secretary of the great Jamison
Coal and Coke Company,. whose large interests in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
and Marion county, West Virginia, rank it among the most important concerns of its
kind in that great coal district, is a member of the old Jamison family, which has been
most closely identified with the life and industrial development of Western Pennsylvania through several generations.
Charles M. Jamison, fifth son of Robert Smith and Caroline (Wible) Jamison,
was born near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, April 7, I868. He continued to reside in that
city during his childhood For his education he attended the local public schools and
was prepared in the Greensburg Seminary for a college course. He then entered
Princeton University, in the year I887, and was graduated with the class of I89I. Upon
completing his studies at this institution, he followed the profession of civil engineering for some two years, during the latter part of which time he had made up his mind
to devote himself to the law. Accordingly he entered the law office of John M. Jamison, where he pursued his studies, and was admitted to practice at the Westmoreland
county bar in I895. He then opened his office at Greensburg and practiced his profession until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in I898.  Mr. Jamison then
6OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
In I9I2 he was appointed justice of the peace to fill an unexpired term and later was
elected for a full term, his commission to expire in I92o. In I914 he was elected chief
burgess, an office which he still holds and the duties of which he discharges, as he does
those of his other public positions, in the'most efficient and satisfactory manner. In
addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Ulerich handles insurance. with the success
which seems to attend whatever he undertakes. He is a member of the American
Insurance Union, No. 67, and for eight years has served as its treasurer. IHe is also
second lieutenant of the New  Florence Fire Company.  In fraternal circles Mr.
Ulerich is a conspicuous figure. He is the only living charter member of New Florence
Lodge,:No. 558, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which was organized in I889,
and of which he is past noble grand, and was for eight years treasurer of Washington Camp, No. 725, Patriotic Order of Sons of America. He is a past regent of New
Florence Council, No. 48I, Royal Arcanum, in which for eight years he filled the
office of secretary. His religious membership is in the Methodist Episcopal church, in
the work of which he is earnestly interested and in which he occupies a seat on the
board of stewards. For twenty years he served as superintendent of the Sunday school.
He is active in all things in helping the cause of democracy in the world war.
Mr. Ulerich married Elizabeth B. Acaley, and they are the parents of one daughter, Martha C., born March 7, I893, and educated in New Florence schools. Mrs.
Ulerich is a charming and intelligent.woman, and her husband, though of a markedly
social dis'po'sition,'finds no place so attractive as his own fireside. The career of a man
like Samuel S. Ulerich calls for no eulogy. The unadorned narrative tells its own
story of successful achievement.
William Acaley, father of Mrs. Elizabeth B. (Acaley) Ulerich, was the owner of
a small farm in Perry county, Pennsylvania. He was a Democrat, and a member of
the Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr.'Acaley married Levina Hunter, and their only
child, Elizabeth B., born September 7, I870, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, became the
wife of Samuel S. Ulerich. The death of Mr;. Acaley occurred when his daughter was
but six years old, and his widow passed away at the comparatively early age of fortyeight.
JOHN JACK NEEL-John Jack Neel, the successful civil engineer of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a son of William B. and Nancy J. (Hurst) Neel, and was born
January 5, I8.57, at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. William  B. Neel, the father of
the Mr. Neel of this sketch, was born at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and was a
son of Samuel and Lydia (Gregg) Neel, the former named a farmer by occupation
and was born in the year I785. Samuel Neel inherited a portion of the home farm and
this he operated and lived upon until his death. He was a prosperous and industrious
man, and possesse(d a tract of land comprising one hundred and seventy acres, located
near Mount Pleasant. WVilliam  B. Neel acquired what little education he could from
the rural schools of his time, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He later engaged
in farming, which occupation he followed until his death which occurred April 25, I913.
He was the possessor of four hundred acres of valuable and fertile farm land and
also a great deal of town property. In I859 he engaged in the stock droving business
in partnership with William  J. Hitchman and this association continued for about
twenty years. Mr. Neel was also largely identified with the coal and coke business
in the region of East Huntingdon township, and had purchased extensive coal land in
West Virginia, which were in his possession up to the time of his death. It was with
Mr. Hitchman also that he was connected in the banking and real estate business, and
this also proved very successful. Mr. Neel was among the organizers of the First
National Bank of Mount Pleasant, in the year I865 and remained a director of that
institution all his life. His political affiliations were with the Republican party, the
principles and policies of which he supported ardently. He was also very largely inter"IrBIOGRAPHICAL
ested in educational pursuits and was school director for ten years in his township. In
his religious belief, Mr. Neel was a Presbyterian and liberally gave to the philanthropic undertakings of his church, the church of his forefathers. In I862 he was
made an elder of' this church and represented the Red Stone Presbytery in the General Assembly at Chicago in the year I877 and again at Saratoga Springs in 189o. Mr.
Neel was one of the representative men of Mount Pleasant, was a leading member in
business affairs of that place, and a man of liberal views and excellent business judgment. He was of a hospitable disposition and in that way won the confidence of his
business associates and made himself beloved to a host of warm and admiring friends.
Mrs. Neel was a daughter of Nathaniel Hurst, who was a prominent citizen of Fayette
county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Neel, Sr., the following children were born:
John J., the subject of this sketch; Samuel, a farmer and contractor of Westmoreland
county; Rachel, Ella May, and Sarah H.
John Jack Neel received the preliminary portion of his education in the Mount
Pleasant Institute and later at Lafayette College, at which institution he matriculated
after having graduated from the Mount Pleasant Institute. Having completed two
years at Lafayette College, he, in I879, associated himself with a coal and coke company, in which his father was interested for a short time only, when they sold to the
Frick Coal and Coke Company, then in the fall of the same year, where he was engaged
as a clerk and assistant engineer- for one year. His next place of employment was
with the firm of Freed, Stoner  Company, in which he became a partner, and where
he remained until I890. He then returned to his former place of employment, the
Frick Coal and Coke Company, and remained with this concern for about a year and
a half as assistant engineer. In I891 he went to Somerset county and superintended
the completion of the Markelton Sanitarium, and after its completion he remained
there as treasurer of the company, which office he held for one year. He then moved
back to Mount Pleasant and followed the general surveying business until I896. In this
year he was elected county surveyor, a position which he held for six years. He was
engineer for Mount Pleasant borough from I894 to I910. In I9II he was appointed by
the county commissioners the first county engineer under the new road laws, and
remained in this responsible office for one year. Mr. Neel has been engineer for the
borough of Jeannette since I9Io with the exception of one year, when he was employed
by the county. He was also engineer for the Southeast Greensburg and Ludwick
boroughs, when they had been separate boroughs. Also for Southwest Greensburg,
Irwin and Derry boroughs. In his political affiliations, Mr. Neel, like his father before
him, is a Republican and was a member of the Council of Mount Pleasant for a number of years. Also, like his father, Mr. Neel is a Presbyterian and is a member of the
Westminister Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, having been one of the ruling elders
since the year I905.
On October 3, 1889, Mr. Neel was united in marriage with Amy L. Hunter, a
daughter of David and Mariah (Shupe) Hunter. Mr. and Mrs. Neel are the parents
of two children, as follows: Gertrude H., whose birth occurred September 23, I890,
and who is a teacher in the public school of Greensburg, a graduate of Greensburg
High School, with two years at Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Lydia
H., whose birth occurred October 3, I897, and who is a graduate of the Greensburg
High School with the class of I9I6.
Mr. Neel is a born leader of men, and it is due entirely to his own remarkable
personality, and not less to his keen judgment and highly trained mind, that he has
reached the dominant position that he now holds in the community; Forceful, positive
in all his relations with his fellow-men, he not only makes his influence felt, but gained
and retains the good will of all those he associates with, even the most casually, winning not merely a reputation for high character and integrity, but the general affection
of the community of which he is so distinguished a member. His success in political
W-7
97OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
life is the more remarkable in that it contains no factors of undue influence or corruption, such as unfortunately has become associated with so many political careers of
recent years, but depends solely upon his obvious ability and disinterested devotion to
the interests of others. But however well Mr. Neel is known, however affectionately
he is regarded for his public life, still greater his fame for the qualities that distinguish
him as a man in those fundamental relations which all men enter, as a husband, a
father, as a neighbor and a friend.
JOHN ADAMS-The association in the popular mind of the names of particular
families with the localities in which they have lived and grown to prominence and
influence is very natural, and under the old aristocratic institutions of the past it was
a matter of common occurrence for towns, cities and even larger regions to regard
some family as having a sort of half proprietory interest in their affairs and a certain
hereditary right to preside over them. It is out of the question, of course, in republican
America that such a feeling could be carried to this extent, yet even here we often
see the phenomenon of certain names being regarded with a peculiar respect for a number of generations on account of the service rendered to them by the community. There -
is one profound difference, however, between the occurrence of this as it prevailed, let
us say, in Europe under the feudal system and in America to-day, for in the first place
it was then often only necessary for one member of a family to display an especial
talent or ability in order that honor should be done his descendants for an indefinite
period, while here it is only while they live up to the standard set by him that a man's
descendants can hope to share his honor. It is thus a far more notable achievement
for a family to remain influential and respected here, to-day, than it ever was elsewhere in other ages, and we feel that an added praise is due to those names that have
persevered in their high places. Such has been the case with the Adams family of
Western Pennsylvania, which is represented in the present generation by John Adams,
postmaster of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.
The founder of the family in Western Pennsylvania was Welden Adams, the
great-grandfather of the, Mr. Adams of this article, and it was his son, John Adams,
who was sheriff of Venango county from I850 to I852. John Adams was the father
c: William S. Adams, who married Maria Walker, also a native of Venango county,
and she at present resides at Franklin, in her seventy-second year. William S. Adams
died at the age of seventy-one.
John Adams, son of WVilliam  S. and Maria (Walker) Adams, was born near
Franklin, Venango county, Pennsylvania, June 8, I869. He received a common school
education in the local rural schools of his native region, and remained on the old farm
until he was twenty-five years of age. He then spent a year in traveling through the
West, taking in such places as California and the Pacific coast in general. He returned
however, to Vandergrift in I9oo and worked for a year in the sheet and tin plate mills,
resigning from this employ to take a position as letter carrier, he being one of the
first two letter carriers selected at the installation of the free deliveries, under Postmaster H. WV. Nichols, the first postmaster under this law. The other letter carrier
who was selected was George H. lIamilton, who still continues in the same position.
These two letter carriers served the town'until the first of Juily, I9IO, when the force
was increased. On September I, I913, Mr. Adams became postmaster, and on February 2, I918, was reappointed. He has now been in the service for sixteen years and
during his employ as a letter carrier he won many friends who assisted him in obtaining the office which he now holds. The post office now employs eleven men, including one rural free delivery carrier, and the receipts of the office are constantly increasing, being in excess of four thousand dollars per quarter, a considerable increase over
what it was prior to Mr. Adams having taken the office. The per cent. of increase in
the three years of Mr. Adams postmastership is thirty-three and one-half per cent.
nIqBIOGRAPHICAL                                    99
Mr. Adams is prominently identified with the club and social circles of Vandergrift
and is a member of Masonic bodies, having attained his thirty-second degree in Free
Masonry. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Consistory, Scottish Rite, and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He has been connected
with the Blue Lodge, of which he is junior warden; of Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 617,
of which he became a Mason, and other organizations of importance. He is also a
member of Vandergrift Lodge, No. III6, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having
served as district grand master. In his religious belief, Mr. Adams is affiliated with
the Methodist Episcopal church, which he and his family constantly attend. Mr.
Adams takes an active part in the betterment of the general welfare and there are few
movements for the development and advancement of the community's affairs in which
he does not take an ardent and general interest. He is forever striving to secure for
Vandergrift the best possible means of educational advantages. He is a fond admirer
of' all outdoor sports, and assists at all the local athletic affairs.
On October 20, I897, Mr. Adams was united in marriage at Venango county, Pennsylvania, with Eva May Marshall, also a native of that county, and a daughter of
John B. and Henrietta Marshall. Of this union four children have been born, as
follows: Ruth, who is a member of the class of 19I7 in the High School; D. Walker,
Arthur M., and John W.
JOHN ALBERT HARTMANN, D. D. S.--Although not a native of Latrobe,
nor indeed of Pennsylvania, Dr. John Albert Hartmann has rapidly risen in his
profession since coming to that town to live, and is now regarded as one of the
leading dentists in the region. Dr. Hartmann comes of an old Pennsylvania family, his father having been born in Philadelphia, but afterwards, while still a young
man, removed to the Western State where his son was born. The Hartmann family is an old and prominent one and well known in Philadelphia and its vicinity.
The elder Mr. Hartmann, Dr. Abraham B. Hartmann, after completing his medical studies, practiced for a time in Pittsburgh, removing subsequently to Olney,
Illinois, where his death occurred in I86o. He. married Mrs. Catherine Elizabeth
Bennett, a daughter of John and Catherine Elizabeth (Chambers) George, who was
born on the old "George" homestead, about a mile from Latrobe, and was a member of
one of the county's oldest and most respected families. Following her husband's death,
Mrs. Hartmann returned to Latrobe with her son, Dr. J. A. Hartmann.
Here he received his elementary education and later entered the Philadelphia
School of Anatomy, from which he graduated. In i88o, in his twentieth year, he completed a course in the Philadelphia College of Dentistry, receiving the degree of
Doctor of Dental Surgery. Returning to Latrobe, Dr. Hartmann at once began practice and has been continuously so engaged up to the present time, being one of the
oldest dentists in continuous practice in the city. He has been eminently successful
and is among the prosperous and prominent citizens of the place. Dr. Hartmann is a
member of the Masonic order and is one of the past masters of his lodge there., He is
a member of the V\Westmoreland County Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental
Association, Odontological Society of Pennsylvania and the Latrobe Club. He is
affiliated with the Republican party, and is a Presbyterian in his religious belief, attending the church of that denomination in Latrobe.
I)r. Hartmann was united in marriage with Hannah Ella Fulton, November I9,
I884. She is a daughter of Abraham P. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Fulton, one of the
pioneer Westmoreland county families. Mrs. Hartman is very active in church, social
and charity work. She is an accomplished singer, a talented musician and a devoted
lover of music. She has served as president of the Woman's Club of Latrobe. Dr.
and Mrs. Hartmann are the parents of three children: Mary Davida; George Fulton,
educated in Mercersburg Academy and Lehigh University, where he graduated fromOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the electrical and mechanical engineering courses, and Rachel, who married Clarence E.
Wade, of Toledo, Ohio, a member of the prominent Wade family of Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Hartmann is one of the progressive and useful citizens of the community. He is
very fond of outdoor life and finds recreation in fishing and shooting.
SAMUEL RANDOLPH FAIRCHILD-For many years Mr. Fairchild, whose
home is at Scottdale, was included among the recognized leaders of the coal and coke
industry, and for a still longer period he has been numbered in that class of her citizens whom Westmoreland county especially delights to honor, the veterans of the
Civil War. Mr. Fairchild has always been zealously interested in the welfare of his
community, never withholding aid and. support from aught which he deemed calculated
to promote prosperity and progress.
Dr. Stephen Fairchild, grandfather of Samuel Randolph Fairchild, was a native
of New York State, and served in the patriot army of the Revolution. After the close
of the war he came to Pennsylvania, settling in Connellsville, lFayette county, where
he became the leading physician of his day and where he passed the remainder of his
life.
James Fairchild, son of Dr. Stephen Fairchild, was born in East Liberty, and was
a ship carpenter and pioneer boat builder, following his trade at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He also served for many years as a pilot on the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers. He married Helen Randolph, born at Belvidere, New Jersey, daughter
of Samuel and Anna (Randall) Randolph, who brought her as a child to East Liberty,
where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild were the parents of the following
children: Samuel Randolph, mentioned below; William, for many years postmaster
at Dawson, Pennsylvania, and now deceased; Sarah, married William L. Jones, of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and is now deceased; James B., of Star Junction, Pennsylvania; VTesley, of the same place; Belle, married T. Robert De Yarman, of Dawson, Pennsylvania, and is now deceased; and Stephen, deceased. James Fairchild,
the father, died in I9o8, and his widow passed away in 1912, both having attained to
an advanced age.
Samuel Randolph Fairchild, son of James and Helen (Randolph) Fairchild, was
born May 2, I842, at East Liberty, Dunbar township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and
attended schools in Dunbar township, the neighborhood being now the site of the town
of Vanderbilt. After leaving school he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade, but
at the end of two years his course of instruction was abruptly terminated. The Civil
War was in progress and, like so many other youths of that heroic period, Mr. Fairchild responded to the call to arms. On August 22, I862, he enlisted in Company B,
Fifteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served to the close of the
war. His commanders were Colonel William J. Palmer and Generals Rosecrans and
Thomas, and he was almost continuouhsly employed on headquarters details of these
officers. Mr. Fairchild participated with Hooker's corps in the battles of Antietam
and Stone River. In the Chickamauga campaign he received a severe wound in the
right leg, but remained in the service, being present at the battle of Lookout Mountain
and Missionary Ridge. In the latter conflict he was on duty for seventy-two consecutive hours, being employed in carrying messages between General Thomas's headquarters and various points of the battlefield. He was in the Atlanta campaign, but did
not accompany General Sherman on his march to the sea. by reason of the fact that
General Thomas's command was withdrawn and sent in pursuit of General Hood's
army. Returning to Huntsville, Alabama, he did scout duty in the Alabama mountain region.
In March, I865, Mr. Fairchild marched with his regiment to Chattanooga, Tennessee, going thence by train to Knoxville, where they joined General Stoneman's division and crossed into North Carolina, marching to a point near Saulsbury for the
iooBIOGRAPHICAL
purpose of releasing the Union soldiers imprisoned there. Finding, however, that the'S. D. Lee corps had arrived there before them, they were compelled to fall back to
Hillsboro, Virginia. There Mr. Fairchild was chosen as one of a special party of
eighty men detailed under the command of Major Wagner to march up the valley,
destroying the bridges and trestles over the Big and Little Otter creeks in order to
bar General Lee's retreat into Tennessee. They were under orders, after completing
this task, to join the Army of the Potomac, but on arriving within seven miles of Lynchburg, Virginia, they encountered a superior cavalry force under Russell and were compelled to make a hasty retreat. Twenty-one days later they succeeded in rejoining their
own command, arriving just in time to take part in the capture of Saulsbury, North
Carolina. Thence they marched to Lincolnton, destroying bridges on the way, and
joined the expedition sent in pursuit of President Jefferson Davis and his party, going
within fifteen miles of Columbia, South Carolina, and thence advancing into Georgia.
They had arrived within ten miles'of the president's headquarters when word came
that his capture had been effected by a, Michigan regiment. -Mr. Fairchild was next
ordered to IHuntsville, Alabama, thence to Atlanta and from that city to Nashville,
Tennessee, where, on June 22, i865, he was mustered out of the service. He had
participated in marches amounting in the aggregate to more than two thousand two
hundred miles, and his regiment retained but fifteen of the horses with which it had
been nmustered in. Mr. Fairchild left the service with the rank of sergeant, having
served eighteen months in that capacity.
On returning to Fayette county the young soldier associated himself with the coal
and coke business, entering the service of the firm of Cochran  Keister. He was
employed in hauling coal from mines to ovens, and also took charge of the books of the
company store. In I868 he was made boss of the Tyrone mines of Laughlin  Company, a position which he retained for two years, being next appointed foreman of the
Eagle mines of Marker, Sherrick  Company. For another two years he superintended the building and operation of the works, and in I879 became a member of the
firm of J. R. Stauffer  Company, having charge of the operation of the Dexter mines.
Mr. Fairchild retained the superintendency of this large plant until I914, when he disposed o.f his interests and retired from active business. During his long and successful career of nearly half a century he became one of the recognized authorities of the
coal and coke industry. Always a faithful adherent of the Republicans and very active
in the affairs of the organization, -Mr. Fairchild has never either sought or accepted
political favor for himself. He is a charter and life member and past master of
Marion Lodge, No. 562, Free and Accepted Masons, of Scottdale, and a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, liberally contributing to the support of all church,
charitable and philanthropic activities.
Mr. Fairchild married, June i9, I872, Alice M., daughter of Captain Joseph and
Elizabeth (Shaw) Keepers, of Newark, New Jersey. The family had been represented
in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, since early pioneer times, but Captain Keepers, who
had served in the Civil War as an artillery officer, removed to Nrewark, where he
engaged in the dry goods business, and at his death was numbered among the leading
merchants and citizens of the community. Mrs. Fairchild, who is a member of the
Women's Club, is active in church circles and the work of the Red Cross.
Samuel Randolph Fairchild has served his country faithfully both in war and in
peace. In his early manhood he helped to defend on the battlefield the integrity of
the Union, and in his maturer years he aided in the development of a world-famous
industry.
PAUL S. BARNHART-Between 1725 and I775 at least fifty men by the name
of Barnhart, or Bernhardt, took the oath of allegiance to the Province and State of
Pennsylvania. Among the "List of Foreigners Imported in the Ship'Boston,' Mathew
IOIOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Carr, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes," and who took the oath of allegiance,
November Io, 1764, were Casper Bernhardt and his son, Wilhelm Bernhardt (Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Volume I7, page 470).
(I) Casper Bernhardt evidently brought his whole family with him, but as only
the males over eighteen were required to take the oath of allegiance, the names of the
other members of the family were not recorded.  Casper Bernhardt's will, dated
August 9, I790, of record in the register's office at Norristown, Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, names two sons, William and Jacob, and two daughters, Marilis Fretz,
and Maria, who later married Matthew Deker.
(II) William Barnhart (Johann Wilhelm Bernhardt), son of Casper Bernhardt,
was born March 3, I746. He married Anna, daughter of Rudolph Schmidt, May I2,
I772, and settled in'Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, about I774, on a farm several
miles east of Greensburg. His brother, Jacob, settled about the same time on an
adjoining farm.'William Barnhart was one of the founders of the First Reformed
Church of Greensburg, and was closely identified with its early history, and many of
his descendants are now members of that church. He was also prominently connected
with the early history of Westmoreland county. He died January 6, I823. He had
the following children who grew to manhood and womanhood:  I. Catherine, born
July 4, I773, married John Mechling, lived and died near Greensburg. 2. Rudolph,
born October 6, I775, lived and died in Butler county. 3. Philip, born September 27,
I778, lived and died in Butler county. 4. William, of whom further. 5. Daniel, born
September io, I783, lived and died in Butler county. 6. John, born November I4,
I785, lived and died in Westmoreland county. 7. Mary, born November 30, I787,
married Michael Ringer, lived and died near Canton, Ohio. 8. Abraham, born September-8, I791, lived and died in Westmoreland county. 9. David, born March 2, I794,
lived and died in Westmoreland county. io. Elizabeth, born March 27, I796, married
Jacob Brinker, lived and died near Greensburg.
(III) William (2) Barnhart, son of William (I) Barnhart, was born June I6,
178I. In I815 he purchased the farm several miles northeast of Greensburg, near
Hannastown, which land has continued in the possession of his descendants to this
date. In 1820, while hauling the last log for the barn being erected on his farm, which
barn is still standing, he met with an accident which caused his death. He married
Catharine Rumbaugh, born December 23, I784, died October 20, I86o. He left to survive him the following children: I. Anna, married George Bender, lived and died
near Wooster, Ohio. 2. John, of whom further. 3. Sarah, married John Knight, lived
and died near Knox, Pennsylvania. 4. Mary, married Daniel Cline, lived and died
near Greensburg. 5. Leah, married Frederick Kunkle, lived and died near Apollo,
Pennsylvania. 6. Catharine, married George Rubright, lived and died near Apollo.
(IV) John Barnhart, son of William (2) Barnhart, was born, I807, and died in
I858 on the farm owned and occupied by his father before him. He was a thrifty
farmer and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He married Elizabeth
Row. He left to survive him the following children: I. Lavina, married C. H. Stark,
lived and died in Greensburg. 2. Catharine, married William Given, lived and died
in Greensburg. 3. Jane, lived and died on the home farm. 4. Samuel, now living on a
part of the original home farm. 5. William R., of whom further.
(V) William R. Barnhart, son of John Barnhart, was born and lived many years
on the homestead farm, where he prospered by farming on a large scale. H-e bought
an adjoining farm and had more than two hundred and fifty acres of land, most of
which was under cultivation. He moved to Greensburg in I903. He married, I863,
Catharine, daughter of George and Anna Sherrick Shupe, who departed this life
April 25, I917. To this union were born the following children: George S., John
Love, William Ralph, Paul S., Elizabeth, Ella J., Cora B., Lavinia S., and Alberta
May, who died in I9I4.
102BIOGRAPHICAL
(VI) Paul S. Barnhart, son of William  R. Barnhart, was born September I6,
I88o, on the Barnhart homestead in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and has been living in Greensburg since I903. He received his early educatiom
in the township schools and prepared for college at the Greensburg High School. He
attended Franklin  Marshall College at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was
graduated in I903. Was employed in the WTestmoreland Savings and Trust Company
(now the Barclay-A\Testmoreland Trust Company), Greensburg, from  1904 to I9o8,
when he was admitted to practice law in the courts of Westmoreland county, having
read law under the well known firm of Beacom  Newill, of Greensburg, in addition
to having spent one year in attending the Pittsburgh Law School. In I9-IO he'was
admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.  He has continued to
practice law in Westmoreland county since his admission to the bar, with offices at
Greensburg and Monessen. His political affiliations are with the Republican party.
He is a member of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 5I8, Free and Accepted Masons, of
Greensburg, and other higher Masonic bodies.
On March 25, I9o9, at Scranton, Pennsylvania, he married M. Alice, daughter of
William 0. and Anna E. Breck. Mrs. Barnhart was gra'duated from Wellesley College in I9o05, and was at the head of the modern language department of the Groensburg High School from I9o05 to I907. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart have children: Eleanor
Pauline and Alice Elizabeth.
JOHN WILBERT UPDEGRAFF, D. D. S.-So well established is Dr. Updegraff's professional'reputation that no one within a radius of many miles requires to
be informed of his post office address. In the years during which Dr. Updegraff has
practiced in Ligonier he has actively and helpfully identified himself with the essential
interests of his community, political reform, fraternal enterprises and religious life
and progress.
Abner Updegraff, great-grandfather of Dr. John Wilbert Updegraff, was born in
Eastern Pennsylvania, and as a child was taken by his parents to Fairfield township,
where his father had purchased a farm. That is, he was taken by his mother, for on
the journey his father died, and the widow, with her five children, went on to the new
home, where they endured all the perils and privations of the wilderness. Abner
Updegraff, on reaching manhood, was very successful as a machinist and manufacturer
of edged tools.
Uriah Updegraff, son of Abner Updegraff, was born January Io, I8Io, in Pittsburgh, and was associated with his father in the manufacture of tools, becoming in
time owner of the business. He married, July 4, I838, Ann, daughter of Jacob Covode,
and their children were: John, James A., Lydia, Margaret, George, Caroline, Abner,
mentioned below; George (2), Walter, Mary, and Robert H. The mother of the
family passed away in I869, and the father survived until May 9, I882.
Abner (2) Updegraff, son of Uriah and Ann (Covode) Updegraff, was born
September 22, 1848, in Westmoreland county, and spent his life as a farmer on the
homestead.  Mr. Updegraff's farm  comprised two hundred and twenty-five acres,
nearly all of which were cleared. Some time before his death Mr. Updegraff relinquished the active management of his estate. He was a man of influence in the comnmunity, and in the Presbyterian church of which he was a member held the office of
treasurer. He was a Republican, and served in the capacity of school director. Mr.
Updegraff married, February 24, 1870, Anna R., daughter of John and Mary Wisegarver, and the following children were born to them: Laura M'., became the wife of
J. E. S. Medsger; Alice M., became the wife of Frank W. Pershing, son of the Rev.
Joseph N. Pershing, and died leaving one child, Alice Marie; Margaret E.; Harry C.;
John Wilbert, mentioned below; and Charles E. On January 2I, I917, Mr. Updegraff
passed away, leaving the record of a man honorable in every relation of life.
I03OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Dr. John Wilbert Updegraff, son of Abner (2) and Anna R. (Wisegarver) Updegraff, was born January 27, I879, in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and received his early education in township schools, afterward attending the
Indiana State Normal School and then entering Washington  Jefferson College,
where he graduated in the class of 1902. In 1905 he received from the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Without delay Dr. Updegraff entered upon the practice of his profession at Punxsutawney, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, and for three years was assiduously occupied
in laying the foundations of the reputation which has since grown to its present fair
proportions. He then came to Ligonier, where he has since remained, acquiring a
lucrative and constantly increasing patronage. In national affairs Dr. Updegraff is
a Republican, but in municipal elections votes with the Independents. He is past
master of Ligonier Lodge, No. 331, Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of secretary. He also
helped to organize the Sunday school.
Dr. Updegraff married Lena M. Robinson, whose familv record is appended to
this biography, and they are the parents of three children:  Harry Donald, born
April I, 1904, attending school in Ligonier; William Covode, born November I7, I9o6,
a pupil in the sixth grade; and Marjorie Anne, born August I5, 91 5.
In view of the fact that he is still a young man, having not yet completed his
fourth decade, it is impossible to forecast with any degree of accuracy the future which
awaits Dr. Updegraff, but his record, though of necessity not long, is such as to
justify sanguine expectation of larger success than he has.as yet achieved.
(The Robinson Line).
Irvin Robinson, great-grandfather'of Mrs. Lena M. (Robinson) Updegraff, was
born in 1762, in Ireland, whither his ancestors had migrated from their native Scotland. Pressed into the army, Irvin Robinson was sent to serve in the war of the
American Revolution and was among the troops who surrendered at Yorktown. In
1793 he returned to the United States by way of Canada, and settled at Hollidaysburg,
Blair county, Pennsylvania. At one time he owned land on which the town is now
built, and from this he removed to "Campbell's farm," in Fairfield township. The
ancestors of Mr. Robinson had belonged to the Society of Friends, but he himself was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married, in Ireland, Catherine
Elliot, and twelve children were born to them, all of whom  reared families. Mr.
Robinson died in I829, and his widow passed away in I859, having survived her husband thirty years.
Elliot Robinson, son of Irvin and Catherine (Elliot) Robinson, was born October
8, I8o8, in Fairfield township, and as a young man was the owner of boats on the Pennsylvania State Canal. Later he owned and operated one grist mill in Bolivar and
another in Indiana, and also manufactured lumber in Westmoreland and Indiana counties. Mr. Robinson was one of the pioneer brickmakers, having been the second man
in the business. For this reason the first brick works he built at Bolivar were known
as Reese, Hammond  Company's No. 2. The brick works of his erection were, in
the aggregate, very numerous. Mr. Robinson was a local preacher of the Methodist
Episcopal church and was instrumental in the erection of more churches than any other
man in the community. He married (first) Margaret, daughter of John Nixon, of
Westmoreland county, and their children were: Catherine E., became the wife of
W'illiam L. Winkle; Mary J., became the wife of Augustus B. Rugh; John W., married Cora Agnew; and Anna E., a deaconess in the Methodist Episcopal church,
Pittsburgh. Mr. Robinson married (second) in I848, Sarah, daughter of Robert Lynn
and sister of Smith Lynn, of Fairfield township, and they became the parents of the
following children: Caroline M.; William 1., mentioned below; and Thomas J., marI04BIOGRAPHIICAL
ried Alice Kennedy. Mr. Robinson was granted more than four-score years, his
death occurring at the age of eighty-three.
W\Tilliam I. Robinson, son of Elliot and Sarah (Lynn) Robinson, was born July
3I, I85I, and was educated at the State Normal School, Millersville. As a young man
he taught for a time in the public schools of Bolivar and Black Lick, afterward associating himself in business with his father, and William L. Winkle, his brother-in-law.
He rebuilt the Reese and Hammond Fire Brick Works No. I, and formed a partnership
under the name of Winkle  Robinson. Mr. Robinson also rebuilt, after purchasing
them, the Enterprise or Lincoln Fire Brick Works. This was in I878, and'in I88I
he sold out to Murtland  Scott, of Pittsburgh.; Mr. Robinson remained as superintendent until I887 and then, in association with his brother Thomas J., built the Garfield Clay Works at Robinson, employing many men at that place and at Bolivar. He
was a member of the firm of Robinson  Company, and president and superintendent
of the Garfield Clay Fire Brick Company. Mr. Robinson was active in local affairs,
serving as school director. In politics he was a Prohibitionist. He affiliated with the
Maccabees of the World, No. 27, and also with the W. VV., No. 5I. He was a member and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Robinson married, March
28, I883, Margaret, daughter of Thomas McHail, and their children were: Jessie C.,
married George St. Amour, of Cleveland, Ohio; Lena M., mentioned below; Walter
B., deceased; Thomas Sherman, chief clerk of the freight department of the Pennsylvania railroad at Uniontown, Pennsylvania; Elliot R., dece'ased; Willard E., manager of brick works at Bolivar; Anna Lynn, attending Indiana State Normal School;
and Harold I., attending Latrobe High School. On one occasion Mr. Robinson was a
delegate to the Prohibitionist National Convention. An able and aggressive business
man and a truly public-spirited citizen, he passed away in I9I3, leaving to his children
not only material possessions, but the rich legacy of the example of a useful and
honorable life.
Lena M. Robinson, daughter of William  I. and Margaret (McHail) Robinson,
was born May 5, I885, and attended the schools of Bolivar, afterward taking an English course of one year at the Drexel Institute. She became the wife of Dr. John
Wilbert Updegraff, as stated above.
J. HOWARD PATTON-J. Howard Patton, son of the late Judge George W.
Patton, and an executive of much ability and high office in many of the leading business enterprises and coal mining interests of Greensburg and Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, was born July 29, I85I, at Union Furnace, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. His ancestry connects him with the early development of Pennsylvania, and'his own individual efforts in developing much of the mineral property of a rich section
of the State bring him into creditable mention in the annals of the house of Patton.
It is unnecessary herein to trace the Patton family beyond the generation wherein
the family came into association with American affairs. Matthew and John Patton
were natives of Northern Ireland, in which.part of the British Isles the Pattons had
probably been forced to seek refuge, because of the Confiscation Act of the British
Crown, which dispossessed the Covenanters of Scotland and of other parts of Great
Britain, and in effect drove them from the land. At all events, records show that Matthew and John Patton (which is not an Irish patronymic) were prominent Covenanters, and that at an early date in the eighteenth century both left Ireland for
America, eventually settling in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where they jointly
purchased a tract of land in what is now Peters township, about the year I735. They
are assessed on the tax lists of that township and county in I751. Matthew Patton,
probably the elder brother, died at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, January 7, I778, in which
town his will was probated. His wife Elizabeth, who survived him, bore him eight
children, and many of this branch of the Patton family served in the Revolutionary
105OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
War, and afterwards became men of influence in various parts of the country, some
settling in the Carolinas.
John Patton, brother of Matthew Patton, of whose direct line J. Howard
Patton, of Greensburg, is the present head, died in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania,
in June, I767. He married Susanna Tussey and their children were: William, see
forward; Mary and Benjamin.  Benjamin settled in North Carolina, and by his
Revolutionary War experiences beca'me of some note in national history. He was a
member of the Carolina convention that passed the oft-quoted "Mecklenberg Declaration," and has been chronicled as "a man of firm character and undaunted courage."
William Patton, son of John and Susanna (Tussey) Patton, was born in the
North of Ireland in I730, and died March 23, I777, in Peters township, Cumberland
county, Pennsylvania. He was quite young when brought across the ocean by his
parents, and grew to manhood amidst all the hardships of pioneer life; the frontier of
American civilization was at that time in constant danger from attack by Indians; in
fact, on one occasion, William Patton was obliged to flee with his family to Carlisle,
as the Indians were raiding in the neighborhood of his home. This constant vigilance,
and the continual presence of hazard, naturally developed certain characteristics of
manliness abnormally, so that it need not occasion surprise to find so many of our
most stalwart citizens of to-day among the descendants of the pioneer families of
America. William Patton married, August 5, I754, Elizabeth Moore, born in I732,
died June II, I8I9. Their children were: I. Mary, born October 2, I755, died September 25, I756. 2. John, referred to later. 3. Elizabeth, born January 25, I759, died
September 25, I759. 4. James, horn February 20, I763; married, I785, Sarah Dinwiddie,
who bore him eleven children; he took part in the Revolutionary War, though only a
lad at the time. 5. Letty, born June I4, I766. 6. Benjamin, born July I4, I770, died July
24, I770. 7. Benjamin, born April 23, 1772; married Phoebe Wheeler, and had five
children, two of them, Benjamin, who distinguished himself in the judiciary and
Joseph, who became county commissioner of Huntingdon county for two terms, being
worthy of special mention.
John Patton, son of William and Elizabeth (Moore) Patton, was born in Peters
township, Cumberland (now Franklin) county, Pennsylvania,'December 25, I757, and
died at his home farm in Woodcock Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, May
23, 1836. His farm, which was situated near McConnellstown, and which he purchased early in'life, was the centre of his activities for the greater part of his life,
though the troublous period of national unrest through which he passed brought many
other State and National duties to his hand. He was one of the Cumberland County
Associators during the Revolution, and was in active service on the frontier, which
they were defending from invasion by the British and Indians from New York. He
was a private in Captain VWTilliam Donaldson's company of the Third Battalion, Cumberland County Militia, commanded by Colonel William Chambers "called out by an
order from  Council, July 28, 1777" (See Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series,
Volume XV, page 575). He was later commissioned as lieutenant of the county
militia, serving when called upon during the period I778-82 (vide, Pennsylvania
Archives, Third Series, Volume XXIII, page 270). He had the unusual distinction
of serving his county as sheriff through nine different terms between the years I788
and 182I, four terms by appointment, and the remainder by election. Either he was
exceedingly popular, or he was admirably fitted for the office. It is known that he was
a most efficient official, also that he was a man of magnificent physique and great
powers of endurance, and he is reputed never to have worn an overcoat, nor to have
warmed himself near a fire. He was a fine looking man, and, in his dress favored
the continental style-top boots and silver knee buckles, etc.; these knee buckles are still
preserved in the family, having been converted into teaspoons. He was engaged on the'
construction of the Pennsylvania canal in I83I, and thereafter appears to have spent
io6BIOGRAPHICAL
the remaining few years of his life on his home farm, where he died in I836. He
belonged to the Presbyterian church, and was buried in Riverview Cemetery at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. His wife, Rebecca (Simpson) Patton, whom he married on
April i6, I8osI, and by whom he became the father of nine children, mentioned hereafter, lived for nine years after his decease. Rebecca Simpson was born April 8, I777,
in Paxtang township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and died October I3. I845, being
laid to rest alongside her husband in the Riverview Cemetery at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Lieutenant John and Margaret (Murray) Simpson, of Huntingdon, her father having gained distinction in the State service during
the war. The Revolutionary record of John Simpson, born 1744, died I807, is as
follows: "He was second lieutenant, Captain James Murray's company, fourth battalion, Colonel James Burd, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania militia, August i5, I775,
detailed to Continental service at Bristol, Pennsylvania, January 28, I777."
The nine children of Lieutenant John and Rebecca (Simpson) Patton were all
born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and came in the following order: Margaret Murray, born February i6, 1802, died November 30, 1823, buried in Riverside
Cemetery; William  Moore, born November I6, I803, married Rebecca Boal, of
Lawrence Furnace, Ohio, January, I842, who became the mother of his four children,
died at Catlettsburg, Kentucky; John Simpson, born June I5, i8o6, died at Pennsylvania Furnace, Kentucky, August 30, I85o, builder of a section of the Pennsylvania
canal in I83I, and captain of one of the first boats to run on the canal to Philadelphia,
collector of' tolls on Juniata division of canal, married Catherine Huyett, of Blair
county, Pennsylvania, who bore him four children; Elizabeth (twin), born June 30,
i8o8, died March 3, i8II; James (twin), born June 30, i8o8, died September I6, I836,
from injuries received in fall from a barn at McConnellstown, Pennsylvania; both
were buried in Riverview Cemetery at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. In March, i832,
James Patton married Elizabeth Vandevander, who with their three children survived
him; Joseph, born October 6, I8Io, died October 21, i885, at Catlettsburg, Kentucky,
owner of several Ohio river flotur mills; married (first) January 9, I84o, Nancy Given,
who bore him five children, (second) Eliza Johnson, by whom he had four children,
(third) Mary Brookover, who had no issue; Benjamin Franklin, born November 26,
I8I2, died at Altoona, Pennsylvania, July 6, i885, buried in Fairview Cemetery, Altoona, Pennsylvania, merchant at Warrior's Mark, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
and justice of the peace, county sheriff in I856, elected associate judge of County Court,
and reelected in i86i, removed to Altoona in I867, married, January 23, I836, Eliza
Addleman, and had eight children; Rebecca Simpson, born March 14, I8I5, died December I3, I862, buried at McConnellstown, Pennsylvania, married, December 24, 1840,
James Campbell, postmaster for many years at McConnellstown, Pennsylvania, and the
principal merchant there, mother of five children; George Washington, father of J.
Howard Patton, who was born on the Woodcock Valley farm in Walker township,
September 6, 1817, and who died March 7, I882, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was
brought to and buried in the family plot at Fairview Cemetery, Altoona, Pennsylvania.
George Washington Patton was the last child and sixth son of John and Rebecca
(Simpson) Patton, and after a minority spent at home on the farm, he decided to forsake farming. He entered mercantile business at Arch Spring, Blair county, Pennsylvania, I845. In the spring of I847 entering the iron and steel manufacturing industry, George W. Patten ultimately became manager of Blair Furnace, and in I848,
one of the lessees of the Union Furnace, Huntingdon county, achieving fair success
in this latter venture. However, in 1845, he had been employed there. In I853 he
removed to Altoona, where his standing in the business world, and his commanding
personality, influenced his fellow-townsmen to elect him the first chief burgess of that
borough in I853, and to reelect him in I854. He was elected a member of the first
school board of Altoona. In i86i he was appointed postmaster of Altoona, by PresiI0o7OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
dent Lincoln, and in this capacity he served the Nation for eight years. In I870 he
was elected associate judge of Blair county, vacating his high office five years later,
and removing to Philadelphia, where he lived in well-merited retirement for the
remainder of his days. He was a man of strong conviction and independent opinion,
and though brought up strictly under the influence of the Presbyterian church, he
became a Lutheran, and was known as a devout earnest Christian, strict in the performance of his religious obligations. He was of a painstaking, methodical turn of
mind, this trait being evidenced in the fact that practically throughout his life, he
strictly noted each day, in a diary, the day's happenings, insofar as they concerned him.
This diary (kept in separate year books) is highly prized by his children, and is perhaps one of the strongest indications of the consistency of action, strength of will, and
continuity of purpose of Judge George W. Patton. The diaries, in particular, note his
interest in church matters, and in Sunday school activities. The work of the Sunday
school attracted him, and he participated in it for many years. He was also a Mason,
in which fraternity he attained the degree of Knights Templar.
George W. Patton married (first) June Io, I845, Mary Burket, daughter of Peter
and Barbara (Neff) Burket, and (second) December I9, I86I, Emma Jane Hawksworth, daughter of George and Susan Hawksworth, of Altoona, Pennsylvania. By his
first wife, Mary Burket, who was born November I, 1825, in Sinking Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and died March 28, I856, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Judge
George W. Patton became the father of three male children, viz.: I. Theodore Blair,
born May 6, 1847, at Blair Furnace, Blair county, Pennsylvania. For twelve years he
was postmaster at Altoona, and later became general superintendent of the Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he is still the
incumbent. He married, March 9, 187I, Sue L. Ramey, of Altoona; she died May 25,
I917; they had issue: David R., born November Io, 1872, married, April 14, I898,
Martha T. Akers, and died August 28, I907; and Frank Blair, born July 3I, I879,
married Margaret Bell, June I9, I907; both children born at Altoona. 2. William
Augustus, born October 2I, I849, at linion Furnace, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.
At the age of sixteen he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
at Altoona, rising by the several graduations of service to his present responsible position of assistant to the president of the Railroad Company, and president of the New
York, Philadelphia  Norfolk Railroad Company, also of many other railroads. His
main residence is in the town of Radnor, Pennsylvania, where he has a beautiful estate.
He married, December I3, I876, Katherine J. Linn, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
They had one son, John Linn, who died October 6, I9o00, while an undergraduate at
Princeton University. 3. John Howard, referred to below. Judge George W. Patton married (second) December I9, I86I, Emma Jane Ilawksworth, who. was born
August 24, I834, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and died October i8, I898, and to this
marriage two children were born: 4. Mary Virginia, born November 3, I865; married,
January 29, 189o, Harold A. Freeman, of Philadelphia, and has a son, Clarence Patten Freeman. 5. Margaret Murray, born July 3, I870, in Altoona, died December 15,
I889, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
John Howard Patton, youngest son of George W. and Mary (Burket) Patton,
was born at'Union Furnace, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, July 29, I85I, and may
be considered to be distinctly a self-made man. Though he came of good family, and
directly from parents of refinement and intellectual inclinations, he, a younger son, was
not afforded the academic education adequate to his station. He passed through the
Altoona public schools, wherein he absorbed all the knowledge coming within its scope,
and supplemented that by a natural alertness of understanding, quickness of grasp,
keenness of observation, and an earnest desire to succeed in life by his own unaided
efforts, which blending of progressive qualities actuated him in appropriating to himself all further private opportunities for study coming within his reach, so that at nineteen years of age, when he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company,
lo8BIOGRAPHICAL
he was well based in more than the fundamentals of academic learning. His initiation
into business life was at Altoona, where in the eleven years of energetic, intelligent
and resolute application to the executive branch of the railroad company's affairs, he
acquired an expert acquaintance and familiarity with business affairs of magnitude,
which training in his later and more responsible business activities stood him in good
stead. His decade of railroad service developed in him a capacity for organization
and a celerity of action, which was valuable capital in the important enterprises of his
later business effort. He did not sever his connection with the railroad company, but
in 1885 removed to Claridge, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, as agent for the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and became one of the promoters of the Manor Gas
Coal Company, with which he was associated until the business was sold to the Westmoreland Coal Company. He opened up the Claridge Gas Coal Company's works,
which corporation he directed for twenty years. In I889 he removed to Greensburg,
Pennsylvania, and there, in the heart of that thriving coal-mining section of the State,
quickly commanded a leading place among the business executives of the county. He
organized many companies for the development of coal-bearing tracts, and in other
ways aided the development of the district. Among the companies, in the institution
and strengthening.of which J. Howard Patton has been the prime mover and directing
factor of importance, also president, are many of magnitude, including the Atlantic
Crushed Coke Company, Lucesco Coal Company, Huron Coal Company, the Howard
Gas Coal Company, and the Greensburg Storage and Transfer Company. Mr. Patton
still retains his interest in Lucesco Coal Company and the Howard Gas Coal Company. He has also many other interests in coal mining properties of Westmoreland
county, and though the demands made upon his time by his innumerable business
affiliations are heavy, his felicitous understanding, and ready despatch, of business
problems, and his aptitude for organization, render it possible for Mr. Patton to take
active interest in community and social affairs.. Highly regarded as one of Greensburg's most substantial citizens, and as a gentleman of the strictest rectitude, Mr. Patton is in possession of a wealth of respect in keeping with his monetary accrument, and
his labors, though of course primarily directed for his own personal gain, have not
been without their material effect on the prosperity of Westmoreland county, and of
Greensburg in particular. Although he has not been able personally to enter into any
of the political campaigns of his time, Mr. Patton has for many years given firm allegiance to the Republican party. By religious faith he is a Lutheran, as was his father.
and his fraternal inclination has found expression in the Masonic order, in the degrees
of which Mr. Patton has advanced far, holding Knights Templarship in the York Rite,
and admittance to thirty-second degree privileges in the Scottish Rite; he is also a
Shriner of Syria Temple, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the
Young Men's Christian Association, Americus Republican Club of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the American Revolution, also of many railroad associations,
Mr. Patton married, April I3, I88o, A. Louise Cunningham, of Hollidaysburg,
Pennsylvania, who, however, unfortunately died at Altoona a few years later, November 24, 1882. One child,.Howard C., who has, in his life, to the present, manifested
a capacity for business akin to the high standard displayed by his father, and is now
manager and treasurer of the Howard Gas Coal Company, as' well as connected with
many other business ventures in Greensburg.
Some years after the death of his first wife, J. Howard Patton married, in i888,
Jessie R. Geiger, youngest daughter of the late Judge Levi and Rosalinda Geiger, of
Urbana, Ohio.
(The Murray Line).
James Murray, born I729, died I804, was the father of Rebecca Simpson, grandmother of J. Howard Patton. His military services were as follows: "James Murray
was a member of the Committee of Observation of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
iogII0                 OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
November 8, I775; captain of Colonel James Burd's battalion, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania Associators, forming part of the'Flying Camp,' I776; captain of the First
Company, Tenth Battalion, Colonel Robert Elder, August 26, T780; captain in Colonel
Robert Elder's battalion, April I7, 178I, Lancaster County Militia; delegate to the
Military Convention held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, July 4, I776, to choose brigadiergenerals for the Associated battalions of Pennsylvania." Hie was in the battles of
Trenton and Princeton.
The Murray genealogy is an interesting one, and leads back to the highlands of
Scotland, from whence in 1732 came James Murray with his two sons, William and
John, and their families. William Murray settled on the Swartara, in Pennsylvania.
His son, James, owned a farm in the borough of Dauphin, Dauphin county, and
entered an application for more, in the Land Office in I768; he represented Paxtang
township on the Committee of Safety (vide: Captain James Murray). His wife was
Rebecca McLean, and they rest side by side in the old Dauphin Cemetery. Their
daughter, Margaret Murray, married John Simpson, who was second lieutenant in his
father-in-law's (James Murray) company. He is said to have been in command of
a company of his own toward the end of the war. It was Rebecca, a daughter of John
and Rebecca (Murray) Simpson, who married John Patton, grandfather of J. Howard
Patton. Rebecca (Simpson) Patton lived to a good old age. She was a woman of
education and refinement, and her grandson, J. Howard Patton, has family records
written in her own hand, that are marvels of legibility and neatness. A court record
signed "John Patton, sheriff," who was Rebecca's husband, is also preserved. A descendant of John Murray, the first, was Lindley Murray, author of "Murray's Grammar," na'tionally known as a standard work.
SILAS A. KLINE--Now one of the veteran members of the Westmoreland bar,
to which he came a young man in I87I, Mr. Kline reviews a long and honorable career.
When he retired from the district attorney's office in I884, an office he had filled with
marked distinction, he began the upbuilding of a private practice, and within a few
years there were few important cases tried in Westmoreland courts in which he did
not appear. Years have added the weight of long experience to the learning of youth
and middle age, and what the years have taken in vigor and enthusiasm they have
abundantly recompensed for in calm judgment and mature wisdom. He won his way
to a legal education and a foothold at the bar against adverse circumstance, but when
that foothold was obtained his progress was steadily upward and no member of the
Westmoreland bar is more highly esteemed than the veteran lawyer to whom this
tribute of appreciation is dedicated.
Mr. Kline's ancestry dates back to early days in Pennsylvania to Peter Kline, of
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who was of Swiss origin, who had three sons, one
only attaining mnanhood. John, the eldest, was a soldier of the Revolution, was with
General Washington at Valley Forge, and after a serious illness was transferred to
the commissary department and given charge of bodies of troops gathering supplies
for the army. After the war ended, he married and settled on a farm owned by his
father, near Millersburg, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, there remaining several
years. He was in a Tory neighborhood and to revenge themselves upon Kline for
the part he had taken in gaining independence, they subjected him to persecution and
loss, destroying his fences and crops. This continued, until alarmed for his personal
safety, he yielded to the importunities of his wife, rented his farm and started westward, intending to locate in Kentucky. With his wife, family and a few household
goods, loaded on pack horses, he crossed the Allegheny mountains and journeyed
through Westmoreland county until halted by a fork in the road near where Grapeville now stands. Intending to go on to Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh), he took the wrong
road and came to the Manor settlement. There they were told of their mistake andBIOGRAPHICAL                                    III
warned that it was dangerous to proceed as the Indians were again ravaging the frontier. He induced his wife to consent to settling in Westmoreland county, instead of
going on to Kentucky. He selected a home in the choicest spot in the county's area,
the "Painter Improvement," sold his horses and began working at his trade, weaving.
For many years he lived in that locality, adding to weaving the duties of a conveyancer.
In searching titles, he was compelled to make several trips to Philadelphia and from
one of them he never returned. His wife, a Miss Mace, settled with her children near
Adamsburg, John, the eldest son, becoming head of the family. The children of Peter
Kline were all workers, a characteristic of all his descendants. Children: John, of
further mention; William, of Adamsburg; George, died y6ung; Samuel, settled in the
West; Polly, married Peter Kemerer and moved to Illinois; Catherine, married Daniel
Kemerer and moved to Iowa.
John Kline, eldest son of Peter Kline, assumed the support of his mother after his
father's disappearance, and with the help of his brothers cleared land and built the
first log cabin in Adamsburg. He married Nancy Bughman, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and reared a family of eleven children: Henry, Joseph, Jacob, George, John,
Lewis, of further mention; Isaac, Elizabeth, married Joseph Klingensmith; Catherine,
married George Lose; Sarah, married Nicholas Naley; Susannah.
Lewis Kline, son of John and Nancy (Bughman) Kline, learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed for several years. He then bought a farm near Bouquet, in
Penn township, which he continued to cultivate until his death. He was a Democrat
in politics, and a member of the German Reformed church in Manor. He married
Catharine Cort, daughter of Daniel Cort and sister of Rev. Lucian Cort. Children:
Silas A., of further mention; Edward C., settled in Iowa; Franklin J.; Daniel L.;
Ab T., a lawyer, settled in Denver, Colorado; Sidney, married H. D. Foster; Margaret, married Edward Fox; Cynthia, married Peter Naley; Ida, died young; Amanda,
married G. Speis; Jennie, married William Glunt.
Silas A. Kline, eldest son and child of Lewis and Catharine (Cort) Kline, was
born in the village of Bouquet, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November I3,
I844. He obtained his early education in the public schools, adding much to his mental
equipment by self study. He remained at home, his father's assistant, until the age
of eighteen, then started out for himself. Between the ages of eighteen and twentyfive he labored in the oil region, engaged in hard manual labor, and so kept up his
study that he was employed as a teacher during the winter months. The money earned
was carefully saved and later employed in financing an academy course. In I869 he
began the carrying out of a long cherished ambition by beginning law study in the
office and under the direction of Jacob Turney, a Congressman and an eminent lawyer
of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He prosecuted his legal study with vigor, and at the
May term, I87I, passed the required tests and was admitted to practice at the Westmoreland bar. From that time until the present, he has been an active member of that
bar, making few digressions from the profession he honors. In I872 he was associate
editor of the Westmoreland "Democrat" and demonstrated that had the law  not
claimed him journalism would have gained a shining light. He was deputy sheriff
under Alexander Kilgore, I873-January I, I875, then for two years confined himself to
the exclusive practice of his profession. In I877 he was elected district attorney for
Westmoreland county, serving until January I, I884, having once been reelected. On
the expiration of his second term, he retired to private practice, appearing in all State
and Federal courts of the district. He is a strong advocate for any cause he espouses
and possesses all the strong qualities that mark the able lawyer.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Kline from early manhood took a deep interest in
party affairs and became one of the leaders of the democracy in the county. He was
twice elected district attorney, and in July, I889,4 was chosen chairman of the Democratic County Committee. Under bis capable management the party won a signal vic112                 OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tory that year, electing their entire ticket by a large majority, including the judge,
the first Democrat elected to the bench in Westmoreland county for forty years.
Mr. Kline was a charter member of Centennial Lodge, Ancient Order of United
Workmen, organized in 1876, and has held every office in the lodge. In I879 he was a
member of the Pennsylvania Grand I,odge of the order; was elected grand overseer
in I884; grand foreman in I885; grand master workman in I886; supreme representative in 1888, representing Pennsylvania in the Supreme Lodge held at Omaha, Nebraska, and continuously for six years thereafter, of their various sessions, serving on
numerous committees. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge,
Knights of HIonor; charter member of Greensburg Conclave, Independent Order of
Heptasophs, represented his Conclave at the Supreme Conclave held in Richmond,
Virginia, in April, I889, and was district supreme representative for his District No. 7.
In early life he became a member of the German Reformed church at Manor, but
in I878 joined the First Reformed Church of Greensburg, of which he has since been
a strong. pillar of support. In I88I he was elected a member of the committee in
charge of the erection of the new church, also acted as secretary and treasurer of that
committee. He takes an active part in Sabbath school work and is teacher of one of
the largest classes in Western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kline married, January 2I, I875, Elizabeth Baer, daughter of Adam and Mary
(Rumbaugh) Baer, of Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Kline'are the parents of three children: I. WTade Turney, born April I, I877. He was educated at public schools of
Greensburg, Mercerburg Academy and Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He
read law with his father, and was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county, I905,
an associate of his father in practice. In I905 he was elected captain of Company I,
Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, New Hampshire, and still fills that position.
In I9I6 he was called to the Mexican border with his company and after some six
months on duty there, returned'with his entire company intact. His comp.any stands
at the head of the National Guard of the State. He is now (I9I8) captain of Company I, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces,
in France. He has for the past six years served as mayor of Greensburg by appointment to fill unexpired term. He married Jennie Sweney and they had two children:
Esther Elizabeth, deceased, and Isabelle. 2. George Plummer, born June 29, 1878.
He was educated in public schools of Greensburg, Mercerburg Academy, and Dickinson College. He was admitted to the bar in I9o3, in practice with his father. He is
secretary of Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He married Edna Moore. 3.
Bessie M., born December 8, I88o. She married Archie C. Furtwangler; two children:
William and Archie S. Resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
As stated in the beginning, Mr. Kline, now in the full evening of life, reviews a
long and an exceedingly honorable career. He has been tried in the full light of public
view and has not been found wanting in any of the attributes of true'manhood, and
holds the confidence and the esteem of a very wide circle of friends.
WILLIAM  MARKLE BERLIN-As a drilling contractor for many years over
a large Western Pennsylvania area, as sealer of weights and measures and member of
the Westmoreland Motor Car Company in Greensburg, Mr. Berlin has acquired an
extensive acquaintance and high reputation in the business world. He is a son of
Cornelius E. Berlin, one of the best known of Westmoreland's well known citizens,
grandson of Colonel Elias Berlin, a prosperous farmer and colonel of militia in "ye
olden time;" great-grandson of Jacob and Eva (Carbaugh) Berlin, who came from
"East of the Mountains," settling at Manor, then Franklin, now Penn township, Westmoreland county.
Colonel Elias Berlin, son of Jacobl and Eva (Carbaugh) Berlin, was born in FairBIOGRAPHICAL
field township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 17, I80I, died March 2,
I895, in his ninety-fifth year. H-e was a man of strong character and great business
ability, following farming, stock raising and real estate dealing all his life, becoming
one of the wealthiest men in his section of the county, Franklin township. He was an
ardent Democrat, took a deep interest in public and military affairs, was a colonel of
militia and a very conspicuous figure. He was a dignilfied, courteous gentleman and
ieft an honored name. For many, many years he was a deacon and an elder of the
Lutheran church and lived an exemplary life, the proof of the sincerity of his professions. Colonel Berlin married, in I821, Sarah Ament, who died in August, I869, aged
sixty-six years, daughter of George and Esther (Markle) Ament. Children: Levi,
who left home at the age of sixteen and was never again heard from; Israel; Henry;
Joseph; Cornelius Elias, of further mention; Mahala, married Nicholas King; Maria;
Kate Ann, married Isaac Ringer; Esther, married Joseph Lauffer; Sarah Z., married
James Chambers.
Cornelius Elias Berlin, fifth son of Colonel Elias and Sarah (Ament) Berlin, was
born in Franklin township, WTestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, September 24, I844,
and is yet an honored resident of Export, Westmoreland county. He was educated
in the public schools, Delmont Academy and Laird Institute, spending his youth and
early manhood at the home farm. At the age of twenty-six he married and for three
years more made the homestead farm  his home, then moved to one of his father's
farms near Delmont, upon which he resided for twenty-two years, a successful farmer.
In 1892 he laid out and founded the town of Export, built the first three houses ever
erected there, and in 1893.moved into one of them  and has since made Export his
honie. From the three houses in 189e has grown a thriving borough of several thousand and with all the improvements of modern life. After settling in Export, Mr.
Berlin engaged in mercantile business, having a store at Turtle Creek, managed by
his sons, and another at Export, which he managed for a time but soon turned it over
to others. He has been interested in many corporate and business enterprises during
his lifetime, but for many years has lived retired from business activities. For twentysix years he has held the office of justice of the peace and in that capacity "Squire"
Berlin has been and is a terror to evil doers, although he tempers justice with mercy,
for a more kindly-hearted, sympathetic soul would be hard to find. He early espoused'
the cause of the Democracy and has ever been potent in party management and councils. He has always been interested in good schools, in the preservation of law and
order, and to him is due, in a large measure, the importance of the borough he found'ed
and stood sponsor for until public interest was aroused and the little town safely
started on its prosperous course_ The site of the borough is the old Berlin farm, and
not far from the scene of his birth he has spent a long and useful life. For thirty
years he has been a member of the Lutheran church, is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights
of Pythias.
Mr. Berlin married, in December, I869, Nancy J. Duff, born October I4, I85o,
daughter of John and Maria (Holloway) Duff, and granddaughter of Rupert and
Mary (Johnson) Duff, of Franklin township. Children: Mertie Bell, born August
28, I872, married J. G. Waddell and has children: Helen Berlin, Clifton Gill and Robert Cornelius Waddell; James Owens, born August 27, I875, died aged seventeen
months; William Markle, mentioned below.
William Markle Berlin was born at the Berlin homestead in Franklin township,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 29, I880. He was educated in public
schools, Laird Institute and the.Jniversity of West Virginia, spending two years at
the latter institution.  He was for a time associated with his father in business as
nanager of the Turtle Creek store, but later became a drilling contractor, sinking
wells and shafts all over the western gas, oil and coal fields. He pursued that busiw-8
II3OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ness very successfully for thirteen years, until I913, then accepted appointment as
sealer of weights and measures and retired from business. This office he held until
April, I917, but in I915 became interested in business affairs as treasurer of the W\estmoreland Motor Car Company, of Greensburg, a prosperous enterprise. In I916 Mr.
Berlin organized the White Valley Coal Company, located at Export, Pennsylvania,
incorporated at $5,ooo, the irrcorporators being a-s follows: J. H. Ake, W. P. Duff
and Mr. Berlin. Aside from this Mr. Berlin has other extensive coal interests.
Three generations of Berlins have resided in Export since it first became the Berlin
homestead farm and each of the heads has taken a deep interest in the establishment
and maintenance of good schools. It was for years the dream of William, Markle
Berlin that he might see the borough equipped not only with good, but the best school
facilities, and he has seen that dream come true. He was appointed by the court a
member of the Export School Board, was elected secretary of the board and during his
term of three years a building appropriate in design, size and furnishings was finished
at a cost of $30,ooo, a building not surpassed in beauty, convenience, ventilation or
equipment by any in the county. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Berlin has for the past
ten years taken active part in party affairs and is the present chairman of the Democratic county committee. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the.Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Lutheran
church.
Mr. Berlin married, November 7, I9oo, Marie C. Bernd, daughter of Henry and
Anna (Zischkau) Bernd. They have children: Marie, Florence and Cornelius Berlin.
The family home is on Tremont avenue, Greensburg.
WILLIAM  W. JAMISON-There is no family in Westmoreland county better
known or more highly- respected than that which bears the name of Jamison, both
because of its long standing-its progenitor came here in pioneer days-and because
of its present great promise. Its members for the past generation or so have been
most intimately identified with the development of one of the greatest of Pennsylvania's
industries, that of coal mining, and the men who bear the name to-day are now carrying on mining operations on a gigantic scale. The Jamison family was founded in the
colony of Pennsylvania as early as I764, when one Francis Jamison came with his
wife, four sons and two daughters from the North of Ireland and made their home in
Franklin county here. Francis Jamison and his wife continued to reside in this new
home, but their children, seized with the same enterprising spirit as that possessed by
the parents, made their way further to the West and some of them eventually stopped
in Westmoreland county.
Born March io, 86o0, William W. Jamison, second child and eldest son of Robert
S. and Caroline (Wible)Jamison, was, like his father, a native of Greensburg, and has
made this city his home practically ever since. It was here that he attended the local
public schools, where he obtained an excellent general education. At the age of
twenty, after.completing his studies at the local schools, he entered the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and thus began his business career. HIis first position
was on an engineering corps, of which' Samuel Rea, now president of the immense
Pennsylvania system of railroads was chief. After several years spent in this service,
he came to Greensburg and was employed as an engineer by several of the large coal
companies in this part of the State. For ten years he continued to follow the profession of mine. engineering and then was associated in the formation of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, of which his father was the head. From that time to
this he has continued thus associated and has always held some official capacity in connection with its work. His interests, however, extend beyond the limits of the single
company and' he is interested in a large number of other enterprises.  Mr. Jamis,on
has not confined himself to business activities, however, but has been an active particiII4BIOGRAPHICAL
"I5
pant in the public life of the community and has taken a leading part in almost every
department of its affairs. In politics he is a Republican, but though recognized as an
influential factor in the activities of his party, has consistently avoided all public office,
preferring to exert his influence in the capacity of private citizen.
William W. Jamison was united in marriage, March Io, I886, with Elizabeth
Eccles, a daughter of Johnson and Jane (McLune) Eccles, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Jamison the following children have been born: I. -Ralph
Eccles, born January II, I887; married, October io, I912, Elizabeth Head, by whom
he has had two children, Elizabeth and Ralph E., Jr. 2. Robert P., born August 27,
I888; married, October I4, 1914, Gertrude Sloan. 3. Thomas P., born April I8, I892;
married, June I2, I917, Dorothy Tebbitts. Mr. Jamison and his wife are members of
the Second Reformed Church of Greensburg. His three sons are all associated with
the Jamison Coal and Coke Company and all fill important positions therein.
GEORGE W. DEEDS  The Deeds family settled early in the Ligonier Valley
of Pennsylvania, Jacob Deeds coming from Somerset county, his birthplace, when a
yo'ung man, and there residing until his death at the age of ninety-three years. He was
a devout member of the Evangelical church, which he served in an official capacity for
many years. He was noted for his pious, upright life, and all respected the man who
was blessed with such length of years. He married, in the Ligonier Valley, Mary
Weller, and reared a family'of two sons and four daughters: Barbara, Rachel, Sarah,, Benjamin, and John, the father of George WV. Deeds, now commissioner of
Westmoreland county.
John Deeds pursued his father's occupation and continued as a farmer of the
valley, and until his death in I908, aged seventy-three years, was a resident of Ligonier.
He was a man of quiet manner and unassuming life, a devout member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, honored and respected by his fellow-men. He married Rebecca
Jane Nicely, and had five children: Frances, married James Jones; Mary Ann, married David A. Geeting; George W., of further mention; Elmer E., now a farmer on
the old homestead; Sarah, married Freeman Matthews.
George \T. Deeds was born at the Deeds Ligonier Valley homestead, November
22, 1864. He attended public school until fifteen years of age, then on his own responsibility began dealing in cattle and horses. He developed a keen business instinct and
was successful in his dealing to such an extent that upon arriving at legal age he
opened a livery stable in Ligonier in connection with an extensive business in the sale
and exchange of horses. For fifteen years he continued in that line of activity, then
sold out and established in Ligonier his present business, real estate and insurance.
But his love for the farm and fine stock still abides and since Igo8 he has been a breeder
of pure blooded Percheron horses and Holstein cattle on his farm near Ligonier.
This farm is one of the beautiful places of the valley and consists of two hundred
acres. He was one of the organizers of the South Ligonier Coal Company, and is
treasurer of the prosperous corporation; is a member of the firm of Deeds  Byers,
of Ligonier, and a director of the First National Bank of Ligonier, of which he was
one of the organizers.
Notwithstanding Mr. Deeds has from  early youth been engrossed in business, as
outlined, he has neglected none of -his duties as a citizen, but on the contrary has ever
taken an active part in public affairs. A Democrat in his political views, he has long
been recognized as one of the strong men of his party and has been a potent voice in
party councils. His public service has been long, varied and efficient. For five years
he was justice of the peace, has served as borough councilman, as mayor of Ligonier,
and in 1915 was elected county commissioner. His acquaintance is wide and he ranks
with the prominent, substantial men of Westmoreland. In religious affiliation he is aOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Ligonier. He has been for many
years one of the official board.
Mr. Deeds married, February 7, I894, Pora Emma H;auger, daughter of John
Hauger, of Stahlstown, Pennsylvania. They have three children: John Miller, Rebecca Jane and Geotge S. Deeds. The eldest son joined the United States Army by
enlistment immediately after war was declared and is with Company M, Tenth Regiment, and is now (May, I918) at Camp Hancock, having been promoted to the rank
of sergeant.
E. ART'HUR SWEENY-Since the year Igoo Mr. Sweeny has been associated
with journalism in Greensburg, and. since I909 has been in the public eye as editor of
the "Greensburg Morning Review," Westmoreland's only morning daily newspaper.
He has won honorable position among the journalists of Western Pennsylvania, and
is fairly representative of the progressive modern newspaper man of the small cities
to whose energy and public spirit too much credit for community progress cannot be
given. He is a great-grandson of Barnabas Sweeny, who came from  Litterkenni~e,
Ireland, about Io90, locating near Tarentum, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
James Sweeny, son of Barnabas Sweeny, was a farmer of Derry township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there his son, Edward B. Sweeny, was born and grew
to manhood.
Edward B. Sweeny obtained his education in Derry schools, and was his father's
assistant until August 8, I862, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and
Thirty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He served throughout the.
war with that regiment and in the United States Signal Corps, receiving honorable
discharge. A brother, Lyman B. Sweeny, was also in the signal corps, was taken prisoner and died in a Southern prison. After the war Mr. Sweeny completed his studies,
attending the Mt. Union College, and Edinboro Staie Normal School for several years,
and from 189I to 1895 was clerk of the Orphans' Court and Court of Quarter Sessions
for Westmoreland county. From I887 he was a resident of Greensburg.
Edward B. Sweeny married Rebecca Edmundson Muse, of North Huntingdon
township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a descendant of Colonel Lawrence
Muse, a friend of General Washington, who came from Virginia to Pennsylvania, in
I766. Colonel Muse was a descendant of an English sire, who came to Virginia in
the earlier day, and were long extensive planters and slave owners. Colonel Lawrence Muse married Betsey Fauntleroy, said to have also been loved by General
Washington. Fauntleroy Muse, son of Colonel Lawrence Muse, was a soldier of the
Revolution, and after the war had six hundred acres patented to him, partly in now
Versailles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His son, John I. Muse, located
on the "Gallant lTract" in Versailles township, was treasurer of Allegheny, and for
several terms served in the Pennsylvania Legislature. His son, Joseph Muse, purchased the "Point Pleasant" farm in North Huntingdon township, Westmoreland
county, and there his children John, Joseph and Asbury Muse, yet reside. There his
eldest child, Rebecca Edmundson Muse, was born September 2I, I849, and there the
father died, October 22, i886. Joseph Muse married, October 28, I848, Cynthia,
daughter of William and Sarah (Paul) Campbell, of Sewickley township. She was
born October I, 1824, survived her husband a number of years, and died November II,
I902. Edward B. and Rebecca E. (Muse) Sweeny are the parents of two daughters:
Elizabeth B. and Alvira E., and of a son, E. Arthur, of further mention.
E. Arthur Sweeny, only son of Edward B. and Rebecca E. (Muse) Sweeny, was
educated in the public schools. In 900oo he began his career as a journalist, and for
the succeeding nine years was connected with various Greensburg newspapers. In
I909 the Greensburg Publishing Company was incorporated and came into possession
of the "Greensburg Morning Review" in the county, and the "Westmoreland Demoii6BIOGRAPHICAL
crat," the oldest weekly newspaper west of the Alleghenies. Upon the incorporation
of the company, Mr. Sweeny was chosen editor, and has made the company's publications of real value to the communities they serve. He is the personal representative of
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia newspapers, and the Associated Press.
JAMES BIERER GALLAGHER-The family of which James Bierer Gallagher, of Irwin, is representative, was founded in the United States by Thomas Gallagher, a native of County Down, Ireland. In May, I8Io, he landed in Baltimore, Maryland, and shortly afterward settled in Unity township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm, the original owner of which was William Peoples.
In his native land, Mr. Gallagher was a member of the Episcopal church, but after
locating in Pennsylvania he joined the Presbyterian church. He married Isabel McElhaney, who bore him the following children: James, of further mention; George,
who died in Philadelphia, leaving a wife and daughter; Thomas, unmarried, died, and
was buried in Harrisburg; John, who resided at York, Pennsylvania, was engaged in
the mercantile business, and was the father of two daughters; Belle, who became the
wife of a Mr. Cbombs; Mary, who became the wife of a Mr. Haagus; Isabel, who became the wife of James Stewart; a daughter who died in infancy. Thomas Gallagher,
father of these children, died in I838, in the ninety-third year of his age. His wife died
in 1817.
James Gallagher, eldest son of Thomas and Isabel (McElhaney) Gallagher, married Elizabeth Foster, the eldest of twelve children-six sons and six daughters-born
to Thomas Foster, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher were
the parents of ten children: Thomas, George, William Foster, Sarah Ann, John, Jane,
Lizzie, Martha, James and Taylor.
William Foster Gallagher, third son of James and Elizabeth (Foster) Gallagher,
was born May Io, I826, on the farm his grandfather settled on when he came to, this
country in I8Io. He obtained his education in the subscription schools, and then turned
his attention to farming, later purchasing the homestead farm from his father, James
Gallagher, whereon he resided all his life, seventy-five years. He was a Presbyterian
in religion, and a staunch Republican in politics. He married Catherine Welty Bierer,
born September I6, I834, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Lafferty) Bierer, of
further mention. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher:. Belle L.,
who resides at home; Eva M., who was formerly with the Young Women's Christian
Association at Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, now at home; Anna G., wife of S. W.
Steele, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; James Bierer, of further mention; William F.,
resides at home, and is engaged in farming on the old homestead.
Catherine Welty (Bierer) Gallagher, born September I6, I834, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Lafferty) Bierer, acquired her education at Beaver Seminary,
Beaver, Pennsylvania. The Bierer family were among the early and reliable families
that came to this country from the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. In Germany
the name was spelled Bueher, and the heads of the family in that country were John
and Barbara (Muller) Bierer. John Bierer with his family started for America in
I804, but died at sea; his widow and three sons-John, Everhard and Fredericklanded at Baltimore, Maryland, from whence they came to Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Frederick Bierer, father of Catherine Welty (Bierer) Gallagher, was born at Mansheim, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, and after his arrival at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, worked for several years with his brother John in the butchering business.
He then removed to Connellsville, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in butchering for
many years and was the owner of the farm on which is now located the Pennsylvania
railroad depot. He went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 18I7, and became a partner
of his brother Everhard in the butchering business, but in I823 removed to Greensburg
II7OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and there engaged in business up to I83I. In that year he went to Hannastown, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming, his farm embracing four hundred acres and
considered the finest in the county. The first county seat olf WVestmoreland county
was located on this farm. He was a strict member of the Lutheran church, in which
he served as deacon and elder, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic
fraternity. He was a man of large stature, a peaceable citizen, and very popular in
his neighborhood. He married Elizabeth Lafferty, daughter of James Lafferty, of
Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of twelve children, eleven of
whom grew up to manhood and womanhood. Their names were: Barbara M., John
L., Mary, Frederick C., Elizabeth, Bathsheba, Ambrose, Hannah, Samuel WV., George
E., Catherine W., and Sarah, who died in her fifth year.
James Bierer Gallagher, eldest son of William Foster and Catherine Welty
(Bierer) Gallagher, was born near Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 9, I868. He was educated in the public schools of Unity township, Greensburg Seminary, and California State Normal School. During his early life he worked
on the homestead farm, then served in the capacity of teacher in the school of Hempfield township three terms, later returned to his father's farm on which he worked
one year, and at the expiration of this period took up his residence in Greensburg and
entered the office of the Westmoreland Water Company, subsequently being promoted
to the position of superintendent of the Irwin Water Company at Irwin, Pennsylvania,
which he still occupies. For the past ten years, I9o8-I8, he has been a member of the
firm of Gallagher  Gress, real estate and insurance. In politics Mr. Gallagher is a
firm Republican, always taking an active interest in all nominations and elections.
When he cast his first vote in the county it was Democratic, but since then he has
assisted in placing it in the Republican column. He served as a member of the
school board two terms in Irwin; in the fall of I913 he was elected to the office of
clerk of Quarter Session Court of Westmo.reland county, which office he is at present
(I918) filling; served as delegate to State conventions, and as a member of the Republican County Committee for the past twenty-five years. Mr. Gallagher is a member
of the Presbyterian church; he also holds membership in Shidle Lodge, No. 6oi, Free
and Accepted Masons, of Irwin, of which he is past master; Urania Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons, of Greensburg; Olivet Council, Royal and Select Masters; Kedron
Commandery, Knights Templar; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the.Mystic Shrine; Junior Order of American Mechanics; Modern Woodmen of America
serving as clerk of his camp.
Mr. Gallagher married, February I8, I891, in Mt. Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Margaret R. Brinker, daughter of William F. and Angeline
(Saddler) Brinker, the former named a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township. She obtained
her education in the schools of Mt. Pleasant township, being a member of the first
class that graduated in township schools, and later attended the Greensburg Seminary.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher are:  I. Martha R., born in Mt. Pleasant
township, January 20, 1892; married, June 23, I915, Thomas Henry Beddall, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of a son, Edward A. Beddall (2nd), born
August I, I9I6. 2. Katherine Grace, born at Irwin, October II, I89.4; married, November 23, I915, Dr. D. Ray Murdock, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 3. James
Brinker, born at Irwin, April 9, I9o5. 4. Ruth A., born February I5, I9o8, who died
January 6, I9I8.
LEROY JOSEPH REESE, M. D.-Six years of active practice have given Dr.
Reese, whose post office address is Bolivar, an assured standing among his professional brethren of Westmoreland county. In addition to this he takes an active part
in public affairs, and is prominent in fraternal circles and in the social life of his
community.
ii8BIOGRAPHICAL
Thomas T. Reese, grandfather of Dr. Leroy Joseph Reese, was born in Wales,
and as a young man emigrated to the United States, settling near Hollidaysburg, Blair
county. After a short stay there he moved to Cambria county, south of Ebensburg,
where he purchased a farm of one hundred acres. Five years before his death he
relinquished the active labors of a farmer's life and moved to Ebensburg. He was a
Republican, and a member of the Congregational church of'Ebensburg. Mr. Reese
married        Davis, a native of Wales, and their children were: I. Winfield, mentioned below. 2. Joseph, engaged in real estate and insurance business in Johnstown,
Pennsylvania; married Angeline Davis. 3. Edward, married Jemima Davis; he is a
plumber at Johnstown. 4. Harriet, died in I9I4. Mrs. Reese passed away at the age
of eighty and Mr. Reese lived beyond his ninety-first birthday. He was a man who
in his daily life presented an example of true Christian virtue.
(11) Winfield Reese, son of Thomas T. and         (Davis) Reese, was born
November 23, I858, south of Ebensburg, Cambria county, and received his early education in township schools, afterward studying at the Western University of Pennsylvania. He possessed a thorough knowledge of the steel industry and held the position
of Blooming Mill foreman for the Cambria Steel Company at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His political principles were those advocated by the Republican party. He was
past grand in the Johnstown Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious membership was in the Christian church, in which he served as elder and deacon,
a member of the official board, and also held for many years the office of secretary. Mr.
Reese married Elizabeth Ann Humphries, whose family record is appended to this
biography, and the following children were born to them: I. Leonard, died at the
age of thirteen days. 2. Lillian Anna, wife of Guy W. Heffley, a miller by trade, but
now employed by the Cambria Steel Company at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 3. Leroy
Joseph, mentioned below. 4. Clarence William, foreman of the Gautier plant, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, married Mabel Hawks. The death of Mr. Reese, able business
man and respected citizen, occurred July 12, I912. His widow resides in Johnstown.
(III) Dr. Leroy Joseph Reese, son of Winfield and Elizabeth Ann (Humphries)
Reese, was born February 25, I887, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and attended the public schools of his native place. His professional education was received at the Medical
School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in I9IO with the degree
of Doctor of Medicine. After spending one year at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, Dr. Reese began practice in Bolivar, where he has since continuously
remained, building up an extensive and lucrative connection and establishing a reputation as an enlightened and skillful physician, well versed in the science of his profession and evincing much ability in the application of its principles. He is also the
proprietor of a well stocked and thoroughly equipped drug store.  In politics Dr.
Reese is a Republican and from 1912 to I914 was president of the Bolivar Board of
Health, also serving for five years as a member of the board of auditors.  He
affiliates with Acacia Lodge, No. 355, Free and Accepted Masons, Blairsville, Pennsylvania; Bolivar Camp, Knights of the Maccabees; and Woodmen of the World,
Camp No. 425, Bolivar, Pennsylvania. He also belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose,
No. 333, Bolivar. He is a member of the Christian church, Johnstown.
Dr. Reese married Florence Janet Leffier, whose family record is appended to this
biography, and they are the parents of one child, Florence Elizabeth, born August I3,
I914. Mrs. Reese is a true homemaker and a woman of charming personality, and
both she and her husband are extremely popular in the social circles of their community.
The professional career of Dr. Reese has opened most auspiciously, fully justifying in all who know him the confident expectation that the promise now given will be
more than fulfilled in the years to come.
iigOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
(The Humphries Line).
Edward IHumphries, father of Mrs. Elizabeth Ann (Humphries) Reese, was the
owner of a farm lying south of Ebensburg, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. He was
a Republican and at the time of his death held the office of constable. His religious
membership was in the Congregational church, in which he served as trustee. Mr.
Humphries and his wife were the parents of the following children: John T., farmer
at Box Elder, South Dakota; William, buyer of furniture for John Thomas  Son,
Johnstown, married Anna Goodwin; Elizabeth Ann, mentioned below; Leonard, died
at the age of eighteen years; and Martha, married Albert Apel, of Ebensburg, and died
at thirty-three. The death of Mr. Humphries occurred when he had reached his
seventy-third year.
Elizabeth Ann Humphries, daughter of Edward Humphries, was born May 3,
i862, in Ebensburg, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and she had the misfortune to
lose her mother when she was but ten years of age. In early womanhood she became
the wife of Winfield Reese, as stated above.
(The Leffler Line).
Ulerich Leffler, grandfather of Mrs. Florence Janet (Leffler) Reese, was born in
Germany, and as a young man emigrated to the United States, settling in Cambria
county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupations of a farmer and blacksmith.
He was a Republican, and a member of the United Brethren church of Johnstown.
Mr. Leffler married Barbara Berg and their children were: Rosie, perished in I889
in the Johnstown flood; Levina, married William Falkenberger, of Philadelphia;
Mary, became the wife of Joseph Thomas, of Jackson township, Cambria county;
Elizabeth, married Peter Stormer; Eli, married Louisa Wissinger, and lives in
Johnstown; Charles, married Lizzie Thomas, and lives in Pasadena, California; Cyrus,
mentioned below; and Samuel, died when absent from home. Mr. Leffler, whose
farm was a large one, has now passed away as has also his wife.
Cyrus Leffler, son of Ulerich and Barbara (Berg) Leffler, was born October 28,
I86o, in Jackson township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. HIe married Catherine Thomas (see Thomas line), and their children were: Ralph, of Cleveland, Ohio; Harry; Westley J., married Goldie Ribblet,
and lives in Johnstown; Florence Janet, mentioned below; Rosa, married Walter
Reeves, of Philadelphia; Robert, married Catherine Uhlery, and lives in Jackson
township, Cambria county; Samuel, at home, as are also his younger brothers, George,
Cyrus and Forrest; Alice, nurse in Wilkinsburg; Catherine, at home; Marian also at
home, employed as a stenographer by the Cambria Steel Company; and Winfield. Mr.
Leffier was a Republican, and affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Knights of the Mystic Chain of Johnstown. He held the offices of elder and
deacon in the Christian church of Johnstown. His death occurred in 1914, and his
widow resides in Johnstown.
Florence Janet Leffler, daughter of Cyrus and Catherine (Thomas) Leffler, was
born December 28, I889, and received her education in public schools and at the
Johnstown High School. She was afterward employed as a milliner in Johnstown. As
stated above she became the wife of Leroy Joseph Reese. Mrs. Reese is a member of
the church to which her husband belongs, and is also enrolled in the Bolivar Chapter
of the American Red Cross.
(The Thomas Line).
Jacob Thomas, father of Mrs. Catherine (Thomas) Leffler, was a farmer of
Somerset county, and a member of the Mennonite church. He married Catherine
Ream and their children were: Henry, married Christina Miller, and lives at Salix,
Bedford county; Noah, married Salome Egolf, and lives in Bedford; Milton, married
Hulda Ling, and lives in Johnstown; Joseph, married Mary Leffler, and lives in Jack120BIOGRAPHICAL                                    I21
son township, Cambria county; Effie, became the wife of Isaiah Hoover, of the neighborhood of Shellsburg, Bedford cotnty; and Catherine, mentioned below.  Mr.
Thomas died at the age of seventy-eight and his widow survived to her eighty-sixth
year.
Catherine Thomas, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Ream) Thomas, was born
April 3, 1863, and when grown to womanhood became the wife of Cyrus Leffler (see
Leffler line).
SAMUEL EVERETT PATTERSON-Although three generations of this family have claimed Greensburg as their home, Samuel Everett Patterson, present city
treasurer, is the only native son; his father, Samuel Ralston Patterson, and his grandfather, James Patterson, both being born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. While
James Patterson did not make Greensburg his home until late in life,' his son, Samuel
R. Patterson, came in early life and became one of the city's important builders. Both
father and son have taken active part in the upbuilding of the city, the former now
retired but the son bearing his share of civic and business burdens.
James Patterson was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and there resided
until I865, when he moved to Greensburg, and there ended his days, aged eighty-one.
He was a tanner and farmer all his active years, his farm lying along Mingo creek,
Washington county, Pennsylvania. He married Ann McVey and had a family of nine
children: Thomas, John, James K., Mary J., Samuel R., of further mention; Robert
B., I-Hannah Z., WVilliam C., and Annie E. Patterson. The family were members of
the Presbyterian church.
Samuel Ralston Patterson was born at the Mingo creek farm  in Washington
county, Pennsylvania, September 26, I843, and is now living a'retired life in Greensburg. He spent his youth'at the home farm, attended the district schools, and worked
at farming and carpentering until I86;4, when he enlisted as a carpenter and spent four
months in active government service. In I865 he came with the family to Greensburg
and being a carpenter found work at his trade. Later, in company with S. P. Baker,
he began contracting. The firm prospered and in' time became leaders in the building
business. Many of the important buildings of the city were erected by them and several fine churches, including the First Reformed, Protestant Episcopal and Catholic.
They built the Keaggy Theatre, and during the twenty years the firm continued in
business they built many of the finest private residences and business' blocks, in addition to those already mentioned, also erected the first house in Jeannette. After Mr.
Baker's death, Mr. Patterson carried on the business alone for several years.  Mr.
Patterson is an ardent Democrat, a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Protected
Home Circle, and in religious faith is a Methodist, a trustee of the church and superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-five years.
Mr. Patterson married, May 26, I875, Mary Jane Everett, daughter of Peter (2)
and Mary Ann (Davis) Everett, of Berks and Cumberland counties, Pennsylvania,
and granddaughter of Peter (I) and Susan (Hoffer) Everett, of Berks county. Peter
(2) Everett, who died aged seventy-nine years, was in early life a farmer, later became
a railroad employee.  His wife, Mary Ann (Davis) Everett, was the daughter of
James and Mary (Reed) Davis, the Davis an old family of Franklin county, the
Reeds of Newville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Mary (Reed) Davis was a
daughter of Samuel Reed. The Everetts were usually Lutherans in early days, but
later became Methodists.  Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have two children:  I. Carrie
Everett, was an honor graduate of the Greensburg High School; she is connected with
Kelley  Jones, manufacturers of Greensburg, where she has charge of the order department, a position requiring a keen perception and exceptional ability; she is a member
and active worker of the Methodist Episcopal church. 2. Samuel Everett, of further
mention. Mrs. Patterson has been active in church and missionary work for the pastOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
fifty years and for thirty-four years has been corresponding secretary of the Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society, and in all that time has never missed a quarterly report.
She has also been as faithful and ardent in all the local work of the church and its
organizations.
Samuel Everett Patterson was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, April I6, I887.
He was educated in the public schools, but he early began earning money by becoming
a newsboy at the age of six and he continued as such until he was fourteen. After
leaving public school, he entered Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New
York, and there led in his classes, gaining a general average in class work of ninetythree and on final examination a mark of ninety-four, carrying away the honor of
being the best penman in the college, which at that time numbered seven hundred and
forty students. During those early years he also had a printing and rubber stamp business, his being the only rubber stamp manufactory in the city. For eleven years he
was in the employ of the Westmoreland National Bank, beginning as messenger and
rising to the position of acting cashier.' He also served an apprenticeship with Kelley
 Jones at the trade of machinist, then was transferred to the office, where he served
for two years, then came to East Pittsburgh with the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, where he engaged in writing up general information for eleven
months. During thirteen of the years chronicled he acted as clerk on Saturday nights
for the L. Keck store, in the gentlemen's furnishing department, and was frequently
called upon to engross charter certificates for beneficial organizations, diplomas for
the various institutions, his skill with.the pen being well known. In I9I2 he became
a partner and manager of the Patterson Noll Motor Company, operating the Thor
Motor Cycle Store on Lincoln Highway, corner of Maple avenue and East Pittsburgh street, Greensburg. In I914 he, with Wilmer Dunbar, opened a tire store at
the same location, the first and only store in the city where tires are sold exclusively,
and in I915 the Patterson Noll Motor Company became sales agent for the Chevrolet
car, with garage in the old Kepple Carriage Works on the Lincoln IIighway. In I916
Mr. Patterson established a taxicab business, giving to the residents of Greensburg a
day and night service. At the beginning of the war, when the government began the
movement of trucks over the Lincoln Highway. Mr. Patterson erected a sign in
front of his store reading "The Road to Germany," which has attracted much comment and is heralded from coast to coast. Mr. Patterson is a Democrat in his political
faith and has for many years been active in party affairs. In I913 he was elected
treasurer of the city of Greensburg, an office he is now most efficiently filling, the
youngest officer elected in the city by the people, carrying all of the eight wards. In
I9I6 he was elected treasurer of South Greensburg. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of Scottish Clans
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in I9I8 became exalted ruler
of the latter organization.
This review reveals a young man of energy, initiative and ability, progressive in
all things and high in public confidence. He began in early life with nothing, and while
still a young man has accomplished considerable, and if from the past the future can
be predicted, Mr. Patterson will go far and win many honors.
HON. ABRAHAM  LINCOLN  KEISTER-Very recently has Westmoreland
county been called to mourn the loss of one who was generally conceded to be one
of her foremost citizens, the Hon. Abraham Lincoln Keister, of Scottdale, twice the
representative of his district in the National House of Representatives. In addition
to the distinction which attended him in public life, Mr. Keister was widely known as
a banker, coal and coke operator and philanthropist.
(I) Conrad Keister, grandfather of Abraham Lincoln Keister, was the founder
of the Pennsylvania branch of the family, and followed the calling of a farmer, also
122BIOGRAPHICAL
engaging in business as a merchant. He was one of the solid and prosperous men of
his time.
(II) Solomon Keister, son of Conrad Keister, was born in i8i6.  In I86o  he
began the manufacture of coke in a small way, being one of the early pioneers in this
industry in the now world-famous Connellsville region, and may be looked upon as
one of the founders of the great coke industry.  He was associated with James
Cochran, under the firm name of Cochran  Keister, one of the earliest concerns to
produce coke on an extensive scale. Mr. Keister married Sarah, daughter of John W.
and Catherine (Loucks) Stauffer, early settlers of Westmoreland' county. John W.
Stauffer removed in I832 to Fayette county, where he died twenty years later. The
Loucks family is an old one in the region and occupies a most prominent place in
Westmoreland county history. Mr. and Mrs. Keister were the parents of seven
children: George, deceased; Albert, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere; Benjamin
Franklin; Abraham Lincoln, of whom further; Mrs. Mary (Keister) Mills, deceased;
Frank O., and Rev. Lawrence Keister. All the sons attained prominence along
various business or professional lines. The death of Mr. Keister occurred in IgoI.
For many years he was one of the wealthiest and most influential men of Western
Pennsylvania. The Keister and Stauffer families lived on adjoining farms in East
Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, and Upper Tyrone township, Fayette
county, both owning large tracts of land.
(III) Abraham  Lincoln Keister, son of Solomon and Sarah (Stauffer) Keister,
was born September Io, I852, in Upper Tyrone township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania.  He received his preparatory education in local public schools, later entering
Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, and graduating from that institution in I874.
He then took up the study of law in the office of Judge Thomas O. Lowe, at Dayton,
Ohio. This was, however, after two years spent in teaching in the schools of his
native county, during which time he had become convinced that it would be wise to
devote himself for life to the legal profession. His early studies were pursued in the
office of the late Charles E. Boyle, at Uniontown. After completing his course under
Judge Lowe, Mr. Keister was admitted, in February, I878, to the Ohio bar. Immediately thereafter, he entered upon the active practice of his profession at Columbus,
rapidly rising into prominence as one of the best constitutional attorneys in that part
of the Middle West. In the course of three years Mr. Keister's health became so
much impaired by close and constant application to his duties before the district and
supreme courts of Ohio that he was forced to abandon the law as a profession. In
I88i he returned to Pennsylvania and the following year, in association with his
father and brothers, engaged in the manufacture of coke, thus entering upon what
proved a most successful business career.
In i886 Mr Keister made Scottdale his place of residence and ever after was one
of the most potent factors in that community's upbuilding. Despite this transference,
however, he continued to be largely interested in Fayette county properties, participating financially in the development of a score or more of industrial enterprises in
Western Pennsylvania. In I889 he organized the First National Bank of Scottdale,
serving continuously as its president during the remainder of his life. He was one of
the promoters and a leading stockholder of the Old Meadow Rolling Mill, which
later became one of the subsidiary plants of the United States Steel Corporation. He
was president of the Lincoln Coal and Coke Company and a director, vice-president
of the Scottdale Savings and Trust Company, and interested financially in a number
of other enterprises.
In politics, Mr. Keister was a Republican of the old school, but his first appearance in the arena was in I9I2, when he was elected to represent -the Twenty-second
Pennsylvania Congressional District. In I9I4 he received the tribute of a reelection.
He brought to the public service the same sound business judgment which made
123OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
his private career so great a success, and which was recognized by his fellow legislators who placed him on several important committees, including those on banking
and currency. His record in Washington stands out prominently, a credit to himself
and a satisfaction to his constituents.
In educational matters, Mr. Keister was always particularly interested and for
twenty years he served on the Scottdale school board, resigning in I913 to take his
seat in Congress.  In the upbuilding of a system  of public instruction he took a
leading part, and the high standing attained by the Scottdale schools is due in large
measure to his ability and foresight as well as to his unwearied personal interest.
He founded and endowed the Scottdale Free Public Library, this being in addition
to a library of some twenty-five hundred volumes which he had built up in the
schools during previous years. To each tQwnship in the county where a high school
course had been established he donated a library, and through his generosity numerous Sunday schools enjoy the benefit of good libraries. About two years before
his death Otterbein University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws.
While a student at the university, Mr. Keister identified himself with the United
Brethren church, later affiliating with the church of that denomination at Scottdale.
Not only did he contribute liberally to his own church, but others received from him
material assistance. He was ever ready to aid any worthy cause.
Strength of character and benevolence of disposition might be said to be Mr.
Keister's dominant characteristics.  The unusual force with which he was endowed
made itself felt chiefly in results, accomplishing its ends with the least possible amount
of friction. His benevolence was that of a large-brained, great-hearted man, superior
to prejudice of any kind. Of fine presence and bearing on his strong, refined features
the stamp of the qualities. which made him what he was, he was a man who drew men
to him, inspiring them with the loyalty which was inherent in his own nature.
Mr. Keister died May 26, I917, leaving in the business world a vacancy difficult to
fill and in his home community an irreparable void. Having never married, no wife
mourned a husband and no children sorrowed for a father, but hosts of friends wept
for him, and by very many he was laniented as a benefactor.
Many were the tributes offered to his character and work. The Greensburg
"Daily Tribune" said, in part:
In the death of Abraham Lincoln Keister, at his home in Scottdale, on Saturday
evening, this country in general and Westmoreland county in particular suffered a
great loss. Mr. Keister was a superior man. He lived constantly in an atmosphere
of righteousness and his earthly efforts were an inspiration.
The Scottdale "Independent" said, in part:
In the death of Abraham Lincoln Keister there passes from out the business and
commercial life of Scottdale one of the strongest, withal one of the gentlest, characters of its history. * * * Among all those who have known him, in boyhood or
manhood, in private or public, none can recall a mean, or ignoble or cruel or deceitful
word or act on his part. He was sincere in his beliefs, faithful to his word, steadfast
in his friendships and loyal to every cause he espoused. His life made men happier;
his example should make men better. His services will long endure in the fabric of
our local institutions.
Words such as these leave nothing to be added. They show that the character of
Abraham Lincoln Keister had stood the supreme test-the test of intimate knowledge.
He was loved most by those who knew him best.
ASHER DANIEL MILLER, M. D.-The ancestry of Dr. Miller, of Manor,
Pennsylvania, now treasurer of Westmoreland county, carries both in paternal and
maternal line back to the days of William Penn, when John Miller and his wife came
from Germany. in I682 or I683, settling near Philadelphia, where he spent his life, a
I24BIOGRAPHICAL
farmer. Two generations of descendants, Albrecht Miller, his son, and John Nicholas
Miller, his grandson, remained in Eastern Pennsylvania, but in I764 John Peter
Miller, son of John Nicholas Miller, came to Westmoreland county. From that year
Millers have been potent factors in the agricultural, professional, business and political
life of the county, and in the conflict before which the forests fled before the fields
and in all that has gone to make the present prosperous county they have borne valiant
part.
In maternal line Dr. Miller traces to John Wagle, who came from Germany at
about the same date as the Millers, and like them settled near Philadelphia. His son,
John (2) Wagle, settled in Easton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, purchased one
of the original building lots sold by the Penns in 1754 and there followed the weaver's
trade. In I7.65 he sold his Easton property and came to Westmoreland county. He
married Mary Brinich, of Northampton county, and had issue: John, Elizabeth, Sarah,
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Abraham Wagle, son of John (2) Wagle, was with General Braddock at his disastrous defeat, also fought with General Boquet at the battle
of Bushy Run, and was a Revolutionary soldier, I777-1782. His daughter, Sarah
Wagle (the fa-nily name then having been changed to W~egley), married John Peter
(2) Miller, of the sixth American generation, they the parents of Josiah M. Miller,
father of Dr. Asher D. Miller.
Through his mother, Charlotte (Harrold) Miller, Dr. Miller descends from Frederick Harro.ld, of Alsace-Lorraine, and from  Christopher WVauldhauer (Walthoir),
whose parents came from Germany about I682 and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Frederick Harrold came to Pennsylvania from Alsace-Lorraine about the
year I700 and settled near Baltimore, Maryland; Christopher Harrold, his son, settled
in Adams county, Pennsylvania, about 1720, and in I750 came to Westmoreland county,
locating near Youngwood. His son, Daniel Harrold, had a son, Jacob Harrold, who
married Elizabeth Walthour and had issue, including a daughter, Charlotte Harrold,
who married Josiah M. Miller.
Among the children of the founder of the American branch of the Walthour
family who settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, about I682, was a son, Christopher Walthour (originally Wauldhauer), who married' Catherine Cook and came to
Westmoreland county. In I764 he purchased from John Rodebaugh a mill site and
erected a grist mill at the' junction oif Bushy Run and Brush Creek, the old mill site
now on the outskirts of the borough of Manor. The first mill proving too small, a
larger'one was erected which still stands, the property of his great-grandson, Samuel
Walthour. Among the cherished relics Dr. Miller possesses is a chair, table, and vinegar cask from old Fort Walthour, a block house built on Walthour land by the surrounding neighbors for temporary safety. The fort was located one and one-half miles
west of Adamsburg and figured quite prominently in early history. Dr. Miller also
treasures a lock taken from the old Walthour mill, said to have been the second grist
mill built west of the Alleghanies. Christopher and Catherine (Cook) \Valthour had
issue: Michael, Casper, Joseph, Christopher (2), Barbara and Catherine.
Casper Walthour, son of Christopher and Charlotte Walthour, married Sarah
Meyers, of Mt. Pleasant, and had one child, Elizabeth Walthour, who in I8i6 married
Jacob Harrold. Their daughter, Charlotte Harrold, married Josiah M. Miller.
The Miller genealogy is traced from John Miller and wife, I682, through their son,
Albrecht Miller, who married, about I7I0, and settled in Plainfield township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. He died in I763 and was buried in Plainfield Lutheran
cemetery. His children were: Henry, John Nicholas, Adam and Dorothy.
John Nicholas Miller, son of Albrecht Miller, married Ann Gottwine, died in I765,
and was laid with his father in Plainfield Lutheran cemetery.
Among his children was a son, John Peter Miller, who was the founder of the
family in Westmoreland county. He came about I764, married, died about 1822, and
I25OLD AND NEW WESTM'ORELAND
was buried in Brush Creek cemetery. He left a widow Catherine and children: Christopher, Christiana, Margaret, Catherine, David,'Abraham and Philip.
Philip Miller, son of John Peter and Catherine Miller, married Catherine Aultman, sister of the inventor of the Aultman threshing machine. He settled in the then
village of Greensburg, and was one of the men to whom the present city owes its early
development. He had issue: David, Samuel, John, Peter (2), Betsey, Catherine,
Margaret, Polly and Anna.
John Peter (2) Miller, son of Philip and Catherine (Aultman) Miller, was born
at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, March 3, I795. He was a shoemaker in early life, later
purchased a farm in Hempfield township, which he cultivated until his death. He was
a well informed man, a wide reader and a staunch Democrat until slavery became a
vital political issue. In I856 his father supported John C. Fremont for the Presidency,
and ever afterward John Peter Miller acted with the Republican party. He married
Sarah Wagle (Wegley), daughter of Abraham Wagle, the Revolutionary soldier of
previous mention. Abraham Wagle, after the war, took possession of three hundred
and twenty-seven acres of unimproved land lying between the villages of Manor and
Penn, which later was owned in part by a great-grandson, Abraham H. Wegley, and
in part by the WVestmoreland Coke Company. John Peter (2) Miller had issue: Eliza,
Hettie, Catherine, Josiah Michael and David John.
Josiah Michael Miller, son of John Peter (2) and Sarah (Wegley) Miller, was
born at the paternal farm near Adamsburg, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1829, died at
Manor, Pennsylvania, June 29, I914. The first years of his life were spent at the home
farm as his falher's assistant, later he farmed for his own account. After eighteen years
as a farmer he located in Manor, and in I868 engaged in the grain business and in stock
dealing, lines of activity which he continued with abundant success. He was appointed
postmaster of Manor in May, I889, and all his life was active in Republican politics.
He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. As a business man he ranked high, and as a citizen was above
reproach. He married, November 4, I852, Charlotte Harrold, daughter of Jacob Harrold, of North Huntington, who died January 7, g19o2. They were the parents of three
sons: David A., born February 6, I857, a lawyer, partner of John F. Wendling, of
Greensburg, married Sarah Brinker; Asher Daniel, of further mention; Richard
Horace, born October 28, I862, married Sarah Burkholder.
Asher Daniel Miller, son of Josiah Michael and Charlotte (Harrold) Miller, was
born near Adamsburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 23, I859. He was
educated in the public schools of Manor and Greensburg, at Indiana State Normal
School, and WVashington  Jefferson College. Deciding upon the profession of medicine he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he
was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of I88.5. He began practice at Manor, Pennsylvania, immediately after receiving his degree, meeting with marked success, continuing until May I, 1894, when he removed to South Dakota, intending to permanently
locate there, blit circumstances transpired which rendered it expedient that he alter his
plans, and in September of the same year he returned to Manor. From I895 until I898
he was resident physician at the Keeley Institute, Pittsburgh, and from.I898 until the
present year has been in the active practice of his profession at Manor, highly regarded
as a physician and citizen. He was an influential member of the Republican county
committee several years, and served many terms as school director. In I915 he was the
candidate of his party for treasurer of Westmoreland county, and was elected by a
plurality of twenty-two hundred. He is a member of the County and State Medical
societies, is a Knight of Malta, and a Knight of the Golden Eagle, a man of pleasing
personality and strong character.
Dr. Miller married, March 5, 1891, Mrs. Cecelia (Burford) Hoffer, of Clearfield,
Pennsylvania, widow of William F. Hoffer and daughter of William and Lois (Gard126BIOGRAPHICAL
ner) Burford. William  Burford was a veteran of the Civil War, his death in I870
resulting from the effects of his army service. He was a lineal descendant of William
Burford, a Frenchman, who settled in this county. By her first husband, Mrs. Hoffer
had a daughter Amelia, born January 20, i889, died August 23, I894. Dr. and Mrs.
Miller have two children: I. Charlotte Hays, born November 27, I893, a graduate of
the University of Pittsburgh, earning a fellowship, taking a post-graduate course which
entitled her to the Doctor of Philosophy degree; she was offered the chair of chemistry
at the University of Vincennes, Indiana, but declined the honor in order to complete
her university course; in I917 she accepted a position with the Standard Oil Company
as chemist. 2. Lois Burford, born April II, I895, a high school graduate, now a clerk
in the county treasurer's office at Greensburg.
ROBERT McCURDY STEELE-One of the most prominent men in the life
and affairs of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is undoubtedly Robert
McCurdy Steele, superintendent of the city's public schools, a man whose influence is
a potent factor in that most important field, the development and formation of the
growing generation. His family has made its home in Pennsylvania since the time of
his grandfather, one Jacob Steele, a native of Mifflin county, and possibly for an even
longer period, although the family history does not extend back further than this
generation. We know of Jacob Steele that he was the youngest of a large family and
that his parents died when he was a small child. He was himself bound out or apprenticed, as was then the custom, to another family and seems to have lost practically all
memory of his former associations. Upon reaching manhood he married Nancy Millen,
and they were the parents of a family of six children, of whom the fourth was Joseph
Steele, the father of Robert McCurdy Steele.
Joseph Steele was born November I6, I842, in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, and
died February I9, I9II. He was a successful farmer and one of the most prominent
men of his community, being particularly active in church and educational affairs. He
and an elder brother, Hugh Steele, enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War,
Joseph Steele serving with the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry.
He married Josephine A. McCurdy, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Temple) McCurdy, of Beechwoods, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. Mr. McCurdy was born in
Indiana county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, his wife near Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and they
were the parenits of five daughters, of whom Josephine A. and a sister Sarah were
twins.
Born March 2I, I882, near Brockwayville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, Robert
McCurdy Steele was the fifth of a family of seven children. He was educated in the
public schools of Jefferson county and later attended the Clarion State Normal School,
Clarion, Pennsylvania, graduating in I902. After his graduation from the Normal
School, Mr. Steele accepted the position of principal of the schools of Driftwood,
Pennsylvania, but in I904 gave up this position and entered Bucknell University. Here
he established for himself a fine record for scholarship and was graduated in I9o8. For
a short time while at the university he taught in the State Normal School at Shippensburg, Pensylvania, and in I9o8, after his graduation, he was appointed head of the
department of modern languages in the Clarion State Normal School, and served in
this capacity for four years. In 1912 he became principal of the Latrobe High School,
and on June, r914, he was elected superintendent of the Latrobe public schools, an
office which he is conducting in the most efficient manner at the present time. In
1912-13 Mr. Steele took post-graduate courses at the University of Wisconsin. He is
a man who always keeps abreast of the most modern developments in education, and is
an influential figure in educational circles in Western Pennsylvania. Under his administration many advances have been made in the Latrobe public schools, and not the
127OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
least among these is the great development of physical training for boys and girls
which has occurred there and which has been turned into a regular course. He has
also instituted regular military drill for the boys and a four-year high school course
in domestic arts, an innovation which has given the Latrobe schools the distinction of
being among the first to adopt this important practical course as a part of its carriculum.
Mr. Steele is a conspicuous figure in the general life of the community, and is
affiliated with a number of important societies and organizations. He is particularly
prominent as a Mason, and is a member of Clarion Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons;
of Eden Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Clarion, Pennsylvania; Coudersport Consistory, of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, and of Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Latrobe, and is
very active in its work, being the superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Steele is
a staunch Republican in politics, but takes.no active part in the activities of that party's
local organization. He is a member of the Demosthenean fraternity of Bucknell University, of the National Educational Association, the Pennsylvania State Teachers'
Association, the Westmoreland County Teachers' Association and president of the
latter for the present year.
Mr. Steele was united in marriage, August 23, I916, with Genevieve Graham
Dunkle, a daughter of George H. and Anna (Harper) Dunkle, of Verona, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Steele was educated at the Clarion State Normal School and the University of Pittsburgh, and before her marriage was physical director for girls in the
Latrobe public schools.
HARRY J. STAUFFER, M. D.-In I896, after a year at Adrian Hospital, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Dr. Stauffer located in Jeannette, Westmoreland county,
where he has amply demonstrated his skill as an honorable, skillful practitioner. A
graduate of Jefferson Medical College, he brought to his profession the learning
acquired in one of the oldest and most noted American medical colleges, and the decade
of practice in Jeannette has given the experience that the physician needs to reduce
theory to practice. He is a descendant of that Daniel Stauffer, a descendant of that
branch of the family once constituting the Hohenstauffen royal dynasty of Germany,
who after the overthrow and murder of Conrad V., November 29, 1268, crossed over
into Switzerland and settled near the Rhine. The Hohenstapffen line was founded by
Frederic of Buesen, one of the bravest knights of his age, about the middle of the
eleventh century. He was of Franco-Alsatian ancestry, German historians tracing his
lineage to the Emperors of France back to the time of Charlemagne (770). The
ancient castle of Hohenstauffen stood on a projecting peak of the Rough Alps, between
the Kingdom of Wurtemberg and Switzerland, overlooking a large part of the German
Empire. The Hohenstauffen dynasty ruled in Germany from the eleventh to the thirteenth century
From the branch alluded to came Daniel Stauffer, born near the Rhine, at Altzheim or Weissenau, in I630, and there died. His son, John Stauffer, was born about!655, and married Kinget Herstand. He belonged to the then comparatively few
Mennonities, a religious sect vigorously persecuted in Switzerland by the adherents of
Zwingle. On November 8, I709, John Stauffer and his family left their native land,
embarking at Weissenau, and after a perilous voyage reached London, England, January 26, I7IO. From England they took ship for this. country, landing at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in the spring of I710. They settled at Valley Forge, the family consisting of John Stauffer; Kinget, his wife; three sons, Jacob, Daniel and Henry, and a
daughter Elizabeth. His diary, written partly in German and partly in French, is still
preserved.
Jacob Stauffer, the eldest son, born in I696, settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania,
I28BIOGRAPHICAL                                    I29
being one of the first settlers and an original purchaser of a farm at Hereford. Jacob
Stauffer had children: Henry, Christian, Susan, Esther, Abraham and John.
Christian Stauffer, born in 1728, was a soldier of the Revolution, serving with his
neighbor. Anthony Wayne, in the regiment known as the Sons of Liberty. He served
throughout the war and fought at Three Rivers, Canada, Ticonderoga, Brandywine,
Monmouth, Stony Point and Yorktown. After the war he settled in New Hanover
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1798, leaving a son
John, and daughters, Esther, Maria and Ann.
John Stauffer was born in New Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1758, and in 1809 became one of the pioneer settlers of Schuyler
county. He married Elizabeth Yerger, and died March 5, 1845, leaving a large family.
Daniel Stauffer was born about I773, and early in life settled near Wilsontown,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he continued a farmer until his death, June
7, 1842. He married Susanna Garner and had eight children:' Jonathan, Jacob, Daniel,
Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Martha, Nancy.
Jonathan Stauffer was born near Wilsontown, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1804,
died August Ii, I874. He was a farmer all his life, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Whig and a Republican. He married, June I, 1837, Susanna Beyer,
born May 6, 1818, died June 28, 1875, daughter of John and Esther (Pontius) Beyer,
of Petersburg, Huntingdon county. They were the parents of ten'children: David B.,
born July 3, I839; John W., born April 14, I84I; Anna M., born September 13, I842;
Samuel, born November 14, 1845; Lavina, born August 23, I848; Jacob, born September 27, I850, died May 9, I884; Elizabeth A., born June 30 1852; William M., born
January 5, I855, died in I885; Catherine M., born August 29, I858, died March 29,
I885; Edward B.,' born December 6, 1863.
John W. Stauffer, born near Wilsontown, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, April
14, 1841, is now residing with his son, Dr. Harry J. Stauffer, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. When seven years of age his parents moved to Indiana county, Pennsylvania,
where until he was sixteen he attended the public schools. From the age of sixteen
until twenty he worked with his father on the farm, then enlisted in Company A,
Seventy-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving, until honorably
discharged at the close of the war. He saw hard service, and besides skirmishes and
engagements of minor ianportance, fought at the battles of Stone River, Chicamaugua,
Lookout Mountain, Sugar Valley, and the Atlanta campaign.
Returning from the war, he resumed his place on the farm and spent the next few
years under the paternal roof. He then became a railroad employee, and for about fifteen years was a foreman in the construction department of the Pennsylvania railroad
on the Bells Gap division. At the close of his long term of service he engaged in general contracting'. a line of business activity in which he is now engaged. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Veteran
Legion of Honor, and in politics is a Republican.
He married, December 12, I864, Sarah Delancey, born in I843, died February 28,
I9IO, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Delancey, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania,
her parents and grandparents members of the Armstrong county farming community.
Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer were the parents of five children: Harry J., mentioned below;
Ida M., Minnie S., Sarah Clara Edith, a practicing physician of Jeannette; Annie
Ruth.
Harry J. Stauffer. M. D., was born near Smicksburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, December I4, I865, and obtained his early education in the public schools of
Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania. Later he completed a full commercial course at Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, but deciding upon a professional
career he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, whence he was graduated
w-9OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND'
Doctor of Medicine, class of 1895. After graduation he spent a year at Adrian Hospital, Punxsutawney, then permariently located in Jeannette, where the years have
brought him a large practice and the esteem of his community. His preparation for
specializing in electro-therapeutics was made at the Illinois School of Electro-Therapeutics, and through special courses under the personal instruction of Dr. William
Benson Snow, of No. 220 Broadway, New York, a recognized authority in the United
States. He has always taken active interest and part in all movements to improve or
elevate the community in which he resides and has given a great deal of his time to the
public service. For the last eight years he has served as treasurer of the borough of
Jeannette, also previously served three years as a member of the school board. He is
a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; Jeannette
Lodge, No. 486, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Masonic fraternity.
Dr. Stauffer married, June 17, I89I, Louisa Turner, daughter of William  and
Frances Rebecca (Knots) Turner, of Wye Mills, Queen Annes county, Maryland.
They have a son, Jonathan Stauffer, born April 4, I908.
OLIVER P. S,HUPE-The first steam mill built in Westmoreland county was
erected, owned and operated by Daniel and Isaac Shupe, father and grandfather of
Oliver P. Shupe, and after the death of Daniel Shupe his son, Oliver P. Shupe, purchased the plant owned by Shupe  Wade, which he converted inito the first roller
process flouring mill in the State of Pennsylvania. The old steam mill built by Daniel
and Isaac Shupe stood in what is now the business center of the borough of Mount
Pleasant, on the diamond, and was an old tread mill run by oxen.
John Shupe, the founder of the family in Westmoreland county, was one of the
founders of the United Brethren church, which held its first meeting and its first conference in the old Bonnett school house in Mount Pleasant township. The congregation was widely scattered, and it became necessary to provide shelter and accommodations for those coming from a distance. John Shupe bought tents, erected them for
the use of those needing them, his home becoming headquarters for the traveling ministers and for the church membership. From John Shupe down to the present the
family have been leaders in their communities, and no name is more worthy of honorable mention than theirs. It was said of Daniel Shupe that none ever went from his
door unfed, that dishonesty was a stranger to him, that hypocrisy was as far removed
from him as is the east from the west, and that one of his friends tearfully uttered the
sentiment on hearing of his death: "God made but one Daniel Shupe."  From such
sires came Oliver Perry Shupe, whose life has been spent in and near Mount Pleasant,
a borough to whose commercial prosperity he has largely contributed and whose civic
interests he has greatly advanced as citizen and official. Now, in the evening of life,
he reviews a career of great usefulness, and although the heavier burdens of business
and official life have been surrendered to younger shoulders, he retains a deep interest
in all that concerns the public welfare.
John Shupe, born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, May 19, I750, died in Mount
Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 2, I835. He came to Westmoreland a young man, accompanied by his three brothers. He purchased a tract of unimproved land in now Mount Pleasant township, about one and one-half miles from
Mount Pleasant borough, and at his death it was in a great part under cultivation and
on it were a comfortable house and good outbuildings, the labor of his hands assisted
by his sons. He was a man of strong physique, very industrious, warm-hearted and
progressive. His years, eighty-five, were years of usefulness, and he left to posterity
an honored name and an example worthily emulated. In his younger days he met and
was a friend of General Washington. He was one of the founders of the United
Brethren church, did a great deal toward its upbuilding, and all through life was an
130BIOGRAPHICAL'3I
example of the best type of pioneer settler. He married Mary Messer, born March II,
1756, died August II, I843. They were the parents of six children, all born at the
Mount Pleasant homestead: I. William, lived and died in his native Westmoreland, a
farmer; he was a man of wonderful physical power and is credited with being the first
man in his section to wear suspenders, a fact of which he was rather proud. 2. John,
also a farmer all his life. 3. Elizabeth, married Daniel AVorman, a local minister of
the United Brethren church. 4. Mary, married a Mr. Shepard. 5. Samuel, a farmer
of Mount Pleasant all his life. 6. Isaac, of further mention.
Isaac Shtupe, youngest son of John and Mary (Messer) Shupe, was born at the
Mount Pleasant homestead, September ii, I790, died September 7, I847, one of the
eminently successful business men of his day. He spent his youth at the homestead,
hut after his marriage bought a farm adjoining the borough of Mount Pleasant and
there engaged in farming, later adding to agriculture extensive business operations.
He owned and operated several saw mills in the county, converting the virgin timber
into lumber, a generat mercantile establishment, and carried on by teams a large freighting business on the National Pike, running his teams to Pittsburgh and Wheeling and
east as far as Baltimore. He built a grist mill in Mount Pleasant, corner of Main and
Diamond streets, operated by treadmill power, but that not proving a success he built
in T845, in association with his son Daniel, a mill to run by steam power, the first in
the county. That mill, operated by his son Daniel, later became the property of his
grandson, Oliver P. Shupe, who converted it into a roller process flouring mill, the
first in Pennsylvania. In his day, Isaac Shupe was one of the leading business men
of Mount Pleasant and greatly advanced the fortunes and prestige of the family. He
married Elizabeth Whitmore, born in Westmoreland county, April I8, I798, died
October 22, I847. Children: I. Daniel, of further mention. 2. David, died in youthful manhood. 3. John, also died a young man, but left a widow and two children. 4.
Emily, married Rev. Jacob Ressler, pastor of the Mount Pleasant United Brethren
Church when the present church edifice was erected. 5. Lewis, died in I9o3, leaving
a widow and seven children. 6. Elizabeth, married Joseph Devore, of Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. 7. Isaac, died in middle age, leaving two sons, one of whom,
Edward, was an engineer of the Baltimore  Ohio railroad. 8. Lavinia, married J. B.
Jourdan, of Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county. 9. Maria, married David Hunter,
of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Io. Samuel. II. Anna. I2. Abraham. The last three named
died in childhood.
Daniel Shupe, eldest son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Whitmore) Shupe, was born
on the homestead adjoining Mount Pleasant on the east, June 26, I8i6, died April 30,
I878, one of the most influential and highly esteemed men of his day. He attended the
old Bonnett school, and early became his father's associate in his many business enterprises. After his father's death, in 1847, he succeeded him and extended his lines of
business activity, keeping pace with the greater opportunities offered him. In addition
to his farm he conducted extensive lumber manufacturing plants, a tannery, a distillery, a steam flouring mill in Mount Pleasant, a general store, a cigar manufactory, a
commission business in Pittsburgh, continued the freighting business on the "Old Pike"
until the railroads came, was a pioneer in the oil business and in the importation of
high-grade horses. He also shipped large quantities of lime of his own manufacture,
and after twenty years persistent effort succeeded in having the Baltimore  Ohio
extend their line from  Broad Ford to Mount Pleasant.  He was one of the stockholders of the road he so persistently advocated and was one of its directors until his
death'. Notwithstanding his many and varied interests, he personally devoted the
greater part of his life to milling and in that capacity is best remembered. He was
one of the most sympathetic and generous of men and from the mill many a sack of
flour went to relieve the hunger of needy families, particularly during the panic of I873.
He served for twenty-five years as a member of the Mount Pleasant township school132                  (OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND'
board, and was the strongest advocate for more and better educational facilities, and
in the face of intense opposition persisted until every district in the township had a
substantial handsome school house with courses of study and teachers, thus greatly
raising the standard of efficiency of Mount Pleasant schools and setting a standard for
other districts. He was a Democrat in politics, but sought no political office. He was
a member of the- Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was one of the most successful business men of his section, used his means wisely and was a good friend to
the poor, hence his -wealth was a blessing to the community. His benefactions were
large and no good cause appealed to him in vain. He was the soul of business integrity, and even in large transactions men accepted his spoken promise or agreement.
He was a born optimist, cheerful and happy in disposition, intensely fond of his home
and family, giving his children every advantage that would add to their equipment for
the battle of life.
Daniel Shupe married (first) in I84o, Caroline Hitchman, who died May 24, I848,
aged twenty-nine years, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Hitchman. He married
(second) August 5, I85o, Sarah Cease, born in Unity township, near St. Paul's Church,
August 26, I828, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Cease. By his first wife, Mr. Shupe
had three children: Oliver Perry, of further mention; Lucy, born in I845, married
Frank Briar, of Keota, Keokuk county, Iowa; and Buenavista, born in I847, who died
young. By his second wife he had.nine children: Carrie, married Martin Kiefer, a
one-time sheriff of Fayette county, Pennsylvania; David W., of Greensburg, married
Jennie V. Gilgore; Jerusha, married Charles G. Page; Sherman R., of Ashland,
Kansas, married Lola Bond; Isadore Painter, died in infancy; Harvey J., married
Mrs. Fannie (Sweets) Dodds; Emma K., married J. P. Keller; Sadie C., died aged
seven years; Minnie, married W. C. Mullen.
O'liver Perry Shupe, eldest, and only son of Daniel Shupe and his first wife, Caroline (Hitchman) Shupe, was born at the Mount Pleasant township home, January 5,
I843, and is yet a resident of the borough of Mount Pleasant, his home for many
years. He was educated in the Mount Pleasant public schools, and after completing his
studies became his father's business associate. At the age of twenty-one years he became
superintendent of the milling and distilling firm of Shupe  Wade, holding that position until I878. After the death of his honored father in that year he purchased the
plant built by his father and grandfather in I845, and after a thorough remodeling
converted it into a modern roller process mill, which was added to until its production
was one hundred and twenty-five barrels daily. To his milling activities he added as
the years progressed other enterprises, and became deeply interested in the improvement of the borough. He was one of the men who secured a charter for the Mount
Pleasant Water Company; is a director' of the Mount Pleasant branch of the Baltimore  Ohio railroad; is director and vice-president of the Citizens' Saving and Trust.Company, and during-his years, seventy-three, has been'one of the men who has labored
in every legitimate way for the moral and material advancement of his community.
A thoroughly able and efficient business man, he has been successful in his undertakings, but has always held to the practical and sane in his investments. He is a
hater of sham in either business or social life, is honorable and upright in all his dealings and outspoken in his condemnation of wrong.
He is a Democrat in politics, served many years as a member and treasurer of
Mount Pleasant township board of school directors, and has represented his ward,
the Third, in the borough council. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum and Ancient Order of United Workmen,
and is an ardent believer in the fraternal principles of those orders. In nature, he is
social, kindly and companionable, and like his father generous and open-handed in his
willingness to aid the unfortunate. Among the faculties which have ever distinguished
him is his quickness in reading human nature. His life, now in its evening, has beenBIOGRAPHICAL
spent in useful endeavor, largely along the lines followed by his father and grandfather
with the difference only that modern demands of business life have suggested as wise.
These four generations of Shupes have each left an indelible impression on the life of
the county, and in real benefit to their fellowmen have compiled an enviable record.
Mr. Shupe married, in I863, Sarah B. Dick, daughter of Rev. William B. Dick, a
former member of the United Brethren church of Mount Pleasant with which the
Shupe family have been prominently identified since its foundation. Children:  I.
James Wade, born January I, I865; was associated with his father in business as
superintendent until his accidental death caused by the Duquesne Limited Express on
the Baltimore  Ohio railroad, December 23, I903; he married, October I2, 1892,
Mary Markle, daughter of Captain C. C. Markle, of West Newton, Pennsylvania. 2.
W. Dick, born February 20, I867, a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and Yale
College, and for a number of years a lawyer of the Cambria county bar, located at
Johnstown, Pen-nsylvania, died March 12, I894; he married, June 2I, 1892, Anna Banford, daughter of John Banford, a well-known contractor of Johnstown. 3. Virginia,
born September 9, I871; was a student of Lebanon Valley and Wilson colleges; married, October I8, I894, George H. Hood, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and is recently
widowed; she has one daughter, Sara Shupe Hood, born May 24, I896, graduated,
class of I917, from National Park Seminary, Forest Glen, Maryland; Mrs. Hood and
her daughter now reside in Mount Pleasant with their father and grandfather. 4.
Irene June, born June 29, I877, a graduate of Mount Pleasant Institute; married,
November I, I897, Alexander T. Collins, a sketch of whom follows. 5. Sadie O., born
August 4, I88o. died October I7, I894. 6. Caroline, died in infancy.
ALEXANDER TICHINOR COLLINS-Although born in Louisville, Kentucky, and prominent as a street railway official in that city, Mr. Collins in I903
removed to Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, where he has been very active and prominent in both business and public life. He is a son of Jeremiah Collins and a grandson
of M. H. Collins, the latter born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but in pre-railroad
days becoming a settler of Louisville, Kentucky, making the journey by canal boat and
wagon. The elder Collins was a man of brilliant business ability and manly character,
inherited from a race of business men and in turn handed down to his posterity. Jeremiah Collins, one of the best known men of Louisville, has been for the past forty
years secretary of the Louisville Water Company, and a man held in the highest esteem.
Alexander Tichinor Collins, son of Jeremiah and Carrie (Tichinor) Collins, was
born in Louisville, Kentucky, March 28, I873. He was educated in Louisville public
schools and Ben C. Weaver Business College, his first position after leaving the latter
school being as clerk with the Central Passenger and Street Railway Company, then
owned and controlled by A. V. Dupont, of powder mill fame. The Tom Johnson
system, better known as the "nickle in the slot," was in use by the company, and
among the duties of the young clerk was the emptying of the money boxes into which
the nickles dropped. He advanced rapidly to higher position, and when the Central
Passenger Railway and the Louisville City Railway companies consolidated as the
Louisville Railway Company, he was appointed auditor of receipts for the new corporation. Later there was a reorganization of the company and an increase in capital
to twenty-two millions, and at that time Mr. Collins was made paymaster in addition
to his former duties. That position he held and filled most efficiently until I903, when
he resigned and came to Westmoreland county.
On coming to Westmoreland, Mr. Collins first located in Mount Pleasant as general superintendent of the milling interests of his father-in-law, Oliver P. Shupe, and
was also secretary and treasurer of the Berlin Water Company of Berlin, Somerset
county, Penntsylvania. A few years after moving to Mount Pleasant he was chosen to
I33OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
fill an unexpired term on the school board, and at the expiration of the term was
elected to succeed himself. He was a member of the board at the time the new high
school building was erected, and while yet school director was chosen chief burgess of
the borough to serve three years. A new law went into affect during his term which
extended it eighteen months.  Business responsibilities in the meantime have so
increased that he has declined all further public position of a political nature. He
served as a member of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania State Millers' Association for one year, then was elected president of the association, serving two years.
In 1912 he was elected chairman of the board of directors of the association, an office
he yet holds. He is president of the board of trustees of the United Brethren church
and interested in the welfare of that ancient organization of which his wife and four
generations have been connected. He is a member of Marion Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Scottdale, and of the local lodge, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He is genial and kindly-hearted, has a host of friends all over the county,
and is exceptionally able in business management.  In politics he is a Democrat.
Shortly after Mr. Hoover, Food Commissioner, was appointed, he appointed a committee of seven members known as Eastern District Committee of the United States
Food Administration Milling Division, and Mr. Collins is a member. The committee
is as follows:  Fred J. Lingham, Lockport, New York; A. P. Walker, New York
~City; W. V. Hamilton, Caledonia, New York; George C. Shane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; A. T. Collins, Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; Thomas L. Moore, Richmond,
Virginia; William V. Hayward, Baltimore, Maryland.
Mr. Collins married, November I, 1897, Irene June Shupe, youngest living daughter of Oliver Perry and Sarah B. (Dick) Shupe, of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
Children: Oliver Shupe, born August 31, I9Ol, student at Kentucky Military Academy, Linden, Kentucky, and Alexander T., Jr., born October 27, I909.
VICTOR BURDETTE BOUTON--It is claimed that the Bouton-Boughton
race has a traditional record or history dating back to the fifth century, when ancient
history tells that clans or tribes of Gauls inhabited the country bordering on the River
Rhone and extending from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, but that they were
more particularly identified with the Visigoth clan, the head of the Salian tribe under
King Hilderi, A. D. 481, who at his death left his son Clovis, king of the tribe.
The "Dictionnaire des Generoux Francais" says:
From A. D. I350 the military and court records abound with the Bouton name for
two centuries. Nicholas Bouton, who bore the title of Count Chantilly; Baron Montague de Naton, born it is supposed about I580, was the father of Harard and John
(twins) and Noel Bouton, who were Huguenots and refugees during the violent persecutions of the Protestants by the Roman Catholics during the predominance of the
Gusises in France. At length the intolerance of the Roman Catholic bigots was overcome, and many of the refugees returned, among them the aforesaid Boutons. Noel
Bouton distinguished himself and was Marquis de Chantilly, and was subsequently
made marshall of all France. A life size portrait of him was placed in the gallery of
French nobles at Versailles, France, where it is still to be seen. The French historians,
speaking of the Boutons, say that it is accorded to a noble ancestry that a proclivity of
patriotism, education and religion is seen in the race all down the ages.
The founder in America, John Bouton, son, as is supposed, of the Count Nicholas
Bouton, was a Huguenot, and during the great persecution fled to England, where the
government was offering to send emigrants to America on condition they would swear
allegiance to the Crown of England. John Bouton embarked from Gravesend, England, in the bark "Assurance," July, 1635, and landed at Boston, Massachusetts, in
December, following, aged twenty years. As he is the only Bouton that is registered
as sailing for.America from England between the years i6oo and I7O0, it is believed
134BIOGRAPHICAL
that he was the ancestor of all the Boutons or Boughtons in this country prior to the
year 1700. He had three wives and eleven children, including six sons. The line
herein springs from John Bouton, the emigrant, through his son, John (2), a child of
his second wife, Abigail (Marvin) Bouton.
John. (2) Bouton, son of John (I) Bouton, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut,
September 30, I659. He inherited land from his father, and settled at Norwalk, Connecticut, later at Danbury, and is of record as one of the settlers of New Canaan,
Connecticut. He married, at Norwalk, about I685, Sarah, born I667, daughter of John
Gregory, of Norwalk. Children: Abigail; Mary; Nathaniel, born I69I; Joseph, I693;
Eleazer, of whom further; John (3), born about I7OI; Daniel, I705.
Eleazer Bouton, son of John (2) Bouton, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, I696.
He married Elizabeth Seymour, and lived in Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut.
Children: Ez?a, of whom further; Hezekiah, born November 2, I725; Eleazer, January 22, 1728; Elizabeth, February 8, I730; Sarah, December I9, I733; Matthew, March
I9, I735; Ruth, July I6, I737; Hannah, October 2, I739; Seymour, June 28, I742;
Nathan, March 4, 1745; Simon, April II, I748; Levi, October I5, I750; all born at
Norwalk.
Ezra Bouton, eldest son of Eleazer and Elizabeth (Seymour) Bouton, was born
at Norwalk, Connecticut, November I8, 1723. He married, June 28, I749, Mary,
daughter of Jachin Bouton, a descendant of John Bouton, the emigrant, through his
third wife, Mary (Stevenson) Bouton. They settled in North Canaan, Connecticut.
Children: Seth, born I750; Enoch, of whom further; Ezra; Elizabeth; Jachin, born
I767.
Enoch Bouton, son of Ezra and Mary (Bouton) Bouton, was born in Norwalk,
Connecticut, 1752. He married (first) Deborah Smith, (second) Patience Newman.
He had issue, including a son Ezra, of whom further.
Ezra (2) Bouton, son of Enoch Bouton, settled in Western New York, where he
died in 1820. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married and
left issue: William, a lawyer, died in Brooklyn; Seymour, died in Allegany county,
New York, a lumberman and farmer; married Catherine, also deceased; Enoch
Edwin, of whom further; and others.
Enoch Edwin Bouton, son of Ezra (2) Bouton, was born in Western New York
in I8I6. He probably lost his parents very young, as at the age of four years he was
being cared for in the family of a Mr. Sill, of Franklinville, Cattaraugus county. He
was educated in the public schools of Franklinville, and became a farmer and lumberman of Cattaraugus county. He was a Democrat and held prominent position in civic
affairs, filling many public offices in Portville, Cattaraugus county, where he died
March 15, I888. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his
wife. He married Mary Lucinda Crandall, born in Durietta, New York, in 1822, died
in Olean, New York, March, I99o, daughter of Joseph Crandall, born in Rhode Island
in I796, a descendant of Rev. John Crandall, of Providence, Newport and Westerly,
Rhode Island, the first elder of the Baptist church at Westerly, died I678. Joseph
Crandall died at Portville, New York, aged seventy-five years, a farmer. His wife,
Susan (Main) Crandall, was born in Rhode Island, in I797, died in Portville, in r878.
Susan Main had two brothers, Milton and Sheffield, both died in Portville; also sisters.
Children of Enoch Edwin Bouton, all born in Portville, Cattaraugus county, New
York:  Charles, born December, I852, died in Portville in'I877, a school teacher,
unmarried; Carrie, born 1854, married C. W. Webb., of Rochester, New York, a purchasing agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad, residing in Olean, New York; Joseph
William, of whom further.
Judge Joseph William Bouton, youngest son of Enoch Edwin and Mary Lucinda
(Crandali) Bouton, was born in Portville, Cattaraugus county, New York, November
20, I856. His preparatory education was obtained in the public schools of Portville
I35OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and Ceres, New York, and when a young man he began his legal education under the
direction of Judge Thomas A. Morrison, an eminent lawyer, now one of the judges of
the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bouton was admitted to the bar and at
once began the practice of his profession at Smethport, McKean county, Pennsylvania,
where he has attained high position at the bar and on the bench. In I903 he was elected
president judge of the Court of Common Pleas of McKean county for a term of ten
years, which expired in 1914, when he was reelected. Previous to his elevation to the
bench, Judge Bouton served a term as district attorney of McKean county, proving a
fearless but honorable prosecutor. As a judge, he has won the respect and loyal support of his brethren of the profession by his fairness and the justice of his decisions.
He is a member of County and State Bar associations, is a Republican in politics, and
a member of the Episcopal church. His fraternal orders are: McKean Lodge, No.
338; Free and Accepted Masons, and Smethport Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
He married. February 3, 1878, Julia A. Eastman, born in Ceres, N'ew York, August
2I, I86o, daughter of Luther Eastman. She was educated in the public schools, is a
member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Travelers' Club and of the Episcopal
church. Children of Judge Joseph William Bouton: I. Victor Burdette, of whom
further. 2. Edwin E., born in Smethport, Pennsylvania, August Io, I895; now a student in Smethport High School. 3. Helen A., born August 2I, I902.
Victor Burdette Bouton, eldest son of Judge Joseph William and Julia A. (Eastman) Bouton, was born in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1879. He was
educated in the public schools of Smethport and was graduated from the high school,
class of I899. He chose the profession of law, and after a year's study under the
direction of his father entered Dickinson Law School, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
whence he was graduated Bachelor of Laws, class of I903. He at once began the practice of law in Smethport and for three years practiced with Fred D. Gallup as partner.
In I914 he moved to New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he
is now in successful practice, with offices in the First National Bank building. Prior
to coming to N-ew Kensington, he had been for seven years attorney for the borough
of Smethport, and for the county of McKean for three years. A Republican in politics, he has ever been active in party affairs, and is the present candidate of his party
for the State Assemblv from Westmoreland county. He is a member of Delta Chi
fraternity, and of the Protestant Episcopal church. Highly esteemed as a lawyer and
citizen.
Mr. Bouton married, April 20, I902, Genevieve Gertrude Hussey, born in Keating township, McKean county, Pennsylvania, April 6, I88o, daughter of William John
Hussey, who died in Bradford, Pennsylvania, November 23, I897, aged forty-seven,
and his wife Mary (HIungerford) Hussey. Miss Hussey was educated in the public
schools of Glenhazel, is a graduate of Bradford Business College, class of I907, and
until coming to New Kensington was deputy recorder of McKean county. Mr. and
Mrs. Bouton have three children: Victor Joseph Edwin, born May 20, I904; William
John, December 9, I906; Robert Miller, May 3, I908.
LAUREN CLAY THOMAS, M. D.-For a quarter of a century Dr. Thomas
has practiced his profession in'Latrobe, Pennsylvania, having had three previous years'
experience in Bradenville, Westmoreland, in general practice, and in surgery a special
surgeon to several collieries of the neighborhood. As the years progressed he gave
more and more attention to surgery and to diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat,
until his practice in those branches absorbs all his time. He is highly rated as a
specialist and has a large practice, his reputation extending far beyond city limits. He
is a member of the old Thomas family of Pennsylvania, founded by Rees Thomas,
who came from Wales prior to June I8, I69o, on which date he married, at Haver136BIOGRAPHICAL
ford meeting in the Welsh tract just over the Philadelphia line in Chester county,
Martha Aubrey, also born in Wales. Rees Thomas became a very prominent man
in his section, serving as member of the Colonial Assembly and justice of" Philadelphia county, several terms in each office between I702 and his death in I743. His wife,
Martha (Aubrey) Thomas, was a sister to William (2) Aubrey, who married Letitia
Penn, daughter of William Penn. His father, William (I) Aubrey, who died in I7I6,
aged ninety, was a descendant of Lord Aubrey, Earl of Bullen and Marechal of
France, who came to England with William the Conqueror in Io66. Martha (Aubrey)
Thomas was a woman much loved and respected in her community for her benevolence
and charities. She was for many years an elder of Haverford meeting, Society of
Friends, a real "mother in Israel." A quaint little volume of her poems;, with a
poetical memorial of her, published in 1.727, still in existence, shows her to have been
possessed of considerable poetic and literary ability. She died March 7, I726-27, the
mother of five sons and one daughter. These sons of Rees and Martha (Aubrey)
Thomas are the ancestors of a large and influential family now widely separated. This
branch of their descendants settled in Center county, Pennsylvania, where Elias
Thomas, a farmer, married Nancy Pattcn. Their son, John Elias Thomas, a wellknown educator, was the father of Dr. Lauren Clay Thomas, of Latrobe.
John Elias Thomas, son of Elias and Nancy (Patton) Thomas, was born at Pine
Grove Mills, Center county, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Washington  Jefferson College, and for many years was principal of Pine Grove Academy.  lie
enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in I863, served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the rank of first lieutenant. He married Lucy Emerick, daughter of John Emerick,
born in Germany, and had four children.
Dr. Lauren Clay Thomas, eldest child of John Elias and Lucy (Emerick)
Thomas, was born at Pine Grove Mills, Center county, Pennsylvania, March I6, I86o.
He obtained his early and preparatory education under the instruction of his honored
father, and when the time came to select a profession chose medicine. He prepared at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland, and there received the
degree of Doctor of Medicine at graduation, class of I887. He began general practice
in Bradenville, Pennsylvania, the same year, and there continued until I89o, and was
also special surgeon in the employ of Several important coal mining corporations having mines in that section. In I8go he located in Latrobe, where he is still in practice.
confining himself to surgical cases and diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He
made preparation for special practice by a long course of study, and by post-graduate
courses at eye. ear, nose and throat clinics at Polyclinic Hospital, Wills Eye Hospital,
the Mayo Clinics,' Rochester, and at important clinics in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, 4Baltimore, and other medical centers. He has kept fully abreast of all discovery
in treatment of these diseases, and has been very successful in his large practice. He
is a member of the Westmoreland County Medical Society, Pennsylvania State Medical and American Medical associations.
He has furthermore devoted considerable time to the public service, and is one of
the leaders of the Republican party in Westmoreland county. For a decade he was
a member of the county central committee, was a member of the Pennsylvania House'
of Assembly in I9OI-O2, and from I909 until January, I9I6, was recorder of deeds for
Westmoreland county. He proved a most valuable and efficient legislator and county
official, adding to his fame as a physician a record of public spirit and devotion as a
citizen. He also served for many years as a member of Latrobe Board of Education.
He is a member of the Masonic order, holding the thirty-second degree, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite; is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
Knights of Pvthias, and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. He is fond of the sports
I37BIOGRAPHICAL
volunteered his services and enlisted in Company I, Tenth Regiment of Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. He went with this body of men to the Philippine Islands, where
it had been ordered by the government and where he saw active service for upwards of
a year. In I899 he returned from the Philippines and began business once more in the
home community. On this occasion he took up the coal and coke business, in which his
father was already greatly interested, and in course of time became identified with the
Jamison Coal and Coke Company in the capacity of secretary, a position that he holds
to the present time. Mr. Jamison is also identified with several other large and influential concerns. He is a member of various societies and fraternal organizations, and
is a prominent figure in the social life of the community generally. In his religious
belief Mr. Jamison belongs to the Second Reformed Church of Greensburg, and is a
trustee of that church. In politics he is a Republican, but is not ambitious for either
political preferment or public office.
Charles M. Jamison was united in marriage, August 7, I913, with Cecelia Rayburn,
of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two children, Charles
M., Jr., born August 22, I914, and James Rayburn, born December I5, I915.
RICHARD  HOWARD JAMISON--Richard Howard Jamison is one of those
successful young men, of whom  there are so many to be found in Westfioreland
county. He was born on the old family homestead on East Pittsburgh street, Greensburg, December Io, I875. He is the eighth son of Robert Smith and Caroline (Wible)
Jamison, and a member of a family which has been closely identified with the life of
this region for many years. Mr. Jamison has made his native town of Greensburg his
permanent residence, and it has been for a number of years the scene of his active
business career, to which it has been indebted not a little for the growth and development of the great coal and coke business which represents so large a part of its industrial life.
The early education of Mr. Jamison was received in the local public schools and
later in the Greensburg Seminary. His father had decided that he should have the
best educational opportunities procurable, and after he had completed his studies in the
last named institution, he was sent to the well known Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in I894, and where he prepared himself for college. He then attended Princeton University for three years and would
have been graduated from that institution but for the breaking out of the SpanishAmerican War in April, I898. Mr. Jamison was a member of the Tenth Regiment,
Pennsylvania National Guard, and accompanied this body to the Philippine Islands
and there saw more than a year of active service. In September, I899, the Tenth Regiment returned home and Mr. Jamison at once engaged in the coal and coke business in
the neighborhood, in which his family had already been interested for a number of
years. At the present time he is connected with a number of important mining concerns and holds the office of director and general manager of the Jamison Coal and
Coke Company, one of the largest coal companies in Western Pennsylvania.  He is
also president of the New Alexandria Coke Company and of the Irwin Gas Coal Company.
Mr. Jamison is a Republican in politics, and a staunch supporter of the principles
and policies of his party. He takes a keen interest in public affairs, but is not an active
worker in local politics. He is a conspicuous figure in the social and fraternal circles
of the city, and is a member of the local lodges o,f the Free and Accepted Masons and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Duquesne
Club of Pittsburgh.  He attends the Second Reformed Church of Greensburg, and
has been active in advancing the interests of his church.
On June I5, I9o5, at Greensburg, Richard Howard Jamison was united in mar7OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of the open, especially hunting and fishing, but his love of study, professional and
historical, marks him as the student above all else. He is a wide reader, and in matters of current importance as fully informed as in the literature of the past.
Dr. Thomas was among the first to tender his services to the government when
war with Germany threatened. He enlisted in the Medical Reserve Corps, United
States Army, was commissioned a first lieutenant, March 25, I917, and was called into
active service, June 27, 1917, and on July I6, I917, was commissioned captain, serving
at Fort Benjamnin Harrison, Indiana, and later in Federal recruiting service in Northern Indiana, having to do with the federalization of the National Guard of Indiana.
On August 21, 1917, he was transferred to Columbus Barracks, Columbus, Ohio, to
make examinations,for the regular army. On September I, I917, he was ordered to
Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia, for duty as special examiner in oto-laryngology. He
continued in that service until December 7, when his health having broken down, he
was honorably discharged from the service and returned to Latrobe again to take up
his professional practice.
Dr. Thomas married, April 22, i880, Martha Elizabeth Scott, daughter of George
and Elizabeth (Bell) Scott, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas
have two children: Lucy Elizabeth, married Leo C. Gibson, of Latrobe; Walter
Scott, a consulting engineer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who is a graduate of Latrobe High School and the State College of Pennsylvania.
GEORGE NASH--One of the chief figures in the industrial world of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is George Nash, of Monessen, president of the People's National Bank, and one of the important factors in the development of the community through his long connection with the Pittsburgh Steel Company's great plant
there.
George Nash was born in Wales, January I4, I858, and passed his childhood and
early youth in his native country. He received there his education, or rather such part
of it as he gained in school, and was then apprenticed to a wire-maker, where he
learned that trade and familiarized himself with the industrial methods generally. In
the year I878, when only nineteen years of age, he came to the United States and went
to the city of Troy, New York, where he resided for some time. At Troy he secured
a position in the employ of the Proverb  Iler Mills, where he worked for a period
of about eight months. Thereafter he travelled to various parts ot the country and
worked in various steel producing concerns in seventeen different States. For many
years he was connected with the John W. Gates interests, where his skill and executive
genius gained him rapid promotion to positions of greater and greater responsibility
and trust. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Mills) Nash, followed him  to this
country eleven years after his initial trip, arriving in I888, and settled at the town of
Hawkins, Pennsylvania, where- Mr. Nash, Sr., eventually died. The mother died at
her son's home in I905.
Mr. Nash began his long association with the Pittsburgh Steel Company in I9OI,
when, on August I3 in that year, he inaugurated the construction of the company's
great plant at Monessen by digging the first shovel full of earth for the preliminary
excavation. More than a year elapsed between this event and the completion of the
enormous mill, but December 3, I902, it was ready to begin work in all its departments,
including a rod mill, wire mill, barb wire mill and staple mill. The entire work had
been carried out under the supervision of Mr. Nash and a new record was established
in construction work of this character. Nine hundred men were employed in its erection and equipment.  In the year I907 the company began the erection of an open
hearth plant, consisting of eight sixty-ton open hearths, which were completed and put
r38BIOGRAPHICAL                                    I39
into operation the following year. In the meantime, the finishing capacity of the original mills and those which have since been added to them have doubled, so that the
plant was one of the largest of its kind. In the year I913 two of the most modern
and efficient blast furnaces ever constructed were put into operation and these furnaces to-day hold the world's production record. The company which owns this great
plant was originally organized under the name of the Seamless Tube Company of
America, but was later reorganized as the Pittsburgh Steel Products Company and
Mr. Nash was made superintendent both of construction and operation, a position
which he held up to the year I913. Under his most capable direction this plant, which
is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, which covers a tract of ninety
acres with forty-seven acres under roof, and which employs about, seven thousand
men, was operated in the most efficient manner, without friction or loss, and its present condition is a credit to the hand and brain that directed it. The company owns
its coal and ore mines, thus controlling every process from the digging of the ore to
the finished product, and is beyond doubt one of Westmoreland county's largest and
most valuable industrial assets. In 1913 Mr. Nash was made manager of mills for
this great concern with headquarters in Pittsburgh, and now occupies this exceedingly
responsible post. Mr. Nash is also identified closely with many of the most important
industrial and business enterprises of Westmoreland county and the adjoining region.
He is president of the People's National Bank of Monessen, which he and a number
of associates purchased in I904, when its deposits only amounted to about eighty-four
thousand dollars and which, under his direction, had grown by the close of I916 to
the sum of one million, one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. He is also vicepresident of the Braddock Trust Company of Braddock, Pennsylvania; a director of
the Mercantile Bridge Company and other important concerns.
It has not been only in connection with his own business activities that Mr. Nash
has worked for the interests of the town in which he makes his home and of other
communities. He is a member of the Chambers of Commerce of Pittsburgh, Monessen and Braddock, and has been extraordinarily active in each of these in working for
the financial betterment of the region. He is a Republican in his politics, and although
by no means active in this department of public affairs is unquestionably felt as a
potent influence therein. He'is a prominent Mason, being affiliated with all the. local
Masonic bodies and having taken his thirty-second degree in Free Masonry. He is
also a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Monessen Turn
Verein, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association and.the Americus Republican Club of
Pittsburgh. In his religious belief Mr. Nash is a Baptist, and has been chairman of
the board of trustees of the-Baptist church of Mornessen for a number of years.
On June 2, I89o, Mr. Nash was united in marriage with Mary Miller, a daughter
of Robert and Catherine Miller, of St. Louis, Missouri, and of this union two children have been born, as follows, Elizabeth and Emily.
Loyalty, courage and an abiding sense of justice and duty are the qualities which,
perhaps above all others, we should pick out as forming the keystone of Mr. Nash's
character, a character that for many years exerted a wholesome and uplifting influence
upon the community that was fortunate enough to claim him as a member. The careers
of many men are easy to treat from the fact that their achievement is directed into
one particular channel, towards one definite objective which may at once be singled
out as the essential matter about which all other circumstances and sets of circumstances mav be grouped, and by which they may be measured. In the case of Mr.
Nash, however, so great was his versatility, so numerous the spheres of activity in
which he distinguished himself, that it would perhaps be difficult to place any of them
as of paramount importance and significance in his life.1OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
SAMUEL JONES-Beyond doubt one of the most prominent and successful
figures in the business development of that part of Westmoreland county which is
centered about the charming and progressive town of Belle Vernon, is Samuel Jones,
whose career has been most closely identified with that of the community of which he
is now a representative citizen. Mr. Jones is a member of an old and. distinguished
Pennsylvania family, which is believed to have been of Welch origin, although this is
not certain, as nothing definite is known of the first progenitors of the family in this
country. His descent, however, may be traced back as far as one William Jones, who
was a resident of the city of Baltimore, Maryland, where'also he was born. He later
migrated into Pennsylvania and came to what was then the frontier in Westmoreland
county, where he became the owner of a large tract of land situated in Rostraver
township, which he purchased from Philip Shepler. Here he carried on agricultural
operations and was also a blacksmith and became eventually very prominent in the
affairs of his adopted region. He was prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, held an official position in connection with the church in Rostraver township, and contributed liberally to the support of the same. He was twice married, his
first wife bearing him twelve children, among whom was a son Samuel, the grandfather of the Samuel Jones of this review. William Jones was a Whig in politics.
He lived to a very venerable age, being at the time of his death only two months short
of one hundred years.
Samuel Jones, son of. William Jones, was born in the vicinity of Ginger Hill,
Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 25, I8oo, and died June 14, I867. He was
educated in the common schools of his native township, and grew to manhood on his
father's farm. At the age.of twenty-four he accompanied his father to Westmoreland
county and located with the elder man in Rostraver township. He later purchased
land of his own, and in course of time became one of the largest landowners in the
township, holding at the time of his death some twelve hundred acres. He was killed
at a barn raising. A very successful man, who exerted influence in business and religious circles, he was well known and highly esteemed by all who associated with him.
For many years he was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
actively identified with its official board. In early life he was a Whig in politics, but
upon the founding of the Republican party embraced this new political faith, and was a
staunch supporter of it during the remainder of his life. He was earnest and untiring
in his support of the Union during the Civil War, and was an ardent patriot. Samuel
Jones married (first) February I9, 1828, Jane Fell, a native of Webster, Westmoreland county, born March I6, I805, died April 30, 1836. Mrs. Jones w'as the daughter
of Benjamin and Mary (Geyer) Fell, who come of an old and distinguished- family.
It is appropriate here to mention the Fell family, whose descent may be traced
back to John and Margaret Fell, who were members of the Friends' meeting at Voodhall in Caldbeck, County of Cumberland, England, and the records of that meeting
give the births of their six children. "Longlands," the ancestral home of the'Fell
family, is situated about seventeen miles from Keswick, and somewhat nearer Carlisle,
the county seat of Cumberlandshire, England. Of the children of John and Margaret
Fell, Joseph Fell was born at "Longlands," October Ig, I668. In I698 he married
Bridget Wilson, and in I704, accompanied by his wife and two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, emigrated to America, where he located for a short time in Lower Bucks
county. He later removed to Buckingham county, and there became a large landowner and a prominent man in the community. His removal to Buckingham county
occurred in I7o6, and his wife died there two years later, July 7, I708. In I7II Joseph
Fell married (second) Elizabeth Doyle, a daughter of Edward and Rebecca (Dungan)
Doyle, who had come to Bucks county from Rhode Island, in I683. Elizabeth (Doyle)
Fell was the aunt of William Doyle, for whom Doylestown, the county seat of Bucks
county, was named. Joseph Fell died in I748, his widow surviving him several years.
140BIOGRAPHICAL
Benjamin Fell. who had accompanied his father, Joseph Fell, to America, was born
at the ancestral home of the family, "Longlands," Cumberland county. England, November I, I703 He was a child at the time of his coming to America and grew to manhood on the old homestead in Buckingham township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania.
Like his family, he belonged to the Society of Friends, and became an approved minister of that sect in I745. He was the recipient of a tract of land conveyed to him by
his father, in Upper Buckingham, where he lived and died, his death occurring November I2, I758, at the age of fifty-five years. He married (first) August 27, I738, Hannah
Scarborough, born in Solebury.township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, October 3I,
17o4, a daughter of John Scarboroiugh, who came to that region from England, where
he was a resident of St. Sepulchers parish, London. Benjamin and Hannah (Scarborough) Fell were the parents of six children, one of whom, Benjamin, Jr., is mentioned below. Mrs. Fell died April 21, 1743, and on May I7, I745, Mr. Fell married,
(second) Hannah Iredell, of Horsham, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, who died
November 27, 1755. Benjamin Fell married (third) November, 1757, Sarah Rawlins,
of Richland township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and by her had one son, Morris.
Benjamin Fell, Jr., second son and sixth child of Benjamin and Hannah (Scarborough) Fell, was born at Buckingham, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, June II, I739.
He married, in I760, Rebecca Casner, of Plumstead township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and removed to that place to live, establishing there a tannery, which he
operated for some twenty years. In the spring of I872 he sold his tannery and also
extensive tracts of'land in Bucks county, and removed with his familv to Rostraver
township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he located one mile from Webster, and established a new tannery, on a hill overlooking the Monongahela river. The
deed by which he conveyed his land in Bucks county is dated as of March, I782, and
described him  as Benjamin Fell, of Plumstead township, Bucks county, tanner.
According to tradition, while he was still residing in Plumstead township, he proved
his practical patriotism by offering the contents of his tannery to Washington's troops
to make shoes for the Continental soldiers, a commodity of which they stood-sadly in
need. His grandson, Benjamin Fell Beasell, who died in I886, well remembered hearing his mother Rebecca (Fell) Beasell, tell of seeing her father's house filled from
cellar to garret with the patriot soldiers, all engaged in the work of "mending or making shoes" for their barefoot comrades at Valley Forge. His devotion to the patriotic
cause cost him his membership in the Society of- Friends, who were opposed to all
warlike activities, and when some years later his friends urged him to seek reinstatement by acknowledging the errors of his ways, he replied that he had done what he
conceived to be his duty, and that if he had aided even in the smallest degree the gaining of Americcan independence, he did not repent but was proud of it. He later joined
the Methodist Episcopal church. Benjamin Fell, Jr., later became very prominent in
the public affairs of his community, and was a member of the Pennsylvania State
Assembly in 178I, when he represented Bucks county there. He was accompanied to
the West by his two nephews, William and Nathan Fell, and took up six hundred
acres of land between the Monongahela and the Youghiogheny rivers, which he called
Fellsburg. In I794, when General Washington went to Western Pennsylvania with
his troops in order to quell the Whiskey Insurrection, he and his staff made their
headquarters for a time at the house of Benjamin Fell. Benjamin Fell married
Rebecca Casner, as before mentioned, and they became the parents of ten children, as
follows: John, born September 8, I76I, and became a Methodist minister; Rebecca,
born June 3, 1763, became the wife of William  Beasell, and died January 22, 1853;
Benjamin, mentioned below; Joseph, born May I8, I767, and died in I769; Hannah,
born June I, r769, and married William Sponeman; Peter, born May 30, I77I, and
resided in Westmoreland county, where he was twice married; Amos, born April 21,
I773, removed to Muskingum county, Ohio; Phoebe, born March 25, I775, died unmarI4IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ried, buried in Fell's Church; Jesse, born September 20, I777, died unmarried, buried
in Fell's Church; Jane, born December 2, I779, died unmarried, buried in Fell's
Church.
Benjamin Fell, second son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Casner) Fell, born in
Plumstead township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, October 28, I765, removed with his
parents to Westmoreland county at the age of seventeen years and spent his entire life
there, residing for many years in Webster, where his eleven children were born. He
was buried in Fell's Church, which was founded by his father. He married Mary
Geyer, who died August I7, I853, and their children.were: Joseph, born March I6,
I790, married Ann Fell, nee Johnson, the widow of his cousin, John W. Fell; Hannah, born October 15, 1792, married Nathaniel Linder; Elizabeth, born August 24,
1795, died September 8, I859, unmarried; Mary, born November I9, I797, married
Randal Johnston, of Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; Rebecca, born January 21, I8oo, died March 5, I873, unmarried; Jesse, born August 2,
18C2, married Ann Whitaker, resided in Summit, Ohio; Jane, born March I6, I805,
died April 30, 1836, aforementioned as the wife of Samuel Jones, and mother of WTilliam Jones; Catherine, born August I8, I807; Julian, born February 3, I8Io, married
the Rev. John Spencer, of Portland, Oregon; Phoebe, born May 8, 18I2, married
John B. Sansam; John G., born March 30, I817, resides in Clark county, Missouri, he
married (first) Catherine Brown, and (second) Eunice Pierson.
William Jones, the father of Samuel Jones, who is here especially concerned, was
born June I7. 1829, and died June 2I, I9I0. He was educated at the common schools
of Rostraver township, reared on the farm, and was an extensive and successful
farmer, devoting his time and energy to that vocation until I873. He then moved to
North Belle Vernon and took up his abode in the house where he resided until his
death, numbered among the prominent and successful business men of the place. He
was one of the organizers of the bank at Belle Vernon in I872, known by the name of
S. F. Jones  Company, subsequently reorganized under its present name of the
Valley DeposPt and Trust Company, of which he was vice-president. He was also
a member of the Belle Vernon Planing Mill Company, the Monessen Lumber Company, Belle Vernon Water Company, and a stockholder in the Monessen Savings and
Trust Company. He was active and successful in business, and influential and progressive in the social and religious life of the community. He was prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for more than fifty years, served for many
years on the official board, and was president of the board of trustees for many years.
He was a liberal financial supporter of the church, and also of every good cause which
had for its object the elevation and general good of mankind. It would have been
difficult for Mr. Jones to be other than a Methodist, as his ancestors ori the paternal
and maternal sides were staunch adherents of this faith for many generations, and
also served on its official boards. Mr. Jones married, February 6, I851, Sarah Shepler,
of Rostraver township, W\estmoreland' county, Pennsylvania, and their children are:
Ella Jane, born July I, 1853, wife of Edward L. Sears; Joseph ShepIer, born October
9, I855, married, March 20, I893, Elizabeth Mustard; Samuel, who is mentioned below.
Born June I5, I857, Samuel Jones, president of the Valley Deposit and Trust
Company, and one of the most prominent financiers of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,' is a son of William  and Sarah (Shepler) Jones. His birth occurred on his
father's farm in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and his
childhood and early youth were passed in the midst of a healthful rural environment.
His early education was received at the local public schools, and these studies he supplemented by a mercantile course at Duff's Business College and he also attended the
Allegheny High School several terms.  Upon completing his schooling, Mr. Jones
entered his father's lumber establishment at Belle Vernon, in the year I885, and continued as a junior partner to the elder man for some six years. In I89I, however.
1I42BIOGRAPHICAL
I43
he severed this association and established an independent lumber business of his own,
with yards at Charleroi, Pennsylvania, where he continued actively engaged for some
three years. At the end of this period, however, he sold out his interest in this business and once more gave his attention to the situation at Belle Vernon. Here he
became connected with the Belle Vernon Planing Mill Company, and continued there
up to the year T897. At this date was founded the progressive establishment of Monessen, and here, in company with many other enterprising men from various points of
the county, he went, determining to share in the rapid development which was apparently promised for that town. He may be considered as the pioneer of Monessen and
purchased the first lot that was sold there, as well as shortly afterwards establishing
the first lumber yard. All this was in the year I897, and from the very first Mr. Jones
made himself prominent in the development of the new community, both in the realm
of business and otherwise. His name may be placed among those who have had the
most to do with the-extraordinary growth of Monessen, and he was engaged in the
contracting and building business there for upwards of a quarter of a century. But
though Mr. Jones was so keenly interested in the new town, he did not give up his
interests at Belle Vernon, and in the year 19I2 he incorporated the Belle Vernon Construction Company, which took over the planing mill of the Belle Vernon Planing Mill
Company, and engaged in a most successful general building and contracting company. Many of the largest and handsomest edifices at Belle Vernon have been erected
by this concern. In I9oI, in company with his brother, J. S. Jones, of Belle Vernon,
Mr. Jones opened up the now active and prosperous town of McMahon, which may
be regarded as a sort of extension and addition to Monessen. This region comprises
twenty acres which the two brothers turned into building plots and sold, an investment
which proved most lucrative. Later Mr. Jones became associated with three other
gentlemen in the organization of what was known as the Essent Land Company's plot,
which is also an addition to Monessen and which comprises forty acres. This company, which was organized in I905, is composed of the following members: Samuel
Jones, president; George Nash, J. S. Jones and C. F. Eggers. Mr. Jones is also interested in the Perry Manufacturing Company, of Perryopolis, Fayette county, which
was organized in I905 for the purpose of manufacturing plastering and brick-making
materials, and is also engaged in the shipping of a fine grade of silica clay. He was
chosen to serve on the directorate of the Monessen Savings and Trust Company, a
concern which he had himself assisted in organizing, and he was also a stockholder in
the Valley Deposit and Trust Company, of Belle Vernon, from the time of its organization up to his election as president thereof. His uncle, S. F. Jones, was president
of the Valley Deposit and Trust Company from the time of its organization, but upon
the death of this gentleman in the year I9II, Samuel Jones was elected to succeed him
and took up these new and important duties.
The career of the Valley Deposit and Trust Company is an extraordinary one and
deserves a word of mention here. It was organized under its present name in the
month of May, I9o3, but as a matter of fact is a much older concern than this. Its
parent company was the concern known as S. F. Jones  Company, which was established as early as 1872, when S. F. and William Jones established a banking business
with a modest capital of thirfy thousand dollars. The two men gave the closest attention to the development of the company, considering always the convenience and
accommodation of their patrons, and placing square dealing ahead of all other consideration, even that of success. The result was that they achieved a very notable
success and in I9o3, in association with other substantial citizens of Belle Vernon,
secured a State charter, and the Valley Deposit and Trust Company came into being.
For some time S. F. Jones was the president of this new concern, while William
Jones was vice-pIresident and J. S. Jones secretary and treasurer. Since the assumption of control and the office of the presidency, the concern has continued to growOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
rapidly in size and influence, its general development from the time of its incorporation
being phenominal. It began business with a capital and surplus of approximately one
hundred and thirty-one thousand dollars, deposits two hundred and nine thousand
dollars and resources three hundred and forty-one thousand doliars, while in I913
these figures had grown to one hundred and ninety-seven thousand dollars, four hundred and sixty-four thousand, one hundred and fifty-nine dollars and forty-eight cents,
and six hundred and sixty-two thousand, five hundred and fifty-seven dollars and
eighty-six cents, respectively. Since that time the rate of development has increased.
This company has been of great value in stimulating the growth of the community
wherein it is situated and has assisted many people of BelleVernon and its vicinity to
purchase or erect their own houses.
Mr. Jones has been personally active in wellnigh every department of the life of
Belle Vernon. He has erected for himself a handsome house there on a portion of the
old Spears farm on Main street. This handsome dwelling stands on ground, where as
a boy he assisted in the cultivation of corn and potatoes, and bears striking witness to
the rapidity with which Belle Vernon has grown in the intervening years. Mr. Jones
is a member of the Belle Vernon Fire Department, and has been active in furthering
every effort to make the community, and especially that section of it known as North
Belle Vernon, where his home stands, a desirable place of residence. He justly contends that few other places offer such fine locations and so many advantages for homes.
Mr. Jones is a Democrat in political belief, but although exceedingly active in working
for the public welfare has consistently declined to hold public office of any kind.
Samuel Jones married, February 25, I886, Annie C. Murphy, a daughter of Joshua
and Mary Louise Murphy, old and highly regarded residents of Belle Vernon. Mr.
and Mrs. Joncs are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. While Mr. and
Mrs. Jones have no children of their own, the former, at the death of his brother,
Joseph S. Jones, in I9o8, prevailed upon his widow to allow one of her four children,
Allen C. Jones. to become a member of his family. Allen C. Jones is now (I917) a
young man of twenty-two years of age, and is a member of an ambulance corps in
which he enlisted and which is now training for service in France. He enlisted while
a student at the Lexington College, Lexington, Virginia.
CLARENCE  ALEXANDER  HAMILL, M. D.-Dr.- Clarence Alexander
Hamill, one of the most prominent physicians of Ligonier, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, is a member of a family long and favorably known in these parts. His
father and his grandfather before him had enjoyed the esteem and respect of their
fellow-citizens here. Dr. Hamill's grandfather was James Hamill, a native of Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, and for many years a prominent figure in the
agricultural development of the region. He was the owner of a very large tract of
land in this region, which was granted him by the State of Pennsylvania, and here carried on extensive agricultural operations on his broad and fertile acres. He lived to a
great age, his death occurring when he was about eighty years old. H-Ie married Ann
Gilson, and they were the parents of the following children: Annie, who became the
wife of Hezekiah B. Blair, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Agnes, who became the wife
of Miles Ross; Rachel, deceased; and Hugh Charles, mentioned below. James Hamill
and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian church at Fort Palmer, in Fairfield township.
Hugh Charles Hamill, youngest son of James Hamill, and father of Clarence
Alexander Hamill, of this review, was born in April, I855, in Fairfield township.
There he received his education at the local public schools and was reared to the life
of a farmer. He became the owner of three large farms, two of which were situated
in Fairfield township and one in the neighborhood of Ligonier. Here he carried on
144BIOGRAPHICAL
general farming and was a well-known figure in the life of the community. He married Agnes Margaret Austraw, born in this region, November I, I857, a daughter of
Samuel and Martha (Gibson) Austraw, the father being a native of Ligonier township and the mother having come from  Ireland with her parents as a child. They
were the parents of a large family of children, as fllows: Clarence Alexander, mentioned below; Frank Thomas; James Samuel, who married Margaret Patterson, of
Ligonier township; Hannah Ruth, who became the wife of Thon'as Black, of Sioux
City, Iowa, and now resides with her husband at Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jane Graham, who lives with her parents at home; John Harrison, who is a student of medicine
and is at the present time an interne at St. Francis Hospital at Pittsburgh; Alice
Maria, who became the wife of Hill Hartman, of Derry, Pennsylvania; Paul Henry,
who has recently enlisted in the Tenth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, which
is now situated at Camp Hancock, Georgia, for training for service in Europe in the
great World War; George Eugene, who is no.w a student at the Ligonier High
School; Mary Helen, a pupil in the Derry High School. Mr. Hamill, Sr., is still an
active man and engaged in prosperous farming operations in Ligonier and Fairfield
townships. He is a Republican in politics, and holds the office of school director, while
in religion he is a member of the United Presbyterian church.
Born December 5, I88o, in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Dr. Clarence Alexander Hamill passed his childhood and early youth on his
father's farm, where he enjoyed the healthful surroundings of rural life. His early
education was received in the local township schools, which he attended until he had
reached the age of eighteen years. He was a most energetic young man, and during
the years of his schooling he was also engaged in various occupations, among others
that of assisting his father with the work of his various farms. Upon completing his
courses in the local schools, he attended the Indiana Normal School at Indiana, Pennsylvania, for one year, and there prepared himself for the profession of teaching. This
he followed for some time in the public schools of Fairfield and South Huntingdon
townships. During the five years that he was thus employed the young man turned his
attention more and more forcibly to the subject of medicine, and eventually he decided
to make this his career in life. Accordingly, at the age of twenty-four years, he
matriculated in the Western Pennsylvania Medical College and there, after studying
the required course of four years, he was graduated with the class of I9o8, taking the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. He supplemented the theoretical knowledge gained at
this institution by becoming an interne in the Greensburg Ho,spital, where he remained
one year, gaining the requisite practical experience. He then came to Ligonier and
established himself in active general practice and has continued thus engaged ever
since. He has met with a very gratifying and well-earned success, has built up a
large and high-class clientele, and is now regarded throughout the community as a
most successful and capable practitioner.  He is also recognized by his professional
colleagues for the profound student of his subject that he is and enjoys among them a
reputation for his skill in diagnosis. Dr. Hamill is a staunch member of the Republican party, and has been exceedingly active in public affairs in this region since coming here to begin his practice. He was elected a member of the Common Council of
Ligonier and held that office for two years, and has been prominent in other capacities
in the life of the city. Dr. Hamill has done wisely in investing largely in local real
estate, which in so prosperous a community as Ligonier enjoys a steady rise in value.
He is now the owner of property on North Market and Vincent streets, this property
having been originally owned by Hugh Lytle. In his religious belief Dr. Hamill is a
United Presbyterian and attends the Ligonier United Presbyterian Church. He has
been very active in the work of the congregation and is at the present time a trustee
W--10
I45OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
riage with Marie Josephine Latta, like himself a native of Greensburg, and a daughter of the late Governor John and Rose (McClellan) Latta, who were among the most
respected residents of the city. To Mr. and Mrs. Jamison six children have been born,
all of whom are now living, as follows: John Latta, Rose McClellan, Richard
Howard, Jr., Hugh Martin, Robert Stewart and Joseph Latta.
JAY CURTIS JAMISON- Jay Curtis Jamison is a prominent figure in the
industrial and general business life of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, being identified with
a large number of very important concerns in that part of the country. He is the ninth
son of Robert Smith and Caroline (Wible) Jamison.
Jay Curtis Jamison was born at Greensburg, November I5, I88o, and has always
made his. native city his home. For his education he attended the local public school,
and later went to Mercersburg, where he attended the Academy of that name. Upon
completing his studies at the latter institution, he returned to Greensburg and was
introduced to the business world in securing a position as superintendent with the
Jamison Coal and Coke Company, a connection which has continued to the present
time. In the month of November, 1915, he was made general superintendent of this
important concern, and it has without doubt been due in considerable measure to his
abilities and devotion thatthe business has attained its present proportions. However,
Mr. Jamison does not confine his activities to any one concern, but has become one of
the best known figures in the coal business of that part of the State. He is president
of the Marion Gas Coal Company of Greensburg, and is a large stockholder in the
New Alexandria Coke Company of Greensburg, the Irwin Gas Coal Company of
Greensburg and numerous other important concerns. He is now regarded as one of
the most influential figures in coal circles throughout the region.
Mr. Jamison has always taken a broad interest in the general affairs of his native
community. His aid is always to be depended upon in all matters in which the common weal is at stake, and he is associated with numberless movements for the betterment of the community-at-large.  He is a staunch member of the Republican party,
although he takes no active part in local politics. He is a director of the Young Men's
Christian Association in Greensburg, and has for many years liberally supported the
work of this important erganization. He is also a. member of the local lodges of the
Free and Accepted Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In the
matter of his religious belief, Mr. Jamison is a member of the Second Reformed
church of Greensburg and has done much for the advancement of its interests there.
Jay Curtis Jamison was united in marriage, March I7, I909, at Baltimore, Maryland, with. Margaret May Brown, a daughter of Samuel Potter and Margaret (Hill)
Brown,            residents of Greensburg.  Mr. Brown is mentioned at length in
another part of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Jamison two children have been born, as
follows: Jay Curtis, Jr., May I7, I913, and Will Brown, August 27, I9I6.
HON. EDWARD  EVERETT ROBBINS-The biographer who starts out to
write the story of the life of such men as Edward Everett Robbins, jurist, publicist,
Congressman and leader of opinion, is tempted to make use of an illustration. W\ar
and its effects upon a country resembles the action of certain chemicals which cause
precipitation in a solution, and sending all the foreign substances to the bottom bring
out the true character of the liquid. A few years ago it was believed on every hand
that the American stock had degenerated, and the descendants of those pioneers who
out of the wilderness had forged a fruitful country had softened with easy conditions.
But the great war and its spiritual reactions on human character have revealed that
the fundamenta! qualities of the American of the early days of toil and hardship still
8OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
thereof. He is also connected with social and fraternal circles here, and is a: member
of Homestead Lodge, No. Io49, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Hamill was united in marriage, April 6, I9II, with Maria Helen Ewing, a
daughter of David Dell and Agnes (Hill) Ewing, her father having been an old and
highly respected resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To Dr. and Mrs. Hamill two
children have been born, as follows: Clarence Ewing, June I7, 1913, and Frank Dell,
September II, I9I6.
A word here concerning the Ewing family and other relatives of Mrs. Hamill will
be appropriate, as they have been prominent in this region of the State for many years.
Mrs. Hamill's grandfather was William Ewing, a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, where for many years he was active as a farmer. He married Tabitha Leighton, and their deaths occurred at advanced ages. They were the parents of a large
family of children, as follows: John, who married Mary J. Hesselgesser; Thomas
Jefferson, who married Elmira; William, who married Sarah Irwin; Stewart;
Mary, who became the wife of Joseph Way; Tabitha, who became the wife of George
Gregory; Margaret, who became the wife of John Pim; Susanna, who became the wife
of Peter Suplee; David Dell, mentioned below; and Louisa, who became the wife of
James Mahaffey. William Ewing, the father of this family, removed later in' life to
Buffalo township, Pennsylvania, at the time when his son, David DelI Ewing, war
about twelve years of age, and here he continued farming until his death. He and his
wife are buried in Buffalo township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.
David Dell Ewing was born June I2, 1848, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and
was educated in that neighborhood. He was reared by his father as a farmer in Buffalo township, Armstrong county, though he had already done some little work in this
direction in his native Chester county in spite of the fact that he was but twelve years
of age when he left that region. Upon reaching manhood he became the owner of a
valuable farm of two hundred acres in Buffalo township, and there carried on extensive
agricultural operations for a good many years. Later, however, he removed to Pittsburgh and became connected with the Pittsburgh Railway Company and was employed
by that concern to the time of his death. He married Agnes Hill, a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, born October I2, I853, a daughter of Robert J. and Mary
(MacLean) Hill, who were also born in that region. She was educated in the public
schools of Buffalo township and later attended Slatelick Academy, after which she
remained in the home of her parents until her marriage. Her father, Robert J. Hill,
was a farmer all his life in Buffalo township, and died there at the age of eighty years.
His wife, who was Mary MacLean before her marriage, died at the age of sixty-two.
They were the parents of ten children in all, among whom were the following: Milton,
who enlisted in the Union army and met his death in the Civil War; Maria, who
became the wife of James Stewart; Phoebe, who became the wife of Philip Harlan;
Prussia; Agnes, who married Mr. Ewing and is the mother of Mrs. HIamill. Mr. and
Mrs. Ewing were members of the Presbyterian church and very active in its cause in
the community. David Dell Ewing and his wife were the parents of the following
children: Mary L., who became the wife of Dr. H. W. Morrow, of Swissvale, Pennsylvania; Milton Stewart, who married Hilda Reinecker, and resides at Dormont,
Pennsylvania; Walter Robert; Dell Roy, who resides at home; Maria Helen, who
became the wife of Dr. Hamill as above mentioned; Charles Hill, who resides at
home. Mr. Ewing was a staunch member of the Democratic party, and in his religious belief a Presbyterian. He was affiliated with the Masonic order and was a
member of Verona Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Verona, Pennsylvania.
His death occurred March 7, I9I8.
I46BIOGRAPHICAL
HORACE GUTELIUS DURBIN-One of the best known attorneys in this
section of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Horace Gutelius Durbin, who
makes his headquarters at New Kensington in that county, but whose practice extends
throughout all the surrounding region. For a number of years he has been regarded
as one of the leaders of the bar in that part of the State, and has occupied a particularly important place in the life and development of New Kensington, having been the
attorney employed in its incorporation as a borough, its first solicitor and the holder
of this office for most of the period since.
Born November 25, I867, at Lykens, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, Horace
Gutelius Durbin is a son of James Clapp Durbin, who was himself a prominent attorney in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The family is of English origin and its members
have for a number of generations displayed the sterling virtues and capabilities of that
dominant race. The Durbins came to the United States during the lifetime of WVilliam Durbin, the grandfather of the Mr. Durbin of this review, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and there passed his childhood and early youth. There also he
married Hannah Clapp, and they were the parents of five children: Samuel, John,
Joseph, James and Francis, all now deceased. William Durbin and his wife came to
the United States while still young and settled at Lykens, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, where they spent the greater part of their life. Mr. Durbin was an expert in the
manufacture oi fine shoes and followed that line of business successfully at Lykeni
and Williamstown.
James Clapp Durbin, the fourth child of William and Hannah (Clapp) Durbin.
and the father of Horace G. Durbin, was born in Somersetshire,:England. He came
to this country with his parents as a youth of nineteen and located in Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, and for some time carried on the trade of shoemaking, being like his
father an expert therein. He later established a store at Lykens and carried on a mercantile business for sorhme time, and while there took up the study of law in the office of
Senator A. J. Herr; was admitted to the bar, located in Lykens, where he built up an
extensive practice, and eventually removed to Harrisburg, the capitol of the State,
where he'successfully continued the practice of law, and interested himself in the
organizing of the Citizens' Passenger Street Railway Company. In early life he was
much concerned with music and was known as an excellent violinist. He was in many
ways prominent in the life of the community. His death occurred January 7, I907, in
Miami, Florida, during a trip which he had taken to the South. He married Sarah
Catherine Gutelius, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, February Io, I845, and her
brother, William H. Gutelius, is treasurer of the University Society of New York.
She was a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Gutelius and his wife, Harriett Amelia (Pyle)
Gutelius. The Rev. Mr. Gutelius was born at Manheim, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 22, I795, and died at Lykens, Pennsylvania, July 9, I866. His wife was
also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, having been born there May 13, I8I3,
and died in Pittsburgh, September 7, I892. Mr. and Mrs. Durbin were the parents of
three children, all living, as follows: Hannah Amelia, who makes her home with her
mother in Harrisburg; Horace Gutelius, of whom further; and Stanton Chase, who
now makes his home at Worcester, Massachusetts. Hannah Amelia Durbin is a
woman of unusual culture, has traveled much abroad and frequently delivers lectures
on a variety of subjects, principally on her travels.
Horace Gutelius Durbin received the preparatory part of his education at the public s'chools of his native town of Lykens, graduating from the high school there in I886.
He then went to the University of Pennsylvania, where he matriculated in the Law
School and finally graduated in I889, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He
took the keenest interest in the subject of law, and during the time that he was in
Philadelphia at the university he was a member of the E. Spencer Miller'Moot Court
Club and was extremely active in the debates of that organization, and is a member of
I.I,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Phi Delta Phi fraternity. Upon his graduation he was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, and then went to Harrisburg, where his father was at that time a prominent
attorney and practiced as his partner for a short while. HIe then severed his connection with the elder man and went to the city of Pittsburgh, where he was admitted to
the bar of Allegheny county and'practiced for a time. Shortly afterwards, however,
he once more moved, this time to New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,'where he established himself in the excellent practice which has endured until
to-day. It has already been stated that the choice of the community fell upon Mr.
Durbin as the attorney for the incorporation of the community as a borough, and how
he was afterwards selected its first solicitor, a position which he has held pretty continually since that time. Mr. Durbin has also been extremely active in the general
political situation in New Kensington and Westmoreland county and has represented
the latter in several Republican conventions, he being a member of that party and a
staunch supporter of its principles and policies. His practice has been in every respect
successful during the time that he has made New Kensington his headquarters and
gives promise of reaching still larger proportions in the future.  He is a man admirably fitted for the work which he is doing and not a little of the important litigation in
the region is entrusted to his hands. In July, I917, he was appointed a member of Local
Board No. 3 for Westmoreland county, of which board he was made chairman. He
was one of the original organizers of the Young Men's Christian Association in New
Kensington and has since held the office of president of that organization as well as
being a member of the board of directors. In his religious belief Mr. Durbin is affiliated with the Reformed church of New Kensington, and for a considerable period has
occupied the position of superintendent of its Sunday school. He is a member of the
State Supreme Court and United States District and Circuit Court.
On June 28, I9oo, at Edmon, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Durbin was
united in marriage with Florence Edna McAdoo. Mrs. Durbiii is a native of Armstrong county and a daughter of James and Eliza Jane (Howe) McAdoo, lifelong
residents'of that region. Her father was at one time principal of the schools at Kittanning and was a well-known merchant in Edmon, Armstrong county. His death
occurred there August I6, I911, and that of his wife, January I5, 1913. To Mr. and
Mrs. Durbin two children have been born, as follows:  Dorothy Catherine, June 3,
I903, and. Florence Margaret, December 26, I9o7.
HARRY STAUFFER SCHEIBLER-Among the most active figures in the
general development of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and that region ofV Westmoreland
county, and especially those associated with the large real estate interests there, none
is more worthy of comment than Harry S. Scheibler, one of the most enterprising of
the younger generation of business men, who are carrying on the prosperity and progress already so notable in that part of the State.
Mr. Scheibler was born in the township of Hempfield, WVestmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, July 27, 1877, son of William F. Scheibler, born in Hempfield township,
in I85I, and Catherine (Brugh) Scheibler, and a member of a family derived originally
from German-y. In the year I889 his parents removed from Hempfield to the city of
Greensburg, where Mrs. Scheibler died at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Scheibler,
Sr., conducted a successful mercantile business for a long period of time, and was a
prominent figure in the community. He is a staunch member of the Democratic party;
he served for a number of years as justice of the peace, as a member of the common
council of the city and as a member of the school board, the first and last offices having
been held in the old Bunker Hill district, which is now incorporated as a part of the
city of Greenshurg. Mr. and Mrs. Scheibler were the parents of three children.
Harry S. Scheibler received his education in the local schools of his native townI48BIOGRAPHICAL
ship and in those of Bunker Hill borough, which lie attended until he was fourteen
years old, after which he entered the employ of his father, with whose mercantile
business he continued to be associated for a period of about ten years. In the meantime, at the age of nineteen years, he took a commercial course. He spent five years
on the road as a traveling salesman for the firm of Allen, Kirkpatrick  Company,
of Pittsburgh, through a territory which consisted of a large part of the State of Pennsylvania. His attention in the meantime had become fixed on the great opportunities
inherent in the real estate business, in the region of Westmoreland county, and at the
expiration of his five years with Allen, Kirkpatrick  Company, he purchased the
real estate business of Lowry  Bortz, who were retiring, and from that time until
his retirement from the real estate, brokerage and insurance business, August 2, I917,
he was one of the most successful real estate men of Greensburg. In the brokerage
and insurance lines, which he added to the real estate, he also met with a high degree
of success. He was instrumental in the general development of the community, purchasing on an extensive scale vacant lots, upon which he erected houses, placing the
same upon the market, and in this manner erected seventeen houses in the Fifth
WVard of Greensburg, in which transaction he was associated with Joseph F. Henry,
a contractor of that neighborhood. He acted as agent and broker for those dealing
in real estate, and was associated in many.transactions with J. M. G. Brown, of Morgantown, West Virginia, they opening and plotting many tracts in the region, dealing
especially in town lots, but not confining themselves to any particular locality, extending
their operations as far as Woodsfield, Ohio. One of the most notable operations of
this sort conducted by Mr. Scheibler is that known as the Lowery Place Plan at
Greensburg, and there have been other equally important tracts developed at Evanstown and at Harmony. He also developed Delmont Place in Salem Borough, north
of Greensburg.
Mr. Scheibler did not content himself with real estate development projects, but
branched out into other lines. In the spring of 1915 he, in company with M. L. Painter
and C. H. Fogg organized the Superior-Connellsville Coke Company, with mines and
ovens located at Opekiska, West Virginia, and in this concern Mr. Scheibler holds the
offices of secretary, treasurer and general manager. In December, I916, Mr. Scheibler,
together with the other parties interested in the coke company, and in addition Senator
Wilbur P. Graff, of Blairstown, formed the. Westmoreland-Fayette Coal and Coke
Company, and purchased the holdings of the Ada Coal and Coke Company of Cheat
Haven, Pennsylvania, and also a tract of coal from the Beatty heirs at Beatty Station,
Pennsylvania, and in this concern Mr. Scheibler holds the offices of secretary, treasurer and general manager. This company are pioneers in the stripping of coal land in
this vicinity. They have two steam  shovels and a complete outfit for removing the
overburden from the coal and picking the coal up by steam shovel. In May, I917, Mr.
Scheibler, with others, purchased a farm near Hunker underlaid with Freeport coal
and have since developed this tract. Mr. Scheibler is one of the directors of this company which is incorporated and known as the Hunker Steam Coal Company. He is
also a manufacturer of lumber, being associated with Mr. Henry, the contractor
already spoken of, this enterprise which has its seat of business in Somerset county.
Pennsylvania, where it conducts operations on an extensive scale. Mr. Scheibler is a
director of the Westmoreland Building and Loan Association, of the Evans Drug
Manufacturing Company, and a stockholder of the Pittsburgh Envelope Company.
Like his father, Mr. Scheibler is keenly interested in politics and a member of the
Democratic party, and like his father also, has served for some time as a member of
the Greensburg School Board.
Mr. Scheibler married, November 2, I899, Jessie C. Overly, a daughter of Cyrus
and Henrietta (Fisher) Overly, and to them five children have been born, as follows:
I49OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Ruth, Helen, William, Dorothy and Jeanne. Mr. Scheibler and his family are members of the First Reformed Church of Greensburg, of which he is a liberal supporter.
The family reside in a handsome home at No. II4 Grove street, Greensburg. The
second daughter, Helen, is a talented elocutionist.
CARROLL BANCROFT RUGH, M. D.-Carroll Bancroft Rugh, one of the
most successful and capable physicians of New Alexandria and the surrounding region
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, comes of fine old German stock of the type
that has done so much for the development of the western part of Pennsylvania. His
ancestors came originally to the United States in the year I732. It was his great-greatgrandfather, Michael Rugh, who founded the line in Westmoreland county, where he
settled about I770 and built the first house in what is now the city of Greensburg. On
his maternal side also, he is descended from an old family, the Gilchrists, they having
lived in these parts for many years. Dr. Rugh is a son of Jacob Welty and Rebecca
(Gilchrist) Rugh, and is engaged in the practice of the same profession as was his
father.
Dr. Jacob Welty Rugh, Sr., was born May 5, I828, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Here it was that he studied at the local public schools, and after completing his education at these institutions took up the study of the law. In the meantime he also taught
in the schools of his native city so that his youth was a model of hard work and industry. He gave up the law in I848 and took to the study of medicine instead, attending
his first course of lectures in I849 and I85O at the Western Reserve Medical College
of Cleveland, Ohio. He later attended the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia,
and was graduated therefrom with the class of I85I and with his degree of Doctor of
Medicine. He began the practice of medicine at Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania, near his
old home, and here continued for four years, meeting in the meantime with a high degree of success It was in 1855 that he first came to New Alexandria and this community
continued his home until the time of his death and is still the abode of his children. In
June, I862, he took the examination for assistant surgeon in the United States army,
and passing this was detailed to the Eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry.
This body was shortly afterwards ordered to the front and Dr. Rugh saw much active
service, following the campaign in Maryland and taking part in the battles of South
Mountain and Antietam. In the fall and winter of I862 he participated in the campaign in Virginia and was there present at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13,
I862. His own health had been failing in the meantime, however, and became so poor
that it was necessary for him, to resign from active service, and he received his honorable discharge, May I6, I863. He at once returned to New Alexandria, where he
resumed his interrupted practice and was continually active up to the time of his death.
He was highly respected in the community and enjoyed the reputation of never refusing a case no matter how difficult it might be to reach-and it was often very difficult
in that rural region in those times-or no matter how humble and poor the patient
might be. He was a man who kept abreast of the progress of his science and was a
great student cf medical literature generally. He was a man of extraordinary mental
ability and won a name for himself as an accurate diagnostician not only in his own
community but throughout the entire surrounding district. Dr. Rugh, Sr., was a man
of strong religious feelings and was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of New
Alexandria for over forty years. He was a member of the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion of the United States and never allowed the associations formed by him
during the Civil War to lapse. Dr. Jacob Welty Rugh married (first) in I853, Rebecca Gilchrist, and they were the parents of seven children, as follows: I. Horace
A., who is now engaged in the business of manufacturing ice at Newcastle, Pennsylvania; married Emma Osborn, a daughter of Robert Osborn, of New Alexandria. 2.
150BIOGRAPHICAL
Margaret L., who resides at home. 3. Mary Elizabeth, who became the wife of W.
Frank Mechling, deceased, who was a farmer and later an oil producer in Pennsylvania. 4. Carroll Bancroft, of further mention., 5. Clara Edith, who became the wife
of Clifford Bell, a son of Alexander Bell, who is now engaged in the tin business at
Greensburg. 6. James T., a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College and is now a
practicing physician in Philadelphia, where he specializes in surgery; married Eleanor
Stephenson, a daughter of Sarapis Stephenson. 7. Archibald G., who married Emma
McCarntney, a daughter of Joseph McCarntney, and now engaged in business as a
jeweler in New Alexandria. Dr. Rugh, Sr., married (second) Anna M. Reed, who
died February I, I917. His death occurred in September, I9I2.
Born February 9; I86I, on his father's farm, situated at what is now Rughton, near
Greensburg, Dr. Carroll Bancroft Rugh passed his childhood and early youth in his
native place. He received his elementary education at the local public schools of New
Alexandria and was prepared for college at the high school there. He had decided
while still very young to follow in his father's footsteps and adopt medicine as his
profession, and with this end in view he matriculated at the Washington  Jefferson
College. From this institution he graduated with the class o!f I883 and he then immediately entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where his father had
graduated years before. From this institution he graduated in I885 with his degree of
medical doctor and at once began the practice of his profession. With the exception
of about eighteen months in Pittsburgh, Dr. Rugh has follo.wed his profession without intermission at New Alexandria ever since and is now recognized as a leader
therein throughout that region. He has inherited many of the qualifications which were
noticeable in the character of his father, and is at once a deep and profound student
of the literature of his subject and also a practical man, who can apply his theoretical
knowledge accurately to the actual situation. He is a cheerful and encouraging physician in the sick\ room, and enjoys a very large popularity throughout the entire region.
Dr. Rugh is a member of the County, State and National Medical associations, and is
keenly interested in the general welfare of his professional colleagues and in maintaining the high standards of professional ethics which has been established in Pennsylvania. He is a very active and busy man and finds time in spite of all the many
demands made upon his attention by his profession to act as a director of the New
Alexandria National Bank and is closely identified with the management of this institution. In politics Dr. Rugh is a Prohibitionist, but is not very active in that party.
In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian, and like his father before him is an elder
in the church of that denomination at New Alexandria.
Dr. Rugh was united in marriage, June 29, I892, with Estella Lowry, a daughter
of Jacob and Mary Lowry, deceased, who were prominent residents of the Ligonier
Valley. Dr. and Mrs. Rugh are the parents of the following children: I. Mary Elizabeth, a graduate of the Drexell Institute of Philadelphia; dietitian in the Woman's
Medical College of Philadelphia. 2. Frank L., who resides with his parents. 3. Marjorie G., who is now attending the high school at New Alexandria. 4. Carroll Bancroft, Jr., who is also attending school in that city. Dr. Rugh is affiliated with the
local body of the Woodmen of the World.
It has been the office of Germany to supply the United States with a large percentage of its citizenship, a factor which will undo,ubtedly enter into the fabric of the
new American race, even now in process of formation, supplying it with the splendid
virtues of the parent stock, and its descendants will make up the new fibre. The Germans and those descended from them are known for their buoyancy of spirit, indomitable courage, keen appreciation of the beautiful and a saving sense of humor. Of the
best type of these German descendants is Dr. Rugh, and he adds to these strong racial
traits great patience and perseverence in the attainment of the objectives which he sets
himself. Like the majority of his forebears, he is a delightful comrade, his speech at
I5IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
once witty and wise, and ever revealing a sincere heart and friendly mind within. His
family life is a splendid example of domestic virtue and felicity, and he never tires of
seeking for the happiness of his household. This trait of altruism, this willingness to
sacrifice his own pleasure or even interest to compass that of others, is not confined to
the relations of his home, but to his professional life as well, and is discernable in all
his dealings. He is certainly an influence for good in the community, and a highly
respected man.
BENJAMIN REUBEN KLINE-One of the most capable attorneys of Westmoreland county is Benjamin Reuben Kline, of New Kensington, a member of one of
the old Pennsylvania' families, who is identified most closely with the general life of
the community. He is descended from German, English and French ancestors on
different sides of the house, the paternal line having had its origin in Germany. There
is a record of a great-great-grandmother by the name of Kline, having come from that
country to the United States as much as one hundred and fifty years ago. The family
settled in the United States some time previous to the Revolution, in which memorable
struggle members of the Kline family took part and wherein one of Mr. Klein's ancestors lost his life.
Reuben Kline, grandfather of Benjamin R. Kline, was born in Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, and was engaged in a contracting business, doing work for the railroads
of the State. He lived to the venerable age of ninety years. He married Mary Miller,
by whom he had fifteen children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of
Mrs. Kate Forney, of Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania.
Benjamin Kline, father of Benjamin R. Kline, was born at Newcastle, Schuylkill
county, April I2, I836. He followed the occupation of farming during the greater portion of his life, but was a man of large education and was sent to the western part of
the State as a member of the United States Geological Survey. Here he finally made
his home in Elk county, and still later in Jefferson county, where he engaged successfully in a lumber and timber business. He and four of his brothers enlisted in the
Union Army and served through the Civil War in the One Hundred and Seventysecond Pennsylvania Regiment, Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred January 3,
I9o6, at the age of sixty-nine years. Mr. Kline, Sr., married Elmira Clayton, a native of
Reynoldsville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, who still lives on a farm near that place.
She is a daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Barto) Clayton, and it is through these
ancestors that Mr. Kline derives his English and French blood. Benjamin Clayton
was born in England atld came to this country with his parents while still an infant,
and his wife had similarly come from France. To Mr. and Mrs. Kline, Sr., thirteen
children were born, of whom one, Reed E. Kline, was killed on the railroad and one
died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were as follows: Agnes, who is now
Mrs. Lewis C. Price, of Dubois, Pennsylvania; Benjamin Reuben, of whom further;
George, who makes his home in Buffalo, New York; William, a successful attorney,
practicing at Galeton, Pennsylvania; Laura, who makes her home with her parents;
Harry, who resides in Portland, Oregon; H. Bruce, who is a passenger conductor and
resides at New Kensington; Fred L., who is a farmer in Reynoldsville; James G.,
who is also a farmer; Ella, who is now the wife of Mr. Will Weeks, of Hinton, West
Virginia; Ralph, who resides at Parnassus, Pennsylvania, where he is employed by
the Pennsylvania railroad as a baggagemaster.
Benjamin Reuben Kline was born September I8, I862, at Wilcox, Elk county,
Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Jefferson county, when he was but five
years of age. Here he lived on his father's farm near Reynoldsville, attending the
local public schools during his boyhood and assisting his father in the farm work
during as much time as his studies would allow. He continued to live with his father
I52BIOGRAPHICAL
until he had obtained his majority, when he entered the State Normal School at Edinburgh, Pennsylvania, studying there during the spring terms, and in the meantime
teaching school during the winter. He was graduated from this institution with the
class of I89I, and with this knowledge and his practical experience received the
appointment of principal to the Mount Pleasant public school. He held this position
from I89I to 1895, but in the meantime decided to abandon teaching as a profession
and take up the law instead. Accordingly he entered the office of Robbins  Kunkle,
prominent lawyers of Greensburg, as a student, and there read the law to such good
purpose that he was admitted to the Westmoreland county bar in I897. Immediately
thereafter he began the practice of his profession at New Kensington and has. remained
there to the present time, having built up a large and important legal practice. He
purchased, some time after his arrival in New Kensington, a handsome house and
grounds, situated on the Freeport road in the region which is now the Third WVard
of New Kensington, and here he has continued to reside with his family for the past
eighteen years. Mr. Kline is prominent in the general life of New Kensington, and is
an ardent supporter of the Republican party and is something of a power in politics
in that region, although he has never consented to run for public office. He is a Baptist in his religious belief, attending the church of that denomination at New Kensington and is active and liberal in its support. He is a man of very large education and
wide reading and is the possessor of the finest private library in New Kensington. He
is devoted to literature and literary pursuits, his tastes leading him only to what is
best, and he is without doubt a potent factor for culture and general enlightenment in
the communitv.
Benjamin Reuben Kline was united in marriage, June 29, 1887, with Miss Ida M.
Murdoch, a native of Cool Spring, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of
J. P. and Eliza J. Murdoch. Mrs. Murdoch died in January, I89I, and Mr. Murdoch,
who was of Scotch-Irish descent, passed away in November, I916, at Salem, Indiana.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kline four children have been born, one of who,m died in infancy.
The three living children are as follows: Will Murdoch, born December I5, I888,
now a resident of New Kensington,. Pennsylvania, where he is employed as an electrician, and also works as a traveling salesman; Earl Clayton, born February 8, 1892,
and is employed as general office manager of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company's business at the Davenport, Indiana, branch; and Elizabeth Lucile, born February 3, I896, at Greensburg, a graduate of the New Kensington High School and the
Indiana State Normal School at Indiana, Pennsylvania, and now teaches in the public
school at New Kensington.
JOSIAH BARTON JOHNSON, M. D.-Within the few years during which Dr.
Johnson has practiced in Ligonier he has built up a reputation which will cause his
name to be instantly recognized as that of a physician in whom his entire community
places implicit confidence As a citizen, also, Dr. Johnson is highly esteemed, inasmuch
as he has ever manifested a helpful interest in all that tended to promote true reform
and genuine progress.
Josiah Barton Johnson, father of Dr. Josiah Barton Johnson, of Ligonier, was
born in I837, near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and was a great-great-grandson of Sir
William Johnson, who, as Indian agent for the British government in Johnstown, New
York, plays a conspicuous part in Colonial history. The early education of Josiah
Barton Johnson was obtained in the neighborhood of his birthplace and later he studied
at Victoria University, Toronto. He adopted for his life work the medical profession
and for a few years practiced in Ontario, coming then to the United States and settling in Allegheny, now North Side, Pittsburgh, where, for the remainder of his life,
he devoted himself to his chosen work. In politics Dr. Johnson was a Republican.
He affiliated with Davage Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Allegheny, and was
I53OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
a member of tile Protestant Episcopal church. Dr. Johnson married Kate Doane, born
in I844, in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of James C. Doane, a native of Massachusetts,
and their children were: James D., of Pittsburgh; Edith, wife of W. V. Dermitt, of
Pittsburgh; and Josiah Barton, mentioned below. Dr. Johnson died at the age of
sixty-two, in Allegheny, and his widow passed away at the same age and in the same
place.
Dr. Josiah Barton (2) Johnson, son of Josiah Barton (I) and Kate (Doane)
Johnson, was born April Io, I877, in Allegheny, now North Side, Pittsburgh, where
he received his preparatory education, graduating from the high school in 1895. In
I899 he graduated from the Western Pennsylvania Medical College. Immediately
thereafter Dr. Johnson began practice in association with Dr. Charles Shaw, of Pittsburgh, but within a few years removed to Ligonier, where he has ever since been
actively engaged in the work of his profession. He belongs to the Westmoreland
County Medical Society and the American Medical Association. The principles of
the Republican party are those to which Dr. Johnson gives his political allegiance,
modified biy decided leanings toward Independent methods. He is past master of
Ligonier Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member oif the Protestant Episcopal church.
Dr. Johnson married.Mary E. Sibel, whose family record is appended to this
biography, and they are the parents of one son, Josiah Barton (3), born August 13,
9go8, now attending school in Ligonier.
The professional record made by Dr. Johnson during the years he spent in Pittsburgh and in the longer period which has elapsed since his coming to Ligonier holds
abundant promise of further progress and more notable achievement in the time to
come.
(The Sibel Line).
Michael Sibel, grandfather of Mrs. Mary E. (Sibel) Johnson, was a native of
Germany, and at the age of ten years was brought by his father to the United States.
They settled in Cook township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where Michael
Sibel, on reaching manhood, became a farmer, and an active member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Theller)
Deeds, and their children were: Jacob, Maria, Monroe, Amanda, James C., mentioned below; Elizabeth, and Edward H. Mrs. Sibel passed away in I868, and the
death of her husband occurred in I884.
James C. Sibel, son o.f Michael and Elizabeth (Deeds) Sibel, was born October
27, I852, in Ligonier township, where he received his education in the common schools.
At eighteen he became a stock dealer, buying in Westmoreland and Somerset counties
and selling in Chambersburg. Meeting with success he remained twenty years in the
business and before many years had elapsed was known as one of the largest dealers
in that part of the country. On retiring he settled as a farmer in Ligonier township,
but at the end of five years returned to a business life, purchasing the livery establishment of Deeds  Lytle. On February 5, I9o6, this was totally destroyed by fire, all
the live stock, however, being saved. Mr. Sibel is now engaged in the furniture business in Ligonier. In politics he is a Democrat, and in I9oo was appointed to public
office by R. N. Gay, of Greensburg, then county commissioner. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Stahlstown. Mr. Sibel married, in June,
I88I, Samantha, daughter of Elijah and Mary (Coleman) Hauger, and the following
children were born to them: Leroy, an undertaker of Ligonier; Mary E., mentioned
below; John, also engaged in the undertaking business at Altoona; and James, died
at the age of two years and a half.
Mary E. Sibel, daughter of James C. and Samantha (Hauger) Sibel, was born
March 9, I883. at Stahlstown, and became the wife of Josiah Barton Johnson, as stated
above.
I54BIOGRAPHICAL                                    I55
HARRY CLARK WILSON--The qualities that are required for success in the
hotel business are of a perfectly definite order and quite as capable of being formulated as those needed in any other calling. Many, too, are of a high order and closely
connected with some of the most fundamental of the virtues. Of course the same
may be urged of any occupation in the case of that, perhaps the most fundamental of
all virtues, honesty, for it is not difficult to maintain that no success worthy of the
name, or of any stability, unless it is built upon the sure foundation, can ever be
gained. Next to integrity, the most essential trait for the successful hotel man is that
larger democratic sympathy that comes near to the virtue of Christian charity, which
leads to a complete sympathy with and understanding of all men without regard for
class or race and which finds its expression in that fine relationship between comrades
that is one of the purest and most disinterested to be found. Such was the character
of Harry Clark Wilson, one of the most popular hosts in Western Pennsylvania and
one of the most public-spirited citizens of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
Born February 12, I87I, in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Harry Clark Wilson was a
son of Perry Wilson, who was engaged in the copper business there. He passed his
childhood and early youth in his native town and there gained his elementary education, attending the local public schools for that purpose. After completing his studies
at these imstitutions, he began work in the mines of that region and worked at this
difficult occupation for a number of years. He was of an extremely ambitious disposition and determined to render himself independent, however great the difficulties to
be overcome. With this aim ever before him he worked with the utmost industry, and.
by means of care and the most thrifty kind of life he gradually saved up a sum of
money which he intended to invest in some business of his own. Eventually he was
able to purchase the Hotel Commercial at the town of Avonmore. His choice showed
great good judgment and from the outset he prospered greatly and had soon built up
an excellent business. Mr. Wilson thus found himself the proprietor of a popular hostelry while still a mere youth, but he displayed the prudence of a mature man and did
not allow his good fortune to turn his head. He had only just passed his majority at
this time. In the year I892 Mr. Wilson erected the Hotel Wilson at Avonmore and
conducted this successful house for a period of some eight years. His last and greatest venture, however, was the "Tavern," the well-known and popular hotel at Greensburg which he purchased in the year I9IO, and conducted with the highest degree of
success for some five years. In the "Tavern" he owned one of the most modern and
completely equipped houses in Westmoreland county, and it is needless to say that in
that region through which there passes so great a volume of travel it was crowded to
its limits practically all the time. His death has been a very real loss to the traveling
public and many are those who greatly miss his kindly and hospitable greeting and
the adequate yet unintrusive management of the hotel.
But it was not only as a successful hotel man that Mr. Wilson was prominent in.the community, although it was probably in that capacity that he was best and most
widely known. From the time of his coming to Greensburg to his death there, he took
a keen and intelligent interest in the local affairs of the city and was active in the
political life thereof. He was a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the
Republican party and allied himself prominently with the local organization thereof,
becoming a leader therein after a few years. He was his party's candidate for treasurer of Westmoreland county in the year I915, but was defeated by his opponent in
what was. a great Democratic victory. He was also a conspicuous figure in the social
and fraternal life of the community, and was a member of the local lodges of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order,of Odd Fellows
as well as of many social.organizations. In his religious belief he was a Presbyterian.
Harry Clark Wilson was united in marriage with Annie E. Hudson, a native of156                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, born November 23, 1872. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of
James Hudson, of Saltsburg, a lifelong resident of that region, where he was engaged
in a successful contracting and lumber business and a man of much influence. He was
a Democrat in politics and very active in local affairs. He married Margaret Kelly,
a native of that region, born at Elders Ridge, and her death occurred in I879, when
she was but thirty-two years of age. Mrs. Wison was a most capable and efficient
helpmeet and played no small part in the winning of the success attained by her husband. They were the parents of one child, Ruth Eleanor, who now resides with her
mother, and is a graduate of the Greensburg High School and of the Lady Jane Gray
School of Binghamton, New York.
A word concerning Mr.. Wilson's father will here be appropriate. Perry Wilson,
as the elder man was named, was, like his son, a native of Scottdale, or thereabouts,
and was very well known and regarded in the region. He did much to advance the
interests of the community and was himself successfully engaged in business as a
cooper there. There were but few enterprises of any importance undertaken for the
benefit of the public with which he was not associated. He died at his home in Scottdale, in September, 1913, and is buried at Scottdale. Mr. Wilson, Sr., married Sarah
Clark, whose death occurred February 20, I907. They and their family were members
of the Presbyterian church, and in politicaj belief he was a Republican. During the
Civil War he served with gallantry as a member of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Sr., six children were born as follows: Elizabeth,
who became MIrs. William Henry, of Scottdale; Almeta, who died unmarried, November 6, I9i6; Abram C., now of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, married Ida Flack; Chester R., of Avonmore, where he is engaged in the hardware business; Charles Z., who
now resides at Duluth, Minnesota, now manager of a large store there, and there
married Daisy McDowell; Harry Clark, whose career has been mentioned at. length
above.
It will be appropriate to close this sketch with a tribute paid Mr. Wilson in an
editorial appearing in the "Tribune" at the time of his death. The "Tribune" said as
follows:
The remains of the late Harry C. Wilson were interred beside those of his forebears at Scottdale this afternoon. Friends and admirers from every part of Western
Pennsylvania attended the funeral services, simply to testify to their admiration for the
quiet manly man who was taken in the very prime of his life. Knowing Harry C.
Wilson was to admire him, being small was impossible with him, being broad, generous and fair was the fixed rule of his life.
There is always an element of tragedy when death strikes before age has made it
seem appropriate, and this element is not relieved, but rather deepened when there is
talent as well as youth and the future seems to offer the brightest of prospects. This
was more than usually so in Mr. Wilson's case, whose career had certainly opened
most brilliantly and gave every indication of a still brighter continuance. He was a
young man to have received the tokens of the people's trust and good will that had
already been accorded him and his discharge of the duties in connection therewith were
of such a high character as to cause great approval on the part of the community and
give promise of further preferment to come. His work in these various capacities will
long be remembered and might well serve as a model for those who shall follow him.
Integrity and disinterestedness in public office never exists unless they are based on
the personal, private virtues which must exist in an unusual degree of strength and
purity. Such was true of Mr. Wilson, whose domestic life was an ideal type, and
whose conduct in all his personal relations was beyond reproach. He was an essentially cheerful man, whose sunny temperament and open heart won him many friends
and was in a large measure responsible for his general popularity. Men as a ruleBIOGRAPHICAL
appreciate and love nothing'so greatly as true democracy of nature, the heart and mind
which looks upon others frankly and. values them at their own worth without reference to their chance surroundings. And so it was with Mr. W\ilson-with him  the
environment was nothing, the man, all.  The loss occasioned by his death is felt
acutely, not only by his immediate household and the great number of personal friends
he had won, but by the community-at-large in which he had left a gap that will be
difficult to forget and impossible to fill.
THOMAS ST. CLAIR, M. D.-The family of St. Clair is very well known in
WAestern Pennsylvania, where its members have resided since the. pioneer days, but its
antiquity is much greater than any associations that it has or could have with America.
The St. Clairs have been known in Europe for many centuries and are first heard of
when they came from France to England with William the Conqueror in Io66. For
many hundreds of years they made their home in the Guernsey Islands, off the coast
of France, but an English possession, and it was from that quiet region, out of the
main currents of history, that the St. Clairs emigrated to the American colonies some
time prior to tle American Revolution. Impelled by patriotism for their adopted land,
the family furnished a number of soldiers for that historic struggle, and its members
have comported themselves with distinction throughout the history of the United
States. They settled in the eastern part of Pennsylvania and remained there for a
considerable period, and then migrated to the western part of the same State.
The grandfather of Dr. St. Clair, who also bore the name of Thomas, was the
first to come to that part of the country. Like his grandson, he was also a physician,'one of those who were pioneers in this profession in Indiana county, Pennsylvania.
He was a man of such exceptional surgical skill that he was called to many cases in
counties adjoining Indiana and established a reputation all through VWestern Pennsylvania. He was unquestionably as a surgeon far in advance of the general practice of
those times, and among the most precious possessions of the' present Dr. St. Clair are
the old instruments used by his ancestor in his work.
One of the children of the first Dr. St. Clair was John P. St. Clair, a pioneer in
the business of woolen manufacture in Indiana county, where he was the proprietor
of a woolen mill, a grist mill and the neighborhood store in the town of Upper Twolick. These old mills and the store are still landmarks in that region. John P. St.
Clair retired from active business some years ago, and now makes his home at Homer
City, Indiana county. He has always been prominent in county politics, and has been
a most active member of the Presbyterian church and for many years one of its elders.
This branch of the St. Clair family is closely connected with that of which General
Arthur St. Clair was a member. John P. St. Clair married Martha Daugherty, a
daughter of James and Mary Ann (Hart) Daugherty. The Daugherty family had
its origin in Ireland and is also one of the pioneer families of Indiana county, Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas St. Clair is the second of the family of seven children born to
his parents.
Born January 2, I876, at the town of Upper Twolick, Indiana county, Pennsylvania,
Dr. Themas St. Clair received his education at the schools of his neighboring place,
Homer City, Pennsyl ania, and later attended the Indiana State Normal School at
Indiana, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of I895. It was
his purpose at this time to follow the career of teaching and this he actually did for a
period of about two years, the schools of Latrobe being the scene of his work during
this time. It may be that accounts of the skill of his grandfather in the line of medicine, the grandfather who bore the same name, may have served somewhat to stimulate
the interest of the young man in that subject. However this may be, besides the teaching which he did, he also did considerable thinking, the upshot of which was that he
I57OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
entered the medical school of the University of Pittsburgh in the year I897, determined to make medicine his life's career. He graduated from this institution with the
class of I9OI, and after serving one year as interne in the Presbyterian Hospital at
Pittsburgh, where he gained the requisite practical experience, he came to Latrobe,
where he had already been engaged in teaching, and there established himself in a general medical practice. From the time of his first coming to that town to the present,
Dr. St. Clair has enjoyed a success as gratifying as it is deserved, and at present is
regarded as one of the leading physicians of Westmoreland county. Dr. St. Clair is
also active in general medical circles, and is a distinguished member of the Latrobe
Academy of Medicine, the Westmoreland County Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. He is a man who strongly enjoys the amenities of social life
and takes as active a part in the informal social functions of the region as the exigencies of his practice will permit. He is a prominent club man and is a member of
the Latrobe Club. He is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Phi fraternity, which he
joined during his college days, and is one of the most active members of the Alumni
Association of the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. St. Clair is a man of unusual independence of mind and action, and nowhere
is this better demonstrated than in his attitude toward politics.  Formally he is a
member of the Democratic party, but is never bound by partisan considerations in
deciding how to cast his ballot, the only thing which guides him in this duty being his
sincere belief in the justice of the cause or the worth of the candidate. It is of course
impossible for a physician in such active practice to identify himself with political
work to any extent, nor to hold many public offices, but he takes a keen interest in the
cause of public education.
On April 25, I9o6, Dr. St. Clair was united in marriage with Emma WVilson
Howard, of Hagerstown, Maryland, a daughter of George W. and Lucy (Myers)
Howard, old and well known residents oif that place. The Howards are members of
a very old North Carolina family and are'related to many of the most prominent
houses in the South. In another line they are direct descendants of Major Redding
Blount, of Revolutionary fame, and the family has furnished many of its members to
the community on every occasion when it was imperilled. This was conspicuously the
case during the Civil War, when many of its members were soldiers in the Confederate
army and served with distinction and gallantry. Dr. and Mrs. St. Clair are both wellknown figures in the work of the Presbyterian church in Latrobe, and the latter is
one of the leaders of the social world in that part of the county. She is a member of
the Major Redding Blount Chapter of the Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, located at Washington, D. C.
The character and personality of Dr. St. Clair are both notable and he possesses
alike the affection and admiration of his friends and the respect of the community
generally, but few of whose members have not come into more or less personal contact
with him. He is an ardent student of the subject which he has chosen to make the
practice of his life, keeping abreast of all its most modern progress by constant reading
and investigation on his own part, as well as by several courses in post-graduate work,
which he has taken at the Philadelphia Polyclinic School. Outside of his profession
his reading lies particularly in the direction of history, for which he has a profound
fondness, but it is in the main an extremely Catholic taste, so that Dr. St. Clair deserves to be considered a most widely-read man and the possessor of a more than usual
measure of culture. In addition to his private practice, he is retained by most of the
old and important life insurance companies of that region as a medical examiner.
W. A. MILLER-W. A. Miller, president of the First National Bank of Trafford City, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and one of the most prominent men
in the community, deserves more than any other the title of "Father of Trafford,"
I58BIOGRAPHI CAL
where for many years he was the only business man in that section of the county and
conducted an extensive business with the farmers and people for miles around. Mr.
Miller is a son of William M. and Christine Miller, who spent inearly all their lives
in Westmoreland county.
William M. Miller was a miller by trade as well as name, and had charge of the
grist mills at Saltsburg, Delmont and the Waltour Mill at Manor during the fifties.
In I857 he took charge of one of the flouring mills in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and during his residence in that city he was married and there his son, WV. A. Miller, was born
October I6, 1859. Mr. Miller soon tired of the West and returned to the State of
Pennsylvania, accompanied by his family, and took charge of the milling department
of the Gibson distillery near Belle Vernon. In 1877 he again moved, this time to
what was then Stewart Station, now Trafford, and took charge of the Stewart Grist
Mill and Saw Mill. Mr. Miller was a veteran of the Mexican War, a member of the
Heavy Artillery, and did his bit in taking Mexico City.
Early in life the son, W. A. Miller, was thrown practically upon his own resources,
he being the oldest of seven children, and owing to this fact his parents were not able
to give him  more than a common school education, which at that time was very
meagre, only extending over a period of five or six months in the year, which did not
amount to a great deal. At the age of seventeen, feeling the lack of a good education,
but having no capital to pay for the same, he secured work as a laborer for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at the wage of ninety-nine cents per day. He remained
with the company for about a year, and as he lived at home, and his room and board
cost him practically nothing, he was able to save the greater portion of his wages.
This money enabled him to take a course of study, which qualified him to teach in the
public schools, and thus he attained his ambition, serving in the capacity of teacher
when only nineteen years of age, his first school being his home school in Cavettsville,
near Trafford. The following year he was elected principal of the Turtle Creek public
school, serving four years, and was the first principal of that borough. While teaching
he kept up his own studies and was granted a permanent certificate as teacher for the
public schools of the State. During this same period he took a four years' course in
the Chataqua Literary and Scientific Circle and graduated in the class of I884.
Mr. Miller loved his profession, but was not satisfied with the remuneration and,
as stated in the beginning of this sketch, engaged in the mercantile business at Trafford. In connection with his business he also served as agent of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company and agent of the Adams Express Company with great efficiency.
He was also appointed postmaster by Grover Cleveland during his first term  and
served in this capacity for twenty-one years. He was not of the same political party
as President Cleveland, but was appointed because he owned the only building then
suitable for a post office in Trafford. He greatly improved the service in what was
then a comparatively rural community and made it keep pace with the rapid development of the town. He was a most efficient and disinterested public officer and gained
the commendation of his fellow citizens, whether politically his friends or foes. Mr.
Miller was also one of the first members of the Trafford town council, and worked
very hard for the interests of the community. It was largely through his personal
efforts that the borough was started on a sound business and financial basis.
Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics, and an absolutely staunch supporter of the
policies and principles of that party in so far as National affairs are concerned, but
remains independent in his judgment in the question of local politics. He was one
of a group of men who organized the First National Bank of Trafford City; he was a
member of the first board of directors; later was elected vice-president and finally
president, a position which he continues to hold. It is unquestionably due in no small
degree to his business abilities and great talent for organizing that this concern has
reached the place that it now holds in financial matters. Mr. Miller is a member of
I59OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the United Presbyterian Church of Trafford, and for a number of years, also at
present (I918). holds the'office of elder therein. He is a religious man and put's in
practice his profession in a degree far above the average.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage, July I2, I883, at Trafford, Pennsylvania, with
Anna Brush, a daughter of Daniel and Susan Brush, of Trafford. Mrs. Miller is also
a member of the United Presbyterian Church. They are the parents of three children:
Susan, born Juily I4, I884, became the wife of R. B. Turner, of Cambridge Springs,
Pennsylvania; Dorothy, born November 29, I896; and Christine, born February Io,
1 899.
Self-made in the truest sense of the word, successful in his business undertakings
and aims, the career of Mr. Miller is an apt illustration of the value of character
in determining the measure of success possible to attain.  One of Pennsylvania's
native sons, and through his long connection with business one of Trafford's best
known merchants, trained in business methods, and one of the oldest men in the
business world of Trafford, Mr. Miller stands to-day respected by the community. He
is a true representative of Trafford, her institutions and her citizenship.  Industry,
thrift and perseverance mark his way through life, and to these qualities he adds business ability of a high order and honesty of purpose. He began life in a career of his
own choosing, and during his years of service for others gained the capital and experience with which later he founded his own business, receiving little, if any, financial aid
from outside sources, character and ability being his chief assets. He is an energetic
worker and devoted to his business, but when his day's work is ended his own fireside
claims him and there his hours "off duty" are spent. He is most hospitable, delights to
entertain his friends at his own home in social games and enlivening conversation,
finding in such intercourse the enjoyment others seek in club or lodge. No man attains
higher reputation for honorable dealing than he, and in the business world his firm
friends are many. His promises or statements can always be relied upon for he holds
his word sacred and his excellent business judgment often enables others to profit as
well as himself. He is a good sportsman and considered an authority on the game and
fish of Western Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM  C. STEEL-William  C. Steel, one of the most successful and publicspirited citizens of New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and a member of a family which both in the past and at the present time have occupied and
occupy an unusually distinguished position in the affairs of this community, was born
January 14, I856, in Unity township, on his father's farm, which is situated about two
miles west of the thriving community of Latrobe.
The family of which Mr. Steel is so distinguished a member has been settled in
Westmoreland county for a number of generations. It was founded in this country
by James Steel. the great-grandfather, who was born at Castle Blaney, near Carrick
Macross, Ireland, in the neighborhood of the year I74I. This James Steel was a
strong dissenter and took a very prominent part in what was known as the "SteelBoy" insurrection, which occurred in I77I, and which coming to a most unsuccessful
conclusion left his position so perilous in his native land that he was obliged, with his
fellow insurrectionists, to seek safety in flight. Accordingly, they set sail for America
and landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and settled shortlv after, on the eastern side
of the Cumberland mountains, in that region which is now Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He was drawn to this place by the fact that many of his fellow-countrymen
were already living there, a very considerable Celtic settlement having been founded
there some years before, and consisting largely of Irish and Scotch.  He did not
remain in this place, however, for a great while, as we find that in I772 he was already
the owner of a tract of land at Sewickley Manor, now Mount Pleasant township,
i6oB IOGRAPHI CAL
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. At that time the county had not been formed,
however, and the country was a practically unbroken wilderness, forming a part of the
vast tract of land which had been granted by the King of England to William Penn.
While there is no direct evidence of the fact, it is practically sure that Mr. Steel must
have gained his property by direct purchase from the great Quaker leader, or rather
from his descendants. The tract was considered a very large one, even for that period
when men dealt in many acres, and although a large portion of it has since passed
from the ownership of the family, there still remains to it some four hundred and fifty
acres situated in the McConnellsville coal belt and which are consequently of the very
highest value. It is difficult for us to imagine the tremendous changes that have taken
place in this country during the comparatively short period which has elapsed since
James Steel first came here to live. We see about us in Westmoreland coutnty to-day
the highest degree of agricultural and industrial development, while in those days
there was little besides the unending forests, but even more striking is the difference
between the sense of security, the sense of old settlement with which we are surrounded to-day and the very real and ever present dangers to which the pioneers of
those days were subjected. James Steel was obliged to face not only these perils and
endure the hardships necessary and incident to frontier life, but he had to labor
unceasingly to improve the particular tract of land in his possession in order that
it might be made capable of supplying to him and his family only the bear necessities of existence. In these efforts he was successful to an extraordinary degree
and, together with the other pioneers who were moving into this territory in large
numbers at that period, they took what had come to them, a wilderness, and made of
it a pleasant and attractive agricultural region, and laid the foundation of the present
phenomenal development.
James Steel was one of those who laid down the hard duties of making a home
for himself in this new land to take up the even harder duty of winning independence
from  foreign oppression, and upon the outbreak of hostilities in I776 he joined the
Revolutionary army and was, according to the records, a member of the Mount Pleasant Association, which was formed to protect that section of the country. In spite of
the fact that he was born in Great Britain, or possibly in view of his own personal
experience more or less because of it, Mr. Steel was an ardent supporter of the claims
of the colony, and gladly took the oath of allegiance required of all foreign born citizens on March 28, 1778, before Justice Hugh Martin of that district. He served for
three years in the field and established a reputation for gallantry and courage, taking
part in the ca:rpaign in New Jersey, during which his two brothers-in-law were killed
in action, and saw much other active service. He finally returned to his home in
Westmoreland county and once more resumed his labors there. Prior to the Revolution, James Steel had married Elizabeth MacMasters, the daughter of a neighbor, and
by her had two children, Joseph Steel, who married Barbara Blystone, of Mount
Pleasant township, and Jane, who became the wife of William  Hunter, of Mount
Pleasant township. Their mother died while her husband was absent fighting in the
Revolution, and he later was married a second time. On this occasion he was united
with Elizabeth Donaldson, of "east of the mountains." She is recorded to have been
his cousin and was the sister of his comrades, Robert and Andrew Donaldson, who
were killed in battle. They were the parents of three children, as follows: Elizabeth,
born September 25, I785, and married Alexander Hamilton, a resident of what was
then called Irishtown, situated on the Clay Pike, west of Ruff's Dale, on the farm, a
portion of which is now in the possession of Franklin Null; James, born September
17, 1787, a day made memorable by the fact that upon it the Constitution of the United
States was adopted, married Martha McCutcheon, a daughter of James and Peggy
(Finney) McCutcheon, of Franklin township; and John, mentioned below. James
W-11OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Steel, the progenitor, continued to live on the old farm until his death, which occurred
September io, 1823, at the venerable age of eighty-two years.
John Steel, son of James and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Steel, was born on the old
Steel homestead, Mount Pleasant township, April 7, I789. His childhood was spent in
his native place and he lived with his parents until the year 1835, when he purchased
the "Judge Robert Hanna farm" and removed thither. He acquired much property
in the region, one of his other purchases being the "Hannastown" farm, a part of
which is included in Salem and a part in Hempfield township, and upon which was
located Hannastown, the first county seat of Westmoreland county. This became the
homestead of the Steel family, although all his other children-were born on the Mount
Pleasant farm. Hannastown enjoys the unique distinction of having been the first
place west of the Allegheny mountains in all America where justice was administered
according to the forms and precedences of English law. It was here also that on July
13, 1782, was fo!ught the last battle during the Revolution in which the British and
Indians participated as allies, and which ended in the destruction of the town.
John Steel married (first) his cousin, Martha Walker, daughter of Andrew and
Sallie (Donaldson) Walker, May 6, 18I3. They were the parents of nine childreh, as
follows: Sarah, who became the wife of Henry Byers, of Grapeville, Pennsylvania;
Eliza, who married Andrew Machesney, of Greensburg; James, who married Elizabeth
Hanna, of Pleasant Unity township; Joseph W., who married Malinda Brechvill, of
Greensburg; John, mentioned below; Margaret, who became the wife of James M.
St.eel, of Salem  township, Westmoreland county; Mary, who became the wife of
Henry T. Hanna, of Smithton, Pennsylvania; Martha, who resided at Greensburg;
William, born October I, I833, married, April 3, I850, Sarah Jane Brown, by whom
he had eleven children, among whom were included Judge John Byers Steel and
Joseph W. Steel, both of whom are the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this
work. John Steel married (second) August 6, I846, Mary Byers, of which marriage
there was no issue. His death occurred April 22, I86o, and he was buried in the old
Congruity Presbyterian Cemetery.
John Steel. Jr., fifth child of John and Martha (Walker) Steel, was very prominent in the community and was a successful and prosperous farmer there. He married Susan Geiger, of Beatty, Pennsylvania, by whom he had the following children:
Alice, who became the wife of Albert McChesney, deceased, and she now makes her
home in Greensburg; Harriett, who became the wife of H. B. Anderson, deceased,
and now makes her home at Latrobe; Martha, who married James Young, who is
employed as a railroad engineer and makes his home in Derry township; Florence
Gibson, who became the wife of S. A. Gibson and now resides in Pittsburgh; Sara,
who became the wife of E. C. Richey, a prosperous druggist of Latrobe; William C.,
mentioned below; John B., who resides in East Huntingdon township, where he is
engaged in business as a prosperous farmer, married Lizzie. Myers, of Ligonier Valley,
Pennsylvania; Kezia, who became the wife of S. B. Myers, of South Fork, Pennsylvania; Joseph G., who is engaged in farming in Derry township, and married Catherine Smith, a daughter of Henry Smith, a well-known resident of Unity township;
James Albert, who lives unmarried in Derry township; George Elmer, deceased, married Anna Brinker, a daughter of Carlston Brinker, of Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania;
Clarence W., who is now engaged as a steel worker at Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
William C. Steel, son of John and Susan (Geiger) Steel, passed his childhood
and early youth on his father's farm. He was educated at the local public schools,
which institutions he attended for this purpose. After completing his studies Mr. Steel
decided to follow in the footsteps of his forebears for a number of generations and
engaged in farming as an occupation. He has remained thus employed ever since and
is now regarded as one of the most progressive and successful farmers of this county.
He is now the owner of a handsome and fertile tract of land which includes some
- i 62BIOGRAPHICAL
ninety acres and which is situated about one mile from New Alexandria, one of the
most progressive communities in a region which is noted for its progressiveness. This
farm was at one time owned by Henry Seanor, one of the prominent citizens of that
community, and from him Mr. Steel purchased it in the year I883. He lived uninterruptedly upon this property until the year I915, when he removed to New Alexandria
and gave up active farming to'a large extent. The place, however, is still kept up in
splendid condition, and is conducted by C. W. Anderson. In his religious belief Mr.
Steel is a Presbyterian, while in politics the Republican party claims his allegiance.
While Mr. Steel has always been keenly interested in public affairs, he has not, however, ever participated actively in them and has always remained totally without ambition to hold puiblic office of any kind.
William C:. Steel was united in marriage, February 6, I879, with Mary Elizabeth
Gallagher, the only daughter of John and Matilda Gallagher, old and highly regarded
residents of Unity township. There Mr. Gallagher owned a prosperous farm which is
situated about one mile from Pleasant Unity. To Mr. and Mrs. Steel the following
children have been born: I. John G., who is now engaged in the automobile business
at Latrobe, Pennsylvania; married Hattie Saxman, a daughter of D. J. Saxman, a
farmer of Derry township. 2. Blanche, who became the wife of John Burns, who owns
a shop and conducts a successful mercantile business at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and
to whom has been born three children: William Steel, Mary Elizabeth, and Ruth. 3.
Susan Alice, who became the wife of George Kepple, who is engaged in farming in
Salm township, and who is the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this work.
4. Clarence Weimer, who resides in Derry township, where-he operates a farm; married Emma Kepple, a daughter of D. H. Kepple; three children: Mary Louise, Frances Marie and Dorothy Emma. 5. Mary Pearl, who became the wife of W. F. Gallagher, of Westmoreland county, where he is engaged in business with a water company, and brother of James B. Gallagher, clerk of courts, who is himself the subject
of extended mention elsewhere in this work. 6. Luella Gertrude, who became the
wife of Roscoe Seanor, a farmer of Unity township; one child, Gladys Marie. 7.
Clyde Chambers, who now resides at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he was employed
as a Pennsylvania railroiad operator, now in the army. 8. William Edward, who is
associated with the Keystone Coal and'Coke Company, and is employed as a timekeeper at the Salem Mine.
EDWARD TUDOR EDWARDS-In the industrial annals of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, are the names of many capable and successful men,
but none worthy of more respect and honor than that of Edward Tudor Edwards,
vice-president and general manager of the Latrobe Electric Steel Company. Mr.
Edwards is not a native of the region where he has made his great success, nor indeed
of the country at all, but is a member of that dominant race upon which the American
people is largely founded, the English, and which is still sending over its children to
take a vital part in building the civilization of the new world.
Born at Darfield, Staffordshire, England, June 28, I877, Edward Tudor Edwards
is a son of Edward and Sarah (Tudor) Edwards, of that place. He accompanied his
parents to America when the latter emigrated from their native land in I879. He,
being then but two years of age, formed practically all the associations of his childhood
with his adopted country and is as completely identified with its customs and life as
any native born citizen of the United States could be. His father came at once to
Duquesne, Pennsylvania, upon arriving in this country, and was employed in that city
as a steel worker until his retirement from active life'a few years ago. Edward Tudor
Edwards was the'elder of two children, the other being his sister Mildred, who is a
teacher in the public school of Duqulesne.. i63OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Edward T. Edwards attended the public schools of Duquesne until the age of
thirteen years, when he found employment in the great steel mills of that region. He
did not, however, abandon his studies on this account but continued to attend night
school at McKeesport, preparing himself meanwhile for college.  Eventually he
entered the University of Pittsburgh, where he took a course in mechanical engineering and graduated with the class of I9O3. The technical training which he gained in
this institution opened up a much larger field of endeavor for Mr. Edwards than that
of a steel worker in the mills, and it was only shortly after completing his studies that
he secured a position as draftsman with the United States Steel Company at Clairton,
Pennsylvania. He remained with this concern only about six months and then entered
the employ of the Firth-Sterling Steel Company at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where
he had a much better position in the mechanical department of the company. Here his
abilities won him quick promotion, and he was shortly afterwards advanced to a post
where he had entire charge of the melting department. His work in this position won
him a reputation wider than that of the concern which employed him, and he soon
came to be looked upon as one of the best informed and most progressive of the
younger generation of mechanical engineers in that part of Pennsylvania.  In I9IO
Mr. Edwards came to Latrobe and there became one of the founders and active.organizers of the "Vanadium Alloys Steel Company. When this important concern was
finally organized, he was elected its first president and manager, and there is no doubt
but that his capable control of its affairs was one of the chief instrumentalities in its
subsequent large growth and development. He had largely to do with building up its
great business and made it, what it undoubtedly is to-day, one of the most important
industries in W'estmoreland county. Five years later, in I915, Mr. Edwards was again
concerned in the organization of an important company. This time it was the Latrobe
Electric Steel Company, which owed its origin to his genius for organization. This
company, of which Mr. Edwards is the vice-president and manager, is engaged in the
production of the highest grades of steel for special purposes, and in spite of the short
time which it has operated has already found a large and growing market for its output. It is to-day manufacturing some sixty-five to seventy tons of special steel daily,
an enormous amount when the high prices brought by these qualities of product are
considered. It is one of the most successful and prosperous concerns in the community.
Mr. Edwards does not confine his activities entirely to his business operations,
however. He is a man otf far too wide sympathies and interests to make the mistake
so common among our successful business men of to-day, of losing themselves entirely
in the business interests'which they have built up, a habit which by stultifying their
more human instincts have caused them to be guilty of that selfish attitude which
more than any other element, perhaps, lies at the base of our labor troubles to-day.
Mr. Edwards, in spite of the demands made upon his time and thoughts, has always
kept his healthy democratic viewpoint, and is a well known and popular figure in the
general life of Latrobe and its environs. He does not, it is true, take an active part
in politics, yet he is known as a considerable influence on the Republican side of public
affairs and has always taken a keen interest in local issues of all sorts. He is a member of Americus Republican Club of Pittsburgh. He is a Presbyterian in his religious
belief, and is a liberal contributor to the many and varied charities of that church in
the region. He is an active member of the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania, of the Latrobe Club, and the University Club of Pittsburgh. He is a Mason,
affiliating with Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
and Syria Temple, of Pittsburgh. He has always been active in athletics and outdoor
sports, for which he has a very strong taste and is himself an athlete of distinction.
During his college days, when greater opportunities existed for participation in such
i64BIOGRAPHICAL
activities, he was specially well known as a baseball player and he still maintains a
keen interest in this sport.
On August 26, I9o8, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Dora Belle Bailey,
of Irvona, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Thomas W. and Mary (McNeal) Bailey, old
and highly respected residents of that place. Her father, Thomas W. Bailey, was a
well-known and successful farmer and lumberman in that neighborhood, a native of
Maine, whence he had come in young manhood, and it was in his native State that he
gained his knowledge and experience of the lumber situation, which he applied to the
new condition which he found in Pennsylvania. He was prominent in the affairs of
Irvona and was well known in church, social and charitable circles there. Mrs. Edwards is a graduate of Northfield Seminary, N:orthfield, Maine. To Mr. and Mrs.
Edwards two children have been born: Marion Elizabeth, July 2I, Io09, and Dorothy
Louise, September 30, I9IO.  Mrs. Edwards is a graduate of Northfield Seminary,
Northfield, Maine, and is active in church, charitable and social affairs.
Mr. Edwards well deserves the title of "self-made man" in the best sense of the
term, his success being entirely due to hard work aild a close attendance to his technical studies. He is without doubt one of the best authorities on steel production in that
part of the country, and has had no little influence in moulding the course of the steel
industry there. He is deservedly one of the most highly esteemed of Westmoreland
county's younger generaticn of business men.
GEORGE W. MILLER, M. D.-There are few, if any, professions in which a
real and substantial success involves a greater expenditure of energy and effort, of
more self-sacrificing devotion to its cause than medicine, the nature of the needs to
which the physician ministers making it necessary that he should put aside all thoughts
of self and give his whole being to the case in hand. This is of course more obviously
true'of the general' practitioner than his more modern rival, the specialist, who sits
comparatively at his ease in his office and waits for his patients to call, and for the
former, too, another gift is far more necessary, a gift that can only be had at all fully
through long practice and which might be called, for lack of a better name, the habit
of forgetting.
George W. Miller, M. D., the popular and well-known physician of Greensburg,
WVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member of a very old Pennsylvania family,
his great-grandfather, Philip Miller, having been a native of Lancaster county in that
State. His grandfather, Henry Miller, was born in Lancaster county, but later in life
removed to Westmoreland county, where his death finally occurred. His son, George
P. Miller, father of Dr. George W. Miller, was born in Hempfield township, at the
village of Millersdale, Westmoreland county, May 25, I834. He received his education
in the district school of Hempfield township, and after completing his studies there
apprenticed himself to a painter, where he learned the painting trade, which he followed for a number of years thereafter. He then engaged in a butcher's business on
his own account and opened a shop at Adamsburg, Pennsylvania, and there did a
large and remunerative business. In the year I86I he enlisted in Company I, Eleventh
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was promptly ordered to the front
and with which he saw much active service. He was,'however, severely wounded at
the battle of Antietam, so much so that he was rendered unfit for further service and
received his honorable discharge. But it was'not alone from soldiering that his wound
incapacitated him. He was thereafter obliged to live a largely inactive life,' only occasionally being able to do a little butchering in connection with his business. He was a
staunch Republican in politics, and a member of the United Brethren church, and took
a very active interest therein, serving for many years as a trustee of the Middletown
church. He married (first) Henrietta Evans, a daughter of Henry and Susan (Bear)
i65OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Evans, and they were the parents of the following children, all of whom are now
deceased with the exception of Dr. Miller: Missouri, John, Susan, Catherine, George
W., of whom further; Henrietta, Simon, Arminta. Mrs. Miller died March 28, I869.
He married (second) Sophia Steiner, nee Minch, who survived her husband. No children were born of this marriage. Mr. Miller died April I8, I9o2.
Born November 2, 1858, in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Dr. George W. Miller. He received his early education in the local public schools
and also attended the public schools of Mount Pleasant and Greensburg. Upon completing his studies at these institutions, he secured a position as teacher in the Hempfield schools, where he- remained for three years. During that time, however, his attention had been more and more directed to the subject of medicine and he finally decided
to take this up as his career in life. Accordingly, he entered the Jefferson Medical
College of Philadelphia, from which he graduated with the class of 1884, taking his
degree of Doctor of Medicine. He returned at once to Hempfield township and there
for a time engaged in the practice of his profession. Some time afterwards, however,
he removed to the West and reihained six years in a town of Howard county,
Nebraska. In I890, however, he returned East and settled in Greensburg, where he
has continued to practice ever since. He has in the meantime built up a very large and
high-class practice and is regarded as one of the leading physicians of the region. For
seventeen years he has been identified with the Westmoreland Hospital as a member
of its staff, and is a member of the Westmoreland County Medical Society. He holds
the rank of surgeon-major of the Fourth Regiment, Sons of Veterans, United States
Army. He is also affiliated with a number of non-military and non-medical organizations, among which should be mentioned the local lodges of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, which he joined in I88I, the Protected Home Circle and the Modern
Woodmen of America. He is a Republican in politics, but takes no active part in the
political issues of the community.
George W. Miller was united in marriage, March 29, I88I, with Leah Elizabeth
Steiner, a daughter of John and Sofia (Mensch) Steiner, old and highly honored
residents of East Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Miller, as follows: Agnes Adele, who resides with her parents in Greensburg,
and Jennie, who became the wife of C. E. Brinker, of Greensburg. Mr. Miller, like
his father, is preeminently identified with the Greensburg United Brethren Church
and for eight years has been church leader there.
Dr. Miller is a man in whom the public and private virtues are admirably balanced.
He is regarded in the professional world, and in all his public relations, as one whose
principles are above reproach and whose strict ideals of honor and justice are applied
to every detail of his professional conduct. His courtesy and unfailing concern for
the welfare of all makes him a highly popular figure in every circle and has established the esteem in which he is held upon the firmest kind of basis. In his private life
these virtues have their analogues. A quiet and retiring character makes him a great
lover of home and the domestic ties, and his never failing geniality endears him to the
members of his family and to the friends of whom he possesses so many.
KOONTZ  WOODRUFF-One of the most important business interests in
Westmoreland county and one of the largest concerns of its kind in the State is the
firm  of Koontz  Woodruff, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, dealers in granite and
marble work at Nos. 316 to 318 West Altman street, in that city. This important
business was established by the Longhrey Brothers some time about the year I868 and
was successfully conducted by them until I8o0, when it was purchased by Mr. R. H.
Koontz. Mr. Koontz continued to operate the business successfully for about seventeen years and then admitted into partnership Mr. M. A. Woodruff, the concern taking
i66BIOGRAPHICAL
the name. of Koontz  Woodruff, under which the business has continued to the present time. The operations of this company cover the entire southwestern portion of
Pennsylvania, parts of Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio, and from ten to fifteen
mechanics are kept at work continuously filling their extensive orders. Most of the
material used by them is prepared at the quarries and they handle all grades of work
from the finest mausoleums down. As has already been stated,. the business is one of
the largest in Pennsylvania. Mr. Koontz was president of the Pennsylvania Retail
Granite and Marble Dealers' Association for four years, ending January, I917, and
is otherwise active in the interests of the trade. He and Mr. Woodruff are also
engaged in the automobile business under the firm name of the Chesterfield Auto
Company.
R. H. Koontz, the senior in these important firms, is a native of Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, born September I8, I853. He is a son of David and Phoebe Ann (Hill)
Koontz, the latter a daughter of Robert Hill, the owner of the farm upon which the
town of Seward now stands, in Westmoreland county. Mr. Koontz was reared on his
father's farm and attended the public and normal schools of his native town, after
which he taught several terms, and then spent one year in college. He then learned
the trade of marble-cutter, and at the age of twenty-two years established himself in
business at Myersdale, Somerset county. He then went to Berlin, Pennsylvania, and
from January, 1877, continued his business in that location for about twenty years. In
I890 he came to Greensburg and there founded his present business, continuing, however, his establishment at Berlin for about eight years longer.'The business in Greensburg has been successful from the outset and is still developing to larger proportions
at the present time. Mr. Koontz has taken an active part in the general life of Greensburg since coming to that city and is now a prominent figure there. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he liberally supports, and is affiliated with
the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Koontz married (first) Mary Black, a daughter of the late Judge George
Black, who was prominent in the affairs of Somerset county. Of this union five children were born, as follows: I. Maud, now the wife of Richard Smith, of Greensburg.
2. Annie, who was employed as a teacher in the public schools of Greensburg until
seven years ago, when she took a similar position in the schools of Venice,'California,
and is still employed there. 3. Florence, who became the wife of Henry H. Salmon,
of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, the purchasing agent for the Pennsylvania Rubber Company; they are the parents of two children, Mary E. and J. Robert. 4. Walter Franklin, who is time clerk and paymaster for the Brier Hill Coal and Coke Company; he
married Atha Hall, a daughter of Isaac Hall, by whom he has had two children,
Frances and Robert H. 5. Albert Freeman, who is employed as trainman on the
Pennsylvania Railroad; married Alice Hanlin, by whom he has had one child, Mary
C. The first Mrs. Koontz died in I891, and in I893 Mr. Koontz was married to Mary
Melissa Neighley, a daughter of Samuel Neighley, prominent in Westmoreland county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Koontz two children have been born, Margaret Hilda, who resides
with her parents in Greensburg, and Gladys Aubrey, who died in the month of Deceinber, I904. Mr. Koontz and his family make their home at the handsome residence at
No. 543 Harrison avenue, Greensburg.
M. A. Woodruff, junior member of the firm of Koontz  Woodruff, granite and
marble dealers, is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, born June 3, I883. He is a
son of John and Almira H. (VWoods) Woodruff, old and highly respected residents of
that region.,
He passed the early years of his life in his' native place and was' educated at the
Fultonham  Seminary.' After leaving this institution, he entered the United States
army and served three years as quartermaster in the Eleventh Regiment, tUnited
States Infantry, in Porto Rica and the Philippines, and was mustered out of the'. 67OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
service with the rank of quartermaster-sergeant on May 2, I902. After his experience
in the army, he returned to his native State and took a course in business at the Maridit Business College, Zanesville, Ohio. He then entered the employ of Townsend 
Townsend, of New York,' wholesale granite dealers, and remained with them as salesman for a considerable period. He then came to Greensburg and was offered a partnership by Mr. Koontz in the latter's monument business. Mr. Woodruff has always
been active in 1:he life of Greensburg, is a prominent member of the Masonic order and
affiliated with Amity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Zanesville Chapter, No. 9,
Royal Arch Masons; Cyrus Cqmmandery, No. Io, Knights Templar; Syria Temple,'
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, as well as several other Masonic bodies.
He marrie(l Maud E. Swank, of Greensburg, a daughter of Mrs. Ada E. Swank,
of that place. To them'one child has been born, John Edwin Wioodruff. Mr. Woodruff and his family are members of the First Reformed Church at Greensburg, and
they make their home at No. 225 Spring street in that city.
WILLIAM HENRY ANDERSON-This branch of the Anderson family came
to Pennsylvania from Wheeling, then in old Virginia, where William  Henry Anderson, now of Jeannette; Westmoreland county, was born. Settlement was first made in
Pittsburgh: Mr. Anderson, who had become identified with the glass industry, removing to Jeannette in I888. He is a descendant of William Anderson and wife, both born
in Scotland. who came to Hampshire county, Virginia, and there William Anderson
died in I797. His son, Thomas Anderson, born in Hampshire county, Virginia, in
I733, was a soldier of the Revolution, as was his grandson, James Anderson, born in
Hampshire county, February 7, 1768. James (2) Anderson, great-grandson of the
founder, settled in West Virginia, and from him sprang Franklin Anderson, father of
William  Henry Anderson. Jacob Anderson, one of the family, of Loudon county,
Virginia, was a wagoner on the old National Pike, and while driving a loaded team
down Sideling Hill, four miles west of Hancock, Maryland, in 1837, lost control and
was dashed to death against a tree.
Franklin.Anderson, son of Thomas Anderson, was born in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, and died in I876. His father at one time kept an inn on the National
Pike west of Cumberland, but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was educated
in the public schools, and early in life learned the trade of glass-blower. He became
a manufacturer of glass later and was a pioneer in making white glass. His first plant
was located in Wheeling, then in old Virginia, but later he moved to Pittsburgh, where
he continued;n glass manufacturing as long as he lived. He married, in 1846, Mary
A. Weims, born in Wheeling, of old Virginia family, who came to Wheeling from
Winchester. Franklin and Mary A. Anderson had ten children, two only now living,
William Henrv, and Mrs. Anna Anderson Brindley, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania.
William  Henry Anderson, son of Franklin and Mary A. (Weims) Anderson,
was born at A\heeling, Virginia, February I, I847. He attended Wheeling schools
until ten years of age, when his parents moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he
attended public schools, and Duff's Business College, whence he was graduated class
of I866. Prior to entering Duff's College he served for about a year in Company G,
Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, enlisting under President Lincoln's
last call for men. His service was entirely against guerrillas,' but in that irregular
warfare he saw active as well as dangerous service. After graduation at Duff's, he
entered his father's employ as clerk at the glass works, continuing with him for eight
years, becoming thoroughly familiar with glass manufacturing from the office standpoint. At the close of his term  with his father he began manufacturing under his
own name, first in Pittsburgh, later in Rochester, Pennsylvania, where he erected a
plant and operated several years.  He then sold out and became manager of the
I68BIOGRAPHICAL
Rochester Glass Works. In September, i888, he located in Jeannette, Pennsylvania,
and until I899 was connected with H. Sellers  McCee, glass manufacturers. He then
retired from the glass business to enter the employ of the borough and has since been
continuously in that service, mainly as street commissioner. He has ever been active
in the Republican party, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and for fortyeight years has been a member of the Masonic order, now a member of McCandless
Lodge, No. 390o.
Mr. Anderson married, November 5, I869, Catherine Rowe, daughter of John and
Margaret (Knowles) Rowe, of Pittsburgh. John Rowe came from Ireland a youth,
located in Pittsburgh, and there was engaged in the tailoring business the remainder
of his life. Margaret Knowles, born in Pittsburgh, was of a pioneer Allegheny family.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have children: Samuel K.,' whose sketch follows; William
and Frank, now in the glass business in Newark, Ohio (William married Agnes Gruber, children, Willis and Thomas; Frank married Mary Powell, child, Mary); Margaret; Mary; Thomas; Sarah, married Ray Harington; Kate, married Charles Schriber, one child, William A.
On the golden anniversary of his wedding day, Thomas Anderson received the
following letter from his youngest brother, David S. Anderson. Both were grandsons of Thomas and Rebecca (Bentley) Anderson, great-grandsons of Thomas a.ni1
Elizabeth (Bergen) Bentley, and sons of Thomas and Hannah (McCurdy) Anderson:
Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. I, I886.
To Thomas Anderson:To celebrate a golden wedding in a country peopled by so many millions as ours is
not an everyday occurrence and when two have been permitted to dwell together for
fifty years in wedded life it is a fitting tribute to that event that the brothers and sisters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gather together to mingle joy with your
joy. And it is appropriate on an occasion of this kind to compile so far as data will
serve, a history of our ancestry and the families that have descended from them.
Thomas Bentley, our great-grandfather, was born July II, 1717, but where we do not
know, nor when or where he died. Our great-grandmother, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Bergen, was born July 12, I7I6, where we do not know, but rather incline
to believe that it was in New Jersey. They had nine children: Mary Bentley, born
April 2, I742; Thomas Bentley, April, I744; John Bentley, March, I746; Nathaniel
Bentley, May io, I749; Elizabeth Bentley, June 9, 1752; Bergen Bentley, I754; Rebecca
(our grandmother), September I8, I756; Peter, born March 27, 1759; Elizabeth,
March, I773; XWilliam,'March, I775.
Grandfather Anderson, whose name was Thomas, was born in the year I748, in
the city of Dublin, Ireland. This place of his nativity is not authentic. It comes
from a cousin who thinks that she heard him say that he was born in Dublin. However, it is the only evidence that we can obtain that approximates positiveness. He
died May II, 1798, aged fifty years. Grandmother Anderson, whose maiden name was
Rebecca Jennings Bentley, was born September I8, I756, being always under the
impression that she was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but recent information
obtained says that it was in the State of Massachusetts. She died December 2, I798,
about eight months after grandfather died. They had seven children, four sons and
three daughters: Thomas Anderson (our father), born March. 23, 1778, died February 5, I830, aged fifty-two years; Rebecca Anderson, born December I9, I779, died
February 22, r8o2, aged twenty-three years; Mary J. Anderson, born January I3, I784,
died September 26, I862, aged seventy-eight years; R. Jennings Bentley Anderson,
born June IO, 1788, died July 6, I789; Jane Anderson, born May 23, I79o, died in
I872, aged eighty-two years; Richard J. Anderson, born April 9, I796, died in 1872,
aged seventy-two years; Arthur Anderson, born June IO, 1798, died young.
Thomas Anderson (our father) married Hannah McCurdy and had nine children,
eight sons and one daughter, as follows: Thomas, James C., Mary J., Franklin,
William, John, Edward, David, and Samuel, the last named dying when two years old.
Rebecca Anderson married Neil Denny and had no children. Mary J. Anderson was
twice married; her first husband, Michael Denny, brother of Neil, her second husband,
James Gallagher. They had but one child, a daughter, who married John Hannen,
of Baltimore, later resided in Rochester, New York. Richard John Anderson was
married tw.ice, but to whom he was married either time I have no information, but
I69170                 OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
they had. understand quite a number of children. It was my pleasure to have seen
but one of his descendants. Jane Anderson was married to William Stewart, and had
three children, one son and two daughters, Thomas F., Louisa and Margaret. Thomas
F. died the present year. Louisa and Margaret reside in Washington City. As to
the history of our grandfather and mothers (McCurdy) maternity, I have no knowledge further than that they had eight children, three sons and five daughters: John,
Isaiah, James, Delilah, Nancy, Susan, Hannah (our mother), and Elizabeth, well
known as Aunt Betsey. Who John *and Isaiah (McCurdy) married I cannot tell.
James married Ann Syster. They had six children, one son and five daughters, all
married. Two daughters live in Indianapolis, Indiana; two daughters and the son live
in Mount Vernon, Ohio. There is the only one descendant of Delilah living, a granddaughter, Mrs. E. V. McKee. Susan (McCurdy) married Morris Lindsey. They had
six children, all dead but two, Joseph, who resides in Pittsburgh, and William, who
lives somewhere in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Nancy (McCurdy) married
at an advanced age an old man named
I have now given you as complete a history of our ancestors and families that
have descended from them as the meagre information I have will permit. Father and
mother were married by Thomas Logan, Esq., January 21, I807. In I825 they removed
from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, to Pittsburgh, which was at that time a borough.
Some two or three years later, after they came to Pittsburgh, father met with an
accident which finally terminated in his death. He died in the prime of life in view
of the flattering prospects of a busy and successful life. At his death mother was
left with nine children without means of support, but by her tact and energy she was
enabled to keep the family united until they arrived at the age of manhood and
womanhood. She was permitted to live to see all her children married (except Samuel, who died the same year that father did) and to look upon many of her grandchildren, with a few of her great-grandchildren. She lived beyond her three-score
years and ten, and died trusting in a risen Saviour. For thirty-two years the family
chain of nine links remained unbroken. The first link that gave way was brother
William, who was the very embodiment of ambition and energy. He died March I7,
I862, aged forty-two years. The second was our dear mother (Hannah McCurdy
Anderson), who was a model mother in many things, for in all the vicissitudes of
life through which she passed, nothing was preceptible to indicate that any change she
had to endure was grievous to her. She died November 9, I862, full of years, aged
seventy-seven. The third was brother Edward, who died January 8, I870. He was
a gentle, kind and affectionate brother that none could help but like, for he had a warm
heart for all. The fifth was our only sister Mary, who died March I, I879, aged sixtythree years. She was iiot unlike mother in many ways, but she possessed an excitable
disposition which I never recognized in mother, yet a more loving, forgiving heart for
her kith and kin never dwelt in a human body. The sixth was brother James, who
died March 23, I883, aged seventy-one years. He possessed a faculty in life which I
think exceeded the same in all the rest of us and that was affability. His address was
pleasant and acceptable to all with whom he came in contact and he was both warmhearted and kind.' Only three links remain (i886), yourself, the eldest, John, and myself, the youngest. You being the eldest was the first to marry and it is the fiftieth
anniversary of that event that we are assembled to celebrate. Fifty years in the future
is a long space of time to anticipate, but fifty years in the past to those who have
watched its coming and going seems incredibly short. As a father and mother, many
thoughts have passed through your minds. Many plans have suggested themselves to
you for the future success and happiness of your children, and it is scarcely credible
that all your thoughts and plans have been attained. Many of them no doubt have
flown into space like the diversions of your minds from one thought to another, but
if all your thoughts and anxieties have not been realized there is much consolation for
you in the fact that those of your children who are spared to you are engaged in the
active pursuits of life and are near you to watch over your fast declining years. Only
three links of the family chain remain unbroken, yourself, brother John and myself.
How soon we may have to follow those who have preceded us over the Dark River
is unknown to us, it may be to-morrow, this year or it may be yet a few years in the
future. Be that as it may, it cannot be long at most, for we are in that age when the
summons may reach us at any moment, and when I express a desire that we may so
live that when the Bridegroom cometh he may find us waiting with our lamps fully
trimmed, I hope that you and brother John will echo-Amen.
I am your brother,
D. S. A.BIOGRAPHICAL
persist in their descendants. If any one would doubt it let him read the story of the
life of Brintncl Robbins, and side by side with it that of his great-grandson, Edward
Everett Robbins. One was a pioneer in the movements of the mind as his fathers
were in the conquest of the forest and its terrors. The men of the old time were men
of "blood and iron" it is true, but the blood was their own shed in many a hard-fought
fight with the savage, and the iron was that of the plow and axe, held in horny hands
to carve out homes and fields for a race who had seen a great vision of freedom for
their posterity.
Among the pioneers of the old days of hardship and danger, none in the entire
region of the O)hio valley filled a larger or more important place than Brintnel Robbins, who, after having fought through the Revolution, came and settled on the frontier. His was a great personality. A man of indomitable energy, his life was one
long struggle, at first as a youth in defense of his country against a German despot
and his tyranny, and afterward on the edge of the wilderness to carry forward that
Anglo-Saxon civilization which held and holds the highest hopes of humanity.
(I) Brintnel Robbins, the progenitor of the Robbins in the western part of Pennsylvania, was the grandson of the John Robbins, the immigrant ancestor of the name.
This John Robbins was a native of Kent, England, and came for reasons of conscience, like many others in that day of religious intolerance, and settled in 1740, in the
Connecticut Valley, near the head of navigation, near Wethersfield. He was a member of the House of Delegates at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and was a
man of influence and force of character.
(II) Captain Samuel Robbins, the eldest son of John Robbins, enlisted a company in April, i775, composed of the young men of the neighborhood of Wethersfield,
and four of his brothers enlisted; among whom was the youngest, Brintnel Robbins.
(III) Brintnel Robbins was born March 22, 1756, and he was therefore a lad of
nineteen when the day of Lexington set off the smoldering patriotism of the American
colonists. He was one of the earliest to enlist for the long struggle, and he reenlisted
in I776, I777 and 1778, serving throughout the war as a member of the Second
Connecticut Regiment. He was commissioned in December, 1780, as an ensign, and
in that capacity he served until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles
of Concord. Wvhite Plains, Long Island, Monmouth, Princetcn, and was also at Valley
Forge. He had married, in I777, Mary Boardman, who was of the well-known Botardman family of Hartford, Connecticut, and one still prominent in that locality. After
the close of the war, he engaged in trade with the West Indies, in partnership with
his brothers, butt in I788 their ship was wrecked and Brintnel Robbins determined to
forsake the uncertainties of the seafaring, life and settle on lands offered to Revolutionary soldiers in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
During the summer of I789, he put'his family into ox-carts and wagons and journeyed by way of Wills Creek, now Cumberland, and the Braddock road to Dunbar.
Here he arrived in the late fall and remained working during the winter and using his
ox-carts to haul ore and fuel from the mountains, with which to burn charccal and melt'
the iron ore at Dunbar Furnace for the making of tools and implements. In the early
spring of I79I he began to look up a location wherein to establish himself, it being his
desire to start a mill and take up land for agricultural purposes. He finally decided
upon a tract ly,ng along the Youghiogheny river, near what was then known as "Rattles' Riffle," where there was ample water power, paying for it five hundred pounds,
the record of the deed being still to be seen in the recorder's office of Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania.  In 1796 he purchased another tract known as the "Sleeping
Place" or "Crawford's Sleeping Place," the name being derived from the story that
the ill-fated Colonel WVVilliam Crawford slept with his feet in a spring of water located
on this farm  in order to keep from  freezing, and fearing to.kindle a fire lest the
Indians should attack him. This was the Colonel Crawford whose expedition against
9BIOGRAPHICAL                                    I7
SAMUEL K. ANDERSON--Although a native of Pittsburgh, Samuel K. Anderson has lived during practically his entire mature life at Jeannette, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, and has become most closely identified with the business life
and general affairs of that flourishing community.
His birth in the Metropolis of those parts occurred November 5, I870, but he
formed very few youthful associations with his native place as his parents moved to
Rochester, Pennsylvania, when he was a very small child. It was in the public schools
of the latter place that he gained his education, what there was of it, but his advantages
in this direction were very meagre as he was obliged to begin work when only eight
years old. At that age he started to work in the glass factories of Rochester as a
"fire-up" boy. Here he remained for a number of years, but in 1888, when he was
eighteen years of age, his parents removed to Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and he accompanied them. The change of location, however, did not mean a change of occupation,
and he remained in the glass business until eighteen years later, spending in- all some
twenty-eight years therein. In the year I9o6 Mr. Anderson opened a restaurant in
Jeannette, which he successfully conducted for about seven years. In the month of
May, I913, however, he purchased the Trimble Hotel at Jeannette and is the successful proprietor and manager of this popular house to-day. Mr. Anderson is admirably
qualified by nature to succeed in this business, being a man of wide sympathies aud
democratic feelings, so that those who patronize his house are always sure of a warm.
welcome, in addition to the admirable service they receive. Mr. Anderson is prominent in fraternal and social circles and is affiliated with a number of important organizations of this character.. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks; and of the local lodges of Moose and the Eagles. He is also a member of
the Jeannette Turn Verein, and takes an active part in life of all these societies. In
politics he is a staunch Republican, and in early childhood was associated with the
Baptist church in Jeannette.
On January 20, I897, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with Rosa Weigold,
a daughter of George John and Anna Marie (Werner) Weigold, old and highly
respected residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson the following children have been born: Mary, March I7, I898, at Jeannette, and David William, Februarv I5, I9IO, at Jeannette. Mrs. Anderson's family is of German origin,
her father, George John Weigold, having been born in that country. He came to the
United States with his parents while a mere youth and settled in Pittsburgh.  He
received much of his education in the public schools of that city, enlisted in the Union
army and served throughout the Civil War, thus proving in unmistakable fashion his
patriotism for his adopted land. He took part in wellnigh all of the most important
battles in that titanic struggle, and immediately before the close of hostilities was
wounded in the right leg and received his honorable discharge. He was a prominent
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a staunch Republican during the
remainder of his life. Of his marriage with Anna Marie Werner the following children were born:  George, who is now employed in the glass works at Grapeville,
Pennsylvania; Henry, who works in the glass factories of Jeannette, Pennsylvania;
Annie, deceased; Lena, who became Mrs. John Shanahan, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, who became Mrs. James Evans, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania; Rosa;
and Kattie, now Mrs. Frank Roe, of Homestead, Pennsylvania. Besides these there
were five other children who.died in infancy. Mr. Weigold's death occurred in March,
I9IO, and that of his wife in October, I9g6, in her eightieth year. Mrs. Anderson died
May I3, I917, and her remains were interred in Jeannette cemetery.
VINCENT LEIGH EDWARDS-Vincent Leigh Edwards, the talented young
president and general manager of the Greensburg Swing Company, is a native of
Clarion county, Pennsylvania, born in the year I88i. He is a son of the Rev. JohnOLD AND NEW WESTMO'RELAND
M. and Margaret (Martin) Edwards. Mr. Edwards, Sr., was the pastor and principal of the Carrier Seminary, which was afterw'ards turned into the State Normial
School. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Mary, Sarah,
John, Martin, Vincent, the subject of this sketch; Ethel, Grace, Robert and Percy. Of
these, Robert Edwards, a younger brother of our subject, is now associated with the
same concern, the Greensburg Swing Company, as factory superintendent.  Vincent
Leigh Edwards was educated in the local public schools of his native Clarion, and upon
completing his studies at these institutions engaged in the contracting business at
Sharon, Pennsylvania, for a time. He remained in that town from  I9oo until 90o3,
and in the latter year came to Greensburg, where he became associated with the John
W. Pollins Company as buyer of the furniture department. This post he continued to
occupy until the year  o908, when he and a group of other gentlemen organized the
Greensburg Swing Company, with which he is at the present time connected. The
Greensburg Swing Company was organized in I9o09 by William Boartz, Joseph Wray
and Vincent L. Edwards. It was incorporated in the month of September, I9Io, with
a capital of ten thousand dollars and began its operations in the old Seanor building.
Shortly afterwards it removed to the old Overly building, which afforded larger and
better accommodations. At the outset it began by employing between ten and fifteen
men, and it rapidly developed with nothing to interrupt its career until June T, I912,
when the factcry was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, however, the concern then
purchased the Parr Wagon factory, and not long afterwards, Messrs. Wray' Boalrtz
sold their interest to the other members of the firm. At the present time its officers
are as follows: President and general manager, Vincent L. Edwards, of this sketch;
vice-president, Joseph W. Steel and Dr. C. E. Snyder; and secretary and treasurer,
Joseph J. Knappenberger. In the month of August, I9I2, the concern moved into its
new quarters, with a factory force of about thirty men. Since that time to this its
development has been uninterrupted and very rapid, so that it is now running with
ninety men at work in the mill, which contains some forty thousand square feet of
floor space. The company manufactures porch swings and porch furniture generally
and has an output of some forty thousand swings a year. In November, I9I6, they
began the manufacture of children's vehicles.  The concern has its showrooms at
Grand Rapids, Michigan, and New York City, and these two places form the centers
of its eastern and western markets.
Mr. Edwards was the promoter and founder of the Keystone Wire Goods Company; this was incorporated July 23, I917, capital $40,000. The plant is located at
Jeannette, Pennsylvania; the purpose is the manufacturing of all kinds of wire goods,
but principally the manufacturing of the weldless link chain, being one of three concerns in the world that makes this product. Mr. Edwards is the president and general
manager of this concern. Aside from the foregoing, Mr. Edwards is also engaged in
the coal business, his operations being in Clarion county, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Edwards was united in marriage, July 3, I9o6, with Mabel C. Saxman, a
daughter Of Alvin and Mary (Craig) Saxman, of Greensburg, and'they are the parents
of the following children: Robert Craig, born July II, I9o9; Jelald' Saxman, born
August I8, I9II; John Alvin, born November ii, I914; and Frederick Percy, born
April I, I9I7.
Mr. Edwards' charming residence is situated at No. 321 East Otterman street,
and he owns a delightful cottage at Ridge View, where he spends his summers. He is
active in the general life of the city, is a Republican'in politics, and served for six
years as regimental bugler for the Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard.
In many ways Mr. Edwards is typical of much that is best in America, of what
we like to think of as "The American," combining in his single person an extraordinary number of traits and qualities, a certain talent or, in the homely phrase, knack
of adapting himself to all conditions, a versatility scarcely to be found elsewhere in
172BIOGRAPHICAL
the world, the children of this land having been brained in this faculty by that most
exacting of teachers, Necessity. To an unusual degree of'business genius, he adds a
very compelling personality, a persuasive tongue and a mind quick to take advantage
of every slightest opportunity as it arises-all of these, separately and in union, American characteristics. There is yet another character possessed by Mr. Edwards, which
we love to think of as American, but which is, perhaps, somewhat dying out in this
over-hurried age of ours, something that requires repose and ease of mind for its full
expression, what we might call gentility, the grace, the courtesy, the tact, the courtliness of the old school gentleman.
ANNIAS DAVID MILLER, M. D.-Brought to Mount Pleasant when a child
of perhaps five years, Dr. Miller, after providing the means to finance his professional
education throungh a course of hard work and systematic saving, at last found himself
at the age of thirty a Doctor of Medicine with the problem before him of choosing a
location in which to practice his profession. In I892 he decided to return to the home
of his childhood and early manhood, Mount Pleasant, a choice neither the good doctor
nor a large clientele, nor a host of warm friends have ever regretted. A quarter of a
century has elapsed since he first called the attention of the public to the fact that he
wished to serve them professionally, and while he passed througlh that anxious and
discouraging period which awaits all young professional men, rewards came in due
season and the years have been fruitful in good to the community and years of development, progress and success to Dr. Miller. Sympathetic, warm-hearted and generous, he holds his medical skill as a trust and freely it is given to his people, no
matter at what personal sacrifice nor how feeble is the hope of fee or reward. Perhaps no person in the county has done more for the poor than Dr. Miller, nor has
any man in the county more friends among those to whom fortune has denied her gifts.
He is a son of Dr. C. C. Miller, an honored medical practitioner of Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, for half a century, and his wife, Elizabeth (Meyers) Miller, of Somerset county.
Annias David Miller was born in Preston county, West Virginia, December 23,
I86o, but shortly after the Civil War was brought to Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania,
where practically his entire life has since been spent. He attended public schools, and
after completing the high school course pursued studies in elocution under Byron W.
King, in Pittsburgh. Several years were then spent in mine and railroad work, years
of frugal living that funds might accumulate which were sacred to one object, a medical education. The way finally was cleared and he entered the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He pursued a full course of study at that institution and
was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of I89o. He practiced for one year, I891,
in Darke county, Ohio, then located in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, where he is
yet actively in practice.  He is a member of the National and Pennsylvania State
Eclectic Medical societies; Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 868, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Loyal Order of Moose; First United Brethren Church, which he
has served as trustee for a number of years, and in political faith is a Republican.
He was electerl to the Pennsylvania House of Assembly, his popularity among all
classes attested by a vote most complimentary.
Dr. Miller married, I889, Elizabeth Blansett, daughter of Joseph Blansett, a
retired wagon builder, in business for many years at Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Dr. and
Mrs. Miller have the following children: Virginia (Virgie), a graduate of Mount
Pleasant Institute; Mary, now a student of the University of Chicago; Stella Gray,
a graduate of Mount Pleasant schools, now taking a course of training at State Hospit-l. Columbus, Ohio, to become a professional nurse; Jay; Nettie.
173OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
EDMOND FISHER-As first vice-president of the People's National Bank of
Jeannette, Edmnond Fisher won high and honorable rank in financial circles, and was
one of the influential men of the borough to which he came in I897, after active connection with the iron and steel business covering a period of over thirty years. He
was of English parentage, his father, John Fisher, born in England, coming to the
United States in I838, locating at Boynton Falls, New Jersey, where his son Edmond'
was born. John Fisher later came to Western Pennsylvania, settling in Sharon, where
he continued in the iron and steel business until his death. He was a Democrat in
politics, a member of the Masonic order and of the Episcopal church. He married
Elizabeth Scott. also born in England, who bore him thirteen children: Beatrice, died
young; William, John, Caroline, Selina, Moses, Edmond, of further mention; Philip,
Sarah, Beatrice (2), James, and two who died in infancy.
Edmond Fisher, son of John and Elizabeth (Scott) Fisher, was born at Boynton
Falls, New Jersey, October I8, 1838, died in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, November 4,
1912. His parents moved to Sharon, Pennsylvania, when he was quite young, and
there he obtairned his education in the public schools. After completing his scho'ol
years he began an apprenticeship at the trade of finisher at the steel works then operated by the old D. B. Oliver firm of Pittsburgh, and until I893 was continuously connected with the iron and steel business. In I893, owing to failing eyesight, he' retired
from business, and for the succeeding four years was not engaged in any line of activity. In I897 Mr. Fisher moved his residence to Jeannette, which was his home until
his death, fifteen years later. He engaged there in the real estate business in a conservative way, was elected first vice-president of the People's National Bank, and
became well known as a man of sterling business qualities. He was a man of quiet life
and domestic tastes, finding his greatest enjoyment in the.home circle. He was a
Democrat in politics, serving at one time as school director in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but having little taste for public life. He attended Grace Reformed Church,
Jeannette; Sharon Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and at one time belonged to
the Order of Elks, No. 486, Jeannette.  Kindly and social in nature, upright and
honorable in all his dealings, he was highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Fisher married, September 5, I884,' Mary E. Jones, born in Pittsburgh, July
I7, I855, daughter of Evan E. and Mary A. (Davis) Jones, of Pittsburgh. Mary E.
(Jones) Fisher was born in Pittsburgh, and there educated, residing with her parents
until her marriage. Mrs. Fisher survives her husband with a daughter, Edith Fisher.
Evan E. Jones, son of'Evan and Elizabeth (Davis) Jones, was born in Ebavale,
Wales, February II, I812, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in November, I897. He
came to this country in early manhood and located in Pittsburgh, where he engaged in
the iron business, but in later life was in the employ of D. B. Oliver  Company,
Pittsburgh. He was in public affairs a Republican, and for a number of years served
as school director. In religious faith he was a Congregationalist. He married Mary
A. Davis, daughter of John Davis, of Bryn Mawr, Wales.
HARRY E. COPE-The Cope family was among those that came'to Westmoreland county in the pioneer days and made its home prior to that time in the State of
Maryland. Its migration to the western part of Pennsylvania was made in the person
of George Cope, the great-grandfather of Harry E. Cope, who settled in Westmoreland county about I790, Seanor's Church, in Hempfield township. There he purchased
a farm of considerable acreage, or rather he purchased woodland with the intention of
making it a farm. Most of the country was in its original state at that time; covered
with the great forest which had stood there from primeval ages, and it was this condition with which Mr. Cope had to contend.. H. e cleared up the forest and established
his home in the midst of the great wilderness, a home primitive enough to be sure,
-I74BIOGRAPHICAL                                    175
but of the kind to which the hardy pioneers of that time were accustomed. Here he
spent the remaining years of his life, which, however, were few in number. George
Cope was a Quaker and a staunch upholder'of the principles and beliefs of that body.
He was the father of a large family of children, all of whom went West with the
exception of two brothers, George and Joseph, both of whom remained in Westmoreland county.
To George (2) Cope, the elder' of these two sons, was left the homestead, and it
was his ambition from the first'"to impr6've his'home to a condition more in harmony
with civilized standards.  It was this most worthy ambition which was indirectly
responsible for his death. It impelled him to' work so hard that on one occasion,
while attending to his saw mill, he neglected through weariness to take proper precautions and received injuries from which he died when but a few years over thirty. He
married Anne Mary Eiseman, and they were the parents of five children: George,
Jr., who died in infancy; Henry, who was a resident of Westmoreland county all his
life; Mariah, who married Jacob Long and went with him to Ohio, where she died;
Ann, who became the wife of Eli Beck, of Greensburg, Westmoreland county; Cyrus
P', of further mention.
Cyrus P. Cope, the son of George (2) and Anne Mary (Eiseman) Cope, was
born and reared and spent his life in Westmoreland county. For many years he was
a dealer in stock and later conducted a hotel with considerable success. Indeed his
success was of such proportions that he was enabled to retire from active business and
spend the latter years of his life at leisure. His death occurred in I9II, at the age of
seventy-three years. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and a staunch Republican in politics. He married Sarah J. Cribbs, a daughter of Captain George A. Cribbs.
She survives her husband and makes her home at Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus P.
Cope were the parents of twelve children: Laura B., who makes her home with her
mother; Abbie A., who married W. C. Alcorn, of Greensburg; Elma J., who married
Ernest May, of Parsonsburg, Maryland; James H., a resident of Greensburg; Harry
E., of whom further; Horace C., who is a practicing physician at McKeesport, Pennsylvania; V. George, of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged as a
mechanical engineer; Willard C., who is a chemist and expert in the manufacture of
high explosives in the employ of the DuPont de Nemours Powder Company; Anna
M., who lives with her mother; Roy T., who was a pharmacist until his death, November I8, I9I5; Oscar M., a graduate of the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania; and
Richard P., who is a student in the State College.
Harry E. Cope, son of Cyrus P. and Sarah J. (Cribbs) Cope, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1876. He was educated in the public
schools of his native district, and later attended Washington  Jefferson College, from
which he was graduated with the class of I9oo. In the year I898 he went as a member
of Company H, Tenth Regiment of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, to the
Philippine Islands. where he remained for about nine months, an experience which he
greatly valued. On his return he reentered college and continued his studies. After
this event, having already decided to take up law as a profession, he entered the office
of Gaither  Woods, attorneys in Greensburg, and was admitted to the bar, May 5,
I903. Besides his admission to the county bar, Mr. Cope was admitted to practice
before all the courts of the State. He opened his office in Greensburg in the same
year and practiced alone. He has been eminently successful in his-work and is looked
on as one of the leaders of the bar in that region. But the private practice which Mr.
Cope engaged in gave place after a time to a more public function and he became the
assistant district attorney of Westmoreland county. He is a member of the Council
of Manor, and is otherwise extremely active in all public affairs. Mr. Cope is a staunch
supporter of Republican principles and policies, and is active as a member of the local
organization of that party.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Mr. Cope married, January I, 1912, Edith P. Taylor, a daughter of George H.
and Ann (Beswick) Taylor. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church
at. Manor, in which place he has made his home while continuing his practice in
Greensburg, with an office at Room 37, Bank Trust building, in that city.
(The Byerly Line).
On his mother's side, Mr. Cope is descended from Andrew Byerly, who came to
WVestern Pennsylvania with Braddock's army as General Braddock's butler. Here he
married and settled.
Jacob Byerly, son of Andrew Byerly, was born at Fort Bedford, Pennsylvania, in
176o, and enlisted in May, 1777, with Lieutenant Kelly in Captain Heath's company in
the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, under the command of Colonel John Gibson. He
enlisted from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, for a period of three years and
served the full term. During the whole of his services the regiment had its headquarters at Fort Pitt (now Pittsburgh), and from this place from time to time detachments
were sent out against the Indians for the protection of the frontier. He was in the
Tuscarawas campaign under McIntosh, in the Squaw campaign under General Hand,
and in Broadhead's campaign under General Broadhead. He died in North Huntingdon township, July 7, 1858, at the age of ninety-nine.
(The Crtbbs Line).
The Cribbs family, from which Mr. Cope is descended on the maternal side, traces
its origin bacl- to Alsace-Lorraine.  The progenitor of the family in the United
States landed in Philadelphia about I750, his children being George, John, Jacob, Susan
and Peter, the three first named coming West and purchasing land in Westmoreland
county shortly after the Revolution. Susan, the only daughter, married and remained
in Philadelphia. Peter was killed in the Revolutionary War.
John'Cribbs, the ancestor of Harry E. Cope, enlisted as a private in the Eighth
Pennsylvania Continental Line, and served throughout the Revolution. He attained
the rank of lieutenant and afterwards accompanied General Arthur St. Clair in the
campaign against the Indians, and was killed at St. Clair's defeat on the Wabash,
November 4, 1791. He married Catherine Harrold, and they had seven children:
Peter, Christopher, of whom further; John, George, Elizabeth, Mary and Susan.
Christopher Cribbs, son of John and Catherine (Harrold) Cribbs, was born February IO, 178o. in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was
twice married and left fourteen children to survive him: John, Peter, Catherine,
Sarah, Anna, Toshua, Levi, Elizabeth, Mary, Magdalen, Samuel, George A., of whom
further; Leah and Susannah.
George Cribbs, son of Christopher Cribbs, was born April 15, I820, in Hempfield
township, Wesimoreland county, Pennsylvania, and married Jane S. Kelly, who was
born September 4, I845. He was killed at the second battle of Bull Run, dying September I8, I862. He was the captain of Company I, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. His children were: Alice; Christopher; Sarah Jane, who married
Cyrus P. Cope, and became the mother of Harry E. Cope; Agnes; Amelia E.; and
Richard Nyce. who became first lieutenant of Company I, Tenth Regiment of the
Pennsylvania N\ational Guard; Mary and Emma, who both died in infancy.
CLARENCE JOHN SHOEMAKER-One of the most prominent and successful real estate and insurance men of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
is Clarence John Shoemaker, a member of an old and distinguished family, which
came originally from  Stuttgart, Wfirtemberg, Germany. The American branch of
the family settled in Philadelphia, where now a number of its members, prominent inIBIOGRAPHICAL
the professionial and business activities of the city, reside. The grandfather of Clarence John Shoemaker, Jacob Shoemaker, born September I9, I803, migrated to Westmoreland county and made his home in Hempfield township, about three miles northeast of Greensburg and in the vicinity of Hannastown, the first county seat of Westmoreland county. Jacob Shoemaker's wife was Anna Maria (Wagner) Shoemaker,
born December 27, I8o6. They lived at the old homestead until their death, Anna
Maria Shoemaker dying September 30, I873, and Jacob Shoemaker, May 27, I88I. One
of their children was Jolin Shoemaker, the father of the Mr. Shoemaker of this sketch.
John Shoemaker received his education in the common'schools of the township,
and after leaving school engaged in a mercantile business in Greensburg which handled
builders' supplies, etc. He remained in this business until I915, having been in this
line for several decades. For the last twenty years of this period Mr. Shoemaker has
been identified with Morrison Barclay in various enterprises. He is at present connected with the Preston Glass Sand Company. Aside from these important affiliations,
Mr. Shoemaker is a director in the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company and also a
director of the Home Building and Loan' Association. In his religious belief Mr.
Shoemaker is a Lutheran and attends the First Lutheran Church, having served on
the church council for years. Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage with Katherine
Blank, a daughter of John and Amelia (Shirey) Blank, and they are the parents of
the following children: Clarence John, with whose career we are here especially concerned; Charles; Margaret; Sybilla, who is a student in the Randolph-Macon College
of Lynchburg, Virginia; Charlotte, a student in the Greensburg High School; Morrison, who is deceased; Catherine, a student in the public school. Charles Shoemaker,
a second son of John Shoemaker, was born at Greensburg, and received his early education here, and subsequently entered Pennsylvania State College, from which he
graduated in T914 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Since leaving college he
has been in the laboratory department of the American Window Glass Company of
Jeannette in the capacity of a chemist. Margaret Shoemaker is a graduate of the
Rochester School of Domestic Science, and is now a teacher in a South Greensburg
school.
Clarence John Shoemaker, son of John and Katherine (Blank) Shoemaker, was
born June 28, I889, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He received his early education in
the grade and high school here, from which he graduated and spbsequently matriculated at the Utniversity of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1912 with the degree
of Bachelor of Science. after having established a record for scholarship and probity.
After leaving college, he entered the-real estate and insurance business, with which he
has been identified ever since.. Mr. Shoemaker has been extensively interested in the
building of houses in and about Greensburg, and has also been identified with theland
development business. In politics Mr. Shoemaker is an Independent, and in his -religious belief is a Lutheran, like the.other members of his family, and holds the office
of treasurer of the First Lutheran Church of the city.
On December 25, 1914, Clarence John Shoemaker was united in marriage with
Una Margaret Lehman, a daughter of Charles -and Margaret (Felton) Lehman,
highly respected residents of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but now of Greensburg. Mrs.
Shoemaker is a descendant of the Livingston family of Revolutionary fame, among
whose distingutshed members was Philip Livingston, signer of the Declaration of
Independence. To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker one child has been born, a boy, John
Clarence, at Greensburg, July I6, I9I6.
FRANCIS CHALMERS DUVALL, M. D.-The medical profession in the city
of Monessen is represented by men of the highest ideals and ability, by whom the traditions of the past are fully realized, men who are leaders in all branches of medical
W-12
I77Io                   OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Sandusky resulted in his being taken prisoner by the Indians and tortured to death at
the stake. In T797 Brintnel Robbins purchased another tract adjoining the other two,
and these are ill on record with the first.
Immediately after the purchase of the first tract of land, he began the erection of
a dwelling house, and the tradition is that with the help of neighbors such speed was
made that a dance was held in it the first night after it had been begun. On February
26, I796, he se,"ilred the passage of an act of Assembly in the Pennsylvania Legislature
"permitting hinl to erect a dam in the Youghiogheny river" which would divert the
water and give him water power for his mill. This mill became famous, and was
known as the lRobbins Mill, and because of the large stream supplying it, it was able
to run at all seasons, and farmers were accustomed to bring their grain here from
great distances. The mill having been put in successful operation, he cleared the land,
which was a rich region known in those days as "Robbins' Bottoms," and covered with
a heavy growth of gigantic walnut trees. As a portion of this tract had been used by
the Indians for a grain field it was almost clear, and there was another portion where
an extensive Indian village had stood, according to tradition, for many generations.
There was also on the tract an Indian graveyard, and the spot where they buried their
dead has always been left untouched.
Mr. Robbins proceeded at a very early date to establish a distillery to turn into
whiskey the grain for which there was not much market in those days. He was soon
engaged in many business operations, including milling, distilling, dairy farming, and
the manufacturing of cheese and butter on a large scale. To assist in the marketing of
his products he built a boat which he named the "Tillie," which was thirty feet long
and of sufficient width to hold two barrels end to end and so'built as to allow the men
to walk up and down outside on the gunwales and pole the boat along through the
shallow places. This boat greatly assisted his undertakings, as he thus was enabled to
send his produce to Pittsburgh, from which it was transshipped to New Orleans and
the other Southern markets. During. his early business career he purchased a farm
located near the forks of the road between Penn avenue and the Allegheny river, in
what is now the Twenty-third Ward of the city o.f Pittsburgh, and here he established
a dairy for the sale of milk from house to house. His method of delivery was to put
the mnilk in a barrel, load it on a wheelbarrow pushed by a negro who rang a bell and
served it olit bh the quart to customers.
When the War of I812 broke out, the Americans were unprepared, as they have
been since, and seeking to attack the British in Canada, needed boats to transport the
troops on the Great Lakes. As Mr. Robbins was a ship builder he was invited by the
government to take his workmen, ox-carts, tools, etc., and go up to Lake Erie and
there build boats for the use of Commodore Perry in his operations against Canada..
This he did in the spring of I813, journeying to Cleveland and cutting the timber
where it stood. building the boats and making the other furnishings. Constructed in
haste out of unseasoned lumber, these boats were the best their builder could produce,
but after delivery to the government a severe storm put them to a serious test during
the ensuing summer, and a number of them were destroyed and lost. The government refused to pay for them and in the financial straits to which this brought him, he
was obliged to sell his Pittsburgh farm,. It was not until 1824 that his claims were
finally paid (h-. R. I8 Cong., I Sess., page 9, war warrant 3560), but in the eleven
years he had lost the most valuable of his possessions, the farm which lay within the
limits of the city of Pittsburgh. Not long after this he sustained another great business loss in the dishonesty of a Captain Gray, who was in command of a ship laden
with his produce for Cuba. This man took the ship to Cuba, sold it and the cargo
and disappeared with the money.
The latter part of his life he devoted himself particularly to the local markets
rather than sending his merchandise to the South. In 1729 he purchased from theOLD AND NEW WES'TMORELAND
science and practice, mnen who are at the head of the profession in research and the
application of new  tpethods to the practical problems of real life. Among the men
who have made their names well known in this group of capable physicians, none is
more generally respected and trusted than Dr. Francis Chalmers Duvall, who, although
a comparatively young man, is recognized as one of the profound students of his subject and the most able diagosticians of the city.
Born in Centerville, Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 5, I876, Francis
Chalmers Duvall is a son of John and Elizabeth (Yorty) Duvall.  The elder Mr.
Duvall was a farmer all his life and represented one of the pioneer Washington county
families. Before he was nine years of age, Dr. Duvall met with a very serious loss in
the death of both his parents, and he was obliged to make his home with the family of
a neighboring farmer. He later went to live with an elder brother and began his education at first by attending the Fayette public school when he was eleven years of age.
Here he worked hard at his studies and finally, tipon reaching the age of seventeen,
was graduated from the high school there.  He then entered the California Normal
College, where he fitted himself. for the profession of teaching, working before and
after classes, as well as during vacations, in order to pay his tuitior and' various other
expenses. He taught in the Stockdale, Pennsylvania, public schools'for seven years,
the latter five of which he spent in the office of principal. However, Dr. Duvall was
bent on learning the medical profession and in I905 he entered the Western University of Pennsylvania, at present known as the University of Pittsburgh, where he
completed his freshman and sophomore years. He later entered the Jefferson Medical
College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated with the class of
I909 and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He spent the next year as an
interne in the W'est Pennsylvania Hospital of'Pittsburgh, and in October; I9IO, he
located in Monessen'and began the practice of medicine.'Dr. Duvall is now one of
the most successful physicians of the community.  He always keeps abreast of the
times by constant reading, and has visited the Mayo and various otherimportant clinics
in search of additional experience that would prove helpful in his professional duties.
Dr. Duvall is a member of the staff of the Charleroi and Monessen hospitals of
Pennsylvania, and is also a member of the Westmoreland County Medical Society.
Besides his professional affiliations,' Dr.'Duvall is associated with many other prominent organizations, among which should be mentioned the Masonic order in which he
is a member of the lodge, chapter, council, commandery and temple. He is also a
member of Monessen Lodge, No. 773, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In
politics Dr. Duvall is a Republican, but he is without political ambition and does not
seek public office. In spite of'this fact, however, he has served the community as a
member of the Monessen School Board, his experiences in teaching making him particularly valuable in that capacity. He has served altogether for five years and is at
the present time its vice-president. He is an ardent advocate of' athletic training in
the public schools, and has done much to foster and encourage sportsman-like competition in scholastic games. In his religious belief Dr. Duvall is a Presbyterian and
attends the church of that denomination at Monessen. He is an enthusiastic member
of the Monessen Board of Trade,'and in that capacity has done much to stimulate
business and industrial activities in the region.  Dr. Duvall's success is particularly
gratifying because of the manner in which he carried out an early determination to
secure a first-class education.  From  the time of his early grammar school days to
the time of his graduation with a doctor's degree, he made his way entirely by his own
industry and perseverence, and had succeeded in accumulating a sufficient fortune to
enable him to begin practice with a thoroughly equipped office.
Dr. Duvall is a man of quick perceptions and sound judgment, and commands the
respect and confidence of the entire' community. He devotes his life to a noble calling and is crowned with the choicest reward. The true physician, in the exercise of his
178BIOGRAPHICAL                                    I79
beneficent calling, heeds neither nationality nor distinction of class. Alike to him are
the prince and the pauper, and into both the palace and the hovel he comes as a messenger of hope and healing. The acquisition is nothing to him save as a means of giving a material form and practical force to his projects for the uplifting of humanity.
JOHN  ARCHIBALD  BOALE, M. D.-To introduce to the people of Westmoreland county a physician in his twentieth year of successful and independent prac-'tice among thenl would be so entirely superfluous that we shall leave Dr. Boale's name
to speak for itself, especially to his fellow-citizens of Vandergrift. To them he is
known not only as a' physician, but also as a public-spirited member of the community,
taking an active interest in its affairs and serving at the present time as president of
the borough council.
Samuel Boale, grandfather of' Dr. John Archibald Boale, was a native of the
North of Ireland, and appears to have emigrated to the United States in early manhood. He married Sarah Taylor, who was born near McKeesport, and they were
identified with the farming population of Westmoreland county from an early period
in the nineteenith century.
James D. P.oale, son of Samuel and Sarah (Taylor) Boale, was born January I4,
I833, in Allegheny township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and grew up on
his father's farm. During the Civil War he rendered service in the heavy artillery,
and in his business career he was connected with a number of enterprises, including
the drug trade.: For many year's he was a resident'of Leechburg,'Pennsylvania, and
took a very active interest in public affairs, holding'various local offices, including that
of humane officer, which he retained for fifteen years. For one term he served as
burgess of Leechburg. He adhered to the Republican party, and his religious membership was in the Reformed Presbyterian church. Mr. Boale married Sarah, daughter of John and Sarah (Armstrong) Armstrong, both natives of the North of Ireland,
and their chil(dren were: I. Elizabeth, widow of Captain R. G. Armstrong, for sometime a teacher in the Pennsylvania College for Women, Pittsburgh, now residing in
Vandergrift. 2. Anna M., for several years a teacher in Leechburg and on Vandergrift Heights; died January 3, I905. 3. John Archibald, mentioned below. 4. Hugh
A., died March 5, I9II; was an attorney at Apollo and Vandergrift. The mother of
the family passed away on September 24, 89go, and the death' of the father occurred at
Leechburg, February 8, I9go6.
Dr. John Archibald Boale, son of James D. and Sarah (Armstrong) Boale, was'born December I8, I873, at Leechburg, Pennsylvania, and attended the public schools
of the place, passing thence to the high school, where he graduated in I893. His preliminary medical studies were pursued under the guidance of his uncle, Dr. J. A.
Armstrong, of Leechburg, and in I897 he received from the medical department of
the University of Pittsburgh the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For one year thereafter Dr. Boale practiced in association with Dr. Armstrong, and' in March, I898,
established himself on Vandergrift Heights, a neighborhood which now forms a part
of Vandergrift. There he has been ever since uninterruptedly engaged in the general
practice of his profession, building up a large and lucrative connection and intrenching
himself securely in the confidence of'the medical fraternity and the general public.
Like his father, Dr. Boale is a Republican and earnestly and helpfully interested in
the welfare of his community. Several years ago he served for two terms as school
director, and he is now president of the borough council. He has been twice chairman of the Republican county committee and twice secretary' of the Board of Health.
Among the' professional organizations to which Dr. Boale belongs are the Westmoreland County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania'State Medical Society, and the AmeriI80                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
can Medical Association. He is president of the Vandergrift Medical Society, president of the Liberty Coal Mining Company, and a director of the Vandergrift Savings
and Trust Company.
In fraternal circles Dr. Boale is a somewhat conspicuous figure. He is a past master of Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 617, Free and Accepted Masons; Orient Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons; Kittanning and Pittsburgh Commandery and Consistory, Knights
Templar and Supreme Princes of the Royal Secret; and Syria Temple, Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, Pittsburgh; and also affiliates with Apollo Lodge, No. 386, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks; Vandergrift Lodge, No. 302, Knights of Pythias; and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is enrolled in the Iroquois Club, Vandergrift. His religious membership is in the Presbyterian church.
Dr. Boale is at present engaged in helping to make the medical history of his
county, and has already assisted in the making of a chapter which will add interest to
the record. As the years go on he will doubtless contribute matter of still greater
moment.
IDA E. BLACKBURN, M. D.-Ideals in medicine have changed much in recent
years, just as they have in almost every department of life, but the change is very
nearly pressed home to us in the case of this profession because o.f the close relation
that must obtain between ourselves and our physician. In the main, of course, the
change is the same as that which has everywhere taken place, because an alteration in
our fundamental outlook is responsible for them all and one of its most typical expressions is the change from men of general learning and culture into specialists who must
concentrate with every faculty upon the chosen matter or run the risk of being distanced in the race. How true this is may easily be seen by taking such a figure as that
of Dr. Ida E. Blackburn, a woman who might truly be called a modern physician in
every sense of the word, and comparing her wide sympathies and understanding, not
only of her sutbject, but of the human creatures that come under her care, with the
highly developed, one had almost call it rarified, knowledge of the specialist to-day.
Ida. E. Blackburn is a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth K. (Kesler) Blackburn,
and a member of an old Westmoreland county family, the progenitors of which are
among the pioneers in that region of the State. Her father, John A. Blackburn, was a
son of Joseph Blackburn, and was born January 9, I830, near Stahlstown, Donegal
township, Westmoreland county. He received his education in the subscription school,
and from the time that he completed his studies there until his death was a farmer in
his native region. He was a well known figure there, a staunch member of the Republican party, and active in the Methodist Episcopal church. He married (first) Elizabeth K. Kesler, a daughter of Andrew and -     (White) Kesler, of Fayette county,
Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn were the parents of the following children:
Laura J., who is now the wife of James Thompson; Asbury S., of Stahlstown, Pennsylvania; Ida F., of whom further; Anna M., deceased; Alice, deceased; Elsworth F.;
and Wesley, deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Blackburn married (second) Amanda Crouse, a daughter of Leonard Crouse, of Donegal township, and to
them the following children were born: Wade H., Lawrence L., now with the United
States Army; Ethel, and John. Mr. Blackburn served for nine months towards the
close of the Civil War in the Union army, and was a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic. His father, Joseph Blackburn, was born in Donegal township, and
was a farmer all his life.
Asbury S. Blackburn, a brother of Dr. Blackburn, was born at Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, in I860o. He received his education in the public schools of that township,
and since that time has engaged in the same calling which his grandfather and fatherBIOGRAPHICAL
had followed all their lives. He married Marilla Matthews, of Cook township, and
to them were born the following children: Meade, Elizabeth, Walter, Bruce and
Glenn, the two latter being deceased. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Elsworth F. Blackburn, another brother of Dr.' Blackburn,
received his education in the public schools of Donegal township, and later served as
teacher for a number of years. He then entered the service of the Pennsylvania railroad and has been in the employ of that great corporation for the past thirteen years
and is now foreman near Youngwood. He married Rose Benford, a daughter of
Charles Benfor-d, of Cook township, and they are the parents of the following children: Paul M. and Guy R., who are both graduates of a Medical College at Chicago,
both in the United States service in the war, Medical Reserve; Elsworth, who resides
at Greensburg. Elsworth F. Blackburn and his family are members of the United
Presbyterian church, and he is a Republican in politics.' Wade H. and Lawrence
Blackburn are both graduates of the California State Normal School of California,
Pennsylvania, and the former subsequently took a course at Bucknell College, from
which he graduated with the class of I9I6j with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. At
the present time he is assistant superintendent of the school at Monessen. Lawrence
is a graduate of the Medical College of Philadelphia.
Ida'E. Blackburn was born at Donegal township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and received her early education in the local public and select schools of that
region. Upon completing her studies at these local institutions, she entered the California State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania, and later graduated therefrom. She then took up for a time the profession of teaching and taught for one year
in the schools of her native township. She then was transferred to the schools of
Mount Pleasant, where she remained four years, and thereafter secured a similar post
in the Greensbnrg schools, where she remained for a period of eight years. She had
long been interested in the subject of medicine, and in the fall of I892, having decided
definitely upon making this her profession, she took up the study of the subject at the
Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.  Here, after establishing
an excellent record for scholarship, she was graduated with the class of 1895, taking
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Her theoretical studies were followed up by a
year spent in the Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she gained the requisite
practical experience, and in I896 she returned to Greensburg and there established
herself in general practice. From the outset Dr. Blackburn met with success and is
at the present time recognized as one of the most capable physicians in that region and
has a large and remunerative practice there. Dr. Blackburn is interested in general
professional matters, and is a member of the Westmoreland County Medical Society,
the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
The effect of character upon environment is always a difficult matter to estimate,
even when that effect is wrought by perfectly concrete means as, for instance, in the
case of the average prominent man whose successful operations in business, politics or
what not give ius some definite basis for calculation as to what he has done for his community. When, however, the effect is wrought in some more intangible form, and
especially when it is the influence of the more private life of a woman, the whole
problem is raised into the realm of the spiritual, and even conjecture, and far less
anything like definite estimate, becomes a practical impossibility. All that we can say
in such cases is that the effect is great or small, and even then, of the latter judgment
we must remain ignorant, since none can really know the value of the apparently insignificant. When, however, we meet with a life full of womanly strength, beauty and
virtue, we can say with complete assurance that its effect has been great, however
quietly it may have been lived or however little its self-claim to credit.
i8iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
SAMUEL POTTER BROWN-There is, no family: more highly respected in
Westmoreland county than that of the Browns, which is represented to-day in the
city of Greensburg by Samuel Potter' Brown, whose well-known and popular pharmacy sets a standard in this line of business for the entire community.
Dr. Samuel Potter Brown, grandfather of Samuel Potter Brown, was born, in
Greensburg; Pennsylvania, in I8OI, and died in I86o. After a.thorough preliminary
education in the schools of his native city, he began the study of medicine under the
tuition of Dr. James Postlethwaite, and was graduated from the Medical Department
of the University of Pennsylvania, I823. He began the practice of his profession in
Middletown, and in the. fall of I824 returned to Philadelphia to spend another year at
the University. Locating then in Blairsville, he practiced until I828, meeting with a
large degree of success, and then located in Greensburg, remaining in active practice
until his death  During his.mature years he ranked among the first physicians of
Western Pennsylvania. He was highly appreciated by the profession generally, as is
evidenced by the fact that the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred
upon him in I850 by the Pennsylvania University.  Dr. Brown married Mary Jane
N'ichols, and they were among the most, prominent residents of the community in that.early period.. They were the parents'of a son, Will, of whom further.
Will Brown, father of Samuel Potter Brown, was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, I840, and died there in March, I89o. He was educated in the schools of his
native city, and later studied for the profession of pharmacist, ranking high in that
line in his community, in which he was eminently successful, accumulating a considerable competence.  He married Millicent Eyster, a native of York, Pennsylvania, a
daughter of the Rev. Michael and Julia (Eichelberger) Eyster. The Rev. Mr., Eyster
was also a native of York, and had charge of various Lutheran churches in Westmoreland county and finally became pastor of Zion-. Church in Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown were the parents of two children: Samuel Potter, of whom further; and
Millicent Eyster, who became the wife of John S. Murphy, of Baltimore, Maryland,
where he conducts a successful jewelry business. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are the parents of one child, Will Brown Murphy.
Samuel Potter Brown was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 9, I862. He received his education in the local public school, which
he attended until he attained the age of eighteen years, when he entered Washington
 Jefferson College at Washington, Pennsylvania. Upon completing his studies at
this institution, he returned at once to Greensburg and began his business career as a
clerk in a drug store, which was founded here by his father, in the year I859, and he
continued in a clerical capacity until the year I89O, when, upon his father's death, he
assumed control. of the business, in the operation of which he has continued to the
present time (1918). From  its start this business has, been successful, but it has
grown with phenomenal speed since it passed under the management of Mr. Brown,
and its present large proportions are due in very large measure to his business skill
and capacity. Mr. Brown has also interested himself vitally in the public affairs of
Greensburg. He is a Democrat in politics and served for seven years on the Greensburg School Board. He is also a Free Mason and a member of the local lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian and attends
the First Church in the city of Greensburg.
Mr. Brown married, June I4, I883, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Margaret Hill,
a native of Westmoreland county; Pennsylvania, a daughter of, John and Lavinia
(Taylor) Hill, old and highly respected residents of this region, both of whom are now
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of ten children, as follows: Margaret
Mae, who became the wife of Jay Curtis Jamison, a prominent citizen of Greensburg,
mentioned elsewhere in this work; Paul, who is now engaged in business in the sportsi82BIOGRAPHICAL
men's supply store in Greensburg; Louise, who resides at home; Samuel Potter, Jr.,
who assists his father in the latter's business; Will, who died at the age of nineteen
years; Edwin, now a student in the Greensburg High School; Thomas, also a student
there. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown died in infancy.
HARRY E. REAMER-Professor Harry E. Reamer, the well-known and popular principal of the Greensburg Manual Training School, is a son of Jacob D. and
Mary A. (Wible) Reamer, old and highly honored residents of Greensburg, where Mr.
Reamer, Sr., is now living retired. Professor Reamer is an excellent example of that
persevering and industrious American character which has spelled success for so many,
even though they have started life under adverse circumstances.
He was born March 22, I869, in the Eighth Ward of Greensburg, and during the
first twenty-se-Ten years of his life resided in that neighborhood. It was here that
his earliest impressions and associations were formed and here also that he received
his education, attending for this purpose the Eighth Ward public school, at that time
conducted by J. I. Davidson, a well-known educator in Greensburg. He entered the
Greensburg Seminary at the age of seventeen and there studied during two terms. At
the end of this period he entered the Greensburg Normal School and studied under
Professors Spiegel and Sharp. It was necessary for Professor Reamer to begin some
active work upon the completion of his studies in the last-named institution, and
accordingly, although he had a strong ambition to teach, he apprenticed himself to a
contractor at Greensburg, one Mr. Thomas Wible, with whom he remained during
three years and gained an expert knowledge of his craft. He then entered the employ
of J. Covode Reed, who was engaged in a successful lumber business, and here he
was associated during a period of some twenty-one years. During the last seven
years of this term  he held the position of superintendent of Mr. Reed's extensive
establishment. During his association with Mr. Reed, he gained a wide experience in
the use of machinery, architecture and building in its various forms, as well as the
intricate craft of stair building, all of which is of invaluable use in his present vocation, and has a natural adaptability in architecture, in which he excells.
Professor Reamer's qualifications as a teacher had made themselves apparent to
his friends and associates, and during several years of his association with Mr. Reed
he had served the community as a member of the school board and given it the advantages of his knowledge on the subject. From the outset Professor Reamer favored
strongly the institution of manual training schools in the region, believing that in this
way both boys and girls could be better trained to meet the practical problems of life
than in almost any other, and he also favored the introduction of various scientific and
domestic courses. There were twenty-four members on the school board during his
period of service and he and four others of these members constituted a special committee for the purpose of establishing and organizing the manual training school which
they had urged. In this great work Professor Reamer was especially active and under
his superintendence the Seventh Ward and grammar schools buildings were erected
with accommodations for an extensive. manual training course together with courses
in domestic science. Professor Reamer was then prevailed upon by the school board
to take charge of this department, and from that time to this (I9I7), a period of some
seven years, he has held this responsible office. During the past four years of this
term Professor Reamer has himself been a student, taking a number of night courses
at Carnegie's Jnstitute of Technology at Pittsburgh, in order to perfect and make
modern his knowledge of these subjects. The service that he is doing his community is an invaluable one and is recognized by his fellow-citizens, who honor him
greatly therefore. While Professor Reamer could easily enter other fields where the
remuneration would be greater and more commensurate with his abilities, yet his love
i83OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of his work with the, advancement of the young induces him to continue in his labor
of love. Professor Reamer served one term on the Greensburg council from the Third
Ward.
Professor Reamer was united in marriage, I897, at Greensburg, with Henrietta
Richardson Campbell, like himself a native of Greensburg, who was educated here and
graduated from the Greensburg High School with the class of I891. Mrs. Reamer is
a daughter of E. G. and Sarah E. (Cease) Campbell. To Professor and Mrs. Reamer
one child has been born, Sarah Eleanor, who is now a pupil in the Greensburg public
schools. Professor Reamer and his wife and daughter are members of the First Reformed Church of Greensburg, and he has taken a very active part in the work of the
congregation and now for the past ten years has been a deacon thereof, and secretary
of the consistory for six years. Mrs. Reamer is an active member of many of the
ladies' societies connected with the church and does much to assist in its philanthropic
undertakings. Professor Reamer is a member of the Democratic party, and although
quite without ambition in the political world maintains the keenest interest in the
important issues and questions of the day.
Professor Reamer's achievement as an educator has been a noteworthy one. The
line in which he has chosen to work is not one in which success of a marked kind is
often won until comparatively late in life, yet Professor Reamer has for a number of
years been at the head of one of the most important educational institutions in the
county. The post, such as he occupies, is generally reserved for gray hairs. While it
is not possible to compare directly the various services wrought Ior the community
by different types of men engaged in divergent kinds of work; while the benefits
resulting from the achievements of the merchant and artist, for instance, are immeasurable terms and cannot be submitted to the same standard of measure, yet it is
possible by a sort of spiritual calculous to judge of the relative values of such elements
and at least to say of them that they are great or small in a general scale of magnitude. Gauged by such a standard, the work of a man such as Professor Reamer must
stand very high, and that it does so is recognized by the community at large. in whose
regard he holds a most enviable position.
CHARLES G. CLIFFORD, M. D.-Four families named, respectively, Prichett,
Meharg, Parke and Clifford, came to Ligonier Valley in one delegation, before the
Revolution. They all came from  the one section in New Jersey, and the Cliffords
prior to that came from England. Charles Clifford was the head of the family in
Westmoreland county, and took up about four hundred acres of land on which he
lived as a farmer during the remainder of his life. This land was on Mill creek, about
two and one-half miles northeast of the present borough of Ligonier. The story of
his capture by the Indians and also of the shooting of an Indian by his son, James,
has been told among the Indian tales in the first volume of this series. Charles Clifford was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, his name being found on a miscellaneous list of soldiers of that war called the "Original Depreciation Pay List," on file
among the pu;lJic records at Harrisburg. After securing his release from the Indians,
he returned to his family and remained there until his death in I815. His remains were
interred in Fort Palmer cemetery. In Ligonier valley Charles Clifford married a
woman named Gordon, and their children were:  Jane, married John Menoher;
Sarah, married Robert Reed; Edward; Charles, married a Miss Lythe, from whom
is descended the Lockport Cliffords; Mary, married Joseph Whitesides; James, married Mary Rogers, and it was he who shot the Indian near Fort Ligonier, and he and
his wife are buried in Fort Palmer cemetery; Joseph, of whom later; Thomas, married Catherine Lawson, and from them is descended Colonel John Clifford, who built
I84BIOGRAPHICAL
Oak Grove Furnace, and was elsewhere engaged in the iron industry in Ligonier
Valley.
Joseph Clifford, son of Charles Clifford, was born in New Jersey, May I5, 1764,
died in the Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania, June 9, I84I, aged seventy-seven years and
twenty-five days. He was but a lad when brought by his father to the Ligonier Valley,
and he spent hi' life on the farm'which has been in the possession of the family since
April 22, I772. The house which he built, with some improvements, is yet standing,
and is now the residence of his grandson, Abraham B. Clifford. About I792 he married Isabella Prichett, born December 31, 1772, died June 23, I855. She was a daughter of one of the four families referred to above. They had become tired of their
home in Ligonier Valley, presumably because of the Indian incursions, and had concluded to move back to New Jersey and take their daughter Isabella with them. On
the night before they were to start, Joseph Clifford took Isabella across the hills to
Squire James Pollock's place, at present the Stark place, where they were married,
and Isabella remained a citizen of the' valley until her death.
Edward Clifford, son of Joseph and Isabella (Prichett) Clifford, was born on the
Clifford homestead now occupied by his son, Abraham B. Clifford, July 27, I807, died
June 2, I886, and was buried at Fort Palmer. Throughout his life he was a farmer
and stock dealer, was a man of more than ordinary powers, and became one of the
wealthiest men of the valley in his day. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, and
was twice chosen to fill the office of tax collector. He married, March 24, I83I, Catharine Myers, born March 29, i8o8, died June 8, I871, daughter of Christopher and Barbara Myers.
Christopher Myers Clifford, son of Edward and Catharine (Myers) Clifford, was
born on the old Clifford homestead, June 24, I834. He was a farmer and stock raiser
until about fifteen years before his death, when he moved to Ligonier village and there
engaged in the mercantile business during the remainder of his life.
The history of the Clifford family has been described in a previous record of the
prominent residents of Westmoreland county and it is quite fitting that this record
should be repeated here.
Dr. Charles G. Clifford, optometrist, was born at Scottdale, WVestmoreland county,
Pennsylvania. May I6, I887, son of Dr. Joseph B. and Lillas (Greenawalt) Clifford.
The former's death occurred in I9o8, when he was forty-four years of age. After having been educated at Ligonier Academy and the Cleveland Medical College, from
which he graduated in I893, Dr. Joseph B. Clifford took up his practice in McKeesport, where he was located for fifteen years prior to his death. His early life shows
many of the hard struggles which some of our successful physicians have had to
undergo in order to obtain their medical education. After completing his course at the
academy, he taught school for a short time, after which he accepted a position in the
Braddock ticket office of the Pennsylvania railroad, from which he was transferred to
the Union Station at Pittsburgh. These positions did not seem to give him the rapid
advancement which he felt was necessary if he wanted to take up the study of medicine. He, therefore, took what money he had saved to start in the bakery business.
This proved highly profitable and he soon found himself able to continue his medical
studies. Considering the difficulties under which his education was obtained it is
particularly derlorable to note.that his death was caused by. blood-poisoning, which
resulted from an infection contracted while practicing surgery. He was a member of
Darwin Medical Association, Board of Health of McKeesport, of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and a thirty-three degree member of Free and Accepted
Masons. His,tanding in the community was high, and he was frequently sought for
public office, but he felt that he could not divide his time between his profession and
public positions He is survived by four sons: Elmer E., student at Ohio Northern
University, Ada, Ohio. is preparing to be a teacher; Carl M., prepared for the medical
I85186                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
profession at AWestern Reserve University, now a resident of Fremont, Ohio; Joseph
M., was a student at High School at Elyria, Ohio, joined the Naval Reserve, and is
now in training to become an ensign, and'has been transferred from  Cleveland to a
boat on the lakes; and Charles G., of whom later. Mrs. Clifford, the mother of these
children, resides in Fremont, Ohio.
Dr. Charles G. Clifford was educated in the public schools at home, and subsequently at Mount Pleasant Institute, where he was a student for one year. On
account of his health he found it necessary to give up this confining work, and for
four years accepted a position-as clerk. At the end of this time, being greatly improved, he left immediately for Chicago, where he took a course in Optometrics. Completing this work in February, I913,'he located in Louisville, Kentucky, and, remained
there for over two years, then removed to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and is now
(I918) a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, his place of business in the Arcade, No. 4II
Euclid avenue, where he enjoys a large and highly lucrative practice, and is regarded
as one of the most successful professional men in the city.
On June 28, I913, Dr. Clifford married Irine M. Brown, of Louisville, Kentucky, daughter of P. C. Brown, of that city, and to them two children have been born:
Charles B. and Kathleen Annette. Both Dr. and Mrs. Clifford are members of the
United Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES HOMER BOLTON-Although three generations of Boltons in this
line have lived in Western Pennsylvania, Charles H. Bolton, president of the IrwinHerminie Traction Company, is the second born in Westmoreland county, his father
coming to Irwin from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, Jonathan
Bolton, coming from England in I838, bringing his wife. Jonathan Bolton, who settled in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and there followed the butcher business for
a number of years, was'succeeded by his son, William Bolton, born in Allegheny
county, in 1842, there learned his father's trade and business, and died in East McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in I9IO, on Easter Sunday. William Bolton located in Irwin
in I858, when a lad of sixteen years. After his marriage, he started a butcher business
in Circleville, wvhich continued for thirty years, known as William BoIton  Son. He
was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty-five years, joining
the church at the age of seventeen, and for a time was superintendent of the Sunday
school of the Circleville church. He was an upright, consistent Christian, respected of
all men. He married, Febrtiary 25, I864, at Irwin, Catherine Ann Leffler, born August
I7, I844, at Etna, Pennsylvania, daughter of George Leffler, born in Germany, a
cabinet-maker, who was killed on the railroad at Port Perry, Pennsylvania, in I858.
George Leffler married Alice Wise, daughter of William Wise, a farmer, Catherine
Ann being the eldest of their seven children. William and Catherine Ann (Leffler)
Bolton were the parents of three sons and six daughters, eight of whom are living,
one of these being Charles H. Bolton, of Irwin, whose life work is herein reviewed.
Charles H. Bolton was born in Irwin, Pennsylvania, March 3, I867.  He was
educated in the puublic schools, and spent his youth and early manhood engaged in his
father's business and in varied pursuits, but finally found his true sphere, and since
the organization of the Irwin-Herminie Traction Company, he has been its efficient
president. This road is peculiar among traction lines, being a purely local one, paid
for from bonafide stock sales without the addition of water, fills a local need, is run
economically, and returns a fair profit to the stockholders. All the stock subscriptions
were taken in I'rwin and vicinity, and since its beginning Mr. Bolton has been president of the company and manager of the road. He is an able business man, broadminded and progressive, not afraid to lead where his judgment dictates, a man of fine
personality and friendly manner. Like his father, Mr. Bolton is a devoted churchmanBIOGRAPHICAL
Westmoreland Bank an additional tract of land containing three hundred and twenty
acres. He thus owned between nine hundred and one thousand acres of land in one
continuous tract, being all the land on the Youghiogheny river in North Huntingdon
township, and extending over into Sewickley township. On this land he had a large
grist mill, a distillery, and a cheese house and factory. On it there were also established three mansion, or dwelling houses. The stone house which afterwards came to
Joseph Robbins was built in I803, and an additional front erected in I819. This house
stood until I9a4, when it was torn down. On the William Robbins tract of the land
was erected a large frame house with a center chimney, which furnished the draft for
large fireplaces. This house was rebuilt in 1895, and the frame part of the old building is still used! in the present structure. The other house which stood on the tract
which came to Hezekiah Robbins, and has since been owned by the heirs of Jacob
Greenwalt, is still standing.
Mr. Robbins was a great friend of the slaves, and was connected with the "Grapevine Road," and assisted many of them to escape. It is a noticeable fact that there
have always been a large number of negroes in the employ of the Robbins family. He
also was accustomed to maintain in his house what was known as the "Poor Room,"
where the poor of the township were kept and cared for, supported partly by charity
and partly by the small services they could render.
In I818 Mary (Boardman) Robbins, the wife of Brintnel Robbins, died. There
were ten children born of this marriage: I. Archibald, born in I778. 2. Keziah, born
in I780, married William Newlin. 3. Hezekiah, married Mary Wilson. 4. Polly, born
in I787, married Alexander Woods. 5. Joseph, born in I789, married Rebecca Woods,
6. Moses, born in I793, married Margaret Power. 7. David. 8. Rachel, married Samuel Gordon. 9. William, of further mention. Io. Betsey, born in I805, married James
McConnell.
A number of years before his death, Brintnell Robbins determined to divide all his
land among his children. The mill with the land adjoining thereto he gave to his son
David. This mill continued in operation until impaired by slackwater navigation in
I848. The western part of his land he gave to William Robbins, the eastern part to
Moses Robbins, and the "Still Farm" or higher land to Hezekiah Robbins. Brintnel
Robbins then came to Greensburg, and started in the hotel business at the corner of
West Otterman street and Pennsylvania avenue, in a building that stood on the site
of the Stark building. The stone on the gable still bears the date I796. Here, January
27, 1820, Brintnel Robbins married (second) Mary Goodlin. After keeping the hotel
for several years he purchased what was then known as the Wegley farm, three miles
south of Greensburg, and removed there, and he died there, July 25, I836, and was
buried in the Harrold church-yard, two miles south of Greensburg borough, his tombst9ne still indicating the spot where he lies. This tombstone was repaired and relettered by the order of his great-grandson in 1915, and the cemetery itself incorporated
through the efforts of the same man, and an endowment raised which now amounts to
one thousand, i;ve hundred dollars, for the purpose of caring for this which is one of
the oldest burial places in the western part of the State.
Brintnel Robbins was a remarkable man in an age which produced many men of
great force of character. In his religious views the stout old Puritan strain was to
be noted in its most stalwart form. He was one of the founders of the old Bethel
United Presbyterian Church, and was a constant attendant there until he left the Robbins farms. It is said of him that he frequently journeyed out to the church on Saturday to start the fires for Sunday. He was a strict disciplinarian and on occasion would
announce to his family that the next day being a fast day no one of the household
should eat fro! sunrise to sunset, and not even the baby should be given any nourishment. His descendants have always attended either the Bethel or the Long Run
church, and four generations are buried in the Long Run church-yard.
I IBIOGRAPHICAL                                    I87
connected with the United Brethren church of Herminie and superintendent of the
Sunday school. He is a member of Westmoreland Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons,
of Greensburg, and holds the thirty-two degrees of Williamsport Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a Knight of Malta.
Mr. Bolton married, in I895, in Jacksonville, Pennsylvania, Margaret White,
whose ancestor. James White, came from County Derry, Ireland, in the latter part
of the eighteenth century. James White, the founder, settled near Bethany Station,
Westmoreland county, and there married Martha Bigord, who bore him several sons
and daughters. James White died May I5, I825, aged seventy-four, his. wife died
February 7, iSlo, aged fifty-four. Joseph White, son of James and Martha White,
was born April 5, I799, in Westmoreland county, but in the spring of I846 moved to
Lee county, Iowa, and there died July 6, I846, only a few months after their arrival.
He married, September I, 1825, Margaret Gaut, daughter of John and Martha Gaut,
who resided near Mt. Pleasant, Penn,sylvania.  In November, I846, Mrs. White
returned from  Iowa with her seven children and again became an inmate of her
father's home. She died November 22, 1882, aged seventy-eight years.
James White, fourth child and eldest son of Joseph and Margaret (Gaut) White,
was born in N'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 4, I832, died September.
I7, I907. Until I865 he was engaged in farming, then moved'to Jacksonville, Pennsyl-'
vania, where he continued his business of cattle buyer and general live stock dealer,
a business he had begun during the Civil War, buying horses and mules for the government. Later he became a dealer in coal lands, and until I89I was prospering abundantly. The failure of the banking house, Peter Pool  Sons, of Irwin, swept away
his fortune. He resumed business through the aid of friends and soon rebuilt his
fortune. He dealt in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia coal lands, his holdings.
aggregating at one time about fourteen thousand acres. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith a Presbyterian. He married, October 20, I86I, Harriet
Marchand, daughter of Abraham and Rachel Marchand, they the parents of eleven
sons and daughters, Margaret being the sixth child and third daughter. Charles H.
and Margaret (White) Bolton are the parents of two daughters and four sons: Helen
W., born July 4, I896; Fred O., born September 12, I899; Margaret and William,
twins, born February I7, I904, William died aged nine months; Charles H. and James
H., twins, bornl June I, I9o8.
PHILIP STAMBAUGH KUHNS-From time immemorial the learned professions have gathered about them a great body of lofty and brilliant tradition which has
supplied a sort of atmosphere in which all those who are following its practice are
steeped, as it were, until they acquire something of its quality, and become imbued with
the ideals and aims which are held up as criteria for the imitation of all. Medicine,
the law, teaching, each has its own and until one comes into more or less close contact
with them, he cannot realize how individual is each and how unlike the others. It
remains for this country, however, and especially Pennsylvania, to produce a similar
tradition for those other, not less important, callings which are generally grouped
under the head of commercial or mercantile businesses, which here have reached a
development and attained a place in the regard of the community before unknown.
The merchants and other business men of Pennsylvania have established traditions of
a nature and degree comparable to those of the professions, with an atmosphere as
definite and standards as high. Just as in the professions, they can point to figures in
their history who have'set worthy standards and established ideals for those who have
come after. An excellent example of such a man, a farmer, merchant and business
man, who was in all respects in the best tradition of the past, who in the matters of
integrity and the discharge of obligations departed not in the least either from theOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
letter or the spirit, the late Philip Stambaugh Kuhns, of Greensburg, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, may well be instanced.
The Kuhns family is a very old one in Pennsylvania and is believed to have been
founded here by Bernhard Kuhns, who was a native of Bavaria, and appears to have
been born there in the year I723. About the date of his coming to this country there
is a certain amnount of doubt, certain authorities stating in a general way that he
reached America aboLut I776, or sometime prior to that date. This estimate must be
surely too late, however, unless we grant a great extension to the word "'prior" in the
phrase, since according to othler authorities his son, Philip Kuhns, was born April II,
1747, in Lehigh township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. Bernhard Kuhns, or
Kuntz, as the name was also spelled, married (first) Catherina Eberhard, who was
born in I723, and died September I7, I780, at the age of fifty-seven years. He married (second) Anna   --, Who was born in January, I724, and died November 25,
I804, at the age of eighty years. The date of Bernhard Kuhn's death was July I4,
I8o7, at the age of eighty-three years, seven months and two weeks.
Philip Kuhns, son of Bernhard and Catherina (Eberhart) Kuhns, passed his
childhood and early youth in Lehigh township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania,
where he was l;orn. He was very prominent in the community, and, with his brother,
John, inherited the six hundred acres of land patented by his father, Bernhard Kuhns,
in the neighborhood of Greensburg, Westmoreland county. Although it is'not positively known, this land is described as being two miles from Greensburg and is supposed to have been situated at or near the site of the present Hannastown. The
acquirement of this property by Bernhard Kuhns probably occurred about I780o and it
seems possible that the family did not come to Westmoreland coufity until after the
Revolution, since Philip Kuhns is believed to have served in the Continental army from
Northampton county in that historic struggle.  Philip Kuhns was very active in
Greensburg after he had come to this place and it is stated-that it was he who gave the
land upon which was erected the Lutheran church on Main street, as well as a lot
for the burying ground connected therewith. Philip Kuhns married Margaret Stambaugh, and they were the parents of the following children: Katherine, who became
the wife of George Brindle; Jacob, who married Susan Brindle; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Adam Bowman; Philip, who married Elizabeth Felger; Mary, who
became the wife of Chris Lobingier; John, mentioned below; Susan, who died at the
age of eighty years; Margaret, who became the wife of Daniel Berlin; Hannah, who
became the wife of John B. Hornish; and Sophia, who died in infancy. It was during
the latter part of the life of Philip Kuhns that the name was changed from Kuntz to
Kuhns, according to tradition, at the desire of his daughter Susan.
John Kuhns, sixth child of Philip and Margaret (Stambaugh) Kuhns, was born
February 25, J783, and made Greensburg his home throughout his life. It was he who
gave land for the site of the English Lutheran church in Greensburg. He was very
prominent in the community and represented Greensburg in the Pennsylvania State
Legislature during four terms and held a number of local offices. He married Susan
Welty, a representative of another old and distinguished Western Pennsylvania family, and thev were the parents of the following children: Maria, who became the wife
of Erasmus Rumbaugh; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Frederick Browneller;
Katherine; Philip Stambaugh, of whom further; Margaret, who married (first) Samuel Church, and (second) James B. Gordon; Henry, who married Charlotte Hay;
John, who married Rachel Uhlam; Harriett, who became the wife of Joseph Walthour.
Henry Kuhns was a minister of the Lutheran church and later became bishop at large.
His home was in Omaha, Nebraska.
Born March io, 1823, in the old log house which stood at the corner of West
Pittsburgh street and Pennsylvania avenue in Greensburg, on the site of which was
afterward erected the Cope House, Philip Stambaugh Kuhns spent practically his
i.88BIOGRAPHICAL
entire life in this city. His education was received at the local common school, and
after completing his studies at Greensburg Academy he was given a clerical position
byv his uncle, Henry Welty, in the latter's store on the southwest corner of Main and
Otterman streets, Greensburg. He worked in that capacity for some time, and in I843
went to Fayette City, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and there engaged in the tanning
business on his own account. He remained thus engaged in Fayette City until the
year I857, when he returned to the vicinity of Greensburg and there purchased the
old Manor farm, adjoining what is now the Underwood section of Greensburg. Mr.
Kuhns actively operated this farm. until the year I873, when he removed into the
borough of Greensburg and there occupied the brick residence at the northwest corner
of Pittsburg and Joe streets. Here he continued to make his home until his death,
May IO, I884. Upon coming to Greensburg, Mr. Kuhns erected the handsome brick
building at the northwest corner of Main and Second streets, known as the "Kuhns
Building," and engaged with others in a successful mercantile business with his store
in this building. He was interested in educational matters and served as a member of
the Hempfield township and Greensburg school boards for a number of years. For a
considerable period Mr. Kuhns served the city as chief burgess and also occupied the
office of treasurer of the borough of Greensburg. He was scrupulous in all his dealings and was a man absolutely trusted by his fellow-citizens as is shown by the fact
that he was appointed guardian to a number of orphans and also settled several estates.
He served for a number of years as a member of the district board of charities. He
was until I848 connected with the new school Presbyterian church.  In that year,
however, he joined the Christian or Disciples church, of which he was a devout member until the time of his death. Mr. Ktihns was a man of remarkable physical strength
and at the age of fifty-nine years could place his hahds on top of a fence nearly shoulder high and leap over it without touching. He possessed a singularly even temper.
Generous and charitable to a degree, he was held in the highest esteem by all who
knew him.
Philip Stambaugh Kuhns was united in marriage, March i8, 1845, while residing
in Fayette county, with Ellen Bugher, a daughter of Captain Aaron Bugher, of Fayette
City. Mrs. Ellen (Bugher) Kuhns was a gracious and gentle lady whose memory
will long linger among the older people of Greensburg. Captain Bugher and Mr.
Kuhns' father, John Kuhns, had represented their respective counties in the State
Legislature at the same time and were personally well known to each other. To Mr.
and Mrs. Kuhnls the following children were born: Rachel, who became the wife of
the Rev. A. H1i. Bartholomew; Emma, who became the wife of Frank L,. Shallenberger; Irene; Margaretta; Harriet, who became the wife of C. L. Goodwin; John
B., who married Tade Hartsuff; Aaron H., who married (first) Laura Murdock and
after her death Korah Morrison. Of these children Mrs. Shallenberger and Mrs.
Goodwin surviv\e.
In the possession of the Kuhns family are some extremely ancient and interesting documents. among others that which is concerned with the birth and career of
Philip Kuhns. the grandfather of the Philip Stambaugh Kuhns of this sketch. It is
in the German language and a translation of it runs as follows:
PHILIP KUHNS.
Philip Kuhns was born on the eleventh of April, 1747, in Lehigh township, Northampton county, in the State of Pennsylvania. His father is the Honorable Bernhard
Kuntz and his mother was Catherine, his honorable wife, whose maiden name
was Eberhard, an inhabitant or resident of the above named township. The two parents, according to Christian duty, having baptized shortly after his bodily birth in holy
baptism. The Christian name of Philip was given him, which is herewith certified to
by my own hand. His bodily helper gave her word of honor as sponsor, Barbra B. N.
Newhard.
I89OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
The Lord preserveth in the vow he has made with the God, so that he may never
depart from  it, or violate it, so that after life he may enter with all God's children
into the joy of eternal rest.
Philip S. Kuhns was at the height of his successful career when death claimed
him, his age being but sixty-one years. His character and ability had given him an
enviable reputation, and made him one of the most prominent figures in the life of the
city. His public spirit was great, and he was ever ready to give what aid he might
to all movements for the welfare of the community. His sterling qualities of character, integrity, industry and a strong sense of.justice, did even more for him than win
him worldly success. It also won him a host of frietds and admirers, and in a peculiar manner the friendship of the community at large.
EUGENE B. HOVEY, M. D.-There are some families in whom the independent and daring spirit of the pioneer is dominant for generations. To such people the
new and unfamliliar s.uggests no problems against which they fear to struggle, and they
are always ready to start out in new fields, new enterprises and new professions. Dr.
Eugene B. Hovey and his very capable wife are descendants of families who have
been pioneers in various undertakings, and they themselves in their practice of. the
science of chiropractics have proven that they also have the strength to break away
from the traditional if they see greater possibilities in the new.
Dr. Hovey was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, the son of Philip and Sarah
E. (Carter) F'ovey, both of whom were natives of Germantown, Columbia county,
New York.'The former was for many years a marine engineer on trans-Atlantic
steamers. This profession kept him away from home and seemed to offer no chance
for individual or rapid advancement, consequently when the oil excitement broke out
in Western Pennsylvania he was one of the first to start out to try his fortune in the
new enterprise. In this region the remainder of his life was spent in developing oil
properties, and in this endeavor he met with success which gave him substantial reward.
Dr. Eugene B. Hovey spent his youth at home, attending the public schools and
assisting his parents. After completing his course at Thiel College, he engaged in a
number of enterprises in his effort to find something for which he was particularly
fitted and which would give him an opportunity to develop his personal talents as well
as serve his community. These early occupations, which included oil producing and
electrical work, were rather lucrative and enabled him to prepare to take up the study
of his profession. At that time there were not many Chiropractic schools in the country, and he found it necessary to go to Davenport, Iowa, to pursue his course. After
graduating from the Chiropractic College, he immediately located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but remained there for only one year, after which he permanently settled in
Greensburg. As Dr. and Mrs. Hovey were the first Chiropractic practitioners to come
to Greensburg, they remained for one year before they relinquished their Pittsburgh
office entirely, and at the expiration of that period of time the success which attended
their efforts at their new headquarters was extremely gratifying, and in their large
clientele they found ample work to warrant a permanent and complete change from
their former location. Dr. Hovey attributes a large degree of his success to the assistance of his wife, who is also a graduate of the Universal Chiropractic College of
Davenport, Iowa, and who,.with him, is a charter member of the Pennsylvania- Chiropractic Association.  Their offices, located in the Barclay building (over street car
station), Main street, Greensburg, are completely equipped for their work, and here
they cater to a large practice, owing to their phenomenal success in relieving physical
ailments by the use of Chiropractic adjustments,-which is a scientific method of removing the cause of disease without the use of drugs, based on a correct knowledge of
anatomy, especially of the nervous system. The principle of Chiropractic is that the
Igo90- BIOGRAPHICAL
igi
cause of disease is in the person afflicted and due to nerve interference. The function
of every organ and tissue in the body is controlled by- mental impulses from. the brain,
which are transmitted by the nerves to the various parts and organs. Any impinge-ment of these nerves interfering with the free transmission of the mental impulses
results in abnormal function, called disease. This interference is caused by subluxated
vertebrae pressing on nerves as they pass out from the spinal cord. The Chiropractor
is able to locate the subluxated vertebrae, and bye adjusting the same removes the pressure on the nerves, restoring normal conditions, and health is the result.
Dr. Hovey. married Mary E. Dunnigan, daughter of Patrick and Alice (Higgins)
Dunnigan, the former a native of Ireland, who came to this country when a young man
and settled in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and later in Butler county, same State.
Mrs. Hovey is a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and a descendant from one of
the-oldest families of that section. In fact, her grandfather, James Higgins, settled.there as a pioneer, having to clear the forests before he was able to engage in farming.
E. ELMER HELMAN-The man whose name stands at the head of this article
and whose post office address is Irwin, Pennsylvania, has long been a recognized leader
*and interpreter of public sentiment. Mr. Helman, who is sole owner of the Republican
Printing Company, which. publishes the "Republican Standard and Westmoreland
Journal," was for many years identified with the manufacturing interests of Pennsylvania and has long been a conspicuous figure in local and State politics.
Michael Helman, great-grandfather of E. Elmer Helman, came before I786 from
York county, Pennsylvania, and.settled near East McKeesport, Versailles township,
Allegheny county, obtaining a patent for the land on which Grandview Cemetery is
now situated. Michael Helman and his wife were the parents of eight children, the
second son, Dani.el, being mentioned below. Mr. Helman had not been many years in
possession of his new home when VVestern Pennsylvania was disturbed by the Whiskey
Insurrection.  The scene of this. important event in our history was limited almost
entirely to the four counties of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington and Fayette,
and was caused by the "excise tax," as it was then called. In I794 the agitation culminated in a f1rious outbreak which United States troops were called upon to quell.
It i5. interesting to note that after subduing the insurrection the army, after leaving
Pittsburgh, made its first halt at Michael Helman's farm, fifteen miles east of that
city. This old.. homestead is thus, apart from its family traditions, invested with historical associations.
Daniel Helman, son of Michael Helman, was born in I786, and in I836 settled at
Larimer, North Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, where he purchased a
farm and erected a stone house which is still standing. Mr. Helman married, in I807,
Catherine Ludwick, and their children were: Jacoh, Martha, Rachel, Elizabeth, Maria,
Samuel, Mary, William, Peter, mentioned below; Jane,,Catherine, and Hetty.
Peter Helman, son of Daniel and Catherine (Ludwick) Helman, was born in
1822, and in the fifties was the'proprietor of two general stores, one at Harrison City
and the other at Larimer.  In partnership with Daniel Beck he purchased the grist
mill at Irwin and in I868 disposed of his interest, removing to Larimer where he
bought the flour mill which he operated during the remainder of his life. Mr. Helman married, in I854, Hannah, daughter of Simon Lauffer, of Penn township, and
the following children were born to them:  Alice A., William  W., E. Elmer, mentioned below; and S. Grant. The death. of Peter Helman occurred in I88o. He was
respected always as an honest man and. a good citizen, and was elected to the office
of justice of peace, serving with prompt despatch and faithfulness..--
E. Elmer, Helman, son of Peter and Hannah (Lauffer) Helman, was born April
Io, I86I, at Larimer, where he received his earliest education in the public schools,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
afterward attending the select schools of North Huntingdon township, which was then
conducted at Circleville, and graduating in I882 from Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh. After his father's death Mr. Helman, then a youth of nineteen succeeded to
the management of the flour mill, which he operated successfully, installing the roller
process in I884  In I888 he disposed of the business and moved to Irvona, Clearfield
county, Pennsylvania, where he erected a foundry and machine shop. The success
which attended him in this enterprise may be gauged by the fact that he conducted it
for nineteen years, indisputable evidence of his ability as a business man. Meanwhile,
however, Mr. Helman's attention had been drawn in other directions and in 1907 he
moved to Irwin where. in association with his brother, S. Grant Helman, he undertook the publication of the "Republican Standard and Westmoreland Journal."  Mr.
Helman is now the owner and editor of this paper and by his manner of conducting it
has shown himself well fitted for activity in the field of journalism. He also carries
on a commercial printing business under the name of the Republican Printing Company and of this likewise he is now sole owner. The "Republican Standard and
Westmoreland Journal" flourishes apace, showing an annual increase in its number of
subscribers.
Public spirit has ever been a dominant trait in Mr. Helman's character, and while
a resident of Irvona he took an active part in the incorporation of the borough. He
was the choice of his fellow-citizens for councilman and school director and so satisfactory was his service in both these offices that he was retained in them almost continuously. His political allegiance is given to the Republicans and so prominently had
he been identified with the Progressive movement that in I914 he received the nomination of the V Washington party for the State Legislature. Both in face and manner
Mr. Helman shows himself to be the alert, far-sighted; clear-headed man that everyone knows him to be. He would be recognized by a great number of the inhabitants
of Westmoreland county and by many of the residents of Clearfield county.
Mr. Helman married, September 30, I885, Eva May, daughter of Thomas W. and
Evaline (Painter), of North Huntingdon township, and they are the parents of the
following children: I. Mervyn P., born March 25, I887, married Ruth Kennedy,
daughter of Thomas Kennedy, of State College, Pennsylvania, a prominent contractor
there; he now lives at Fairmont, West Virginia, and is a mechanical engineer; they
have one son, Mervyn P., Jr. 2. Thomas L., born January 25, 1890. 3. Frank W.,
born July 5, I85'3. 4. Elmer G., born June I5, I895. 5. William A., born November I8,
I898. 6. Evaline P., born March 9, 1902. All these with the exception of Mervyn P.,
who resides in West Virginia as stated, live at home with their parents. Mr. Helman
is devoted to the ties of family and friendship, and Mrs. Helman, a woman of great
good sense and most pleasing personality, presides over an attractive and happy home.
The whole faniily enjoy-a high degree of social popularity. Mrs. Helman is a graduate of the Indiana State Normal School, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.  Her father,
Thomas W. Painter, comes of an old family of that name in North Huntingdon
township, which has for many generations been engaged in agricultural work. She
has always taken an active interest in all community betterment work. At Irvona, she
was the first president of the Village Improvement Society, which has done much to
awaken interesi and pride in the home surroundings of that village. Since coming to
Irvona she has continued along similar lines. She has served as president of the
Woman's Musical and Literary Club, the pioneer woman's organization of the town,
and has served very efficiently on the various committees that have been concerned
with home economics, conservation, etc. She is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society,
a charitable orioanization, and also to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and
has served as State and county delegate for some of the above organizations. She
has also been a member of the women's advisory committee that worked in conjunction with the building committee in charge of the construction of the United Presby192BIOGRAPHICAL
terian church of Irwin, built in I9I4, and has been an active church worker along personal lines.
Combining as he does the attributes of a business man, a journalist and a consistent advocate of progressive local politics, Mr. Helman possesses a threefold capacity for serving his community, and both at Irvona and Irwin his fellow-citizens have
accorded him most convincing proofs of appreciation.
CHARLES C. KOUGH-The founder of the Kough Studio, Charles C. Kough,
was one of the best photographic artists of Western Pennsylvania, and made the studio
one of the art centers of that section. He possessed the soul of an artist, with great
natural talent. and strove with the aid of the camera, brush and pencil to advance true
artistic culture. Under his sons, J. Lawrence and Paul E. Kough, who succeed him,
the studio retains its olden time popularity, and in them his artistic ambitions are being
carried forward with the same high ideals.
Charles C Kough was born in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, died in Passadena, California, October 2, I9I2. He early exhibited artistic
talent, but the way did not open for him to pursue studies in painting, his first opportunity coming through photography. He entered the employ of H. J. Springer, the
then leading Scottdale photographer, and under him learned the basic principles of the
art and became an expert camera artist. When he far outgrew the Scottdale gallery
he went elsewhere, and under better artistic conditions developed a rare skill in posing,.
lighting and background effects. In I894 he opened the Kough Studio in Greensburg
and began a most successful career, which only terminated in the fall of I9II, when
his health, never robust, gave way, compelling him to sell his business and seek a
milder clime.
During those years of his management of the Kough Studio he developed wonderfully as an artist and won high reputation. The studio attracted the best class of
patrons from far and near and his name carried a guarantee of excellence. His fame
was widespread and not only among patrons but among artists of national repute he was
acknowledged as peer and in some branches of photographic art a superior.  He
was a member of the Pennsylvania State and the N'ational Photographic societies, and
was an exhibitor at many conventions of the societies and at art shows, winning many
substantial tokens of the excellence of his work, even in competition with the best
artists of the county. He did not confine the work of the studio to photography, but
executed orders in oil, pastel, india ink and crayon, much of which was his own work.
He kept fully abreast of the mechanical advance in photography, and no device of lens
or other apparatus of development or of printing but he was among the first to ascertain its value. His lighting effects were exquisite, and his ability to pose a subject that
the best and nmost striking result was obtained amounted to genius. He joined with
his brethren of the profession in founding the Westmoreland-Fayette Photographic
Association, and was one of its members until his retirement. He was wholly devoted
to his art and had few outside interests. He was a member of the Presbyterian
church, and a man thoroughly respected.
Charles C. Kough married Minnie Stineman, daughter of A. L. and Martha Stineman, of Scottdale, who survives her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Kough were the parents
of four sons: J. Lawrence, of further mention; Ralph L., a salesman; Paul E., of
further mention; Walter W., an architect.
J. Lawrence Kough was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, January 29, I889, his
father then having a studio in that city. He was educated in the public schools, and
while at times he followed varied vocations, most of his life has been devoted to
photography, his honored father his instructor, mentor and example. When the busiW-13
*I93OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ness was sold in the fall of I9II it was out of the family until November I5, I9I5,
when J. Lawrence and Paul E. Kough, sons of the founder, again opened the Kough
Studio at No. 132 North Main street, Greensburg, and there the same high standards
prevailed as when father and sons were associated. He is a member of the National
and Westmoreland-Fayette Photographic associations, and of the First Presbyterian
Church. On March IO, I918, he enlisted in the photographic division of the aviation
section, with rank of M. S. E., and is instructor at Rochester, New York, Aerial
School of Photography.
Paul E. Kough was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, March 8, I892, but since
I894 has lived in Greensburg, obtaining his education in the public schools of that city.
Like his brother, he early entered the Kough Studio and was taught the art of photography by his father, who not only transmitted to his sons the talent for but a love of
the photographic art. Paul E. Kough spent four years in the studio of A. W. Witzel,
of Los Angeles, California, as an operator, then returned to Greensburg, where on
November 15, I9I5, with his brother, J. Lawrence Kough, he reopened the Kough
Studio. He is a' membier of the National and Westmoreland-Fayette Photographic
associations, and of the First Presbyterian Church. The family home is at No. 319
North Maple avenue, Greensburg. On November 29, I917, Paul E. Kough enlisted in
the aviation service as a pilot, sworn in February I3, I9i8, and will enter as first lieutenant.
MORGAN JOSEPH CRAMER, M. D.-The medical profession of the town of
Monessen, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is represented by a number of men
of the highest ideals and ability, by whom the traditions of the past are fully realized,
men who are leaders of all branches of medical science and practice and who are at
the head,of the profession in research and the application of new methods to the practical problems of life. Among these who have thus made their names well known,
none is more generally respected and trusted than Dr. Morgan Joseph Cramer, who
is recognized everywh2re as a leader of his profession in Westmoreland county and
one of the most able diagnosticians in the region.
Born December I9, I87I, at Chest Springs, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, Dr.
Cramer is a son of Francis and Jane M. (Scanlon) Cramer, old and highly respected
residents of that place. Francis Cramer was born in the year I838, and died March
28, I884. He was an expert mechanic and wagon-maker, and during the Civil War
served the cause of the Union as a soldier in Company G, Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was captured by the Confederates and kept a prisoner
at Camp London, Georgia, where he suffered such severe privations and hardships
during his confinement there that he permanently impaired his health. He served four
years altogether in the war and sacrificed wellnigh all that he had for his country.
Francis Cramer was the son of Joseph Cramer, a native of Germany, where he was
born in the year I8IO. He married a Miss Everly, a native of France, and with his
young wife and two brothers came to America. The little party were among the
group of pioneer farmers of Cambria county and it was there that Francis Cramer was
born. He married Jane M. Scanlon, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Connery)
Scanlon, who was a native of Cambria county, having been born and reared on a farm
near Ebensburg. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Ida, who became the wife of Albert C. Conrad, of Cresson, Pennsylvania; Philemena, who now
resides with her mother at McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Morgan Joseph, of whom further; Mary, born June I4, I874, died May, I9o7; Loretta, who resides with her mother
at McKeesport; Louis, deceased; Charles and Phillip (twins), of whom the latter is
deceased and the former now makes his home at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs.
Cramer, Sr., is a woman of liberal education, and following her husband's death in
I94OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
(IV) William Robbins, son of Brintnel and Mary (Boardman) Robbins, was born
in I795, and married Agnes Sloan, who was born and brought up north of Irwin, on
Brush creek. He resided on the home farm, where he died in I836 of cholera. Their
children were:  Joseph, of whom  further; William  Morrison; Elizabeth, married
Captain C. A. Dravo; Keziah N. Gaut, widow of Captain John Gaut, who is still
living (I918); and Gilmore, still living in Grinnell, Iowa.
(V) Joseph Robbins, son of William and Agnes (Sloan) Robbins, subsequently
acquired title to part of the land. His wife was Rachel Gordon Robbins, daughter of
Moses Robbins, and she died August 25, i865, leaving two children: Edward Everett,
of whom further; and Gertrude R. Carothers, widow, of Dr. W. F. Carothers, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Joseph Robbins married (second) Margaret Christy, and
of this marriage were born the following children: Elizabeth C. and Agnes May, both
of whom still reside on a part of the original farm; Rachel R., now intermarried to
Dr. Edward Stieren, of Pittsburgh; Morrison, who acquired the home farm in 1912 by
the will of his father; and Joseph D., of Augusta, Georgia. Joseph Robbins died at the
age of eighty-nine, July I2, I912. He was one of the pioneer coal operators of the
Youghiogheny river, and after the slackwater went out in I866 retired to the home
farm. Joseph Robbins was a nian of large business interest and great energy; in addition to his farming interest he was interested in banks and mining and other business
enterprises.
(VI) Edward Everett Robbins, son of Joseph and Rachel Gordon (Robbins)
Robbins, was born on the home farm at Robbins Station, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, September 27, I862. After attending the public schools of his native place, he
went to Elders Ridge Academy, Indiana Normal School, and then to college and
received his Bachelor's degree in arts from Washington and Jefferson College in I88I.
Mr. Robbins stood in the first ten in his class of forty-six; received "cum laude" and
delivered an oration at the graduation exercises, his subject being "The Irish Land
Question."  He then entered upon his studies for his profession at Greensburg, registered as a stutlent in the office of J. F. Wentling, and after, at the Law School of
Columbia University, and gained his degree therefrom as Bachelor of Law in I884.
He was admitted to the bar April 8, I884, and entering upon practice in Greensburg,
has risen to rec-ognition as cne of the foremcst lawyers and legislators of the western
part of the State.
Mr. Robbinls has taken a leading and successful part in some of the most important
cases that have been tried in late years in Western Pennsylvania. He was the chief
counsel for Colonel Hawkins in the cases growing out of the Homestead riots, which
were tried in the Court of Quarter Sessions of Allegheny county in I893. Colonel
Hawkins and Colonel Streeter were charged with felonious assault and battery for
certain severe physical punishment which they had ordered for guilty soldiers. Mr.
Robbins was leading counsel for the defendents and made the closing argument of
the case. The case occupied six days in the trial, and this argument consumed a full
day.  It was characterized by the "Pittsburgh Leader and Gazette" as one of the
most brilliant legal arguments ever heard in the Allegheny county court house. Another celebrated case was that by which Mr. Robbins won for the city of Greensburg
its "Val Halle Park," devised to it by the will of Dr. Frank Cowan, but contested by
the heirs. In this case Mr. Robbins was the leading counsel for Greensburg borough.
The trial occupied five days, and after the verdict had been rendered sustaining the will,
a majority of the jury visited his office in person and congratulated him upon the splendid argument ar.d his presentation of the law and the facts. He was also complimented
by the trial judge, His Honor, Justice McConnell. Another important litigation was
that of the Pititsburgh-Westmoreland Coal Company. In this also Mr. Robbins' client,
the Pittsburgh.-Westmoreland Company, was awarded a verdidt. This was regarded at
the time, one of the leading legal fights in the United States District and Circuit Court
I2BIOGRAPHICAL'95
i884 she began teaching school. For three years she continued in this occupation and
was then appointed Dostmistress at Chest Springs, Pennsylvania, and opened up a
general store in connection with the post office there. This she conducted most successfully and thus was able to afford her children excellent educational opportunities,
of which they availed themselves.
It was at Chest Springs that Dr. Cramer passed his boyhood and it was there that
he gained his first schooling, attending the local public schools for this purpose. He
remained at these institutions until his eighteenth year, when he engaged in the occupation of teaching in the same schools where he had been a pupil. In the meantime,
however, he had made up his mind to engage in medicine as a profession, and with
this end in view entered the West Pennsylvania Medical College, now the University
of Pittsburgh, and graduated from the same with the class of I896 and his degree of
Doctor of Medicine. Upon graduation Dr. Cramer went to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he formed a sort of partnership with Dr. T. L. White, a well-known
physician of that flourishing city, and there began his active practice. Dr. White was
one of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of his time in Western Pennsylvania,
and Dr. Cramer could have found no better preceptor or worked in a more favorable
environment than that afforded by his office. Dr. Cramer continued in McKeesport
until I904, when his attention, being attracted to the rapid growth of the town of
Monessen, Westmoreland county, he made his way thither and at once began what has
since become undoubtedly the largest medical and surgical practice enjoyed by any
physician in the county. He has established there a successful private hospital and in
addition to his work there is retained on the staff of the Charlerio and Monessen Hospital at Charlerio, Pennsylvania. He is one of the surgeons of the great Pittsburgh
Steel Company at Monessen, Pennsylvania, and is head of the Monessen.branch of
the State Tuberculosis Dispensary, where more than one thousand separate tubercular
cases have received treatment. He has taken a great interest in this work and in the
crusade against the "White Plague" generally, and takes an active part in the work of
educating the community in the proper preventive measures for the elimination of this
dread disease. At the present time Dr. Cramer is serving a three-year term as deputy
coroner of Westmoreland county. Dr. Cramer is the owner of considerable property
in the city, improved residence and the office building where he has his office.
Dr. Cramer takes an active part in the general life of the community of which he
is a member, and is affiliated with a number of important organizations, including
those connected with his profession, such as the Monessen Medical Society, the Westmoreland County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the
American Medical Association. He is a Republican in politics, but although actively
interested in all progressive civil affairs, is unable to hold any public office save those
of a medical character on account of the great demands upon his time and energy
made by his profession. He is also a member of the local lodges of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, as well as several other fraternal organizations. In his religious belief Dr. Cramer is a Roman Catholic and is
active in promoting the interests of his church in that region.
On December 26, I905. Dr. Cramer was united in marriage with Cecelia A.
Michaels, a daughter of Robert E. and Lena (Weiland) Michaels, of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cramer is a talented artist and musician, possessing a delightful
and highly cultivated voice,' which she has had trained by Carlo Minetti, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and later with Maestro Fernando Tanara, of New  York City, New
York, formerly of the Metropolitan Opera Company. To Dr. and Mrs. Cramer one
child has been born, Morgan Joseph, Jr., who is at present a student at the Seaton
Hill School for Boys at Greensburg, Pennsylvania.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ROBERT EDWARD BEST-We are rather prone to think of the learned professions as having somewhat deteriorated in the present epoch in the matters of both
their traditions and the high standard of their personel, and, perhaps, we are justified
in some such feeling when we hear frankly expressed about us on all sides ideals and
aims purely selfish on the part of many who practice, let us say-the law, men who
seem sca.rcely to be aware of the splendid associations of the past and scoff at the
high standards set for professional ethics of legal practice by their great predecessors.
Yet, if there are unworthy members, there are, also very worthy ones, and we are
surely not too sanguine in feeling great encouragement for the future of the profession when we learn that young men of the type of Robert Edward Best, of Jeannette,
Pennsylvania, are duly being admitted to the bars of our several Eastern States, young
men whose ideals and aims cannot but tend to have an uplifting effect upon the hosts
of their fellow-practitioners.
Robert Edward Best is a son of James B. and Tina May (Keltz) Best, and was
born September 2I, I888. His early educational training was received in the public
schools of Jeannette, and he later attended the Mercersburg Academy, from which
institution he graduated with the class of I906.  He then matriculated at Amherst
College, where he spent a period of three years, and later entered Dickinson Law
School, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1912 with the degree of
Bachelor of Law. Mr. Best was admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court in 1913 and has been practicing in Greensburg ever since, altliough he makes his
home in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, he being a member of the law firm of Martin 
Hollinsworth since his admission to the bar. Mr. Best is a staunch supporter of Republican policies and principles, although he participates scarcely at all in local politics.
He has, however, held several important offices and was burgess of Jeannette, filling
an unexpired term in the year I913, and being assistant district attorney, I918-I922.
He is also a prominent figure in social and fraternal circles and is a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 486, of Jeannette, of which
order he was exalted ruler in I918; the Phi Delta Theta, college fraternity, and the
Delta Ki, legal fraternity.
On October 26, I914, Mr. Best was united in marriage with Mary G. Ely, a
daughter of John and Kathryn (Kelly) Ely, old and highly respected residents of
Jeannette, Pennsylvania. One child has been born of this union, namely, John Keltz,
January 22, I916. Mr. Best, besides his legal practice, is associated with a number of
important industrial concerns in the region, and is secretary and treasurer of the
Phenix Oil and Gas Company of Jeannette, and secretary of the Jeannette Union
Plaining Company. For a time before being admitted to the bar, Mr. Best was employed by the First National Bank of Jeannette and also by the Jeannette Savings and
Trust Company.
Mr. Best's father, James D. Best, was for many years prominent in the community, but during the past few years resided in Texas, where he died in I917. He married Tina May Keltz, a daughter of David and Jane (Knox) Keltz.
About the learned professions generally, and especially that of the law, there has
grown up a great body of tradition, an atmosphere of them, it might be said, the intensity and name of which it is very difficult to imagine for those who have never entered
it. The law is the heir of many ages, not merely in its substance, its proper matter,
but in a myriad connotations and associations involving all those who from time
immemorial have dealt with and in it; the great men who have made and adapted it,
the learned who have interpreted and practiced it, the multitudes who have been protected and, alas, victimized by it. From each and all it has gained its wisdom or wit,
its eloquence or its tale of human feeling to point a moral, until, by a sort oif process
of natural selection, there has arisen a sort of system of ideals and standards, lofty in
i96BIOGRAPHICAL
themselves, and a spur to the high minded, a check to the unscrupulous, which no
one may disregard. The bench and bar in America may certainly point with pride to
the manner in which their members have maintained the splendid traditions of the
profession, yes; and added their own, no inconsiderable quota to the ideals of a future
time. Among those who may be prominently mentioned as having ably maintained
these legal traditions in the day and generation in the State of Pennsylvania is Robert
Edward Best, whose career in the practice of his profession is worthy of remark.
ROBERT LEWIS WILSON, M. D.-This branch of the Wilson family came
to Pennsylvania from  Virginia, Elias Wilson, grandfather of Dr. Wilson, of Jeannette, having been born in that State, his parents there settling on coming from the
North of Ireland. Elias Wilson located in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, early
in life, and when the Civil War broke out enlisted in the Union army, serving until
the war ended. He was a lawyer by profession and an honored member of the Huntingdon county bar. He married Sarah Wolfkill, of Frederick, Maryland, and had
children: Joseph, David C., of further mention; Alice, Mary, William, John, Samuel, Harry and Laura. Elias Wilson, the father of these children, died aged ninetythree years.
David C.'Wilson was born in Cassville, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He
was educated in the public schools, and after completing his studies learned the trade
of machinist, to which he added that of tool-maker, becoming an expert in both. After
a few years as journeyman he established in business for himself, continuing until his
forty-fifth year. He then for ten years was engaged in the lumber business, then for
eight years was instructor in the mechanical department of the Pennsylvania Industrial
Reformatory at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, then entered the automobile field as an
agent for the Buick car, a business he yet conducts. He is a Republican in politics,
and in religious faith- a Methodist.  Mr. Wilson married, in I878, Mary E. Steel,
daughter of Charles and Sarah (Smith) Steel, of Calvin, Pennsylvania.  Children:
Robert Lewis, of further mention; Ada, married Dr. Lawrence Smith, of Pitcairn,
Pennsylvania; John, died in infancy.
Dr. Robert Lewis Wilson was born at Cassville, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, February I8, I88o, and obtained his education in the public schools, finishing
at Millersville State Normal. He then spent two years at the tool-maker's trade, but
abandoned that line of work in favor of a professional career. Deciding to become a
physician, he entered the Medico Chirurgical College at Philadelphia, and was there
graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of I9o4. After a year's service at Blockley Hospital, Philadelphia, as interne, he practiced for one year at Benore, Pennsylvania,
locating at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, where he was in general practice for eight years,
I906-I4. Since I914 he has been pathologist at Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg,
Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania State and
American Medical societies, member of the Jeannette Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Lodge, No. 225, Free and Accepted Masons, and Lodge No. 486, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. On July I7, I917, Dr. Wilson enlisted, entered service August I8 as first lieutenant Medical Reserve Corps; was sent to Rockefellow Institute for
one month's training and at the end of that time to Camp Wheeler, Macon, Georgia,
as chief of the pathological laboratories. On December 6 was made captain at Camp
Wheeler.
Dr. Wilson married, November 26, I913, Bertha Reinfried, daughter of Frank C.
and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Reinfried, of Salem, New Jersey. To this union one
child was born, Robert Lewis, March 7, I9I8.
I97OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
JOSEPH  E. BARNETT-Joseph  E. Barnett, vice-president of the Latrobe
Trust Company,'cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, treasurer of the Vanadium
Alloys Steel Company and the Latrobe Tool Company, all of Latrobe, Pennsylvania,
and identified as organizer, stockholder, officer and director with many other business
enterprises of the county of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, is a member of an old
Pennsylvania family, the members of which have long been prominent in this region,
and which was well known in Ireland before its migration to the UJnited States. The
earliest ancestor to which Mr. Barnett can trace his line was John Barnett, born in the
year I678 at Londonderry, Ireland, and who cam.e to America some time prior to the
year I730. The immediate ancestor was Samuel Barnett, who was born in the year
18i8, and died in I899. He married Margaret McElroy, who was born in 1826, and
died in I876.
Born January 29, i86I, in Derry township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
Mr. Barnett has always lived in that vicinity. He was educated in the public schools,
and for a short time attended the Blairsville Academy at Blairsville, Pennsylvania.
After completing his studies, he engaged as a clerk in the general store at Coketown,
and later entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with which he
held a clerical position in its offices at Derry, Pennsylvania. In I883 he entered the
banking business at Latrobe as clerk in the Citizens' Banking Company, and was made
cashier two years later. He was one of a group of men who organized the Citizens'
National Bank of Latrobe in I889, of which institution he became cashier. This office
he has continued to hold until the present time. Upon the organization of the Latrobe
Trust Company in I906, he was chosen vice-president, and still serves in that capacity.
He has been one of the most active figures in the campaign which has been made to
draw successful industries to Latrobe, and undoubtedly it has been due to his efforts
that many concerns are now situated there. His standing in financial circles is probably best illustrated by the fact that he has been called upon to serve as treasurer in
more than a score o.f local corporations, and his public spirit is equal to his ability.
His c66peration may always be depended upon in any project looking upon the advancement of..he community. He is a member of the Republican party, and has for
many years served on the Latrobe Board of Education. Mr. Barnett is an active
member of the Presbyterian church, and has done much to advance the cause of the
charities connected therewith.
Joseph E. Barnett was married on September 25, i889, to Elizabeth Fulton, daughter of Abraham P. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Fulton, of Latrobe. Mrs. Barnett is also
a member of the Presbyterian church, and is active in the church and social life of
the communitv. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett are the parents of five children, as follows:
Elizabeth, who became the wife of C. C. Adams, of. Hutchinson, Kansas; Alfred J.,
Josephine, Robert F. and Helen Jane.
CARL FREEMAN PIERCE, M. D.-The variations of this surname are almost
endless, but the pronounciation varies but little. It is a name which under some of its
forms exists in English history from an early period and in New England from the
coming of a John Pierce in 1621. The standard bearer to Richard III. on Bosworth
Field was a John Piers, and if Pierce be conceded as also a variation of Percy, the
name was brought to England by two brothers, William and Serlo de Percy, who
came with William the Conqueror. The first newspaper printed in America was published by Richard Pierce, September 25, I699, and men of eminence in every walk of
life have borne the name, including a President of the United States. The branch of
the family to which Dr. Pierce belongs settled in Vermont, where his father yet
resides, being for many years engaged in the manufacture of leather board and a
i98B OGRAPHICAL
dealer in lumber. Dr. Pierce soon after obtaining his degree located in Greensburg,
Pennsylvania, where he has gained public approval as a skilled physician and surgeon.
Carl Freeman Pierce was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, December 23, i88i, son
of Freeman A. and Olive E. (Ranney) Pierce, both yet residing in Vermont. He was
educated in puolic schools and St. Johnsbury Academy, a graduate of the latter, the
University of Vermont at Burlington, and the University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He did not complete the full course at the University of Vermont, but
finished his studies at the University of Pittsburgh, whence he was graduated from
the medical department, Doctor of Medicine, class of I907. After being awarded his
degree, Dr. Pierce located in practice at Old Orchard, Maine, but only resided there
for a short time, then returned to Western Pennsylvania and located in Greensburg,
where he still remains in successful practice, his office at No. 209 South Pennsylvania
avenue. He is a member of the medical staff of Westmoreland Hospital, the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania State Medical.Society, Westmoreland County
Medical Society, and is highly esteemed by his professional brethren. He volunteered
for service in the army when war was declared against Germany; was commissioned
first lieutenant Medical Reserve Corps, United States Army, June Io0, I917; entered
the service August 15, I9I7.
Dr. Pierce married, August I6, 1902, at Somersworth, New Hampshire, May Sudworth Staebler. daughter of Samuel M. and Clara Leola (.Sudworth) Staebler, of
London, Ontario, Canada. They have one child, Leslie. Pierce. Dr. and Mrs. Pierce
are members cf the Methodist Episcopal church.
HARRY. NULL YONT-Harry Null Yont was born at the Null homestead,
McKean's Old Stand, East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January I8, I869. His grandfather, John Yont, was born in I8oo in Wiirtemberg, Germany, and emigrated with his family to America, arriving in New York,
after a voyage of ninety days. From there they came to Westmoreland county and
located for a time at West Newton, Pennsylvania.. In his native country, he was a
skilled stone nmason, and the first employm.ent in his new home was on the masonry
work of a new bridge being built across the Youghiogheny river. John Yont owned
and operated the first coal mine in East Huntingdon township. The family later
moved to Bethany, where Andrew Yont, the father Qf Harry Null Yont, was born. In
the early seventies, John Yont went to Nebraska to live with his only living son, John
Yont, Jr., and remained there until his death, October I9, I878, his wife, Agatha
(Deterly) Yont, having died March 22, I86I. John Yont, Jr., was a banker of Brock,
Nebraska, and at the time of his death was president of two national banks. All of the
six children of John Yont, the grandfather, are now deceased. He was a man of retiring disposition, strict in his principles, uncompromising, rigidly uprighti and honorable.
Andrew Yont, the father of Harry Null Yont, was born in Bethany, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January I6, I846, and died in Champlain, Minnesota,
March 3, I86q, and is buried in Mount Lebanon Cemtery, near Tarrs Station, in his
native/county. He attended school in the district of East Huntingdon township until
I86I, the year of his mother's death. After her death he became a clerk in a dry goods
store in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He so rapidly imbibed the principles of merchandising that two years later, at the age of seventeen years, he was made manager of the
J. A. Gault  Company's store in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. He remained with that
company four years. Having reached legal age, he began business under his own
name in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. In I868 he engaged in the commission business
on Market street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but before he was fairly established his
health became so impaired that he was obliged to seek a different climate. He located
in Champlain, Minnesota, but the edict had gone forth, and at the early age of twentyiggOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
three years his promising career terminated. Andrew Yont was married on June 20,
1867, to Marietta Null, daughter of Henry Harrison and Ellen (Dom) Null, granddaughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Pool) Null, and great-granddaughter of Captain
Philip and Margaret (Beauchamp) Null. On AMay 27, 1875, she was united in marriage to John J. Houseman. One child, Sutton, died in childhood. She is past regent
and registrar of Phoebe Bayard Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Harry Null Yont, only child of Andrew and Marietta (Null) Yont, having lost
his father at a very early age, was raised in the home of his grandfather, Henry Harrison Null, and at the age of three years, with his grandparents and mother, moved to
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where he prepared for college in the grades and high
school. He then entered Princeton University. Later he entered the New York Law
School, where he completed his course in I895. He then returned to Greensburg and
registered with the law firm of Robbins  Kunkle. During the session of the Fiftyfifth Congress, in I897, he accompanied the senior partner, Hon. Edward E. Robbins,
to Washington, as his private secretary.  He was admitted to the Westmoreland
county bar and began the practice of law in I898. In July, 1902, he was appointed
clerk in the prothonotary's office under his uncle, Millard Fillmore Null, and later was
advanced to deputy prothonotary, an office he held until elected prothonotary in November, I9o6, by a handsome majority over four opponents. He had the endorsement
of both parties at the general election. On November 2, I909, he was reelected without opposition at the primaries and general election, and so satisfactory had been his
administration of the office that he was offered a third nomination, which he declined,
being opposed to the principle of third terms.
After the expiration of his second term, he returned to the private practice of his
profession in Greensburg, and so continues. A lawyer of high repute, Mr. Yont com-bines with ability an aggressive, determined spirit and a charming personality, which
sends every man from his presence, a friend. His genial, cheerful disposition softens
his determined, resolute will and no matter how severe the test nor how grueling the
contest, he emerges with cheerful demeanor; but his friends know his staying qualities
and the sterling metal of the man whose life has been so splendidly successful. In the
year 1902 he was admitted to the Superior and Supreme courts of the State and also
in the Federal courts of this district. He is a member of the County Bar Association,
and holds the respect of his professional brethren and the confidence of the public to
an unusual degree. A lifelong Republican, Mr. Yont in his campaign seems to run
as well on either ticket. When elected prothonotary, he resigned his seat in common
council, to which he had been elected in I904, and for twenty years he has been a member of the Republican county committee. In the fall of 1917 he was elected mayor of
Greensburg, which office he is filling with the same degree of efficiency as shown in
-his records of the past.
Mr. Yont has been prominently associated with Masonry and is at present a past
master and secretary of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons,
also past eminent high priest and secretary of Urania Chapter, No. I92, Royal Arch
Masons. He is a member of Olivet Council, No. I3, and Kedron Commandery, No.
I8. He is a member of Pennsylvania Consistory of Pittsburgh, and a thiry-second
degree Mason; also a member of Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Greensburg Country Club,
the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, and the Americus Republican Club of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served on the board of
trustees from [895 to I91i. He was brigade quartermaster-sergeant on the staff of
General John A. Wiley, Pennsylvania National Guard, from I895 to I899.
Mr. Yont married Emma Sauden Reeves, January 2I, I902, daughter of George
Alexander and Jane (Goughenour) Reeves, of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Her father
200BIOGRAPHICAL                                    20I
was identified with the Pennsylvania railroad from boyhood, and his brother, M. K.
Reeves, was assistant to Charles E. Pugh, vice-president of the Pennsylvania railroad
for years. Mrs. Yont was educated at Darlington Seminary, a school near Philadelphia, under the management of the Society of Friends. Mr. and Mrs. Yont have
travelled extensively both in America and Europe.
HANNES INBERG, M. D.-Ideals in medicine have changed in recent years,
just as they have in almost every department of life, but the change is very nearly
pressed home to us in the case of this profession because of the close relation that
must obtain between ourselves and our physician. In the main, of course, the change
is the same as that which has everywhere taken place, because an alteration in our
fundamental otutlook is responsible for themn all and one of its most typical expressions
is the change from men of general learning and culture into specialists who must concentrate with every faculty upon the chosen matter or run the risk of being distanced
in the race.  TIow true this is may easily be seen by taking such a figure as that of
Dr. Hannes Inberg, a man who might truly be called a great doctor, and comparing
his wide sympathies and understanding, not only of his subject, but of the human
creatures that come under his care, with the highly developed, one had almost called
it rarified, knowledge of the specialist to-day. Dr. Inberg is a force, not only in his
profession, but in the community, where his strong and hopeful personality is felt by
all those with whom he comes in contact.
Born in VW;hittis, Finland, January 23, I879, Dr. Hannes Inberg is a son of Dr.
Carl Emil Inbcrg and Ida (Rosen) Inberg. Mrs. Inberg was a daughter of Bandani
Rosen, who was a postmaster of Finland.  Dr. Carl Emil Inberg was a prominent
physician of Finland and was the holder of the royal degree of medicine and surgery.
His birth occurred-in I837, and his death, July 4, I894. He was descended from a long
line of medical men, his father, grandfather and great-grandfather having been physicians. Mrs. Inberg, the mother of Dr. Inberg of this sketch, still survives and makes
her residence in the city of Helsingfors, Finland.
Dr. Inberg was the third child of a family of five brothers and two sisters. He
received his early education in the grammar school and later attended the Lyceum of
Helsingfors and took a classical course in the Imperial University of Finland.  It
was in 1902 wilen the young man determined upon coming to America, having been
impressed with the tales of the wonderful opportunity afforded in the land of the
West. He arrived in America in that year and located in the State of Minnesota,
where he obtained employment for a few months in the copper mines there. In the
autumn of the ~ame year he entered the Valparaiso University, of Valparaiso, Indiana,
where he studied for two years. He then matriculated at the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery at Chicago, Illinois, and later at the Bennett Medical College in the
same city, from which he graduated with'the class of I9o6 and received the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. He later served as an interne in the Jefferson Park Hospital at
Chicago, Illinois, at which place he received an additional year of training. In 19o7
he came to Monessen, Pennsylvania, and entered in a general practice of his own, in
which he has been eminently successful ever since. Dr. Inberg is prominently identified with a nuimber of medical associations, among which should be mentioned the
Westmoreland County Medical Society, the' Pennsylvania State Medical Association
and the American Medical Association. He is a Republican in his political affiliations,
and is a PresbNyterian in his religious belief.
On September I, I9o9, Dr. Inberg was united in marriage with Mary B. Stedman,
a daughter of William P. and Adaline (Boston) Stedman, of Bridgeport, Ohio. Mrs.
Inberg's father was a prominent-civil engineer of Bridgeport and was a veteran of theBIOGRAPHICAL
of Appeals, considering the questions and large amount involved, it was tried three
times and finally won for his client.
From  I888 to I894 Mr. Robbins served in the State Senate, and during this time
he was conspicuous for two important measures. He introduced and advocated a bill
which later became a law, to provide free text-books in the public schools, and' he has
been referred to as one of the "fathers of free text-books" in Pennsylvania. He also
accomplished by his support, the passage of a bill increasing the taxes on corporations
and personal property and removing the annual tax on real estate in Pennsylvania for
the support of the State government. The passage of this legislation has always been
a matter of deep satisfaction to Mr. Robbins. He also served as chairman of the
judiciary committee during his last term.
In 1896, Mr. Robbins was nominated for Congress and elected by a majority of
more than Io,ooo in the district which was composed of Westmoreland, Indiana, Jefferson and Armstrong counties. Between the time of his election and the time he took
his seat in Congress, he visited Cuba and travelled extensively, and gathered facts
which he used on the floor of the House in urging the acknowledgment of Cuban independence. When war was declared, he was a member of General Wiley's staff, who
commanded the Secohd Brigade of the National Guard of Pennsylvania. Mr. Robbins had been connected with the National Guard for twelve years, first as a private
soldier in the Tenth Regiment for three years, and afterwards as lieutenant, and quartermaster of that regiment, and still later as brigade quartermaster. When the brigade
was called into the service of the United States, he left his seat in Congress, and went
with his command to the army. He served at Camp Thomas, Georgia, where, owing to
his previous experience in troop transportation, he was detailed to oversee that intricate
branch of the work. To this duty he brought not only expert knowledge, but the most
zealous and painistaking industry, working at his great task night and day. Colonel Lee,
chief in command, recommended his promotion from captain to major, and his transfer
to Cuba for this special work connected with the shipping of supplies, and the transportation of troops. Here he served under General Miles in Porto Rica, and subsequently
at Santiago, and Havana, in Cuba. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at his own request and resumed the. practice of law in Greensburg. When
Governor Stone was elected, he appointed Mr. Robbins on his staff as commissary
general of Pennsylvania, with the rank of colonel. He served throughout the term of
Governor stone, four years, in this capacity, and was then at his own request placed
on the retired list of the officers of the National Guard of Pennsylvania with the rank
of colonel. This closed a military career of seventeen years of continuous service.
From  the time of his return from  the Cuban War until he was nominated for
Congress by the Republican party in the Butler-Westmoreland district in I916, Mr.
Robbins was engaged in the practice of the law with great diligence. He was elected
to Congress on this ticket, November 7, I9I6.
When Congress was called into extraordinary session, April 2, I917, Mr. Robbins
took his seat as a Republican member. of the Sixty-fifth Congress from the Twentysecond District of Pennsylvania.  Since Congress has assembled, he has been very
active in the legislation before Congress. His first speech was in favor of the declaration of war and was delivered on the morning of April 26, I917, and it has been
favorably commented upon and widely circulated throughout his district and State
and the adjoining States. Mr. Robbins is spoken of as "the war Congressman,"
from the fact that he strongly favored a declaration of war against Spain for the liberation of Cuba, and also against Germany for the protection of American rights.
Since that time he has been an earnest supporter of the administration and of the
President, urging most earnestly and unceasingly the waging of the war to successful
finish and to a complete victory over Germany and her allies. During I915 and I916
Mr. Robbins advocated preparedness. He believed after war was declared by GerI33OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Civil War. To Dr. and Mrs. Inberg three children have been born: Robert, deceased;
Howard, deceased, and Calvin Stedman, in his second year.
Dr. Inberg may well be held up as a model for the younger generation to follow.
Left dependent on his own resources by the death of his father, he has worked his
way up the ladder of success, and despite the extreme difficulties he has had to contend
with he still strove on and practically was self-educated. During both his school and
college years, he worked at almost anything in order to pay for his tuition and to-day
finds him prominent as a man and a doctor of high repute. Monessen may truly be
proud of such men as Dr. Inberg.
HARRY FRANKLIN CRAIG-The most extensive drug and optical business in
Monessen has for some years been conducted by the man whose name stands at the
head of this article. Mr. Craig is a representative of one of the oldest families in
Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
J. Boggs Craig, grandfather of Harry Franklin Craig, was born on the homestead farm, near Grove City, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where his ancestors had
been among the pioneers. The Craig family was of Scottish origin and its members
were staunch Presbyterians. J. Boggs Craig was a farmer and: stockman of Grove
City, Pennsylvania, an extensive purchaser of cattle in the days preceding the railways,
when it was the prevailing custom to drive the animals over land to the eastern markets. Mr. Craig married Elizabeth Simpson, also of a pioneer family which, the name
seems to indicate, came originally from Scotland.
James Simpson Craig, son of J. Boggs and Elizabeth (Simpson) Craig, was born
July 2I, I846, at Grove City, Pennsylvania, and has been for a third of a century continuously engaged in the drug business at St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania. In addition
to looking after various business interests Mr. Craig has been active in public affairs,
serving as county coroner for a period of twelve years. He is prominent in the
Masonic fraternity, and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Craig married,
January 2, I867, Elizabeth Sidney, daughter of Samuel and     (Rainey) McConnell. Both the Raineys and McConnells are among the historic families of Westmoreland county and have contributed to the community many of its most noted citizens.
Mr. and Mrs. Craig are the parents of the following children: Harry Franklin, mentioned below; Samuel B., druggist and postmaster at Noblestown, Pennsylvania;
Bertram  J., druggist at Tarentum, Pennsylvania; Laura J., teacher in the public
schools of St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth McConnell, wife of Herbert
K. Curll, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, general agent of the International Harvester
Company. On January 2, I917, Mr. and Mrs. Craig, surrounded by their children and
grandchildren, celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage.
Harry Franklin Craig, son of James Simpson and Elizabeth Sidney (McConnell)
Craig, was born May I4, I870, at Grove City, Pennsylvania, and attended the public
schools of St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania, graduating from the high school. This was
followed by a preparatory course in pharmacy at Emlenton Academy and University
of Pittsburgh, whence he passed to the South Bend College of Optics, South Bend,
Indiana, graduating from that institution, I9o8. The first thing Mr. Craig did on
completing his period of preparation was to secure a position as prescription clerk, but
after a short time he engaged in business for himself at Byron Center, Pennsylvania,
later removing to Noblestown, Pennsylvania. In I904 Mr. Craig opened a store at
Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and in I9O8 came to Monessen, where he has since remained.
Here Mr. Craig established his present business, which, under his capable management, has developed even beyond his expectations, being to-day the largest of its kind
in the county and excelled, in point of modern equipment, by few in the State. In
i9I5 the proportions to which the business had attained rendered more commodious
202BIOGRAPHICAL
quarters a necessity and the result was the erection of the combination store and apartment building. The structure is the most complete and modern of its kind in the city.
In addition to his business he is a large stockholder in the Peoples' National Bank of
Monessen, and a stockholder in the United Drug Company.
An adherent of the Republican party, Mr. Craig takes no part in politics beyond
the faithful performance of the duties required of every good citizen. He occupies a
seat on the Monessen Board of Trade, and belongs to the National Pharmaceutical
Association, the National Optical Association and the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical
Association. I-uis Masonic affiliations are with the Charleroi Commandery and Syria
Temple, Pittshurgh. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and is a life member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious membership is in the Reformed church. Standing high in his profession, courteous, genial and public-spirited,
he is deservedly a favorite with all who know him, and that number, it should be said,
includes a large portion of the community.
Mr. Craig married, August 4, I915, Aurora, daughter of the Rev. N. S. and Anna
Grunden, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Grunden devoted a lifetime to the ministry
of the Lutheran church and was one of the distinguished preachers and pulpit orators
of Minnesota, widely known throughout the Northwest. His death occurred August
3I, I9I7. Mrs. Craig, a cultured and charming woman, while active in church work,
social life and women's club circles, is, like her husband, thoroughly domestic in taste
and feeling, and both find their chief happiness at their own fireside. As one of the
substantial and popular citizens of Monessen, Mr. Craig has earned the right to be so
designated by devotion to business and disinterested zeal for the welfare of the community.
BERNARD LEONARD HERRON, D. D. S.-One of the most successful of
the younger members of the dental profession to be found in Westmoreland county is,
Dr. Bernard Leonard Herron, of Monessen. Although Dr. Herronr has been in active
practice less than two years, his measure of accomplishment during that period holds
abundant promise for the future.
Thomas Herron, grandfather of Dr. Bernard Leonard Herron, was born in Ireland, and as a young man emigrated to the United States, settling first in Boston,
Massachusetts, and later removing to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He married,
in Boston, Mary Burke, who was also of Irish birth. Mr. Herron died in Monessen,
where he had spent the closing years of his life.
William I-erron, son of Thomas and Mary (Burke) Herron, was born August
I7, I85I, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and was for many years prominently
identified with Monessen business interests. For a considerable period he was proprietor of the Hotel Westmoreland. In civic affairs he took an active part, and for
some years served as vice-president of the Monessen Board of Trade. Mr. Herron
married Margaret, daughter of Bernard and Bridget (Linar) Hampsey, and the following children were born to them: I. Thomas Basil, a physician, whose biography
appears elsewhere in this work. 2. Bernard Leonard, mentioned below. 3. Mary
Mildred, wife of Howard Inhoff, of Pittsburgh. 4. James Patrick, law student in
University of Pittsburgh, class of I918; Mr. Herron is nationally famous as a football star. 5. Annette Irene, graduate of Monessen High School and now a student in
Pittsburgh Sclhool of Oratory. 6. Alexander Richard. Mr. Herron has withdrawn
from the arena of business and is living in retirement in Pittsburgh.
Bernard l.eonard Herron, son of William  and Margaret (Hampsey) Herron,
was born December 22, I89o, at McDonald, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and
attended the public schools of New Kensington, New Brighton and Monessen, also
the Monessen High School. After studying for a time at the University of West
203OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Virginia, Mr. Herron entered the Law School of Notre Dame University, South
Bend, Indiana. Later he took a course at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and then
entered the Dental School of the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in I915 with the
degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In August, I915, Dr. Herron began practice in
Monessen and in the comparatively brief space of time which has since elapsed has
commenced to build up a profitable and constantly increasing clientele. He belongs to
the Pennsylvania State Dental Association and the Westmoreland County Dental
Association. In politics Dr. Herron is a Progressive Republican, but has as yet taken
no active part in public affairs. He is enrolled in the Monessen Turn Verein, the
Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious
membership is in the Roman Catholic church.
Dr. Herre;n married, August I, 1914, Reta, daughter of John E. and Elizabeth
(Cassidy) Narey, of Chicago, Illinois, and they are the parents of two children: William Edwin and Margaret Elizabeth. Mrs. Herron attended Monessen High School
and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr.
Herron has always taken delight in outdoor sports, and in his college days was conspicuous in athljetics, serving as captain of the class football team at the University of
Pittsburgh. Since leaving the university, Dr. Herron has lost none of his enthusiasm
for open-air recreations and is known as one of their most active patrons in his community. He is devoted to motoring and golf. He retains his membership in the Cap
and Gown Club and the Psi Omega fraternity. All that has thus far been written of
Dr. Herron's career is but the opening chapter. That, however, gives ample assurance
that those to follow will abundantly fulfill the promise contained in the initial portion
of the record.
J, SEWARD BROWN-J. Seward Brown is in every sense of the word a selfmade man and owes the great success which he met with entirely to his own strong and
courageous character'and his painstaking industry. He is a member of an old Pennsylvania family, and a grandson of a Mr. Brown who lived during the greater part
of his life in Greene county in that State. Mr. Brown's father was born in Greene
county, and received his education in the local schools there. He was a farmer and
owned a valuable property near Madison, in Westmoreland county, whither he moved
in young manhood. He married Catherine Weaver, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Waltze) Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Sr., were the parents of the following children: Louise J., who became Mrs. Noah Smith; Lucetta, deceased; Cornelia, who
became the wife of Seton Collier, of Uniontown. Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Sr., are now
both deceased. They were members of the Baptist church and deeply religious people.
J. Seward. Brown, son of George and Catherine (Weaver) Brown, was born July
4, 1846, in Sewickley township, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the public
schools of that township. When but three years of age he went to live with his grandfather, John Weaver, at Smithfield, Fayette county, where he remained until about
nine years old. He then made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Mary Ann Herr, near
Latrobe, and remained with her until he had reached the age of seventeen. It was
during this time that he attended school in Unity township and at the same time was
engaged in working on the farm. In March, I864, he came to the city of Greensburg
and secured a position in the employ of Turney Brothers and there started to learn the
tinning business. He remained with this firm until August, when he enlisted in Company E, Two Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as a
drummer boy and remained in the service until the gth of April in the following year.
Owing to an error of the company clerk in recording the names, he was enrolled as
Seward J. Brown in Company E, Two Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania
204BIOGRAPHICAL
Volunteer Infantry. After returning to Pennsylvania from his military experiences,
he went to work at the tinning trade in Pittsburgh, where he remained for about two
years. From Pittsburgh he went to Kingwood, in Preston county, West Virginia,
and there opened a tin shop. He remained for a similar period in this location, and
in 1870 returned to Greensburg, where he opened a shop at what is now known as
Ludwig, in the western part of the city, and there laid the foundation of the large and
successful business which he afterwards conducted. He dealt on an extensive scale in
stoves, ranges, builders' hardware and housefurnishings, and other similar articles,
besides tinware of all kinds'and farm  implements.  In the year I877 Mr. Brown
erected a handsome three-story brick building, which is his present home, and in opening his new store added to his stock new lines of hardware, farming implements and
builders' supplies. He remained continuously in business until July, I892, since which
time he has been enjoying a very well-earned retirement. He is affiliated with local
post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church.
J. Seward Brown married, December 31, I868, Elizabeth Pore, a daughter of
George and Elizabeth (Myers) Pore, old and highly respected residents of Mount
Pleasant township. To them have been born the following children: Kate Irene, born
July I, I870, died June 23, I872; Lizzie Inez, born July I, I87o, twin of Kate Irene;
Charles E., born June 30, I873, died July 2I, I892. Miss Lizzie I. Brown is a stenographer and typist and is living at Rome. All of Mr. Brown's children received their
education in the public schools of Greensburg, and the son, Charles E., was at the time
of his death assisting his father in the latter's business.
J. Seward Brown has made his way to the position which he now occupies in the
community by sheer hard work which, coupled to the fundamental virtue of honesty,
has made him the admired of his fellow-citizens. When he first came to Greensburg
he had but a few clothes in an old-fashioned carpet grip and not la single dollar to his
name. At the time he erected his new building, the upper floors of which were occupied
by him and the ground floor of which was occupied by two different mercantile establishments, he owned about two hundred dollars. It was his custom to work in the
midst of his employees and he frequently stayed until midnight, mixing mortar, etc.
This building is located at No. ii6 South Pennsylvania avenue, on one of the main
streets of the town.
There is a theory held by many, that talent, genius, ability by whatever name it is
called, is not a specialized faculty but will express itself with equal facility in whatever
direction the circumstances offer. It'is a belief at once difficult of proof and disproof,
since in the very nature of the case we can never know what any man might have done
under any other circumstances than those of his actual life. The probability would
seem to be that it is true in some cases and not in others, but whether it be true or
not, another and related proposition is almost obviously so. This may be stated about
as follows: That any talent or ability, whether it express itself or not in some characteristic utterance, must always show itself in the character of him who possesses it.
Of this, Mr. Brown is a splendid example, and the imagination which produced his
accomplishment, the patient industry that enabled him to master the detail of the
medium he worked in, shows itself unmistakably in the sympathetic and kindly but
firm personality that his associates knew so well and admired so completely. For
imagination makes it possible for us to understand and sympathize with our fellows,
and difficulties overcome make us tolerant of the shortcomings of others. The great
qualities Mr. Brown possesses in a high degree are honesty, integrity and a strong
and affectionate desire for home life, and his conduct in this smaller but all important of circles is beyond reproach.
205OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
JAMES CALVIN MILLER, M. D.-Dr. James Calvin Miller, who from 1893
until his death in I9o6 was an honored and loved physician of Jeannette, Pennsylvania,
came to VWestmoreland from Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where his youth, early
manhood and years of initial practice had been spent. His parents, Johnson and Adelaide (Tucker) Miller, came to Indiana county, Pennsylvania, from the East in early
life. Johnson Miller became an extensive landowner and prosperous farmer; he also
owned coal mines and leased them, his various undertakings constituting a large total.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of four sons: William, deceased; George, a
shoe merchant of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; Edward, a lawyer, practicing in a Western State; James Calvin, of further mention. The family was an influential one in
Indiana county, Pennsylvania, as was also the Clark family with whom they are connected through the marriage of Dr. James C. Miller and Cora Clark.
Dr. James Calvin Miller was born near Plumville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania,
in I858, died in Jeannette, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, September 23, I906.
His education commenced in the district school, continued at Elders Ridge Academy,
a famous school of that day, and in the New York University. Then, having decided
upon the medical profession for his life work, he entered Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine in the class of I885. Immediately after his graduation he located for practice in Cherry Tree, Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, where he remained in successful practice until 1892, in which year he
located in Manor, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and one year later located
permanently in Jeannette. During the thirteen years that intervened between 1893 and
his death, he built up a large practice and became widely known as a skillful, honorable physician. He was most cofiscientious and devoted in his practice, meeting every
demand made upon his time and professional skill, often regardless of his own health.
He was actuated solely by the call of duty and never refused to respond when called
for and often there was little prospect of fee or reward save that of his own conscience. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and was a Republican in politics. Dr. Miller was a man of fine cultured
mind, kindly-hearted and hospitable, sympathetic to the extreme and popular with all
classes. He had many friends and to all who met him he was the kindly, courteous
gentleman.
Dr. Miller married, January 28, I886, at Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, Cora Clark,
born at Cherry Tree, March 9, I865, and until her marriage resided in Cherry Tree
with her parents, Luther M. and Elmira (Haslet) Clark, of further mention. She
was educated in the public schools and Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She survives her husband, residing in Jeannette. Dr. and Mrs. Miller were
the parents of two children:  Luther L., born May II, I887, died October I, I890;
James Clark, born March 13, I892, educated in public schools, Indiana State Normal,
Bucknell College and the Medical College of Richmond, Virginia.
Luther M. Clark was born in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, July 2, I838, son of
Virtue Clark, horn in New Haven, Connecticut, who came to Pennsylvania in early
life and became one of the pioneer settlers of Lewisberry.  Virtue Clark married
Catherine Grove, of Lewisberry. Luther M. Clark was educated in the public schools
of Lewisberry, and after completing his studies, taught school for one term prior to
locating at Cherry Tree. He began business life as a clerk in a general store at Cherry
Tree, and later engaged in a mercantile business of his own, which he conducted successfully until his death, and which is still in the possession of the family. Later he
also engaged in the lumber trade and in coal operating. He prospered in his undertakings and became one of the large property owners of the county. He was a devoted
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a Republican in politics. Mr.
Clark married, April 2, I862, Elmira Haslet, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wil2o6BIOGRAPHICAL
son) Haslet, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Their children: A. B. Clark, of Hastings;
Mrs. Dr. Cora (Clark) Miller; Mrs. Dr. Mary (Clark) Martin; Blanche M. Clark.;
Sybil E. Clark; Doll E. Clark, deceased. Mrs. Elmira (Haslet) Clark, born January
26, I836, died August 7, I905.
WILLIAM  HENRY  COOPER-Among the leading business firms of New
Kensington, Cooper Brothers stand preeminent in their line and enjoy the distinction
of being the largest piano and musical instrument establishment in all Westmoreland
county. The firm consists of William Henry and John Edward Cooper, sons of Jonathan Cooper and grandsons of Jonathan Cooper, both native sons of Albion. Jonathan
(I) Cooper, who was born, lived and died in Bristol, England, was a commercial
traveler employed by the leading clothing manufacturer of England.  He married
Mary James, who bore him five children, two of whom are living: Charles Cooper, a
merchant of Bristol, England, and Jonathan (2).
Jonathan (2) Cooper was born in Bristol, England, in I856, and there spent his
early manhood and married. In I879 he came to the United States with his wife,
located at Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, and there for several years was engaged in
coal mining. Later he became a carpenter and millwright, and for the past twelve
years has been in the employ of the American Sheet  Tin Company, residing at New
Kensington, Pennsylvania. He married Selina Howells, born in South Wales, Great
Britain, April 23, I858, daughter of Lott Howells, born at Punta IPreid, South Wales,
and his wife, Louisa -(James) Howells. Lott Howells died in his native land in middle age; Lott (2) Howells, the last survivor of the six children of Lott and Louisa
(James) Howells, resides in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Louisa (James) Howells
died in Wales. England, September 27, I773, aged fifty-seven years. Jonathan and
Selina (Howells) Cooper have seven children, all living save a daughter May, who
died at the age of four years: William Henry, the eldest, of further mention; Lilly,
residing at home; John Edward, born at Mahanoy City in I886, now a member of the
firm of Cooper Brothers; James T., a salesman of New Kensington; WValter L., of
New Kensington, a carpenter and builder; Russell, a high school student.
William Henry Cooper, son of Jonathan and Selina (Howells) Cooper, was born
in Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November I5, I88I. In I8o90 his
parents moved to Buffalo, New York, and there he obtained a good public school education. He learned the glass-cutter's trade and followed that occupation in Buffalo
until twenty-one years of age, rising to the position of manager of the plant operated
by the Buffalo Mirror and Glass Beveling Company. In I9o2 he came to New Kensnigton, accompanying his parents, and until I9o6 was employed as a glass-cutter by
Mr. Heidenkamp. In I9o6 he established his present business, musical instruments,
under the firm name, Cooper  Cook, that partnership existing for three years. In
I9o9 the business was reorganized, John Edward Cooper becoming his brother's partner
under the firm name of Cooper Brothers. Pianos and a full line of musical goods are'
handled, the firm enjoying a very large patronage, their store the largest and most
important center of distribution in the county. The brothers are capable, energetic
men, giving close personal attention to the vital details of their business and operating
it upon a high plane of efficiency. Their reputation for hono,rable dealing is widespread
and has brought them ample reward in the liberal patronage of an appreciative and
discriminating public. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Maccabees and of the Christedelphia church, the latter a peculiar religious sect having no paid pastors, the congregation electing every six months one of their number to lead them.
Mr. Cooper married, in New Kensington, Septembet 27, 191o, Zoe Florence Hawley, born in Versailles, New York, April 4, I890. She is a daughter of William Haw207OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ley, died in New Kensington, in 1903, an engineer, and his wife, Lillian (Jeffreys)
Hawley, who survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have a son, William Hawley, born
July I8, I9I6.
JOSEPH WILSON BLAIR, M. D.-When James Blair, the Scotch ancestor
and great-granrdfather of Dr. Joseph Wilson Blair, came to Pennsylvania in pre-Revolutionary days he located in Derry township, Westmoreland county, where he founded
a family of influence and stability. The name is a familiar one in Pennsylvania, and
is forever perpetuated in Blairsville Intersection, Westmoreland county; Blairsville,
Indiana county; and in a political division of the State which bears the name of Blair
county.
William H. Blair, son of James Blair, the founder, was born in Derry township,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there grew to manhood, but after becoming
the head of a family he located in Armstrong county. His son, James Wilson Blair,
was born August 24, 1824, in Westmoreland county, died in December, I903, a substantial farmer and stock raiser. He married Harriet M. Marvin, born in Armstrong
county, in I831, now (I917) residing at the old Derry township homestead, aged
eighty-six. When a child she was taken to the State of Illinois by her parents, and
there a cyclone which devastated the region destroyed the Marvin prairie home and
killed the entire family except the child Harriet M. She then returned to her Armstrong county home, there grew to youthful womanhood, and married James Wilson
Blair. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are' living: Joseph Wilson,
of further mention; John Alexander, an attorney of Pittsburgh; Cordelia J., married
James Diven, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania; Mary Bella; James Reid, a farmer of
Derry township.
Dr. Joseph Wilson Blair was born in Wayne township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, May 9, I86o. He attended the public schools of the district, and spent his
early life at the home farm, later completing his studies at Dayton Academy, Dayton,
Pennsylvania. Choosing the profession of medicine, he entered West Penn Medical
College, now the medical department of the University of Pittsburgh, receiving his
degree of Doctor of Medicine at graduation, class of I888.'Until I889 he practiced
his profession in Kittanning and Parkville, Pennsylvania, locating in Latrobe in December, I889. There he has practiced uninterruptedly and most successfully until the
present time, having a large general practice. In I896 he took a post-graduate course
at the Polyclinic Hospital at Philadelphia, specializing in diseases of the eye and their
treatment, a line of practice in which he has been very successful.
From a safe, professional eminence, Dr. Blair reviews a life of constant endeavor,
beginning with h.is efforts to secure an education.  He literally "worked his way"
through both Academy and Medical School, financing both courses from  his own
earnings. While strictly a professional man, and devoted in his allegiance, he has
acquired substantial property interests and has a share in the industrial and business
prosperity of his city. He keeps in closest touch with all medical discovery, either
preventative or curative. In political faith, a Democrat, he has served one term in
the city council and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is a member of the
Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of
Eagles, and is a communicant of the Presbyterian church. He is highly regarded by
his brethren of these organizations, and has a wide circle of friends. He was appointed
by President Wilson as a member of the Exemption Board of Division No. 5, Westmoreland county, State of Pennsylvania, and is chairman of the board.
Dr. Blair married, October 23, i889, Bertha Sarah Nichols, daughter of John and
Letta (Schuman) Nichols, of old Westmoreland and Butler county families. Mrs.
Blair is active in church and charitable work. They have children: John N., James
A., George D., William G., Bertha L., Mary E., and Joseph E. Blair.
2o8Genealogical and Personal History
AS  a proper accompaniment to the narrative history, this department of Genealogical and Personal History presents many
of the most important family records of Westmoreland County.
History proper is a narrative of what has been accomplished by
people in the mass, and can take little note of individuals. Here
begins the mission of the genealogist and investigator of the personal
lives of those who, have borne the heat and burden of the day, in
tracing whence and fro,m whoni they came, in portraying their deeds
and the spirit with which they were actuated, and holding up, their
effort as an example to, those who come afterward. The story is a
sacred trust committed to the people of the present, upon whom
devolves the perpetuation of the record. The custodian of records
concerning the useful men of preceding generations, and of their
descendants who, have lived lives of honor and usefulness, who places
his knowledge in preservable and accessible form, performs a public
service in rendering honor to whom honor is due, and inculcating the
most valuable lessons of patriotism and good citizenship. This fact
finds recognition in the warm welcome given in recent years to Genealogical and Family Histories. Such are in constant demand, and
sought for in the great libraries by writersl and lecturers from abroad,
as well as from all portions of our own country.
The narratives contained in these volumes have been submitted
to the persons most interested, for revision, and it is believed that they
will make a valuable addition to the historical material of Westmoreland County, and will have added value as the years pass by, and
present day annalists disappear.
THE PUBLISHERS.14                   OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
many in Augu.st, I914, that sooner or later the United States must be drawn into the
world war and he urged the adoption of universal military training, the preparation
of arms, and equipment, and the increase of the navy as a means of safety for the
country against the threatened deluge of blood. There is no man who advocated more
strenuously the supporting of the government and the President in every activity looking for the preparation of the Nation for a successful prosecution of the war. During
the first session he was in his seat continuously, taking part in the debates on all questions that have come up on the floor of the House, attending the sessions of Congress
more regularly than any other member from Pennsylvania, and few if any men in Congress have equaled him in this respect. The part of Pennsylvania included in the
Twenty-second Congressional District produced more bituminous coal than perhaps
any other in the country, this with the iron, glass and other manufacturing interests
and agricultural activities, in which a population of over 400,000 people are busily
employed, makes it one of the largest and most important districts in the United States.
Mr. Robbins' activity in Congress for these interests, and the workmen engaged
therein, has been remarkable. He advocated the increase of wages for the miners.and
railroad employees, and a minimum price of wheat for the farmers-all of which was
accomplished. He advocated a better price for bituminous coal, more adequate car
supply and better living conditions for the miners. His activities on behalf of those
engaged in this great interest has resulted in greatly improved results, and caused some
of his colleagues to designate him as "Bituminous Coal" Robbins in debate.
Outside of his legal and legislative work, Mr. Robbins has been concerned in theorganization of many financial institutions. He was one of the organizers of the Safe
Deposit and Trust Company of Greensburg, of the Wilmerding National Bank, of
the Citizens' Bank of Mount Pleasant, and also of the Union Deposit Bank of Jeannette. He was also one of the organizers of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore Coal Company,
for which company he purchased three thousand two hundred and fifty acres of highgrade Pittsbur-gh coal and four hundred and twenty-five acres of surface in Hempfield and North  Huntingdon townships, WVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, opened
mines, built a mining town and constructed three miles of railroad. This was afterward turned over to the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad Company and agreement securing
the traffic for that company entered into. This transaction involved a financial outlay
of over a million dollars. Of the Atlantic Coal Company, which owns and operates
three large mines in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. Of the Youghiogheny Coal Company, which o-wvned three hundred and fifty acres of coal which along with the Robbins
Coal Company, in which his father was interested with him and which owned eight
hundred and forty acres of coal, both were conveyed to the Pittsburgh Coal Company
at the time of its organization. These were also large financial transactions. He is a
director in the Safe Deposit and Trust Company, in the Wilmerding National Bank,
and is a trustee of Washington  Jefferson College, to which institution he has contributed liberally on several occasions. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of
Greensburg, and is a member of the building committee in charge of the construction
of the new church building. He is a member of the Greensburg Country Club, of the
Elks' Lodge, of the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, of the Army and Navy Club of Washington, D. C., of the Sons of the American Revolution, and of the Pennsylvania
Society.
Mr. Robbins married, December I7, I896, Luella Stauffer Moore, daughter of the
late J. W. Moore, of Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have two sons: Edward E.,
Jr., a student at Yale College, and J. WM. M., a student at the Hill School. The Robbins family haxe a beautiful home on North Main street, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Robbins was nominated without opposition May 2I, I918, to succeed himself
as a member of the Sixty-sixth Congress as a Republican.BIOGRAPHICAL
GEORGE WASHINGTON PROBST-If the records of the financial and industrial development of Pennsylvania should ever be written and a list made of the
men who have been in any way prominently identified therewith, it will be found to
contain an unulsually high percentage of names associated only with the very highest
and most disinterested motives and entirely free from all selfish -and corrupt conduct.
It is well for a community to be able to say this, it is a prouder boast than though it
could point to some world genius as its offspring, for a community cannot be gauged
so much by its exceptions-and geniuses are always exception-as by the rank and file
of its members, of the men whom we meet on the street and find at the head of its
banks, its business houses and factories. Upon such a list and well deserving to stand
with the highest, both in the point of ability and the most unimpeachable honor, the
name of George Washington Probst should appear.
George VW'ashington Probst is descended from German ancestors, his grandfather
having come from that country and located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in
pioneer days. He and his wife were the parents of a family of children of whom one,
John Probst, was the father of George W. Probst. John Probst was born at Mount
Joy, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and received his education in the common
schools of that place. Upon reaching manhood he kept a tavern for a time at Elizabethtown and Mount Joy, Lancaster county, and later at Gilcrist Hill on the Pike
Road between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  Still later Mr. Probst, Sr., became a
wagoner, operating on the National Pike between Philadelphia and Baltimore and
between the former city and Pittsburgh. He was a Democrat of the old Jacksonian
type in politics, and for a number of years served as tipstaff in the county court house.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church at Greensburg, and afterwards was
a charter member of Zion Lutheran Church here. He married Rebecca Smith, and
they were the parents of the following children: Cordelia; Susan, deceased; Mary,
deceased; John, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Rebecca, deceased; Frances, deceased;
Jane, deceased, was the wife of Lewis Walthour, of McKeesport; George Washington, the subject of this brief appreciation; Henrietta, deceased; and Elizabeth, deceased.
George Washington Probst, son of John and Rebecca (Smith) Probst, was born
August 5, I833, at Gilgrist Farm, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He acquired
his education ai the local public school, but his advantages in this direction were decidedly slender. When sixteen years of age, he left school and became the driver of
a stage on the old Pike, between Greensburg and Pittsburgh, and continued in this
occupation for about three years. He then learned the harness-making trade, having
apprenticed himself to Robert Mackey, of Pittsburgh, who was engaged in that business, and put in about a year and a half at this work. He was then fortunate enough
to secure a position with the government at the Allegheny Arsenal, at Allegheny,
where he remained about three months. From here he went to Newcastle and from
there to Youngstown, Ohio, where he worked at his trade of harness-making.. In
I855, however, he returned to Greensburg and from that time to this has made it the
scene of his active business career. After first returning to the town, he was employed
by Mr. C. H. Stark to operate a shop for him there, but after completing five years of
service with this gentleman, he opened a similar establishment on his own account on
Main street, Greensburg, near the location upon which is now being erected a handsome new bankl building (I9I7). Here he remained about two years and then moved
to Otterman street. About this time Mr. Probst accepted a position as foreman with
a large manufacturing company at Macon, Georgia, and remained there about two
years, after which he once more returned to Greensburg and took up his interrupted
business. For a time he was located in the Baughman building, from which he moved
to the Traugar building, and then to the Stoner block on Maple avenue. In the last
W- 14
209OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
named location he remained for six or eight years, and on June 13, 19o4, opened his
present store at No. io6 South Pennsylvania avenue. Here he has a most modern
up-to-date and fully-equipped establishment and carries a complete line of harness
and saddlery. He has built up a very large and remunerative business, which is now
one of the largest of its kind in the community. On November I, I9II, his son Robert
was admitted to the firm, the firm name becoming George W. Probst  Son.
Mr. Probst has always taken an active part in public affairs and has been actively
identified with the local organization of the Republican party, although he has consistently refused to run for public office of any kind. He is a very active figure in the
social world, and is affiliated with a large number of important organizations, among
which should be mentioned the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined
February 8, I856. Was first member of Greensburg Lodge, No'. 50, which he represented at the Grand Lodge. He secured the charter for Westmoreland Lodge, No.
840. He served as district deputy in each order he has held membership in. On February 8, i906, he was presented by his lodge with a fine jewel in honor of his fifty
years' service in the order. Although eighty-four years of age he still is active in the
team work of the order. For a number of years he has represented Westmoreland
Lodge at Ben Avon Home for Orphans. He was one of the first contributors to the
fund for the first home established for old and indigent Odd Fellows in Pennsylvania. Other organizations are as follows: The Royal Arcanum, which he joined in
I878; the Knights of Pythias, the Chosen Friends and the Home Circle. For many
years Mr. Probst was chief of the Greensburg Fire Department and rendered the community an invaluable service in this capacity. In his religious belief Mr. Probst is a
Lutheran and was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Greensburg, attended
divine service there for many years, and was a deacon there for a long period. Later
he joined' the Westminister Presbyterian Church at Greensburg, in which he is at
present, ruling elder, and three times represented his church at the Presbytery.
On December 24, 1857, Mr. Probst was united in marriage with Sarah H. Little,
a daughter of John Little, of Pittsburgh, and they have had the following children
born to them: I. William, born February 2, I859, died March 8, I862. 2. John George,
born February 2I, I86o, died March 24, I863. 3. Annie, born November 22, 1862, died
January 20, I869. 4. Charles L., mentioned below. 5. Emma, born July I3, I866;
married (first) Jacob Thomas, three children, Donald, Sarah and Kenneth; married
(second) L. Anshutz, of Greensburg, one child, Catharine. 6. Robert, mentioned
below. 7. Mary H., born November 23, 1871, died July 17, 1872. 8. Harry L., mentioned below. 9. Alexander, born December 27, I874, died September 3, I878. o0.
Arthur, mentioned below. ii. George M., born May 3I, 1879.
Charles L. Probst was born at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, March I2, I864. He
received his education in the public schools of his native place, was engaged as a window trimmer at Youngstown, Ohio, and is now engaged at Jeannette. He married
Mrs. Katherine Rumbaugh, nee Campbell, and they are the parents of the following
children: Joseph, Ruth and Romaine. Charles L. Probst is a staunch Republican, a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the First Lutheran Church,'
and sings in the choir there,
Robert Probst was born at Greensburg, Pennsylyania, September 9, I869, and
received his education in the public schools of the region. For a number of years
after completinlg his studies in these institutions, he was variously employed, but
finally engaged in the upholstering business, in which he remained for about fifteen years. In I9o6 he returned to Greensburg and engaged in business with his father.
He is a Republican in politics, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and is
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has occupied all the chairs
in that fraternity and is now captain of the Canton. He married Annie Cumming, a
210BIOGRAPHICAL
daughter of WVilliam and Carolina Cumming, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, on September 5, I894, and they are the parents of the following children: Anna May and George
William, both of whom are at present, students in the Greensburg public schools.
Harry L. Probst was born in Greensburg on Christmas Day, I872, and received
his early education in the public schools of that town. He was variously employed for
a number of years and finally entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric Company of Pittsburgh, where he remained for a number of years. He then became
identified with the White Motor Company and is at present engaged in that successful business. He has been actively identified with the State Militia, enlisted in Company I, Tenth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, for service in the SpanishAmerican War and served throughout that conflict, taking part in all of the important
battles and held the rank of sergeant. When his time of enlistment expired with the
Tenth, he reenlisted in Company A, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, and was commissioned second lieutenant. This body was eventually transformed into an artillery
squadron and Mr. Probst was advanced to the rank of first lieutenant. He accompanied
this body to the border of Mexico, where it performed guard duty for a number of
months. He is a Republican in politics. He married Clara Benford, a daughter of
John Benford, and they are the parents of three children, as follows: Grace, Robert
and Edna Mar.
Arthur Probst was born February 4, 1877, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was educated in the piublic schools, and is now an employee of the Pennsylvania Rubber Company of Jeannette, Pennsylvania. He married Jennie Le Sage, and they have two
children: Arthur and Julius.
George M. Probst was born May 31, 1879, at Greensburg, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, and there received his education in the public schools of the region.
After being variously employed for a number of years, he entered the retail shoe business, where he remained for about nine years, and then became identified with the firm
of Endicott-Johnson  Company of Endicott, New York, in the capacity of representative for'Western Pennsylvania, a post which he holds at the present time. He is
a member of the Episcopal church, a Republican in politics, and prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Ruth Merrill, a daughter of Oscar B.
and Candace (Nicholas) Merrill, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, July 26, I903. To them
three children have been born, as follows: Roland M., Louis George and Richard S.,
who are all at the present time (I9I8) students in the public school of Greensburg.
PHILIP SHERIDAN PILE, M. D.-Of an old and honored Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, German family, Dr. Pile chose professional life, and although obliged
to finance his own classical and medical education he overcame all obstacles, and in
1905, with his Doctor of Medicine degree fairly earned, he located in Latrobe, Westmoreland county, where he has won high reputation as physician, surgeon and citizen.
He is a grandson of Abraham and Mary (Friedline) Pile, his grandfather a lifelong
resident of Somerset county, and a successful farmer.
George A. Pile, eldest son of Abraham and Mary (Freidline) Pile, was born in
Jenner township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1839, died August 22,
1912. He was educated in the district school, and remained at home his father's assistant until'September 3, I86I, when he enlisted as a private in Company C, Fifty-fourth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years. He saw hard
service, but at Ihe expiration of his term, in I864, he enlisted in Company H, of the
same regiment. He served until the close of the war, was honorably discharged, June
5, I865, and returned to his Pennsylvania home. From his return until 1892, Mr. Pile
engaged in farming in Jenner township, then for a year conducted a hotel at Jenner,
returning to the farm in 1894, and remaining until I902. He then built the Central
2I IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Hotel in Boswell, which he conducted until I905, retiring from active business in that
year. He was a lifelong Republican, and active in local poli'tics, serving as councilman, street commissioner, assessor and judge of election. He ever retained the highest regard for his comrades-in-arms, and was a prominent member of the Grand Army
of the Republic. He married, December 28, I865, Phoebe J. Coleman, daughter of
Philip and EiizabethY (Hay) Coleman, of old Somerset county family, who survives
her husband, a resident of Boswell. They were the parents of: Harry, Philip Sheridan, of further mention; Abraham  Edgar, Elizabeth, Mary, Myrtle, and three who
died young.
Dr. Philip Sheridan Pile, second son and second child of George A. and Phoebe
J. (Coleman) Pile, was born in Jenner township, Pennsylvania, October 2, I870. He
attended the public schools of Lincoln township, passing thence to the Biesecker
School, and took the courses of the Jenner Summer Normal School. With that preparation, he entered the State Normal School at Lock Haven, whence he was graduated
and licensed to teach. The following nine years were spent in teaching in the public
schools, then a long cherished ambition was gratified by entrance to Baltimore Medical
College, now the medical department of the University of Maryland. He was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of I905, and the following August he located in Latrobe, where he has built up a good general practice and is esteemed one of the successful physicians of his city. He is a member of the Latrobe Academy of Medicine.
and the Westinoreland County Medical Society, his college fraternity, Phi Chi. He
is a member of Loyalhanna Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Urania Chapter,
Royal Arch AMasons; Greensburg Commandery, Knights Templar; Syria Temple,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Latrobe Lodge, No. 907, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks; Woodmen of the World, and is a communicant of the Reformed
church. In political preference he is a Republican, a member of the Westmoreland
county committee and aids in party organization. He is deeply interested in the cause
of education, and as school director has rendered efficient service.  He is fond of
sports of the open, and usually spends his vacation periods with rod and gun.
Dr. Pile married, October 25, I899, Ida B. Shaffer, daughter of Henry C. Shaffer,
of Somerset ccunty.
JAMES R. FERGUSON-James R. Ferguson is one of the best known citizens
of Belle Vernon, being the president of the First National Bank of this progressive
town and. a figure of influence in the financial world of that region. He is not a native
of Westmoreland county, having come here from Pittsburgh, but during his residence
in Belle Vernon, has become most intimately associated with its affairs.
Born February 26, I857, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, James R. Ferguson is a son
of Robert Ferg:uson, who was a native of Ireland, of the hardy Scotch-Irish race, and
who came to this country at an early age. Mr. Ferguson, Sr., was a landscape gardener and planned many of the most beautiful private estates in Pittsburgh. It was
at his father's home in the latter city that James R. Ferguson passed the years of his
childhood and youth, while he gained his education at the excellent Pittsburgh schools.
At the age of seventeen he discontinued his studies and came to Belle Vernon, where
he entered the employ of the R. C. Schmertz Glass Company for the purpose of learning the glass cutting trade, and served for three years as an apprentice in this establishment. Upon coming to Belle Vernon in the first instance, he was possessed of only
two dollars, but it throws a vivid light upon the industry and thrift of the lad when
we learn that by means of doing odd jobs, in addition to his regular work, he had
saved up twentv dollars during the first three months. Mr. Ferguson has never ceased
to work at the glass trade, which he learned during these years of his youth, and even
now he may sometimes be found at work at his table. At one time Mr. Ferguson
212BIOGRAPHICAL
actually was placed in charge of a room  full of glass cutters, but- voluntarily relinquished this position and preferred to take up the work himself, as he was devoted to
the craft in which he has developed such great skill and craftmanship. For fortythree years he was associated with one glass concern, during which time he worked
but three-fourths of one day with another plant. The old Schmertz Company was
eventually taken over by the American Window Glass Company, which absorbed
practically all the glass-making concerns in the region, and with this concern Mr.
Ferguson is now associated. He became connected with the First National Bank, and
for a time acted as a director, but in 1913, as he was very familiar with the affairs of
the concern, and was respected by all for his keen business foresight and grasp of the
financial condition, he became its president, an office which he continues to hold at
the present timte. Mr. Ferguson has been quite active in the general life of the community, and has been particularly interested in the matter of the education of the
young, serving on the school board of Belle Vernon for a number of years past. Mr.
Ferguson has always upheld the Republican party and is an active worker in its interest, having done much effective work for it at various times. He worked especially
hard when his old friend, Judge John B. Steele, was a candidate, or when men of
that calibre had been nominated, feeling the utmost confidence that they would prove
effective and valuable public servants. No account of Mr. Ferguson would be complete which did not mention his strongly religious caste of mind. He is a Presbyterian
in belief and attends the church of that denomination at Belle Vernon. He has been
especially actixe in the work of the congregation, and has held a number of official
positions in connection therewith. He has been for upward of a quarter of a century
secretary-treasurer of the Sunday school there, and at the present time holds the rank
of elder. Mr. Ferguson is prominent in the social and fraternal circles of the town,
and is particularly closely identified with the Masonic order.
James R. Ferguson married, February 5, I879, Ella Martin, a native of Belle
Vernon. They are the parents of four children, as follows:  I. Robert Pierce, who
was educated in the local schools of this region, and at the age of seventeen was employed by the First National Bank in a humble clerical capacity; from this start at the
bottom of the ladder he rapidly rose, being continually promoted, working in a number
of the leading banks hereabouts in various poisitions; he thus. came to have a very
complete knowledge of the banking business until in the year I914 he was appo,inted
State Bank Examiner, a position which he continues to hold to this day with headquarters at Charleroi. 2. Jennie, who died in early childhood. 3. Helen Rea, who
became the wife of Dr. Orr, of West Newton, Pennsylvania. 4. James Edward, who
now holds a responsible position in a large automobile accessories company in Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have passed their entire married life in their charming home
in North Belle Vernon.
GEORGE THOMAS CORNELIUS, D. D. S.-Success in life is the fruit of
so many diverse conditions and circumstances, so opposed, it'often seems to us, that
one may well be tempted to despair of finding any rule and criterion of the qualities
which go to its achievement. There is one thing of which we may rest assured, however, and that is real success, success honestly worth counting as such, is never the
result of fortuitous elements in the environment, but must depend upon some intrinsic
quality of the man himself, such as we see in the career of Dr. George Thomas Cornelius, the successful and prominent dentist of Monessen, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
George Thomas Cornelius was born in Afton, Iowa, July 23, I866, a son of John
W. and Anna L. (McLeod) Cornelius. John W. Cornelius was a native of Covington, Kentucky. where he was an'authority on botanical subjects, and a veterinarian.
He later went to Iowa and engaged in business there as veterinarian, being successful.
213OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
He disappeare(i mysteriously while on a business trip in Missouri and is supposed to
have been murdered in I870. No trace of him has ever been found. The American
ancestor of the Cornelius family was a native of England. Mrs. Cornelius was a
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Evans) McLeod, and her birth occurred June 8,
I846, and her death on February 2I, I9I6. Thomas McLeod was a native of Aberdeen,
Scotland.
Dr. George Thomas Cornelius is the eldest of two children, the other being his
sister Harriet, who is now the wife of William J. Dickson, a prominent real estate
broker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they reside in that city. The family returned
from the West to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it was there that George T. Cornelius
attended the public schools and Beck Friends' School for the preliminary portion of
his education. He was compelled to begin work at the age of eleven years, and gained
his business education during eight years with Strawbridge  Clothier, Philadelphia,
but continued in the night schools and so thoroughly prepared himself that his high
school certificate gained him entrance to the University of Pennsylvania, where he
matriculated at the Dental College and graduated with honors in the class of I888, and
with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He has never lost interest in his alma
mater, and has done much disinterested work in the interest of the university, in connection with h]is alumni, for more liberal State appropriations and various other
projects looking to the institution's welfare. He served as business manager and was
largely responsible for the publication of the University of Pennsylvania "Alumni
Annual," I895-96. Following his graduation in I888, he entered practice in Philadelphia, where he remained for twelve years, and subsequently was located for short
periods in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati and in Kentucky. In I905 he came to
Monessen, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he has built up an exceptionally
lucrative and representative professional practice, and has taken a great enterest in
civic progress. He is especially interested in public education and the public schools.
Dr. Cornelius is a member of the Monessen Board of Trade, the Pittsburgh Alumni
Association of the University of Pennsylvania, and is a Democrat in politics, but
never seeks, rather avoids, public office. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal
church, and liberally supports the philanthropic undertakings of this religious organization. He has served as the junior warden of this church. Dr. Cornelius served in
the Spanish-American War, enlisting as a private, b,ut his professional experience
shortly gained for him an assignment to the Hospital Corps and Regiment dentist. In
the Camp at Fernandina, Florida, he did valiant service in fighting the epidemic of
typhoid fever which swept the camp. His superior officers were Captain Townsend
and Colonel Ralston.
Dr. Cornelius was united in marriage, September I4, I9o4, with Emma Jackson
Quigley, a daughter of George and Mary (Atkinson) Quigley, and a granddaughter
of William and Elizabeth (Stuart) Quigley, both of the latter of good old ScotchIrish stock and natives of Scotland. Mrs. Cornelius is active in church and charitable
work, and especially in child welfare work to which she has given much of her time
and attention. She is a member of the Woman's Guild of the Episcopal church. To
Dr. and Mrs. Cornelius three children have been born, as follows: Anna Lisbeth,
born March 20., I9o6; Mary Atkinson, April 8, 1908; Harriet Spangler, October 2,
I9II. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Cornelius took place at the Church of the Holy
Apostles, Philadelphia; Pennsylvania (founded by the late Bishop Brooks) by the
Rev. Nathaniel S. Thomas, the present Bishop of Wyoming.
JAMES H. GALLAGHER-James H. Gallagher, coal operator, business man
and public-spirited citizen of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, who has for many years been
identified most closely with the general life of the community, is a member of a
214BIOGRAPHICAL
family which for the better part of four generations had made its home in this region
and during that entire time occupied a place of esteem and regard among their fellowcitizens of Westmoreland county.
He is descended from one Thomas Gallagher, a native of Ireland, who was born
in County Donegal, July 28, I750. Thomas Gallagher came to this country with his
family and established a home near Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred February 2I, I844,
at the advanced age of ninety-four years, and he lies at rest in Unity Cemetery, near
Beatty's Station. They arrived in this country from their voyage across the ocean on
May IO, I8Io, at Baltimore, where they had a number of relatives, among whom were
members of the well-known Patterson family. They visited these friends for a -time
and then proceeded on their way across the Allegheny mountains in what were known
as "Mountain Wagons," the vehicles used in those days by the pioneer, and which were
commodious enough not only to carry the members of a family but also simple equipments of household goods and furniture. After a long and hazardous journey they
reached Greensburg. After a few weeks Thomas Gallagher with his family settled in
Washington township and bought the tract of land upon which "Fort Hand" had been
erected. In I815 he purchased a tract of land and located in Unity township, near
Pleasant Unity.
In his native land Mr. Gallagher belonged to the landowning class and for his living had kept an inn. He was also a military man and a captain of volunteers in the
British army before coming to this country. He married, in Ireland, Isabella McIlhaney, a daughter of James McIlhaney. Her death occurred January 14, I817, in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They were the'parents of the following children: James, mentioned below; Thomas, who died unmarried at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was buried in the Episcopal Cemetery of that city; Major George; John;
Mary Ann; and Isabella, who died on shipboard when only ten years of age, in I8Io,
on their voyage to America.
James Gallagher, eldest child of Thomas and Isabella (McIlhaney) Gallagher,
was born October I4, I789, in Ireland, and acco'mpanied his parents to America in
I8Io, when he was jusf twenty-one years of age. He married Elizabeth Foster, the
daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Harrold) Foster, a native of Indiana county,
born December 1I4, I802. The death of James Gallagher occurred March 3, I88I, and
that of his wife, March 29, I891. They were the parents of the following children:
Thomas Foster, mentioned below; George, deceased; William F., deceased; Isabella,
deceased; Sarah Ann, deceased; Mary Jane, who became the wife of Dr. Joseph L.
Cook, of Westmoreland county; Martha, deceased; Elizabeth F., James S., and Robert Taylor, deceased.
Major-General Thomas F. Gallagher, eldest son of James and Elizabeth (Foster)
Gallagher, was born January I7, 1822, at his father's home, near Pleasant Unity,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Even as a child he showed marked precocity,
and was still quite young when he became connected both with the military and commercial activities of the community. Prior to the Civil War, General Gallagher was
a prorninent figure in the Pennsylvania militia, showing an unusual talent for handling
troops, so that he was soon in the way of promotion and was advanced rapidly from
the office of lieutenant to that of major-general. After the Civil War he was placed
in command of the entire National Guard of the State with this office. During the
momentous struggle which convulsed the' country from I86I to I865, General Gallagher took a veiy prominent part in the Union army and his career as a soldier was
attended*with great success. He enlisted, July 2, I86I, and was given command of
the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve (fortieth in line), with the rank of colonel. During active service he attained the rank of brigadier-general and proved himself a most
gallant and efficient officer. It was the troops under his command who were sent
215OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
against the famous "Morgan Raiders" and under his skillful leadership succeeded in
capturing them. While colonel of the Fortieth Regiment, he led his troops in the
battle of Dranesville, Chickahominy, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Bull Run and
South Mountain. At Gaines' Mill he and his entire regiment, with the exception of
one company, were captured and taken to Libby Prison, where he was confined for
nine weeks and then exchanged. General McCall, in making a report of the battle
and Colonel Galagher's capture says:
The Eleventh Regiment, commanded by Colonel Gallagher, was surrounded by
the enemy, and in the heat of the action he was completely enveloped in the smoke of
battle. They continued firing after the rest of the line had retreated. Notwithstanding his perilous position, he kept up a galling fire on the advancing foe. The situation of this brave regiment, which had so nobly maintained their ground after all had
retreated, was now hopeless; their retreat was entirely cut off by the increasing force
of the enemy, who were still advancing, and they were compelled to surrender.
In appreciation of his gallantry in this engagement as well as for the distinguished
service already rendered by him, Colonel Gallagher was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, upon his release from Libby Prison, and placed in command of the third
brigade. On September I4, I86-2, he was severely wounded at the battle of South
Mountain and for some time disabled for further service. Accordingly he resigned
his command, December 12, I862, and reiired to his home in Westmoreland county,
but in I863, when emergency regiments were called into the field by Governor Curtin
to protect the southern and southwestern border of the State against the threatened
invasion by the Confederates, he was made colonel of the Fifty-fourth Regiment,
Pennsylvania AVolunteers, and it was then that his exploit in capturing General Morgan and his raiders was achieved. His old regiment, the Fortieth, or Eleventh Reserve, continued in active service throughout most of the war and was finally mustered
out of service at Pittsburgh, July I4, I864. As has above been remarked, General
Gallagher was commissioned major-general of the National Guard of Pennsylvania,
at the time of the reorganization of that body, and in addition to this he was a prominent figure in the civil life of the community, and was twice elected a member of the
Pennsylvania State Legislature, serving in that capacity in I867 and I868. He was a
Presbyterian in his religious belief and attended that church all his life.
General Gallagher married, September I8, I849, Elizabeth Kerr McBride, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Kerr) McBride, and they were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased; Anna Maria, deceased; Sarah Agnes, deceased;
Margaret McBride, who became the wife of Jeffery W. Taylor, Esq., of Greensburg;
Isabella, who became the wife of Dr. James R. Jack, of New Alexandria; and James
H., mentioned below.
James H. Gallagher was born November 23, I867, at New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.  He is a Republican and has been identified with the
activities of that party. In the year I902 he was elected recorder of deeds in and for
Westmoreland county. The nomination to that office was accorded him without opposition. He was renominated without opposition for the same office in I905, by the
Republican party, and elected for another term. He was chosen chairman of the
Republican county committee by acclamation and did valuable service during the
Roosevelt-Fairbanks campaign and again in the Taft-Wilson campaign. For years his
business has been selling coal lands to various coal operating companies, and in I914
he became an active coal operator.
CHARLES M. SHOUP-Few residents of Westmoreland county will inquire,
on meeting with this name, who the bearer of it may be. As principal of the Ligonier
public schools Mr. Shoup occupies a leading position in educational circles, a position
2i6BIOGRAPHICAL
to which his valuable work as an instructor, which has now extended over many years,
most abundantly entitles him.
John Shoup. grandfather of Charles M. Shoup, when' sixteen years of age, came
with his parents from Prussia, Germany. They sailed from Hamburg and on landing in the United States settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. After remaining
there for a time they removed to Ligonier township, Westmoreland county. John
Shoup was all his life a farmer, but never a landowner. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the German Evangelical Lutheran church
of Ligonier. Mr. Shoup married, in February, I845, Catherine (Keffer) Churns,
whose family record is appended to this biography, and their children were: Michael,
born February 7, I846, now of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; John W., born July 24,
I849, now of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Henry A., mentioned below. Mrs. Shoup
died March I2, 1872, and her husband, who had been born in I812, passed away on
May 6, I876.
Henry A. Shoup, son of John and Catherine (Keffer) Shoup, was born August 3,
I852, near Ligonier, and was at the time of his death the youngest surviving grandson
of the well-known pioneer, Michael Keffer. During his boyhood and youth Henry A.
Shoup, in the summers, assisted his father in the labors of the farm and in the winter
months attended school, his good abilities and desire for knowledge enabling him,
despite the deficiencies of the country schools of that period, to acquire a good education, while at the same time he became proficient in agriculture as it was then understood. Thus equipped the young man was well fitted for the occupation which he
chose for his life work and which was that of farming and stockraising. His farm,
which comprised one hundred and sixty-three acres, was situated three miles west of
Ligonier and formed a part of the original tract purchased by his grandfather, Michael
Keffer, the home of the pioneer where, eventually, he passed away. Henry A. Shoup
was a progressive farmer and stock-raiser. His land was maintained in a high state
of cultivation, and at several of the county fairs held in Western Pennsylvania he was
selected as one of the stock judges.
In the pronmotion of every good cause Mr. Shoup bore an active part, and was frequently chosen to fill various positions in the governing bodies of the Lutheran church
of Ligonier, of which he might justly be said to be one of the pillars. Of sound judgment and strictly temperate in all things, he was universally accorded by his fellowcitizens the richly merited tribute of implicit confidence and sincere respect.
Mr. Shoup married Elizabeth McFarland Elder, whose family record is appended
to this biography, and their only child, Charles M., is mentioned below. In 19o8 the
family left the farm and moved to Ligonier, where a beautiful dwelling of pressed'
brick, with all modern improvements, was erected on Main street, North Side. This
house is now the property of Charles M. Shoup. There, on October 2I, I914, the
devoted wife and mother suddenly passed away.  From the day of her marriage,
October 2, I8;73, she had been in all things a true helpmate, and to her, as her husband gratefully owned, was due in no small measure the success which he achieved
upon the farm. Mrs. Shoup was an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, with
which she had been connected from her youth, a truly Christian woman, loved and
honored by all who knew her. Mr. Shoup did not long survive the faithful companion
of more than forty years. On April 28, I9I6, he closed a life of usefulness and beneficence, of steadfast and energetic endeavor and of success honorably achieved.
Charles M. Shoup, son of Henry A. and Elizabeth McFarland (Elder) Shoup,
was born October I8, I877, near Ligonier, and grew up on his father's farm, receiving
his earliest education in the public schools of the neighborhood. From these he
passed to the I.igonier Classical Institute, and in September, I899o entered Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania, graduating in June, I9o3. - Shortly after this Mr. Shoup
was elected principal of the Ligonier public schools, in which position he rendered the
217OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
most satisfactory service during I9o04 and I9o6. At the expiration of those terms he
resigned to become science instructor in the Latrobe High School, retaining this position for a period of four years. On leaving Latrobe he was elected principal of the
Swissvale High School, and in this position he continuously remained until June 2I,
I9I7. He was then once more elected principal of the Ligonier public schools, and is
now filling that responsible position with an efficiency even greater than that which he
brought to it at the outset of his career, an efficiency deepened and broadened by culture and experience. Not only by these but also by an attractive personality is Mr.
Shoup fitted for his position. His manners are genial and courteous and he has an
exceptional capacity for making and holding friends. For one year he did postgraduate work in the School of Education, University of Chicago, and his studies have
been supplemented by extensive travel throughout the United States, that is, as extensive as a man so devoted to duty would permit them to be.
In politics Mr. Shoup is a Democrat, and in November, I917, he was elected a
councilman of the borough of Ligonier. He is a member and trustee of St. James'
Evangelical Lutheran Church and an ardent and faithful teacher in its Sunday school.
In the trusteeship he succeeded his father after the latter's death, and he is also leader
of the adult Bible class. Mr. Shoup is a gifted and ready speaker, and in the church
he wields, both by words and example, a potent influence for every just and righteous
cause. Since his father's death Mr. Shoup has cultivated the homestead farm which
consists, now as formerly, of one hundred and sixty-three acres. He also looks after
his extensive real estate interests. He succeeded his father as director of the Ligonier
Valley Cemetery.
Mr. Shoup married, June 2I, I916, Marion Rebecca Hartman, whose family record
is appended to this biography. Mrs. Shoup, a woman of culture and charm, is admirably fitted by similarity of tastes and temperament to be the companion of a man like
her husband.
In his profession Mr. Shoup has gone far and the fact that he has done so warrants the belief that in the years to come he will go still farther and higher.
(The Keffer Line).
Michael Keffer, father of Mrs. Catherine (Keffer) Shoup, was born January 8,
I777, in Germany, and in I8oo left the Fatherland and emigrated to the United States.
Arriving after a stormy voyage of many weeks, he settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he became a naturalized citizen and purchased a small tract of -land
in or adjacent to Berlin. Upon this Mr. Keffer built a two-story log dwelling and for
twenty-five years followed his trade, which was that of a shoemaker, also doing a little.
farming. He then sold the property and bought a large farm in Ligonier Valley, three
miles north of Ligonier. In the spring of I826 he removed to this farm, which he
made his home during the remainder of his life. Mr. Keffer served in the army during
the War of I81.2. He was a Whig and a member of the Lutheran church. He brought
with him from Germany his first wife, Elizabeth (Lachman) Keffer, and their son
Jacob. Their daughter Catherine is mentioned below. After the death of his wife,
he married Susanna Maria Miller. By this union there were no children. Michael
Keffer died October 26, I851, leaving a name memorable in the pioneer annals of
Western Pennsylvania.
Catherine Keffer, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Lachman) Keffer, was
born in I8I5, and married William Churns, after whose death she became the wife of
John Shoup, as stated above.
(The Elder Line).
Joseph Elder, father of Mrs. Elizabeth McFarland (Elder) Shoup, was of
Scotch-Irish ancestry, and first settled in Path Valley, Franklin county, subsequently
removing to Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland county. There he became the owner of
2I8BIOGRAPHICAL
a one hundred and sixty acre farm which he succeeded in clearing, incontrovertible
evidence of his enterprise and perseverance. Politically Mr. Elder was originally a
Whig, but later identified himself with the Republicans. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of Ligonier. Mr. Elder married Eliza Penrose, and
their children were: Mary, married John G. Lowry, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania;
Margaret, became the wife of Thomas Smith, of Ligonier; William A., of Ligonier;
and Elizabeth McFarland, mentioned below. Mr. Elder died in Ligonier Valley.
Elizabeth McFarland Elder, daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Penrose) Elder, was
born December I, I849, and became the wife of Henry A. Shoup, as stated above.
(The Hartman Line).
J. Wylie Hartman, father of Mrs. Marion Rebecca (Hartman) Shoup, was born
in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, and educated in township schools. He
early assisted his father on the farm, but later learned the carpenter's trade, which
he followed for a time. He has been for more than twenty-five years a resident of
Latrobe, where he is now engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. Mr.
Hartman is a Republican and has filled various minor offices in Latrobe, among them
that of member of the council. He affiliates with Latrobe Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, Royal Arch Chapter, Commandery of Knights Templar, and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Pittsburgh. Mr. Hartman married Francis, daughter of Matthias and Kate (Wilson) Saxman, and the'following
children were born to them: Marion Rebecca, mentioned below; Matthias, Ruth, and
J. Wylie.
Marion Rebecca Hartman, daughter of J. Wylie and Francis (Saxman) Hartman,
was born in Latrobe, where she received her elementary education in public schools,
subsequently attending the Pennsylvania College for Women, Pittsburgh, and studying
at Wilson College; Chambersburg. She also took an art course at Hood College,
Maryland, and has travelled much in different parts of the United States. She is
now the wife of Charles M. Shoup, as stated above. Mrs. Shoup belongs to the Order
of the Easterrn Star, Latrobe, and is a member of Latrobe Chapter, Daughters of the
Amnerican Revolution.
HARRY JAMES ECKEL, D. D. S.-Beyond question there is something in the
character of Teutonic peoples that fits them peculiarly for the practice of the learned
professions, a something which is made up of many factors and elements united in
such happy proportions that both the theoretical and practical sides of these callings
seem to offer them most congenial realms for their efforts. In the first place there is
the quality of long perseverance in the pursuit of an objective so typical of German
achievement in the present century, and in addition to this what might be called the
quality of scientific observation which makes them unusually capable in anything like
research work. They are ideal students and yet possess enough of the practical outlook upon life to show them the significance of their knowledge and how it may best
be applied to the needs and requirements of everyday life. Harry James Eckel, one of
the rising young dentists of Monessen, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is of
German parentage and illustrates very forcibly in his own person the truth of the
above proposition. A student of unusual intelligence and concentration, devoted to
his work, and with a practical grasp of the needs of the dental profession and the
situation generally, he is particularly well fitted to succeed in the practice of his calling.
Dr. Eckel comes of a family which has distinguished itself in its native land, his
grandfather having been Adam  Eckel, a wealthy and highly cultivated resident of
Berlin, where also he was born. For many years he served as president of the Berlin
Board of Education and held other high and responsible posts in the Imperial Gov219OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ernment service. He died at the venerable age of one hundred and eight years, and
his wife, Mrs. Kathryn Eckel, still survives and resides in that city in her ninety-sixth
year. It was a son of this couple, Charles Eckel, who came to the United States from
Berlin, where he was born. He made the trip in the year I882, and located for a time
in New York City, where he entered the employ of an uncle who conducted one of the
largest markets of the city. He did not remain in this service for a great period, however, but shortly removed to Homestead, Pennsylvania, where he opened a market of
his own. Here he conducted an extremely successful business, in which he continued
until the outbreak of the historic Homestead strike, when he sold the business and
entered the emprloy of the Carnegie Steel Company and was employed at their plant in
Whittaker, Pennsylvania. He remained with the company a total o~ twenty-two years,
but eventually removed to Monessen, where he took the position of foreman of the
melting department of the Pittsburgh Steel Products Company of that city, a position
which he conti:.-ues to hold at the present time. While still a resident of Whittaker he
was very active in public affairs there, serving on the school board and borough council and also fcr a time on the Board of Health. In politics he is a Republican, and
in religion a member of the Christian church. He is affiliated with the local lodge of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is very well known in the general life of
the community.  He married Janette S. Strang, a daughter of James and Janette
(Yule) Strang.  Mrs. Eckel is a native of Dumferline, Scotland, her'home being
within a few yards of the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. At the age of thirteen she
came with her family to America and resided at Bellwood, Pennsylvania, where her
girlhood was spent and where she was married. Her maternal grandfather,
Yule, was one of a family of famous Presbyterian ministers and missionaries, several
of whom devoted their lives to the missions in China and the African settlements.
Mrs. Eckel's mother, Janette (Yule) Strang, died at the age of seventy-eight years,
while her father, James Strang, still resides in Bellwood, where he has reached the
age of eighty-one, and is regarded as one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens
of the place. Mr. Strang was noted as a construction engineer in his native land before
coming to Amnerica, particularly in connection with coal mine operation, and he sank
some of the most famous and difficult shafts in that country. Since coming to America
he has lived in practical retirement, however, and except for looking after his large
private investments has transacted no business. He has, however, served his adopted
community as supervisor of road construction in Allegheny county, having introduced
the most modern methods of road building and has served in other capacities as well.
Mrs. Charles Eckel is very much interested in the work of the First Christian Church
of Monessen, and is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary and Christian Women's Board
of Missions of that church. She is also affiliated with the VWomen's Club and takes an
active part in every movement undertaken for the civic development of the community.
Two children were born to Mrs. Charles Eckel, namely, Harry James, of whom further, and Mabel Janette.
Born August 2, I89g, at Homestead, Pennsylvania, Dr. Harry James Eckel received his elementary education at the public schools of Bellwood,. Homestead and
Whittaker, in all three of which places his parents resided during his childhood. He
graduated from the Homestead High School in the year I9I2 and thereafter took
courses in the Schwab Manual Training School, the East Liberty Academy and the
University of Pittsburg. It was in I913 that he entered the College o!f Dental Surgery in connection with this university, and he graduated with the class of I916. Some
idea of the excellence of Dr. Eckel's scholarship may be had from the fact that this
difficult course, which generally takes five years, was completed by him in three, and
that in spite of this he maintained a high standard in all his classes throughout the
period. Upon his graduation he was given the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery,
220BIOGRAPHICAL
and at once catne to Monessen, where he began the practice of his profession and has
already (I9I7) built up a large and very lucrative business. His clientele is a representative one and extends beyond the limits of the community to the outlying district.
He is a member of the National Dental Association and the Odontological Society of
Pennsylvania and also of the college fraternity of Delta Sigma Delta. Aside from his
professional affiliations, he belongs to the local lodge of the Knights of Malta.  He
attends the First Christian Church, of Monessen, and in politics is a staunch supporter
of Republican principles. He finds his chief recreation in golf, tennis and motoring.
However'lemocratic the institutions and ideals of a community may be there is
always one kind of aristocracy that remains, that must remain, and that is the aristocracy of worth. It is of course the very essence of democracy that it should do so,
that it should utterly replace all other aristocracies whatsoever, and a stickler for the
accurate use of terms might justly quarrel with us for this application of the term
aristocracy, and yet there are times when worth seems a family inheritance, that father
and son rise consecutively to positions of prominence and power with a regularity that
could scarcely be surpassed under the old system of primogeniture. To any one who
is familiar witli the family record of Pennsylvania many a case will occur readily to
mind where for many a successive generation abilities and talents are handed down
with such regtldarity that son will succeed father, winning his own place of distinction
in the community in an almost unbroken line from earliest times to the present. There
is something remarkable about the versatility of talent, the adaptability to conditions
that such families display, enabling members,.eight and even ten generations apart, to
win each his own laurels amid circumstances so widely dissimilar as then and now.
No better example of this can be found than in the career of Dr. Eckel, who certainly
inherited these traits from his ancestor in Germany, and is to-day a highly respected
and admired citizen of Monessen and among the leading dental men of his community.
D. T. SIPE-One of the most important figures in the development of the steel
and iron industry in Western Pennsylvania is D. T. Sipe, the distinguished gentleman
whose name heads this brief article, who for many years has given his best efforts to
the study and practical application of methods for the smelting and alloying of steel.
Born October 4, I875, on a farm near Somerset, Pennsylvania, Mr. Sipe is the son
of Harry J. and Rebecca (Baker) Sipe, old and highly respected residents of that
place, and a member of a very well-known and ancient Pennsylvania family, his ancestor's having settled in that State prior to the Revolution. His father was engaged in
farming up to the year I893, when he removed from Somerset to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he became identified with the steel industry in that region, continuing
until his retirement from  active life.  His death occurred July 9, 1914.  He was a
native of that part of the State, born February 12, I846, and his wife, Mrs. Sipe, Sr.,
was also a native of those parts. Mrs. Sipe was born May 3I, I845, and died January
29, I9IO. They were the parents of four sons and four daughters, all of whom survive them and of whom D. T. was the third in order of birth.
Mr. Sipe received his education at the country school of his native region, the
opportunities offered by these institutions being extremely meagre at that time, but so
ambitious and industrious was he that he made the most of these opportunities and
grew early to have a great interest in scientific subjects, especially such as were connected with metallurgy and the practical problems of life. Upon completing his studies
in the public schools, Mr. Sipe found employment as a steel worker, beginning in the
humble capacity of furnace man's helper in the large plant of the Firth- Sterling Steel
Company, of McKeesport. As in the case of his studies, he showed great willingness
and even anxiety to make himself of use to those with whom he was associated, with
the result that he speedily attracted the favorable notice of his superiors and was put
221OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
in line for advancement. From this time on, his promotion was continuous and rapid
and in a few years he became well known as a skillful worker in steel throughout the
region. In addition to this Mr. Sipe, not satisfied with progress merely in the direction of practical experience, took up the theoretical study of steel mixing and alloying,
in which he progressed with such good purpose that he became an authority on these
questions. He is also possessed of a very remarkable talent for invention, and it was
during these years of association with the Firth Sterling Steel Company that his first
devices appeared and that he took out his first patents. In the year I9IO Mr. Sipe
severed his connection with the McKeesport concern and came to Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. It was his purpose to start a company of his own, and
for this purpose he associated himself with a number of the most prominent men in
that neighborhood, among others with Mr. Saxman, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The result of Mr. Sipe's efforts was the Vanadium Alloys Steel
Company for the manufacture of special alloys steel under his patented process. Mr.
Sipe may be said to be the inventor and owner of most of the modern efficient
processes of production known to the steel industry, under which are produced a great
number of special grades of metal, each devised for a particular purpose and which
bring the highest prices on the steel market. Mr. Sipe became the first superintendent
of the company, then general manager, a position which he holds to this day, and it has
been under his personal superintendence that the great work of this concern has been
done and its immense business developed. The Vanadium Alloys Steel Company was
begun with a comparatively small amount of capital and carried on its operations on a
moderate scale, but so great has been its subsequent development that it now has an
annual production exceeding eight million dollars in value. Mr. Sipe has very naturally become one of the chief figures in the steel business of Pennsylvania and his interests are now extended beyond that of the company which he founded. He is also interested in the L,atrobe Tool Company, the Latrobe Electric Steel Company, as well as
other important concerns.
Although very naturally the chief interest in Mr. Sipe's life is the development of
the wonderful industry for which his activities are so largely responsible, he is not
one of those who are unable to think of other subjects or interest themselves in other
aspects of life. On the contrary, he takes an active part in many of the affairs of his
adopted locality and is well known in social and club life there. He is particularly
prominent in the Masonic order and is a member of McKeesport Commandery,
Knights Templar, and Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh.
He is a member of Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Greensburg Country Club, and
Latrobe Club. Mr. Sipe is a Presbyterian in his religious belief and is a member of
the First Presbyterian Church of Latrobe. He is one of the most prominent members of this congregation and one of the most liberal supporters of the church's work
in that region. He is very fond of all outdoor sports and is a particularly enthusiastic
motorist. The success which he has won has been due entirely to his own hard work
and close application to and the study of his chosen business. He is a man of genial
temper and is highly popular among'the many friends and associates which he possesses, a companionable man and one who feels the claims of others upon his charity
and tolerance. He is undoubtedly one of the most capable and clever metallurgists in
the region, and deservedly is regarded as one of the most distinguished citizens of
Latrobe and Westmoreland county. His generosity is proverbial, and it is said of him
that no deserving charitable movement is undertaken which lacks his co6peration and
liberal support.
On November 22, 1898, Mr. Sipe married. (first) Pearl Bowman, a daughter of
Louis and Harriet (Hawkins) Bowman. Mr. and Mrs. Sipe were the parents of
three children: Carl Henry, Ivy Gladys and Mabel Alma. Mrs. Sipe's death occurred
November 29, 1915. Mr. Sipe married (second) February 2I, I917, Olive G. Ander222BIOGRAPHICAL
son, daughter of Hamilton Beatty and Harriet (Steele) Anderson, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, descendants on both sides of oldest Westmoreland county families. She is a
graduate o.f Indiana State Normal College. She is active in social and church activities, and a menmber of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
JOHN D. GREAVES, M. D.-Dr. John D. Greaves, one of the most successful
and popular physicians in the town of New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the region round about, is by birth an American and comes of that strong
and dominant race which laid the foundation of American citizenship in the past, the
English race, which is still to-day, despite the immense influx of other elements, the
most nearly related and the most predominant strain in the American people. Dr.
Greaves is the grandson of Samuel D. Greaves, a native of England, who emigrated
from that country to the United States during his young manhood, and settled at
Watertown, New York, where he still resides. One of his sons, William A. Greaves,
was the father of the Dr. Greaves of this sketch. He made his native town of Warren, Pennsylvania, his permanent home, and was an artist of distinction. He married
Gertrude Dale. and they were the parents of four children, as follows: John D., of
further mention; William A., Jr., who is now the head of the State Road Department
and resides in Warren, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, who became the wife of A. C. Jacobs,
president of the Keystone Blue Company; and Gertrude, who married Gilbert Davis,
superintendent of an iron factory in South Carolina.
Born November I2, 1877, at Warren, Pennsylvania, Dr. Greaves passed the years
of his childhood and early youth there. It was at Warren also that he acquired the
elementary portion of his education, attending the local public schools for this purpose,
and finally graduating from the Warren High School in I896. After completing his
studies at this institution, where he was prepared for college, he matriculated in the
same year at the University of Pennsylvania, and entered the medical school connected
therewith. Here after establishing an excellent record for scholarship, he was graduated with the class of I9o00. He supplemented his theoretical studies by spending the
summer of I9oo at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, where he gained the requisite
practical experience for the carrying on of his professional work. Dr. Greaves then
removed to Tionesta, Pennsylvania, where he practiced for about eighteen months.
His attention was drawn during the latter part of this period to the growing progressive community of New Alexandria and in the year I9o3 he removed to this place.
Here he established himself at once in the practice of his profession and has remained
thus engaged ever since. His unusual ability as a diagnostician, combined with a very
complete knowledge of therapeutics, and a personality which is attractive in the sick
room, have gixen Dr. Greaves a very well deserved popularity and he is now generally recognized as one of the leaders of his profession thereabouts. He is a m'ember of
the County, State and National Medical societies, and always keeps the general interest
of the profession and his fellow-practitioners at heart. He is also a member of the
Alumni Association of the University of Pennsylvania, and during his years of study
at that institution became affiliated with the Gamma Delta fraternity.
Dr. John D. Greaves was united in marriage, October 12, I902, with Laura Lawrence, a daughter of William and Hannah (McBride) Lawrence, of Tionesta, where
Mr. Lawrence has been engaged in the lumber business for many years. To Dr. and
Mrs. Greaves four children have been born, as follows: William, July 14, I904; Gertrude, May 9, 1907; John, January 9, I9II; and Richard, June 23, I916. Dr. Greaves
and all his family are Presbyterians in religious belief and attend the church of that
denomination at New Alexandria. He is a Republican in politics, but of course the
demands of his profession make it impossible that he should actively identify himself
with the local organization of his party. He is a prominent figure, however, in the
223OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
fraternal world and is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.
During the years in which Dr. Greaves has practiced in New Alexandria, he has
won an enviable reputation there. He is qualified for the general practice of medicine
by a very wide reading on his subject, which he continues from year to year in order
to keep abreast of the most modern advances in medi'cal science. He has given himself up to his cliosen work with'the singleness of purpose which is very creditable and
which also, it may be remarked, invariably spells success. His devotion is that which
characterizes the really great physician, and to this he adds an energy and strength
that seems indefatigable of any man who takes up medicine as a profession with the
true realization of what is involved in the way of sacrifice and a sincere intention to
live up to its ideal, and it may be said that he has given himself for humanity's cause.
This is unquestionably true of Dr. Greaves and it has met with the reward which is
truly merited, that of an active response on the part of the community to his ministration. For Dr. Greaves has resisted to a certain extent the great tendency towards
specialization which is so in evidence to-day, and has retained the charaeter of the
old-fashioned family physician, save for the fact already mentioned that he keeps
thoroughly abreast of the times in his science. The family physician is a type which
deserves the greatest praise and which the community can ill afford to lose. He is one
who ministers not only to the physical ailments of his fellows, but to their mental and
spiritual troubles as well, and it is often true that this is quite as important a function
as the other. It would be difficult to discover how large a proportion of the cures that
are made is referrable to the encouraging and cheerful personality of the physician,
and there can be no question that he who possesses this asset, provided he in no way
illows it to interfere with the strict scientific attitude of the true practitioner, has at
his command a force which will prove a great factor in his success. Both sides are
essential and both sides are the possession of Dr. Greaves.
THE LOGAN FAMILY-The Logans herein reviewed descend'from James
Logan, who sprang from the ancient Logan family of Scotland, and is believed to
have been a grandson. or a great-grandson of Logan, of Restalrigg, who in the year
i6oo conspired with the Earl of Gowrie'to kidnap James VI., of Scotland, later James
I., of England, for which complicity, discovered after his death, his estate was confiscated, and "his name, memory and dignity abolished, his Arms cancelled, so that his
posterity be excluded from any offices, honors, lands, tenements, etc." The barony
of'Restalrigg, Scotland, originally was vested in the Leith family, and in the reign of
King Robert, the Bruce, came into the Logan family by the marriage of an heiress of
the Leiths witlh a Logan. Sir Robert Logan, of this family, accompanied Sir James
Douglass to the Holy Land with the heart of the royal Bruce, was slain with Douglass by the Saracens in Andalusia, Spain, in I630. In I398 Robert Logan, of Restalrigg, was admiral of Scotland, among his other honors. He married a daughter of
Robert II., of Scotland, and bore the Logan arms, granted in commemoration of the
heroic services and death of Sir Robert Logan, before mentioned.
The Logan arms: Three passion nails piercing a man's heart.
Sir'Robert Logan, son of Admiral Logan, married Geilless, daughter of the fourth
Lord Eaton, and a descendant, another Sir Robert Logan, married, about I650, Agnes,
daughter of Patrick Lord Gray. Another Logan, of Restalrigg, in the sixteenth century, married Elizabeth Magill, and the attainted Logan, of Restalrigg, married a
daughter of Patrick Home,' of Fastcastle, in Berwickshire. They had at least four
sons, Robert, who succeeded his father and was held to answer for his sire's sin;
George, John and Archibald.
James Logan, from whom this branch descends,'was born in Ireland, and when
224BIOGRAPHICAL
a young man came to Pennsylvania, married Nancy Gloster, and died in Chester
county, Pennsylvania. He left a son, Alexander Logan, who was fifteen years of age
when his parents died, and they being Friends he was cared for in the home of an old
Quaker family, his home until his marriage, February 26, 1786, tp Eliza Watt, who
came from Ireland with relatives. She was a daughter of Hugh and Margaret (Mills)
Watt, her father dying in Ireland, July 24, I787, aged fifty-five years. His widow,
Margaret (Mills) Watt, with her daughter Jane and two sons, George and Hugh,
left Glenarm, County Antrim, Ireland, and settled near Richmond, Virginia. Another
daughter married Thomas McConnell, in Ireland, and came with her husband to Western Pennsylvania. Thomas McConnell died September 3, I84o, aged eighty-two years,
his widow surviving him until November, I847. They were the parents of nine sons
and daughters.
Alexander Logan had a brother who went to South America after the death of
his parents, and another brother who went to the, Louisiana Purchase, neither of
them ever being heard from again by their relatives. Alexander Logan obtained a
good education in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and soon after his marriage, in I786,
went to Western Pennsylvania as the land agent of the Mifflin Company, comprised
of Philadelphia capitalists  He first settled at Springdale, near the Indian Village,
Sewickley Old Town, his eldest child James being the first white child born in that
part of the Allegheny valley. He resided at Springdale until April 20, I803, when he
bought three hundred acres on which the old manor at Logans Ferry yet stands, paying seven hundred and fifty pounds sterling. This tract on the Allegheny river, sixteen miles above Pittsburgh, was formerly owned by John Wood, after whom Wood
street, Pittsburgh, is named. Alexander Logan was a fine specimen of the ScotchIrish character, so well developed in Westmoreland county, and became very prominent. Governor Mifflin appointed him captain of the Second Allegheny Brigade, Pennsylvania Militia, August I9, 1791, and also made him the first justice of the peace in
Plum township, the oldest survey in Allegheny county. Beside the first home at
Springdale was an old blockhouse called "Coe's Station," named'after an old man
named Coe, who would be left in charge of the house and the women while the men
of the settlement were away fighting the Indians. After purchasing the Logans
Ferry farm, Alexander Logan established a ferry across the Allegheny, and a store
and post office, the village that there grew up taking the name of Logans Ferry. As
stated, Alexander Logan. held a captain's commission in the State Militia, and was
actively engaged in suppressing the Indians. Upon one occasion he was compelled to
take his wife and family to Pittsburgh for safety, while he was away with his com.mand. Before he again saw them his little daughter, Nancy, died, and was buried in
Old Trinity graveyard.
The first post office established in Allegheny county, outside the Pittsburgh district, was at Logans Ferry, the mail being brought by river or horseback, a distance
of twenty miles, it being many years'before a stage mail route was established along
the Allegheny river. The Logan Manor became a noted shipping place, Charles
Dickens noting the fact in "American Notes" that he stopped there. Aaron Burr came
down the Allegheny and spent two days with Alexander Logan. The Logans established the first Presbyterian church in the valley, but until the church was built Alexander Logan took his family to Old Plum Creek Presbyterian Church, and there worshipped. His son, John W. Logan, founded the town of Parnassus. In recent years
the old manor had been abandoned by the Logans, they leasing it to the Westmoreland Club, who maintained it in fine condition until the overflowing of the golf links
destroyed the value of the place for club purposes.
Captain Alexander Logan died December I5, I836, his widow surviving him until
March 6, I846. Thev were the parents of eleven sons and daughters: I. James, born
W-15
225OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
March I5, I787, at Springdale, Pennsylvania, the first white child born there, died
January 4, I838, being then prothonotary of Allegheny county; he married Polly
Caldwell, a relative of Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. 2. Hugh, see
forward. 3. Nancy, born November 28, 1790, died August 24, I79I. 4, Nancy (2),
born June 25, 1792; married Simon McGrew, and settled at New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. 5. Margaret Ann, born March 3I, 1794; married Thomas Sample, and died
December 26, i88I. 6. Eliza, born September II, I795, died June 30, 1796, and was
the first white person buried in Springdale. 7. Eliza (2), born April 2I, I795, died
March 6, I846; taught a young ladies' private school in Pittsburgh. 8. Rebecca, born
January 27, 1799; married a Mr. Armstrong, and died December I6, I825. 9. Alexander (2), born October I9,I8oo00, died at Washington, Kentucky, March 8, I834; he
began learning the tanner's trade in Pittsburgh, but was encouraged to study for the
ministry by his employer, and did so, being aided by the society'whose funds were
sacred to that purpose, educating young men for the ministry; as soon as his brother
Hugh heard of his accepting aid from strangers he seriously objected and promised
to send him sufficient money to educate him when added to what the young man could
earn; he was graduated from Western University of Pennsylvania, class of I823, that
being the first class ever graduated from that institution; he later studied theology at
Princeton, and became a teacher and preacher at a boys' school near Covington, Kentucky, where he died. Io. Theodosia, born October I6, I802, died December 2I, I8o8.
II. John W., born September 26, I804; married, May 2I, I835, Eliza Stewart.
Hugh Logan, second son of Captain Alexander and Eliza (Watt) Logan, was
born at Springdale, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, there resided until the removal
to Logans Ferry in I803, and was educated in the district school at Deer Creek. During his childhood the Indians were always to be feared, and at one time the family
was taken to Pittsburgh for safety, the boy's earliest recollection being of going
through the streets there following his baby sister Nancy to her grave in Trinity
Church-yard.. Although an Indian raid was so serious a matter, it is told that the
boys of the settlement headed by James and Hugh Logan once gave their brothers
such a serious fight by pretending an Indian attack, that parental wrath was visited
upon the boys in a manner which forbade a repetition of the offense. There was but
eighteen months' difference in the ages of James and Hugh, and together they attended
Deer Creek school, located five miles further down the river, they walking both ways
in good weather. During the winter term, when snow was deep, they boarded with
the old schoolmaster, going home week-ends. One Saturday, while returning home in
a deep snow, an Indian, returning from a hunt with a deer on his back, guided them
to his village, left the deer, and then saw the boys safely home. This Indian village
was for a long time known as Sewickley Old Town, and the inhabitants and the
Logans were upon very friendly terms. Hugh had heard his parents tell how when
he was a baby, Indian women would often come to the Logan home, borrow the baby,
take him to their village and return with him before nightfall. The lad's first hunting adventure brought him the ridicule of his mates, he killing three turkey buzzards,
and abandoning his gun, he lugged the buzzards proudly home much to his mother's
disgust, she berating him for bringing buzzards into her kitchen, he believing them to
be wild turkeys.
When James Logan married and left home much additional work fell upon Hugh,
his father having the post office, store and ferry to attend to, Hugh also helping in the
store and post office. The father carried the mail and ran flatboats to Pittsburgh,
ca,rying oats, wheat, corn, etc., for the farmers. He also carried the mail for the
Springdale settlement. After the death of his father, Hugh and John W. Logan
found themselves owners of the homestead farm at the ferry, John W. being left the
upper end on which Parnassus, Westmoreland county, is built, Hugh being left the old
home, store and ferry. The mail came in from Leechburg and Pittsburgh, Tuesdays
226BIOGRAPHICAL                                   227
and Fridays, and was sent out Wednesdays and Saturdays, being carried by Barrett
on horseback. Each Friday a mail came from Greensburg, and one was sent out each
Saturday. This was the "No Nosie" mail, from the fact that the carrier had no nose.
A son of John Laird, editor of the Greensburg "Argus," also carried that mail for a
time. Hugh Logan retained the post office in his store at the ferry until Parnassus
got the office away from him. He was very popular and could have had political office,
but he was a busy man, and always refused when asked to run for the Legislature or
for county office. He was a Republican in politics.
Hugh Logan married Elizabeth Parry and established his home in the old Logan
residence above the manor at Logans ferry, which became his property upon the death
of his father. She died in I878. She was a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Cadwalader) Parry. Henry Parry, a native of Wales, was early a carpenter in London, England. Later he came to the United States, was employed on government work in
Washington, coming thence to Western Pennsylvania, and erecting the first court
house in Pittsburgh. He died in that city.'Hugh and Elizabeth' (Parry)' Logan were
the parents of sons and daughters:  Rebecca, Sarah, Alexander, Elizabeth, Nancy,
Mary and Hugh James.
Mary Logan, daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth (Parry) Logan, was born at
Logans Ferry, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 22, I834, and there attended
the public schcol. Her first teacher, Daniel Hawk, was succeeded by Joseph Hunter,
who later was a Covenanter preacher. She attended school until sixteen years of age,
part of her study being in Pittsburgh High School, where no pupil of her years
excelled her. She married, in Pittsburgh, August 3I, I869, James Flack, born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in I837, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Flack survives her husband, a resident of Parnassus. Her son, Charles Anson, married Nettie
Hoys, and died in Parnassus, May 30, I9IO. Left one son, Robert Claire.
LABANNA  STEELE-Labanna Steele, the successful general contractor and
business man of Vandergrift, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, may with accuracy
be called the oldest resident of that place. It was he who came to the locality before
there was any community there, having been sent there to dig the foundation for the
first house to be erected. Liking the place and believing that a future was in store
for it, he decided to make his home there, which he has done with his, family ever
since. What was merely farms upon his arrival has since- become a large and flourishing community, and as it grew Mr. Steele, perceiving how rapidly construction was
taking place there, engaged in the stone contracting and excavating business. From
the start he was most successful, and has continued to be so up to the present time,
approximately half of the buildings in the region having been erected by him. Among
the more important should be mentioned the Catholic church and a number of the
handsomest residences in various parts of the town, especially in that part called Vandergrift Heights.
Born in Washington township, near the village of Delmont, about twelve miles
south of Vandergrift, lAnd about twelve miles from  Greensburg, on April II, i86o,
Labanna Steele was one of a family of twelve sons and one daughter born to Absalom
and Susanne (Kistler) Steele, natives and.lifelong residents of the same township.
Mr. Steele, Sr.. died there at the age of eighty-four years, and Mrs. Steele at the age
of sixty. He was a farmer and a soldier in the Civil War, as was also his eldest son,
Joseph, both being members of the same company. The twelve sons of Absalom and
Susanne (Kistler) Steele were as follows: I. Joseph, who for many years was a merchant at Bradclock, Pennsylvania, where he eventually died when more than -sixty
*years o^f age. 2. David, who still operates. the old Steele home farm. 3. William John,
of Canton, Ohi;,. where he was an operator, and one of the chief owners of the CanOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ton Sheet and Steel Company; he died in December, I917. 4. James B., who is engaged
in the oil business at Bradford, Pennsylvania. 5. Andrew Jack, who died in April,
I916, at North Baltimore, Ohio, where he was engaged in business as an oil operator
for twenty-seven years and amassed a large fortune. 6. George W., who resides at
Apollo, Pennsylvania. 7. Labanna, of further mention. 8. Hiram S., who also resides
at Apollo, Pennsylvania. 9. Elmer, a merchant at Richmond, Iowa. IO. Grant, who
is connected with the rural free delivery mail service at Pittsburgh. II. Harry, who is
engaged in the rubber business at Jeannette, Pennsylvania. 12. A son who died in
infancy. The single daughter of Absalom and Susanne (Kistler) Steele is Emma,
now Mrs. W. Rinks, of Nolensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where her
husband is engaged in a mercantile business.
Labanna Steele remained on his father's farm until he had reached the age of sixteen years, having in the meantime received his education at the local public schools.
He then went to Apollo and entered the employ of his brother, William J. Steele, as a
clerk. Here he remained for four years and then, when twenty years of age, engaged
in business on his own account, establishing a general store in Apollo. In this enterprise he was notably successful and remained at that location for some ten years. In
that period he built up an excellent business, but eventually disposed of it and went
to Pittsburgh, where he became connected with a trucking and transfer'business. It
was shortly after this that he became interested in the stone contracting business, which
he continued to conduct successfully at Pittsburgh until I893. It was in the latter year
that he came to Vandergrift, which was at that time being laid out, since which time
he has met with nothing but the most marked success in his enterprise. Besides the
buildings that he has constructed, Mr. Steele has also done consideraDIe street grading
and paving. At one time Mr. Steele used as many as sixty horses in the conduct of
his business, but the number is now down to eighteen. In their place, however, he has
two heavy aute trucks which are capable of carrying very heavy loads with great
rapidity. The number of men that he employs vary greatly, sometimes being as few
as ten and often running up to one hundred and occasionally even to one hundred and
fifty. The demands made upon Mr. Steele's time and energy have rendered it impossible for him to take an active part in politics or local affairs, but he is a staunch supporter of Republican principles and policies and discharges the obligations of his citizenship consistently and conscientiously.
Labanna Steele married, April 20, I880, when but twenty years of age, Harriet
Turner, of Apollo, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Turley) Turner. To them
the following children were born: I. Alfred, who died at the age of twenty-two; was
the proprietor of a circus and had started a show known as the Al. Steele One Ring
Circus. 2. Carrie, died in infancy. 3. Harry, engaged in the steel business at Vandergrift. 4. Charles, who is connected with coal mining at Creighton, Pennsylvania. 5.
Myrtle, who became the wife of James Leslie, who is employed in the office of the
American Steel and Tin Plate Company. 6. Samuel, who is engaged in business with
his father. 7. Willie, who died in infancy. 8. Walter, who is engaged in business
with his father. 9. Bessie, who became the wife of Charles Rerick, who is engaged in
the milling business at Vandergrift. IO. Thomas, who is connected with the steel mill
at Buffalo, New York. II. Lawrence, who is also engaged in the milling business at
Vandergrift, and a member of the United States Cavalry, stationed at Mercedes,
Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Steele and the members of their family are affiliated with the
Reformed church at Vandergrift. Mr. Steele' has always taken a keen interest in
horses, and has owned a number of fast racers. He often at one time drove on the
circuits and is still the owner of "Foxy McKinney," a fast horse now on the track in
Florida. He was at one time the owner of "Delavan Boy," a noted trotter of his
time, with a record of 2.I6IA. He raced against many well-known horses and defeated
228BIOGRAPHICAL -
on ice the noted "Gano," Savage's great horse. He was particularly noted for his
speed on ice and won many valuable cups and trophies.
The great variety of activities engaged in by Labanna Steele and the remarkable
versatility and energy which enables him to so engage with distinction in each, has
already been remarked and the former briefly and inadequately sketched. No one who
knows him but feels the latent energy of his temperament, no one who associates with
him at all constantly but sees it actively manifesting itself in some useful work. It is
of the initiative kind, also, not merely content to consume whatever tasks were placed
before it, but forever proposing and instituting new  matters of importance.  Yet
Labanna Steele is not without appreciation of the more quiet pleasures of life and it is
to his own home and fireside that he turns for the rest and relaxation that all men
require at times. He is devotedly attached to his family and to the simple pleasures
associated with home and the intimate intercourse of the household. It might be said
of him that he is a man of various sides, none of which but shovw. worthily in the sight
of God and man.
JOHN KINPORTS BRALLIER, D. D. S.-The Bralliers, originally from
Alsace-Lorraine, that much disputed territory, alternately a French or German possession, first made their American settlement in what is now Blair county, Pennsylvania, where Emanuel Brallier, son of Samtfel and Christine (Brumbaugh) Brallier,
was born October II, I794. He was a shoemaker by trade, one of.those hardy pioneers who with his kit of tools and his rifle traveled from farm to farm, from county
to county, making shoes for the farmers, as he made his way through'what was then a
wilderness. His earnings were not large, neither were his expenses, and in time he
had acquired stlfficient funds to purchase land of his own. In 1839 he bought a tract
in the wilderness near Belsano, Black Lick township, Cambria county, and there settled with his wife and children, some of them born at Lidy Ore Mines, the former
family home. As soon as settled in their new home, Emanuel Brallier began the
work of clearing the land he had purchased, and in course of time had one hundred
and seventy-five acres under cultivation. This farm, a valuable one, is yet in the possession of the Family. He was a member of the German Baptist church, reared his
family in the most careful manner, and from that forest home went forth sons and
daughters who lived lives of honor and usefulness. Emanuel Brallier lived to the
great age of eighty-eight years, dying at Belsano, in December, I882. He married
Mary, daughter of Samuel Lidy, a soldier of the Revolution and of Dutch descent.
They' had twelve children: Rev. Samuel Brallier, a minister of the German Baptist
church; Elizabeth, married John Gillan; Catherine, died young; Hannah, married
Levi Good, a "Forty-niner;" Rev. Daniel S. Brallier, a minister of the German Baptist church; David, died in infancy; Jacob L., a physician and veteran of'the Civil
War, serving as adjutant of the Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry; Mary,
married William Stuver; Barbara, died in infancy; Emanuel, of further mention;
Levi R., a merchant; Ellen, married Robert Ferguson.
Dr. Emanuel Brallier was born at the, homestead farm near Belsano, Black Lick
township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in I84I, died at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, February 6, I890o. He obtained a good English education, chose medicine as his
profession, prepared at Jefferson Medical- College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at
the close of an active, useful life was engaged in the practice of his profession at
Chambersburg. Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Most of his professional life had been
spent in Chambersburg and there he was held in high esteem as an honorable, skillful
physician. During the Civil War he enlisted as a private, was promoted for bravery
on the field of battle to the rank of sergeant, and for "gallant and meritorious service,"
was later commissioned lieutenant and finally captain. Dr. Brallier married Lucy Kin22()OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ports, born,n:84I, died March Io, I907, daughter of John and Mary (Pershane) Kinports, of Cherrytree, Indiana county, Pennsylvania. The Kinports, an old family of
Blair county, residing near Hollidaysburg. Dr. and Mrs. Brallier had eight children:
Dr. Stanley Brallier, of Conemaugh, Pennsylvania; Anna, married Robert E. Young;
Lou, married John H. Shores, of Kelseyville, California; John Kinports, of further
mention; Emma and Amanda, twins, both deceased; an infant, died unnamed; Dr.
James P. Bra_ier, of Alexandria, Pennsylvania, who met a tragic death in an automobile accident, he was a graduate of Medico-Chirurgical Medical College, Philadelphia,
and had just returned from post-graduate courses in European medical centers, when
he met his untimely death.
Dr. John Kinports Brallier, fourth child of Dr. Emanuel and Lucy (Kinports)
Brallier, was born at Cherrytree, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, December 27, I876.
The early years of his life were passed in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, but at the age
of thirteen he. was taken to Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he attended the public
schools and completed courses at Indiana State Normal College. He spent one year
at WVashington and Jefferson College, and a year at the University of West Virginia,
then entered the School of Dentistry, Medico-Chirurgical Medical College, whence
he was graduated, Doctor of Dental Surgery, class of I902. During these college
years, he had become famous as an all-around athletic star, excelling in football, baseball and tennis. He was captain of the varsity football team at Medico-Chi for three
years, and neither. the dignity supposed to be inseparable from a professional man nor
the years have dulled his interest in these games. For six years he piloted the Latrobe
football team through their many encounters on the gridiron, and in that time suffered
but one defeat.
After recei-ving his degree, Dr. Brallier located in Latrobe, where he has become
the leading dental practitioner of the city. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State
Odontologica! Society, and the Westmoreland County Dental Association, and is in
closest touch with all professional advancement. He is a Republican in politics, now
serving his second term as member of the Board of Education; belongs to the Masonic
order, the Latrobe Club; his fraternity, Psi Omega.
Dr. Brallier married, April I7, I904, Bessie Garnet Morehead, daughter of Alexander Thompson and Margaret (Speedy) Morehead, of old and prominent Indiana
county families. The Morehead ancestors were among the first settlers of Indiana
county, Alexander T. Morehead's great-grandfather having been captured by the
Indians about 176o, taken to Quebec, Canada, where he was subsequently exchanged
for French prisoners captured by the English and Colonial soldiers, and his descendants have a conspicuous place in Western Pennsylvania history and have contributed
many leaders in business and the professions. Mrs. Brallier is deeply interested in
church and charitable work, active in the Women's Club and in the Women's Missionary Society of the Presbyterian church. Their children: Infant, deceased; Margaret
Louise, deceased; Elizabeth Morehead, Nancy Anne, John Kinports, Jr.
JOHN HUTCHERSON McINTYRE-This is the name of a man known not
only to nearly every one of his fellow-citizens of Parnassus, but to very many beyond
the limits of'his home town. As a leading business man, Mr. McIntyre stands high
in his community, and in the office of justice of the peace which he now holds he has
a widespread and most honorable reputation.
George Logan McIntyre,; father of John Hutcherson McIntyre, was born in Ireland, and spent the greater part of his life in Allegheny, where as a contractor he
paved many of the streets. In those days the material for this work consisted of
stones taken from the river. In I864 Mr. McIntyre purchased a farm near L,ogans
Ferry and there made his home during the remainder of his life. He was an elder in
230BIOGRAPHICAL
the United Presbyterian church of Logans Ferry. Mr. McIntyre was twice married,
his second wife being S'arah Jane Kershaw, born at Delmont (then Salem), Westmoreland county, daughter of Alfred and Sarah Jane (Whitehead) Kershaw, both
natives of England and married in that country. On coming to the United States they
settled in Salem, where Mr. Kershaw followed his trade, which was that of a blacksmith. After his death, which occurred when his daughter, Sarah Jane, was but seven
years old, the widowed mother removed with her family to Allegheny City and was
still living there when Sarah Jane was married. Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre were the
parents of the following children: Mary Ellen, wife of D. A. Davidson, of Oakmont, Pennsylvania; Sarah Jane, wife of John Kunkel, of Tiffin, Ohio; George
Charles, married Ida Donald, and lives on the home farm; and John Hutcherson,
mentioned below. Mr. McIntyre died in I873, aged about seventy-eight years, and in
I9o8 his widow passed away in Parnassus. She was a member of the Presbyterian
church, a devoted Christian woman and much beloved by all to whom she was known.
John Hutcherson McIntyre, son of George Logan and Sarah Jane (Kershaw)
McIntyre, was born October 29, I873, on the home farm, situated between Parnassus
and Logans Ferry, Allegheny county, and was but eight months old at the time of the
death of his father. The boy was educated in local public schools and at the Van
Buren School at Logans Ferry, his first teacher being J. B. Crombie. He attended
school during six months of each year and as soon as he was old enough began to
work on the farm. In consekquence of the death of his father, Mr. McIntyre really
became self-supporting at the early age of twelve years. His mother was anxious for
him to remain at school, but the boy could not endure to see her working beyond her
strength in order that she might obtain advantages for him. His first employment was
as a farm hand at seven dollars per month and board, the two winters following this
being the last he spent at school. He was employed in the household of the Rev. O. H.
Miller, a Presbyterian minister, who had for years been chaplain at the county workhouse, and there he earned ten dollars per month, two five-dollar goldpieces being his
first month's salary-the first gold money he had ever possessed. He remained in the
family of Mr. Miller until his seventeenth year, when, after working for a time in a
canning factory at Parnassus, he served a year's apprenticeship with James McCutcheon,
a well-known butcher. At the end of that time Mr. McIntyre purchased a half-interest
in the business and the partnership was maintained for five years. Mr. McIntyre then
sold his interest to Mr. McCutcheon and associated himself with D. A. Spenser in the
pork packing business, the style of the firm being the Enterprise Pork Packing Company and the plant being situated on the old McIntyre homestead. The prospect was
good, but at the end of the first year everything was totally destroyed by fire. In the
presence of this great disaster Mr. McIntyre showed the mettle he was made of.
Refusing to be daunted and wasting no time in useless repinings he set out to begin
anew. Purchasing the feed business of William Rowan, in Parnassus, he conducted
it until I904, when he sold it to G. A. McKean, and went on the road for the Pillsbury
Flour Company. At the end of two years, finding himself in circumstances which
justified the venture, he established himself as proprietor of what is now the leading
meat market of Parnassus. Truly has it been said that fortune favors the brave. He
is also a stockholder in the firm of Schuster  Gormley, wholesale grocers.
Always taking a keen and helpful interest in public'affairs, Mr. Mcintyre has
allied himself with the Republicans and in I914 was elected by that party to the office
of justice of the peace for a term of six years. The manner in which he has discharged his duties has won the unqualified approval of all good citizens. He is a foe
to the use of intoxicants and is known as an active worker in the cause of prohibition.
He is a director in the Young Men's Christian Association of New Kensington. He
affiliates with the Knights of Malta. Mr. McIntyre is a member of the Presbyterian
church, taking an active interest in its work and support and occupying a seat on its
23IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
board of trustees. He may, in one sense, be said to have been a lifelong member, having been baptized in childhood by the Rev. Dr. Young at thle Logans Ferry United
Presbyterian Church.
Mr. McIntyre married, May 9, I894, in Parnassus, the Rev. Mr. Cotton, pastor of
the Presbyterian church in that place, officiating, Eunice D., daughter of Chambers
and Elizabeth (Briney) Spenser, of Parnassus.  Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre are the
parents of one daughter: Sarah Jane, born February 3, I895, in Parnassus, graduated
from the Parnassus High School, took a course in the Margaret Morrison School,
Pittsburgh, and has now been for two years a teacher in a Lower Burrell township
school. As a patriotic citizen Mr. McIntyre felt it to be a trial that he had no son to
represent him in the present world war, but a nephew has partially, at least, supplied
that deficiency. Alva Ralph McIntyre, only son of his brother, George Charles McIntyre, was employed'by Mr. McIntyre for seven years, and some time ago enlisted in
the army. He is now stationed in the Medical Officers' Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Mrs. McIntyre is a woman who may be justly termed a true helpmate. In all hler husband's struggles and vicissitudes her ready sympathy and-unfaltering courage have given him heart and hope and he delights to acknowledge the
debt of gratitude he owes her.
John Hutcherson McIntyre is a fine type of the self-made man. Contending successfully with many obstacles and discouragements he has achieved prosperity and
reputation which rest on a sure basis of integrity and fair dealing. He is one of the
representative men of his community.
WALLACE B. STEWART, D. D. S.-Wallace B. Stewart, son of Dr. Wallace
B. Stewart and Sarah Elizabeth (Clark) Stewart, was born in Armagh, Indiana
county, Pennsylvania, June 8, I874. Dr. Wallace B. Stewart died May 24, 1874, a
few weeks before the birth of his son, Wallace B. The elder Mr. Stewart was a
native of Easton, Pennsylvania, and a son of John Stewart, a descendant of the old
Colonial Stewarts of Philadelphia, founded by Peter Stewart, a Scotchman, who came
to America about the period of the Revolution, and founded a printing and bookbinding business in Philadelphia. Mrs. Stewart was a daughter of James and Martha
(Morehead) Clark; both the Clark and Morehead families were among the historic
ones of Indiana county, the Morehead family being the first white settlers of the
county. Representatives of these families fought in the War for Independence and
displayed courage and bravery during this great struggle and, in fact, distinguished
themselves in a worthy manner. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, Sr., two children were
born, as follows: Wallace B., of whom further, and Hope, who is now one of the
faculty of Indiana Normal College, Indiana, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Stewart's death
occurred October 28, 19II, at the age of seventy-eight years.
Wallace B. Stewart was educated first in the public schools of Indiana, Pennsylvania, the family having removed from Armagh during his early childhood. He
attended the high school here, and after graduating from same took a course at the
Indiana Normal College, and later entered the dental department of Medico-Chirogical
College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating from this institution1 with the class of
I902, and the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. During his college days, Dr.
Stewart took an especially active part in college athletics, playing on the college football team for three years. He served as assistant football manager, and was treasurer
of the Athletic Association, chairman of the executive committee, and had in his
charge the publication of the class year book. He is a member of the Psi Omega fraternity.
After his graduation in I9o2, Dr. Stewart came to Monessen and began active
practice here. He has since then. built up what is probably the most lucrative practice
232 -BIOGRAPHICAL
in the city. Dr. Stewart, however, does not confine himself to his practice only, but
takes an active hand in municipal and civic affairs. He is a member of the Board of
Trade and has served as president, vice-president and secretary of this organization,
and is the present chairman of the executive committee and thus in close touch with
all projects for the city's development. In his religious affiliations, Dr. Stewart is a
Presbyterian and attends the First Presbyterian Church of Monessen, contributing
largely to its philanthropic undertakings, serving as trustee for many years.  He is
connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being the chairman of
its athletic committee. In politics Dr. Stewart is an ardent Democrat and was nominated in I913 as candidate for burgess of Monessen, but was defeated on this occasion,
the region being strongly Republican. In I917 was again a candidate for burgess and
was elected by a very creditable majority. Dr. Stewart is an enthusiast in promoting
all outdoor athletic sports and was largely responsible for the building of the new
Monessen Athletic Field. He is a member of the National Dental Association and of
the Odontalogical Society of Western Pennsylvania.
On April 15, I9O3, Dr. Stewart was united in marriage with Grace Miller, a
daughter of Adam  and Martha (Bender) Miller, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Stewart is president and one of the organizers of the Women's Club, and is an
active and prominent figure in church, charitable, social and musical circles.
GEORGE M. EVANS--As president of the First National Bank of New Kensington, and an official of high rank in other enterprises of the borough, Mr. Evans is
brought prominently into the public eye, and were he not well qualified to fill the place
in the business world which he occupies, he would long ago have disappeared from
public notice. But he has stood the tests imposed, and is recognized as one of the
strong men of hIis town, worthy in his achievement, broad in his vision, and in physique
imposing, his body a fitting tenement for the mind and spirit it shelters. He is a native
Pennsylvanian, born in Armstrong county, and all his life has been spent in the western section of the State, his connection with the business world beginning early and
growing to be one of importance. He is a grandson of Thomas Evans, a Welshman,
and a son of' Benjamin Evans, born in Pennsylvania, his parents settling at Boody's
Bend, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. There Benjamin Evans grew to manhood,
was an oil field worker in his younger years, served as a private in the. One Hundred
and Twenty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, three years, I862-65;
an oil driller until I878; then until his death in December, I917, aged seventy-six, a
farmer, owning his own land. He married Polly Walley, daughter of John Walley.
They were the parents of seven children, including a son, George M., of whom further.
George M. Evans was born on the home farm near the village of Parker, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, April I5, I872. He obtained his education in the public
schools. He was his father's farm assistant and later was engaged in the same occupation with others, continuing in agricultural work until reaching his twenty-third
year. In I895 he began operations in the oil and gas fields, starting as a tool dresser,
but in I909 became a contractor. He has since operated very successfully in Armstrong, Indiana, Westmoreland, Jefferson and Allegheny counties. In the spring of
I908 he moved his residence to New Kensington, from Goheenville, Armstrong county,
and has since made that borough his home and business headquarters. He was elected
president of the First National Bank of New Kensington, succeeding Dr. Elmer E.
Patton, upon the latter's death, March 2, I917; is president of State Construction Company; president of the Dispatch Printing Company, both of New Kensington; director
of the Rachael Gas Coal Company of West Virginia; director and vice-president of
the Hartley 0il Company; and is interested in other enterprises of his section. He
ranks with the able business men of his day, is honorable and upright, and has won
233BIOGRAPHICAL
EDWARD  M. CLIFFORD  CLIFFORD  FAMILY-There were four families named respectively Clifford, Parks, Meharg and Pritchett, who came to Ligonier
Valley in one delegation some years before the Revolution. They all hailed from one
section in New Jersey, and prior to that time the Cliffords had come from England.
Charles Clifford was the head of the family in Westmoreland county, and took up
four hundred acres of land on Mill creek, about two and a half miles northeast of the
present borough of Ligonier, and there he lived during-the remainder of his life. The
story of his capture by the Indians, and also of the shooting of an Indian by his son
James, has been told in the Indian tales of the first volume of this work. Charles was
a soldier in the War of the Revolution, his name being found on the miscellaneous
list of soldiers of that war called "The Original Depreciation Pay List" on file among
the public records at Harrisburg., After securing his release from the Indians, he
returned to his family and remained there until his death in I8I5. His remains were
interred in Fort Palmer cemetery. In Ligonier Valley, Charles Clifford married a
woman named Gordon, and their children were: I. Jane, married to John Menoher.
2. Sarah, married to Robert Reed. 3. Edward. 4. Charles, married to Miss Lytle,
from whom are descended the Lockpart Cliffords. 5. Mary, married Joseph Whitesides. 6. James, married Mary Rogers. It was James who shot the Indian near Fort
Ligonier. He and his wife are buried in Fort Palmer cemetery. 7. Joseph, of whom
later. 8. James, married Catherine Lawson, and from them is descended Colonel John
Clifford, who built Oak Grove Furnace, and was elsewhere engaged in the iron industry in Ligonier Valley.
Joseph Clifford, son of Charles Clifford, was born in New Jersey, May I5, I764,
and died in Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania, June 9, I84I. He was but a lad when
brought by his father to Ligonier Valley, and spent his life on the farm which has
been in possession of the family since'April 27, 1772. The house which he built, with
some improvements, is yet standing, and is now the residence of his grandson, Abram
B. Clifford. About I792 he married Isabella Pritchett, born December 3I, 1772, and
who died June 23, I855. She was a daughter of one of the four families referred to
above. The Pritchett family had become tired of the home in Ligonier Valley, presumably because of the Indian incursions, and had concluded to move back to New
Jersey and take their daughter Isabella with them. On the night before they were to
start, Joseph Clifford took Isabella Pritchett across the hills to'Squire James Pollock's
place, where they married, and Isabella remained'a citizen of the Valley until her
death.  There children were:  I. Mary, born February 17, I793; married (first)
Samuel Riddle, and after his death (second) John Taylor; she died December   I,
I875. 2. Charles, born April 5, I795, died April ig, I833, unmarried. 3. Sarah, born
February I7, I797, married Charles Menoher, died December 4, I850. 4. William, born
September 9, I799, died unmarried, August 12, I855. 5. Jane, born May 4, I8o2, died
unmarried, October 4, I835. 6. Rachel, born December I5, I804, married Thomas L.
Beam, and was the mother of Dr. L. T. Beam, a noted physician who perished in the
Johnstown flood; she died February I4, I836. 7. Edward, born July 27, I8o7, died
June 2, i886 (see below). 8. Rebecca, born January I7, I8Io, married William  McDowell, and died May I4, I857. 9. Ann, born April 7, I813, married James Menoher,
and died February 8, I899.
Edward Clifford, son of Joseph and Isabella Pritchett Clifford, was born on the
Clifford homestead, now owned by his son Abram Clifford, July 27, I807, and died
June 2, I886, and was buried at Fort Palmer. Throughout his life he was a farmer,
stock dealer and drover. He was a man of more than ordinary powers, and became
one of the wealthiest men of the Valley in his day. In politics he was a staunch
Democrat. He married, March 24, I83I, Catherine Myers, born March 29, I8o8, and
died June 8, I87I. She was a daughter of Christopher and Barbara Myers, and their
children were: Joseph, mentioned hereafter; Charles H., boirn September I7, I836, a
1.5OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
his way to fortune and position through the intelligent use of his own abilities. No
man has been wronged that he might gain, hbut he has pursued his course guided by
honorable ambition and worthy purpose.
Mr. Evans is a member of New Kensington Lodge, No. 644, Free and Accepted
Masons; and in June, I9IO, became a member of Coudersport Consistory, Ancient.Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. Tn November, I9I3, he was initiated into the mysteries of the Ancient Accepted Order, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, in Syria Temple, Pittsburgh. He was "made a Mason" in I907
in New Bethlehem, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, and became a member of New
Kensington Lodge by demit in I9I4. He is a Republican in politics, and in religious
matters broad and liberal in his views, generous in his contributions to all good
causes.
Mr. Evans married, in Goheenville, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, May 14,
I90I, Annie Foster, daughter of Thomas and Jane Foster, of Armstrong county.
Goheenville was the family home until Igo8, since then New Kensington. Mr. and
Mrs. Evans a;-e the parents of: Grace, Harold, Mary, Benjamin and Genevieve.
RALPH EUGENE PALMER, D. D. S. -Ralph Eugene Palmer, one of the
successful dental practitioners of Monessen, was born May 5, 1885, at New Washington, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, son of Nathan and' Lucy Maria (Campbell)
Palmer, of that place. Nathan Palmer was a native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania,
born May 12. 1832, and died March I9g, I9o4. His wife, Lucy Maria (Campbell)
Palmer, was born near McKees Mills, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, daughter of
James and Lucy Maria (Ramsey) Campbell, of that town. She is a member of one
of the oldest and most prominent of the pioneer families of Clearfield county. Mrs.
Palmer survives her husband, and resides at the old home in New Washington. They
were the parerts of six children, as follows: James Nathan, who is now engaged in
a mercantile blusiness at Woodland, Pennsylvania; David Linley, D. D. S., a practicing
dentist in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; John Hiland, who resides at New
Washington, Pennsylvania. where he is engaged in a building and contracting business; Ralph Eugene, of whom further; and Ruth Irene, twin of Ralph Eugene, now
the wife of Abram B. Pearce, of Bigler, Pennsylvania.
Ralph Eugene Palmer attended the public schools of New Washington, the grammar school at Burnside, the Brown Preparatory School at Philadelphia, where he prepared for college. and later matriculated in the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in Philadelphia, from which he graduated with the class of I9o09 and the degree
of Doctor of T)ental Surgery. He at once located in Monessen, Pennsylvania, at that
time at the height of its phenomenal development, and here established himself in the
practice of his profession. He has served for some time on the playground committee
at Monessen, being wholly in sympathy with the aims and objects of this body of men
and being strongly of the belief that the more opportunities given to the children of
the community for healthful outdoor exercise the greater will be the eventual health
and strength of the entire place. Dr. Palmer keeps in touch with his professional
brethren by membership in the Odontological Society of Western Pennsylvania, the
Pennsylvania State Dental Society and the National Dental Association. He is also
affiliated with all of the local Masonic bodies, namely: Monessen Lodge, Ancient Free
and Accepted.Masons; Monessen Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Donora Council,
Poyal and Select Masters: Charleroi Commandery, Knights Templar; and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of
Monessen, and in politics he is a Republican.
Dr. Palmer married, August 4, I9IO, Rose Lloyd Byers, daughter of Samuel and
234BIOGRAPHICAL
Sarah Jane (Lloyd) Byers, old and highly honored residents of Westover, Clearfield
county, Pennsylvania. Mrs Palmer is a graduate trained nurse, and is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church of Monessen. She is also affiliated with the Monessen
Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Dr. and Mrs. Palmer are the parents of two
children: Margaret Ruth and Ralph Eugene, Jr.
JOHN CLARK HULL-The perils of the railroad have been brought home to
Mr. Hull in a most forcible manner, as in his own person he bears the evidence and
through the explosion of a locomotive his father instantly lost his life. As assistant
secretary of the Railroad Young Men's Christian Association at Derry, Mr. Hull fills
a position for which he is well adapted, his upright life, quiet and genial manner rendering. him very popular with the members.  His usefulness is not confined to the
association, but in the church of his choice he takes an active part in its various
departments of Christian work. He is a son of Immanuel Hull, and a grandson of
John Hull, both residents of New Florence, Pennsylvania.
John Hull, son of Thomas and Polly (Cox) Hull, married Matilda, daughter of
William Clark, they the parents of ten children: I. Eliza, died in Missouri; married
James Smith, a soldier of the Civil War. 2. John, a soldier of the Civil War, later
employed in the Treasury Department at Washington, where he died; he married
Margaret Dougherty, and had children: Frank, died young; John, died young; Margaret, married a Mr. Lane, and resides at Washington, D. C. 3. Samuel C., born
March 30, I844  4. Charlotte, born February 7, 1846, died March 20, 1846. 5. Sarah,
born March 7, I847, died September 8, I9I6; married David Baker, a soldier of the
Civil War, and left a daughter, Belle. 6. Immanuel, of further mention. 7. Harvey
D., born October 28, I856; married Annie Taylor, and had children: Thomas, Matilda,
Franklyn, Paul, Mary and Lorena. 8. Nancy, born February 13, I859; married
Edward Hare. 9. Ida M., born March 9, I863; married Edward J. Smith; children:
Walter, John, Lester and Paul. IO. William J., born January I8, I866, died December
22, I894; married Anna Stevens; children: Huldah and Stella.
Immanuel Hull, born at New Florence, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1849, died March
I5, I9o5. He was a carpenter by trade, but followed farming in connection therewith,
and at intervals was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad on special service. It
was while so employed that he met his death. The company had a force of men
employed in track repairing at Bolivar, the scarcity of help at that time necessitating
the employment of inexperienced men and boys. In order to safeguard them from
the many passing trains, Mr. Hull was employed as a lookout and guard, so no accidents could occur lo them  from that danger. At the noon hour a local freight was
standing on the track, and while the men were passing alongside, a westbound train
pulled in and when directly opposite the local train the engine of the westbound train
exploded killing Mr. Hull and five other men and maiming others for life. Two of
Mr. Hull's brothers were but a short distance from him, but both miraculously
escaped injury. Mr. Hull married, in I875, Mary E. Dishong, who bore him fourteen
children: I. I;illie May. born January I, 1876; married C. W. McCombs; resides in
California; children: Elizabeth, Charles and John McCombs. 2. John Clark, of further mention. 3. Mamie Maud, born September I7, I878; married Campbell Hicks,
and has children: Myrtle, Inez and Leslie Hicks. 4. Clara A., born June IC, I88o;
married, December 30, I898, Dall Hicks, born July I2, I876; children: Ruth, born
September 3, ICtOO; William, June 29, 1902; Malcom, October 5, I904; Lawrence, November 26, I9G6; Raymond, July 28, I9 9; Rheuemma, January Io, I9IO; Robert Dall,
April 27, I9I6. 5. Olive I., born July I3, I882, married Leroy Kelley; children:
Estella, born February 20, I9OI; Minnie C., May I6, 1904; Jessie M., June I8, I906;
Leona May, February 26, I9o8; Viola Blanche, March 7, I9Io  Sylvia, September,
235OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
1914. 6. Myrtle K., born July I3, 1882; married Ray Henry; children: Edith, born
March 7, I904; Ethel, October 7, I9II; Nellie R., November 2I, I913; Ray Edward,
March 4, I916. 7. James Victor, born September 3, I884; married Huldah Donahue.
8. Walter B., born June io. I886; married Jessie C. Little; children: John D., born
June 17, I9II: Larue, May I4, 1913; Walter P., June I2, 1915; Victor W., January 9,
I9I7. 9. Nellie M., born June I7, I888; married Daniel Fisher; children: George,
Rene and Daniel Fisher. io. Sadie R., born June 13, 1890; married Jacob Stevens.
II. William H., born June I7, 1892. 12. Samuel, born March 12, I894. I3. Otis E. D.,
born March 3, 1897. I4. Edwin B., twin with Otis E. D.
John Clark Hull, eldest son and second child of Immanuel and Mary E. (Dishong) Hull, was born at New Florence, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May
i6, 1877. He was educated in the public schools, and for a time was employed as a
lumberman. But his active life was cut short at the age of sixteen when on March
26, I893, he lost his right leg below the knee in a freight train accident. After his
recovery he was variously employed until I915, when he was appointed to his present
position as assistant to Clarence A. Kirker, general secretary of the railroad branch
of the Young Men's Christian Association at Derry. Nature, in compensation for
that of which he has been deprived, has generously endowed Mr. Hull with mental
gifts, including a remarkable memory, and he is most highly esteemed by his many
friends. He is a devoted member of the United Brethren church, and in his life
exemplifies the teachings of the Master he serves. He is deeply interested in the work
of the association and a most efficient assistant. He is unmarried.
SIMON PETER EARNEST, M. D.-Simon Peter Earnest, one of the best
known and most successful physicians in active practice in Westmoreland county, is
the representative of a family which came to this region among its first pioneers and
the history of whose settlement brings us back to days when peril lurked in the great
surrounding wilderness and our parents were the characters in romances as exciting
and strange as any of those which come from the pen of the story-teller. Among the
first settlers in the region about Port Bedford, Pennsylvania, were a young Mr.
Earnest and the membens of the Dibert family of French origin. Among the latter
was Mr. Dibert's daughter Eve, and the two young pioneers fell in love with each
other and were married. They were the parents of six children, as follows: George,
Mary, Jacob, Johannes, Henry and Mike.  Early one autumn morning in the year
I777, while the Revolution was still in progress, the Indian war whoop was heard in
the valley and immediately afterwards the savages streamed out of the woods on to
Mr. Earnest's farm. Before any assistance could be summoned or any affectual
resistence offered, Mr. Earnest himself had been killed and his wife and the two sons,
Henry and Mike, the latter but two years of age, were taken prisoners. The Indians,
who were allies of the British, took their captives to Fort Detroit, where they were
sold to the British authorities. For nine years they remained in captivity at this place,
and then Mrs. Earnest, who had by this time become known as "Indian Eve," bought
a pony from money which she had saved up from the proceeds of her menial labors,
and with her two sons they started through the forests, homeward bound, They finally
arrived at the old home and presently were reunited with the remainder of her children. Later sihe became the wife of Conrad Samuels, and passed the latter years of
her life in the old Samuels homestead, one of the oldest and most picturesque places
in all Bedford county. Here she died at an advanced age in the year I815. It was her
son Henry who was the immigrant ancestor in Westmoreland county. The romantic
story of "Indian Eve" has been preserved for us under that title by one of Mrs. Earnest's descendants, and forms one of the chapters of stirring adventure of which the
history of those times contains so many.
236BIOGRAPHICAL
As has already been stated, her son, Henry Earnest, came to Westmoreland county
while a young man. His birth had occurred in Bedford county, March 28, I772, and
it was after his participation in the adventures above recounted that he came to Westmoreland counly. Here he made his home and eventually died, March 30, I857. He
married Margaret Miller, who was born in I766, and died in I85I. Their son, Peter
Earnest, also resided in Westmoreland county, where he married Sarah Shaffer, of
Delmont, at which place they made their home. One of the children of Peter and
Sarah (Shaffer) Earnest was Simon Peter Earnest, father of Dr. Earnest. He was
born at Delmo!lt, in January, I834, and died there in April, I88o, at the age of about
forty-five years, having made Delmont his home during his entire life. He was twice
married, his first wife having been Mary Klingenschmith, who died about I869, after
which Mr. Earnest married her sister, Hannah, who survived him for upwards a
quarter of a century. Of this second union but one child was born, Clarke Warden
Earnest, who is at the present time an employee of the Cambria Steel Works at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It was of the first union that Dr. Simon Peter Earnest was born.
The birth of Dr. Earnest occurred October 26, I865, at his father's home in Delmont, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and he has made his native town the scene
of hig professional activities. He attended for the elementary portion of his education
the local public schools, and later was a student at the Delmont Academy, which was
at that time, taught by the well-known educator, George Hugus. After completing his
studies in this institution, he himself taught school for two terms in the public institution of Salem township and later for two winters in the schools of Delmont borough.
He had decided in the meantime upon a professional career, and with this end in view
entered the College of Surgery at Cincinnati, where he remained for one year. He
then entered the University of Pittsburgh, and continued his studies in the medical
departfnent of that institution, from which he was graduated with the class of I89o.
Returning immediately to his native Delmont, he opened his office there and hung up
his shingle there. From that time to this his practice has grown constantly until he is
now one of the best known physicians and dentists in the entire region. For Dr. Earnest has also been granted the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery by the same institution in which he took his Doctor of Medicine and has combined the two lines of
practice most successfully. He is a member of the Westmoreland County Medical
Society and the State Medical Association, and has served as deputy to the State
inspector in the efforts of that official to stamp out epidemics of typhoid in the region.
He also holds the position of examiner of the scthools of the township and borough
and has seen considerable service on the school board. He maintains the most absolute political independence in every office which he fills, although he is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party and votes that ticket. In
his religious belief Dr. Earnest is a member of the Lutheran church and attends the
church of that denomination at Delmont, in which his parents were extremely active
during their lives.
Dr. Earnest was united in marriage in I8gI, when twenty-six years of age, with
Lizzie K. Earnest, a daughter of Albert Earnest, and a granddaughter of Jacob Earnest, who for many years was active in business as an expert gunsmith in Delmont.
Mrs. Earnest is, like her husband, a descendant of "Indian Eve." To Dr. and Mrs.'
Earnest two children have been born, as follows: Clarence R., who is now an employee
of the Westinghouse Company at East Pittsburgh, and Helen Elizabeth.
The tendency of this age is to make specialists of men. Some philosophers believe
that nature has always been about the same task and that, from the beginning, as
evolution advances, part is differentiated from part, member from member, each
accomplishing its own function the more perfectly as it more consistently attends to it
and disregards all others. However this may be, there is an instinct in most of us
that seems to feel a danger in this process being carried too far. It is all very fine.237OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
that -things should be done perfectly and yet we cannot but feel that, to do only one
thing perfectly is, to say the least of it, a trifle narrowing, and that there is something
to be urged in favor of the jack of all trades as against the master of one. To such as
feel thus, to such as feel that for a man to devote his entire concentrated endeavor and
all his weary years to the making of, let us -say-the eye-piece of the microscope, may
be all very well for the microscope but hardly broadening for the man, it is refreshing
to turn to the fine well-rounded man, of which the generation before our own was
perhaps more productive than the present epoch, but which we nevertheless see in such
characters as that of Dr. Earnest, who has resisted the tendency towards specialization, nowhere more operative than in the great profession of which he is a worthy
member, and still retains the many sidedness which used to characterize the general
practitioner of the generation just passed.
SAMUEL W. MARSH-That this is the name of one of Westmoreland county's
representative men no one who has resided in the county for any length of time
requires to be told. For many years identified with the coal industry, Mr. Marsh's
reputation as a business man is second to none, and as justice of the peace, an office
which he has held for the last two years, he holds a deservedly high place in the esteem
and confidence of his neighbors. Mr. Marsh is a resident of Herminie, Sewickley
township, and a representative of one of the old and long-settled families of that
region.
William Marsh, great-grandfather of Samuel W. Marsh, was descended, on his
father's side, from ancestors who were among the original Quaker settlers of the
vicinity, and was himself the owner of a farm one mile north of Dick Station. On
this farm he passed his life, dying at a good old age. A Quaker meeting house is still
maintained in the neighborhood, and in the Quaker cemetery the bodies of the earlier
generations of the family are interred.  His son, George W. Marsh, married and
appears to have led an uneventful life. His son, William L. Marsh, was born April
IO, 1822, and was about eighteen years old when death deprived him of his father.
For twenty-five years William  L. Marsh was a pilot, associated with the river coal
trade, making many trips down the Ohio and Mississippi and visiting New Orleans at
least six times. This period of his life included the years of the- Civil War. Later
Mr. Marsh retired to a little home in Sewickley township, becoming one of the wellknown men of his community and holding various minor offices, among them those of
supervisor and tax collector. Mr. Marsh married Lavinia Wilson and their children
were: I. George W., a contractor of West Newton. 2. Agnes N., wife of Eli McNelly, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. 3. Samuel W., mentioned below. 4. Anna B.,
widow of William  Altman, of New Brighton. 5. Alice J., wife of Albert Hill, of
Youngstown. 6. Eugene Carpenter, of Madison.' 7. Rutherford Hays, of Fairview,
Pennsylvania. 8. Sadie F., wife of G. W. Stoner, of Mount Pleasant. 9. Maggie,
married Joseph Miller, and died, leaving one son, Charles Oliver Miller, of Braddock.
Mr. Marsh died at the age of seventy-five. He had left the Society of Friends and
associated himself with the United Brethren church, but requested that his body might
rest near those of his ancestors in the old Quaker cemetery. Mrs. Marsh, who has
attained the advanced age of eighty-six, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Stoner, at
Mount Pleasarmt.
Samuel W. Marsh, son of William  L. and Lavinia (Wilson) Marsh, was born
May 6, I856, at Dick Station, and was a boy of fifteen at the time of his father's last
trip as a river pilot. To his son's eager request that he might accompany him, Mr.
Marsh returned a refusal, fearing that the lad might become attached to that mode of
life and not thinki.ng it best for him to pursue it. The result was that the son turned
his attention to the coal industry and for twenty-two years has been employed by the
238BIOGRAPHICAL                                    239
Berwin-White Coal Company, filling, for seventeen of these'years, the position of
engineer at the power-house at Herminie, and is still serving there. It is certainly
evident that he was the right man in the right place and it is equally true that, while
he reaped pecuniary profit, he gathered also the richer harvest of the highest reputation
for integrity and fair dealing. He saw the'first coal taken from the Herminie mine.
Always a staunch adherent of the Republican party, Mr. Marsh has for many years
taken an active- interest in local politics, and since I9I5 has served as justice of the
peace. The manner in which he' has discharged the duties of the office has received
the unqualified approval of all good citizens. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, occupying a seat on the board of'trustees.
Mr. Marsh married, August 9, I88o, Martha Elliott, of Sewickley township, and
they are the parents of the following children: I. Nancy Edna, Rwife of M. S. Kuhn,
of Mount Pleasant. 2. Mary Lizzie, wife of' Oliver K. Brown, of Irwin. 3. Alexander Logan, an electrician with the Westinghouse Company of East Pittsburgh;
married Harriet Mates, and lives at Turtle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh, the parents
of these three children, are both devoted to household ties and duties and have a
happy and hospitable home where they delight to gather their friends about them.
Samuel W. Marsh is an all-round man, a fine executant and a model public official.
His friends and neighbors have plainly manifested their appreciation of his character
and work and will doubtless continue to give him further proofs of it as the years
go on.
LEWIS MITCHELL DONALDSON, D. D. S.-Lewis Mitchell Donaldson,
one of the leading dentists of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, whose extensive
practice has been built up in the town of West Newton, was born at Kittanning, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, September Io, I874, a son of John and Louise (Snyder)
Donaldson. The grandparents of Dr. Donaldson came originally from Scotland,
settling in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. Louise (Snyder) Donaldson, who was a daughter of John L. and Polly (Roup) Snyder, of West Newton, Pennsylvania, died March
I, I904, in her seventy-second year.
He received his early education in the public schools of West Newton, where his
mother had moved when he was about six years of age, his father dying when he was
two years of age. After' completing his studies in these institutions, Mr. Donaldson
went to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he lived for about three years, and in the
meantime took a business course at the Charlotte Business College there. He had in
the meantime, however, decided to take up dental surgery as his career in life, and
with this end in view attended the Baltimore College-of Dental Surgery, from which
he graduated w!th the class of I897, and received honorable mention for his work and
scholarship. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery is recognized as the leading
institution of its kind in the country, as well as being the oldest in the United States,
and Dr. Donaldson fully availed himself of the advantages offered there. Having
won his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Donaldson practiced for about one
year in Baltimore, where he met with a well merited success. In the year I898, however, he returned to West Newton, Pennsylvania, and there built up an extremely successful and large practice in which he is engaged at the present time. He is to-day
(January, 1918) the oldest practicing dentist in West Newton. The practice built up
by Dr. Donaldson has been the result of his sheer ability, and at the present time he
enjoys a very well deserved reputation among his fellow-citizens.  He has passed
examinations and holds certificates permitting him to practice in the States of North
Carolina, Indiana and Pennsylvania. He is a man of remarkable character and the
highest professional ideas, and holds to-day a very important place in the affairs of
the community. He is a man of extremely broad sympathies and charitable instincts.*240        OLD AND NEW WESTM-ORELAND
and would be unquestionably a very wealthy man to-day were it not that he has consistently kept his charges at a very moderate figure and done a great deal of charitable
work among the poor of that region.
Dr. Donaldson has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of the community, but is,rf course debarred from much work which he would do in that direction if he could be governed by his tastes alone, because of the large demands made
upon his time and energy by his professional tasks. In politics he is a member of the
Republican party and has held important official positions in the community. For three
years he was a member of the town council and for two years time was president of
the body. He is a conspicuous figure in the fraternal and social life of the place, and is
a member of Blyth Lodge, No. 593, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and a past
master of that body; of the McKeesport Chapter, No. 282, Royal Arch Masons; of
McKeesport Commandery, No. 86, Knights Templar; and a member of the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree Masons. He is very active as a member
of the West Newton Board of Trade, and has done much to encourage the industrial
and business growth of the town in that capacity. In his religious belief he is a member of the Presbyterian church and has done much to promote the interests of that
body at West Newton and the surrounding region. He at present occupies the office
of clerk of the congregation, superintendent of the Sunday school, and an elder of
the church. He has been particularly active in religious matters and was one of the
representatives of the Redstone Presbytery to the General Assembly held at Atlantic
City in the year I916.
On June 20, I9o3, Dr. Donaldson was united in marriage with Maria Allen
Markle, a daughter of Henry Harrison and Alvira (Smith) Markle, of South Huntingdon township, and to them the following children have been born: Lewis M., born
December I4, 19o5, died December I6, I905; Harry M., born March 29, 90o6; John
D., born May I6, I9o8.
The Markle family, of which Mrs. Donaldson is a member, is a very old and. distinguished one in Westmoreland county, where it was founded about I700 by one
John Chrisman Merklin, who was born in Alsace, on the Rhein, about I678. He was
obliged to leave his native land on account of religious persecution and made his way
to Amsterdam. Holland, where he married Jemima Weurtz, a sister of Admiral
Weurtz, with whom he came to the Colonies about I703, and in that year settled at
Salem Springs, in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Since that time the family has occupied a conspictuous position in the affairs of the community there and has always been
regarded with the greatest respect by its fellow-citizens.
GEORGE WASHINGTON ERRETT; WILLIAM E. ERRETT, M. D.The Errett family has been for many years prominent in Westmoreland county, where
it is represented at the present time by George Washington Errett, the successful
farmer of Hempfield township. It was in all probability founded in this region by his
great-grandparents, his grandfather, John Errett, having in all likelihood been born
here. John Errett resided on a place near to Harmony School and about one mile
from the farm which is now occupied by George Wa.shington Errett. He was a man
of prominence and strong personality and was noted for his vigor and powerful
physique. He was the father of a large family of children, as follows: George, who
inherited a farm from his father, where he died at the age of seventy years; Michael,
who inherited the old homestead and died there in middle life; Adam, mentioned
below; Catherine, who became the wife of John Koontz, and died at a venerable age
near the old home; Elizabeth, who becamne the wife of Conrad Walthour;, who
became the wife of A. Fisher, and both she and her husband died in this region.
Adam Errctt, father. of George Washingtn.c  Errett, received one hundred andBIOGRAPHICAL
twenty acres of land from his father, and lived in a log house situated there all his
life. He was born August 5, I8o6, and. died June 5, I873. He married Sarah Ashbaugh, a daughter of John Ashbaugh, of Indiana county, who died January I, I886, at
the age of seventy-six years, two months and twenty-four days. Adam Errett and his
wife were members of the Brush Creek Lutheran Church. They were the parents of
the following children: Mary, who became the wife of Abraham  Beck, a merchant
at Ludwick, a suburb of Greensburg, where both died; James, who served as a soldier
in the Civil WVar and died in service, while a member of the regiment of Colonel Fulton; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Alexander Duff, a farmer and stone mason;
Michael, who served in the Civil War under Colonel Coulter and died in service;
Susanna, who became the wife of John G. Graham, and lived in Allegheny county;
Sarah, who became the wife of Samuel Altman, and resides at Adamsburg; William C.,
who makes his home in Hempfield township; and George Washington, mentioned
below.
Born April I2, I85O, near Arona, in Hempfield township, on the site of his present
home, George Washington Errett has continued to make this place his home during
practically his entire life. He secured his education in the local public schools, and
in I874 went to Penn township, where he remained for two years. He then returned
and resided near the old home. In the year. I885 he assumed charge of his father's
farm, and in ICoo built the present house in place of the log cabin where he himself
was born and where the family had resided for so many years. This property lies in
the coal region of Westmoreland county, and some years ago the underlying coal. was
sold to the Keystone Coal Company at the rate of one hundred dollars per acre. Mr.
Errett continues to.this day to carry on farming operations here.  In politics Mr.
Errett is a Republican, but is extremely independent and has never taken a very active
part in politics, nor has he ever held office of any. kind. He is a member of the
Lutheran church at Adamsburg, as are also the other members of his family.
George WV. Errett was married on August 24, 1871, to Elizabeth Peters, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Gardner) Peters, old and highly respected residents of
Hempfield township. To MIr. and Mrs. Errett the following children have been born:
William E., mentioned below; Harry James, who died in childhood; Adam Daniel,
who follows the occupation of blacksmith and is employed by the Keystone Coal Company in that capacity; Albert Francis, who is a farmer; and Clyde Herbert, who is
an employee of the Street Car Company in Greensburg.
Mr. Errett is one of the most striking figures from a society where strong characters and brilliant personalities are the rule rather than the exception. He possesses
in a high degree all those personal qualities which mark the best type of his race.; a
strong moral sense, unimpeachable honesty and integrity of  purpose, courage and
unlimited capacity for hard work. If, as Carlyle remarks, "genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains," then surely Mr. Errett might take a strong plea to be regarded
as a genius of high degree. To these sterner virtues he adds a genial candor of
temperament, the humor that seems an inseparable accompaniment to a due sense of
proportion, and a gentleness towards weakness that make men who feel their cause to
be just instinctively turn to him, as to a friend, for support and encouragement. But
though he can he thus gentle to worth, however modest, he does not hesitate to unmask
presumption and rebuke it duly, wherever it presents itself, although in the long run
there are no shortcomings he is disposed to judge so sternly as his own, real or fancied.
His is a character that, aside from his great material achievements, can not fail to
effect powerfully any environment in which it might have been placed and which is to
be held up as a model for the younger generation to follow.
Dr. William E. Errett was born in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, August I6, I873, a son of George Washington and Elizabeth (Peters)
W-16
241OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
retired farmer residing in Ligonier; Benjamin Franklin, born June 24, 1839, died
November 2, I87O; Abram B., mentioned hereafter; George E., born December 5,
1843, died unmarried, February 28, I886.
Joseph Clifford was the eldest son of Edward and Catherine Myers Clifford, and
was born in Ligonier township, January 29, 1832. In his early days he was a teacher
in Ligonier township, and then became a merchant in Ligonier, and afterwards a stock
dealer and took droves of cattle to the Eastern markets. He was still later engaged
in the mercantile business in New Florence, and in the hotel business in Latrobe. In
his later years he resided inl Greensburg. He was a man of fine personal appearance,
a Presbyterian in religion, and a member of the Kedron Chapter and Knights Templar
of Greensburg. He was married, June 29, I858, to Ellen Blythe Bean, and their
children were: Catherine Ellen, married Samuel Kelly, of Pittsburgh; Mary Blanche,
who died in infancy; Lawrence B. and Josephine. Joseph Clifford died in Greensburg,
December 29, 1892, and was buried in the Valley cemetery at Ligonier.
Abram B. Clifford, son of Edward and Catherine Myers Clifford, was born October 7, I84I, on the Clifford farm, which was the birthplace of his father. He remained
on the homestead, cultivating its broad acres, and engaging in stock raising. Like his
father, he is a Democrat. He was married, October 27, I868, to Margaret C. Best, of
Ligonier Valley, daughter of William and Catherine (Campbell) Best. Their children were: I. Edward B., married to Mary Isabella Blyth, of Wellsville, Ohio. 2.
Mary, widow of F. S. Kleindienst. 3. Nancy Maud, wife of Denna C. Marker, of
Ligonier. 4. Hargnett F., married Nettie McIntyre, of Wichita, Kansas. 5. Willie
May, resides in Wilkinsburg. 6. Simon Y., of Wilkinsburg. 7. Margie June, wife of
Charles Robb, of Ligonier. 8. Paul E., who resides at home. 9. Mertha, died August
I8, I888, aged four years. There was also one son who died in childhood. The mother
of these children, Margaret (Best) Clifford, died November 24, i889, and was buried
in the Valley cemetery.
Edward M. Cliffcrd, M. D., one of the leading physicians of Greensburg, was
born on the old Clifford homestead on Hanna's Run, Pennsylvania, October I9, I856.
He was the eldest son of Christopher Myers and Susanna (McElroy) Clifford.
Christopher  Myers  Clifford (father) was also born at the old Clifford  place,
June 24, 1834.  He too was a farmer and stock raiser until about fifteen years
before his death, when he moved to the village of Ligonier and was engaged in
the mercantile business during the remainder of his life. He was married, January
3, I856, to Susanna McElroy, daughter of John D. and Sarah (Menoher) McElroy,
old residents of WVestmoreland county.  Both were active members of the United
Presbyterian church. Their children were: Edward Marcellus, Sarah Clara, wife
of J. R. Smith, a member of the bar, residing in Scottdale;.John McElroy, a real
estate broker and banker, of Braddock, Pennsylvania; Charles Henry, physician, of
Braddock, Pennsylvania; Joseph Brackley, deceased, formerly a physician of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Samuel James, a dentist in Cincinnati, Ohio; Nelson Myers,
bookkeeper for the Westinghouse Company in Trafford, Pennsylvania; Georgeanna,
died at the age of eighteen years. Christopher M. Clifford died April 8, I9oo, and his
wife, Susanna M., on August 25, I898.
Edward M. Clifford, M. D., received his primary education in the common schools
adjacent to his home, and from there passed to the Ligonier Academy and Independence Academy, where he pursued the higher branches, after which he taught two
winters in Westmoreland and Indiana counties.  He then read medicine with Dr.
Henry L. Donnelly, of Latrobe, and in the autumn of I879 entered Jefferson Medical
College at Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated in I882 with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. During his last year he served in the Philadelphia
hospitals, thereby greatly adding to the knowledge already acquired and was greatly
benefited by it in many ways during his subsequent career. In I882 he settled in Vali6OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Errett. He received his education at the public schools of his native place and afterwards at the old Greensburg Academy, which was at that time in charge of Professor
William Swingle, who had also taught in the old Harmony School, in which his own
earlier training had been received. Still later Dr. Errett attended the California State
Normal School, at California, Pennsylvania, and at the same time he taught in a
school in Fayette county. In the meanwhile he had decided upon a medical career, and
with this end in view entered the West Pennsylvania Medical College, which is now
known as the Western University of Pennsylvania, at Pittsburgh, from which institution he was graduated with the class of I9oo. He was one of a small group of students
to receive class honors out of a class of fifty-eight, and established a remarkably high
record for scholarship during his course. Among those who in the same class received
the degree of Medical Doctor were such well-known physicians as Dr. C. E. Bair,
who is now located at Braddock, Pennsylvania; W. J. Walker, of Turtle Creek, both
of whom were Westmoreland county boys, and a number of others who also came
from that part of the country. Immediately after his graduation Dr. Errett went to
the town of New Stanton, Hempfield township, Pennsylvania, and on September 17,
I9o00, opened his office there. From the outset he met with great success, and now
enjoys an extensive general practice, covering the entire territory around about that
community and which he knew as a child as his native region. Dr. Errett has centered his interests entirely in the practice of his profession and devotes his entire time
and attention to his task. He possesses a most enviable reputation, both as a capable
physician and high-minded man throughout the entire section in which he practices.
Some years ago he erected a handsome brick residence, where also is situated his office,
in the heart of the village of New Stanton, which is located about six miles. south of
Greensburg. Dr. Errett is a man of strong religious feelings and is associated with
the Lutheran church at New Stanton, in which he holds the office of deacon. He is
devoted to outdoor pastimes of all kinds, but particularly to hunting and fishing, and
it is in this maniner that he spends his vacation, or in extended auto tours, during the
course of which he has visited as far away as North Carolina.
Dr. Errett was united in marriage, October 20, 1902, with Anna May Butler, a
daughter of C. J. and Nora B. (Williams) Butler, old and well-known residents of
Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Errett:
Helen M. and William E., Jr.
The life of a physician is no sinecure and the very choice of it is a proof of the
sincerity and earnestness of the chooser, either as a student with an overwhelming love
of his subject or as an altruist whose first thought is the good of his fellows. Probably a somethiri-t of both qualities enters into the attitude of Dr. Errett, who is one of
the leaders of his profession in his native county, and this is borne out by the double
fact that he is at once unusually well versed in the theory and technical practice of medicine and that he has won the respect and affection of his patients and the community
generally.
A. WALLACE LOVE-One of the most successful business men and most
public-spirited among the men of affairs and public officials in Westmoreland county
is the Hon. A. Wallace Love, of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. He is descended on both
sides of the house from old and prominent Pennsylvanian families and himself exhibits
the sturdy traits and virtues which marked long lines of pioneer ancestors. He is a
son of the late William S. and Clementina (Furnam) Love, his father having been a
native of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, while his mother was born in Clarion county.
William S. Love's mother was a Miss McIlwaine and of Scotch descent. William S.
Love spent his entire life in Jefferson county, where he engaged in business as a lumberman and also operated a large farm' successfully. He was conversant with'all the
242BIOGRAPHICAL
details of the lumber business, and while a youth had served a long apprenticeship in
this woodland craft, himself hewing square timbers from the rough logs, binding them
into rafts and running these down Red Bank creek to the Allegheny river and thence
on to Pittsburgh, where he disposed of them. In this he was so successful that he
retired from business some time before his death and lived for several years in well
deserved leisure at Brookville, Jefferson county, and it was here that his son, A. Wallace, was born.
Born April 5, I869, in Knox township, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, on his
father's farm, a few miles south of the village of Brookville, A. Wallace Love passed
most of the years of his childhood and early youth there. He attended the local public
schools and Belleville Academy, the latter institution being situated at Stanton, about
four miles from his father's home. Here he gained his education, and during his spare
hours worked on the home farm or assisted his father with his lumber business. In
this way he himself gained large familiarity with the craft and used to accompany the
elder man on his trips down the Red Bank creek and Allegheny river to Pittsburgh.
At the age of eighteen, he took up for a time the profession of teaching and was thus
engaged in the public schools of his native township, the same in which he himself had
previously been a student. Finding this profession to his taste, he decided to take a
course in the State Normal School at Clarion, Pennsylvania, and accordingly made
his home in that thriving town for a time. He graduated from this institution in
I897, and at once received an appointment as principal of the Hazelhurst public schools
in the town of that name, McKean county. He continued in this capacity for a period
of some three years, but during that time had his attention forcibly drawn to the
opportunity which awaited an energetic young man in that rapidly growing region in
the mercantile line of business. Accordingly, he went to Vandergrift Heights, where
he made his home, having been drawn to this place on the representation of several
friends who believed in its rapid development. Mr. Love was the first to open a general store in that locality, and from the first success attended his efforts. The new
establishment was situated on the corner of Bancroft and Longfellow streets, but a
short distance from his present residence, and here the business grew rapidly, keeping
pace with the development of the town. It is now one of the largest houses of its
kind in the region and owes its great success to the enterprise and business ability of
its founder. It is no longer in the hands of Mr. Love, however, who in I912 sold it
and transferred his attention to the real estate and insurance business, in which he
is at the present time engaged. Mr.. Love is particularly well qualified to succeed in
this line, both on account of his native abilities and because of his large acquaintance
among the best people of the region.
It is not alone, however, in the realm of business that Mr. Love has made himself a prominent figure in Vandergrift and the surrounding regions. Keenly alive to
the best interests of the community and strongly interested in political affairs, he has
taken a most salutary part in the politics of that region and held many important public offices. For some years he was a member of the school board in Vandergrift and
also served there as burgess. In the former capacity he exerted great efforts against
the obstacles which stood in his way in the shape of prejudice and conservatism to
provide adequate school advantages for the community, a task difficult enough in itself,
owing to the rapid growth of the town. He was one of the organizers and became the
secretary of the Vandergrift Business Men's Association and served in that office
during the first five years of the existence of this active and efficient organization.
Mr. Love is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party,
and at the primaries held in I914 was its choice for State Assemblyman to represent
the Second Legislative District of Westmoreland county.  He was chosen for this
responsible position in the election that followed, making his campaign on his wellknown attitude toward the liquor question. His strong temperance proclivities won
243OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
him many friends in the community and insured his election. He did valuable service
both to his constituents and to the community at large while a member of this body,
and was placed on several legislative committees, in all of which he took a leading part.
He was reelected for the next session and has been particularly active during its continuance in urging educational reforms and good roads legislation. He has always
been a good roads man and has done much to enhance his reputation by his work in
this connection. While Mr. Love has no ambitions whatsoever in the direction of
public speaking, he took an active part in the discussions on the floor of the Assembly
and there proved himself to be possessed of an unusually eloquent and persuasive
delivery. No question of importance escaped his attention and the position that he
took in every case has done credit to his disinterestedness. Mr. Love is a prominent
figure in the social and fraternal circles of Vandergrift, and is a member of the local.
lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Malta.
On June I2, I9OI, A. Wallace Love was united in marriage with Nellie Carrier,
a daughter of Milton H. Carrier, of Summerville, Pennsylvania, and a member of one
of the oldest families in that region, where her ancestors were prominent among the
pioneers. No family has done more than the Carriers to develop the industrial and
business interests of that part of the county and State. To Mr. and Mrs. Love four
children were born, as follows: Evelyn, Sarah, Winona and Winnifred, all of whom
are at present attending the local public schools.
ARNOLD ALLAN CUSTARD-One of the most successful veterinary surgeons of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Dr. Arnold Allan Custard, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, a member of an old Pennsylvania family and himself for many
years identified with the life of that region. His grandfather, who also bore the name
of Arnold Allan Custard, was born at Clintondale, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, and
received his education in the local public schools. He engaged in farming all his life
in that place and also carried on a large lumber business. He married Martha McCadden, and they were the parents of the following children: Richard, Amelia,
George, Josephine, Fannie, Kreasy, Delinda. All of these, with the exception of the
last named, are deceased, and Delinda is now the wife of Dr. Litzell.
The first Arnold Allan Custard was a very prominent member of the community
in his day, a staunch D)emocrat, and one who always took an active interest in public
affairs. He was a power in politics and was recognized as one of the most influential
citizens in that part of-the State. The father of Dr. Custard was George Custard,
a native of Clinton county, born in I834. Like his father he received his education in
the local public school, and devoted himself to farming for practically his entire life.
He also carrie(d on the lumber business, established by his father, and developed it to
very large proportions, being one of the most successful men in that part of Clinton
county or indeed the State. He was a man of remarkably strong character and vigorous and attractive personality, and took a leading part in the affairs of the community
where he resided so long. He was a natural leader of men and was looked up to and
admired by all his fellow citizens. Like his father, he was a very ardent Democrat,
and was regarded as one of the principal figures in politics in the county. A Methodist
in religion, he attended consistently the church of that denomination at Clintondale
and took an active interest in its work, serving it in the capacity of trustee for a number of years. He was prominent in the social life of the place and was a member of
the A. O. O. F. He married Sarah Allan, a daughter of David and Annie Allan, of
Baldeagle township, Clinton county, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of the following children: Arnold Allan, of further mention; Martha, who became Mrs. John
Keister, and is now deceased; Frank, who is engaged in the rubber business at Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Nelson, who is now a resident of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania,
244BIOGRAPHICAL
245
where he is engaged in business; Jennie, who is now Mrs. William Krape, of Clintondale. Mr. Custard died in the year I886 and was survived by his wife until I909, when
her death occurred at the venerable age of ninety.
Born June 6, I848, in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, Dr. Arnold Allan Custard
received his early education in the local, public schools of that county. He later took
a course of veterinary surgery with Professor Benjamin Straw, -of Clin'tondale, and
after qualifying for work in this line began active practice at Rockhaven, Clinton
county. There he met with marked success and remained for about ten years, but in
1904 removed to Jeannette, Westmoreland county, since which time he has continued
his practice in that flourishing community. He is a man who always keeps abreast of
the latest'developments of his profession, and accordingly took a special course at
Atchison, Kansas. Later he also studied at the Detroit Veterinary Dental College and
received a diploma from  that institution in I904. Dr. Custard's practice is a very
extensive one and not only covers the whole of Westmoreland county, but frequently
extends into the adjacent counties, his reputation being of the highest wherever'hei has
practiced at all. He has even upon occasion been called as far as Clearfield county
and his practice may be said to extend over a rough circle with a radius' of about two
hundred miles. One reason for this extensive practice is to be found in the fact that
Dr. Custard is the only veterinary in the region who has made a special study of
veterinary dentistry.  In addition to his general practice, Dr. Custard takes charge
of the veterinary work of Harvest  Walker, of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, a
concern with eighteen different plants and which uses some one hundred and eighty
head of horses. He also has charge of all horses of the Diamond Ice Company of
Braddock, Pennsylvania, another large concern. Dr. Custard is a very public-spirited
man and an active participant in the general affairs of the community. In politics he
is an Independent, allying himself with no party organization, and in religion he is a
Presbyterian, attending the church of that denomination at Jeannette.  He takes a
very active interest in church matters and is one of the most prominent members of
the congregation. He is also a member of the Patriotic Order Sons"of America.
On December II, I903, Dr. Custard was united in marriage with Mrs." Sarah Elizabeth (Boyd) Hawn, a daughter of Thomas Boyd, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and
widow of James Hawn.
CAPTAIN JOHN F. THOMAS-Perhaps few of the inhabitants of Westmoreland county have had as varied and eventful a career as has fallen to the lot of the
veteran whose name heads this article. Captain Thomas has been a lifelong resident
of his native township, and has ever set an example of public-spirited interest in all
that concerned the welfare of the community.
Thomas Thomas, grandfather of Captain John F. Thomas, was born January 3,
I76I, and was a son of David and Margaret Thomas. At the age of fourteen, Thomas
Thomas enlisted in a New Jersey company and bore his part in the struggle for independence. He married, February 20, I783, Mary Grimes, who was born June I0, 1763,
and their son Thomas is mentioned below. Mrs. Thomas died April I3,' 1837, and the
old soldier did not long survive the faithful companion of more than half a cenritury.
On November 17, I839, he passed away on his farm  in Rostraver to'wnship,' Westmoreland county.
Thomas (2) Thomas, son of Thomas (I) and Mary (Grimes) Thomas, was born -
January I3, I809, on his father's farm in Rostraver township, which, in the course of
time, he inherited. Thomas Thomas, Jr., was a well-known buyer of horses, and in
I844, while on a purchasing trip in Illinois, was called to serve for a short time against
the Mormons. Mr. Thomas married, February I6, I837, Jane Power, who was born
March 20, I8i6, and their son John is mentioned below. Mrs. Thomas passed awayOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
March 28, I851, and her husband survived her less than a year, his death occurring
January I5, I852, both being still in early middle life.
Captain John F. Thomas, son of Thomas (2) and Jane (Power) Thomas, was
born May 7, [838, on the homestead, in the old log house in which his grandfather
had died and his father had been born. As a boy John was bound to his uncle, John
F. Power, but in a year or two made up his mind to "go West."  There he herded
cattle on the plains, fell in with a travelling circus, and in many ways had a varied
experience.  When he returned his uncle, who was also his guardian, met him  in
Philadelphia and brought him home. He then for a time assisted his uncle in driving
cattle to that city and other Eastern markets, eventually engaging in the same line of
business for himself. This episode in his life was, however, a short one, being interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War. To the call for troops in April, I86I, John
Thomas was one of the first to respond, enlisting as second sergeant in Company F,
Twelfth Pennsylvania Reserves, and serving until April, I863. He was then transferred to the regular army, being made a second lieutenant at Washington by Adjutant-General Lucian Thomas and assigned to his own former company. It fell to his
lot to lead his men into much of the severe fighting, including Gettysburg and subsequent campaigns. Later Lieutenant Thomas was given charge of five companies with
special care of United States stores and military property. When he surrendered his
authority in I867 there was a discrepancy of some five hundred dollars in his accounts
which was charged against him, and in all these years the red tape of departments has
stood in the way of a clear and satisfactory settlement of the difference, though his
rights in the case have been recognized by the government. This seemed to be a bar
to his receiving a captain's commission, to which he is entitled. For more than fifty
years, however, the title has been accorded him by all old friends. Captain Thomas
saw much hard fighting, and with a skirmish line placed the flag on Big Round Top
at Gettysburg, his squad holding its summit. He was twice wounded, receiving a ball
through his right leg at Fredericksburg and a head wound at Cold Harbor. He was
once threatened with court-martial for disobedience of orders, but was later commended for his refusal when it was seen that compliance would have initiated a general engagement for which the army was not ready.
After the return of peace Captain Thomas resumed his work as a dealer in live
stock and continued it for twenty years, carrying on an extensive and lucrative business. At one time he owned fifteen hundred head of cattle which he sold to great
advantage.  In fact, all his dealings have been marked by foresight and business
acumen. The original plot of the town of Webster was laid out by Martin Beagle,
Major Power adding a part of his farm, and when Captain Thomas became the
owner of the }'ower farm he extended the village to the size of the entire plot. He
also had large interests on the opposite side of the Monongahela river, much of his
property lying in the borough of Donora.
Captain Thlomas married Amelia, daughter of Captain John Gilmore, of Washington county, an extensive coal operator and owner of river boats. His daughter's
wedding was one of the social events of that period, the guests being conveyed to
Pittsburgh on the steamer "John Gilmore" and the dancing and other festivities lasting all night.. The children were: I. Jennie E., a teacher for ten years at Webster,
and now deceased. 2. Susannah, died in childhood. 3. Amelia, married William Laub,
proprietor of the old Perkins Mill, and died May 27, I916, leaving one. daughter,
Amelia Elizabeth; they also had a son, John William, who died in infancy. 4. Mary
Alverda, died in childhood  5. Allie M., a well-known teacher in the Webster schools.
6..John F., died at the age of seventeen. 7. Henrietta, also died at seventeen. Mrs.
Thomas passed away in Pine Bluff, North Carolina, October 28, I906, having fulfilled
for more than forty years the duties of a faithful and affectionate wife and mother.
An Independent Democrat in politics, Captain Thomas has had no desire for pub246BIOGRAPHICAL                                   247
lic office. He is a member of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church. He is a large man,
physically and mentally, and the niche he has filled and still fills in the life of the
community is one that only such a man could occupy. No citizen of. Westmoreland
county is more widely known, many of Pittsburgh's leading men being among his
intimates. Truly it may be said of him that he has "honor, love, and troops of
friends."
HON. JOHN H. BROWN-Hon. John H. Brown was born in the village of'
Grapeville, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 29, I843. His paternal grandfather was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer. He married a
Miss Lucas and by this marriage had an only child, John, Jr., of whom further. After
the death of his first wife he married a Miss Carlisle and reared a numerous and prosperous family. He died in I858, aged ninety-three years. One of his nephews was
the late William H. Brown, the well-known coal operator on the Monongahela river.
John Brown (father) was born in Sewickley township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, June I6, I8o6. He learned the trade of blacksmithing and followed the
buying of horses and sheep, driving them to Eastern markets. In I854 he abandoned
his trade for mercantile business and never returned to the anvil. Under the firm
name of Brown  Rankin the partners conducted a general store for three.years, and
in I857 removed from the village of Grapeville to the station of the same name, where
Mr. Brown remained in active business pursuits until the time of his death. He married Elizabeth Painter, October 23, I828. He was a member of the Reformed church,
was twice commissioned by the Governor of the Commonwealth captain of the Adamsburg Blues, a volunteer nrfilitary company, and served in this capacity for a period of
fourteen years, and was a man of prominence in his generation. He died July I8, I877.
John Painter, maternal great-grandfather of Hon. John H. Brown, was a native
of Mecklenberg, Germany,'who emigrated to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
about I778. His maternal grandfather, Tobias Painter, married Elizabeth, daughter
of Hon. Christofer Lobingier, in I798. Mr. Lobingier was a member of the Constitutional Convention, I776, and a member of the Legislature in I791-92-93. His grandmother's sister, Catharine, married Judge Jacob Painter. General Joseph Markle, who
was the Whig candidate for Governor in 1844,' married Judge Painter's daughter. IHis
grandfather and Judge Painter were first cousins and brothers-in-law.  Tobias J.
Painter, brother of Michael and Judge Painter, married his mother's sister Catharine
and immigrated to Illinois.  H. J. Kline, brother of Amos B. and Dr. Kline, of
Greensburgh, married their daughter. Michael Painter owned the grist mill and farm
at Manor Station and the farm in Penn township now owned by the heirs of R. A.
Hope. The elder Painters were granted a warrant for the Painter homestead, called
Partnership, situated on the turnpike adjoining the village of Grapeville, and built the
present stone house in I783 in which his grandfather died June I6, I824, aged fifty-five
years, and where his grandmother died September 2, I828, aged forty-nine years, and
in which house his mother was born, reared and married. Some time after the death
of his grandmother the homestead farm was purchased by James Agnew, who was in
possession of it at the time of his death in I892, when it was bought by John H. Brown,
who started early in life to paddle his own canoe, and as a boy of eight years earned
his first shilling from Mr. Agnew for one day's labor.
John H. Brown entered his father's store in 1857, established the Grapeville post
office in I867 and was postmaster for many years. He was a school director for three
years; chairman of the Republican county committee in I891 and I893 and in both campaigns his party won complete victories; elected to the State Senate in I892 and
reelected in I896; was the nominee of Westmoreland county for Congress in I894 in
the district composed of Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson and Westmoreland countiesOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
when Hon. D B. Heiner was renominated at the last minute to file nomination papers
on the three hundred and twenty-fifth ballot; when in I9oI Westmoreland county
became entitled to the office of county controller, he was appointed by the Governor
and afterward elected for one term. Senator Brown believes that the rank and file
of the Republicans appreciated his labors for the success of the party and we herewith annex one of many testimonials:
Whereas: It is an admitted fact that Hon. John H. Brown has done more for
the success of the Republican party in Westmoreland county than any other man by
and through his sagacity, untiring zeal and unreserved expenditure of time and of his
own personal means, therefore, be it
Resolved: That this convention as the representative of the Republicans of Westmoreland county do extend to Hon. John H. Brown their most hearty and unanimous
thanks in token of appreciation of his valuable services and zealous and unflinching
work in behalf of the Republican party and its doctrines.
Adopted County Committee- I894JErF W. TAYLOR,
CHRIST CRIBBS,
J. A. BOLTz,
W. P. BEAVER,
J. H. GEARY,
Committee.
Mr. Brown married a Miss McCartney, who was born in Columbus, Indiana, and
they are the parents of six children: Two sons died in infancy; Preston Wayne, a
young man of much promise, died in I9o5, while a student of Washington  Jefferson
College; Blanche Rose, wife of A. C. Gorden, principal of Horace Mann Schools in
Pittsburgh; Walter, at home; Mary, at home.
FRANCIS JOSEPH  CARROLL, D. D. S.-One of the most capable of the
rising young dentists of Monessen, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Francis
Joseph Carroll, who enjoys one of the largest dental practices in Westmoreland
county, having built up the same in less than three years, so that he now occupies a
leading place among the professional men of that region. Dr. Carroll is a son of
Isaac Springer and Mary Frances (Taylor) Carroll, his father, who was born at
Clover Hill, September I8, I856, being a prominent business man and manufacturer
of Monongahela City, where he is engaged in the wagon business. Mr. Carroll, Sr., is
a talented musician. He has been a member of the Methodist church in Monongahela
for over thirty years. It was in Monongahela that he married Mary Frances Taylor,
and of this union three children have been born, namely: Francis Joseph, of whom
further; Mary, who became the wife of W. J. McElroy, of Monongahela City; and
Rachel, who became the wife of William Herrington, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
Born August Io, I892, at Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, Francis Joseph Carroll received the elementary portion of his education in the public schools of his native
place. He graduated from the Monongahela City High School and then entered
Scott's Acadeimy for work preparatory to entering college. It was in the year I912
that he entered the Dental College in connection with the University of Pittsburgh,
from which he graduated with the class of I9I4. Between the close of his academic
studies and those which he carried on to fit him for his chosen profession, Mr. Carroll
spent three years working in his father's business, and it was during this period that
he determined upon a professional career. In I9I4, after completing his studies, Dr.
Carroll came directly to Monessen, where he has built up one of the most lucrative
practices in Westmoreland county. Dr. Carroll is a man of many attainments and
there are very few of his colleagues who possess so complete a mastery of their sub248BIOGRAPHI'CA r,
ject, both in theory and practice, as does he. He is keenly interested in the general
advancement of his profession and of those who like himself practice it, and is affiliated
with a number- of societies which make these causes their aim. Among these should
be mentioned Western Pennsylvania Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Adontological Society and the American Dental Association. In politics Dr. Carroll is a
Republican, but, as may- readily be supposed, the demands made upon his time and
energies by his professional tasks leave but little to be expended in other directions.
There is one thing, however, aside from his profession that Dr. Carroll devotes some
attention to, anld this is the matter of outdoor sports, of which he is a patron. He is
himself an unusually fine athlete, and during his college days played on the class football team at the University of Pittsburgh. He was also a member of the Cap and
Gown Club at Ihat time. Dr. Carroll is a member of the Monessen Board of Trade
and in this capacity has been very active in promoting civic and business interests in
the community.
Dr. Carroll married, June 27, I9I7, Della B. Fell, daughter of John W. Fell, of
Monongahela, and his wife, Elizabeth (Ewing) Fell, daughter of William Ewing, Sr.,
of Monongahela.
CHARLES DORRANCE FULLER--Tenth in the family of eleven sons and
daughters of Charles Dorrance and Harriet (Harris) Fuller, Mr. Fuller descends
from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania ancestors whose names are among the highest
of shining examples of devotion and usefulness from  the earliest settlement of the
Pilgrims. The coming of Edward Fuller, and Dr. Samuel Fuller, in the "Mayflower,"
has been followed down through almost three centuries by a succession of Fullers,
eminent in every profession, and public sorrow is hardly yet assuaged over the death
of Melville E. Fuller, chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. In
England great men have borne the name and of Thomas Fuller, an eminent divine,
chaplain extraordinary to Charles II., a high authority wrote:  "Fuller was incomparably the m(-st sensible, the least prejudiced great man of an age that boasted of a
galaxy of great men." From this "Mayflower" stock comes Charles Dorrance Fuller,
of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, chief chemist of the Railway Steel Spring Company, who in
his own right holds high rank in his profession.
On the maternal side he descends from John (2) Harris, the founder of the city
of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and in reality one of the "men of mark" in the early history of Pennsylvania. John Harris was a son of John Harris, a native of Yorkshire,
England, born in I673, who came to America upon attaining his majority, settling in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He became a licensed Indian trader, and in January,
I705, was authorized to "seat himself on the Sasquahannah at Paxtang, to erect such
buildings as are necessary for his trade and to enclose and improve such quantity of
land as he shall think fit." He was an adventurous spirit, hardy and daring, "as honest
a man as ever broke bread." He married, late in life, Esther Say, many years his
junior, in old Christ Church, Philadelphia, who bore him several children, six of whom
reached years of maturity, including John (2) Harris, of whom further. John (I)
Harris died at Harris Ferry, Pennsylvania, in December, I748, and was buried at the
foot of a large mulberry tree on the river bank. The enclosure in Harris Park and
the fast decaying stump of the old tree mark the site of the last resting place of the
first John Harris.
John (2) Harris, eldest sw,i of John (I) Harris, was born at Harris Ferry in
I726. He became manager of his father's estate at the ferry, then an important place
on the Pennsylvania frontier, and was an officer in the provincial forces battling with
the Delaware and Shawnee Indians. When the Revolutionary struggle came, he took
sides with the Co1'nies, and one of his sons gave up his life at Quebec. Prior to the
249OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Revolution he proposed the laying out of a town at the ferry, but it was not until'
March 4, I785, that the General Assembly passed the act creating the county of Dauphin, the act also designating Harris Ferry as the county seat. Agreeable to John
Harris' plans +he lots of the town were approved and valued, the report thereof made
April I4, I785. The town grew rapidly and the founder lived to see it prosperous. He
died July 30, t79I, and was buried'in the graveyard of old Paxtang church. A marble
slab marks the spot thus inscribed:
In Memory of
John Harris
who died on the 3oth day of July
I79I
In t}e 65th year of his age
and gave name
To the Town of Harrisburgh
The remains of
Elizabeth his first
and Mary his second wife
Lie interred with him
Under this Stone.
At this death, he owned nine hundred acres, all now covered by the city of Harrisburg, and a great deal of land on the opposite side of the river and elsewhere. He
married (first) Elizabeth McClure; married (second) Mary Read. He had five children by his first marriage, ten by his second. Charles Dorrance Fuller is a greatgreat-grandson of John (2) Harris, the founder.
Charles Dorrance (2) Fuller was born at Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, July I5,
I865, his father. Charles Dorrance Fuller, a contractor and builder for many years of
the first bridges of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The son was educated in
Catasauqua grade and high schools, and Lafayette College, specializing in chemistry
at the latter institution.  He did not complete his college course to graduation, but
yielded to the inducements made to him, and entered the employ of the Edgar Thompson Steel Comlpany at Braddock, Pennsylvania, as assistant chemist. He remained in
that capacity until July, I889, when he came to Latrobe as chief chemist of the Railway Steel Spring Company, a newly-organized corporation whose plant was yet under
construction. He superintended the erection of the laboratories, and has been continuously in the service of the company from that time until the present, an important
factor in the development of that great industrial plant. He ranks high in his profession, and as a citizen is highly esteemed.
In political faith Mr. Fuller is a Republican, is active in the interest of that party,
and at present is a member of Latrobe Common Council. He is a member of Loyalhanna Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Urania Chapter, Royal Arch Masons;
Kedron Commandery, Knights Templar, of which he is past eminent commander, and
member of Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh. His fraternity
is the Phi Gamma Delta, and his interest in his chapter and Lafayette College has never
abated, as shown in his membership of the college consulting board. He is a member of the Latrobe Club, and a patron as well as a lover of athletic sports. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian.
Mr. Fuller married, September 20, I888, Maud I. Seewald, daughter of Peter and
Adaline (Gibb.3) Seewald, of Braddock, Pennsylvania.
EDWARD P. WEDDELL, M. D.-The difficulty in tracing the descent of early
settlers in all localities is intensified by the changing of the orthography. This family
name was first spelled Waddle when the first George Waddle came, from Eastern to
Western Pennsylvania, about i840 it appears as Weddle and later, as at present, Wed250BIOGRAPHICAL
dell, although Weddle is still used. The family is supposedly of German ancestry, the
original seat of the family in Pennsylvania believed to have been in Lancaster county.
The first one of the name to come to Western Pennsylvania was George Waddle in
I752. He located on the west side of the Youghiogheny river, three miles below West
Newton, where he entered a tract of four hundred acres of wild land covered with
timber. During the first summer he cleared a small part of his tract and prepared it
for cultivation and in addition built a comfortable log cabin. In the fall he returned
East, but in the spring of I753 came with his family, installing them in the log cabin
built the summer before. On the highest part of his new farm he set apart threequarters of an acre as a family cemetery, he and his wife being its first occupants.
This plot has ever since been known as the "Waddle Burying Ground." It came with
the remainder of the farm to his son Daniel by inheritance and then passed to Daniel's
descendants. George and Mary Waddle had eight children, five of whom are given
herewith:
James Waddle, the eldest son, married Susan Evans, and lived on part of the
homestead farm; he was accidently killed while repairing a flatboat, the boat falling
over on him. THe had three sons and five daughters: I. Joseph B., known as "Curly
Joe" on account of his curly hair, married Sarah Finney, and both lived their lives on
that part of the homestead later known as the "John Karnes" farm; Joseph B. died
of Asiatic cholera, his wife of consumption; they had three sons: i. Robert F., married (first) a Miss Plummer, no living issue; (second) Nancy Murry, who bore him
Alexander P.. Blanche, Murry and Finney. ii. Joseph E., married Elizabeth J. Dril,
and lived in Elizabeth, Allegheny county, where he died of typhoid at the age of fiftyfive years; they had seven sons and four daughters of whom five arrived at mature
years, Harry D., George F., Sarah E., Mary C. and W. Smertz. iii. Thomas, married Fannie Finney, and moved to Texas, where he died of a fever; they had children:  Minnie and Charles. 2. Richard, married Mary Wilson, and had two sons,
James and Aaron; daughters, Helena and Mary. This family moved to Millersburg,
Ohio, where the father died and the family then returned to the old home. 3. James
(2), married his second cousin, Annie Craig, and moved to Craigsville, Ohio, where
she died ten years later; James (2) Waddle later moved to Illinois, where he died.
4. Mary, married a Mr. Rowan, and moved to Kentucky. 5. Priscilla, married James
Stintzicum, and moved to Seneca county, Ohio. 6. Elizabeth, never married. 7.
Rebecca, married Jesse Wilson, and lived in the old Waddle neighborhood. 8. Susan,
married a Mr. Milligan, and moved to Ohio.
Peter Waddle, second son of George Waddle, the founder, married (first) a Miss
Pritchard and lived where Salem church now stands. He had by his first wife: Jesse,
Joseph P. and Liddy. He married a second time and had a son, Peter (2). Jesse
married Nancy Davis and moved near Fort Wagner, Indiana; Joseph P., or "Black
Joe," as he was called from his raven black hair, straight as an Indian's, married
Sarah Scott and lived on his father's farm, where he died aged ninety-one years, having issue: Rebecca, Hannah, Margaret, Jesse, Scott and Rev. Peter. Peter (2), only
son of the second wife, moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he owned the Weddell
House, a hostelry that yet bears his name. He became a millionaire and left a son
Horace to inherit it.
John and George Waddle, the third and fourth sons of George Waddle, the
founder, moved to the State of Kentucky and all trace of them was lost.
Daniel Waddle, fifth son of the founder, married Ellen Mateer. He inherited his
father's estate. which later he sold to Alexander Irwin, purchasing for himself the
farm adjoining. later known as the Weaver farm. He married Ellen Mateer. He had
six children, one dying in infancy. Their sons were: George, see forward; Peter,
John and Daniel (2), and an only daughter Mary. Daniel and his wife livqd and died
on their farm, 1is wife surviving him to extreme old age.
251OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
George Waddle, eldest son of Daniel and Ellen  (Mateer) Waddle, married
Nancy Nelson, and had twelve children: Ellen, Daniel, Nelson, George W., John,
Jane, Peter, Mary, James, see forward; Elizabeth, Nancy and Rebecca. After his
marriage, George Waddle lived on his father's farm for several years, then moved
to the "Curly Joe" Waddle farm, but their stay there was of short duration. They
next moved to near Scott's Summit, living there for about three years, then finally
returning to his father's farm, where they had first begun housekeeping. Three years
later their three eldest sons, Daniel, Nelson atid George W., bought ten acres adjoining the farm, built a log house upon it and gave it to their parents for a permanent
home. Three years later, the father died of inflamation of the brain, aged forty-seven
years. His widow, Nancy (Nelson) Waddle, died at the old George Waddle homestead of apoplexy, aged seventy years.
James WVeddle, of the fourth generation of his family in Western Pennsylvania,
son of George and Nancy (Nelson) Waddle, was born at the homestead, February 4,
1822. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and until forty years of age followed his
trade at McKeesport, Reagantown and.West Newton. He then abandoned his trade,
bought a farm in Sewickley township and there resided until eleven years prior to his
death. He then moved to West Newton and lived retired until his death, March 28,
I90I. He took active part in town affairs, held several offices, including school director, and was a man highly respected. He married Sarah Ann'Parker and had five
children: Nancy, married James Andrews; Edward P., of further mention; Elizabeth, married Frank Cochran; John Nelson, a physician, married Margaret Emma
Douglas; Jessie M;, married Ezra M. Kirk.
Edward P Weddell, eldest son of James and Sarah Ann (Parker) Weddle, was
born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 5, I856. lIe obtained his preparatory
education in the public schools. Later he pursued advanced studies at Waynesburg
College, and Indiana State Normal School, then entered the medical department of
WVestern Reserve University, whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of
I884. After receiving his degree Dr. Weddell began professional practice at New Stanton, Pennsylvania, remaining there until April I, i886, then making permanent location
in Scottdale, WVestmoreland county. The thirty years which have intervened have
brought him professional honor, the patronage of a largeiinfluential clientele, and the
high esteem of his townsmen who have manifested that esteem in the bestowal of civic
honors. He is a member of the County and State Medical societies and is highly
regarded by his brethren of the profession. He reviews a life of usefulness and honor
yet but in its prime, and looks confidently into the future. He is devoted to his profession, has few outside interests, but has for many years taken an active interest in
public affairs. A Republican in politics, he served the city of Scottdale as a member
of the Board of Education, has been United States Pension Examiner since I898, and
in I9o6 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.. In I908
he was reelected to the House and during his two terms rendered his district efficient
service.
FRANK J. McALLISTER-The three generations of McAllisters who have
lived in the United States beginning with James McAllister, the founder, have been
manufacturers or merchants; Frank J. McAllister, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania,
of the third generation, being owner and proprietor of the most important retail clothing store in the Allegheny valley. For a quarter of a century he has been located at
New Kensington, his preparation for the business he has so successfully conducted
having been a long term as traveling salesman and merchant.
The founder of this branch of the McAllister family in the United States, James
McAllister, was born in Scotland, coming to the United States a young man and set252BIOGRAPHICAL
253
tling in Sayre in Northern Pennsylvania.  Later he moved to Elmira, New York,
where he established a boot and shoe manufacturing business. He prospered in his
enterprise and until his death continued in business. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and highly regarded by his townsmen. He left two sons, Owen
and James (2) McAllister.
James (2) McAllister was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania, there spent his youth and
early manhood, becoming his father's associate in the boot and shoe manufacturing
business. After spending three years in Michigan, engaged as a lumber dealer, he
returned to his native State, resumed his former business and there yet resides. He
married Belle Marvin, of old Revolutionary family, daughter of Lewis Marvin. Children: Nellie, married L. C. Gault, of Olean, New York; Anna, married F. L. Stunrod, of New York State; Frank J., of further mention; and one who died in infancy.
Frank J. McAllister, only son of James and Belle (Marvin) McAllister, was born
at Portville, Cattaraugus county, New York, September 23, I864. Three of his school
years were spent in the public schools of Kalamazoo, Michigan, but after the return
of the family to New York, he attended public school in Randolph and the famous
Chamberlain Institute. He began business life as clerk in the general store operated
by S. W. Thompson at Randolph, New York, but eight months later entered the
employ of Hex enor Brothers, at Salamanca, New York, general merchants, there
remaining eleven years. He then spent two years as traveling salesman for Thomas
E. Gresham, of New York City, after which he formed a partnership with C. D.
Sibley and engaged in business at Kinzua, Pennsylvania. After eighteen months the
partners moved to New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and in September, I892, established a general clothing store. They met with abundant success,
built up a large and profitable business as men and boys' outfitters, continuing as partners until July, I914, when Mr. Sibley sold his interest to Mr. McAllister and retired
from the firm. Mr. McAllister continued business at the old stand until the building
was destroyed by fire, April I, I9I5. He at once made preparations to resume, and on
October 28, following the fire, opened his present store at the corner of Fourth avenue
and Ninth street with a stock and fixtures second to none in the State, the present style
and title of the firm being F. J. McAllister  Son. Mr. McAllister is a Republican in
politics, and during the sessions, I9I2-I4, served his district with credit as a member
of the House of Assembly. He is past district deputy of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, affiliating with New Kensington Lodge, No. 512, of which he is past
exalted ruler. He is a man of genial, friendly spirit, upright and honorable in all
things, has a wide circle of friends and is highly regarded as a business man and citizen, ranking with the public-spirited, progressive men of his community.
Mr. McAllister married Mary L. O'Donnell, daughter of James O'Donnell, of
an old Pittsburgh family. Children: I. Helen Mary, born September 2, 1892; married,
April 2, I9I8, Eugene Van Ameringen. 2. George Frank, born May I7, 1894; now
associated with his father in business as a member of F. J. McAllister  Son; he
married, January 29, I9g6, Veva May Miller, born in Lakewood, Chautauqua county,
New York; they have one son, George F., Jr., born December 3, I916. 3. Lawrence
James, born January 22, I906.
EDMOND RHOADES PEAY-A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania,
since I902, Mr. Peay has won public favor as editor of the "Dispatch," an Independent
weekly newspaper, a live journal devoted to the interests of New Kensington. He is
a son of John M. Peay and a grandson of Robert Peay, both Tennesseans, his grandfather a hatter of East Tennessee, and at the time of his death a hat manufacturer in
the State of Texas. One of the sons of Robert Peay is yet living in Livermore, Kentucky, Williani Peay, a retired school teacher.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
John Moreland Peay, son of Robert Peay, was born near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in May, 1832, and died at Russellville, Logan county, Kentucky, in i888. He
was a minister of the Baptist church, a man of holy life and good deeds. He married Laura Batsell, born in South Carrollton, Kentucky, who died in 1892, daughter
of Edmund Batsell, who lived and died in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky, a farmer.
Edmund Batsell married Elizabeth Humphrey, of Revolutionary ancestry, and their
living children, all residents of their native Muhlenberg county, are: Rufus, Edward,
Dorothy, Sally and Margaret. John M. and Laura (Batsell) Peay were the parents
of twelve sons and daughters, six of whom are living: Margaret, married J. A. Smith,
of Russellville, Kentucky; Jennie, married Rev. W. C. Pierce, of Ashland, Kentucky;
Rufus D., of Clarksdale, Mississippi; John, also residing in Clarksdale; Mary, married Rev. H. B. Taylor, of Murray, Kentucky; Edmund Rhoades, of further mention. The deceased children: James, Sarah, Daisey, Anna, Nancy, William Ellis, who
was a resident of Kuttawa, Kentucky.
Edmund Rhoades Peay was born at South Carrollton, Muhlenberg county, Kentucky, December 23, I873, and there resided until ten years of age. His father was
then called to the church at Russellville, Logan county, Kentucky, where he completed his education in preparatory school and Bethel College. He chose the printer's
trade as his means of livelihood, spent the necessary years as an apprentice, then
worked as a journeyman printer until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in
I898, his service until that time having been entirely with the Russellville "Herald."
He enlisted in the Second Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, which was ordered
into camp, but not called to the field of action. He was mustered out at Columbia,
Georgia, then resumed work at his trade. He spent two years in Chicago printing
offices, then came to New Kensington, securing a position as foreman of the printing
room of the "Dispatch," and has been continuously connected with that journal as
manager, and since I9IO as editor and partner in its ownership. He is a Republican in
politics, and a member of the Baptist church.
Mr. Peay married in New Kensington, January 5, 1907, Katherine Elizabeth
McSherry, born in Emlenton, Pennsylvania, daughter of Robert McSherry, who died
in New Kensington in I908, and his wife, Mary (Lambing) McSherry, who is living
at the present time. Mrs. McSherry is a sister of Rev. Father A. A. Lambing, o,f
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and of Rev. Father Michael Lambing, of Scottdale,
Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Peay have four children: Jean Elizabeth, born January
29, 90o8; Mary Helen, born June 28, 191o; Edmund Rhoades (2), born April I7, 1914;
Katherine McSherry, born March I8, I916.
W. CRAIG BYERS, M. D.-Few names could be more familiar to the inhabitants of Westmoreland county, and especially to those of Rostraver township, than
the one which stands at the head of this article. Dr. Byers has practiced in Webster
for eleven years and is prominent not only in professional circles, but also in the fraternal organizations and social life of his home town.
John Boyers (as the name was originally spelled), the first ancestor of record,
was a farmer upon whose land, near Valley Forge, tradition says, Washington's army
made a campiing ground. Two brothers of John Boyers served the commander-inchief as minute-men. The name Boyers was changed to Byers in consequence of
being so pronounced by the many Irish settlers in the neighborhood. John Boyers, a
son of the first John Boyers, was a blacksmith and among the first settlers of Clearfield county. The annual reunion of the Byers family is held at Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Atchison W. Byers, a descendant of John Boyers, of Revolutionary fame, and
254BIOGRAPHICAL
255
father of Dr. W. Craig Byers, was a farmer of Clearfield county, well known by reason of his activity in the lumber business.
Dr. W. Craig Byers, son of Atchison W. Byers, was born October 20, 1870, at
New Washington, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, and received his preparatory education in local schools, afterward attending Allegheny College, Meadville, for a period
of two years. During this time he was engaged in teaching and continued to devote
himself to this profession after leaving college, thus spending in all seven years as an
instructor in the schools of his native county. His. ultimate goal, however, was the
profession of medicine, and after taking a course in optics he travelled extensively over
Western Pennsylvania as an optician, in which line he acquired. a proficiency which
has meant much to him in general practice. It was while travelling in this capacity
that Dr. Byers made his first visit to Westmoreland county. In I9o6 he graduated
from the West Pennsylvania Medical College and the same year established himself
at Webster. Dr. Fry, who had practiced there many years, was recently deceased,
and Dr. Byers, who came expecting to remain but a few weeks, found such abundance
of work awaiting him that he speedily abandoned the idea of removal. His handling
of several cases of infantile paralysis inspired the public in general and parents in
particular with great confidence in his skill and his future success was assured. The
professional org,anizations in which Dr. Byers is enrolled include the Pittsburgh College of Physicians and the Tri-County Medical Society. He is physician for the
United Coal Company. Politically he is a Republican and his interest in community
affairs is always earnest and helpful. For nine years he served on the school board,
holding for three of those years the offices of president or vice-president and acting
president. As a man of genial nature and companionable disposition, Dr. Byers is
prominently identified with, fraternal organizations. He affiliates with the Masonic
Blue Lodge arid Chapter at Monessen; McKean Commandery, No. 30, at Charleroi,
and Syria Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Pittsburgh. He also belongs to the Elks at
Donora, a place lying on the opposite side of the Monongahela river. He is a member of the Belle'Vernon Auto Club, and his vacations are spent in the enjoyment of
auto trips.
Dr. Byers married, July 3, I907, Bertha, daughter of John T. Park, of Marion
Center, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two sons: John
and Harry. Devoted as he is to family ties, Dr. Byers delights to spend at his home
all the time which his busy life allows him to pass there, a home presided over by a
wife whose charming personality makes of her a social favorite and who is at the
same time thoroughly devoted to domestic duties. The record of Dr. Byers, as that of
a man in the prime of life who has already accomplished much, justifies the belief that
the coming years will be still more fruitful in results.
ALPHEUS NATHAN SHUSTER-Alpheus Nathan Shuster is a descendant of
an old and prominent Westmoreland county family, his grandfather, John Shuster,
having been a native of that region and the son of one of the earliest Pennsylvania
Dutch settlers. Israel Shuster, son of John Shuster, and the father of the Mr. Shuster of this sketch, was born and reared in Vrestmoreland county. His mother was
Maria (Snyder) Shuster. Israel Shuster devoted his active lifetime to farming in
the vicinity of Greensburg. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in a
Pennsylvania regiment under the command of Captain Curtin. He was born in I843,
and his death occurred August 24, I9II. He was united in marriage with Anna, a
daughter of George and Mary Kepple, also members of pioneer Westmoreland county
families. Mr. and Mrs. Israel Shuster were the parents of six children, of whom
Alpheus Nathan was the third in line of birth.
Alpheus Nathan Shuster was born near Delmont, Pennsylvania, May I2, 1873,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and received the preliminary portion of his education in the local country schools and
at the Delmont, Pennsylvania, High School. After graduating from this institution,
he secured employment with a mercantile establishment at Boquet, Pennsylvania, and
remained here for upwards of five years. In 1897 he, in association with his brother,
John B. Shuster, engaged in business on their own accounts and opened the first store
in the town of Monessen, which at that time contained but a score of families. The
two young men shared in the rapid growth of the town and soon built up one of the
largest businesses of its kind in, the county. In I9O6 Mr. Shuster sold out his interest
in this business and with Mr. John W. Reed organized the real estate and insurance
firm of Shuster  Reed, with whom Mr. Shuster is still identified. The business is
rated as one of the largest of its kind in the county and is extremely successful. Mr'.
Shuster is one of the active organizers and stockholders of the Monessen Savings and
Trust Company. In his political affiliations, he is a Republican and takes. a prominent
part in county and State political matters. In I9O6 he was elected burgess of Monessen and served a three year term; he was oa member of the first council after the
borough of Monessen was organized, and served for nine consecutive years as justice
of the peace and was reelected in November, I916, for another term of six years. Mr.
Shuster has also served for a number of years as a member of the W~estmoreland
county Republican committee. He is a member of the Monessen Board of Trade and
has served almost continuously on committees, having in charge the promotion of
good roads, bridges and various civic improvements, and was instrumental in securing the location in Monessen of numerous industrial plants. Mr. Shuster is a Lutheran
in his religious belief and attends the church of that denomination in Monessen.
On March IO, I898, Mr. Shuster was united in marriage with Bessie R., a daughter of Winfield Scott and Anna (Moore) McFeely, of Monongahela City, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Shuster are the parents of five children, two of whom are
deceased. The children who survive are as follows: P. Leroy, Rhudell and Alpheus
Nathan, Jr.
Mr. Shuster finds his recreation in hunting, fishing and motoring, is ardently
devoted to outdoor sports in general and is an athlete of some repute. Mr. Shuster is
a self-made man in every sense of the term and he attributes his success in business to
the square deal which he has always been known to give to his business associates. He
is very courteous, charitable and kind, and it is these three things above any other
which explain his rise to the present position which he holds in the community. He
is ever ready to co6perate with his fellow members in any project for the advancement of civic, charitable or educational undertakings.
FRANK D. BUMBAUGH-Frank D. Bumbaugh, the capable and energetic
vice-president and manager of the Monessen Foundry and Machitre Company, is a
member of a family which has been most closely identified with the growth and
development of the great steel industry in that part of Pennsylvania. Hle is a son of
James and Isabel (Peterson) Bumbaugh, both of whom were natives of old Virginia.
Mr. Bumbaugh, Sr., was an expert financier, a pioneer in the iron and steel business
in West Virginia, and operated one of the old charcoal furnaces of that time. He
removed to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in I869, and was there identified with the steel
and iron manufacturing business until his death in I877. He was a descendant of a
family which came originally from Saxony, Germany, the immigrant ancestor, Andrew
Bumbaugh, having come to this country prior to the Revolution. The Bumbaugh
family has been prominent for many years and furnished soldiers for the Patriot
Army in America's war for independence. The original place of settlement was Eastern Pennsylvania and from here the members of the family went to Virginia. Mrs.
Bumbaugh, Sr.'s, family, the Petersons, are Swiss origin, and came from that moun256.BIOGRAPHICAL
257
tainous country at an early date. Mr. Bumbaugh, Sr., died when his son, Frank D.,
was but fourteen years of age, while his wife died in I868, when her son was a child
of five.
Born August 25, I863, at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Frank D. Bumbaugh was
one of a family of twelve children. As already recorded, he was left an orphan when
but fourteen years of age and was thrown very largely on his own resources, it
becoming necessary for him to do something to assist in earning the living of the
large family of children of which he was one. It thus happened that his educational
advantages were decidedly meager, such schooling as he had being obtained at the
local public institution of Monongalia county, West Virginia. Not long after their
father's death, the family removed to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and here the lad
secured employment in the National Tube Company, working in the plant of this concern at McKeesport. It was here that he learned the foundry business and during
the time that he was thus employed, his tasks being anything but light, he supplemented
his schooling by attending night classes, where he took a course in metallurgy and
mechanical engineering. He also engaged in a great deal of private study, so that he
caime to have an extremely adequate knowledge of the science of metals and their use
in commercial enterprises. For twenty-two years he remained in the employ of the
National Tube Company, and rapidly rose to a position of importance in the establishment, serving for some years as department superintendent. In the meantime he
and his brother, William S. Bumbaugh, who is the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this work, had been arranging the details of an enterprise which they hoped
to engage upon independently. The'se arrangements were finally completed in the
year T899 and the two young men severed their association with the interests with
which they had been connected and came to Monessen, the rapid growth of which had
attracted their attention. They rightly believed that great opportunities awaited intelligent enterprise in a community where development was taking place with such rapidity,
and for this reason choose it as the scene of their own venture. It was in I899 consequently that the Monessen Foundry and Machine Company was founded by them,
William S. Bumbaugh becoming its president and Frank D., vice-president and manager, offices in which he continues to serve at the present time. The Monessen Foundry and Machine Company is one of the pioneer industries of the place and has kept
pace with the community's rapid growth and the rapidly increasing demand made for
steel products in that part of the country. It is now one of the largest industries of
W~estmoreland county and produces enormous quantities of steel commodities of various kinds.
While it may readily be imagined that the development of such a business with
its many details on both the industrial and financial side wo'uld call for a great expenditure of time and effort on the part of those responsible for it, and while this has certainly been true in the case of the Monessen Foundry and Machine Company and
Frank D. Bumbaugh, its vice-president, it has nevertheless been equally true that the
latter has found both time and energy to take part actively in the general life of the
community of which he is a member. He is possessed of an unusual measure of
public spirit and while, most naturally and justifiably, he is interested in the great
enterprise which he and his brother have built up, he has never allowed that interest
to obscure his corresponding interest in the general welfare of the community, nor has
he ever trespassed upon the rights of others in his desire to subserve his own aim. On
the contrary he holds membership in many organizations, whose chief object is the
stimulation of the community's growth, nor has he been idle in the work undertaken
by these. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Founders' Association, of the Monessen
Board of Trade, and has devoted much time and energy to the cause of education in
Monessen, having served for the past fifteen years as a member of the Board of Education of that place. For five terms he has been president of this board and for three
W-17OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
its treasurer, and neither of these positions, it may be confidently -said, are sinecures.
In his religious belief Mr. Bumbaugh is a Presbyterian and has been very prominent
in the work of the Presbyterian church in Monessen, having served fo.r many years
as. superintendent of the Sabbath school and as a member of its board of elders. He
is a Republican in politics, but is in no sense-of the word a politician, though recognized as an influential factor in local affairs. He is a prominent Free Masoh and is a
member of most of the local Masonic bodies, including that of Charleroi Lodge.
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Monessen Chapter, Royal Arch Masons;
Council, Royal and Select Masters; Charleroi Commandery, Knights Templar; and
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Bumbaugh
is an active member of the hospital auxiliary, and also takes a practical interest in
various philanthropic and charitable movements in the city. He finds his chief recreation in motoring, but is a patron of all athletic sports, particularly those which can be
carried on out'of-doors, and has been actively engaged in promoting athletic training
in the public schools.
Frank D. Bumbaugh married (first) in I882, Anna Edmonson, a daughter of
Isaac and        (Crow) Edmonson. Two children were born of this union, namely:
James and Walter H., both of whom now make their residence in Detroit, Michigan.
Mr. Bumbaugh married (second) December I2, I886, Sarah Jane Taylor, a daughter
of Robert and Elizabeth (McFarland) Taylor, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, at
which place Mr. Taylor was a pioneer lumberman.  Mrs. Bumbaugh is an active
worker in the Presbyterian church, and like her husband is a member of the hospital
auxiliary and is interested in its various charitable undertakings. Two children have
been born of this union also, as follows: Helen Elizabeth and Frank D., Jr.
Close application to the task in hand, the possession of more than usual practical
and technical knowledge and the strictest personal economy, have undoubtedly been
the principal factors in the business success of Frank D. Bumbaugh. He may be
described in that typically American phrase, "self-made man," and he is self-made in
the' best sense, which includes not only business success but the having turned to the
best advantage every opportunity in every departmett of life as it has arisen.
WILLIAM  S. BUMBAUGH-Perusing the records of the men who have built
up the industries of Pennsylvania and made that region what it is, we are often compelled to wonder at the great number of them, of men who, in the face of great odds,
forced the issue with destiny and made their names to be forever identified with this
or that great enterprise, commercial, industrial or financial. These are the men who
are perhaps the dominant and certainly the most conspicuous type in that whole great
region, the type that we think of first when the term Pennsylvanian is used. It would
be difficult to find a finer example of this type we much admire than that presented in
the person of William S. B3umbaugh, of Monessen, Pennsylvania, the president of
the Monessen Foundry'and Machine Company, vice-president of the First National
Bank and a director of the Monessen Savings and Trust Company and the Grand View
Cemetery Association, besides being interested in many other business enterprises of
importance.
Born at Morgantown, West Virginia, October 26, I866, William S. Bumbaugh is
a son of James and Isabel (Peterson) Bumbaugh.
W\illiam S. Bumbaugh was the youngest of a family of twelve children born to his
parents. His mother died when he was but an infant (about a year and a half), and
at the age of eleven he was thrown entirely upon his own resources by the death of
his father. He attended the public schools of McKeesport, and when compelled to seek
employment left the day schools and continued his studies in the night schools of that
place. He later completed a course through correspondence in mechanical engineering.
258BIOGRAPHICAL                                    259
His first place of employment was with the National Tube Company of McKeesport,
in their foundry. Here he learned the foundry business in every detail, through the
practical experience he received in contact with his work. His aptness and exceptional
ability at his chosen craft soon gained for him promotion, and he was appointed assistant night foreman in this branch of the business. He continued as assistant foreman
of this concern until the year I898 when the opportunity afforded by the newly-founded
town of Monessen to engage in business on his own account called the young man to
this place. He here founded the Monessen Foundry and Machine Company, which,
through his able management and aggressive business policy, he has developed into
one of the most important manufacturing industries of the district and the largest of
its kind in the country, employing over three hundred skilled workmen.
Mr. Bumbaugh is a member of the American Founders' Association, of the Pittsburgh Founders' Association, and is prominently identified with the social and club
circles of the region. He is a member of the Railroad Club of Pittsburgh, the Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh, the Monessen Board of Trade, the Duquesne Club
of Pittsburgh, and the Youghiogheny Country Club. He is also a prominent Mason,
having taken his thirty-second degree in Free Masonry. In this body he is connected
with Mount Herman Lodge, No. II8, of Asheville, North Carolina; the Consistory of
Coudersport, Pennsylvania, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. In his religious belief Mr. Bumbaugh is a Presbyterian, and attends
the First Presbyterian Church of Monessen. Mr. Bumbaugh is a Republican in his
political affiliations and takes an active part in political life, having served for twelve
years in the Council of Monessen, the last two years of which time he was president
of this body. He is also active in State and National politics and has served on
various party delegations and committees. His service in public and civic affairs has
been of recognized value and characterized by the same solid progressive methods
employed in the conduct of his private business enterprises..
Mr. Bumbaugh was united in marriage, November 4, I89o, with Dora Taylor, a
daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (McFarland) Taylor, residents of McKeesport,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Taylor was a member of the firm of Taylor  Sharp and prominently identified with the various banking and manufacturing interests of McKeesport. Mrs. Bumbaugh is prominent in church work, and interested in charitable movements of every description. She is a club woman and interests herself in the social
affairs, striving for the betterment and uplifting of the community. To Mr. and Mrs.
Bumbaugh two children have been born, as follows: Robert Carl, born February I9,
I896, died March II, I916, was preparing for Cornell University at the Mercersburg
Academy of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Hazel. Mr. Bumbaugh is
fond of all outdoor sports and pastimes, and finds his chief recreation in golf, hunting,
fishing and motoring. He has contributed largely to the upbuilding and civic improvement of Monessen and is a person to, whom high respect is given.
Mr. Bumbaugh is that typical American product, the self-made man. He has had
the self-confidence and ready resource of the man who has had to care for himself
from childhood, a familiarity with the world and its affairs that springs from the same
thing and a long course in the stern school of experience. Yet his sophistication has
in no wise the effect upon him that it does on small minds, of making him cynical, but
touches his large nature only to enrich it with all the varied vivid tones of life. From
first to last he keeps his mind and spirit. pure and his senses open to new impressions.
And he is at home in all environments, the great and the small are alike his friends,
and he has the true democratic outlook, the shrewd humorous insight that strips the
mask of pretence from all men and sees the underlying fact. His is an essentially
friendly nature, yet he is not averse to a bit of an argument and when such arises can260                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
very well hold his own with the best. He has a way of pointing his remarks with
illustrative tales from his own well-stocked experience, and while these are generally
of a humo.rous character they are very apt to be so much to the point as to end discussion.
H. ALBERT McMURRAY, M. D.-Of all the professions there is none more
altruistic than that of medicine, if its ideals are lived up to; certainly none other makes
greater calls upon the self sacrifice of those whoi practice it, nor is properly undertaken with a more sincere intention of aiding our fellow creatures in their distress and
need. The amount of these that it lies within the reach of a physician to relieve is
wellnigh limitless, his province being by no means confined to the physical aches and
pains that wrack us, but to those no less excrutiating ones of the nlind and spirit, for
the true physician neglects one-half of his function when he olverloOks these. There
is perhaps a tendency to-day, on the part of the medical professor, to regard this second
realm of service as not pertaining to their duties,. but the doctors of our childhood
labored under no such misconception of their office. Which of us is there, at least
among those of us who can refer to our childhood as once upon a time, which of us is
there who cannot recall in that past some bright and cheerful being who made his
presence in the sick room, despite the sorrows of the thousands in which he must
participate, an occasion of encouragement and good cheer, whose appearance when we
were ill was as effective for our healing as the drugs he administered. Such a man
is Dr. H. Albert McMurray, a valued citizen of Youngwood, Pennsylvania, and a
leader in his profession.
Born November Io, 1878, H. Albert McMurray is a son of John and Martha
Jane (Shearer) McMurray. The father of John McMurray was Captain Ephraimt
McMurray, who was born in the North of Ireland and was of Scotch parentage. He
emigrated to America and settled near Harrison City, where he passed his entire life,
and died at the venerable age olf ninety years. Captain McMurray had exercised a
potent influence in the affairs of his community, and was captain of a militia company
under the old training system. Captain McMurray had seven children: John, of
whom further; Mrs. J. G. Ferguson, Bertha McMurray, Minnie McMurray, nurse in
Columbia Hospital, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Edna Kemerer, Verna McMurray and Florence McMurray.
John McMurray, father of Dr. McMurray, is now seventy-eight years of age, and
has passed his entire life in that community, where he owns and resides upon the old
Rankin farm, upon which Harrison City was built. He is a veteran of the Civil War,
having served three years and thre-e months with the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. His discharge shows that he was present at many pitched battles, besides
numerous skirmishes, and that he was twice wounded. He has served for several years
in public office, being supervisor of his township for at least four terms.
Dr. H. Albert McMurray attended the local and public schools and the old Greensburg Academy for his education, and after completing his studies at these institutions,
taught school for one term. He then entered upon his medical studies, matriculating
at the University of Pittsburgh, from which he graduated with the class of I9o05. He
then served as an interne at the Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, and later began
a general practice in this town. In I905 he came to Youngwood, where he was made
assistant to County Coroner Dr. Charles A. Wynn, continuing with him for three
years. In Io09 he was elected coroner for a three-year term, and in I9I2 reelected for
four years, having thus served seven years in this capacity. His term of office has
covered a most unusual period, a number of accidents having occurred during this
time. Incidents resulting in murder, or at least violent deaths, were numerous during
his term as coroner, and Dr. McMurray has had to exercise the greatest caution and'his most apt ability to cope with these situations and has acted fairly and wisely inBIOGRAPHICAL
his diagnosis of these various cases. Dr. McMurray belongs to the County, State and
National Medical societies. Through him and other physicians a law was secured
regulating practice of midwifery in the State. He has served as school inspector for
Youngwood, and is ever alert in the cause of promotions of advanced ideas relative
to better health conditions. In his political affiliations he is a Republican.
Dr. McMurray was married, in I907, to O. Marian Wingfield, of near Charlottesville, Virginia, a graduate nurse, and one son has been born of this union, H. Albert,
Jr. Dr. McMurray and his wife are both active in the Reformed church.
The learned professions, or rather those that practice them, have received from
time immemorial a measure of respect greater than that accorded to those who follow
other callings, with the exception, perhaps, of religion and war. The present age is
undoubtedly more niggardly than the past with this special respect, and has the name
of being irreverent towards all things, yet even to-day we instinctively pay a certain
degree of consideration to the men who have perfected themselves in such great and
profound subjects as the law, teaching, medicine. In the case of the last named, there
is an added ground for honor, for besides the distinction that attaches to learning and
scholarship, it is obvious that there is scarcely any occupation in which a man may
labor in which such a great demand is made upon his self-denial and courage. From
the outset, if he approaches the matter in a proper spirit, this must be his intention,
and if he fall not from the tradition of his great profession, he must henceforth live
his life chiefly for the sake of others and devote the best of his energies in their
service. This then is the reason why, most of all, we should pay respect to the physician, this even more than because of the knowledge that he must possess, because,
with the possible exception of the man who surrenders the things of the world in
order to give his service to religion, the man of medicine must live the most altruistic
of lives. If we would seek for an example of such as have really adhered to this great'
tradition and devoted their powers to the good of others, we could scarcely do better
than take the record of Dr. McMurray, whose service to the community in the form
of coroner has been of great value and who is a "gentleman of the old school" and a
model for the younger generation to follow.
ISAAC HILL SHEPLER-Isaac Hill Shepler, retired merchant and one of the
most public-spirited and popular citizens of Belle Vernon, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, comes of a very old Pennsylvanian family, the members of wliich for
many generations have made the name respected wherever it has been found. Of the
date of the founding of the family in this country there is some doubt, but it is certain that the early Sheplers came from Germany in the Colonial period and settled in
Virginia, where they dwelt for a time. The progenitor of the line in Pennsylvania is
well known, however, and we have the record of Matthias Shepler, the great-grandfather of the present Mr. Shepler, who, with two brothers, Peter and Philip, removed
from Virginia before the Re,volutionary War and settled in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where all three took up farms upon the Monongahela
hills. Matthias Shepler married there Margaret Houseman, whose family was among
the earliest settlers in the township. To Matthias and Margaret (Houseman) Shepler the following children were born: John, Philip, Abraham, Isaac, the grandfather
of his namesake, Isaac H. Shepler; Jacob, Mary, Margaret and Catherine. All of
these children were married and reared families and their descendants are now numerous in this part of the State.
Isaac Shepler, fourth son of Matthias and Margaret (Houseman) Shepler, was
born in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and passed practically his entire life in his native region. He married Sarah Hill, a daughter of Joseph
and Mary I-Iill, and they became the parents of the following children: Joseph, men26iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tioned at length below; Lewis, died in December, I88I; Mary, became the wife of
James Wright, and is now  deceased; Samuel; Margaret, who died at the age of
eighteen years; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Davis Shepler, and is now deceased;
Sarah E., who became the wife of John Stephens. Isaac Shepler, the father of this
family, died December Io, I837, and his wife died in the month of July, I869, at the
age of eighty-seven years, both of them being buried at Fell's Church. Mrs. Shepler's
father, Joseph Hill, came to Rostraver township several years before the Braddock
expedition and was the first white man in the district.
Joseph Shepler, eldest son of Isaac and Sarah (Hill) Shepler, and father of
Isaac Hill Shepler, of this sketch, was born March 6, I807, in Rostraver township,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the old family homestead. His childhood was
passed on his father's farm, and he received his education at the local public schools.
After completing his twenty-second year, however, being then married, he left the
parental home and removed to another farm belonging to his father which he operated
for some eight years. In the year 1836 he removed to Ohio, where he took up three
hundred and sixty acres in Putnam county with the intention of making his home
there, but upon the death of his father permitted himself to be persuaded by his
mother to return to Rostraver township. In I838 he finally located on the farm that
became his permanent home and continued to operate that place until the close of his
life. At the age of twenty-one years, Joseph Shepler was chosen captain of the First
Company, Eighty-sixth Regiment, State Volunteers, a post he continued to hold for
eight years altogether. Later he was captain of the Monongahela Blues for five years
and first lieutenant in the Rostraver Cavalry for seven years. He was very prominent
in the affairs of the town and filled most of the local offices, to all of which he was
elected on the Democratic ticket. He was a staunch supporter of the principles and
policies represented by that party and was recognized as one of its leaders in the
region. For nearly fifty years Joseph Shepler was a prominent member of Fell's
Methodist Episcopal Church and one of its most liberal supporters. Mr. Shepler
married, April I6, 1829, Mary Blackburn, a native of Rostraver, where she was born
March 28, I807, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Blackburn, old and highly honored
residents of that place. To Joseph and Mary (Blackburn) Shepler the following
children were born: Sarah, born January 7, I830, became the wife of William Jones,
a prominent farmer and banker of Rostraver township; Violet, born August 30, I833,
became the wife of Captain Martin Coulson, a resident of Allegheny City; John B.,
born February I8, 1835, married Josephine Claywell, of Illinois; Isaac Hill, whose
career forms the principal subject matter of the sketch.
Born AMarch 20, I840, on the old Shepler homestead in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Isaac Hill Shepler, the youngest child of Joseph and
Mary (Blackburn) Shepler, passed the years of his childhood and early youth in his
father's home. It was at the local public schools 6f the county that the elementary
portion of his education was received, but he was later sent to the Ames Commercial
School at Syracuse, New York, and it was from this well known institution that he
was graduated, June 4, I866.  He then returned to the parental home and there
remained until after his marriage, when he'rented the farm adjoining the homestead
and there carried on agricultural operations during the four years following. He then
removed to a property owned by his brother-in-law at Webster, in the neighborhood,
consisting of a tract of two hundred and seventy acres, where he spent a similar term,
also assisting in the management of the home farm. During the last year of this
period he was unfortunate enough to receive a severe sunstroke which rendered him
unfit for hard work during the better part of a year, during which time he made his
home at a point near Fell's Church, in Rostraver township. Believing that he could
completely recover his health and strength in the West, Mr. Shepler then journeyed
to the Dakotas and there remained for two years, during which time he was employed
262BIOGRAPHICAL
on the Coulson mercantile boats which had extensive government contracts in that
part of the country, as well as Nebraska and Montana. He travelled extensively
throughout the northwestern part of the United States, but in I88I returned to the
East and once more took up his abode in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Upon
his return he located on the Caldwell property in Rostraver township, where he
farmed for two vears.
It was not until the year I883 that Mr. Shepler finally gave up farming altogether
and turned his attention to the business with which he has been so closely associated
ever since. In that year he came to North Belle Vernon and there purchased a onequarter interest in the Belle Vernon Saw and Planing Mill Company, and at once took
active charge oif most of its business affairs, acting as bookkeeper, contractor and buyer
for the company for a term of four years. At the end of that period he was offered the
position of gauger for the United States Government in that region by President
Cleveland, who had just come into office. This position he accepted and at once
entered into the discharge of his difficult duties, spending considerable time at the
famous Gibson distillery. This was not the first time that Mr. Shepler had held an
official post, as a number of years prior to this he had acted as storekeeper for the
government at Brownstown for about eight months, during Andrew Johnson's administration, but had been succeeded by another man at the change in administrations. As
gatvger Mr. Shepler served for four years and one month and afterwards returned to
civil and mercantile life. In iSgo he purchased the business of P. Rider  Company,
who had conducted a store in Belle Vernon for a considerable period so that he was
well established there. From  that time until his retirement from  active life in I916,
Mr. Shepler continued uninterruptedly to conduct this establishment with the highest
degree of success and gradually built up for himself a reputation as a capable and
honorable business man second to none in the region. Once he changed the location
of the store, the occasion of this move being the expiration of the lease of the building which he had taken over from  Mr: Rider, originally with the business. He had
then erected a business building on a hill on his own property and there established his
general store, which has come to play so important a part in the mercantile life of
the community. The period in which he was thus actively engaged lasted in all some
twenty-six years, and there are few people in Belle Vernon who have not traded at
one time or another in the old establishment.
From  what has already been said concerning Mr. Shepler's public offices, it will
be realized that he was a staunch Democrat in his politics. It has, therefore, been all
the more a tribute to his personal popularity and to the confidence reposed in him by
his fellow-citizens, that, in a district so strongly Republican, he should have been
elected again and again to various local offices. Among these should be mentioned
those of burgess, assessor! president of the Board of Health, school director and
many others, in all of which he conducted himself and discharged his duties to the
entire satisfaction of the community, without regard to its politics. For almost half
a century he has served as a member of the Democratic town committee and has
always made himself most active in advancing the interests of the party in whose
principles and policies he has so strongly believed, and yet has not antagonized his
fellow-townsmen of the contrary opinion. In his religious belief Mr. Shepler is a
Presbyterian, although brought up in the Methodist church, and is now an active
member of the Presbyterian church of Belle Vernon, giving liberally of both time and
fcrtune to its affairs, and for some fifty years singing in its choir. In the vear I862
Mr. Shepler became a Free Mason, joining at that time Gummert Lodge, No. 252,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Fayette City, which was organized at that time,
so that he is one of the charter members. He is now a member of the chapter and
council of Belle Vernon. Mr. Shepler finds his chief recreation in the sports of hunting and fishing and each autumn finds him spending a vacation in this manner. Indeed
263OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the whole of the great out-of-doors and the free life associated with it appeals very
strongly to him and dates from the time when he was in the West and sailed up and
down the Missouri river on the Coulson steamers. This line, which was partly owned
by his brother-in-law, Captain Martin Coulson, was one of the pioneer enterprises in
that part of the country, and the vessels plied between Yankton and Fort Benton
when the country was overrun with Indians and the West was indeed wild. During
those days Mr. Shepler came into close contact with all the wild things of the great
western plains and mountains, seeing Indians by the thousands and the great herds
of buffalo which at that time roamed at will through the land. These, as well as
antelope and deer of various kinds, he hunted and the life made of him a confirmed
sportsman with an unalterable love for his rod and gun.  Mr. Shepler recalls one
remarkable adventure experienced by him in those days, when the boat upon which
he was making the usual trip passed through a herd of buffalo which was crossing
the river of which the numbers were so great that, even in that flat country, the line
extended in both directions beyond the range of vision. It was one of the great creatures' migratory movements and nothing could turn them from their course. Along
a river invisible because of the countless herds through the surging and snorting
beasts, the boat made its passage slowly, but there was hump steak that night for all
hands.
Isaac Hill Shepler was united in marriage, December 28, I870, with Evaline S.
Shepler, a daughter of Samuel Shepler, of Rostraver township. Mrs. Shepler's death
occurred February Io, I916. To Mr. and Mrs. Shepler the following children were
born:  I. James K., who resides with his father and is employed in the great steel
mills at Monessen. 2. Mary B., who became the wife of Frederick Jeffries, to whom
she bore a son, John Sherman Jeffries; she is now a deputy in the city recorder's
office at Cleveland, Ohio, to which position she was chosen on account of her very
superior penmanship. 3. William J., who went as an expert glass worker to Chanute,
Kansas, when the glass industry was started in that community; there married, and is
now the proprietor of a prosperous grocery establishment in the town. 4. Elizabeth
C., who-resides with her father at North Belle Vernon.
AARON J. ORNDORF, D. D. S.-Prominent among the leading professional
men of Latrobe and the surrounding region is Aaron J. Orndorf, D. D. S., who was
born on a farm near Bellefonte, Center county, Pennsylvania, October 12, I846. He
is a son of Jacob and Sarah Orndorf, and a grandson of Henry Orndorf, who married Kate IIess. His mother, Sarah (Clark) Orndorf, was a daughter of John Clark,
of Center county, Pennsylvania. Jacob and Sarah (Clark) Orndorf were the parents
of five children, two of whom survive: Aaron J., of whom further, and John C., who
at present resides in Center county.
Dr. Aaron J. Orndorf received the preliminary portion of his education in the
public schools of Center county, Pennsylvania. He then entered the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, which is America's oldest dental college, and graduated with
the class of I868, taking the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery.  He first began
practice in Pine Grove Mills, Pennsylvania, where he continued until I886. In that
year he came to Westmoreland county and located at Greensburg, but in I893 removed
to Latrobe. Here he has practiced, with the exception of a short interval of one year
which he spent at Chattanooga, Tennessee, ever since. Dr. Orndorf's exceptional
ability in his chosen profession is well recognized and his services are sought by a
liberal clientele throughout the region. Dr. Orndorf is affiliated with no party, being
en.irely Independent in his political opinions; he served for thirteen years as justice
of the peace in Center county. He is a member of many organizations, among which
should be mentioned the Westmoreland County Dental Association, the Woodmen of
264BIOGRAPHICAT,
the World and others, and is regarded as a prominent figure and a citizen of high
standing. In his religious belief, Dr. Orndorf is a Methodist, and has served on
various boards connected with the church of that denomination.
Dr. Orndorf was married in the year I870 to Lydia Amanda, a daughter of Andrew
and Mary Ann Shrefler, old and highly respected citizens of Center county, Pennsylvania. Of this union four children have been born: I. Dr. Cameron Eugene, who married Jennie Turney, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and are the parents of two sons,
Dixey and Eugene the latter of whom died March 25, I917; at present they make their
home in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 2. Grace Minnie. 3. Nellie Bell, who became the
wife of D. D. Story, of Latrobe. 4. Elva Elliot, wife of James F. Roberts, of Yonkers,
New York.
Dr. Orndorf's pleasing personality and his excellent qualities as a man have won
for him an enviable place in the regard of all with whom he comes in contact and his
friends are numerous. He is of a charitable disposition and gives liberally to the support of any movement of such a nature.
MATHIAS SAXMAN-To write a biography of Mathias Saxman and of his
American ancestors is to epitomize the history of what is now Latrobe, Pennsylvania,
from a few years after the defeat of General Braddock. It is to start at almost the
beginning and to present the development of the district from a state of nature through
a long period of agricultural development into a community of industrial activity.
Christopher Saxman, the founder of the family, came from Wfii:tenberg, Germany, in
I764, and settled upon the land from which now ascends the smoke of hundreds of
coke ovens right at the line which defines the limits of the city of Latrobe.  He
cleared the land and tilled the acres he wrested from the forest, and along side the
spring near the home of his descendant of the fourth generation built a log cabin which
was his home. It was a house built without windows or doors, because of the Indian
peril, a small opening providing the only means of entrance, and at night this was
securely guarded with planks and iron bars. Four hundred acres were patented to
this hardy, intrepid pioneer, and in addition to its clearing and cultivation he operated
a grist mill which he built and equipped, his being one of the first flour mills turned
by the waters of Loyalhanna creek. The original patent for this land, issued by
authority of the State of Pennsylvania to Christopher Saxman, is a beautiful specimen
of penmanship and is a treasured souvenir of the pioneer's descendants of the fifth
American generation. The burial place of Mathias Saxman is not definitely known,
but it is believed to have been in old Trinity Church cemetery. The name of his wife,
who shared his pioneer experiences, has not been preserved, but they were the parents
of three- sons and six daughters.
Mathias (2) Saxman, son of the pioneer, was born in the log cabin home near
Latrobe, about I770, and after a long and useful life, he died at the Saxman homestead
about I855. His was the life of the pioneer boy and man, and in the mill and on the
farm he spent his life. While his sisters spun, dyed and wove the woolen and linen
goods worn by the family, he with his brothers tilled the fields, raised the flax, sheared
the wool, and drove the mill which supplied his neighborhood with the manufactured
grain. On going to a home of their own these sons and daughters of Mathias Saxman did the same things and taught to their children the homely tasks and industries
they had inherited from their pioneer parents. From their cabin homes, game could
be seen and with rifle or trap the family table was supplied plentifully. The mill supplied not only the Ligonier Valley with flour and feed, but from even as far west as
Pittsburgh farmers drove to the Saxman grist mill with their loads. Mathias Saxman
married Magdalena Knight, and they were the parents of ten children.
Peter Saxman, second son of Mathias (2) and Magdalena (Knight) Saxman, was
265OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
born at the Saxman homestead, July II, I803, there spent his life and died in 1872.
His life was passed in tilling the acres wrested from the forest by his Grandfather
Saxman and his sons, and in his own way Peter Saxman aided in the development of
the Ligonier Valley. He was a just, upright, hardworking, substantial farmer, and
gave his children all the advantages of education and careful home training. He was
a consistent member of the German Reformed church, and all his life was true to, the
principles of the Democratic party. He married (first) Barbara Butt, who died after
the birth of his only child, Mathias (3) Saxman, to whose memory this review is dedicated. He married (second) Mary Armel. They were the parents of George;
Emily, who died in youthful womanhood; Nathaniel, a physician of Philadelphia;
Caroline, married David Berry, of Edgewood, Pennsylvania.
Mathias (3) Saxman, only child of Peter Saxman and his first wife, Barbara
(Butt) Saxman, was, like his father and grandfather, born at the Saxman homestead,
November 22, 1836, and there, after years of contented retirement, died October 15
I913. His boyhood was spent in much the same manner as those, of thousands of the
boys of the Ligonier valley spent their's, and there was little during the first thirtyfive years of his life to indicate that he was to depart from the hitherto family occupation. He attended public school in the orthodox way, then began farming, a btsiness he followed in much the same manner as his forbears had but under greatly
improved conditions. Like his father he had not heeded the hidden riches lying
beneath the surface of his land, but, unlike him, had thoroughly considered them and
at last, awakeining to their importance, tapped the long dormant source of wealth and
brought about the conditions which converted his section into a veritable "hive of
industry."
In I865 lie interested Philadelphia capital and organized M. Saxman, Jr.,  Company, which built the first coke ovens in Derry township. They were first fired in
1869, and their success was the beginning of a succession of companies organized by
Mr. Saxinan or inspired by his genius. Among the Westmoreland men whom he
interested in his enterprises was John Covode, then a Congressman, and George F.
Huff, a later-day Congressman and capitalist. In 1873 the Saxman Coal and Coke
Company was organized, and in 1887 the Derry Coal and Coke Company, which Mr.
Saxman long Controlled, his son. Edwin F. Saxman, its superintendent. He next aided
in the organization of the Superior Coal and Coke Company, followed by the LatrobeConnellsville Coal and Coke Company. In June, I9o5, these companies were merged
as one, under the corporate title of The Latrobe-Connellsville Coal and Coke Company, Mathias Saxman, president'; his son, Marcus W. Saxman, general manager. He
remained the executive head of the vast interests his genius for organization and
leadership had created, but in his later years he gradually withdrew from the burdens
of management and spent his concluding years upon the old homestead which he loved,
and in travel.
To consider AMr. Saxman alone as the pioneer in the development of the natural
resources of his section of the countv or als the master hand in interesting capital in
the advancement of industry or as a leader in enterprises which have brought wealth,
growth and prosperity to the town, is to do him an injustice, for he was far more
than the sordid man of affairs. His interest in the welfare of those in his employ was
unusual. He was not content to simply see that they always received their wages, but
tried to have them practice economical living, to save and to invest their savings in
homes. For many of them he built comfortable houses and allowed small payments to
be made in return. He was deeply interested in the Latrobe Hospital, which he aided
to fotund and which he served as president from its organization. All Latrobe's public
institutions had his generous support and he was greatly interested in the welfare of
the city. He was broad-minded and progressive, a man whose private life was without stain. tie loved the great out-of-doors and nature in all her varied works and
266BIOGRAPHICAL
ley Forge, Pennsylvania, so that he might still be in close touch with the Philadelphia'
medical schools. There-he practiced one year, moving thence to Scottdale, Westmoreland county, in which field he remained for nine years. He then took up his residence in
Greensburg, where he has practiced ever since. He has, however, frequently returned
to the medical college in Philadelphia for post-graduate courses, and for some yearspast has been devoting his time almost exclusively to the eye, ear, nose and throat,
in which specialties he has acquired a high standing. In politics and religion he follows closelv the traditions of his family, being a'Democrat and a United Presbyterian.
He was married, April I I I882, to Kate B., daughter of Hiram  and Abigail
Boucher, of Ligonier. Their children were Edna, who died at the age of three
years; and Grace, who was married, on October 6, I9o09, to John G. McCune, of
West Newton, where they now reside. Kate B., wife of Dr. Clifford, died in Greensburg on March 20, 1913, and was interred in the Valley cemetery at Ligonier.
EDWARD HENRY BAIR-The name Bair has been spelled in different ways,
but so far as we can trace it back, they all came from the same original stock. The
ancestor of Edward H. Bair came from Switzerland and settled in Lancaster county,
about the year I70o. He and his children were Swiss Mennonites, and were well
known in the community.
David Bair married (first) Elizabeth Bowers, and (second) Sarah Bender. He
moved from Iancaster to Westmoreland county in the early part of the nineteenth
century. He brought up a large family, named, respectively, Isaac, Benjamin, Sebastian, David, Henry Nicholas Hacke (mentioned below), Jacob, Mattie and Aaron.
Henrv Nicholas Hacke Bair, a son, commonly known as H. H. Bair, was born February 2, 1825, in Penn township, Westmoreland county, and in his youth became a carpenter and blacksmith. He was decidedly of an inventive turn of mind, and with his
brothers invented and manufactured the machine known for many years as the
tumbling shaft threshing machine, which, in the early fifties supplanted the flail, and
which, at a later date was supplanted by the Massilon separator. Mr. Bair manufactured these machines at Congruity, in Salem township. He was also the inventor
or, at least the first man in this county, to manufacture broadcloth covered coffins
for the burial of the dead. These he made out of poplar wood by a process of
steaming and bending the sides to the proper shape. This invention, though it may
have been used elsewhere, was primarily his own, and became'a common mode of
coffin making and remained so for perhaps thirty years.
The wife of H1. H. Bair was Elizabeth E. Keener, a daughter of Henry and
Susan (Uber) Keener, of Hempfield township. Susan (Uber) Keener was a direct
descendant of the Frantz family in Westmoreland, the name sometimes being spelled
Francis. This family lived on a farm now the homne of the Greensburg Country
Club, about two miles northwest of Greensburg. The old stone house, the family
residence, stands a short distance south of the country club house, and was erected
by Mrs. Bair's grandfather, Jacob Frantz, great-grandfather to Edward H. Bair,
in I796.
During the Indian troubles in the latter part of tlle eighteenth century occurred
the murder of the Frantz family, and of this the "History of Westmoreland County,"
by Mr. John N. Boucher, published in New York in I9o6, has the following:
The murder of the Francis (Frantz) family was one of the most inhuman and
barbarous incidents in border warfare. The family resided two miles or more east
of Brush creek. There had been no special alarm on account of the Indians for some
months, and their usual vigilance was somewhat relaxed. On the day of the murder
they did not have their cabin door barricaded, and a party of Indians, therefore, very
easily gained access. Two of the family were killed at once and the remaining memW-2
17.~BIOGRAPHICAL
moods delighted him. He was a keen observer, loved the society of his fellowmen,
and the evening of his life was spent amid the hospitable surroundings of the home
he had erected upon the old homestead, which was ever his abiding place, as it had
been of three generations of his ancestors. His extensive travels, his keen powers of
observation and wide sources of well selected reading had made him a well informed
man, and he was a charming companion as well as a most instructive one.
The fraternal orders attracted him and he held high honors in Odd Fellowship,
being a past noble grand of Latrobe Lodge, No. 54I, and a past district deputy grand
master. He was also a member of Milnor Lodge, No. 287, Free and Accepted Masons,
and in his life exemplified the best tenets of the institution. In Scottish Rite Masonry
he held all degrees up to and including the thirty-second. Formerly a member of the
German R.eformed church, he later affiliated with the First Presbyterian church of
Latrobe, and in his political allegiance was a Republican. He took little part, however, in political affairs beyond exercising the rights of citizenship, although his influence was always exerted in behalf of good government.
Mr. Saxman married (first) in 1858, Susan Armel, who died after the birth of
her only son, James Albert Saxman.  He married (second) in I862, Kate Wilson.
He married (third) in I896, Mrs. Anna Wilson, of Washington, D. C., who was his
constant companion uitil her death in June, I912. By his second marriage, Mr. Saxman had nine children, all with one exceotion, a sick son, gathering by his bedside
at his request for a final farewell. Children:  Frances, married J. W. Hartman, of
Latrobe; Edwin F., of Villanova, Pennsylvania; Marcus WAilson, whose sketch follows; Bertha Irene, married Dr. F. S. Parsons, of Boston, Massachusetts; Charles
W., of Atlantic City; Rebecca Jane, married John S. Brown, of La Grange, Illinois;
Catherine, married George 1D. Rise, of Latrobe; Mathias Earl, whose sketch follows;
Sarah Ruth, married Ernest Cunningham, of Philadelphia. At the time of his death,
Mr. Saxman also had twenty-six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He
sleeps in the Saxman vault in Unity Cemetery, not far from the homestead.
MARCUS WILSON'SAXMAN-The family of Saxman has long been conspicuous in the development of the industrial interests of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the name was connected with industrial and financial affairs all through
the western part of the State. A number of its members have made their headquarters
in and about the town of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, and one of the most important of these is Marcus Wilson Saxman, one of the most prominent capitalists and
coal operators in that section of the country.
Marcus Wilson Saxman was born in Derry township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, December 24, I867. He was educated in the local schools of Derry
and the Swarthmore Preparatory School. He continued to live on his father's farm
until he was twenty-one years of age, doing his share of working the old property and
gaining in return a priceless heritage of health and strength. Upon attaining his
majority, Mr. Saxman left the parental roof and took charge of the mine store at
Bradenville, and continued in its management until the year I898. tie had, in the meantime, become more and more interested in mining affairs generally, and.in the year
mentioned was offered the position of general manager and treasurer of Superior
Mine No. I. Naturally of an enterprising nature and gifted with an unusual degree
of business talents, Mr. Saxman soon became a factor in the mining world and bought
and sold a number of very important and valuable mining properties. From the year
I898, when he first became connected with the Superior Mine, no less than seventeen
such important properties have passed through his hands, while he has become identified with a very great number of the largest concerns in the region, nor are these concerns alone mining ones. He has identified himself almost equally with the industrial
267268                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
interests of the community, and in connection with his father has been instrumental in
developing an enormous number of such concerns. In association with the elder man,
Mr. Saxman has owned and operated the following companies: The Saxman Coal
and Coke Company, the Latrobe  Conneilsville Coal and Coke Company, the
Ligonier Coal and Coke Company, of which he is the president, and the Bradenville
Coal and Coke Company, of which he is general manager. He is also the president of
the Latrobe Electric Steel Company, of the Citizens' National Bank of Latrobe, the
treasurer and general manager of the Superior Fuel Company, and a director of a
very large number of similar concerns, among which should be named the Latrobe
Tool Company, the Latrobe Trust Company, the First National Bank of Russelltcn,
Pennsylvania, the Titan Metal Company of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, the Derry Glass
Sand Company of Derry, Pennsylvania, of which he is also treasurer; the Blairsville
Sanitary Company, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, the Latrobe Printing and Publishing
Company, and the Domestic Talking Machine Company of Philadelphia.  He is a
director and one of the large stockholders in the enormous Bessemer Coal and Coke
Company, which does one of the largest businesses of its kind in the world. Besides
these various concerns, Mr. Saxman has been largely instrumental in the organization of the following companies: The Kent Coal Company, the Cardiff Coal Company, the Kelso Smokeless Coal Company, the Unity Coal Company, the Greenwich
Coal and Coke Company, the Superior Coal and Coke Company, the Saxman Coal
and Coke Company, the Latrobe-Connellsville Coal and Coke Company, the Ligonier
Coal and Coke Company, as well as nine stores serving these various coal works.
Another company with which Mr. Saxman has been prominently identified and which
he was one of the organizers of was the Vanadium Alloys Steel Company, for the
organization of which and its establishment at Latrobe he was largely responsible and
in which he still retains an active interest, being a director and an executive officer as
well as one of its chief shareholders. Mr. Saxman has always retained a taste for rural
life gained at the time when he was working as a young man on his father's farm, and
has interested himself in the development of farm lands in that part of the State. His
residence, known as "the Oaks" is one of the handsomest country places in the entire
region.
Mr. Saxman has throughout his career identified himself closely with the affairs
of his chosen community. He is a Republican in politics and is regarded as a power
in the political situation in'Western Pennsylvania, yet such influence as he exerts is
purely in the capacity of private citizen, as he has not only failed to seek public office
of anv kind but has consistently refused same when his colleagues have been disposed
to force it upon him. He is a prominent figure in the social and fraternal circles of
Latrobe and Westmoreland county generally, is a member of the Masonic order, having risen high in Masonry, and is affiliated with Kedron Commandery, Knights Templar, and Syria Temple, N'obles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh. In his religious
belief, Mr. Saxman is a Presbyterian and is a member of the board of trustees of the
Presbyterian church in Latrobe.  He is a man of philanthropic instincts, and a
very liberal contributor to all charitable movements, whether in connection with his
church or independent. Mr. Saxman has always been devoted to outdoor sports of
every kind and still to-day finds his chief recreation in this direction. For many years
he was a noted football player, and he is now an ardent huntsman and fisherman. He
is an enthusiast in the cause of good roads and a member of the National Good Roads
Association. He is one of the organizers and the largest contributor to the Latrobe
Hospital, and a member of the executive committee and a director thereof. He is a
prominent club man and is a member of the Latrobe Club, of Latrobe, the Duquesne
Club, of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, of that city, and the Union League
Club, of Philadelphia.
On November 25, I9SI, Mr. Saxman was united in marriage with Anna FrancesBIOGRAPHICAL
Suydam, of Coatsville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joseph and Laura (White) Suydam, and a member of the prominent Suydam family. To Mr. and Mrs. Saxman
three children have been born: Marcus Suydam, Harry Suydam, both students at
Lehigh University, and Anna Esther. Marcus Suydam is a member of the Ambulance Corps, stationed at Allentown, Pennsylvania.
M. EARL SAXMAN-The Saxman family has been prominent in the affairs of
VWTestern Pennsylvania for many years and the position held at present by its representative to-day, M. Earl Saxman, in the flourishing community of Latrobe in that
State, may well be envied, for despite his youth he is already regarded as one of the
most influential figures in the business world of that section.
Born October 2I, I879, Mr. Saxman is a son of Mathias and Catherine (Kate)
(Wilson) Saxman, of this region, a sketch of whom precedes this. His birth occurred
in Latrobe and he has made that town his home ever since. There he was educated in
the local public schools, and after leaving the high school, took a course in the Kiskiminetas Academy at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. After completing his studies at the latter
institution, he became associated with the coal and coke industries in which his father
was interested. He began to work in a humble position, but was rapidly advanced to
places of greater importance and responsibility and early gave evidence of the business
ability that has since characterized his dealings. In the year I9oo he was appointed
superintendent of the Saxman Superior Mines, and four years later became manager
of the Saxman Supply Company. Both of these positions he continued to hold until
the year I915 and then retired from them. He is at the present time a large stockholder in these extensive concerns which are controlled by the Saxman family. He is
also largely interested in the Latrobe Trust Company. Mr. Saxman is very active in
the general affairs of the community and plays a leading part in many of of the aspects
of its life. Ile is a staunch Republican in politics, and although he has never sought
office of any kind is regarded as something of a power in the political situation in the
locality. He is a Presbyterian in his religious belief, and he and his family attend the
church of that denomination at Latrobe, Mrs. Saxman being very active in its work
in the neighborhood. He is a member of the Latrobe Club and the Pittsburgh Athletic
Club, and is a devotee of all outdoor sports, especially of hunting, fishing and motoring. He was for a time a well-known football player in the district, and is at present
a fine athlete. The entire community regards him as:as one of its most solid and prosperous business men and public-spirited citizens.
On November II, I902, Mr. Saxman was united in marriage with Lillian M. Gallagher, a daughter of John L. and Alice Mary (Sipe) Gallagher, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Gallagher is a veteran in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Saxman are the parents of five children, as follows: Margaret
Gallagher, Alice Catherine, Ann Eliza Wilson, Lille May and Mathias Earl.
JOHN MICHAEL SKIRPAN, M. D.-Among the medical profession in Westmoreland county can be numbered Dr. John Michael Skirpan, who has made for
himself an important place in the community where he so successfully practices. He
is a son of Michael and Pauline (Mikulaninetz) Skirpan, his father having been a
native of Viepna, Austria, and there spent his early boyhood. At the age of thirteen
he came to this country and lived for some years in New York City, where he met and
married his wife, like himself a native of Austria. They then removed to Braddock,
Pennsylvania, where for some years Mr. Skirpan, Sr., was employed in the steel mills.
In the year I895 he came to Monessen, being one of its earliest settlers, and was there
employed in the mills of the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company for a time. He
269OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
later withdrew from this connection and engaged in business on his own account in a
general mercantile line, in which he was highly successful and which he continued up
to the time of his death, February 9, I9o09, when only forty-two years of age. He and
his wife were the parents of four children, as follows: John Michael, of whom further; Elizabeth Rose, a graduate nurse of St. Mary's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, I917,
Registered Nurse, making her home in Monessen; Michael, Jr., and Andrew, enlisted
in the United States Cavalry; all are residents of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
Dr. John Michael Skirpan was born January I8, I89I, at Braddock, Pennsylvania,
where his parents were living at that time, but at the age of four was brought by them
to Monessen, where he has made his home ever since. Dr. Skirpan was educated in
the public and high schools of Monessen, and then went to Valparaiso, Indiana, and
entered the Valparaiso University, remaining at this institution for one year. He
had in the meantime determined on medicine as his profession, and abandoning his
studies he entered the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery at Chicago. Here
he was graduated with the class of I9I4, taking the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and
returning at once to Pennsylvania he entered as interne and house physician at the
McKeesport Hospital, McKeesport. For two years he continued in this position, gaining much valuable experience thereby, and in I9I6 came to Monessen and there engaged
in a general medical and surgical practice. From the outset he was successful and his
skill and thorough training were recognized, not only by his professional colleagues
but by all those who sought his aid and the community at large. At the present time
he enjoys a representative clientele and there is every prospect that the future will be
still brighter than the past. He is a member of the Westmoreland County Medical
Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association and the American Medical Association, and is examiner of the Northern Assurance Company, Detroit, Michigan, and
also appointed supreme medical examiner of the Greek Catholic Union. Although an
active Republican and a staunch upholder of the principles and policies of that party,
Dr. Skirpan is unable to take any active part in public or political affairs, owing to the
demands made upon his time and energy by his practice. He; is a member of the
Catholic church and has done much to advance its cause in Monessen and that vicinity.
He finds his recreation in motoring, and is a patron of all healthful outdoor sports.
-CHARLES TORRENCE CULP-Charles Torrence Culp, president of the Citizens' National Bank of Vandergrift, and one of the most successful business men in
that enterprising and prosperous community, was born near the mouth of Clarion river,
Armstrong county, February Io, 1872. He is a member of an old Pennsvlvania family,
his great-grandfather, Martin Culp, having come to Armstrong county about one hundred years ago, where he had received a grant of land, situated about three miles east
of the present town site of Vandergrift. One of the pioneers of the region, he had
developed a successful farm, practically clearing the wilderness in order to carry on
his operations, and thus left to his family a valuable property which still at this day
remains in its possession. Martin Culp died a very old man on the property which
his own labor had cleared, and his son, Samuel, the grandfather of the present Mr.
Culp, inherited the old place. Samuel Culp, however, died when but thirty-nine years
of age, and his son, James Culp, became its possessor in his turn. James Culp had
been reared on the old place, but upon attaining manhood he turned his attention from
farming to the oil industry, which was at that time beginning its phenominal development in the region, and going to Oil City became a driller there.'For twenty-five
years thereafter he continued associated with the production of oil in that region,
though he extended his interests beyond and was even interested in oil wells in Canada.
He was the owner of many producing wells, among which should be mentioned the
valuable one at Parkers Landing. He was extremely successful in the oil business, but
270BIOGRAPHICAL
towards the latter part of his life retired largely therefrom and secured a farm situated near Spring Church, Pennsylvania, a few miles from the town of Apollo. Here
he made his home for ablout twenty-six years and then came to the town of Vandergrift, where he at present resides, living a life of well earned leisure. He still retains
the office of president of the Culp Company, which was organized at the time that
Vandergrift was founded, in I896. In the organization of this concern, Mr. Culp was
associated with S. H. Grimm and W. S. Henderson, and a large and successful hardware and agricultural implement business was built up. The firm was known at this
time as Culp, Grimm  Henderson, and was one of the first mercantile enterprises to
be started in the town of Vandergrift. It occupied a portion of the present store building, which was then three stories in height and of frame construction, and here Mr.
Culp, Sr., spent much of his time, although living on his farm near Spring Church.
About the year I899 his son, Herbert H. Culp, in association with Mr. Grimm, purchased the interest of Mr. Culp, Sr., and that of Mr. Henderson. The furniture and
undertaking business was later added and has been made an important department.
In the year I9oI the adjoining three-story brick building was erected, the property upon
which it and the original store stood being in the possession of James Culp and his
son, Charles T., of this review. In 1905 the concern was incorporated under the name
of the Culp Company with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars and with Herbert
H1. Culp, president. Mr. Herbert H. Culp died in the year I9o9, and his father and
Mr. F. D. Neal secured his interest, Mr. Culp, Sr., taking the office of president,
which he holds at the present time. Herbert HI. Culp was not only active in the present business, in which he was engaged for about ten years, but was also a prominent
figure in "the general growth of Vandergrift.  He was secretary of the Vandergrift
Realty Company, which developed a new district of the town, comprising some one
hundred and forty lots, where it erected about seventy-five residences. He was also
a stockholder and director in the Savings and Trust Company of Vandergrift and one
of the original stockholders of the Citizens' National Bank there. He served for some
time as president of the Vandergrift School Board and was in other ways active.
James Culp was married to Mary Eckman, and their children were brought up near
Parkers Landing and Spring Church.
Charles Torrence Culp spent much of his childhood and early youth on his
father's farm near Spring Church, gaining in the meantime his education at the public
schools and Grove City College, and later graduated from  the Ohio Northern University, class of 1895. He entered the teaching profession, taught in the High School
of Apollo in I897-98, then going to Freeport as principal of public schools. In the
year I901 he entered the store of the Culp Company and purchased the interest of Mr.
Grimm, one of the original founders. Upon the incorporation of the concern in I905,
he became secretary and treasurer of the constantly expanding business, and has taken
a more and more active and prominent part in its development as the years have passed.
This business has more than doubled in the past ten years and the concern now
employs eight men to carry on its work. His position as virtual head of this important mercantile enterprise gives Mr. Culp a very high standing in the business life of
the entire region and he has naturally become associated with many other important
concerns. Hie is one of the original directors of the Citizens' Bank of Vandergrift,
and on the death of the former president in the year 19I5 succeeded him in that
responsible office. He was also one of the stockholders when the Savings and Trust
Company of Vandergrift was organized, was president of the Vandergrift Realty Company, and finally disposed of that company's property and wound up its affairs.- Mr.
Culp has been very active in the general life of the community and has done much to
encourage industrial and financial developments there.  He is rightfully regarded as
one of the most public-spirited citizens of the community and one who has done much
towards the upbuilding of the town.
27IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
In the year I902 Charles Torrence Culp was united in marriage with Millie B.
Christy, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Myers) Christy, of Tarentum, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two children, Mary E. and James Torrence. Mr.
Culp is one of the most prominent Masons in that region of the county and is affiliated with Apollo Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being past worshipful
master thereof, and with Orient Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Royal and Select
Masters; Uniontown Commandery, Knights Templar; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. He
is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias,
Iroquoise Club of Vandergrift and the Presbyterian church.
BERT FRANK OBER, M. D.-Dr. 3Bert Frank Ober, the popular and successful physician of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is descended from a family which had its
origin in part in Switzerland and which came to the United States in the early part of
the nineteenth century and settled in Bedford county, Pennsylvania.
His father, Henry Saylor Ober, was born in I853, a son of Christopher (Christian) and Mary (Saylor) Ober. They were natives of Obermills (now Metzlersmills), Somerset county, Pennsylvania, from which place they removed to Westmoreland county about I863. Henry Saylor Ober was married to Mary Rebecca Blackburn, a daughter of Joseph S. and Lucinda (Kennedy) Blackburn, and a sister of the
late Dr. Emory W. Blackburn, of Latrobe. IHer father, Joseph S. Blackburn, was for
many years squire of Donegal township and one of its most prominent citizens; he
was the son of Anthony Blackburn, the first of the family to settle in Westmoreland
county. A brief account of the prominent Blackburn family is to be found in the
sketch of Dr. Arthur Byron Blackburn, elsewhere in this work. Henry Saylor and
Mary Rebecca (Blackburn) Ober were the parents of seven children, four sons and
three daughters, five of whom are alive at present (I918).
Born March I6, I874, near Stahlstown, Donegal township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, Dr. Bert Frank Ober is the oldest son of Henry Saylor and Mary
Rebecca (Blackburn) Ober. His childhood and early manhood were spent on the
old homestead, and he,attended the local public schools of that region. Later he went
to the Teachers' Summer Normal School at Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, and later taught
for two successive terms in that institution. Here it was that he fitted himself for
the profession of teaching, which he originally intended to make his life's career, and in
1892 he began teaching in the schools near his home in Donegal township and continued for a period of ten years. In I895 he entered the Southwestern State Normal
School at California, Pennsylvania, and graduated with the class of I897. He continued to teach until I902, and in the month of September in that year entered the
Medico-Chirurgical College in Philadelphia, an institution which has since become the
Post-Graduate Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania.  From  this he
graduated with the class of I906 and, returning to Latrobe, at once engaged in the
general practice of his profession. In the twelve years that have elapsed since that
time he has built up a most lucrative practice and gained a name for himself as one
of the most capable physicians in the region. Dr. Ober has made a special study of
the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, and is a strong advocate of the vaccination method of dealing with this dread malady. His studies and research have made
him an enthusiastic optimist who, in spite of the difficulties in the way, believes that in
the comparatively near future means will be developed whereby we may hope for a
complete eradication of what has appropriately been called "the great white plague."
Dr. Ober occupies a prominent place in the general medical circles of the region. He
is a member of the Latrobe Academy of Medicine, of the Westmoreland County
Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, the American Medical' Asso272BIOGRAPHICAL
ciation and of the WV. Easterly Ashton Gynecological Society. He was commissioned,
May 30, I912, by President Taft, a first lieutenant.in the United States Medical
Reserve Corps. Dr. Ober is a strong Republican in politics, and is devoted to the
cause of prohibition, his position on the latter issue being the result of his firm belief
that a large portion of human physical ills are brought about by the excessive use of
intoxicants. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and is very active
in religious work in the community, a well-known teacher of a large and popular Bible
class of Latrobe. He is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor.
Dr. Ober was united in marriage, July 5, 90o8, with Kathryn Heiser Swartz, a
daughter of Samuel P. and Catherine (Heiser) Swartz, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Ober is a prominent figure in the social world of Latrobe and the surrounding
region, and is especially active in church work and charity organization.
On Mav 25, 1917, Dr. Ober was ordered by the War Department at WATashington,
D. C., to report at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, June I, for a course of instruction at
the Medical Officers' Training Camp, and was accordingly the first Medical Reserve
Corps officer to. enter the service from Westmoreland county and one of the very first
from Pennsylvania. \;hile in training he was given charge of and helped to construct
and arrange the first camp infirmary under the direction of Major Cowles, and while
there, administered upwards of twenty-five thousand doses of typhoid and para-typhoid
inncculations to the Medical Officers and Hospital Corps of this large training camp
for the prevention of these diseases, not one of which cases developed among the men;
while during a similar period of time in 1898, during the Spanish-American War, in
a camp not one-third as large located in this very park, but without sanitation, prophylactic vaccination and prohibition, nearly four hundred cases of typhoid fever developed
and many deaths followed. This shows the great gains in medical science in twenty
years. ()n August 1 i he was transferred to the medical department of the One Hundred
and Twenty-second Infantry (Fifth Georgia) at Camp Wheeler, Macon, Georgia. At
this camp, alcng with his sanitary, medical and military duties, he was granted the priviloge of taking special instruction in Roentgenollogy (X-Ray) at the large base hospital
at that camp, under the direction of Major Wheat, a government expert in this subject.
The Young Men's Christian Association appointed him colonel of the Sunday school
work in his regiment, and gave him a large class of soldiers to teach in their Sunday
school, as well as several private company Bible classes. About the middle of March,
I9I8, he was appointed a membier of the division psychiatry board to represent his
regiment in the examination and determination of the mentally weak and unfit, so
that our soldier body might be the very best representatives of democratic manhood in
the great struggle for world-wide harmony and a "square deal" for all.
The credit due to Dr. Ober for the great success that he has made in his profession is emphasized and accentuated by the fact that it was entirely his own efforts
which raised him to his present place. His ambition never failed him and he was never
turned aside from his purpose through all the long years of difficulty and hard work.
He is practically self-educated, the courses which he has taken in the various institutions of learning having been the result entirely of his own endeavors and he worked
his way through the several colleges which he attended, paying for his own tuition.
JAMES BENTI,EY WEAVER-The bar of Westmoreland county is fortunate
in possessing many distinguished members, but none of whom  it may be more
legitimately proud than James Bentley Weaver, who for a number.of years has held a
distinguished place in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he has carried on a legal practice
and maintained the best standards and ideals of his profession. Mr. Weaver is a
member of a very old Pennsylvania family, and is a descendant in the fourth generation from  the Rev. John William  Weaver, or Weber, the first German Reformed
W-18
273OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
bers were taken prisoners. One was a young girl who lived to return to the settlement where she married and has left descendants' in Hempfield township.  Her
brothers and sisters were divided among several tribes represented among the captors.
Those who were killed were scalped and their bodies were found near the ruins of the
cabin the day following. They were buried in the garden, a custom then prevalent
among the pioneers and which lasted till regular cemeteries, or graveyards, as they
were called, were established.
It was the great-grandfather of Elizabeth (Keener) Bair who was murdered by
the Indians as above mentioned, and it was the great-grandmother and her daughter
who were captured. They were taken by the Indians to a point along the Monongahela river, near the present site of McKeesport. After about six months in captivity
they escaped and stole their way back to the home near the present Country Club,
I:orthwest of Greensburg. Elizabeth (Keener) Bair, the wife of Henrv Nicholas
Hacke Bair, was born in I824, and died in I894, at Congruity, Pennsylvania.
H. H. Bair, the carpenter and blacksmith, was one of the founders of the Trinity Reformed Church at New Salem, of which he and his wife were members. In
politics he was a Democrat. He took an active part in the establishment of the new
public school system in the fifties, and for many years served as a member of the
school board.
Henry Nicholas Hacke Bair and Elizabeth (Keener) Bair had children as follows: I. Jacob, who died of scarlet fever, aged thirteen. 2. Emma, who was married to William H. Keck, died in I873, leaving one daughter, Helen, who married
Charles M. South, and resides in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. 3. Anna M., married W.
W. Martz, and with a- family of four children living, resides in Salem township. 4.
Edward Henry, of whom hereafter. 5. Elizabeth Jane, married to W. F. Jackson.
She has one son, Fred B. Jackson, and resides in Greensburg.
Edward Henry Bair was educated in the public schools of Salem township and at
the New Salem Academy. He relates that perhaps through sympathy rather than
educational qualifications, he was made a teacher at the age of sixteen years in Salem
township. After teaching during three years he was elected principal of the New
Salem schools, and during three summers, in partnership with the late Mr. I. E.
Lauffer, afterwards a member of the Westmoreland bar, had charge of the New
Salem  Academy. Mr. Bair was elected principal of the Scottdale schools in I88I,
and after two years of work there, resigned and located in Greensburg for the purpose of studying law, and during the same time took charge of the Ludwick schools.
Two years later he drifted into the real estate and insurance business. He had in
the meantime passed the preliminary law examination, and was registered as a law
student with a pro.minent firm of attorneys, but. owing to the rapid growth of office
business he abandoned furthe-r law studies, and since then has been largely interested
in Greensburg real estate and in insurance.
For thirty-five years Mr. Bair has been identified with many enterprises in and
about Greensburg, being one of the organizers of the W;estmoreland Electric Company, the Westmoreland  Light, Heat and Power Company, the Westmoreland
Realty Company, the Greensburg and Southern Street Railway Company, the Merchants' Trust-Company, the Greensburg Finance Company, the Clare Coke Company
and the Conlmonwealth Coal Company. He is at present the senior member of the
firm of Bair  Lane, widely known among real estate and insurance men throughout
Pennsylvania, with offices in Greensburg and Pittsburgh. In religion, Mr. Bair is a
member of the Second Reformed Church of Greensburg, and has been a trustee of
that church for many years. In politics he has kept the traditions of his father and
is a Democrat. He is a life member of the Masonic bodies in Greensburg, and has
for thirty years been secretary of the Greensburg Masonic Fund, the financial head
of the Masonic bodies of Greensburg.
Hte has alwaVs taken great interest in the public schools, but he is at war with
i8OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
minister west of the Allegheny mountains, and the founder of the pioneer'churches of
that denomination in Southwestern Pennsylvania, as he was also of the WeaNver family
so well known and so highly regarded in that district.
The Rev. Mr. Weaver was born in Fehvingen, in the Province of Wittgenstein,
Germany, March 5, 1735. He received his earlier education in Westphalia, Germany,
and later'took a course of theological studies in Stockholm, Sweden. In I762 he left
his native land and migrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey, then an
English province. A little later we find him in Pennsylvania, where he had charge of
Reformed churches in Northampton county of what was then the Colony of Pennsylvania. To this point members of the Reformed church found their way, not only
from other counties in Pennsylvania, but from as far off as points in Maryland and
Virginia, attracted by the opportunity to worship under a minister of their own persuasion. This group of fellow-worshipers finally found their way across the Allegheny mountains into Westmoreland county, where they formed a nucleus of the
present Reformed body there.  Rev. Mr. Weaver preached at Harold and Brush
Creek, in Hempfield township, at Kintighs, in Mount Pleasant township, at the Ridge,
in Uni v township, and he was the founder of the German Evangelical Lutheran
church at Sixth and Smithfield streets, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His pastorate over
these churches extended for a period of more than thirty-three years. On his arrival
he had to find a home in a rude log cabin, but eventually he purchased a farm  on
Sewicldey creek.  It was afterwards owned by Colonel Israel Painter.  His death
occurred on this place in July, I8i6.
One of his great-grandchildren was Patterson Craig Weaver, the father of the
Mr. Weaver of this sketch. He was born at Bairdstown, Pennsylvania, June 15,
I834, and his death occurred in Latrobe, September 7, I897. He was a carpenter and
cabinet-mlaker. He married Elizabeth Hutcheson, a native of Cook township, Westmoreland county, who was born about 1832, although the exact date is not ascertainable, the records of her family having been destroyed when the old homestead was
burned during her girlhood, much valuable information having been lost concerning
her family. The catastrophe compelled her, as a young girl, to walk through a great
storm to a distant neighbor, where she arrived badly frozen.
Born  May 30, I865, at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, James Bentley Weaver was the
youngest of the four sons of Patterson Craig and Elizabeth (Hutcheson) Weaver.
During his boyhood he attended the local schools of Derry township and later entered
the I.atrobe High School, graduating from that institution with the first class of I883.
He then entered the Indiana Normal School at Indiana, Pennsylvania, it being his
intention to follow the profession of teaching. Unforttinately, however, ill health compelled him to abandon his studies before he could complete them, but in spite of this
he secured a position as teacher in the public schools of Westmoreland county. He
had always been keenly interested in the subject of the law, and he had not long been
engaged as teacher before he decided to take up the study of this subject with a view
to following the legal profession as his career.  Accordingly he entered the Law
School of the Western University of Pennsylvania, as it was then called, now the
University of Pittsburgh, graduating from this institution with the class of I9oo, having left behind him an excellent record for scholarship and industry. He then went to
the University of Pennsylvania and took a post-graduate course, finally completing
his studies in the year I9oI. He was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia and to the
practice of all the courts in that city, and a little later, returning to the West, was
similarly admitted to the bar of Allegheny county. It was his intention, however, to
practice in the courts of his own native county, and accordingly, he returned to Latrobe and was admitted to the Westmoreland county bar. Since that time he has been
engaged in a continually growing practice, which has been chiefly in the local courts
and in those of Allegheny county. He has made a reputation for himself as a' leader
274BIOGRAPHICAL
of the bar, not only among his colleagues and fellow practitioners, but also with the
general public whose respect for his learning and legal talents is very great. He had
already served as a justice of the peace at Latrobe between the years I894 and I899,
before attending the law school, and this experience gave him much valuable knowledge which has served him well subsequently. Mr. Weaver has been entrusted with
much of the most important litigation of that region and has always handled it in a
manner creditable alike to his own talents and abilities and to that of the bar.
Mr. WA;eaver is an ardent Republican and has for a long time been prominent in
the councils of his party, and is a member of the Americus Republican Club, Pittsburgh. He was elected to the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania as a
representative from Latrobe in the year I914, and in 1916 was elected State Senator,
and in both of these bodies has already performed a valuable service to his fellowcitizens. For many years he has served as a member of the Public School Board of
Latrobe, and no man in the community has devoted so much of his time or given of
his effort so unselfishly to the advancement and improvement of the local public
schools.  Since March, T91I, he has been solicitor for Latrobe borough.  He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has always taken a most active part
in its work in that section of the country. He is solicitor to the board of the Latrobe
Hospital Association, and a member of the Latrobe Club. He has always been a
patron and ardent promoter of outdoor sports and athletics generally, and for some
years was active in the county baseball organization. One of his chosen recreations
is reading, of which he does' as much as the exacting demands made upon his time
and attention will permit, one of his favorite subjects being the study of history.
On June 12, I886, Mr. Weaver was united in marriage with Fannie F. Pores, a
daughter of Isaac D. and Maria (Sharra) Pores, and a niece of Colonel Abe Sharra,
one of Indiana's Civil WVar heroes. Her father was the pioneer hardware merchant
of Latrobe and one of its most honored and earliest citizens.
WILLIAM EARLE HARTE-When a youth of seventeen, Mr. Harte began
teaching in the public schools and has since devoted his life to that profession, and is
now principal of the Export school, a position he has most efficiently filled since 1912.
He came by his love for teaching through inheritance, his father, Samuel P. Harte,
having been a well-known educator, his services having covered a period of twenty-five
years. Samuel Harte, a farmer and teacher, now living a retired life at Meadville,
Pennsylvania, married Amanda Crouch, daughter of John Crouch, of Meadville. Mr.
and Mrs. Harte were the parents of three sons and two daughters, among whom are:
John H., principal of the Banksville public school, Pittsburgh, married Della Custer,
of Cookstown, Pennsylvania; William E., of further mention; Sadie J., who married Aaron W. Mumford, a graduate of Allegheny College, and now associate judge
of Warren county, Pennsylvania.
William  Earle Harte was born at Meadville, Pennsylvariia, May I8, I882, and
until fourteen years of age attended the public school near his home. He then became
a high school student at Cochranton, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, going thence to
Edinboro State Normal School, and there qualifying for a teaching license. He was
seventeen years of age when he began to teach in Union township, Crawford county,
and he taught there for two years, going next to a school in Greenwood township in
the same county. His first school in Westmoreland county was in Sewickley township,
his next at Hahntown, where he continued as principal until 1912, when he was elected
principal of the Export school. Mr. Harte is a Democrat in politics, active in local
affairs, and a member of the town committee.'In religious faith he is a Presbyterian,
and the fraternal orders to which he belongs are the Knights of Pythias, No. I76;
Export Lodge, No. II98, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is a past noble
grand of this order.,?'7  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
William E. Harte married, November 7, I904, at Irwin, Pennsylvania, Anna Frye,
a graduate of the Indiana State Normal'School, and a teacher prior to her marriage,
beginning in' her eighteenth year in North Huntingdon township. She is a daughter of
Adam and Phoebe Byerly (Hursh) Frye, of Irwin, her father having been a veteran
of the Civil War whose record is given below. Mr. and Mrs. Harte are the parents
of two daughters: Phoebe Jean, born April. 4, I9O6; and Anna Ruth, born February
29, I9o8.
Adam Frye, the father of Mrs. Harte, was born in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, June
I5, I842, and is still living at Irwin, Pennsylvania. His father, John Frye, was born in
Grapeville, in I8i6, and his father, the first Adam Frye, having come from Germany
to Westmoreland county. This Adam Frye had settled on a farm near Grapeville,
when a young man, and married soon after. John Frye, the son of Adam (I) Frye,
married Jane Heasley, who was born in 1830, on a farm near Grapeville, and they
were the parents of fourteen children.
Adam (2) Frye enlisted in the Union army, August io, I862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers under Brigadier-General Pete Lyle,
and also under General Hancock. He was a member of the company who gathered
for worship at the historic Bethel Church in Stewartsville just before they left for the
front. Dr. A. G. Wallace, now resident in Sewickley, was pastor of the church and
preached on that solemn occasion to the volunteers. The company to: which he
belonged was recruited largely from  the farms in the neighborhood, and the first
engagement in which it took part was the terrible slaugl;ter at Fredericksburg, when
about half of its number were reported dead, wounded or missing. Captain Marchand was seriously wounded, and Adam Frye was himself hurt by a bursting shell.
Adam Frye was also in the battle of Antietam. His brother-in-law, Joseph Hursh,
was wounded in the same battle. Adam Frye married, August io, I862, Phoebe Byerly
Hursh, and they had nine children.
Cyrus Frye, uncle of Mrs. Harte, belonged to Company C, Fourth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, served during the entire war, and was in the battle of the Wilderness,
Spottsylvania Court Hlouse and White House Landing. He was captured and taken
to Richmond, and imprisoned at Andersonville, and was finally exchanged. William
Frye, another uncle, was a despatch carrier during the war.
Mrs. Harte's maternal grandfather was Joseph Cochran Hursh, who was born
in York, Pennsylvania, in I8Io, his great-grandfather having come from  Germany
and settled in Jacksonville, Pennsylvania. Joseph C. Hursh enlisted in the Union
army on Christmas Eve, I86I, giving his age as seven years less than it was in olrder
to be within the age limit. He took part in the second battle of Bull Run, and was
also at Yorktown, and came home on New Year's Day a year after, and died from
the results of having had his legs frozen to the knees while on duty. His two sons,
Joseph and Lebens Hursh, uncles of Mrs. Harte, were members of the same company
as Adam Frye. Phoebe Byerly Hursh, the mother of Mrs. Harte, was named for
her grandmother, Phoebe Byerly, the wife of Joseph C. Hursh.
The lineage of Mr. Harte is as follows: His father, Samuel P. Harte, was born
May 30, I848, and his father, Henry Harte, was born in I8ii, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, a son of Philip Harte, who came from Germany, and served in the War o,f
1812, and for his services to the government was granted one hundred and sixty acres.
On Mr. Harte's mother's side his grandfather was John Crouch, the son of Silas
Crouch, the son of the original John (I) Crouch, who came to this country from Scotland, settled in Connecticut in I770, and served in the Revolutionary War.
JOHN WILLIAM REED--The firm most largely representing the real estate
and insurance interests of Westmoreland county is that of Shuster  Reed, of Monessen. John William Reed, one of its members, is not only one of the most aggressive
276BIOGRAPHICAL
and successful business men in the community, but for a number of years served most
creditably in the office of tax collector.
Robert Reed, grandfather of John William  Reed, was a native of Washington
county, Pennsylvania, and the son of one of its early settlers, a man who was numbered among the pioneers.
Isaac Reed, son of Robert Reed, was born in 1832, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and for many years was identified with the coal industry, both as mine owner
and operator. Mr. Reed married Rebecca Livingston, who was born in 1829, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and their children were: James B., of Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; Robert W., of Fayette City, Pennsylvania;
Ella, wife of James Jenkins, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; George S., of Rostraver
township, Westmoreland county; Sadie, wife of John Daily, of Rostraver township,
Westmoreland county; Emma, of Rostraver township, VWestmoreland county; and
John William, menfioned below. The death of Mrs. Reed occurred in I885 and the
following year her husband also passed away.
John William Reed, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Livingston) Reed, was born December 24, i872, at Fredericktown, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and received his
preparatory education in the public schools of Coal Center, Pennsylvania, afterward
attending the California State Normal College at California, Pennsylvania. On entering upon his business career, Mr. Reed secured a position as clerk in the general merchandise store of R. L. Ledbeater at Coal Center, Pennsylvania, and later was associated for a time with J. N. Mullen, at California, Pennsylvania. During I897-98 he
held the position of manager of a coal company store at Sheppler, Pennsylvania. Late
in I898 Mr. Reed came to Monessen and during the following year was employed in
the mill of the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company. In I899 he entered the' service
of Shuster Brothers, grocers, and the following year engaged in the same line of business on his own account under the firm name of Reed  Beall. The same year he
disposed of his interest and renewed his connection with Shuster Brothers, remaining
with them until I9o2. This year witnessed a turning point in Mr. Reed's life. Always
interested in public affairs he had, soon after coming to Monessen, identified himself
actively with local politics, and his townsmen were not slow to recognize his fitness
for oiffice. In 1902 he resigned his position with Shuster. Brothers in consequence of
his election as tax collector of Monessen borough and in this office he served during
I903-04-05. Receiving twice the tribute of a reelection, he served continuously from I906
to I91I, and was then, by legislative act, retained in office during I912-I3. The history
of these ten years furnishes most eloquent testimony in regard to the estimation in
which Mr. Reed is held by his fellow citizens. In I906 Mr. Reed, in association with
A. N. Shuster, organized the real estate and insurance firm of Shuster  Reed. The
business, largely in consequence of his able management, has grown to be the most
extensive of its kind in Westmoreland county. Mr. Reed is also the owner of much
valuable improved and unimproved business and residence property.  The political
allegiance of Mr. Reed is given to the Republican party and he is, as has been shown,
active and influential in county and State affairs. He belongs to the Monessen Board
of Trade, and is enrolled in the Knights of Malta and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Reed married, January 23, I899, Irene B., daughter of Henry and Mary
(Sickles) Boyd, then of Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, but now of
Donora, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are the parents of two children: John
Lewis, a student at the Monessen High School; and Dorothy Genevieve. Mrs. Reed,
a woman of attractive personality, is a true home-maker and her husband is devoted
to the ties of friendship and family. His favorite recreations are motoring and outdoor sports and he is known as a patron of athletics. John William  Reed is a man
whose success is entirely of his own making and is the result of close application, good
business judgment and an unusual capacity for making and retaining worth-while
friends.
277OLD AND.NEW WESTMORELAND
JOSEPH EATON-Named in honor of his uncle, Joseph Eaton, a Revolutionary soldier, Joseph Eaton, now a resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, when the opportunity came in I862 to demonstrate his loyalty, entered the Union army and for three
years battled with the enemies of his country. Now a man of seventy-eight years,
and a veteran in every sense, he is still the executive head of the Latrobe Wholesale
Grocery Company, which he founded, and as ably guides its destinies as before the
enthusiasm of youth gave place to the wisdom of years. Life was a battle with him
for many years, and his hardships were greater from the lack of early educational
advantages, but he now reviews the past from the height of assured financial competence and feels the satisfaction that comes to every man who plays well his part and
conquers against adverse circumstances. He is the ardent friend of education, champions the cause of good roads, believes in the value of churches to a community, and
abounds in good works. The Eatons came to Pennsylvania from near Fredericksburg,
Maryland, where Benedict Eaton, father of Joseph Eaton, was born. Benedict Eaton
was a young man of twenty-four when he first settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he followed his business of making splint bottom chairs. Many specimens of his handiwork are yet in existence in the county, for he continued in business until his death, in I885. He married Sophia Kauffman, born in Bedford county,
Pennsylvania, whom he met while she was visiting friends in Somerset county. She
died in I864, aged fifty years. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom
are living, including Joseph, the second child.
Joseph Eaton was born at Jenner Cross Roads, Somerset county, Pennsylvania,
May I7, I839, and was brought to Westmorelan,d county by his parents in I840. He
attended the volunteer school of that period during four winter terms prior to his
fourteenth year, then went to Derry Station to seek employment. Not having money
enough to pay his way the entire distance from his home, he finished his journey on
foot. He found work with the wolods gang who, were getting out ties and wood for
the contractors supplying the Pennsylvania railroad, the locomotives then being all
wood burners. He continued in that employ until I862, then enlisted in the Sixty-first
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, seeing hard service with the Army of
the Potomac in the transport service. He served three years in the army and then,
with an honorable discharke, returned to Derry Station and his old. job. A year later
he became foreman with the firm of S. H.  R. Baker, remaining with them about
nine years. He then went to Cambria county, where he secured a contract for hauling
the pipe which entered into the construction of the first line to bring natural gas to
Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He next formed an association with his old employers,
S. H.  R. Baker, purchased a saw mill and timber lands, engaging in the manufacture
of hardwood lumber and the building of railway cars for the next ten years. His feet
were now firmly planted on the ladder of success and his victory won, but by hard
work and constant effort. He'next founded the Joseph Eaton Hardwood Lumber
Company, with which he is still actively connected; organized the Latrobe Wholesale
Grocery Company, of which he is still president; was one of the organizers and
builders of the street railway connecting Whitney with Latrobe, and has had a hand
in developing many of the enterprises which have made Latrobe an important city.
He is largely interested in the Latrobe Trust Company, and is one of the most conspicuous examples of a self-made man.
He is a Republican in politics, but was never a candidate for any public office.
In 1913 he was elected, however, a member of the Derry Township School Board, but
soon tendered his resignation. He has lent his influence in behalf of more and better
schools, for good roads, and bridges, and for municipal improvements of every kind.
He is a member of the Latrobe Hospital Association, was a libera.l contributor to the
building fund, and was instrumental in securing a gift of the land upon which the hospital was built from Williams Post, No. 4, Grand Army of the Republic, of which
278BIOGRAPHICAL
279
he was then an officer.  He is a member of the United Brethren church, which hl
serves as trustee, and through his generosity it became possible for the congregation
to erect their present fine church edifice. He is a man of integrity, esteemed by all who
know him, and few there are in the city who do not. His home in the southern part
of the city is a fine estate of one hundred acres, and there he is rounding out a full,
complete and honorable life.
Mr. Eaton married, December 25, I866, Mary Ellen Barkhimer, born in Blair
county, but grew to womanhood in Derry township, Westmoreland county, where she
was brought in infancy by her parents, Louis and Anna Mary (Hysong) Barkhimer.
Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have five children: William, deceased; Anna Mary, married
Robert Griffith Lohr, also of mention in this work; Margaret, deceased; Emma Jane,
residing with her parents; Joseph, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Barkhimer came to Blair
county from  Bedford, where Michael Barkhimer, a native of Germany, settled on
coming to America. Anna Mary Hysong was a daughter of Martin and Mary Hysong,
the former a native of Wales.
Mrs. Eaton was born September 9, I848, and was the eleventh in a family of
thirteen children, of whom she is the only surviving member. Her brother, Michael
Barkhimer, was a veteran cavalryman of the Civil War. Eight of the family grew
to maturity. The Barkhimer farhily were devout members of the old Dunkard church.
Both parents lived to extreme old age, Louis Barkhimer died at eighty-six years, and
Anna Mary (Hysong) Barkhimner died at ninety-three years.
CHARLES LARSON KUHN-In I88o, after receiving his degree, Graduate of
Pharmacy, from the Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy, Mr. Kuhn returned to his
native borough of Mount Pleasant. and from that year until the present has been continuously engaged in the drug business as proprietor. WVhile other lines of activity
have attracted him and other business interests of importance claim a share of his
attention, the profession he chose in youth has ever held him and as a druggist he is
widely known. He is a descendant of Adam Kuhn, who in the year I700 was born in
Amsterdam, Holland, married, and in I740 came to America, settling in the Province
of New Jersey. His son, Mansfield Kuhn, was a soldier of the Revolution, and lost
his life during the struggle for independence. Adam (2) Kuhn, son of Mansfield
Kuhn, was a man of literary ability, a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church. His
son, David Kuhn, lived to, the great age of ninety-three. He married Jane Carven,
daughter of Major William Carven, a former sheriff of Allegheny county. The original Kuhn homestead in Westmoreland was part of a grant to William Penn in the
Penn Manor section of the county.
Charles Larson Kuhn was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, August Ig,
I856, son of James and Mary (Larson) Kuhn. James Kuhn, son of George Kuhn,
was born in I828, was for many years a miller, but for the past thirty years has lived
a retired life. Charles Larson Kuhn was educated in the public schools of Mount
Pleasant and at Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy, being a graduate of the latter institution, class of J88o. After graduation he opened a drug store in Mount Pleasan't and
has been continuously engaged in its management until the present. He is a director
of the Strange Creek Coal and Coke Company, a West Virginia corporation, a member of Mount Pleasant, West Virginia, Coal Company, a member of its board of
directors, and also has other business interests of importance. He is a man of strong
business ability, upright, honorable and progressive, holding the highest esteem of the
community in which his life has been passed. A lifelong Demcorat, Mr. Kuhn has
steadfastly refused all offers of political preferment, although often urged, and beyond
exercising his privileges as a citizen he has kept free from political life, devoting himself exclusively to the management of his business affairs. He has been a member ofOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the Baptist church from his youth, and for several years has served as trustee. He is
a member of the board of trustees of Mount Pleasant Memorial Hospital, vice-president of Mount Pleasant Building and Loan Association, member of the Alumni Association of Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy, and of other societies, social and fraternal.
Mr. Kuhn married, the day of his graduation from College in I888, Elizabeth M.
Mellinger, daughter of. Samuel Mellinger, a leading merchant of Mount Pleasant.
Children: I. Roy, a graduate of Mount Pleasant Institute and Buckville University,
now engaged in the jewelry business in Pittsburgh; he married Martha Flanagan, of
Scottdale, and has four children: Leona, Ralph, Roy (2), and Paul. 2. Cora, a
graduate in music, residing at home. 3. Myrtle, also a graduate in music, residing at
home. 4. Charles M., a graduate of Mount Pleasant Institute and Pittsburgh College
of Pharmacy; now engaged in the drug business at Irwin, Pennsylvania; he married
Myrtle W. McIntyre, of Greensburg, and has' three children: Charles L., Donald and
James.  5. Opal, a student in Mount Pleasant Institute.  6. Ralph, a high school
graduate; now a student at Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy. 7. Clyde, a public school
student.
JOHN H. FRANK-(I) The first ancestor of the Frank family, well known in
Westmoreland and Somerset counties, was Conrad Frank, who was born in Germany
and came to America in his youth, first locating in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the
great-grandfather of the late John H. Frank, the well-known banker of Ligonier.
Shortly after settling in Baltimore he removed to Chester county, Pennsylvania, where
he was married to Sallie Bowers, of that county. He served in the Revolutionary
WVar, his service being "that of a private soldier on the roll of Captain Jacob Ashmead's company in the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel W.
Stewart, September 8, 1778" (see volume 15, Pennsylvania Archives, second series,
page 414). After the close of the Revolution and prior to 1787, Conrad Frank and his
family removed to Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and lived in a section formerly
known as the "Glades," about seven miles southeast of Somerset town. He lived to be.
ninety-six years old, and his wife, Sallie (Bowers) Frank, lived to be eighty. They
had six children, namely: Henry, John, Conrad, Polly, Betsy and Kate.
(II) John Frank, the second son of Conrad and Sallie (Bowers) Frank, was born
in Somerset county in 1787, and was a farmer by birth and occupation. He remained
in Somerset county until I839, when he and his family removed to Westmoreland
county and located in Ligonier township.  There he followed farming until I849,
when he took charge of the turnpike toll gate at Laughlinstown, and remained there
until his death in I85I. He was married to, Anna Kate Hicks, of Somerset county,
and by her had eleven children: I. Barbara, born March 2, 1813, died in early life. 2.
Catharine, born September 27, I814; married George Conrad, and died at Tower Hlill,
Shelby county, Illinois, April II, I886. 3. Henry, born August 24, 18i6; married Isabella Underwood, and died October 2, I889. His wife, Isabella Underwood, though
nearly a hundred. years old, is still living. 4. Polly, born January 30, 8I88; married
John Belle, and died without children in Ligonier, December 24, I874. 5. Aaron, born
March I8, I82o, died unmarried, in Ligonier, February 25, I897. 6. Josiah, born November 28, I82I; married Martha Jane Horrell, of Ligonier, and died at Jennertown,
Somerset county, June 13, I894. 7. Jacob, born September II, 1825; married Nancy
Underwood, and died in Ligonier, March IO, I902. 8. George, born April I8, I827,
died in Ligonier, April 22, I846. 9. Julia, born April IO, 1829; died unmarried, in
Laughlinstown, April 7, I855. Io. Elizabeth, born March T, 1833; married John Douglass, and died in Ligonier, November 2, I85I. There was one child who died quite
young.
(III) Jacob Frank, the fourth son of John and Anna (Hicks) Frank, was born
280BIOGRAPHICAL
as above stated, and came to Ligonier with his parents in 1839. He followed the
occupation of his father until 1849, when he opened a small grocery and bakery in
Ligonier, which he carried on until i86i, when he removed with his family to Shelby
county, Illinois. The fever and ague drove him from the West, and after a few
months' residence there, he returned to Ligonier and again engaged in the grocery
and confectionery business. He and his family also kept the Glessner House in Ligonier from I867 to I872. He built a large house which is yet standing on the southwest corner of Fairfield and Loyalhanna streets, which he immediately opened as *a
summer hotel. He is entitled to the credit of first engaging in the summer resort business while keeping the Glessner House in Ligonier, a business which has since done so
much for the town and its vicinity and given to it and the Valley an exceptionally
high standing in that line in Western Pennsylvania. Jacob Frank was married, April
7, I847, to Nancy Underwood, a daughter of James and Susan Underwood. She w'as
born in Stoystown, Somerset county, October 22, 1825. Her father, James Underwood,
was an Englishman, who had come to Stoystown from North Carolina about 1820.
He was engaged as a hotelkeeper and a teamster on the old turnpike. He died at
Lockport, Pennsylvania, while engaged on a contract on the Pennsylvania canal in
the early thirties, and was buried near Bolivar, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Frank's mother,
Susan Barron Underwood, was born in Somerset county, April 13, 1795, and died
March 14, I879, in Ligonier. She was a daughter of John Barron.
In her early days she was a student in the Clark Seminary, which flourished in
Ligonier in the forties. After leaving the seminary she became a teacher in Fairfield township, in the days when women teachers were almost unknown. Her former
pupils came to see her when they were old men and much nearer the grave than she.
In her young womanhood in the sixties she was very delicate, and most physicians in
consultation agreed that she was in the last stages of consumption and that she would
scarcely survive the falling of the autumn leaves. Her energy and her determination
to live for her family forbade her giving up, and probably saved her life. She was a
member of the Methodist church, and one of regular attendance until advancing years
made it impossible. When almost ninety years old she sustained an injury by falling,
from which with her well-worn constitution she could not recover. She died on the
Igth day o,f February, I915, and thus ended her busy life when she was but a few
months less than four-score years and ten.
The children of Jacob and Nancy Underwood Frank were as follows: I. Their
first child died in infancy. 2. John H. Frank, born April I, I85o, and to whom we
will refer later in this sketch. 3. Alice, born September I, 1852; married Albert C.
Breniser, October I9, I876. 4. Joseph.Denny, born May I8, I856, died in March, I858.
5. Harry E., born May 24, 1859; married Maud Griffith, May 30, 1893; they have one
child, Albert B., born November 7, I894. 6. Wilbert W., born January IO, I864; spent
his life as a banker in Ligonier, Jeannette and Somerset, and died at the latter place,
November 19, I901. He was married, March 26, I886, to Susan Vannear, of Ligonier,
and they have three children, namely:  Harry Floyd, born May 13, I888; Charles
Vannear, born November 9, I892; and Nancy Katharine, born July 22, 1895.
(IV) John H. Frank, after his early school day-s in Ligonier, went to Cincinnati
to learn the trade of dye-sinking and engraving. There he worked constantly until
I870, when he finished his apprenticeship and began business on Dearborn street in
Chicago. Later he returned to Cincinnati and there worked until I874, at which time
he was compelled to relinquish engraving because of trouble with his eyes. At that
time he returned to Ligonier and followed his father in the hotel business. He was
thus engaged until I882, when, without any assistance and very little outside encouragement, he embarked in the banking business in Ligonier, and gave it his first attention
for the remainder of his life, In the summer of 1903 the Bank of Ligonier, which
had been founded and built up by Mr. Frank, was chartered as the National Bank of
Ligonier, with himself as president, and began business on July I.
28TBIOGRAPHICAL
the present high school system as carried on in Greensburg and most towns of
Pennsylvania. He believes that it is the bounden duty of the commonwealth to give
to each boy and girl a sufficient preliminary education to fit them to become good and
useful citizens, and to give them the rudiments of an education in the vocations which
they select for their life work. His theory is that the great mass of the boys and
girls in our public schools must and do earn a future livelihood for themselves and
their families by manual labor, and that therefore, after having acquired a practical
rudimentary education, they should be trained along vocational lines. To be more
explicit, he strongly advocates the introduction of vocational education into our
schools, even though it should be at the expense of the few who wish to prepare
themselves to enter college. He is not opposed to a high school system which has
for its object the rounding out of a practical education, but is opposed to making its
primary object a preparatory training school for entering college. In other words,
he advocates a high school system which contemplates the completion of thorough
rudimentary education.
In I9o6, while serving as school director, he took a decided stand along these lines
and advocated the building of a large senior grammar and junior high school on a;
tract of land two hundred and forty feet square, commonly known as the Woods
property and the Covenanter church property, located on South Main and Fourth
streets, but the issue was defeated, as was also his reelection. The "Daily Tribune"
of December 20, I9o6, said, among other things: "If E. HI. Bair lives another decade,
the fruits of his planting will have revealed the integrity of his purpose and the
wisdom of his planning."  In the fall of I917, and without solicitation on his part,
he was placed in nomination by both political parties, and by a flattering majority
was elected to the board from which he was ousted eleven years previous, thus vindicating the "Tribune's" prophecy as above quoted.
Two other propositions championed by Mr. Bair deserve special mention by the
future historian of the city of Greensburg: First. He was uncompromising in his
opposition to the building of the new court house on its present site. At the instance
of the president judge and by request of the board of county commissioners, the firm
of Bair and Lane secured options on almost the entire square between Second and
Third streets and Main street and Maple avenue for approximately $I25,000, an
amount not in excess of what could have been realized for the present site. A number of the business men owning property on Main street between Otterman and Pittsbuirgh streets feared that the removal of the court house from the square would depreciate the value of their property. By use of the public prints they were able to
defeat the enterprise, and to-day the present beautiful court house, crowded on land
much too small for the structure, stands as a monument to the folly of those who
defeated the project.
Second. The building of a four track system through the city by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. After months of negotiation without reaching any agreement, the city council asked the assistance of six of its citizens to act as an advisory
committee in reaching an agreement with the Railroad Company, as shown by the following communication:
The Borough of Greensburg.
March 22, I909.
Mr. E. H. Bair, Greensburg, Pa.
Dear Sir:-The representatives of the Pennsylvania Railroad this evening met with
Council and submitted a proposition looking to the making of four tracks through the
Borough of Greensburg. This proposition was referred to the Finance and Street
Committees. At a meeting of the joint committee it was unanimously decided to ask
yourself, Thomas Lynch, James S. Moorhead, Esq., John Barclay, W\. W. Jamison
and John S. Sell to be present with them and give them the benefit of your counsel
and advice.
The joint committee will meet at City Hall on Friday evening, the 26th inst., at
7:3o, at which time we hope to see you present.
ig282                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
In 1879, in company with Richard B. Mellon, of Pittsburgh, and A. C. Breniser,
of Ligonier, Mr. Frank built the first telegraph line to operate between Ligonier and
Latrobe. It was operated by him until I883, when it was purchased by the Ligonier
Valley Railroad. For many years he was manager of the Western Union interests in
Ligonier. He built also Frank's Hotel and Cottages, which became one of the most
noted summer resorts in Western Pennsylvania. It was'annually opened June I and
closed September I, and remained under his management until I899. In banking and
in other undertakings he was ably assisted by his brother, the late Wilbert W. Frank,
who while in good health was a most accurate and careful business man. In I882 he
purchased the homestead of Colonel John McFarland, which he greatly improved and
which afforded him and his family a splendid home until his death. He took a deep
interest in every enterprise which helped to advance the welfare of Ligonier Valley,
and was looked up to and his advice sought on all subjects by his neighbors.
A vital contributing factor to Mr. Frank's success in life was his geniality. The
friendly manner in which he met all with whom he came in contact, the welcome smile,
and the kindly interest which he manifested even in their most trivial affairs, united
to strongly entrench him in their deepest friendship and to add greatly to his standing
in business circles. His chief characteristics were his industry, his painstaking accuracy and his integrity. At any time he could readily turn to most explicit figures of
any transactions of his business life. All who deposited money with him had an abiding faith that their money would not only be handled with superior business skill, but
iaithfully and accurately accounted for in the end.
In June, I9I5, while working in the bank, he suddenly collapsed, and, though he
recovered and resumed business, he never regained his former strength. For the last
two years of his life he gave little or no attention to business, and finally passed peaceIully to the great beyond on March 5, 1918, and was interred in the Valley Cemetery.
Mr. Frank, November 26, 1872, was married to Anna Kibel, born September I8,
I852, a daughter of George and Frances (Rush) Kibel. To her, Mr. Frank always
accorded a great measure of his success in business. Her parents were born in Hapsten, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and came to America in I830. They settled first in
Baltimore, and afterwards located near Emmettsburg, Maryland. George Kibel later
removed to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and in I840 located finally in Ligonier, where
in the early turnpike days he successfully carried on a stage coach and carriage manufacturing establishment.  He died March I3, 1872, and his wife survived him  until
September I5, i888. John H. Frank and Anna Kibel Frank have three children:
1. William K., born in Cincinnati, July 22, I874, now president of the First National
Bank of Arcade, New York; he is married and has two children. 2. Josephine
Alice, born in Cincinnati, July 22, I874; educated at St. Xavier's Academy, near Latrobe.  She was married to Edward G. Schneider, of Cincinnati, February 8, I899.
They have six children: Edward F., born January 7, I9oo, died November 13, I900;
Louis F., born July 6, I902; William  F. and Clifford F., born December i6, I904;
George R., born August 17, I907; and Josephine, born June 8, I9I2. 3. George Clifford,
of whom further.
(V) George Clifford Frank was born in Ligonier, May I, I876.  He spent his
youthful years in Ligonier in school and in and about his father's bank, and when
fifteen years of age, entered the bank establishment of T. Mellen  Sons, now the
Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh. He remained for six years, his purpose being
to thoroughly master. the best and most modern methods of banking. In I898 he
became cashier of the Bank of Ligonier, and retained the same position when the bank
was nationalized. For some years, owing to the illness of his father, the management
of the bank fell almost entirely upon him. At the death of his father, he was unanimously elected president of the National Bank of Ligonier. It now has total assets
of nearly a million and a quarter dollars. He was united in marriage, June I, Igo8,BIOGRAPHICAL
to May McMurray, a daughter of the Rev. H. L. McMurray, of Ligonier. They have
children as follows:  Ford McMurray, born March 26, I909; Elizabeth Ann, born
June 22, 1911; and Robert Jenkins, born March I6, I915. For a further reference to
the genealogy of the McMurray family, see sketch of Rev. H. L. McMurray elsewhere
in these pages.
THE BOUCHER FAMILY--The first ancestor of the Bouchcer family in America was Daniel Boucher, who came here from the German States of France ahbout
1752, speaking the German language, but with a purely French name. It is likely that
his family were Huguenots, for otherwise he could scarcely have' come to America
with a French name and a German tongue, as he did.' It was a numerous family in
Westmoreland county three-score years or more ago, particularly in Ligonier Valley;
but they who bore that name then are all gone now, and their descendants, many of
them bearing other names, are largely scattered throughout the W\estern States.
(I) Daniel Boucher crossed the Atlantic ocean in a ship called the "President."
He settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in what is now known as Albany township,
about twenty miles north of Reading, where he purchased lands and became a farmer.
He was of the Gernian Reformed faith in religion, and was mainly instrumental in
erecting a church called Bethel, near his home. It has been three times rebuilt, but
still retains the original name. Little is known of him further than that he lost heavily
in the Revolution, and died in the early years of the nineteenth century, and that his
remains were buried in the churchyard near the edifice which he helped to build. His
children were Johann, Peter, Anthony, William, Philip, Jacob, Tobias, Christina, Susanna, Magdalene, Onles and Henry.
(II) Henry Boucher, son of Daniel, was born March IO, I759. He was married
to Mary Shoemaker, and removed to Hamburg, Pennsylvania, where he became a
farmer. In I8OI, in coLmpany with Jacob Will, he started west on horseback for the
purpose of putchasing lands. He rode as far west as the Miama Valley in Ohio, where
the "fever and ague" prevailed to such an alarming extent that they returned, and
upon reachling Somerset county, Pennsylvania, purchased lands to which they removed
with their families in the spring of I802. This land is about three miles from the
village of Glade. He spent the remainder of his days there, and died November I9,
1834. His wife, Mary Shoemaker, was born January 27, 1762, and survived him until
May I2, 184o0. They are both buried in the cemetery at Glade. Their children were:
Jacob, Henry, Christian, David, Solomon, John, Elizabeth, Magdalene, Mary, Rebecca,
Catharine, Sarah and Hannah.  Most of these sons and daughters lived to bring up
families in Somerset county. Hannah married Jeremiah Strawn, who settled near
Ottawa, Ilinois, and was the ancestor of that branch of the Strawn family.
(I1l) David, son of IIenry (II), was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania., November 12, I789, and when twelve years old came with his parents to Somerset county.
He was a farmer, and acquired land in Turkeyfoot township., On May I9, I814, he
was united in marriage with Mary Eve Friedline, who was born August 23, I794.
They were the parents of a large family. There were two daughters-Elizabeth, who
died when quite young; and Susan, the eldest of the family, who was married to, Abraham Brant, of Ligonier Valley. Her husband died in I86o, and she survived him until
I894. They were the parents of a large family, most of whom, with their descendants,
have lived in Ligonier Valley. The sons of David Boucher were: Daniel, who died
in Illinois; Hiram, to whom we will refer later; Josiah, Isaac, and David, who died
in California, and are buried at Chico; and Henry, John and Simon, who died in
Kansas, and are buried at Greely.
In I833 David Boucher removed from Somerset county to Ligonier, purchasing
lands near the place. His wife, Mary Eve, died at Ligonier, January ii, I842. David
was a man of deep convictions manifested great earnestness in any cause which
283OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
enlisted his attention. In politics he was a Whig and later a Republican. He was
most noted, however, in church work, being a Methodist of the old style, and by no
means lax in supporting his church and upholding its principles. Though speaking,with a pronounced German accent, he was fluent in the use of the English language,
which many of his acquaintances styled "using big words," but those who remember
him best say that he used them correctly. November II, I844, he was married to Mrs.
Sarah Stahl, with whom the following children were born: Charles Wesley. now of
Pittsburgh; Lucius, now deceased; Emma, married to John Wood, deceased; Anna,
married to Morgan Beam, deceased; Emma and Anna, reside with their families at
McKeesport, Pennsylvania. David Boucher died April I2, I868, and his second wife
survived him until March, I887.
(IV) Hiram  Boucher, son of I)avid (III), was born in Somerset county, December 7, I82i, and came to Ligonier Valley with his parents in I833. He was a
medium-sized, well-built man of great physical strength in his youth and had an
abundance of black curly hair which turned gray with advancing years. January 26,
I843, he was married to Abigail Slater, of Ligonier township. He united with the
Methodist church, and was one of its leading members throughout the remainder of
his life. He was especially a potent factor in the Sunday school work of the church,
and taught a class of both old and young men for more than a quarter of a century.
Few men were better fitted for this work than he. Although, like many others of his
day, he had received but a limited education in his youth, yet being a lifelong reader
he became well versed in the Bible and was familiar with many books pertaining to it.
In this line he had few equals in his community. He died of billious fever, October
I8, I889.
Abigail Slater, his wife, was born January I3, 1822, and was a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Show) Slater. The ancestor of the Slater family came from England
and settled in Donegal township during the Revolution. His son Isaac was married
to Abigail Ulery shortly after the Revolution. She was born December 29, 1765, and
was brought up near Ligonier. Isaac Slater died in 1836, and his wife survived him
until October 29, I855, when she died in her ninety-second year. Their third son,
Samuel, born February 2, I794, married Mary Show who was born in Maryland,
March I4, I8oo. In I824 they removed from Donegal township and purchased a farm
two miles sotth of Ligonier. On this land, now known as the Slater farm, they
resided the remainder of their days. Mary (Show) Slater died July 27, I876, and her
husband survived her until January 30, I882. They are both buried in the Brant
cemetery near their home. Their children were:  Abigail, Julia, Christena, Isaac,
Catharine, Sarah and Mary. It was Abigail, the oldest of the family, who was married to Hiram Boucher. She died at Ligonier, February I9, I907. Their children
were: I. Elizabeth, married to Dr. J. T. Ambrose, of Ligonier; she died October II,
I915. 2. Mary Eve, married to William C. Knox, of Ligonier township; she died
April I5, I892, and her husband survived her until May 20, I918. 3. Amanda, married
to Hamilton Smith, of Ligonier; Mr. Smith died August 7, I897. 4. Caroline, married
Rev. A. O. Emerson, of the Pittsburgh Methodist Episcopal Conference. 5. John
Newton Boucher. 6. Sarah, married to Hugh M. Clifford, of Derry; she died January I I, I887; Hugh M. Clifford died June I4, 1914. 7. Kate, married Dr. Edward
M. Clifford, died April 20, I9I3. 8. David Wilbert, died in I863, aged two years.
(V) John Newton Boucher was born and brought up near Ligonier. He was a
teacher in the Westmoreland county schools, and was graduated from Mount Union
College at Alliance, Ohio, in I876. He is a member of the Westmoreland countv bar,
and has practiced most of the time since his admission. He is the author of the Westmoreland county part of the "Twentieth Century Bench and Bar of Pennsylvania,"
published by Cooper Brothers, of Chicago, in I904.  He is also the author of the
"History of Westmoreland County," published by the Lewis Publishing Company, of
284'BIOGRAPHICAL
New York, in I9o6; also of "A Century and a Half of Pittsburgh and Her People,"
two volumes, published by the same company in I968.  He is also the author of
volumes one and two of this work, "Old and New Westmoreland," published by the
American Historical Society of New York City.
On April 29, I909, he was united in marriage with May I. Hargnett, of Ligonier,
who was a daughter of John and Euphemia B. Hargnett.
(I) The American progenitor, Jacob Hargnett, was born in Germany, December
23, I736. On his arrival in America he settled near Hagerstown, Maryland, and some
few years after that took up land in Ligonier Valley. It is situated about two miles
south of Ligonier, and is yet in possession of his descendants. There he lived, and
died at the age of ninety years in I826.
(1I) Frederick Hargnett, son of Jacob Hargnett, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in I774. In I803 he was married to Caroline Tosh. He died May 30, I845, and
his widow survived him until February I5, I87I.
(III) Their son, John Hargnett, was born April I3, I8II. He began the mercantile business in Ligonier 1830, and conducted it almost continuously until advancing
years compelled him to retire. It was his custom to make two trips each year to
Philadelphia to replenish his stock of goods for the coming season. These journeys
were made on horseback or in a stage coach. Like all early merchants, he was obliged
to carry with him the money to pay for the goods purchased, and this was no small
burden, for they had to be paid for in gold or silver. He made these journeys regularly for twenty years, until the completion of the Pennsylvania railroad rendered the
long turn`pike journeys unnecessary. In politics he was a Democrat, casting his first
vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832. In 1834 he was appointed postmaster of Ligonier
under President Jackson, and held the office, though not consecutively, for a period of
twenty-seven years. In I863 he was elected by his party as a member of the State
Legislature. He united with the Methodist church in I830, and was one of its most
active members until his death. In 1836 he was married to Susan Armor, who died
in 1848. They had two children: Pamelia, born in I837; and a son who aied in infancy,
born in 1843. Pamelia was educated at the Blairsville Seminary, and was the honor
member of its first graduating class. She was married, June 28, I858, to Dr. L. T.
Beam, and died July 31, 1859. Dr. Beam afterward moved to Johnstown, and perished
in the great flood of I889. In 1854 Mr. Ilargnett was united in marriage with Euphemia, daughter of James and Catharine (Carnahan) McDonald, ef Indiana county.
John McDonald was the first ancestor of his family in this country, and came from
Scotland, settli'ig in Baltimore. When the Revolutionary War broke out, he enlisted
in Captain Casper WVeitsell's company, First Battalion Rifle Regiment of Pennsylvania. He rose to the rank of captain of the Flying Camp. He was married to Jane
Wilson, and at the close of the war settled in York county, where he resided until his
death more than twenty years afterwards. They had nine children, one of whom,
James, born in I779, married Catharine Carnahan, as above stated, and settled in Indiana county. He was a farmer by occupation, and a Presbyterian in religion. He died
April 20, I852.
To John and Euphemia B. Hargnett were born two daughters: Wilhelmina Platt,
and May Idona, both of whom were sent to the Pittsburgh Female College, the latter
being graduated from its last class before it was destroyed by fire and merged with
Beaver College. In August, I88O, Wilhelmina Platt was married to Dr. John D. Garman, of Berlin, Pennsylvania, who died October 2, 19I2. In April, I896, Mr. Hargnett, by a slight fall, fractured his hip joint, the effects of which caused his death on
June I3 following, in his eighty-fifth year. His wife survived him until January I9,
I9o8. Both are interred in the Valley Cemetery at Ligonier.
285OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
DANIEL HUNTER BORLIN--The general tone and character of any community is unquestionably the result in a large measure of the careers of those enterprising, progressive men, such as Daniel Hunter Borlin, whose successes, through
their appeal to popular imagination, have caused them  to be instinctively set up as
models to be copied and their exaniples cited as worthy of imitation by the young.
By this means it is inevitably brought about that the quality of ideals and ambitions
held in common by the people of any place are brought into conformity with a certain
type or types at the root of each of which appears some striking personality or group
of personalities responsible for its origin. There can be no question that some such
process as this has been one of the chief elements in the formation and crystalization
of the industrial standards and ideals of the modern world, standards and ideals which
have within tl-he past hundred years completely replaced the old military ideals and
practically revolutionized the basis and constitution of society.  Though the change
has been more or less complete throughout the entire civilized world, it has probably
nowhere been so entirely realized as in our own country, and between the various
sections of the United States the palm  for the greatest triumph of the new regime
should probably be accorded to Pennsylvania. Certainly nowhere have their appeared a
greater number of those whose lives have exemplified the qualities needed for success
in the business world, nowhere have the people been provided with more or better
examples of industrial, business and financial leaders who might stand as types for
universal imitation. In noting the career of Daniel Hunter Borlin, the above is clearly
exemplified.  He is a member of a very old and distinguished Pennsylvanian family
and is descended from the well known figure. of past years, James Borland or Borlin,
as he preferred to write his name.
James Borlin, himself a native of Salem township, born January I9, I820, learned
the trade of tanning in his early youth and followed this for a number of years, adding to it, however, a butcher business and still later became the proprietor of a hotel.
The first house owned by him was that known as the Western Inn, later the Cope
House, and this was followed by the Harbaugh Street House, which stood on the
corner of Maine and Pittsburg streets, and still later by the Exchange, afterwards
known as the New Fisher House. James Borlin then went for a time to Chicago,
where in the year I864 he conducted the well-known hotel called the Cass House, on
the corner of Canal and Mitchell streets, but he did not remain there very long, and
after a year's experience in the great Western city returned to Greensburg, where he
engaged in a number of differenet enterprises. The first of these was the oil business,
which was at that time beginning what became so phenomenal a development later,
and in addition to this he conducted a livery establishment and kept horses for heavy
teaming and freighting work. These ventures were carried on in the district'known
as Pitt Hole. In I868 he returned temporarily to the hotel business, although maintaining his other enterprises at the same time, and it was in this year that he built the
Laird House, so well-known to the traveling public in that region and which he conducted with a high degree of success until its destruction by fire in I887. James Borlin
also dealt very extensively in live stock of all kinds, part of his business consisting of
taking horses rieeded in the Western country out t4o the State of Iowa. This business reached its maximum in the fifties and he afterwards shipped horses and cattle
to the New York and Philadelphia markets. In I885 James Borlin removed to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where for a.time he conducted the Jerome House. Still later
he removed to Pittsburgh, where he settled in the district called Glenwood, and there,
in the year I89o, in association with his son, James Buchanan Borlin, he opened the
Electric Hotel This enterprise met with a high degree of success and gave Mr. Borlin
great prestige in that region as a business man and hotelkeeper. In 1899, however, he
sold this business to his son-in-law, Charles A. Warfield, and once more returned to
Greensburg, where he continued to reside until his death, September 26, I899. Mr.
286BIOGRAPHICAL
Borlin was also extremely active in the public affairs of the community, and held a
number of important public offices. He was elected sheriff of Westmoreland county
in I877 by the largest majority any candidate ever polled for any office in that county,
a remarkable tribute to his personal popularity and the esteem in which his fellowcitizens held him. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and a man of
strong and deep religious feelings and instincts.
James Boriin married (first) January 27, 1842, Hannah Reamer, a daughter of
Jacob and Sarah (Kemp) Reamer, of Hempfield township. Jacob Reamer was one
of the best known farmers and agriculturalists in the surrounding country and owned
a farm on the present site of Hufftown, in Greensburg, which inciuded what is now
known as the County and Jerry Hammer farms. James Borlin married (second)
Caroline Regina Reamer, a sister of his first wife. Of the first union six children
were born, as follows: Albert Sill, mentioned below; Elizabeth Jane, who became the
wife of Simon D. Carpenter, of Oak Run, Shasta county, California; Jacob Reamer,
who married Julia Lahey; Sarah Melissa, who became the wife of David Hunter Kilgore; Minerva Caroline, who became the wife of Charles A. W,Varfield, of Howard
county, Maryland; and Hannah Lucinda, who became the wife of Edwin J. Gatchel,
of New York City. By his second marriage James Borlin had the iollowing children:
Agnes Cline, wvho became the wife of Jesse Cummingham, of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania; James Buchanan, who married Louisa Belle Eastham, of Lone Tree, Tyler
county, Pennsylvania; Amelia Anna, born April 23, I859, died September 9, I862;
Lucy Bigelow, who became the wife of Robert C. Roberts, of Racine, W\isconsin;
Mary Margarct, who became the wife of William B. Walthour; and Katherine Klingensmith, of Greensburg.
Albert Sill Borlin, the father of Daniel Hunter Borlin, was born April 2, I845, at
Belmont, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the local schools of the township. and afterwvards engaged in the livery business where he remained for some thirty
years in all and conducted an establishment on Pennsylvania avenue, near Otterman
street. Eventually, however, he sold out this business and entered the restaurant
business, where he remained for about five years. He is a veteran of the Civil War,
having enliste(l in the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which served under
the command of General John W. Gearing. He saw a great deal of active service and
actually took part in the engagements of Antietam, where he was wounded by a fragment of shell. the second battle of Bull Run and the battles of South Mountain, Chancellorsville, Bolivar Heights, Lockout Mountain, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, the
battle of the Wilderness and many minor skirmishes and engagements. He was honorably discharged in I864. Albert Sill Borlin married Elizabeth Isaman, and they
became the parents of six children, as follows: Carrie, deceased; Anna, who became
Mrs. Daniel tlrey, of Greensburg; Emma, who married Roscoe Cramer; James, deceased; Albert, deceased; and Daniel Hunter, mentioned below. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Borlin, Sr., are living at the present time, and Mr. Borlin is still a member of the local
post, Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Veteran Legion of America. For some
time after his return from the war, he engaged in the oil business and was at Oil City
during the great excitement there.
Born October 9, 1876, at Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Daniel
Hunter Borlin received his education in the local schools of the township. After completing his studies in these institutions, he engaged in the drug business at Greensburg,
where he remained rather more than a year and a half in the employ of Harry F.
Thomas. He then went to Jeannette, Pennsylvania, where he took a similar pcsition
with R. T. Hugus, in whose employ he remained four years. Following this he returned
to Greensburg. where he entered the service of A. E. Martin in the drug business, and
after one year in that gentleman's employ spent six years with S. P. Brown in the
same business. In the year I9IO Mr. Borlin became a partner of H. T. Copeland and
287OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the two opened the drug store at No. ii8 South Main street. This establishment is
now one of the best patronized and most up-to-date of its kind in the city, and not a
little of its success is due to the absolute devotion and intelligence of Mr. Borlin. Mr.
Borlin is a well-known figure in the general life of Greensburg, and is keenly interested in the public affairs of that community. In politics he is a Democrat, while in
religion he attends the Lutheran church. He is a member of the local lodge of the
Knights of Pythias. During the years I9O8 and I909, Mr. Borlin was one of the foremost players of the Greensburg Athletic Association football team.
Daniel Hunter Borlin was united in marriage with Viola Anna Miller, a daughter
of Aaron Miller, of Penn Station. This marriage was celebrated December 5, I899,
and one child has been born to them, Elizabeth Anna Borlin.
One of the names most closely associated with the State of Pennsylvania and all
that is best ini its progress and development is that of Daniel Hunter Borlin, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. This association is twofold and exists, first, because of his personal activities in the interest of that vital problem, the health of the community,
second, because he is the scion of one of the oldest families in the State where for
many generatirns its members have made their home. The members of the family
have continued to sustain the high reputation of their early ancestors, and none more
adequately than David Hunter Borlin.
THOMAS LYNCH-The late Thomas Lynch, of Greensburg, would not, if he
were living, contribute a word or line to this short biography of his life; nor, indeed,
would he willingly consent to its publication. This statement is based on the knowledge that he had always firmly set his face against contributing in any degree to the
light of publicity upon himself, his personal work or worth, or his career. Anything
of this sort was extremely distasteful to him.
But now that Mr. Lynch is dead, and has passed into history as one of the notable sons of Pennsylvania, there is nothing unseemly in the friend of a lifetime framing
a modest tribute to his character and merit for the pages of this Westmoreland county
book, that people may read of him and know of him as he was; and also, let it be
further frankly said, for the gratification of his own family, since he was a husband
and father to be proud of.
Mr. Lynch was born in Uniontown, August I3, I854. His boyhood was no more
eventful than that of the average well-trained, conscientious and industrious countrytown lad, inspired by high ideals, and hopeful of a career that would be a credit to
himself and to the father and mother who gave so freely of their life-service that all
their children might become useful and esteemed citizens of the community, a hope
that was completely realized.
Mr. Lynch married Sarah Agnes McKenna, of Pittsburgh, a daughter of Charles
and Ann (Mc:kfee) MciKenna, on December I6, I879.' Nine children were born to
them, viz.: Clay Frick, Mary (now Mrs. Joseph D. Wentling), Charles McKenna,
Ann Gertrude (deceased), Thomas, Jr., John J., Sarah Agnes, Ralph, and Richard
(deceased).
Mr. Lynch's parents were Patrick and Nancy Daniel Lynch, natives of Dungarvan, County WVaterford, Ireland. Patrick Lynch was an exceptionally strong character, as those who knew him well understood. He was an admirable citizen in every
respect, a fine, forceful type of the virile Irish manhood that has added so much of
permanent value to the civic and religious qualities of this country. Born in 1822, he
settled in Uniontown in I852, and there spent the remainder of his life, until his death,
October 3, I9IO, in his eighty-ninth year. His wife died in I9o6, aged seventy-eight
vears. Of their eight children, three are dead, viz.: Thomas, Mary, and Margaret
(wife of Robert Carter). The survivors are Catherine (wife of James R. Cray),
288OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Within ten days this committee presented to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company its views. Among other concessions, the committee asked of the railroad the
following:
First. That the Arch street subway be widened to a full width street.
Second. That full width bridges be erected over the railroad at Maple avenue,
Main street and Pennsylvania avenue, that they be built of stone or concrete, and be
maintained by the railroad company.
Third. That a full width subway be built under the railroad at Brushton avenue.
Fourth. That a commodious foot-way be constructed north of the railroad between
Harrison and Maple avenues.
Fifth. That all liabilities incurred by the borough of Greensburg in the contemplated improvements, be paid by the railroad company.
The actual work of the members of this committee was assigned by them to Mr.
Bair, and they largely ascribe to his energy and to his knowledge of the existing conditions the benefits thus secured by our city. The finance and street committees officially thanked the Citizens' Committee as shown by the following letter:
The Borough of Greensburg,
April 2, I909.
Mr. E. H. Bair, Greensburg, Pa.
Dear Sir: At a meeting of the Finance and Street Committees held this evening,
it was unanimously decided to extend to you as a member of the Citizens' Committee
appointed to counsel and advise them in their negotiations with the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company in regard to the proposed improvements by said company through
the borough, their grateful thanks for the services you have thus far voluntarily
rendered, and request that you do not consider yourself relieved from such further
service as they may see fit to impose upon you.
Mr. Bair has not posed as a public speaker, but has frequently appeared on the
platform, and his addresses are remarkable for their direct and concise style. When
on the aggressive it seems to be easy for him  to completely puncture the object
aimed at. His address before the annual convention of School Directors, delivered
at HTarrisburg, February 11, I904, on "Rights and Duties of School Directors," and
also his address before the annual convention of the Merchants' Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania, delivered at Greensburg, February 22, I9II, on "Co-insuranceFire Waste-Legislation," have been published in pamphlet form and favorably discussed by educators and insurance men throughout the State.  His address to the
school directors of Westmoreland county at their third annual convention, held in
Greensburg, January,  90o6, should be published and read by every school director
taking the oath of office. It appeared in the daily papers at the time.
But though deeply engaged in many business enterprises of various kinds, Mr.
Bair is, above all, an insurance man, and to that has given the best years of his life.
He is an authority on that most important economic subject, not only in the courts of
our county, but throughout the State as well. Aside from his business engagements,
he has given much time and thought to the improvement and beautifying of the borough of Greensburg, his cherished desire being to make it an ideal community in
which to live. "Kenneth Place" and "Underwood," developed by the firm of which
he is a member, are lasting monuments of his ideals along this line.
An editorial appearing in the "Greensburg Press" of November 29, I9o06, extending congratulations to Mr. Bair upon his recovery from  a severe attack of typhoid
fewer, from which it was generally believed he could not recover, is worthy of reproduction here:
WE'REF ALL GLAD YOU'RE GETTING BETTER, MR. BAIR.
The "Morninlg Press" read with pleasure in the proof a little item in the news
columns published to-day that should give great gratification to every Greensburger.
It tells of the rapid recovery of Edward H. Bair who has been seriously ill.  It
20BIOGRAPHICAL
John, Ella and Maurice, residing in Uniontown, and James, of Scottdale, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Lynch died at his home in Greensburg, December 29, I9I4. The funeral
service was conducted in the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament by Rev. M. A.
Lambing, who had long known Mr. Lynch as pastor and friend. On the day of the
funeral Mr. James A. Farrell, president of the United States Steel Corporation, gave
to the public press the following tribute to his dead associate:
Mr. Lynch was one of the most capable men associated with the United States
Steel Corporation. His judgment was keen and well balanced. He was a deep student
o,f conditions and patient master of the intricate problems of the mining industry.
Those of us who have worked side by side with him remember him as without fear
and without reproach. It is a rare tribute to the self-effacing modesty of' this notable
figure in the world's work that those who survive him will remember that his genial
face and kindly disposition softened many of the asperities which belong to the everchanging details in the conduct of business. From his official associates down to the
workmen in tlhe mines there remains respect and a positive affection for the master
mind who so suddenly was called away. When a strong man drops out of the ranks
in his prime the rank nioves on, as it must, but Mr. Lynch's associates will always miss
the inspiration and spirit that was loyal through the whole length of his career.
The ordinary text-book education in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and
arithmetic, in the common schools of Uniontown, supplemented by a broader course
or two there in a private summer school, under the tutelage of the late Rev. Hughes
Oliphant Gibbons, were the fundamentals on which Mr. Lynch built the solid structure
of his life. He was an industrious, painstaking student, ranking with the best pupils
in his classes, and always justifying in his conduct and achievement the faith in him
held by his father and teachers. The noble personality of Rev. Gibbons greatly influenced his life, as it did that of all the boys of Uniontown who were fortunate enough
to be drawn within the sphere of its beneficent influence. The finest fiber of Mr.
Lynch's character was his sense of fidelity-fidelity to every trust, every obligation,
every duty and every friend. The successive footprints, some but ordinary, others of
the greatest significance, that marked the career of Thomas Lynch after his school
days in Uniontown were over, at eighteen years of age, may be summarized thus:
Clerk and chief clerk in the Dunbar Iron Company's store at Dunbar, of which
Major C. E. Swearingen was manager; store manager for the Atlas Coal and Coke
Company, Dunbar; promoted to be yard boss for the same company; clerk for the
Allen Kirkpatrick Grocery Company, Liberty street, Pittsburgh; clerk in the store of
Frick  Company at Broad Ford, where he began his long, intimate personal friendship and business relation with Mr. Frick; superintendent of Frick's Anchor Mine;
in I877, superintendent of Frick's Valley and Tip Top mines and of the Valley Coke
Plant and Store; in I882, at the age of twenty-eight, was superintendent of all the
extensive operations of H. C. Frick Coke Company throughout the Connellsville
region; in I890 became general manager of this company, and in I896 its president.
What a record for a man of but forty-two years!
Mr. Lynch was also president of the Bunsen Coal Company of Illinois, the United
States Coal and Coke Company of West Virginia, the Sharon Coal and Limestone
Company, and the Hostetter-Connellsville Coke Company; was a member of the directorates of the Mellon National Bank, the Union Trust Company, the Union Savings
Bank, all of Pittsburgh; and of the National Bank of Fayette County, Uniontown,
and the First National Bank of Scottdale.
"Safety First," the industrial slogan of all America to-day, was first adopted by
Mr. Lynch in I89,I, when he based upon it the carefully-written code of rules, miniW-19
2-89OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
mizing the dangers of mine service to human life, that have been posted ever since, in
all necessary languages, in and about the numerous Frick mines and works. Of this
humane conservation scheme Ida M. Tarbell wrote:
Not the least of values the Steel Corporation received in I900o, when it absorbed
Mr. Lynch's concern, was the slogan, "Safety the First Consideration!"
But, great as this value was specifically to the corporation, its value to humanity
was infinitely greater. There were spiritual as well as temporal things always at work
in the mind of Mr. Lynch. In serving great corporations he was never unmindful of
their multitude of wage-earners. He was a believer in satisfactory compensation for
labor, and the fruit of this wise policy, is that in twenty years, there has not been a
strike by the Frick Company employees for more money or for better conditions.
His humanity was immense! Born in a place and at a time when stringent economy and assiduous labor were the most pressing obligations of life, and early inured
himself to hard toil, he never lost his feeling of manly sympathy with those who sustain continuously the burden and heat of ceaseless struggle. This is why he was active
and persistent in encouraging and promoting every practicable suggestion for the personal safety, moral growth and material prosperity of every member and worker in
the great army of Frick Company employees, numbering more then twenty thousand,
and of their wives and children. The many heads of departments were required to
hold frequent conferences for the purpose of approving or designing and installing
devices for the safety of men and animals in the mines; for uplifting the home life of
the people, and leading them along ways of thrift and economy to higher and surer
footings in their struggles upward.
He urged the cultivation of individual truck gardens.  It is the custom  in the
Frick service to offer, yearly, stimulating money prizes to employees of every plant
for the best of such gardens. The competition thus encouraged has spread over the
entire region, and no episode is looked forward to with greater interest every fall than
the visits and verdicts of the judges who make the awards in these contests. The
annual prizes amount to thousands of dollars, while the value of the gardens runs into
the tens of thousands.
Mr. Lynch inspired this notable welfare project. It was the outgrowth of a sentiment helpful to the introduction, in some degree, of the softness, color and fragrance
of nature to charm away the dreary realities of coke village existence. He believed
that attractive homes and home surroundings, and the best possible sanitation, with
satisfactory pay, made contented workers. He was right. He promoted good roads,
the best of public schools, and stimulated the spirit of sport common to boyhood by
boosting athletic games in the coke villages and by donating a silver cup for the
annual contests of their local baseball league.
Mr. Lynch was markedly receptive and responsive to the influence of lofty ideals
in human conduct. Their effect was manifest in the purity and wholesomeness of his
private life, as well as in the high purpose, unfaltering integrity and striking achievements of his business career. When one's utilitarian inspirations are measured by
the results achieved, their character, quality and size become apparent. It is needless
to point out in what degree Mr. Lynch met this test. He was both dreamer and performer, a man of penetrating vision and a strategist in realization. It will never be
told how much he contributed in thought and labor to the individual and collective
well-being of the tens of thousands of men, women and children, who are sheltered
and protected under the watchful guardianship of the Frick Company. He was the
real and active friend of every foreigner who came over the sea to make his home in
the Connellsville coke region. He loved children and was generous to church and
charity. He sought the companionship and friendship of his fellowmen, being a member of the Greensburg Country Club and of the Pittsburgh and Duquesne clubs of
290BIOGRAPHICAL
Pittsburgh. But away from business his heart was in his home, and there he usually
was.
His conspicuous material monument is the myriad columns of fire, from a vast
host of flaming ovens, whose widespread glare illumes the night skies of Southwestern
Pennsylvania; iut a much greater and more enduring monument is the lasting service
he modestly rendered to mankind as an industrial organizer and as the directing head
of a vast industry in one of the world's largest and most important fields of life and
work.
OLIVER J. WATSON-The Rev. Oliver J. Watson, who is undoubtedly one
of the most conspicuous figures in the religious life of East Huntingdon township,
Westmoreland county, and pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at the village of
Tarrs in that region, is not himself a native of Pennsylvania, but has since his residence in that State identified himself most closely with its life and affairs and is now
one of the best loved and most admired figures thereabouts. Mr. Watson is descended
from well known families on both sides of the house, that line which came in with his
paternal grandmother being particularly distinguished. Through this lady he is
descended from one of the best knoiwn English families, that of Talbott, the members
of which played a most prominent part in that romantic period of English history when
Britain sent her sons across the channel to engage in wars, which for their pomp and
splendor partook almost as much of the fate and pageant as they did of that grimmer
business of slaughter and strife. Mr. Watson can trace his descent to the famous
Lord John Talbott, ninth earl of Shrewsbury, one of the most famous of England's
knights and considered in his time the very mirror of chivalry. The family settled in
Maryland in 1760 in the person of Joseph Talbott, and it was for him and his family
that Talbott county, in Eastern Maryland, was named. His son, John Talbott, married
Mary Elizabeth Johns, of Maryland, who was born in I785, and they were the parents
of thirteen children. This lady died in Frederick county, Maryland, after having
nearly reached the venerable age of one hundred years. A daughter of this worthy
couple, Rebecca Talbott by name, in I813 became the wife of Joseph Hobson, of
Jefferson county, Ohio, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, his father
having come from England originally. They were the parents of seven children and
removed with their family to Jackson county, Ohio, about the beginning of the nineteenth century and there settled near Richmond. Mr. Hobson died. of fever about
middle life, but his wife Rebecca lived to the age of seventy-six. ItAwas their eldest
daughter, Mary Ann, who became the wife of John Watson, the father of Rev. O. J.
Watson. The Watson family was also of English origin and was prominent in the
mother country, although never so greatly so as the Talbotts. They came to this
country about I8oo and settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, where, as has already been
remarked, John Watson married Mary Ann Hobson, November 2, I837. John Watson
and his wife removed to Athens county, Ohio, about I850, and continued to reside
there until the time of her death in I86o, when she was about forty-five years of age.
He subsequently removed to Kansas, where his death occurred about I884 at the age
of seventy. Tihese worthy people were loyal adherents of the Friends church, familiarly
called Quakers.
It was in this western country, near Athens, Ohio, that the Rev. Oliver J. Watson
was born on June 7, I859. He had been brought up, together with his sister Emma,
by an uncle, Abraham Hobson, and early in life had become familiar with the wholesome tasks and duties of farm life. He was the recipient of an excellent education
during his childhood and youth, and after completing his elementary studies in the
local public schools, was sent to Richmond College, where he took the usual classical
course He continued to reside with his uncle, Abraham Hobson, during these years and
29iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
assisted him in operating his farm. His aunt, who was a tender mother to him, died
in the year I888, but his uncle survived until I9II. Mr. Watson's sister, Emma, already
referred to, still resides at Richmond, Ohio. While still quite young, Mr. Watson felt
a strong impulse to take up the religious life and entered the Muskingum Conference
of the Methodist Protestant church in I886. Here he carried on his studies in theology
and the other branches requisite to his chosen life, in I888 was ordained in the Methodist ministry, and a few years later came to Pittsburgh, where he entered the Pittsburgh Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. Since that time he has been
assigned to the Millsboro Circuit, which contains some five churches, scattered over
three counties, in all of which Mr. Watson is obliged to officiate. Besides these he
was also connected with the church at Bentleyville, Washington county, Pennsylvania,
and was responsible for the building of the new church edifice there in I893, all money
subscribed before the day of dedication. For three years Mr. Watson was called to
the Methodist church at Claysville, Pennsylvania, and from there went to Somerset
county and had charge of the church at Confluence for three years. It was in the year
I899 that he finally came to Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, and since that time
has served as pastor of four churches, these being the Methodist churches at Pleasant
Unity Village, Youngstown, Lycippus and Hecla. Dr. Watson is an excessively active
man, and every parish where he has been located for any length of time has derived
great advantage from his pastorate. It was he who cleared the old debt from the
church at Youngstown, and he performed a similar service for that at Ohiopyle near
Confluence. He was also the clergyman at the churches at New Florence, Germany,
and West Fairfield, and still later was at Cokeville where he remained for one year.
He also served for a time at Gallitzin, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and built a
chapel at Cressen. He remodeled the parsonage of Gallitzin and afterwards went to
the village of Arnold, Westmoreland county, where he remained for a year. He spent
a year also at Conemaugh, Cambria county. His other charges have been at Evans
City, Butler county, where he remained for three years; Aliquippa, where he remained
for two years, and Masontown, where he spent one year. He finally was called to
Mount Lebanon at Tarrs, East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, in the
year I915, and has remained there ever since. He has been very active at Tarrs since
coming here and has done much to develop his pastorate and to improve conditions.
Among other things, he has repaired both the church building and the parsonage. His
reforms and energy have had their customary'effect and he now enjoys large audiences at his chuirch services, which are always well attended. He is a man of broad
and tolerant views and often speaks on various social topics as well as those of a
purely religious nature in his church.  He has delivered many effective patriotic
addresses at various times, and is a strong advocate of temperance. In his political
belief he is a Prohibitionist and was a delegate to the Atlantic City Convention in
1912, and at the Convention held at Minneapolis in I916.
Mr. Watson was united in marriage, June 7, I883, at Washingtonville, Ohio, with
Amanda Jean Pattison, a daughter of Rufus Lear and Catharine A. Pattison, and a
granddaughter of James Hamilton Pattison, of Scotland, who came as a lad to the
United States and settled at Washington county, Pennsylvania. He later removed to
the State of Ohio, where he was engaged in business as a wheelwright, and where
his death occurred at the age of fifty-four years. Mr. James H. Pattison adopted his
granddaughter, Amanda Jean, when she was but a little girl, her father having died
when she was an infant. At the time of her grandfather's death, she returned to live
with her mother, who had in the meantime married a Mr. Bates, and she there continued to reside until her marriage with Mr. Watson. She received an excellent education in her childhood and young girlhood, and received a certificate entitling her to
teach. But after a time, however, she took up the trade of dressmaking and was thus
engaged when she met Mr. Watson. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson the following children
292BIOGRAPHICAL
have been born: Elizabeth, who became the wife of W. E. Laird, the proprietor of
Laird's Restaurant, Greensburg, to whom she has borne two children, Edwin and
Catherine; Lee L., who married Mollie Watson Fyfe, by whom he has had three
children, Jean, Robert and William. On leaving college, Lee L. Watson became associated with Colgate  Company, of New York, where he received rapid promotion,
and is now residing in the City of S-an Francisco with his family, where he holds
the position o. general manager of the Colgate Company on the Pacific slope. He
married his wife, August 13, I911, the anniversary of his mother's birthday, and
he arrived in California, August I3, I912, and one year later a daughter was born to
them, August ]3, I913, who has been named Jean, after her grandmother. Mrs.
Watson is very active in the social and club life of the community where she resides,
and is chairman of the Tarrs Unit, American Red Cross Society, which is at this time
doing so mucl important work. Both she and her husband are keenly interested in
local history and genealogy and alive to the value of historic reference recorded to-day.
They have both taken steps to preserve old family heirlooms and have many interesting
articles of furniture, china, etc., which breathe strongly of the spirit of the past.
The character of Mr. Watson is of an unusually simple and direct kind, the kind
that devotes itself without reserve to those things of which it approves, that supports
whole-heartedly the objects of its faith and love. To him  there are certain great
principles, certain great traditions which demand the complete faith and affection of a
man, and to whlich he must pledge his allegiance or be guilty of a fundamental disloyalty. One of these is his patriotism, another his religious conviction. And yet
there is nothing of the blind credulity about him that is often associated with this type
of simple faith. He is a man who thinks deeply and much on many subjects and
arrives at his own conclusions without fear of the results. In all the relations of life
his conduct is exemplary, he is a good citizen, a kindly neighbor, a faithful friend, a
loving husband and father, a strong and virtuous man, and Tarrs, East Huntingdon
township, can well be proud of such citizens as he.
THOMAS WESLEY  MORAN, M. D.-While not a native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and only a resident of that place since the year Igo.I, Dr. Thomas Wesley
Moran has already identified himself with the life and interests of the community and
has made for himself a place there which does credit alike to his professional skill and
his character as a man. He is a son of Thomas J. Moran, a native of Philadelphia,
who was born in that city, May 23, I849, and died May 5, I904. Mr. Moran, Sr., was
the son of an 1rish sea captain, who was lost with his vessel when Thomas J. Moran
was a lad of seven years of age. The latter was prominent in the affairs of the
neighborhood where he dwelt. He married Elizabeth Evans, who was a descendant of
the distinguished Evans family, the members of which were well known in Delaware
in Colonial davs.
Born January I, 1877, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Thomas Wesley Moran
passed the years of his childhood and youth in his native city. The first portion of
his education was gained in the public schools of Philadelphia and he graduated from
the High School there, where he prepared himself for a college career. Even at this
early age, Dr. Moran's interest in medicine had developed and he had formed a
determination to follow that study as a career. Accordingly he entered the Jefferson
Medical College in Philadelphia and graduated from that institution with the class of
I899. This course of study he supplenmiented by two years of practical experience on
the staff of several hospitals in Philadelphia, and in I9OI came to Latrobe, Westmoreland county, where he established himself in general practice. Possessed of a
natural talent for his subject, which has been supplemented by unusually persevering
stlndy and a personality which is at once attractive and reassuring in the sick room,
293OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Dr. Moran has met with a most gratifying success in Latrobe and has built up a practice already large and promising to be still greater. He is an active member of the
fraternities of physicians in that part of the State and is affiliated with several important organizations, among which should be mentioned the Latrobe Academy of Medicine, the Westmoreland County Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Moran is also a very prominent figure in the general life of the community,
taking part in many departments of its affairs, in spite of the exacting demands made
upon his time and energies by the exigencies of his profession. He is a member of
the Latrobe Club, and plays a conspicuous part in the social and club life of the
city. He is also a prominent Free Mason and belongs to all the local bodies of that
order, including the Commandery, Knights Templar, and Syria Temple, Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. of Pittsburgh. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church, of the official board of which he is a member, and he liberally supports
the work of that body in the region, especially in connection with its philanthropic and
charitable activities. He is a Republican in politics, although of course the nature of
his profession renders it impossible that he should take the active part in politics
which his talents and abilities would warrant.
Dr. Moran was united in marriage, in March, I9goo, with Amanda C. Hocker, a
daughter of Jqcob and Mary (Holt) Hocker, of Millville, Delaware.  Her father,
Jacob Hocker, is a member of an old Delaware family which has been active in State
and National politics for many years. Mr. Hocker himself has taken a very prominent
part in the political activities of his State and has been candidate for the governorship
there. The family was originally German, its remote ancestors having come to this
country from there in Colonial times. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs.
Moran, as follows: Muriel M. and Helen H.
The high degree of success won by Dr. Moran has been due entirely to his own
unaided efforts. He possessed no influence of any kind in Latrobe at the time of
his coming to that city, and the rapidity of the growth of his practice and professional
reputation is the greatest tribute which can be paid to his professional skill and
knowledge. His practice has grown steadily and he enjoys a clientele of the highest
class and one which is still rapidly increasing.
GEORGE D. HAMOR-George D. Hamor, the well known attorney of New
Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member of one of the old
Pennsylvania families, his paternal ancestors having come from England and settled
in the State of Maryland. He is also descended from a long line of Irish forebears,
who settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and from whom his mother is
descended. His paternal great-grandfather came from England under King's orders
to survey the State of Maryland. He brought his wife, family and large retinue of
servants. He accomplished his work and decided to remain; he therefore settled in
Maryland and passed the remainder of his life there.
Allen Nathaniel Hamor, father of George D. Hamor, was born in I820 in Blair
county, Pennsylvania, and was' a prominent nmerchant at Freeport, Pennsylvania.
He served with distinction in the Union Army during the Civil War, and was in many
respects a conspicuous figure in the life of the community. He was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church and of the Republican party. He married Jane N.
Singer, born near Saltsburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I8i8, who, like
her husband,'was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Born January 2I, I855, at Freeport, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, George D.
Hamor was the son of Allen Nathaniel and Jane N. (Singer) Hamor. For his
education he attended the local public schools of Freeport, where he prepared for
294BIOGRAPHICAL
college, afterwards took a literary and scientific course at Mount Union College, Ohio,
and later purstued his law studies in the office of L. Z. Mitchell, of Butler, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the bar of Butler county, Pennsylvania, June 8, I876, but
later came to Westmoreland county and settled at New Kensington, where he built up
a large and reniunerative practice. While a resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania, he was
elected to the office of burgess'and was holding this office in the year I888; he was a
resident in the town of Dubois at the time of the great fire there. Besides his legal
practice, Mr. Hamor is active in many departments of the life of New Kensington and
is closely identified with its affairs. He is a member of Lodge No. 512, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a member of the Republican party,
but is in no ways a politician, avoiding rather than seeking public office of any kind.
On May 4, 1883, George D. Hamor was united in marriage with Maggie J.
Means, a daughter of Dr. William A. Means, one of the most prominent physicians of
Dubois, Pennsylvania, and its environs. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamor two children have
been born: I. Edna, born May 3, I884, who is now the wife of A. M. Lee, an attorney in Pittsburgh, and the mother of two sons, Frederick and George M. 2. William
Allen, a graduate of Western University, Pittsburgh, and a remarkable student; he is
now assistant director of Mellen Institute in Pittsburgh, and holds the chair of chemistry at the.'niversity of Pittsburgh; he is an author of wide repute and among his
work should be mentioned the "History of Chemistry" and the history of the "Petroleum Industry," he is a major, now with United States Army in Paris, being connected with the Department of Chemistry.  Mr. Hamor is not affiliated with any
church, describing his belief as that of a Monoist-a believer in a One God, not a
Triune God.
WILLIAM BRETT HAMMOND-The children of William B. Hammond are
of the fourth generation of Hammonds who have resided in Bolivar, Pennsylvania,
William Hammond, the founder, coming to Pennsylvania from Ireland, in I82O, a
young man of twenty years. He was succeeded by his son, William McClure Hammond, who founded in Bolivar, his native town, the general merchandising business
now conducted by his son, William Brett Hammond, as a partnership under the firm
title, W. B. Hammond  Company.  Like his father, Mr. Hammond has varied
interests of importance, one of his connections being with the Bolivar National Bank,
which he serves as president.
William  Flammond, the founder, married, about 1830, Betsey Nixon, they the
parents of two sons, William McClure and Robert N. Hammond, and Rebecca, who
married Jacob West. Robert N. Hammond died in I88o, from the results of an accident, he having passed safely through the perils of the Civil War and endured the
sufferings of prison life, having been held a prisoner of war by the Confederates for
a year, part of which time was spent in the Andersonville stockade.
William McClure Hammond was born in Bolivar, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February I7, I840, and died in the town of his birth, November 28, I9o2. He
was educated in the public schools, and began business life as a merchant early, having
a store in Bolivar prior to his enlistment in I864 in Company L, Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavi Artillery. The company was mustered in at Harrisburg for a term
"duration of the war" and was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen in Virginia. They- were
mustered out at Washington, D. C., at the close of the war, Mr. Hammond retiring to
Bolivar and reopening his store there. He continued in business alone until I876, then
formed a partnership with Jacob West, his brother-in-law, which continued until I883,
Mr. Hammond then becoming sole owner and head of the firm, William  McClure
Hammond.  He had many interests outside the general store business in Bolivar,
owned much land, operated farms and aided in the establishment of town industries
and instit'ttions. For many years he was a member and a trustee of the Bolivar
295OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Methodist Episcopal Church, served as a school director, and in politics was a Republican. Both he and his wife are buried in West View Cemetery at Bolivar.
Mr. Hammnond married, in I871, Anna A. Brett, born in I849, died in August,
I886, daughter of John Brett, a farmer of Center county, Pennsylvania, who came
to that county from Ireland. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. He
and his wife are buried at Pine Grove Mills, Center county. He had a son Robert,
who at one time was prothonotary of Center county, residing at Bellefonte; and a
daughter, Anna A., who married William McClure Hammond, of Bolivar. Mr. and
Mrs. Hammond were the parents of three daughters and three sons: Margaret, born
in I872, died in I898, married Allen H. Graham and left two children, Helen and
Frederick Graham; William Brett, of further mention; John L., born August I7, 1878,
married Margaret Dickerson; Robert E., born in I88o, died in 1882; Anna Irene, born
February 3, I883, was a student at Wilson College, married Norman A. Young, of
Ebensburg, Pennsylvania; Rebecca M., born May 25, 1885, a graduate of W\ilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, married Francis E. Robinson, of the Garfield Fire
Brick Compai,y of Bolivar.
William Brett Hammond, son of William McClure and Anna A. (Brett) Hammond, was,orn in Bolivar, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1875. His education, begun
in the Bolivar public schools, was continued at Indiana State Normal School and
completed with a commercial course at Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie,
New York, whence he was graduated, class of I895. He began his business career as
a bookkeeper in the general store of William McClure Hammond, so continuing in
name, but in fact his father's trusted assistant until I902, when he succeeded to the
management ot the business upon the death of his honored father. He continued head
of the business for some time, then admitted Thomas M. Gilpin to a partnership, the
firm reorganizing as W. B. Hammond  Company. The company maintains a large
and well stocked store at Bolivar, and transacts a large business,. their principal lines,
dry goods, clothing and footwear. Mr. Hammond has long been a director of the
Bolivar National Bank, and since I9o08 has been its president. He has other business
interests and is also interested in real estate. A Republican in politics, he has served
Bolivar as councilman, and since I902 as school director, now (I918) being treasurer
of the board. He is a member of Cambria Lodge, No. 278, Free and Accepted
Masons; Portage Chapter, No. I95, Royal Arch Masons; Cambria Council, No. 32,
Royal and Select Masters; and Oriental Commandery, No. 6I, Knights Templar; and
all Johnstown Masonic bodies. In the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty-second
degree, Pittsburgh Consistory, and is a Noble of Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Altoona, Pennsylvania.  He is a past regent of
Bolivar Council, No. 207I, Royal Arcanum; member of Speer Orr Camp, No. I4,
Sons of Veterans, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; member of the Pennsylvania Society
of New York; a trustee and treasurer of the Bolivar Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Hammond married, October Io, I9oo, Laura B. Lewis, born in South Mahoning township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, August 2, I876, and there educated in the
public schools. Her father, Enoch J. Lewis, was born in the same township, and there
engaged in farming until his removal to Maryland, where he remained several years.
He finally returned to South Mahoning township, and there conducted successful
farming operations until his retirement. He is a veteran of the Civil War, serving two
years in the Union army from  Indiana county, where he now resides, nearing his
eightieth year. He married Mary J. Shields, who died aged sixty-five years and is
buried at Plumville. Both he and his wife are members of the Plumville Presbyterian
Church. They were the parents of four daughters: Anna M., married John H. Bell,
a former merchant of Black Lick, Indiana county, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth E., married Ira C. Ewing, and resides in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Laura B., married
296BIOGRAPHICAL
William B. Hammond; Maud, married John R. Pearce, a druggist of Aranmore,
Westmoreland county. William B. and Laura B. (Lewis) Hammond are the parents
of: Mary Louise, born July 30, 1902, now a student in the Bolivar High School; Anna
Brett, born August 20, I9o4, died July, I905; William Lewis, born September 7, I9O6.
JOHN  B. HEAD-John B. Head, one of the most eminent jurists of Western
Pennsylvania, and a leader of the bar of Westmoreland county, is a member of one
of the oldest and most distinguished families in this part of the State and comes of
a long line of American ancestry. His great-grandfather, William B. Head, served
with distinction in the Revolutionary War, and was a prominent figure in the affairs
of Maryland in that period. His grandfather, John Head, who was born in that State,
came west and settled at Youngstown, Pennsylvania, in the year I836, and there
founded the WV`estmoreland county branch of the family. John Head married Sophia
Greene, and of their eight children the late WTilliam  S. Head, the father of Judge
Head, was the eldest. William S. Head was a man of talent and practical ability, and
was one of the pioneer bankers and merchants of Latrobe, with the early development
of which place he was closely identified.
Born at Latrobe, April 4, 1855, John B. Head was the eldest son of William S.
and Sarah (Coulter) Head.  His early education was received at the local public.
schools in which he was prepared for college. He then attended St. Mary's College
at Emmitsburg, Maryland, and was graduated from that institution with the class of
I873, when only eighteen years of age. Returning from Maryland to his native town,,
he joined his father in the latter's banking business, the style of which became WNilliam S. Head  Son. He remained thus occupied for about five years and then, in
I878, began thte study of the law, having determined to adopt this as his profession.
He pursued his studies in the law in the office of A. A. Stewart to such good purpose
that in I88o he was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county and became a partner
of the Hon. H. P. Laird, under the style of Laird  Head. This association continued
for one year, and was then dissolved, Mr. Head becoming the junior member of the
well known firm of Moorhead  Head, his partner being James S. Moorhead. Mr.
Head's grasp of the essential principles of the law and his remarkable powers as an
advocate soon gained for him a high place in legal circles an(I much of the important
civil litigation of Western Pennsylvania was intrusted to his care. In the year Tgo5
he was nominiated by the State Convention as a candidate for the Superior Court of
the State and in the election following was chosen for that high office. He was reelected in I915, upon the expiration of his first term, and is still discharging the duties
of that office. His record in this important post, creditable alike to himself and to the
high tribunal of which he is a member, and also to the Westmoreland county bar, is
familiar to all Pennsylvanians and has won for him an enviable place in their regard.
Aside from his professional activities, Judge Head's tastes are distinctly literary, and he
is a profound student of history, philosophy, poetry and the higher types of fiction. In
spite of the versatility of his talents it is probable that Judge Head will be longest
remembered for his eloquence as a public speaker, particularly for the scores of patriotic addresses in the interests of the Red Cross, the Liberty Loans and other war
activities of recent years. As an extemporaneous speaker he has few equals in Western Pennsylvania.
Judge John B. Head was married, May 2, 1877, to Naomi Jones, daughter- of
Morris and Margaret (Tiernan) Jones, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and the following
children have been born to them: Morris, deceased; Stella, who became the wife of
Colonel Henrv W Coulter, United States Army; Elizabeth, who became the wife of
Ralph Jamison; Sarah and Paul.
297298                 OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
BAYARD ALVIN  WRIGHT, D. D. S.-Bayard Alvin Wright is one of the
most successful and deservedly popular dentists of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he
has built up a -substantial and lucrative practice and established a reputation for professional skill not surpassed by any in Westmoreland county. He is a member of a
family which has long been identified with the State of Pennsylvania, and is a son of
the Rev. Jacob H. Wright, a native of Juniata county in that State, and for more than
fifty years -a clergyman of the Lutheran church. The Rev. Mr. Wright was born
January 22, 1832, and died February 28, I907. He devoted a long life to the service of
his fellow-men in that highest of all human capacities which he had chosen for his
profession. For some years he was pastor of the Lutheran church at Greensburg,
Westmoreland county, and was a very prominent figure in the life of that city.
*Though a native of this country, he was of English extraction, and a son of John
Wright, who wvas born in that country, March 3, I792, and came to the United States
in his young manhood. The Rev. Mr. Wright was married to Martha Shallenberger,
and they were the parents of six children, as follows: Alice, deceased; Howard,
now a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Margaret, now Mrs. Margaret France,
of Leechburg, Pennsylvania; Edgar H., who is now engaged in the practice of dentistry at Kittanning, Pennsylvania; Bayard Alvin, of whom further; and John F., who
now makes his home in Akron, Ohio.
Dr. Bayard Alvin Wright received his education at the public schools of Elderton,
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and at the Ohio Dental College, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Here, after leaving behind him an excellent reputation for scholarship and industry, he
graduated with the class of I890o, taking his degree of D. D. S. Two years later, in
I892, he came to Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and has made that city
his home ever since. Here also he established himself in a dental practice which
continues with unabated success up to the present time. He is now unquestionably
one of the leaders in his profession in Westmoreland county and one of the most
skillful dental surgeons in the entire region. Dr. Wright has interested himself in
the general affairs of his fellow surgeons in Westmoreland county, and is an active
member of the Westmoreland County Dental Society, the Odontological Society of
Western Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania and National Dental societies.
Dr. Wright has not confined his activities, however, to his professional practice,
but is a conspicuous figtire in many aspects of the life of Latrobe and is affiliated with
a number of important organizations there. He is particularly prominent in the
Masonic order, is a member and the past master of Loyalhanna Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Latrobe; a member of the Greensburg Commandery, and the
Pennsylvania Consistory and Knights Templar. He is also a member of the local
lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias.
He is a Republican in politics, and although an active member of the party is in no
sense an office seeker. In his religious belief Dr. Wright is a member of the Reformed
church and has been active in the interests thereof in Latrobe.
Dr. Bayard Alvin Wright was married on July 27, I897, to Anna Mable Cort, of
Irwin, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Abner and Emma Jane (McCauley) Cort, old and
highly respected residents of that place. Mrs. Wright is possessed of very marked
musical talent and is acive in church, musical and social circles of Latrobe. Dr. and
Mrs. Wright are the parents of seven children, as follows: Bayard Alvin, Jr., now
a student at the University of Pittsburgh, class of I919; Frank Cort, William Wilson,
Emma Martha, Dorothy, George Arthur. and Paul Jean.
SAMUEL FAUSOLD-Samuel Fausold, one of the most prominent citizens of
Irwin, Pennsylvania, is a member of a family which has long resided in Mount
Pleasant townsh'rip, Westmoreland county, and for an equal period has been identified
with its affairs. He is a son of Martin Luther Fausold, and is descended fromBIOGRAPHICAL
Caspar Fauseld, his great-grandfather, who emigrated from  Germany to Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, in the first part of the nineteenth century. He removed from
Bedford countv in the year i88 and settled in Mount Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, where he kept a hotel on the old'"Clay Pike," his farm being still known
as the Fausolc place. He was a shoemaker by trade, and a Lutheran in religious
belief. He married a Miss Shaffer, of Berks county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had
three children, one son and two daughters.
The son was the Hon. John Fausold, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, I8o8. He came with his parents to Mt. Pleasant township, and at the age of
twenty years joined the Donegal Evangelical Lutheran church. He was a farmer by
occupation, but served in public life for fifty-five years and held numerous offices of
trust and responsibility. He was sequestrator of the Mt. Pleasant and Somerset turnpike; served creditably as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in
I846-I847-48, 1856, and I857, and was appointed revenue commissioner in I863 for the
judicial district of Westmoreland, Indiana, and Armstrong counties. He served as a
school director for twenty-one years, and held the office of justice of the peace for
the last thirty-one years of his life. As a public official he commanded alike the respect
of his political friends and foes. In I853 he married Ellen Freeman, who died ten
years later. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Martin Luther Fausold
was one. The Hon. John Fausold died November I4, I884, at the age of seventy-six
years, and a vast concourse of people were gathered to witness the entombment of his
remains in Ridge Church Cemetery. An impressive and able funeral discourse upon
that sad occasion was delivered by the Rev. A. D. Potts, D. D. From the eloquent and
able discourse delivered at this time the following is an extract:
As a Christian, father Fausold's walk and life were truly exemplary. As a man
he was strictly honest. Neither was he a stranger to charity. At his door and hands
his gifts were freely bestowed. His wide experience, his extended usefulness, his
sage counsel, his white locks, miade me revere him as a father in Israel. His noble life
and peaceful death should actuate us to imitate his example. His time, his means, his
influence and hiis heart was used for the extension of Zion and the glory of God.
The Hon John Fausold was thus one of the most prominent men in the history
of Westmoreland county and his name was a household word in those communities
with which he was most closely identified.
Martin I.. Fausold was reared on his father's farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
where he was born June 26, 1853. He received his education in the common schools
of this region and the Mount Pleasant and Madison Normal schools. At seventeen
years of age he commenced teaching, and followed this profession for eight years in
his native township. When finally he gave up this work, he engaged in farming and
stock raising. In the year I889 he purchased a farm in Unity township, a property
consisting of thJirty acres, and shortly afterwards bought an additional' tract of fortyfour acres in.he near neighborhood, and still later bought a tract of twenty-three
acres. Politically he was a Democrat. In I875, when only twenty-two years of age,
he was elected county auditor and afterwards served four terms as tax collector of Mt.
Pleasant township.
He was: member of the A. Y. M. and of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Mt. Pleasant township, in which he was confirmed July I9, I874, by Dr. S.
L. Harkey. T-re held various local offices in this church and was a trustee at the time
of his death. He was justice of the peace for eighteen years in Unity township, and
was also president of the School Board of Unity township at the time of his death,
which occurred November 5, 1912. Mr. Fausold had a passion for education and' was
a man of strong philanthropic instincts. On October 5, I876, he was married by Dr.
Harkey to Ada O. Hays, a daughter of Samuel and Catharine Hays, of Mt. Pleasant
299300                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
township. Mrs. Fausold's death occurred April I3, I9I6. They were the parents of
the following children: Grace, who became the wife of Timothy Horner, of Unity
township, where he is engaged in business as a farmer and dealer in lumber, and
resides on the M. L. Fauso,ld farm in Unity township; Ada, who is now a teacher in
the schools of Pittsburgh; John, who is engaged in farming in Unity township;
Charles, who is now principal of the schools of Manlius, New York, and married to
Eleanor Gilmore, of that State; Samuel, of whom further.
Born January 2I, i888, in Mt. Pleasant township, Samuel Fausold, son of Martin
Luther and Ada O. (Hays) Fausold, received his education in the local public schools.
He then entered the Latrobe High School, from which he graduated at the head of
his class, June 7, I9o6, and in the fall of that year entered Pennsylvania College at
Gettysburg, fro,m which he graduated June 15, I9Io, being an honor pupil in a class
of fifty.  During his college course he was editor of the local college paper, the
"Mercury;" was active in debate and literary work; was president of his class in its
senior year; anid was a member of the Theta Phi fraternity. Upon leaving college he
took up the profession of teaching and received the appointment of principal of the
High School of East Huntingdon township, located at Alverton, Pennsylvania.  He
continued to hold this position for four years until he was elected principal of the
Irwin schools early in the year I9I4.  In that year and in 1915 he was principal of the
Irwin schools, and the following year he was elected principal of the Norwin High
School for a i)eriod which'will close with the term of I918-I9. Norwin High School
is a union school of Irwin Borough and North Huntingdon township.  This high
school of four hundred pupils, under the aggressive leadership of Professor Fausold,
has attracted wvide attention because of its efficiency and public spirit. The school is
completely vocational and is most modern in its equipment. Professor Fausold is well
known in his profession as a tireless worker, an eloquent speaker, and an efficient
organizer.
Professor Fausold is president of the WVestmoreland County Teachers' Association. In I918 he was a candidate for county superintendent against Robert C. Shaw,
who had held that office for a period of thirteen years. Although defeated in this
contest, Mr. Fausold made a host of friends in his canvas and was enthusiastically
supported by those who knew him best. On July 13, I917, Mr. Fausold received an
appointment bIyh  Governor Brumbaugh as a member of the local draft exemption
board for District No. 2 of Westmoreland County.  He served as chairman of this
board at its inception, but later handed his resignation to the governor on account of
himself being xwithin the draft age.
In politics Mr. Fausold is an independent Democrat and a consistent voter. In
religious belief he is a Lutheran, being confirmed as a member of St. Paul's Lutheran
Church of Mt. Pleasant township, April 23, I905. Since that time he has become a
member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Irwin. Mr. Fausold is the teacher of the
Teachers' Training Class of the Sunday school of this congregation.
Samuel Fausold was united in marriage, August I, I912, at Scottdale, with Edna
Breegle, a daughter of G. M. Breegle, a retired mill worker of that place, and of
Blanche (Boyd) Breegle. Mrs. Fausold was educated in the Scottdale High School,
and for four years was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Mt. Pleasant
township and of Scottdale Borough. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Fausold, as follows: Samuel, Jr., born May I8, I9I4, and George McClellan Breegle,
born December 30, I9I6.
JOSEPH J. STEINER-There are many races represented in the social life and
industrial development of Western Pennsylvania, but the members of none of them
have surpassed those of Hebrew race or parentage who have identified themselves with
the region. Su,ch a man as Joseph J. Steiner, successful business man and publicBIOGRAPHICAL
spirited citizen, who is not only a credit to the race from which he is sprung but also
to the community which he has adopted and where he has elected to make his home.
Joseph J. Steiner was born February 28, I884, in Budapest, Hungary, and passed
the years of His childhood and youth there.  He is a son of Aaron and Regina
(Gescheidt) Steiner, and a grandson of Lazar Steiner and Simon Gescheidt, both of
whom lived and died in Hungary. Aaron Steiner was the first of the family to come
to America. His voyage was made about twenty-five years ago and he landed in New
York City, wh!ere he found employment for a short time, and then went on to
Canada.  He traded in that country for several years with the Indians and then
returned for a visit to Hungary. On this visit he persuaded all the other members of
his family to emigrate to America, returning himself to this country where he is now
a resident of,Arnold, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the clothing business there. He
and his wife were the parents of eight children, all of whom save two make their home
at New Kensing,ton. They are as follows: Julius, who is engaged in a private banking business at Ford City, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania; Simon, who is engaged in
the clothing bu:siness at New Kensington, and is a large owner of real estate in that
city; Louis, owner of the Central Meat Market at New Kensington; Alexander, who
is employed by his elder brother Louis; Emil Joseph, who is a traveling salesman for
Swift  Company; Lina, now the wife of Leopold Wollock, of Pittsburgh; Rose, who
became the wife of Eugene Ledner; the manager of the Louis Market at New Kensington; and Joseph J., of whom further.
Joseph J. Steiner graduated from the University of Hungary in the year I9OI-02
and came to America in I903 with his parents. He located for a time in the city of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he secured the position of bank clerk with Jacob
Klein, for whom he worked for five years. He was made manager in the third year
of his emplovment there and in this capacity gained a very complete knowledge of
banking methodls generally. In the month of September, I9o8, he left Pittsburgh and
came to New Kensington, where he opened a private banking establishment of his own
on Fifth aven ue. He began with a very limited capital of approximately one thousand
dollars. With the passing of the new banking law on June II, 19II, Mr. Steiner, in
compliance with its provision, deposited with the State Banking Commission, ten thousand dollars worth of municipal bonds, and at that time his capital and surplus had
grown to the amount of thirty thousand dollars. In addition to his banking operations
Mr. Steiner has engaged largely in real estate and insurance, and in the latter branch
has worked principally among the people of foreign birth,in that section of the country.
He has also been active in many other departments of the community's life, is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and the Independent Sons of David. He is also affiliated with B'nie Brith. Mr.
Steiner is a remarkable linguist, as may be seen from the fact that some time ago,
while staying at Steubenville, Ohio, he was asked to serve as official interpreter in a
criminal case in: which foreigners of seven different nationalities were involved. To the
surprise of the Court he was able to interpret for all seven nationalities, showing a
familiarity with the German, Hungarian, Slavish, Serbian, Bulgarian, Polish and
Croatian tongues.
The business of the private bank of J. J. Steiner having grown to such an extent
and enjoyed such patronage in the community that he deemed it necessary to organize
the People's State Bank of New Kensington with capital and surplus of $55,000; the
institution was incorporated March 25, I918, and opened for business April 6 of same
year. Mr. Steiner was elected president of this institution.
Mr. Steiner was united in marriage, October 30, I905, in the city of Chicago, with
Jennie Newman, like himself a native of Hungary, who had come to America that same
year. She is a daughter of Herman and Sidonie (Kaffka) Newman, both natives of
Hungary. Herman Newman came to this country in I905 and secured a position as
30IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
clerk with the Colonial Trust Company, wsorking in its foreign department. The
Colonial Trust Company is an important concern of South Sharon, now Farrell, and it
was in this town, that Mr. Newman died in I913, at the age of sixty-two. His widow,
Mrs. Newman, now makes her home with Mr. Steiner at the new residence which he
has erected at Parnassus. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are the parents of five children, as
follows: George Louis, born September I6, I9o6, in Pittsburgh; Elinore Violet, born
January 7, I9go, in Pittsburgh; Lillian May, born September 20, I9IO, at New Kensington; Richard Martin, born at Parnassus, December 6, 1912; Edith Harriett, born
at Parnassus, July 25, I9I6.
JOHN B. HAGERMAN-One of the most prominent men of New Kensington
and the surrounding region is John B. Hagerman, who for more than twenty years has
been identified with this place and has won the regard and affection of the community.
Born at Port Perry, August I9, I86I, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, John B.
Hagerman was a son of Robert and Sarah (Ponds) Hagerman. His father had been
killed before the young man's birth, and the youngster later moved with his mother
to Armstrong county, where he was educated at the town of Apollo. They did not
remain here very long, for he secured a position at Leechbhurg, Armstrong county,
where he becarme assistant in the post office. He then found employment in the steel
mills of this region, but later came to New Kensington, in I895, and worked there in
the tin mills. N:ew Kensington soon recognized the sterling qualities of Mr. Hagerman, and on November 21, I9Ti, he was elected to serve as justice of the peace for a
term of six years. He was extremely active in many departments of the life of New
Kensington and particularly prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with a
number of orders in that region, among which should be numbered the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been a member for thirty years, and the
Knights of Malta. Mr. Hagerman is a Methodist in his religious belief and has been
connected with the Methodist Episcopal church of New Kensington since coming to
that town to live.
In January, I885, Mr. Hagerman was united in marriage at Hillsville, with May
DeWitt, a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Joseph and
Clarinda (Swartzwelder) DeWitt. Her parents were also born in Armstrong county,
but lived during the latter part of their life at Leechburg, Pennsylvania, where their
deaths finally occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerman are the parents of six children, two of
whom died in infancy. The four that are now living are as follows: Donald D., now
a resident of New Kensington, where he is employed in the Reduction Works; Mary
C., who makes her home with her parents; David B., who also makes his home with his
parents, and is now in his sophomore year in the New Kensington High School; and
Sarah C.
Mrs. Hagerman is a granddaughter of Thomas and Elsie (Ponds) McIntire.
The Mclntires are an old family in Westmoreland county, Thomas McIntire having
been born there, though he spent a large portion of his life in Armstrong county,
where he followed the occupation of farming. He was extremely successful and
regarded as being a wealthy member of the community. The old Ponds homestead is
still in the possession of the family, being owned by a Mr. Pond. Mr. Hagerman is
also a member of a Westmoreland county family, his father, Robert Hagerman, having been born there August I4, I8Io. He married Sarah McIntire and they were the
parents of thirteen children, three of whom are now living; Mary, who is the wife
of Henry W. Rose, of Armstrong county; David B., of Zanesville, Ohio, where he
was employed in the iron works and died January 12, I918, at the home of his brother,
John B., of this review, who was the youngest member of the family. His grandfather
302BIOGRAPHICAL
was Joseph Hagerman, who came to Westmoreland county during his youth from
New York City when that city was called New. Amsterdam. He is recorded as having
bought land in Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland county, from his brother, Cornelius
Hagerman, in the year I8I5.
REV. HiUMPHREY LUDWICK McMURRAY-This a name which needs no
introduction in a work of this character. Mr. McMurray has now retired from the
active service of the ministry; but he has been twice the pastor of the Lutheran
church of Ligonier, where he now resides, and during the years which intervened
between that and his first leadership of the congregation, he had a widely varied and
extremely fruitful experience.
Acheson McMurray, grandfather of Rev. Humphrey Ludwick McMurray, was-a
farmer and land owner near Harrison City. His ancestors were Scotch-Irish, and in
1790 a branch of the family was planted in Eastern Pennsylvania. In I800 it was
transplanted to Westmoreland county, one brother remaining there and another going
to Ohio. On August I2, I821, Acheson McMurray was commissioned first lieutenant
of the Fifth C.valry, and on May 5, I823, was made captain of the Sixteenth Regiment, First Brigade, composed.of the militia of Fayette and Westmoreland counties.
Captain McMurray married Elizabeth Linsabigler, and their children were: Joseph;
Ephraim; William Blain, mentioned below; Albert John; Susannah, wife of Samuel
Jones; Agnes; and Ellen, wife of John Caldwell. Captain McMurray was an elder in
the Presbyterian church of Harrison City. He died in January, 1870, at the age of
seventy-five.
William Blain McMurray, son of Acheson and Elizabeth (Linsabigler) McMurray, was born October 25, I825, near Harrison City, and always led a farmer's life.
For twenty years he cultivated a farm for Colonel Paul Brinker, and then moved to
a farm at Delmont belonging to the Hon. John Hugus. Mr. McMurray made this
change in order that he might be able to give his children better educational advantages. After his sons and daughters had finished their studies he went to a farm near
Waterloo, Iowa, where he passed the remainder of his life. In politics Mr. McMurray was a Democrat, and until his marriage he belonged to the Presbyterian church,
but he then transferred his membership to the Lutheran. He married, November I8,
I847, Amy Naomi Berlin, whose family, record is appended to this biography, and the
following children were born to them: I. Henry Albert, born September io, I848, now
of Albuquerque, New Mexico. 2. Humphrey Ludwick, mentioned below. 3. Ellen
Elizabeth, born March I2, I852, married James Brown, and as a widow lived in
Santa Ana, California, with her two children: Harold, of Company D, Twentieth
Engineers, now in Washington, D. C.; and Ida. Mrs. Brown died four years ago and
her daughter, after teaching for a time in the public schools of Capistrana, became the
wife of Luigi Daneri, a large ranch-owner of Capistrana, Calif.ornia. 4. Amy Brinker,
born August 2I, I854, married William Edgar Steck, then of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, but now of Long Beach, California. 5. William Z. B., born August I9, I856,
superintendent for many years of a large rice mill at Savannah, Georgia; married Lottie Crawford. eof Hampton, Iowa, and they have three children: William Z. B., Jr.,
an attorney at Waterloo, Iowa; he is unmarried and living with his parents, in Waterloo, Iowa; Maud A., and Norma. 6. Margaret Arabella, born September 25, I858,
married James Tufts, and is now deceased. 7. Mary Jane, born December 5, I863,
married, November 2, I887, Ralph Meade, owner of a lumber yard at Santa Ana, California, and they have four children: i. Amy, a graduate of Berkeley College, now a
prominent teacher in Oceanside, California. ii. Mildred, a teacher in Santa Ana.
iii. Lawrence, a graduate of Cornell University, and now represents the Standard Oil
Company in Shanghai, China. iv. Dorothy, taking a course in domestic science in Los
303OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Angeles, California. 8. Sarah Louisa, born July io, I869, now one of the principals
of the schools of Los Angeles, formerly principal of the Santa Ana High School. 9.
Thomas Oscar, born July 20, I870, manager of a cracker factory at Nashville, Tennessee. Io. Bert Clifford, born November 4, I87I, manager of a store in Lancaster,
California; married, December 6, I903, Lillian Augusta Masters. All the daughters of
the family before marriage followed the profession of teaching for which they were
admirably fitted In the winter of I896, William McMurray passed away, leaving a
record of which his children could be justly proud. Mrs. McMurray, a truly good
and noble woman, survived her husband many years, he'r death occurring July 3I, I914,
at Santa Ana, California, when she was seventy-eight years old.
Rev. Humphrey Ludwick McMurray, son of William Blain and Amy Naomi
(Berlin) McMurray, was born February I8, I850, near Boquette, Salem township,
Westmoreland county; Pennsylvania. He received his rudimentary education in the
local public schools, and afterward for some years attended Delmont Academy. He
then spent one year at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, and two years at Thiel
College, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. He was fitted for the ministry at Capital University and at'the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, where he received
a call in the spring of I877 to the Ligonier parish. The same year he was ordained by
the Pittsburgh Synod, and in March, 1877, became the regular pastor of the Ligonier
church. This parish consisted of four churches-Ligonier, Youngstown, Latrobe and
Derry, and was scattered over a distance of thirty-five miles. Each now has its own
pastor to whom it pays more salary than the four congregations paid Mr. McMurray.
The well supplied and prosperous condition of these churches is undoubtedly due, in
part at least, to the energy, fidelity and wisdom of the man who, forty years ago, was
pastor of them all. During his pastorate the Ligonier and Latrobe churches were
remodeled and enlarged and the Youngstown congregation became entirely free from
debt, and in this result of five years' labor Mr. McMurray was able to rejoice.
In 1892 he resigned in order to accept a call to Lewisburg and Ithaca, congregations
in Preble county, Ohio.
During the ensuing eight prosperous and happy years two fine church edifices
were erected, and in I890 Mr. McMurray was sent by the Home Mission Board of the
General Council to organize a mission among the Scandinavians'of Duluth, Minnesota.
His success i- this enterprise constitutes one of the most remarkable episodes in his
career. His work was among people of foreign languages and nationalities, but nevertheless, in a little over four years, he gathered a congregation of eighty-two members,
and of one hundred and twenty-five Sunday school scholars, and built a suitable and
well-equipped church. In I894 Mr. McMurray took charge of St. John's Church,
McKeesport, and at the end of two years went to Humboldt Park, Chicago. This
change of pastorates he has always regarded as a mistake, and certainly during his
stay there he met with misfortune, the chief of which was the loss of his only son, a
promising lad of nine years. In I898 the Lutheran church of Ligonier, as pastor of
which Mr. McMurray had entered upon the work of the ministry, begged him to return
to them and he responded to the call. There he spent ten happy, successful years,
during which a new edifice was finished and in every way the church and congregation
prospered. A inervous break-down, doubtless the result of overwork, caused an eminent physician to order Mr. McMurray to relinquish his labors. Since then he has
lived in retirement, blessed in being able to look back upon more than thirty years of
earnest endeavor crowned with spiritual and temporal success.
The persotnality of Mr. McMurray is truthfully portrayed in the story of his life.
There it appears as that of a man aggressive in his work, always inclined to press
forward and open new paths, and for this pioneer work he has proved himself peculiarly adapted. Under his leadership congregations have been gathered and churches
have been built. In great cities and also on the frontier the spiritual life of communi3o4BIOGRAPHICAL
ties has been quickened and their interests deepened and broadened. Mr. McMurray is
withal a man of genial temperament, possessing the capacity to draw men to him, and
to win while he uplifts and strengthens. His social and companionable qualities appear
in his countenance in combination with the earnestness and determined force which
have endowed him with the ability to influence and mould the actions and motives of
men. He is a born leader to whom it has been given to guide many on the upward
path.
Mr. McMurray married, June I3, 1877, Elizabeth W. Jenkins, whose family
record is appended to this biography, and three children have been born to them:
I. Jennie Mav, a graduate of Thiel College; married, June IO, I9O8, G. C. Frank, then
cashier, but n(cw president of the National Bank of Ligonier, and they have three
children: Ford McMurray, born March 26, Igo9; Elizabeth Ann, born June 22, I9II;
Robert Jenkins, born March I6, I9I5. 2. Emma Berlin, married, January I6, I9o8,
John J. Eckfeldt, a sketch of whom follows. 3. Robert Jenkins, born May 13, 1887, died
July 3, I896, at Humboldt Park, Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. McMurray are members of
St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ligonier.
(The Berlin Line).
Jacob Ber!in was born March 8, I774, and died November 12, 1846, at the age of
seventy-two. From the best information obtainable he came from Germany with others
of a German colony that William Penn brought to Westmoreland county and settled
in a region cailed the Manor Valley, sometimes the Ringgold Manor. Shortly afterwards William Penn brought a company of Englishmen, who settled a few miles to
the south and west of the first plantation, where the Berlin homestead was situated. It
was necessary for the colonists to settle in large groups in order to protect themselves
from the possibility of Indian raids. According to a story told by Amy Berlin, the
youngest daughter of Jacob Berlin, who afterward married Colonel Paul Brinker, the
Indians did make a raid on the Manor Valley settlers in the year I738, and as usual
all started for'the block house near the old Brush Creek Church. In their flight they
crossed the southwest corner of the Berlin homestead, a farm of two hundred acres,
located about three-quarters of a mile west of the old Manor Church and three miles
north of Harrison City. With this fleeing colony was a crippled girl, who couldn't
keep up with the others. As the Indians were very close upon them her brother led
a horse up to a stump for her to mount, and just as she got up on the stump a shot
from an Indian gun killed her instantly.
Jacob Berlin married (first) Susan Birely, who was born May I8, I768, and died
October I6, I835, aged sixty-seven years. They had eight children, the names of
whom are given below. Jacob Berlin married (second) Polly Easttep, but there were
no children of this marriage. The second Mrs. Berlin outlived her husband many
years, and at the last they were all buried and lay side by side in the churchyard of
the old Manor Church. The following are the children of Jacob and Susan (Birely)
Berlin:  I. Abraham, married a girl by the name of Geiger. They first lived near
Greensburg, btut later moved to Carroll county, Ohio. There they lived many years
and then sold their farm and moved to Indiana, where they both died soon afterwards.
Their children are also all dead. 2. Daniel, also moved to Carroll county, Ohio, but
soon after he located there he died and his family cannot be traced. 3. Jacob (2), married Salome Zimmerman, and soon afterwards moved to a farm near Upper Sandusky,
Wyandott county, Ohio. He lived here a number of years, and then sold his farm
and moved to the edge of Hardin county, where he and his wife both soon after died.
They had eight children, but the family are all dead with the exception of one son.
4. John Berlin, married Anna Baughman. He never left Westmoreland county, but
after he was married he moved to a farm near Adamsburg, and after the death of his
W-20
3o5OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
father, he bought the old Berlin homestead, where he and his wife both died. They
had nine children: Lemuel, one of the younger sons, now owns the old Berlin homestead. 5. Michael, of whom further. 6. Sarah, and 7. Susan, the two daughters of
Jacob (I) Berlin, married respectively, Paul and John Everheart, brothers of Susane
(Everheart) Berlin, the wife of Michael Berlin, two brothers and a sister in one
family marryin; two sisters and a brother in the other. They both moved to Mercer
county, and died there many years ago. 8. Amy, married Colonel Paul Brinker, a
wealthy and prosperous farmer, who lived near the old Manor Church until after the
death of his wife, when he moved from the old place and tcook up his home with his
son. Of the large family of children born to this couple only the three sons, Zephaniah, Lebbaeus and John, are now living.
Michael Berlin, the fifth son of Jacob (I) Berlin, was born February 8, I805, and
died in August. I88,5, at the age of eighty-four years and seven months. He grew
up on the old Blerlin homestead, and after he became of age he learned the weaver's
trade. He married ('first) in 1827, Susane Everheart. She was born on the old Everheart farm, a mile south of what was known as the Manor School House. Six children were born of this marriage: I. Amy Naomi, of further mention. 2. Josiah, born
about I832. After the death of his mother he, as well as his sister, went to!ive with
his uncle and au.nt, where he remained until he had reached maturity. He then learned
the shoemaker's trade. Ile married Mary Kepple, and lived all his life near Boquet.
He had four children, two sons and two daughters, who are now living in Omaha,
Nebraska. 3. AMary Ann, married a Mr. Everheart, and moved to a homestead not far
from Delaware, Ohio. 4. and 5. Paul and Henry, twin brothers, born June 17, I836,
who will be eighty-two their next birthday. They are perhaps the two oldest of the
Berlins now li:ving. They are both young old men, big in body, mind and soul. To
look upon them is a benediction.  Henry lives with his family in Findly, Ohio, and
Paul with his family in Waldron, Michigan. 6. Zachaeus, born in August, I838, die-'
in the same nionth with his mother, and now they lie side by side in the old Manor
Church yard. Michael Berlin married (second) Julia Ann Martin, whose family came
from near Hagerstown, Maryland, and settled in the southern part of Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. Of this marriage were born fourteen children: I. Hiram Reuben, born November 20, 1840. 2. Francis Marion, born January 2I, 1842, died in I905.
3. Sophia Margaret, born September 28, I843. 4. Martin Luther, born December 31,
I845. 5. Abrahlam Silas, born January 29, I847. 6. Elizabeth Ann, born February 7,
I850. 7. Catharine Jane, born May 2, I85I. 8. Amanda Maria, born June 27, I853. 9.
Henrietta, born September I8, I855. Io. Mathew Irwin, born October 3I, I858. II.
Emma Rachel, born April I, I86o. I2. Alphaeus Brinker, born July I7, I862. I3. and
I4. Sedgwick and Sarah, twins, born in March, I865. There were five sons of this
family in the'tnion army during the Civil War, Hirani, Luther, Marion, Henry and
Paul, and four are still living, fifty-three years after the war closed, with one, Marion,
who died about ten years ago.
Amy Naomi Berlin, daughter of Michael and Susane (Everheart) Berlin, was
born April Io,;83o, and died July 3, I913, at the age of eighty-four years. Her mother
having died when she was but eight years old, she went to live with her aunt and namesake, Amy (Berlin) Brinker, the wife of Colonel Paul Brinker. Here she lived until
she was eighteen years old, when she married VWilliam Blain McMurray. After their
marriage they moved into the tenant house of the Brinker homestead, where they
remained for about fourteen years. They then moved to Delmont, where they had
better school facilities for their children. They denied; themselves many of the comforts of life that they might give their children the advantages of a good education.
Mrs. McMurray often expressed her regret to her children that she had in her childhood been denied the privilege of a good education. Yet, notwithstanding her own
modest opinion of her powers, she was a woman of superior mind, and was remarkable
3o6BIOGRAPHICAL
for her intelligence, deep piety, and great executive ability. Without any property,
but by careful planning and an industry that ceased not night and day, also with the
fidelity and the fullness of her great mother love, she accomplished her aim of providing an educationl for her large family of children. Nothing can compare in beauty and
wonder to the silent work in that obscure hcme, of that faithful mother planning, contriving, and working in every possible way to do all she could to bring up her little
flock to honor and virtue and piety. Peace to her ashes and rest to her soul!
(The Jenkins Line).
Robert Jenkins, father of Elizabeth WV. (Jenkins) McMurray, was born in the North
of Ireland, and was married in Scotland when he was twenty years old. At twentyone he emigrated to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, near the
old William Brown residence. Mr. Jenkins had been a miner in Scotland, and was
employed by Mli. Brown, the "coal king," until the time came when he was in circumstances to go in business for himself. In 185I he came to Scotch Hill, near Robbins
Station, opening the Scotch Hill Coal Mines on the Allegheny river and shipping coal
to all the lower Ohio river and Mississippi cities. In I865 he was nearly stranded in
consequence ot a large ice gorge, breaking up the dams and drying up the Youghiogheny river, and stopping navigation, where he had his works and mills. His whole
plant was put out of commission, so that he was prevented from getting his coal floated
to the markets in Pittsburgh. Mr. Jenkins was one of the pioneer coal men and was
one of the first men to put steamboats on the Allegheny river,'beginning with a boat
appropriately named the "Allegheny." Later he became the owner of the "Robert
Jenkins."  Exentually he sold out to the Pittsburgh Coal Company.
Mr. Jenkins married, in Scotland, Jane, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Gardner)
Morton, who w;ere natives of Scotland. They had ten children, three dying in infancy.
Frank M., the oldest member of the family, was born in Scotland in the year 1848.
In early boyhood he graduated in the commercial course of the Iron City College,
Pittsburgh, Peirnsylvania, and immediately went into the coal and mercantile business
near Glassport. He was eminently successful and soon accumulated quite a competency. He was a young man of sterling qualities, honored and revered wherever
he was known, an"d his kind and generous spirit made him numerous friends. He was
unmarried and died when he was twenty-six years old. At his death his two brothers,
Thomas Morton and Robert, Jr., took over the entire business of their deceased
brother. Thonias M. was then seventeen and Robert fifteen years old. They were
educated at the public schools and at the Western University of Pennsylvania. They
did a wholesa'le and retail coal business on the Youghiogheny, Monongahela and Ohio
rivers, and were the owners of three steamboats, the "Vigilant," the "Resolute" and
the "Robert Jenkins." Besides, they were interested in many corporations and industrial enterprises, and left a large amount of property in the shape of personal and
real estate. The firm of Jenkins Brothers was known in the city of Pittsburgh for
honorable and fair dealing. Early in life they adopted the motto: "Give every man
a square deal,' and by so doing they soon became one of the leading shippers of
bituminous coal in Eastern Pennsylvania. Thomas Morton Jenkins was married to
Nevada Buttermore, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania.  They have three children,
Marion, Louise and Margaret. Thomas M. was born March 28, 1857, died July, I897.
After the death of Thomas Morton Jenkins, Robert Jenkins, Jr., disposed of all his
coal interests io the Monongahela Coal Company. He then became interested in a
numb,er of corporations, banks and business enterprises and at the time of his death
was the first v;ce-president and director of the Duquesne National Bank, director in
the Connellsville Manufacturing and Mining Supply Company, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He was a member of Fort Pitt Lodge, No. 634, Free and Accepted Masons;
307OLD ANiD NEW WESTMORELAND
Shiloh Chapter; Tancred Commandery, No. 48, and the Pennsylvania Consistory of
the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of Christ Methodist Episcopal Church.
He marrie(l Rachel Elwell, who died a number of years ago. He died April 2,
I9o8, and among the tributes to him in the press and from the organizations. of which
he was a member we would quote this from the minutes. of the board of directors of
the Duquesne.National Bank:
Mr. Jenkins had been a faithful and reliable member of the board of directors of
this bank since I899 and vice-president since I9o6. His counsel was always asked and
highly prized and his judgment hvid in high esteem. He was a fine Christian gentleman, charitable, loving and kind; as a citizen his sterling worth and example was ever
deemed commenidable and worthy of emulation. We cannot but feel how inadequate
are words to express our loss of Mr. Robert Jenkins, Jr., who has lived the years
allotted to him here below well and has done good in his day and generation until God
called him to a higher sphere. We mourn his absence from our midst. We also feel
the great and irreparable loss his death brings to his beloved and afflicted family to
whom we ten(ier our heartfelt sympathy in this hour of sorrow. As a mark of respect
it is ordered that this tribute to his memory be spread upon the minutes and an
engrossed cop,y be sent to the family of the deceased.
Other men:bers of the Jenkins family are Marion G. and Jennie, living in Pittsburgh; Mary, wife of W. H. Hugus, deceased; and Elizabeth W., wife of Rev. H. L.
McMurray, of previous mention.
JOHN J. ECKFELDT-Three generations of Eckfeldts have served the United
States Government at the Philadelphia Mint; Adam, a mechanical genius, who invented
and installed the early machinery, was assistant coiner under General Washington in
1792, and appointed chief coiner by President Madison in I814; his son, Jacob R.
Eckfeldt, appointed by President Jackson, assayer in April, I865, the week President
Lincoln was assassinated. The history of each of these men is of absorbing interest,
and in its tellirng gcs back to Germany, whence came John Jacob and Maria Magdalena Eckfeldt-, who were married in Nuremberg, Bavaria, in 1764, and shortly after
their marriage came to this country in the ship, "Chance," and settled in Philadelphia.
He was a blacksmith by trade, and in Philadelphia ran a smithy and a general machine
shop.
Adam EckFeldt, son of the founder, was born in Philadelphia, June 15, 1769, and
was taught blacksmithing and machine work by his father, becoming a skilled worker
in metal. He was particularly apt with machinery, and quite noted for his skill. When
the Mint was established in Philadelphia, he was engaged to construct presses and
machinery to bie used in coining. His father had made a coining press which was
exhibited in New York, but Adam built the first screw coining press, and at the old
Seventh Street Mint in Philadelphia that press was long in use. Adam  Eckfeldt's
official connection began January I, I796, when he was appointed assistant coiner by
and with the consent of President Washington. On the death of the chief coiner,
Henry Voight, in I814, Adam Eckfeldt was appointed to that position, and so continued until Ig89, when he resigned, having reached the age of seventy-two. He lived
thirteen years after his resignation, but for many of these years he visited the Mint
daily, being an honored guest whose advice was often sought. He died February 5,
I852, and it is said that there were very few days which did not find him at his desk
in the Mint. Tie was a widely informed man, an authority on some subjects, and an
inventive genius who was enabled to be of great service to his country in the introduction of valuable improvements in minting processes.  He was singularly industrious
and energetic, -wVith a particular fondness for farm and garden. It was this love for the
soil which led him to purchase a farm in Haverford township, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. UJpon his death thp farm  was divided, one hundred and fifty acres on the
308BIOGRAPHICAL
Westchester road becoming the property of his second son, Adam  C. Eckfeldt,. who
resided upon it several years, finally selling it to William Pritchett. The western half
of the farm, onle hundred and sixty-five acres, became the property of his son, Jacob
R. Eckfeldt, and is still owned in the family name. Adam Eckfeldt married Margaretta Bausch. they the parents of Jacob R. Eckfeldt, who succeeded his father in a
Mint position
Jacob R. Eckfeldt was born in Philadelphia, in March, I803, died August 9, I872.
He was educated largely at the Classical Academy of Dr. WVylie and Mr. Engles, and
became deeply interested in physical and mechanical science. He began business life
at the Greiner Cotton Mill of Trenton, New Jersey, as assistant manager, then became
an employee at the United States Mint in Philadelphia, under Mr. Cloud, then melter
and refiner, his duty being to attend the parting room. In the spring of I832, John
Richardson, assayer, became dissatisfied with his position and asked Mr. Eckfeldt tb
qualify to take his place. Later his name was presented to President Jackson, who
appointed Mr. Eckfeldt assayer, April 30, I832. He held that position until his death,
forty years thereafter, and was one of the most Ihighly esteemed men who ever held
the office. Manry improvements in instruments, machines and method, were introduced
during his term., the work of the Mint increasing as the United States increased in
wealth, commerce and population. The discovery of gold increased the work of the
Mint enormously, and no part of the Mint history equals the forty years, 1832-1872,
during which Mr. Eckfeldt served as assayer. His skill and success as an assayer
consisted largely in finding out what was eroneous and applying the proper remedy,
for he was not an inventor, nor a discoverer of new processes. He contrived various
methods of dealing with complex alloys and low grades of gold and silver, introduced
great accuracy and precision, and in the assays carried on a series of special investigations. His skill as assayer and chemist was fully recognized, not only at home but
abroad. He did not take special interest in rare and curious coins, as his father did,
and was not a student of numismatics, yet his taste was cultivated and his appreciation
full. His memnory is yet green around the Mint, and his services impart a dignity and
character to th.e institution.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, but united with Ninth
Street Presbyterian Church, was elected elder, and long held the honor. In later years
he was a menmber and an elder of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, and after moving to his Delaware county estate joined the Maple Presbyterian Church. In I875 he
purchased the property in Haverford township, Delaware county, from the estate of
Joseph Cloud, part of the old Grange, and there he resided until death. In I843 he
was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society, was active in' Sunday
school work, and in the Bible Society, and very charitable. Early in I870, he had a
serious illness, which bhy degrees culminated in a greatly enfeebled state, and on April
26, 1872, he was at the Mint for the last time. On August 9, follQwing, he died.
Jacob R. Eckfecdt married, October I9, I835, Emily M., daughter of Jonathan Levering, of Philadelphia.
Jacob Bausch Eckfeldt, son of Jacob R. and Emily M. (Levering) Eckfeldt,
entered upon hIis work at the United States Mint in the assay department, in April,
I865. After the death of his father in 1872, he was appointed assistant assayer, his
appointment dated October 26, 1872, and made with the approval of President Grant.
After the death of William E. DuBois, assayer, Mr. Eckfeldt was appointed assayer,
December 5, r88I, his appointment coming through President Arthur.  He was the
sixth man to hold the office. His business is to determine just how much precious
metal is in any sample of ore or old metal submitted, his word is final and his stamp
of approval is accepted the world over. Upon his report mines may be valued and
prices set on metal in Wall street or in Europe. He is one of the most highly recognized assayers in the country, and the foremost treatises on gold and silver assaying
309OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
have frequent footnotes referring to his work. On May I5, I915, at his home in
Ambler, Pennsylvania, Mr. Eckfeldt was surprised by a party consisting of Mint
officials, and employes of his own department, who thus celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the receipt of his first pay check from the Government, received May I5,
I865, his service having begun a month earlier. It is a matter of pride that all three
of these Mint officials, Eckfeldt by name, grandfather, father and son, were born in
Philadelphia, and their long years of service equals,four generations.  One of the
speakers at the "party" declared that "such loyalty to a job is unique, save among the
emperors and kings." The friends were gathered about a tablle where, if tradition is
true, President WAashington sat and talked with Adam  Eckfeldt, his coiner, in I793.
There were the various commissioners issued by the different Presidents and relics
from the Old Seventh Street Mint, the first mint in the United States. Mr. Eckfeldt
is fond of automobiling and photography, these being his recreations. He married
Jeanette Rose Latch.
John Jacolt Eckfeldt, second son of Jacob Bausch and Jeanette Rose (Latch)
Eckfeldt, was born at Plymouth Valley, near Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, November
30, I877. He iwas educated in the public school, finishing as valedictorian of the class
of I894, at Conshohocken High School. He then entered Lehigh University, South
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated, an honor man, June I5, I898. A
position was awaiting him as a mechanical engineer with Dravo Brothers, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and that position he filled until I902. He then transferred his
allegiance to the Latrobe Steel Company at Latrobe, serving in similar capacity. That
company, now -he Railway Street Spring Company, retained Mr. Eckfeldt at Latrobe
until May, I9I6, when he was transferred to the company's plant at Chicago Heights,
Illinois, he then becoming superintendent of the entire plant, his present position. The
painstaking quiality of his work has always been most satisfactory, while his fidelity to
every obligation. and the efficient, thorough. manner in which every duty is performed
stamps him as a man in whom his employers may with safety confide. The position he
holds is a most important one, but he has proved the measure of his ability, and the
great plant of the company at Chicago Heights is under his superintendency. He
possesses the mechanical sense of his forbears and an inherited power to analyze, direct
and control. He has won his place in the manufacturing world on his own merits, and
with his youth. enthusiasm and ability will go far.
Mr. Eckfeldt married, January I6, I9o8, Emma Berlin McMurray, daughter of
Rev. Humphrey L. and Elizabeth W. (Jenkins) McMurray, of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Eckfeldt are the parents of a daughter, Dorothy Johnson, born
October I2, I9T3.
WILLIAM A. PEARCE-William A. Pearce, general manager and one of the
principal own-rs of the great Harmony Woolen Mills, is, without doubt, one of the
most prominent figures in the business world of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and of Westmoreland county generally. The Harmony Woolen Mills is well known all over the
United States, and is one of the oldest concerns of its kind in the State of Pennsylvania
and quite the oldest in the western half of the State. It was founded as early as the
year I8O4 by the Harmony Society, and since that time has enjoyed a most remarkable
career of success and prosperity and a continual growth to the present time, or during
a period of more than a hundred years. The product of this plant consists of all
manner of woolen goods, such as blankets, automobile and steamer rugs and dress
goods of all kinds, all having an enviable reputation in the woolen markets of the
country and are regarded as setting a standard for the trade.
Born at Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, William A. Pearce is a son of
John and Amelia (Douglas) Pearce, and a grandson of Richard and Susan (Austin)
3IOBIOGRAPHICAL
Pearce. Richard Pearce was a native of England, born in the latter part of the
eighteenth century, and from where he set sail for the United States in the year I820.
In the following year he returned to his native land to bring his family back to the new
home he had established in America. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom John Pearce, the father of William A. Pearce, was the ninth.
John Pearce was born after the coming of his parents to this country, March 26,
I83I, at Wexford, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. In I864 he removed to Harmony,
Pennsylvania, Axhere he was closely identified with the industrial development of the
town and later became one of the owners of the great woolen mills that was even then
an old concern. After this he devoted the remainder of his life to the woolen business,
and was one of the well-known figures in the western part of Pennsylvania. He married Amelia Douglas, a daughter of Michael and Barbara (Shearer) Douglas, the
former of Scotch and the latter of German parentage. Michael Douglas was a son of
John and Janet (Boyd) Douglas, who were natives of Scotland, and who died on the
voyage to this country, leaving Michael and a younger brother orphans. The two
children were separated and were adopted, the one by an English and the other by a
German family. They did not thereafter meet until they had grown to manhood and
when they did they were unable to converse with one another because of different languages. Both the Pearce and Douglas families are noted for the longevity of their
members, the average age of both, during the past three generations, exceeding eighty
years. Mrs. John Pearce was born May I9, I835, and still survives at Greenville,
Pennsylvania, being now in her eighty-first year. Of the family of nine children of
which she is a member, two others still survive; a sister, born in I828, and a brother
born in I832. The youngest of these children died at the age of sixty and the eldest at
the age of nineiy-three years, five months, eighteen days. John and Amelia (Douglas)
Pearce were thte parents of three children, as follows: Walter D., now a resident of
Junction City, Kansas; Anna L.; and William A., of whom further.
The birth of William A. Pearce occurred January I8, I865, and he passed the
early years of his life in his native town of Harmony. There he received the early
portion of his education at the local schools and at the Harmony Collegiate Institute,
and after his graduation from the latter institution, he came to Pittsburgh and took
a course in Duff's Commercial College there. His business life began with a position
as bookkeeper in the Harmony Woolen Mills, of which his father was then one of
the owners, ane with which his association has been unbroken to the present time. He
was rapidly promoted to more responsible positions and proved himself to be possessed of unusual business talent and ability. In the year I885 the Harmony Mills
were removed to the town of Greenville, Pennsylvania, and four years later Mr. Pearce
was chosen nmanager and secured a one-fourth interest in the concern. In I904 the
company's plant at Greenville was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Pearce came to Latrobe
to take charge of the mills at that point. He has continued to make Latrobe his home
up.to the present time, and has become closely identified with its general life and
affairs. He is now one of the principal stockholders and a director of the concern, and
its present large development is due in no small degree to his business genius.
Mr. Pearce is very active in the general affairs of Latrobe and occupies a conspicuous position in the community. He is a staunch Republican in politics, but has never
sought the public office for which his abilities so eminently fit him. He is a prominent
Free Mason and belongs to all the local bodies connected with this order up to and
including the Greenville Commandery, No. 67, Knights Templar, and is a past officer
in Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. Both he and his family are members of
the Lutheran church of Latrobe, and he is active in the work of the church. He is a
liberal subscriber to every movement undertaken for the relief of the poor and for any
other object involving the common weal, and he is a devoted advocate of all kinds of
outdoor sports and himself an athlete.
3IIOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
On May 3t, I887, Mr. Pearce was united in marriage with Jessie Ash, a daughter of Joseph and Susan (White) Ash, of Evans City, Butler county, Pennsylvania.
Joseph Ash is a son of Sylvester and Martha (Boggs) Ash, both natives of Pennsylvania, and a grandson of Joseph and Sarah Ash, the former having been the first
"pony express" driver west of the Allegheny mountains. On one of his trips into the
then uncharted wilderness he was captured by Indians and subjected to torture, but
was afterwards released. Mr. and Mrs. Pearce are the parents of five children, as follows: Harry A., a resident of Panama, where he follows the profession of civil engineering, was employed on the canal construction and is now engaged in a contracting
business; Jose-ph J., assistant superintendent of the Harmony Woolen Mills; Vernon
B., a student ill the Ohio Northern University; Wilbur D., a graduate of the Pennsylvania State College of Agriculture, and now engaged in scientific farming at Milford, Delaware; Blanche L., a student at Beaver College, at Beaver, Pennsylvania.
DOTY GUTHRIE-Doty Guthrie, a prominent citizen of New Alexandria, and
one who by )many services to the community has won the respect and esteem of his
fellow-townsnmen, comes of old stock in this country, the original Guthrie having
landed in Wilmington, Delaware,' in I797. He settled and lived in Franklin county,
Pennsylvania, for three years, and then decided to move to Westmoreland county.
This he did in T8oo, and purchased a farm in Derry township, and here his son, John
Guthrie, was born.
The property acquired by this first Guthrie has remained in the possession of the
family for more than one hundred years. It was sold by Doty Guthrie, the son of
John Guthrie, to the Alexandria Coal Company. John Guthrie was brought up and
received his education in Derry township, and here he followed the occupation of farming all his life. In his political convictions he was a Democrat, and he was an attendant of the Presbyterian church. He was a school director for twenty-five years. He
was a captain of a militia company, and also served as a lieutenant for a term in a
cavalry company of the militia. He married (first) March 26, I844, Abigail Doty, an
account of whose family follows. Mrs. Guthrie died after fifteen months of married
life, and Mr. Guthrie married (second) in I854, Mary Kenney. There were no children of this marriage; she died in I876.
Doty Guthrie, son of John and Abigail (Doty) Guthrie, was born in June, I845,
and was educated in the township schools. After he was through school, he took up
farming on his father's farm and continued there until I8go. He then removed to an
adjoining farm, where he remained until I907, and at that time moved to his present
home in New Alexandria. Mr. Guthrie was as much interested in school work as his
father, who had served the township for twenty-five years as a director. He took up
the work when his father gave it up and was elected on the board in I876, and served
until I907, resigning when he moved to New Alexandria. He served continuously
except for a period of about three and a half years. When he moved to New Alexandria he was after three years elected a school director for a term of two years and
a term of six years. He is the president of' the New Alexandria National Bank, and
has been since its organization, March I5, I903. The capital stock is $25,000. He is
connected with the Union Mutual Insurance Company, being one of the managers, and
fourteen years ago was elected the president and adjuster of the company. He is a
member of the Presbyterian church and was elected a trustee in I876, and has also
been a member of session for the past eight years.
Mr. Guthrie married, June 5, I873, Hannah Rachel Peoples, born in Ligonier,
Pennsylvania, August 22, 1853, daughter of Joseph and Jemina (Bigelow) Peoples.
They have had three children: I. John M., born August 7, I875, married Matilda
Reed, of Mercer county. They were both students at Grove City College, and they
312BIOGRAPHICAL
live in Grove C.ty, where Mr. Guthrie is in the shoe business. 2. Margaret Ella, born
August 28, 1879, married, September 19, 90o6, Samuel C. Steele, who is cashier of the
Homer City Bank. Their children are: Guthrie, born September 20, 9go8; Robert,
born May 28, 1912. 3. Abigail Jane, born April 27, 1884.
(The Doty Line).
There is much doubt in connection with the origin of this name which was one of
the first to come from England to the New England colonies, the progenitor of the
family, Edward Doty, having sailed on the first trip of the famous "Mayflower" and
landed with the Pilgrim fathers at Plymouth. We have a record of him in the appendix attached to the very interesting history of Plymouth plantation, written by Governor William Bradford, the second Governor of the Plymouth Colony, who succeeded
Governor Carver in I62I, the work being completed by him in 650o. We find in this
appendix a list of the passengers of the "Mayflower," which begins thus:
"The names of those who came over first in ye year I62o, and were by the blessing
of God the first beginners and (in a sort), the foundation of all the Plantations and
Colonies in New England: and their families."  In the list which follows occurs the
following entry: "Mr. Steven Hopkins and Elizabeth, his wife and 2 children caled,
Giles and Constanta, a doughter, both by a former wife; and 2 more by this wife,
caled Damaris and Oceanus: the last borne at sea; and 2 servants caled Edward Doty
and Edward Litster." There is reason to believe that this same Edward Doty had
been an apprentice or servant in the family of a London tanner for possibly as much
as seven years before his emigration to America and he certainly was a young man at
the time he came here. In spite of this fact, however, there is very little evidence to
show the place cf his birth. The name is one not found elsewhere in England, either
in the contemporary histories and records of that time, nor yet to-day. We have
indeed what might first appear to be modifications of the name in such forms as
Doughty and Dotten and in those days there were several immigrants of the names
Doughtys and Dottens of English origin in the New England colony. Careful search,
however, fails to reveal any relationship between these and Edward Doty, so there is
a strong presumption in favor of its having other than an English origin. According
to Ethan Allen Doty, who has compiled a very complete record of the family in this
country, there is strong supporting evidence of this view in the fact that the original
ancestor appears to have been a man of quick and even violent temper who was by no
means infrequently in trouble with the authorities, a fact that he believes to be indicative of a warmer and more Southern blood. In this country the name for a considerable period of time is indifferently spelled as Doty or Doten, but it is probable and
indeed almost certain that the latter form is a corruption of the former. It is certain
that in Governor Bradford's history the name is spelled Doty and it seems probable
that such forms as Doten, Doton, and Dotin were brought about by colloquial pronunciations, just as the name Doughty was pronounced and spelled Doughten and is
so found in the records of Scituate, Massachusetts. Mr. Doty, the historian, refers
to the authority of Baylie, who in his "Chronicles of Plymouth" states that "The names
of Bompasse, DeLaNoye and Doten are unquestionably of French origin. The same
authority, however, goes on to state that the "persons who originally bore them were
probably admitted into the Plymouth company from among the French Protestant
resident at Leiden. They have been changed by English pronunciation and uses into
Pumpus, Bump. Delano and Doty." This is unquestionably incorrect in the case of
the latter name, however, as there is no doubt at all of his having been a resident of
London before coming to America and to have been originally called Doty. There are
several other theories in regard to this derivation, one of which claims for it a German
origin, but the amount of evidence which can be deduced in favor of any one of them
is decidedly meagre and we can only conjecture whence Edward Doty or his ancestors
3I3BIOGRAPHICAL
Note-After the sketch of Edward H. Bair and family was written and printed,
the sad announcement came that Edward H. Bair, Jr., had been killed in action on
the battle-field in France.
EDWARD H. BAIR, JR.-He was born in Greensburg, on April 9, I895. He
attended school in his native town and had advanced to the sophomore year in the
high school when he entered Mercersburg Academy in the fall of I9I3. The following year he attended the Kiskiminetas Preparatory School, from  which he was
graduated in June, I915. He then entered the Pennsylvania State College and became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (S. A. E.) fraternity. In his second
year (I9I7) he joined the State College Unit, and was accepted as a student in the
First Officers' Training Camp at Fort Niagara. After remaining there eight weeks
he was discharged on account of his youthful appearance and underweight. Anxious
to continue in the service, he retturned home and finally succeeded in being admitted
to the Headquarters Company of the Tenth Regiment of the National Guard of
Pennsylvania, known near and far as the "Fighting Tenth," which was afterward
merged into the One Hundred and Tenth United States Infantry. On S'eptember
7, I917, the regiment left for Camp Hancock, at Augusta, Georgia. While there he
performed detached service as an ord'erly. On April 23 the regiment was moved to
the point of embarkation at Camp Merritt, near New York, and sailed on April 28,
arriving in France on May 17.
Upon entering active service on the battle front, he was continued as an orderly,
and largely on account of his daring and fearless disposition, he was selected as a
runner to drive the only motorcycle with a side car in the regiment. In this side
car it was frequently his duty to carry officers on important missions of service over
the entire battlefield. It is the universal testimony of his officers and comrades that
he was often obliged, to travel at night and to travel without lights., On these missions in a strange country, on several occasions he found himself in "No Man's
Land," and on at least one occasion that we know of, he was lost -and was for two
days and nights without food'before he could again connect up with his regiment.
It will be understood in this connection that the duties of an orderly, or runner, as
he is called, are of great importance, and are necessarily extremely hazardous.
During the second battle of the Marne, the allied forces were on the defensive
and were unable to gauge the strength of the, enemy. On July I7, however, a
strange circumstance occurred, strange indeed as the most marvelous fiction, which
gave the allied forces.indisputable evidence of the punishment they were inflicting
on the enemy, and of the enemy's weakness. This circumstance is best told by Dr.
Francis A. LaViolette, pastor of Queen Ann Methodist Episcopal Church of Seattle,
Washington, who was then with the American forces, doing special Young Men's
Christian Association work. In a letter dated September I4, I918, addressed to the
parents of "Cubby" Bair, as he was commonly called, he says, "On the evening ot
the I7th of July a German carrier pigeon flew into the farm house window where our
regimental headquarters was located, about a mile south of Conde-en-Brie, a short
distance from Chauteau-Thierry. This missive was found on its leg, and when translated from the German read:'We must have more reinforcements if we are to hold
this line.' Immediately the message. was sent up to General Giebold's headquarters,
your son Edward taking the side car with a French lieutenant riding therein. They
brought back the aluminum case, but the General refused to give me the message."
The commanding officers on receiving this information revealing the weakness of
the enemy, at once threw their entire forces against the German lines and forced
them to retreat across the Marne. This was the beginning of our offensive operations in the second battle of the Marne, on the early morning of July I8.
On July 30, the fourth, day's battle of the Orcqu, which was a continuation of
the battle of the Marne, the One Hundred and Tenth Infantry was in the advance
and formed the first line. The Germans were being driven from the hill and covered
2oaOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
originally came. That he arrived with the first company on board the "Mayflower" is
certain, and it is probable that he formed one of the party which volunteered to go. on
land and look for a suitable place for the party to settle. This was rendered necessary
by the damage done to the shalop which was brought on the "Mayflower" to the New
World in order that the Pilgrims could coast in shallow waters while looking for a
place to camp. The shalop was afterwards repaired, however, and was put to its
originally intended use, the party which set forth in it being in the quaint words of
Governor Bradford, as follows:
"So ten o. our men were appointed who were of themselves willing to undertake
it, to wit, Captaine Standish, Maister Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winsloe,
John Tilley, Edward Tilley, John Houland and three of London, Richard Warren,
Steeuen Hopkins and Edward Dotte, and two of our Seaman, John Alderton, and
Thomas English, of the Ship's Company. There were two of the masters mates, Master Clarke and Master Copin, the Master Gunner and three saylers." When after the
final settlement the land was allotted to the various members of the expedition, Edward
Doty undoubtedly shared with the family of his master, Stephen Hopkins, and continued with hiim until the further allottment in 1624. He was one of those who
endured the hardships of the first terrible winter which nearly proved the end of the
little settlement. but he was young and strong and lived through it without any
recorded harm to himself. It has been mentioned that he was frequently in trouble
with the authorities and on one occasion was severely punished for being a participant
in the first duel ever fought in New England, his fellow-servant, Edward Litster or
Leister, as it is also spelled, being his adversary. They were both wounded and were
condemned to be tied feet and head together and to remain so for twenty-four hours
without eat or drink. However, after the first hour, "because of their great pains at
their own and their master's humble request, upon promise of better carriage, they are
released by the Governor." The name of Edward Doty appears very frequently on the
records of the:'olony and by means of them may be traced his gradual rise to a position of prominence and influence in Plymouth. He married, probably as his second
wife, Faith Clarke, and they were the parents of the following children, all born. at
Plymouth:  Edward, born probably about 1637; John, born 1639-40; Thomas, born
probably 1641: Samuel, mentioned below; D'esire, born 1645; Elizabeth, born probaably 1647; Isaac, born February 8, 1648-49; Joseph, born April 30, I65I; and Mary,
born probably T653.
Samuel Doty, the fourth son and child of Edward and Faith (Clarke) Doty, was
born at Plymouth on the High Cliff, probably in I643. He was the ancestor of one of
the largest and most important branches of the Doty family, which, in his person,
originated in the State of New Jersey and which has sent its members forth into many
parts of the South and West as pioneers. We find his name mentioned first in the
Plymouth records as of the date of January I, 1667-68, where he is spoken of as one
of a coroner's 3ury, who held an inquest on a child found dead in the woods. His
name is there spelled Samuel Doten, but on July i6, I668, he is mentioned as Samuel
Dotey, of Eastham, in the government of New Plymouth. His name is mentioned
quite frequently during the years between these dates and October 29, 1669, but then
cease abruptly, and the next we find him he is a resident in the town of Piscataway,
Middlesex county, New Jersey, where in 1675 he was commissioned lieutenant of the
military compatiy of New Piscataway, of which Francis Drake was captain, his
commission being renewed in I678. The village of Piscataway is situated about two
miles east of New Brunswick, and was at that time a far more important place than
it is to-day, being one of the flourishing settlements of the State, where the Governor
and Council frcquently met to enact laws and hold general court. In I678 Samuel Doty
was licensed to marry Jane Harmon, also of Piscataway, and in I682 his name appears
in a list of freeholders. He seems to have prospered greatly from this time on, and his
314BIOGRAPHICAL
name frequently appears as the purchaser of properties in and about Piscataway. He
was one of the first members of the first congregation of Seventh Day Baptists in New
Jersey, which was founded at Piscataway in the year I700oo. Samuel Doty was married
to Jane Harmon, November 15, i678, and they were the parents of the following children, all of whcom were born at Piscataway, New Jersey: Samuel, August 27, I679;
John, who was probably born about I68o; Sarah, March 2, I681-82; Isaac, August I2,
I683; Edward, May I4, I685; James, September I7, I686; Jonathan, mentioned below;
Benjamin, May 14, I69I; Elizabeth, February 26, I695; Joseph, October 30, I696;
Daniel, March 9, I70I-02; Margaret, March 5, I704-05; Nathaniel, probably about
I707-08.
Jonathan Doty, seventh child and sixth son of Samuel and Jane (Harmon) Doty,
was born February 24, I687-88, at Piscataway, New Jersey. There is an interesting
entry concerning him on March 25, I7I7, as follows:
"The marks of Samuel Doty are now the marks of his ongly son, Jonathan Doty,"
these marks referring to the brand which he placed upon his cattle to distinguish them
from others. What is meant by the expression "his ongly son" is decidedly. mysterious,
since he was certainly far from being his father's only son, nor was he the only one
residing at Piscataway at that time. He was probably the first of the family to settle
in that beautiful and fertile region of New Jersey known as Basking Ridge, in Somerset county, and here he was accompanied by his own children and so many of his
nephews that the town appears to have been little more than a family settlement.
Among the papers of Lord Sterling we find among the earliest leases recorded one of
the date of August I6, 1739, to Jonathan Doty, of Somerset county, one hundred and
fifty acres at Basking Ridge, on the east side of Dead river. The name is spelled in
the body of the lease, Doughty, but it is signed Jonathan Doty. There is little else
found concerning him on the records, but we know that his children were all prosperous and that at a later date they all possessed comfortable and fertile farms at Basking
Ridge. It is curious that there is neither record nor any family tradition throwing
light on the name of his wife, especially as she bore him eight children, as follows:
William, born at Piscataway, September II, I719; Jonathan, mentioned below; Daniel,
about whom there is very little information, but who was probably born about I727;
Joshua, born about I730, probably at Basking Ridge; Joseph, born about I735, probaably at Basking Ridge; Mary;- Jane, registered of the first town of Morristown, New
Jersey, recalling her marriage on October 21, 1747, to John Johnson.
Jonathan (2) Doty, son of Jonathan (I) Doty, was born at Piscataway, New
Jersey, probably about I724. He removed with his father to Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and there lived during his entire life. Like most of, the other members of his
family, he became a farmer, and though there are not many records concerning him,
there is enough to show that he was a man of sterling character and thrifty and industrious habits and that he prospered highly.during his life. Either he or his son Jonathan was a teamster in Captain Asabel Hinman's team brigade of New Jersey in the
Revolutionary War. He married, at Basking Ridge, Patience Sutton, and they were
the parents of the following children: Jonathan, mentioned below; Zebulon, born
about I758, at Basking Ridge; Nathaniel, born October I9, I76I, at Basking Ridge;
Joseph, born August 3I, I764, at Basking Ridge; William, born October 8, I767, at
Basking Ridge; and Rebecca, born at Basking Ridge, probably about I770, and became
the wife of        Kennan, or Cannan, and removed with her husband to Pennsylvania and probably settled in Westmoreland county in that State.
Jonathan (3) Doty, son of Jonathan (2) and Patience (Sutton) Doty, was born
about I754, at Basking Ridge, New Jersey. He was the first of the name to cothe to
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and settled in this region shortly after the close
of the Revolutionary War, probably in the year I784. He located in the town of
Derry and here his children were born. Later, however, he removed to Blairsville,
315OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
where he lived until his death, which occurred at the venerable age of ninety-six years,
about I850. While living at Derry, Jonathan Doty operated a large and successful
farm and in addition to this kept a tavern, which apparently paid him well, as he
became one of the wealthy members of the community and acquired a very consider-'able property there. In later years he became an exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and during his entire life was highly regarded for his probity and virtue. Jonathan Doty was twice married, his first wife he was united to, probably in New Jersey,
being Abigail McPherson, or, as her name was sometimes written McFarson. She
died at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, about I813, and he married (second)'there, Mrs.
Nancy Simpson Dixon, widow of Samuel Dixon, her maiden name having been Simpson. The children of Jonathan Doty by his first wife were as follows: Jonathan,
born about I78o, probably in New Jersey; John, born' about I783, probably in New
Jersey; Robert, born about I785, probably at Derry, Pennsylvania; Betsey, born about
I787, at Derry, Pennsylvania; Nathaniel, mentioned below; and Gillis, born I795, at
Derry.
Nathaniel Doty, son of Jonathan (3) and Abigail (McPherson) Doty, was born
in the year I789, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.  He became a prominent
man in the community, and followed the occupation of farming during practically his
entire life. He married, in Westmoreland county, February Io, I814, Margaret Reed,
born July I6, I793, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Charlton) Reed. They lived
in Westmoreland county until the times of their deaths, which were, respectively, February I3, I844, and November 26, I867. They were the parents of the following children, all of whom were born in Westmoreland county: Betsey, born November I8,
I814, became the wife of Robert Gilson, and died November 7,. I834, without issue;
Abigail, mentioned below; William, born January 22, I8I9, married, in I848, Rebecca
Sloan, removed with his wife to Jewell Center, Kansas, where he engaged in the hardware business as a member of the firm of Doty Brothers  Company; Jonathan, born
March 27, I82I; Nancy, born November 29, I823, married, in I844, Daniel Simons,
died July 6, I863, without issue; Mary, born May Io, I826, died, unmarried, November 2, 1854; McQuade, born March I2, I83I; Martha Jane, born June 20, I834.
Abigail Doty, daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret (Reed) Doty, was born October Io, I8i6, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Her childhood was spent in her
native place and she there gained her education at the local school. She married,
March 26, I844, at New Derry, Pennsylvania, John Guthrie, who is mentioned above,
and in course of time became the mother of Doty Guthrie, with whose career we are
here especially concerned.
HERBERT KEENE SHAFFER-Among those who have come recently to
New Kensington and there begun the practice of the law, Herbert Keene Shaffer is
one of the most prominent and successful, and there seems every reason to prophecy
for him a most brilliant future, since even in the short period of his residence at New
Kensington, he has already established himself in the regard of the community and
made a reputation as a most learned and capable attorney.
Born May 2I, I873, at Mount Union, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Shaffer is a son of Henry Edmund and Anna Viola (Keene) Shaffer. The elder Mr.
Shaffer was an eminent attorney both in his native State and in Kansas, whither he
moved later in life. While still a resident of Mount Union, he was well known as a
newspaper man, and during his residence in the Western State was nominated by the
Republicans for district judge. He declined this honor, however, as his private practice was far more lucrative than any public office could have been. Eventually he
returned to Pennsylvania and took up the practice of the law at New Kensington,
where his death occurred February I8, I9I3. He was married to Anna Viola Keene
3i6BIOGRAPHICAL
at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she being a native of Milesburg, Center county, Pennsylvania, born March 30, 1847. They were the parents of three children, two of whom
died in infancy, Herbert K. being the only one now living. He was the son of William B. Shaffer, who for many years was a miller in Union county.
Herbert Keene Shaffer spent the early years of his life in his native town of
Mount Union and there attended the local public school. His father removed from
that place to Wilson, Ellsworth county, Kansas, when he was but nine years of age,
and here the boy continued his education and prepared himself for college. In I889 he
entered the Kansas Wesleyan University, and after leaving this institution took up the
study of law in his father's office. He pursued these studies to such good purpose that
he was admitted to the Kansas bar, May I, 1894. His instruction in the law, however,
had been mainly from the point of view of a Pennsylvania attorney and it was with
the laws of this State rather than that of Kansas that he was familiar. Accordingly,
in the month of August, I894, he left Kansas and returned to the more eastern State,
where he established himself in the practice of his profession in I895 in Kane county.
It was on September 4, I895, that he was admitted to the bar of this county and he
there continued to practice for fifteen years, removing in I9IO to Mount Union, where
he had been born and where he had formed his early associations. In the month of
October, 1912, however, he came to New Kensington and opened a law office at No.
934 Fourth avenue. In New Kensington he and his father began practice together, and
since the elder man's death in 1913 Mr. Shaffer has continued to conduct the large legal
business built up-by them on his own account. Mr. Shaffer is a staunch supporter of
the Republican party, its principles and policies, but he does not aspire to office, preferring to devote his entire attention to the profession which he had made his career.
In his religious belief Mr. Shaffer is a Presbyterian and attends the church of that
denomination' at New Kensington.  Mr. Shaffer was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county in 1912, and he is also a member oaf the bar of Huntingdon, Warren,
Forest, Elk and McKean counties, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to practice before
the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, October 22, 1900; of the Circuit Court of the
United States at Pittsburgh, March 3, 1902, and of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, October 28, 19o2.
Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage, July 2, 1907, at Bradford., McKean county,
Pennsylvania, with Martha D. Philliber, a native of Jefferson county, and a daughter of
Robert Thompson and Mary Elliott (Gourley) Philliber. Robert Thompson Philliber
was born February 28, I833, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of
John Philliber, a prominent figure in Westmoreland county in the early days. Robert
T Philliber died November 12, I908, at the age of seventy-five years.
MARTIN GROFF DENLINGER-Of Lancaster county birth, Martin G. Denlinger, president of the New Kensington Commercial College, spent the years of his
minority in his native city, but upon becoming of age and into possession of his inheritance at once went to Dixon, Illinois, where he greatly added to the intellectual equipment and prepared more satisfactorily for his proper position in life. He is of the
well-known Lancaster county family, the title to the homestead in East Lampeter having been granted to a Denlinger prior to the Revolution. Abraham Denlinger, born
July 21, 1785, died March 6, 1836, and inherited title from his father for seventy-two
acres of the fertile soil of Lampeter township. He married Anna Landis and they
were the parents of five children: Mary, born November 26, I8o8, died June 14, I863,
married John Kreider; Elizabeth, twin with Mary, married Tobias Leaman, and died
in her seventy-eighth year; Martin, of further mention; Benjamin, born August 6,
I814, died August 27, I888; Barbara, born November 26, 1824, died September 8, I844,
married Daniel Kreider.
317OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Martin Denlinger was born at the homestead in East Lampeter township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 30, I812. He was a farmer all his life, inheriting the
homestead to which he brought his bride, Barbara Johns, and there died February 5,
I879. They were the parents of three children: A daughter who married Rev. John
Landis, a minister of the Mennonite church; Abraham, who died April 25, I850, in his
seventeenth year; and Martin (2), of further mention.
Martin (2) Denlinger was born at the East Lampeter farm in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, and there passed his brief life of thirty-nine years, ten months and one
day. He married Anna Groff, daughter of David and             (Buckwalter) Groff.
They were the parents of eleven children, the youngest but six weeks old when the
father died. One of these children, Mary, died in her eighth year, the others all living
to maturity: Emma, married Samuel Herr; Barbara, married John Denlinger; Elizabeth, never married; Anna, married John Simmerman; Elam, married a Miss Burkholder, now a widower; David, of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, a school teacher all his
life, married Elizabeth Dissler; Martin Groff, of further mention; Salinda, married
Jason Ranck; Abraham, married a Miss Houser, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and
resides in Philadelphia; Ida, married Reuben Buckwalter. The mother of these children is yet living, nearing her eightieth year.
Martin Groff Denlinger was born at Lampeter, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
February 29, 1872. He was four years old when his father died, the family then
breaking up, the children going to the care of relatives. Martin G. with his older
sister, Anna, became inmates in the home of Rev. John L. Landis, a Mennonite minister, pastor of the Mellinger church, near Lancaster, and Stumptown, in Lancaster
county. Martin G. Denlinger attended pub,lic school until fourteen years of age, his
first teacher being Miss Sarah Hand. During vacation periods he was employed on
his uncle's farm, and until he was twenty-one there remained. In 1893 he came into
possession of his inheritance, and at once left Lancaster county and went to Dixon,
Illinois, and at Northern Illinois College of Law took special courses of study in connection with the law course. After completing his studies he received a license to
practice law from the clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court, J. O. Chance, and at once
entered the law office of Attorney Truesdale, at Dixon, as stenographer, and law clerk,
there remaining part of the year. He did not enjoy law work and returned as traveling salesman for a publishing house in Chicago, selling in the States of Pennsylvania,
Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. He continued as salesman four years, then
bought the Lebanon Business College at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and for nine years
was the successful manager and head of that institution located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. After the sale of his interest in the same, he removed to Pittsburgh, and
for five years engaged in commercial pursuits. At the end of that period he was for
two years engaged in business in Youngstown, Ohio, then returned to Pittsburgh,
representing the Park Institute of Pittsburgh for one year, following that being
employed for two years again in commercial lines. In February, I917, he located in
New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and became, by purchase, owner of the New Kensington Commercial School. The school at that time was but poorly attended, having but
fourteen students in the day classes and eighteen night students. The growth has been
rapid and most satisfactory, the parent school at New Kensington, and a branch school
at Tarentum, Allegheny county, having an enrollment of three hundred students. The
school is an incorporated body, Martin G. Denlinger, president. The Tarentum branch
was opened in September, I917, and is a splendid addition to the educational advantage
of that borough. While in Illinois, Mr. Denlinger became a member of the Masonic
order, belonging to Friendship Lodge, No. 7, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Dixon, and there was granted the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry. After acquiring
residence in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the Templar degrees were conferred upon him
by Hermit Commandery, No. 56, and later he was made a Noble of the Mystic Shrine
3i8BIOGRAPHICAL
by Rajah Temple, of Reading. He is a Republican in politics, and an Episcopalian in
religious faith.
Mr. Denlinger married (first) in September, I897, Edith Cork, of Mapleton,
Iowa, and to this union one child, Leslie Anna May, was born. Mr. Denlinger married (second) at Cross Creek, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 8, I912,
Nettie Pearl Hindman, daughter o,f Thomas and Hannah Hindman.
ROBERT F. SMITH--Robert F. Smith, proprietor of the business of Smith,
Hough  Company, and one of the most active merchants and industrial leaders of
Smithton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member of a very old family, which
for many generations has resided in this part of the State. The progenitor of the
family was John Smith, Mr. Smith's great-great-grandfather, who was a man of business in Philadelphia and who, in I798, purchased some twenty-two or twenty-three
hundred acres of land in South Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, which
was at that time little more than a wilderness. His wife before her marriage was
Brandina Updegroft. John Smith died in Philadelphia.
Joseph Smith, one of the sons of John and Brandina (Updegroft) Smith, was
sent by his father to South Huntingdon township to care for the latter's large property
there. Upon his expedition into the wilds of Western Pennsylvania he was accompanied by his father-in-law, Henry Rhodes, and his family. On this property was
already standing an old log house, which had been built by Colonel Hayes, one of the
pioneers of the region, and a member of the Colonial Legislature, and this building
remains in existence to-day and is probably one of the oldest houses in the county,
being still in a fair state o.f preservation. In the year i8oi or I8o2, Joseph Smith built
on his father's property a grist mill, which was one of the first buildings in that region
to be constructed of stone and which for many years served as a landmark there.
After his father's death he inherited the estate purchased by the elder man and became
himself a figure of influence in the community. In the year I833 he was appointed
justice of the peace by Governor George Wolf, to serve during life for good behavior
in that oiffice. He married Mary Rhodes, a daughter of Henry Rhodes, above referred
to, and they were the parents of several children. The death of Joseph Smith occurred
in 1852, at the venerable age of eighty-four.
Samuel Smith, son of Joseph and Mary (Rhodes) Smith,. was born in W\estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year I802, and grew up on the family estate. Upon
reaching manhood he took charge of the milling business which had been established
there by his father, and made this his lifelong occupation. He married Jane Hanna,
who bore him seven children, four of whom survive to a great age, as follows: Julia
Ann, who became the wife of J. B. Hough, of Smithton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; George, who made his home in that town; Joseph, mentioned below; and
Margaret J., who became the wife of Michael Silsley, of West Newton. The death
of Samuel Smith occurred in the year I870, when sixty-eight years of age.
Joseph Smith, son of Samuel and Jane (Hanna) Smith, was born January 26,
I837, at what was then known as Smith's Mills, now Smithton. Here he attended the
common schools for his education, and afterwards took a mercantile course at Duff's
Business College in Pittsburgh. Even as a boy he had worked in the mill with his
father and acquired a thorough knowledge of the milling business, so that when his
father retired several years prior to his death, Mr. Smith assumed the entire management of this large and successful enterprise., Later, however, he gave up the milling
business and was for some years connected with his brother in the mercantile business
in Smithton. Still later he took charge of the grain warehouse of William Welsh 
Company, and when the latter sold out to D. H. Williams, Mr. Smith retained his
position with the latter. His connection with the two firms covered a period of between
319OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ten and twelve years. In the meantime Mr. Smith had come to occupy a very important place in the general affairs of the community, and in the year I882 he was elected
to the State Legislature and served in the memorable session of I883 which lasted during an entire year. After the expiration of his term in this body, he returned home and
for a number of years was variously employed,, but in I892 was elected justice of the
peace, in which office he has since served continuously. Mr. Smith has always been
a Democrat in politics and was very actively identified with the local organization of
this party for a number of years. In his religious belief he is a Universalist and
attends the church of that denomination at Smithton. Mr. Smith married, in i868,
Debbie A. Francis, of Bethany, Pennsylvania, and of this union eight children were
born, six of whom are living as follows: Robert F., mentioned below; Leonora, who
became the wife of Albert G. Lynn; Jessie, who resides with her father at home; William W., who also resides at home; Margaret and John C.
Born June Io, I869, on the old family estate in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Robert F. Smith passed his childhood and early youth and grew to a sturdy.
young manhood in his native place. He received his education at the local public
schools, and later took a commercial course in Scio College, Scio, Ohio, and subsequently became interested in the milling business at Smithton. In this place there had
been erected by Jacob R. Houg'h, in the year I896, a frame flour and feed mill and
this property was purchased from him in the year I9oo by David H. Smith and Robert
F. Smith, and in the year I9II the latter became sole owner, his partner, David H.
Smith, having gone to California, where his death occurred October 24, ig9I6, at San
Francisco. In the mill there is a fifty-barrel roller process with a capacity of five hundred bushels. Winter wheat is used for the making of flour here and here is turned
out the famous Surprise brand of flour. The mill represents an investment of some
fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Smith was assistant postmaster of Smithton, under William
McCune, who succeeded his father, Joseph Smith, as postmaster. Mr. Smith is a
prominent figure in the social and fraternal life of the community, and is a particularly
active figure in the Masonic order, in which he has reached the thirty-second degree of
Free Masonry. He is affiliated with all the Masonic bodies in this region, including
Lodge. No. 252, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Fayette City; Uniontown
Lodge of Perfection, and Pittsburgh Consistory.
Robert F. Smith was united in marriage, October 21, 1894, with Lucy M. Hough,
a daughter of Jacob R. Hough, from whom Mr. Smith purchased his mill. Of this
union four children were born, as follows: Sue Frances, a graduate of Carnegie
Technical College, and now a chemist in the Westinghouse Laboratory in East Pittsburgh; Ora Dale, a graduate of the West Newton High School, and now a student
at Drexel University in Philadelphia; Robert H., a graduate of the West Newton
High School; Thomas Harlow, attending school.
RALPH D. HURST-Ralph D. Hurst, attorney-at-law and prominent citizen of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a native of Westmoreland county, and a son of James
Brownson and Elizabeth (Crouse) Hurst, for many years well-known residents in
these parts. Ralph D. Hurst was born in Mount Pleasant, this county, March 7,
I879. He was educated at the local public schools of Mount Pleasant, attended the
Western Pennsylvania Institute at Mount Pleasant, and had by the time of his graduation from this institution, which occurred in the year I895, determined upon the law
as a profession. He read law in the offices of McCurdy  Cunningham, prominent
attorneys of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to practice at the bar of
Westmoreland county in 900oo, when twenty-one years of age. He served this county
in the capacity of an assistant district attorney for six years next following his admission to the bar. He was successful and made a prominent place for himself among hi.
320BIOGRAPHICAL
32I
professional colleagues. Mr. Hurst has interested himself in the general welfare of his
profession, has been active in the work of the Westmoreland Law Association and has
held the office of secretary of the organization for the past ten years.
Mr. Hurst has always been an ardent Republican and for many years has been
considered a leader in county politics. He never sought office for himself, but has long
since been a factor in securing votes for others who were candidates. When Mr. H.
M. Kephart was elected to the office of State Treasurer in Harrisburg he announced
the position of corporation attorney would go to the western part of the State, and
Westmoreland being the most prominent county outside Allegheny, it was decided that
the honor should come to it. When this was known there were scarcely two opinions
as to which of the young attorneys from the Westmoreland bar should be appointed.
The appointment was accordingly given to Mr. Hurst and he began the duties of his
office in September, I9I7.'He is a prominent Free Mason and is a member of Pennsylvania Consistory and Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He is a direct descendant of Nathaniel Hurst, the founder of the family in Pennsylvania, who came here- from Virginia in pioneer days, and was one of the first settlers in the county. He was the first to reside on what has been known for many, many
years as the "Hurst Settlement," in Mount Pleasant township.
Mr. Hurst's father, James Brownson Hurst, was born in the county. He engaged
in the railroad business and became associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a division foreman and this work he followed during the remainder of his life.
He made his home at Mount Pleasant, was active in the affairs of that town, and a
prominent Republican. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active
Free Mason. He married Elizabeth Crouse, by whom he had seven children, as follows: Hattie, deceased; Robert C., deceased; Ralph D., whose career has formed
the subject matter of this sketch; Mary, who became the wife of Joseph Vogel, of
Erie, Pennsylvania; Nellie G., who became the wife of James Bridges, of Franklin,
Pennsylvania; Warren C., now residing at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and James B.,
who resides with his mother.
IRA  LEE COCHRAN, D. D. S.-Ira Lee Cochran, D. D. S., has been for
many years one of the principal figures in the life of Irwin, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, where, besides being one of the leading dentists of the place, he has
taken part in almost all the important movements and undertakings which have
occurred in that active place. His family came originally from North Carolina, where
his father was born and where his grandfather lived for many years. Both father and
grandfather were named Robert John Cochran, and the older man was a surgeon in
the Confederate army during the Civil War. Robert John Cochran, Jr., while still a
mere youth, came north and settled in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, where he spent
a number of years. He engaged there in a mercantile business and was highly successful in same. It was in Armstrong county that he married Angeline Fleming, and at
that period they removed to Pittsburgh, which continued to be their home for two
years, then moved to Armstrong county. Mr. Cochran died in Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, in I882. His wife died at the home of her son in Irwin, November 25,
I916.
It was at Pittsburgh, January 25, I873, that Ira Lee Cochran was born. At the
age of one year his parents returned to Armstrong county. While a boy he attended
the public schools of Armstrong county, and having completed his studies in these
institutions, entered the Slippery Rock Normal School. It was his intention at this
time to follow the profession of teaching, and hence the choice of school. He was
naturally an excellent student and left a fine record behind him in the Slippery Rock
W-21OLD AND NEW WESTMOREI,AND
their retreat by shelling our entire field. It was during their retreat and the terrible
shelling on the part of the Germans, about 3.30 p. m., that Edward H. Bair, Jr., was
killed at or near the village of Courmont. The story of his death cannot be better told
than by quoting from a letter written to his parents by Captain Charles Schall, chaplain of the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment and pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg:
* * * The death of your son caused great sadness to his comrades and the deepest personal grief to me, for we were frequently associated in the work of the regiment, and went on missions of service quite often. We came to know each other
intimately, and I was greatly delighted with his splendid qualities. Edward was in
the regimental headquarters building with a number of others, and was killed out-,right. The shell which struck the building was a high explosive of large caliber, aud
wrecked it completely. I was not far away, and rushed up as quicklv as I could.
We recovered the body of your son from the debris, and alongside of him that of
Harrison Null. After preparations were made, we reverently and tenderly buried
these two young Amricans in graves that are side by side and distinctly marked.
* * * You should have the consciousness that Edward was in the place he should
have been. His duties were at regimental headquarters, and I assure you he was
there not out of idle curiosity, or for any other reason than that of duty.
We cannot refrain in this connection from quoting again from Dr. LaViolette's
letter. In it he says:
Ned was more to me than most of the boys. I suppose Hamilton, another
orderly, was killed at the same time. These two boys were very dear friends, and
always did what thev could to make my work easier. The last time I saw Ned was
in the street called Rue St. Martin, in Chauteau-Thierry. He was looking so well,
and I would have passed by if it had not been for his cheery hail. We had a fine
talk, and parted with full expectation of seeing each other again, and with my personal promise to carry to you at Greensburg the message I gave when in vour
city.
A communication from his commanding officer says:
A short ten minutes before the fatal shell struck the regimental headquarters,
I spoke to him about how close the Boche were getting to us. He smiled and said,'Yes, Captain, he must be after. us'."
This was his last utterance of which we have any record.
A prominent member of the Westmoreland bar has written of Edward H. Bair,
Jr., and so truly has he pictured him that the author of this sketch sees fit to quote
from his letters as follows:
I knew Ned as I saw him in school and in the young life of the town. He was
one of those boys that you watch with delight, as the purposes of life develop. It
is only the aimless, drifting, dissolute life that fails to awaken our interest, but the
young man who is shaping a worthy purpose; who is developing an individuality,
who is dynamic with energy, always excites interest and makes appeal to our attention. Ned's life displayed these qualities and, therefore, his sad death visits a distinct loss on the community as well as upon his parents.
Thus was cut down, at the very threshold of manhood, one of the most promising young men of Greensburg. When he heard the call of his country, arrangements
had already been made that when he should complete his course in college he should
take up the study of insurance as a profession, that he might equip himself so as to
better enable him to assist in perpetuating the business in which his father is
engaged.
It is the present intention of his parents to have his remains brought home
when the war is over, and inter them in the family burial lot in St. Clair Cemetery.
2obOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Institution, from which he graduated with the class of I896. For several years he
followed the profession which he had chosen and secured a position as teacher in the
public schools of Armstrong county, where his father had lived for some years and had
made many friends. Later he was transferred to a school at North Huntingdon
township, Westmoreland county, where he continued for some time in his calling and
made as good a record as teacher as he formerly had as pupil. His attention, however, had been called to the subject of dentistry, in which he took a very acute interest,
and finally determined to study with the idea of making it his profession. Accordingly
he entered the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from that institution with the
class of I901i, and his degree of D. D. S. In the fall of I9oo be and his brother and
sister moved to Irwin, and at the period of his graduation he opened his first office in
Irwin, Pennsylvania, which he now holds. He is at the present time one of the most
successful men in this profession anywhere in that region and has the name of being
always abreast of the times in his knowledge and skill.
Dr. Cochran was married in I904 to Luella Farmer, a daughter of Frank Farmer,
a very well known and prominent citizen of North Huntingdon township. Mr. Farmer
is connected with the Jersey Flake Cereal Company in the capacity of secretary and
treasurer, and is well known throughout the region as a very successful and capable
business man. He is one of the foremost citizens of North Huntingdon township.
To Dr. and Mrs. Cochran have been born four children, as follows: Aline, March 28,
I905; Lois, February I2, 1907, died December 2, I9Io; Jean, July 15, I9Io; and Gertrude, February 25, I9I5.
In spite of the extremely exacting demands made upon Dr. Cochran by his profession, he by no means excludes himself from the other activities of the community
and is regarded as a leader in almost every department of life. He is a ProgressiveRepublican, and although his practice makes it impossible for him to hold or run for
office, he nevertheless exerts considerable influence in this field of activity. He is a
member of the Pennsylvania State Dental Society, National Dental Association, and
the Odontological Society of Western Pennsylvania. He is a prominent Free Mason,
member of Lodge No. 6oi, Irwin, Pennsylvania, and the chapter, of Wilmerding,
Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the Irwin Century Club, and takes an active
part in all questions of culture and education. He was a member of the School Board
of North Irwin for ten years. In his religion, Dr. Cochran is identified with the
United Presbyterian Church, and is very active in working for its interests in the
community.
EDGAR BLACKBURN SLOTERBECK, M. D.-One of the capable and
successful of the younger physicians of Westmoreland county is Dr. Edgar Blackburn
Sloterbeck, a son of John Presley and Esther R. (Blackburn) Sloterbeck, and a
grandson of Michael Sloterbeck, a native of Leipsig, Germany. Michael Sloterbeck
passed his youth in his native country and there learned the trade of coppersmith. In
the year i842 he came to the United States and settled at first at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, from which he later removed to Brownsville, in the same State, and there
engaged in the mercantile business. His son, John Presley Sloterbeck, was born at
Fayette City, Pennsylvania, and there spent the major part of his life. He followed
in his father's footsteps, engaged in the mercantile business with great success and
became one of the best known merchants in that region. He married Esther R. Blackburn, a daughter of John and Margaret (Irwin) Blackburn, early settlers of the region
now known as Wickhaven, Pennsylvania, their homestead including within its borders
much of what are now the rich coal fields of that region. Mr. and Mrs. Sloterbeck,
Sr., were the parents of the following children: William Michael, who is associated
with his father in the latter's business at Fayette City; Edgar Blackburn, of whom
322BIOGRAPHICAL                                   323
further; and Charles Presley, a traveling salesman representing the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri, who makes his home at Shamokin, Pennsylvailia.
Dr. Edgar Blackburn Sloterbeck was born at Fayette City, Pennsylvania, August
I5, I88I. For the preliminary portion of his education he attended the local schools
there. He then went to the California Normal College, where he was prepared for a
regular college course. Comploting his studies at this latter institution, he matriculated at the Washington and Jefferson College, but did not graduate from there as,
by the time he had completed his junior year, he had decided to make the medical
profession his career, and accordingly entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. Here he established an excellent record for character and scholarship and
graduated with the class of I907, taking his degree of M. D. Going to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, from there, he acted as interne in Mercy Hospital of that city for six
months, thus gaining the practical experience so necessary. He supplemented this by
eighteen months as interne and a course of post-graduate study at Jefferson Medical
College Hospital, Philadelphia. Thus equipped with knowledge and experience above
the average young physician, Dr. Sloterbeck came, in the year I9O9, to Monessen,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and at once began his successful practice there.
From that time to the present he has known nothing but success, and is already
regarded as one of the most capable and proficient physicians of the region. Dr.
Sloterbeck is a member of important medical organizations such as the Westmoreland
County Medical Society, the Tri-County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and is also affiliated with the
Alpha Kappa Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha fraternities and the Ptolemy Society.
Dr. Sloterbeck is also a prominent Mason and belongs to Lodge No. 252, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Fayette City; the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Monessen;
the Council, Royal and Select Masters; Donora Commandery, Knights Templar,
of Pittsburgh, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Dr. Sloterbeck is also affiliated with the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, of the Order of Moose, and is a member of the Americus Republican
Club, and of the Pittsburgh Speedway Association, of which he is also a director. He
is a Republican in political belief, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He is
devoted to all athletic sports and pastimes and is a patron of such in the community,
finding his own chief pleasure in motoring.
On April I9, I9oo, Dr. Sloterbeck was united in marriage with Edna O. Broweller, of Fayette City, Pennsylvania, a daughter of David and Ruth (Burtener) Broweller, old and highly respected residents of that place. To Dr. and Mrs. Sloterbeck
one child has been born, David Presley. Mrs. Sloterbeck is a very conspicuous figure
in club, church and social circles at Monessen and is active in many movements undertaken for philanthropic and other altruistic motives.
CHARLES SCHULZ-Very few of the citizens of New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, are as deservedly well-known and prominent as is
Charles Schulz, the distinguished citizen whose name heads this brief sketch, and
who is typical of that strong and capable race, the Germans, from which he is
descended, and which has played so important a part and formed so large an element
in the growth and development of Western Pennsylvania.
Though himself a native of this country, Mr. Schulz is of German parentage, his
father, Edward Schulz, having been born in Prussia in the year I836.. The elder Mr.
Schulz did not remain long in his native land, however, but came to the United States
when but fourteen years of age and located in Whitaker, Pennsylvania, and his father
donated the first public library to Whitaker. He left Germany on account of the partOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
he took in the Revolution. He brought to Whitaker the first piano. He lived for a
time on a farm in this region, but later became associated with the great iron industry
at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where also he engaged in a mercantile business. He was
successful in his venture in Pittsburgh, and his death occurred in the year I915, at the
age of seventy-nine. Edward Schulz married (first) Catherine Rohe, who, like himself, was a native of Prussia, and they were the parents of four children, all of whom
are now living, as follows: Clara, who became the wife of Ben Kopp, of Butler,
California; Edward, who married Barbara Schneider, of South Side, Pittsburgh;
Charles, of whom further; and Mary, now the wife of Robert Long, of Braddock,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Schulz married (second) Mary. They were the parents
of five children, as follows:  Rudolph, Victor, Otto, Ella, and Herman.  Of these
Rudolph Schulz is the Episcopal minister at Homewood, Pennsylvania.
Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the region locally known as the- "South
Side," January 25, I863, Charles Schulz passed the years of his childhood and early
youth in his native place. He did not have the advantages of a good education,
however, as at that time his father was in poor circumstances, and the lad had to seek
remunerative employment in order to aid in the family livelihood. Mr. Schulz, in
consequence, is entirely self-educated and deserves the more credit as his efforts have
been notably successful. He was obliged to go to work when he was eight years old,
when he entered the employ of the proprietors of the old rolling mill on Sixth street,
Pittsburgh. Here he did for a time light work about the establishment and continued
in the employ of this concern until he reached his thirteenth year. He then gave up
this work to take a position in a bakery in Pittsburgh. At this time he only remained
about three years in the baking business, and returned when sixteen years of age to
the rolling mill, but this was not a permanent move, and once more he took up baking
and continued in that line from the year I898 to I909, when he went into the hotel business in St. Clair, Pennsylvania, and was there for fourteen months. Hle then retired
from active business pursuits and continued until I916 in retirement. But in September of that year he went back to the baking business, which he had left ten years
previously. It was in connection with the baking business that Mr. Schulz first came to
New Kensington in 1892 and became identified with the life and affairs of the town.
It was he who installed the first electric lighting plant in the town in I894. He has
shown himself in all the years of his residence a generous citizen and a public-spirited
man who has never spared himself when there was any question of benefit to the community. He is regarded as one of the foremost citizens of the town. He was one of
the first to petition for a sewer in New Kensington, and he made the first gas in the
town for the making of soda-water, and he it was also who manufactured the first ice
cream in the town by steam power.
Mr. Schulz has for a long time been keenly interested in the political situation in
Pittsburgh, and in Westmoreland county. He is very much of a sociologist, and it
has been in connection with large reform movements that he has been particularly
active. At the time of the candidacy of William Jennings Bryan, Mr. Schulz was very
active in his support. He has, however, constantly avoided public office, and has
exerted his influence in politics purely in the capacity of a private citizen. He is a
prominent Free Mason.
On April 5, I888, Mr. Schulz married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rose Schwedes,
a native of Bloomfield, Pittsburgh, born September I5, I867. Mrs. Schulz is a daughter of Charles and Christiana (Feldman) Schwedes, both of Baden, Germany, who
came here with their two children, and located at Bloomfield in the year I866, and
eventually died there. Mr. and Mrs. Schulz are the parents of four children, all of
whom are living at the present time: Henry Frederick, born August 26, I89o, a resident of Pittsburgh, married Caroline Juergen; Catherine Rose, born in Pittsburgh.
January 6, I892, now the wife of Lester B. O'Hara, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and
324BIOGRAPHICAL
they are the parents of two children, Doris and Donald; Minnie Christina, born in
Pittsburgh, November I6, I893, now the wife of James C. Heasley, of Latrona, Pennsylvania, and the mother of one child, James Charles; Ilelen Gertrude, born at New
Kensington, December 25, I903, who makes her home at present with her parents.
REYNOLDS LAUGHLIN-The diversified career of Reynolds Laughlin, the
prominent citizen and public officer of New Kensington, WV~estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is typically American, and typically American also is the success which uniformly met his efforts in every department of activity in which he has engaged. The
Laughlin family is of Irish origin, and Mr. Laughlin's paternal grandfather, who bore
the same name as he does himself, was a native of Ireland, who came to the United
States and settled in WVestern Pennsylvania while a young man. The region was then
an extremely primitive one and the original Reynolds Laughlin was occupied in a
very primitive calling. He was a wood chopper in Armstrong county, where he was
a prominent man among the pioneers and early settlers. He married Elizabeth Snow,
a native of Germany, and they were the parents of a large family of children, two of
whom survive: Elias, who is now an occupant of the Soldiers' Home at Ashtabula,
Ohio, and Mary, who became the wife of William Furlong, and is now residing at
Homestead, Pennsylvania.
James Laughlin, father of Reynolds Laughlin, was born in the year 1834, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and died at Coal Valley in I896, at the age of sixty-two
years. He was engaged in coal mining during the greater part of his life. He married Martha Jane Quitslow, a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania. They were the
parents of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy and the others are as follows: Elizabeth, now the wife of George W. Shawl, of Coal Valley, Pennsylvania;
James C., who makes his home at Wilson Station, Pennsylvania; Reynolds, of whom
further; Archibald D., deceased; Minnie Viola, now Mrs. George Fulmer; Agnes
Ellen, who married George Barton, and they reside at Pleasant Valley; Sarah Elizabeth, now Mrs. James Simpson, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Harry Sumner, a
resident of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, where he is employed as a mine boss;
VW'illiam, who resides in the same place and has a similar position; Ida May, now the
wife of James Allen, of Coal Valley.
Born December 2, I856, at Coal Valley, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Reynolds
Laughlin made his home in his native place throughout his youth and early manhood. His educational advantages were most slender, and he only attended the local
public schools up to the age of nine years. He then was employed in the coal mines
of that region, where his father worked as a miner, into which occupation the lad
grew as rapidly as his strength would permit and at which he continued for thirty
years. The absolute trustworthiness of the man through all these years drew to him
the attention of the authorities, and he was appointed by the courts of Allegheny
county to do constable work on a number of occasions. His youthful ambitions have
never left him and he availed himself of every spare hour to add to the studies which
had been so meagre in his childhood. In the year I898, he moved from Allegheny
county to Westmoreland county and made his home from that time in New Kensington. Here he first secured a position as night watchman in the mills of the Tin Plate
Company, but shortly after, was appointed chief of police in New Kensington. He
served in this office during the years I898 and I899 and then became the representative
of an insurance company for which he went on the road as an agent. He spent seven
years at this work, meeting with a high degree of success, and then, in I9o7, became
justice of the peace to fill an unexpired term. In I9o8 he was reelected. On January
4, I916, was once more reelected for a six-year term. Mr. Laughlin is a staunch member of the Republican party and is actively associated with the local organization of
32-ZOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
that party. He is also affiliated with a number of important fraternal orders, and is a
member of the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order
of Moose, the Order of Eagles, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In his
religious belief Mr Laughlin is a Methodist and attends the church of that denomination at New Kensington.
Reynolds Laughlin was united in marriage at Patterson Grove, now Duquesne,
Pennsylvania, in 1877, with Nancy J. Smith, a native of Coal Valley, and a daughter
of Adam and Emily (Gregg) Smith, both of whom died at that place. Mr. and Mrs.
Laughlin are the parents of four children, as follows: John Wesley, who makes his
home with his parents, and is now a private in Battery B, One Hundred and Seventh
Field Artillery; Pearl, who is now the wife of Harry Clauson, of New Kensington,
and the mother of five children: Mildred, Arthur Reynolds, Dorothy, Anna Belle
and Harry, Jr.; Robert Walton, who resides at New Kensington, where he is
employed as a shipping clerk in the Aluminum Plant of the U. S. A.; Myrtle Virginia,
who makes her home with her parents, and is employed as a stenographer by the Union
Spring Company.
SAMUEL L. TOPPER-Samuel L. Topper was born in Unity township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October I7, I885. The family is an old otie of the
early American stock of pioneers.  His family dates back to I743, when Christfan
Topper emigrated from Germany to Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania: John Topper,
a son of Christian Topper, was born in Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, 1749, and
served through the Revolutionary War, he being the great-grandfather of Samuel L.
Topper.
Mr. Topper received his early education in the public schools of Unity township,
after which he attended the Greensburg Seminary, Indiana State Normal, and Grove
City College. Since leaving school Mr. Topper has been engaged in the teaching profession, having successfully filled several important school positions. Among these
were principal of Seventh Ward School, Greensburg, supervising principal of Penn
township schools and the position which he now holds, supervising principal of Trafford Borough Public Schools.
Mr. Topper married Elizabeth M. Cribbs, daughter of J. C. Cribbs, of Jeannette,
April 30, I914. They have one child, James Gordon Topper, born May 4, I915.
Since his marriage Mr. Topper has been a resident of Jeannette. He is a member
of the Grace Reformed Church of Jeannette, and the following fraternal organizations: Jeannette Lodge, No. 701, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Junior Order
United American Mechanics; Thomas G. Sample Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Improved Order of Heptasophs, No. 200, and the Greensburg Encampment, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
In politics Mr. Topper is a staunch Republican, always active in political work,
but has never aspired to any political office.
ROBERT JONES HUNTER, M. D.-Occasionally it happens that a man holding public office serves his constituents so ably that when he finds his duties too
arduous for the declining strength of later years, or when death removes him from,
office, his son is honored by being elected to fill the same position. In the case of the
Hunter family the office of justice of the peace has been held for fifty-one years,
Squire W. Hunter being the present justice. He is a native of this. county, having
been born in Donegal township, July I6, 1853, son of William R. and Eliza J. (Wirsing) Hunter. The former was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Pennsylvania, where he
learned the cabinet making trade. He followed this trade until he entered the general
mercantile business in Donegal, with which he was connected throughout his entire
326BIOGRAPHICAL
life. At the age of twenty-two years he was elected to the office of justice of the peace.
which he held for the remainder of his life. His death occurred at the age of sixty-.
seven years. He was a member of the Democratic party and took keen interest in the
leading issues of the- day. His religious allegiance was given to the Methodist
church. His father, William  Irwin Hunter, was for many years a resident of Mt.
Pleasant, where he was recognized as a valuable citizen. His industrial activities'were
confined to chair making.
V'illiam Irwin Hunter received his early education in the common schools near
his home, -but was later s'ent to Mt. Pleasant Institute and the Oberlin Business College. These prepared him for a useful career, and we find that after learning telegraphy and teaching school for four years in the county he entered in business for himself. Realizing that the most success is usually gained by turning one's attention to
the business nearest at hand, he engaged in the machinery, wagon and buggy business for a number of years. This occupied his entire time until he was elected justice
of the peace in I9Io, and he is now filling his second term. In connection with this
office it is interesting to note that at his last election he received the largest majority
ever given a candidate in Greensburg. In I874 he married Elizabeth de Hass Jones,
daughter of Robert L. Jones, of Donegal township. They are the parents of three
children:  Stella, wife of Edward Keck, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Kate E.,
wife of D. B. Potts, of Delmont; Robert J., of whom later mention will be made. Mr.
Hunter is a member of the Methodist church, while his wife attends the Baptist
church.
Robert Jones Hunter, the youngest child of William  Irwin Hunter, was born
October 8, I882, and is a successful physician and surgeon at No. I5 East Ottoman
street. His early education was obtained in the public schools, but he was later sent to
the University of Pittsburgh, fronm which institution he graduated in I9o6. Prior to his
graduation he was married, June 7, I905, to Mabel Wright, daughter of Dr. Orin and
Olive (Holt) Wright, of Pittsburgh. They have one child, Bettie.  Dr. Hunter at
first engaged in the practice of medicine in Pittsburgh, with Dr. Irwin, but later came
to Greensburg, where he has since been successfully located. He is a member of the
County, State and American Medical societies, and during his college career was
elected a member of the Phi Beta Pi fraternity. He attends the Methodist church,
while his wife is affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
JOSEPH  M. ZIMMERS-Joseph M. Zimmers, banker, man of affairs and a
leader among the younger generation of Westmoreland county's progressive citizens,
is a member of a prominent Pennsylvania family, and although not himself a native of
Westmoreland county, has come to be most intimately identified with the life and traditions of this locality.' He is a son of Aaron and Mary E. (Wisegarver) Zimmers, of
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he was himself born on February I4, I872.
He was educated in the public schools of his native region, and after'attending
these institutions for a number of years, was finally graduated. from  the locAil high
school.  Tmmediately after completing his studies at these institutions, youngf Mr.
Zimmers secured a position in the banking house of J. G. Hartley  Company. of
Bedford, and there remained for three years. During his employment by this concern,
Mr. Zimmers becarhe convinced that a broader knowledge of business methods generally would be good for him, and with this end in view he severed his connection with
the Hartley company and went to Poughkeepsie, New. York, where he entered the
well-known Eastman Business College and there took a commercial course. He was'graduated from this institution With the class of I890, and at once returned to Western
Pennsylvania, but insftead of resunming his home in Bedford, he came to Scottdale,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, being attracted to this locality by the enormous
327OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
growth and prosperity of this community. Since that time he has continued closely
identified with the life of Scottdale and is now regarded as one of its substantial and
public-spirited citizens. Upon reaching Scottdale, young Mr. Zimmers secured a position with the Scottdale Bank and was employed by this institution for some time in its'
bookkeeping department. Here his knowledge of his subject and his natural ability
gained him rapid promotion, and he served consecutively as teller and assistant cashier.
In the year I9o6 he was chosen cashier of the bank, a post which involved the active
management of the bank's affairs, and continued thus responsibly engaged until I9I6.
By this time he had come to be regarded as an authority on banking matters, and was
most closely associated with the men who stood back of some of the largest financial
interests in the community. In I9I6 he and his associates reorganized the Scottdale
Bank under the present title of the Scottdale Trust Company, and Mr. Zimmers was
chosen its first president. He has continued to serve in that capacity up to the present
time, and his administration has been characterized throughout by a policy which may
be considered a union of progressiveism and conservatism, and which has resulted in
placing the concern among the soundest of Western Pennsylvania's financial institutions. His genius for organization and finance has caused Mr. Zimmers to be sought
by various other big enterprises, nor has he refused to give his services to many such.
Among those should be mentioned the Crescent Manufacturing Company, of which he
is a vice-president and a director; the E. A. Humphries Coal and Coke Company;
the Indian Creek Lumber Company; the Round Bottom Coal and Coke Company, of
Moundsville, West Virginia, in all of which he holds the office of secretary-treasurer,
and the United States Casket Company of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, of which he is a
vice-president and a director.
Mr. Zimmers is one of those all-round men who do not confine their activities to
any one department of life, and it would be difficult to discover any important department in the life of Scottdale in which he does not take a leading part. He is a man of
the strongest social instincts, and is associated with a number of clubs and fraternal
organizations in that region. He is particularly prominent in the Masonic order and
has taken the Scottish rites.  He has attained the thirty-second degree of Free
Masonry, and is affiliated with Lodge No. 562, Free and Accepted Masons, Scottdale.
In his religious belief, Mr. Zimmers is affiliated with the Reformed Church of the
United States, and in political belief is a Republican. He is a member of the local
organization of that party, and has been active in party affairs, but has avoided rather
than sought public office of any kind. In spite of this fact he has consented to serve as
a member of the Scottdale Board of Education, and has given much of his valuable
time to the educational development of the community, a subject to which he takes the
keenest interest. He is a member of the Americus Republican Club of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He is interested in every movement which is undertaken for the benefit of the community at large, whether it be civic or philanthropic in character, and
was one of the organizers of the Scottdale Young Mlen's Christian Association, as well
as being one of the foremost workers in securing for that organization its present fine
modern home. Desiring at once to honor him for his past services and to secure his
valuable cooperation for the future, the Young Men's Christian Association has elected
him as treasurer and he is at the present time serving in that office. In civic affairs
generally, Mr. Zimmers plays an important part and may always be counted upon to
cooperate with any progressive movement undertaken in the community.
Joseph M. Zimmers was united in marriage, October 23, I9OI, with Sarah Todd
Wiley, a daughter of James'W. and Jennie (Gallagher) WViley, of Scottdale. To
them one child has been born, a son, Donald Wiley Zimmers.
Joseph M. Zimmers may well be described by the phrase "a man's man," both his
character and personality being such as to recommend him to his associates of the male
sex particularly. His tastes are of the wholesome out-of-door variety, and he spends
328BIOGRAPHICAL                                    329
his vacations in all sorts of open-air sports, and is especially devoted to motoring. He
is one of the most popular men of Scottdale, and is universally regarded as a useful
member of the community.
If the records of the financial and industrial development of Pennsylvania should
ever be written, and a list made of the men who have been in any way prominently
identified therewith, it will be found to contain an unusually high percentage of names
associated only with the very highest and the most disinterested motives and entirely
free from all selfish and corrupt conduct. It is well for a community to be able to say
this, it is a prouder boast than though it could point to some world genius as its offspring, for a community cannot be gauged so much by its exceptions and geniuses are
always exceptions-as by the rank and file of its members, of the men whom we meet
on the street and find at the head of its banks, business houses and factories. Upon
such a list and well deserving to stand with the highest, both in the point of ability and
the most unimpeachable honor, the name of Joseph M. Zimmers should appear.
CAREY LUCAS SCHUCK-Carey Lucas Schuck, the capable and popular editor of one of the most progressive papers in Westmoreland county, the "Monessen
News," is a member of an extremely old Pennsylvania family, his great-grandfather
having been one of the earliest pioneers in Blair county in that State. He was one of
three brothers who came from Holland on account of religious persecution shortly
after the American Revolution. All three settled at first in the State of Maryland,
but later came to Pennsylvania, where one of them located in Union county, one of
them in Snyder county and the other in Blair county. William Schuck, Sr., was born
in Union county, Pennsylvania, as was also William Schuck, Jr., who removed to the
State of Ohio, when a young married man, where he lived the remainder oi his life.
Aaron B. Schuck, father of Carey Lucas Schuck, was the son of this William Schuck,
Jr., and was born near Vanlue, Ohio; and there has spent all of his life. He married
Malinda Bright, a daughter of Nimrod and Margaret (Flack) Bright, of Hancock
county, Ohio, and a granddaughter of John Bright, a native of England, who was
among the early settlers of that region, where he purchased what later became the four
hundred acre homestead of the Bright family, paying for it at the rate of fifty cents an
acre. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schuck, Sr., are living at the present time and are the parents.of six children, of whom Carey Lucas Schuck is the eldest.
Born July 26, I872, on his father's farm near Vanlue, Ohio, Carey Lucas Schuck
received the elementary portion of his education at the public schools of his native
region. After completing his studies there and teaching country school two years, he
spent some time at Eastman National Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York,
and then entered the Ohio State University at Columbus, from which he was graduated
with the class of I898, taking the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. During the four
years of his course at that college, Mr. Schuck served in the University Battalion of
Cadets and reached the rank of adjutant therein. After his graduation he at once took
up newspaper work, remaining for about two years in Columbus, Ohio, and two years
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during which time he was connected with leading papers
of both these cities. He had, however, a strong ambition to run a paper of his own,
and accordingly, at the time when Monessen, Westmoreland county, was in its period
of greatest development, he seized upon the admirable opportunity offered there and
came to that flourishing community, where he purchased "The News." His confidence
in his own ability has been most thoroughly justified and he has built up this journal
into one of the most wide-awake and influential papers in the county. A staunch
Republican himself, Mr. Schuck's views and opinions are reflected in his publication,
which is one of the most effective organs of that party thereabouts. But Mr. Schuck
has not confined his work in politics to the influence which he wields in his paper, butOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
takes an extremely active part in the actual management of local affairs and is regarded
as one of the most influential men of his party. In the year I9O6 he was elected a
member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature and was returned to that body in I909
and again in I913. He made an enviable record for himself as a legislator and served
on numerous important legislative committees. Mr. Schuck was one of the organizers
and the first secretary of the Monessen Board of Trade, which has done such good
work in developing the industrial interest of the city -and contributed so largely to its
business prosperity. As a member of this body he has been a consistent worker in the
various projects of the board, looking to civic improvements of all sorts, but particularly those in connection with streets for the town and good roads for the county.
Mr. Schuck is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of the Loyal Order of Moose and of the Monessen
Turn Verein. In his religious faith Mr. Schuck is a Presbyterian and attends the
church of that denomination in Monessen.
Carey Lucas Schuck was united in marriage, August 2o, I9o8, with Hallie Hancock, a daughter of Jesse and Margaret (Wolf) Hancock, of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Schuck is a graduate of the California State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania, and is active in the social life of Monessen and, takes an active part'in
church work and the activities of the Women's Club, of which she served as president
for two years. Mr. Schuck finds his chief recreation in motoring and other outdoor
sports, being devoted to all kinds of open-air life. He was one of the prime movers
in securing the new Monessen Athletic Field, which has proved such great benefits and
pleasures to the general public.
Of the influence of such a man as Mr. Schuck it is very difficult, if not impossible,
to speak adequately; those who labor in his chosen field perform a service to which
material standards of measurement cannot apply, for how shall we gauge the value of
spiritual life in terms of-the world? The city of Monessen, which he has made his
permanent residence and where he has identified himself with every good work to
upbuild this city industrially and morally, appreciates'his efforts. It can well be said
of him that no worthy charity that seeks aid seeks this aid in vain, and no public enterprise lacks his cordial and generous support. Loyalty, courage and an abiding sense
of justice and duty are the qualities which, perhaps above all others, we should pick
out as forming the keystone of Mr. Schuck's career and character, a character that for
many years has exerted and continues to exert a wholesome and uplifting influence
upon the community that is fortunate enough to claim him as a member.
CURTIS R. NEW-The family of which Curtis R. New, vice-president of the
People's National Bank, and chief clerk of the National Works of the'American Sheet
and Tin Plate Company, of Monessen, Pennsylvania, is a representative, is an old
American family, but his association in Western Pennsylvania dates from a time as
recent as his identification with the above manufacturing company in the year I9oo.
Monessen, with its rapid and vigorous development, has drawn to it a number of enterprising men, not only from Pennsylvania, but from other States of the Union. The
New family was originally of South Carolina. From there James D. New, grandfather of Curtis R. New, removed to Indiana as one of the early pioneers, locating in
the south central part of the State, where he entered government land and followed
agriculture. The history of Indiana also relates that he was one of the lay preachers
of the Christian church. His son, James T. New, father of Curtis R. New, was born
in the original homestead, October 6, I844, and died there September 26, I9g6. He
married Kathryn Mullendore, who survives her husband, and resides in Columbus,
Indiana. To this marriage seven children were born, of whom the eldest. was Curtis
R., of this sketch.
330BIOGRAPHICAL
Born November 8, 1875, he attended the country school of his district, then entered
the preparatory school of:De Pauw University at Greencastle, Indiana, completing the
preparatory course and continuing in the University proper until the close of his
sophomore year. While in college he became a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. After leaving college he became a teacher in the high schools of his home
county for a period of three years. In the year I900 he came to Monessen, having
obtained a position as order clerk with the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company,
just organized. Shortly afterward the potentialities of the district determined the
doubling of the capacity of the plant, and he was placed in charge of the supply and
distribution of construction materials. In I9o3 he was advanced to the position of
chief clerk, having charge of the accounting of the works, and in this post he has
continued to the present time. In I902 he became identified with the People's National
Bank, in 1907 was elected a director, later was elected second vice-president, and in
I916 became its vice-president. He is at present regarded as one of the successful and
enterprising business men of the community and influential in industrial and financial
circles. Politically, Mr. New is an Independent Republican, and has served for a
number of years as borough and school auditor. He is a member of Lodge No. 638,
Free and Accepted Masons, Pittsburgh Consistory, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; a member of the Monessen Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Monessen Turn Verein. He is also
affiliated with the Monessen Board of Trade, was president of the organization in
I913, and has served as chairman upon a number of important committees.
In June, I903, Mr. New married Bertha May, a daughter of Thomas and Jane
(Lortz) May, prominent residents of Columbus, Indiana. Mrs. New is active in
social, church and musical circles in Monessen, having been educated at Valparaiso
University and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
ROBERT ALEXANDER  DORNON-Robert Alexander Dornon, the wellknown financier and merchant of New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, although himself a native of this country, is by parentage a member of the Irish
race, which has contributed so many successful men not only to the western part of
Pennsylvania, but to the whole of the United States. He is a son of Samuel Burnett
Dornon, who was born February 7, i820, at Port Rush, County Antrim, Ireland. The
family had originally come to that part of the world from Scotland, and Mr. Dornon,
Sr., was a member of that strong stock known as Scotch-Irish, who are predominantly
Protestant in faith.
Samuel Burnett Dornon was raised in this place, and attended the common schools
of Port Rush, where he gained an excellent education. He afterwards learned the
trade of shoemaker, which he followed in his native land and later in America. In 1845
he came to this country and settled in Philadelphia, where he followed his trade for a
time and gradually built up a large business in ready-to-wear shoes. With the coming
in of more rapid methods of shoemaking, Mr. Dornon gave up his personal work and
established a manufacturing plant which supplied the various retailers in that neighborhood. In this enterprise he was highly successful, and later, when his wife's health
failed, he found it convenient to give up business and remove to another part of the
country, where it was hoped that she would recover. He had been engaged in business for fifteen years when these circumstances forced him to abandon his work, and
in the spring of I859 he moved West, crossing the Allegheny mountains and settling
in the town of New Alexandria, in Westmoreland county.  While the education
received by Mr. Dornon in the schools of his native land was a good one, it was not in
itself sufficient to account for the degree of culture and knowledge possessed by him,
these being the result largely of his individual efforts and of his strong taste for read33IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ing. He developed a very distinct literary ability of his own and his talent for expression was shown in his unusual ability to speak fluently and eloquently upon public occasions. He was especially noted as a public debater, and was a man of considerable
prominence both in Philadelphia and later in his new western home. He was a man
of strong religious convictions and a devout member of the United Presbyterian
church. Mr. Dornon was married in the year 1842 to Ann Steele, like himself a
native of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish stock. She was a sister of William Steele, the
senior member of William Steele  Sons, who conducted a large and successful contracting business in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Dornon were the parents of the following children:  Rachel Ann, Joseph Steele, Jane Steele, Robe'rt Alexander, Mary
Priscilla, and Alexander McCloud Milligan, who is now a member of Sabin Educational
Exchange, Des Moines. Joseph Steele Dornon, the elder brother of Robert Alexander
Dornon, served for four years in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was
unfortunate enough to be captured and was a prisoner for fourteen months in Libbey,
Belle Isle, Andersonville and Savannah prisons. This experience, the equal of which
had proved the death of many strong men, was survived by him, and he lived to
respond to the excitement following the discovery of gold in Alaska. Mr. Dornon
made this trip, but met with his death in Dawvson City shortly afterward. Mrs. Dornon died when she was thirty-eight years of age and was survived by her husband for
many years. His death occurred on August 4, I905, in the eighty-sixth year of his age.
They are buried together in New Alexandria Cemetery.
Born February 29, I852, in the city of Philadelphia, Robert Alexander I~ornon,
second son and fourth child of Samuel Burnett and Ann (Steele) Dornon, accompanied his parents to Westmoreland county when still a small child. It was here that
his childish associations were formed and here that he received his education, attending
the local public schools for this purpose. In the Autumn of I883 began his long and
successful mercantile career. It was then that he opened a small grocery store in New
Alexandria, a venture which almost at once met with success. It was due entirely to his
own progressive business methods that this was so, and it was not long before he had
become the proprietor of a large general store. As the owner of a large business he
was of course prominent financially in New Alexandria, and became one of the promotors of the New Alexandria National Bank, which was open for business in the
spring of I903. Mr. Dornon was elected cashier of this institution, a post which he
has continued to hold up to the present time, as well as that of director. He is also
president of the Dornon Coal Company. In addition to these commercial and financial
activities, Mr. Dornon has also held many other important positions of trust. He was
a councilman of the borough, and for twenty-one years has been a member of the
school board of New Alexandria. Mr. Dornon has been very active in real estate
deals and in improvements. In 90o2 he plotted an addition to the borough, which was
known as the R. A. Dornon plan of lots. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and is very
prominent in the councils of that party. He also owns the distinction of being the
first person nominated for comptroller of Westmoreland county.  In his religious
beliefs he is a member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he serves as an
elder and as a member of its board of trustees. He is a deep student of the Bible and
conducts a well-known and popular Bible class in connection with the church. Of
recent years Mr. Dornon has occupied a very important position in connection with
the United Presbyterian church and is one of its prominent laymen. He has been for
ten years an officer in the General Assembly of the church, and his work in this capacity has been very fruitful of good results and has undoubtedly advanced the interests
of the church.
Robert Alexander Dornon married, December 23, I88o, in Salem township, Sarah
Elizabeth Machesney, and they are the parents of the following children: I. John
Machesney, who is now the manager of the Dornon Coal Company at Connellsville,
332BIOGRAPHICAL
Pennsylvania; married Jessie Mabel Hoffman, a daughter of Dr. L. D. Hoffman, of
New Alexandria 2. Samuel McCloud, died at the age of six years. 3. Nora Jane.
4. Ella Steele, a graduate of Emerson College of Oratory at Boston, Massachusetts.
5. James Henderson, died at the age of ten months. 6. Carlisle McCullough, died at
the age of eight years. 7. Robert Collins, a student of Westminster College, now
serving in a volunteer hospital corps with the United States Army in France.
Mrs. Dornon, born April 20, I854, is a daughter of the late John and Sarah Jane
(McCullough) Machesney. She was educated in the public schools of New Alexandria, and is.now prominent in the social and philanthropic life of the community.
Her father, John Machesney, followed the occupation of farming all his life, and made
his home near New Alexandria.
THOMAS MOORHEAD WHITEMAN-One of the important figures in the
publishing business at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, or indeed in Westmoreland county, is
Thomas Moorhead Whiteman, the editor of the "Latrobe Bulletin," through which
sheet he exercises an extremely definite influence upon the thought of his community.
Born at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on March I2, I877, Thomas Moorhead Whiteman
is a son of Geary B. and Effie (Moorhead) Whiteman, the former a native of Otsego
county, New York, and a son of Thomas and Salina (Bates) Whiteman. Thomas
Whiteman was a native of England, who came to America in his twenty-first year
and settled in Western New York, where he engaged during his lifetime in farming.
Mrs. Geary B. Whiteman was a daughter of Fergus Moorhead, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, who was a descendant of Fergus Moorhead, the first white settler of Indiana
county, Pennsylvania. Geary B. Whiteman and his wife, Effie, were the parents of
six children, of whom Thomas M. Whiteman was the second.
Thomas M. Whiteman received the early part of his education in the public and
high schools of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and later attended Dickinson College, graduating with the class of I899, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, and later
receiving the degree of Master of Arts. He entered the law school at Columbia University, in I899, graduating with the class of I9o2, and was admitted to the New York
State bar in the same year. He, however, returned to Latrobe, where he became one
of the organizers and the president of the Latrobe Printing and Publishing Company
and the founder of the "Latrobe Bulletin," of which he was made the editor. The
remarkable success of this paper has been largely due to the efforts of Mr. Whiteman
and it is to-day one of the finest local daily newspapers in the State of Pennsylvania.
The "Latrobe Bulletin" is very well known, not only in Latrobe, but in the surrounding region, and it carries an editorial page that would be a credit to a newspaper of
metropolitan proportions and maintains a news standard which is equal to the best.
Mr. Whiteman is a Republican in his politics, but avoids, rather than seeks, political
preferment. He is affiliated with the Methodist church, and is secretary of its board
of trustees. Mr. Whiteman is identified with several college fraternities and clubs,
among which may be mentioned the Phi Kappa Sigma, the Phi Beta Kappa and the
Latrobe Club.
TRACY THOMAS ALLEN-Born on August I8, I879, at Fredonia, New York,
Tracy Thomas Allen, the popular district superintendent of schools of Vandergrift,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, received his education or rather the preliminary
portion thereof at the school of his native place. He entered the State Normal School
at Fredonia and graduated therefrom with the class of I898. He then entered Allegany College, where he established a remarkable record for scholarship and graduated
with the class of I9o2, taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Phi Beta Kappa
honors. Mr.'Allen then took post-graduate work at the University of Chicago, upon
333OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the completion of which he returned East and was made principal of the Kane, Pennsylvania, High School, a post which he held for two years. From there he went to
Smethport, Pennsylvania, where for the next six years he was superivising principal of
the public school. He then served two years as principal of the Uniontown High
School, and served a like period as principal at the Franklin High School. During all
this time Mr. Allen had been establishing a well-earned reputation as a most talented
educator, and in July, I914, was elected to his present position as district superintendent of schools for Vandergrift. He is a member of all the important educational
bodies of the county, State and the country, and is well known in educational circles
throughout the region. Mr. Allen has further equipped himself by taking courses at
Columbia University. During the three years in which he has had charge of the
Vandergrift schools, the attendance at the high school there had increased from one
hundred to two hundred and seventy-one pupils, while in the place of twenty-six teachers there are now employed forty-eight. Mr. Allen is fully acquainted with all the
most modern theories and practices of education, and applies these to the running of
the Vandergrift schools as far as the circumstances there will permit. The schools
are at present so overcrowded that it has been impossible to establish a manual training
department.  Mr. Allen was largely responsible for the consolidation of outlying
school districts which added largely to the educational efficiency of the district. The
community of Vandergrift has further supported him by just authorizing a bond issue
for a new high school building. This will make it possible to realize his plans for a
school system of the most progressive type. He has installed a number of fresh-air
classes, and all the pupils have specially supervised study periods on each subject to
overcome whatever personal difficulties each may find. There is no regular gymnasium
connected with the school building as yet, but the board of education has rented a hall
and each day after the regular school work there are held classes in various athletic
exercises and sport, each of which is supervised and directed by regular teachers. This
is continued up to 9:30 p. m. every evening and during that entire period there is
always a teacher in charge. A high standard of work is demanded from the teachers
in the Vandergrift schools, and it is not sufficient that they be well versed in the subjects that they teach, as it is regarded as equally important, or perhaps more so, that
they exert a beneficial influence upon their pupils by means of direct personal intercourse with them, either in the gymnasium or in some other place. The departmental
w,ork includes seven or eight grades besides the high school, and throughout the course
athletics of all kinds are encouraged, such as baseball, football, etc. Vandergrift is
one of eight boroughs which belongs to the Allegheny-Kiskiminetas Athletic Association, and its basketball team stands second among the teams of the various schools
which take part.
Mr. Allen does not confine his activities to his professional duties, but is a leader
in very many departments of the community's affairs. He is a- Methodist in his religious belief, and a Republican by political conviction. He takes his recreation always
in some out-of-door pastime, and for the last six seasons has travelled to the woods of
Canada for his vacation with two or three congenial friends. At the end of the railroad journey into that country, Mr. Allen and his companions take some other conveyance and penetrate thirty or more miles into the wilderness and there enjoy contact
with truly wild nature.
On August I9, I903, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Catherine M. Button,
of Fredonia, New York, a graduate like Mr. Allen from the Normal School there and
a teacher in the Kindergarten at Allega'ny. Two children have been born to them,'
Robert and Margaret.
Mr. Allen is a man of strong character and personality, of broad sympathies and
interests,'and of indefatigable industry in pursuing whatever end he sets himself. It
is such men who of necessity exert an influence on all those who come in contact with
334BIOGRAPHICAL
them and are by nature constituted leaders of their fellows. And sure enough Mr.
Allen is just such a leader. Not the type of leader who imposes his will upon others
through the sheer force of his aggressive energy, but that far more effective kind who
through clear reason and an infectious enthusiasm win their following. Possessed of
the truly democratic outlook which sees in all men brothers without regard for their
exteriors or the distinctions of class, his manner and bearing frank and open, he is
extremely easy of approach and instantly wins the confidence of those with whom he
comes in contact. He is devoted to everything from which he can derive knowledge
and culture and especially enjoys travel. He is very fond of his home and spends
much of his time there in the intimate intercourse of his famnily, and there are few men
more devoted to the happiness of those in the midst of whom he dwells.
WILLIAM  R. BARNHART--William  Barnhart, great-grandfather of William
R. Barnhart, came from Holland with his father, Casper Barnhart, in I764, and settled on a farm in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, southeast of Greensburg.
Being intelligent and industrious he became a leading man in his community.  He
helped to organize the First Reformed congregation of Greensburg, and was one of
the members who partook in the first communion in I796. He died in I823, aged
seventy-seven years.
William Barnhart, Jr., grandfather, purchased a farm three miles northeast of
Greensburg, in Hempfield township, in I815, which is now owned by the third generation of his family. Like his father he was a successful man and a useful member of
the Reformed church. He married Catherine Rumbaugh, a daughter of one of the
strong families near Mt. Pleasant. He died from an accident in I820, at the early age
of thirty-nine.
John Barnhart, father, known as "Honey John" and "Apple John" from his skill
in bee and fruit culture, and also to distinguish him from two other John Barnharts,
cousins, was born on the homestead farm in I807. He was a hard-working, prosperous
farmer, and a good all-round business man. He was prominent in the affairs of the
community, and was one of the active members of the Reformed church who organized the Second Reformed congregation of Greensburg. He was on the building committee, and was one of the best contributors to the church which was dedicated in I852.
He was an elder in this congregation until his death. His family contributed largely
to the cost of the present church erected in I882, on the same site on North Main
street. He married Elizabeth Row, daughter of George Row, of Salem township.
He died in I858, aged fifty-one. Mrs. Barnhart died in I884.
William R. Barnhart, the youngest of their family of seven children, was born on
the Barnhart homestead, June 23, I84I. He lived there until I903, when the family
home was changed to the present one on South Main street in Greensburg.  He
received his education in the district school at Hannastown, and in the Mt. Pleasant
College, where he had one winter term. Being apt in mathematics he devoted most of
his time there to trigonometry and surveying. Afterwards he made farming along with
surveying a successful business. He was elected county surveyor in I868, during the
period when the State had ordefed all unpatented lands to be surveyed, paid for and
patented. This arduous labor was performed with recognized ability. In I889, twentyone years later, he was again elected to the same office. He won, and still retains, the
confidence and good will of the farmers throughout the county.  In I892 he was
elected to the House of Representatives at Harrisburg. He was a born Democrat and
worked for his party's best interests. He was not a blind Democrat who could be led
by demagogues. He was a gold Democrat in 1896, voted for McKinley and Roosevelt
in Igoo, for Roosevelt in 19o4, and reluctantly for Bryan in I908,. He has been a
staunch friend of Mr. Wilson ever- since, his i nomination- at the Baltimore convention.
335OLD. AND NEW WESTMORELAND
His confidence in this great man and President has increased during the trying years
of his administration. Mr. Barnhart has been an active politician all his life. In the
State he was effective with his pen against the proposed constitutional amendment for
the fifty million dollar loan in I913, and against the woman's suffrage amendment in
I9I5. He has been an occasional contributor to church, agricultural and county papers.
He has been a member of the consistory of the Second Reformed Church for
more than fifty years, having been elected deacon in I863, and elder in I869. He has
quite frequently represented the congregation in Westmoreland Classis and in Pittsburgh Synod, and has been sent as a delegate of Classis to General Synod a number
of times. Three times the latter body elected him a delegate to the Alliance of the
Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System, and he has attended these meetings in London and Glasgow. He served as treasurer of General Synod for fifteen
years. He is a member of the board of trustees of Franklin and Marshall College at
Lancaster, Pennsylvania and is now serving his thirty-second year on the board of
trustees of the Theological Seminary at that place. He has been largely instrumental
in bringing the Second Reformed congregation with its devoted pastors and loyal and
generous people to the high standard it has maintained for many years.
As a farmer Mr. Barnhart has had unusual success. In I870 he purchased an
adjoining farm and for more than twenty-five years raised large crops of wheat and
corn. In I9O6 he sold the Pittsburgh seam of coal which underlay these farms, and
the surface became the property of his oldest son. He has always proved a careful
financial manager. He is a director and a large stockholder in the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company. In the strenuous years of his life, and later, he found time to
travel extensively with various members of his family in this country and in Europe.
William  R. Barnhart married Catharine Shupe, only daughter of George and
Anna (Sherrick) Shupe, whose home was near Mt. Pleasant, January 29, 1863. The
following are their nine children: Anna Elizabeth, at home; Ella J., wife of William
H. Blank, of Greensburg; George S., farmer, who married Agnes Steel, of Hannastown; Cora B., wife of J. Craig McClelland, now of Wooster, Ohio; John L., minister, Baltimore, who married Emma Rupp, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Lavinia S.,
now the wife of John Hood Branson, of New York City; Alberta May, who became
the wife of John Hood Branson, August 29, 1907, and died June I6, I914; William R.,
Jr., brick manufacturer, Wooster, Ohio, who married'Helen Bryce, of Mt. Pleasant;
Paul S., attorney-at-law, who married Alice Breck, of Scranton. On January 29, I913,
Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart celebrated their golden wedding with their large and then
unbroken family, including twenty-five grandchildren. Mrs. Barnhart imparted sterling qualities to her children, and was a sustaining force to her husb,and during their
long and happy life together. She was greatly esteemed in the community, and much
beloved by her family and friends. She died April 25j I9I7.
WILLIAM  McGEARY-The late William McGeary was one of the prominent
figures in the life of Westmoreland county in his day. He was a great-grandfather of
Martin Nelson and James Grant McGeary. William McGeary came to Westmoreland
county with his brother John in early youth, the twro lads having been brought here
by their father, Clemens McGeary, one of the earliest of Westmoreland' county pioneers. A will, recorded in book I, page I8, dated January io, i779, disposes of quite
an extensive estate and was probably written shortly before his death, near Mt.
Pleasant. The first home of the McGearys in this county was in the eastern part
thereof and here William McGeary's father lived until the time of his death. At that
time his property ivas left to his two sons, William and John, who shortly afterwards
left the eastern part of the county and came to the western part, where their descendants have made their home ever since. In partnership the two young men purchased
336BIOGRAPHICAL
a property consisting of four hundred acres between Freeport and Greensburg, in
Allegheny township, and here engaged in farming operations. Their farm was situated
about five miles from Vandergrift on the road to New Kensington. William McGeary
was the real business man of the two, and sometime after settling in this region, he
built a large log house which continued to stand until about the year I892. It was
two and a half stories high with four rooms on the lower floor and an enormous stone
chimney, measuring twenty-four feet wide at the base and extending across the rear
of two rooms, so that each possessed a large fireplace, between six and seven feet
wide. Their nearest neighbors resided about five miles distant, their being no settlers
in what is now known as Washington township, nor along the banks of the Allegheny
river at that time. The entire region was practically uncleared and a deep forest surrounded the place on all sides for miles. William McGeary began the work of clearing this property and cultivating it for the raising of grain, carrying on this process
little by little, and during this work he was observed constantly by Indians, who stayed
about all day long watching him. He kept his gun constantly by him and as they only
possessed their bows and arrows, they remained at a safe distance. Eventually, however, they became reconciled to his doings and did not molest him further. Mr. McGeary remained on the farm that he thus reclaimed from the wilderness many years,
until the close of his life, his death occurring about the year I85I, at a great age, and
he was buried in the old Pine Run Cemetery, which was situated on a part of his
farm and which he had donated to the Pine Run church, together with property upon
which the church building was erected the year preceding his death. It is a Presbyterian church and Mr. McGeary was an elder in the congregation and a charter member thereof. His wife survived.him about one year.
There is not a great deal known concerning his brother, John, who probably died
unmarried. William McGeary was married to Martha Crutchlow, and they were the
parents of a large family of children, several of whom died in childhood. Those who
survived to be men and women were as follows: I. Clemens, who afterwards removed
to Jefferson county, where he lived and died. 2. David, who resided at the old homestead, where he married and raised a large family of children, who later removed
to Indiana county. 3. William, who inherited a part of the old place, lived and died
there at the age of eighty; married and had a family of children, among whom were
William, Samuel, James, Martha and Mary, all of whom inherited a portion of the old
place. 4. John, who died before his father, but was married and had a large family of
children, to whom a portion of the old farm descended. 5. Joseph, who inherited that
portion of the farm upon which the old home stood, where he lived and died at the
age of about sixty; was the father of a son, William, who succeeded him in its ownership and whose son Alendar is its present owner. 6. James, grandfather of James
Grant McGeary, whose sketch follows this. 7. Samuel, who inherited a part of the
old farm and there lived and died at the age of sixty. 8. Rachel, who become the wife
of Joseph McLaughlin and removed to the West. 9. Betsey, who became the wife of
William Hill, and resided in Armstrong county, where both she and her husband died.
James McGeary, son of William and Martha (Crutchlow) McGeary, was born on
the old homestead in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year I8oI, and died
there in I875. He married Peggy Elliott, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
born at Puckerty Creek. He inherited about fifty acres of the old property, upon
which he built a log house, as well as a fine frame barn. He and his wife were the
parents of a large family of children, of whom the following grew to maturity: I.
William, who became a civil engineer, but died when only twenty-two years of age,
unmarried. 2. John Elliott, who married Sarah J. McLaughlin and lived on her
father's old farm, which she inherited, where he died at the age of seventy-six, being
survived by his wife, who now resides at Leechburg and is over eighty years of age.
W-22
337OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
3. Rachel, who became the wife of John Leech, now deceased, and afterwards married James McGeary, of Armstrong county. 4. James M., who is mentioned in this
work. 5. Martha, who became the wife of William Shaner, a near neighbor, and is
now deceased. 6. Isabel, who became the wife of Fred Amment, and lives at a point
about five miles away from Apollo, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.
JAMES GRANT McGEARY-James Grant McGeary, one of the best known
and most successful merchants and bankers of the thriving town of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. is a member of a family which has long been associated with this region, the
name McGeary having been represented by a number of prominent and distinguished
men. He is a son of James Martin and Mahala C. (Cline) McGeary, his father
having been a well-known farmer at Markle, Pennsylvania, in youth. During his
early life James Martin McGeary followed the profession of teaching for ten years,
after which for a somewhat shorter period he was engaged in business as a photographer. Eventually abandoning this work, however, he became occupied as a farmer
near the village of Markle and continued thus employed until the year I914, since
which time he has lived retired at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. Mr. McGeary, Sr., was
a member of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, and fought with that body in the Civil War.
Born September 23, 1873, on his father's farm  at Markle, Pennsylvania, James
Grant McGeary passed his childhood in the wholesome environment of rural life. During his childhood he attended the local public schools and later was sent to Markle
Academy by his parents, where he completed the elementary portion of his education.
It being his intention to follow in his father's footsteps to take up the profession of
teaching, Mr. McGeary next entered the Indiana State Normal School, where he followed special studies to fit him  for his chosen calling. Still later he attended the
Greensburg Seminary, where he took special courses. Following out his intention, Mr.
McGeary became a teacher in the schools of Westmoreland county, and continued thus
engaged for ten years, during which period he made for himself an excellent reputation
as a successful and intelligent educator. At the end of that period, however, he formed
a partnership with William A. McGeary, and the firm of McGeary  McGeary was
formed to engage in a mercantile line of business at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. From
the outset this concern prospered and for sixteen years, during which it did a very
large and. successful trade and became known as one of the most important establishments of its kind in the community, Mr. McGeary continued associated with it.
At that time, however, he received an offer of the position of cashier in the Citizens'
National Bank of Vandergrift and accepted this offer at once. Since that time he has
continued to hold this post, and is now a well-known figure in the financial circles of
the region. Mr. McGeary possesses an extraordinary natural aptitude for business
and financial affairs, and is now something of an authority on banking and commercial
methods generally.
Mr. McGeary has not confined his activities to the world of business, however,
and is a conspicuous figure in social and fraternal circles at Vandergrift. He is associated with a number of fraternal orders in this region, and is a member of Zion
Commandery, No. 412, Ancient and Illustrious Order Knights of Malta; of Vandergrift Lodge, No. iii6, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Apollo Lodge, No. 386,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and of Vandergrift Lodge, No. 502,
Knights of Pythias. In the latter organization he is a past chancellor and holds the
office at the present time of deputy grand chancellor of the order. Mr. McGeary's
club is the Iroquois of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. In his religious belief Mr. McGeary is a member of the First Reformed Church at Vandergrift.
338BIOGRAPHICAL
339
James Grant McGeary was united in marriage, August I5, I899, at Shearsburg,
Pennsylvania, with Elizabeth Laura Swank, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret
(Smith) Swank. Daniel Swank died in December, 19I3.
JOHN STEEL ANDERSON, M. D.-One of the most prominent among the
younger physicians of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Dr. John
Steel Anderson, who carries on a most successful practice in medicine with an office
at No. 204 West Otterman street and another at East Pittsburg street and Underwood
avenue, Greensburg. He is a son of E. H. and Malinda (Steel) Anderson, old and
highly respected residents of Unity township, Westmoreland county, and it was here
that Dr. Anderson was born May I, I886, near the village of Pleasant Unity.
iHis early education was obtained at the local public schools and he then entered
the high school at Latrobe, where he prepared for college. Having graduated from
this institution, he matriculated at the Washington and Jefferson College at Washington, Pennsylvania, and still later studied at the medical department of the University
of Pittsburgh in that city. This he did in pursuance of his determinatiofi to make the
profession his career in life, and after establishing for himself an excellent record for
character and good scholarship, graduated with the class of 1913 and the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. He supplemented his theoretical knowledge gained at this institution with the practical experience so necessary, spending the following two years as
interne in the Passavant Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Westmoreland Hospital of
Greensburg, and upon the close of his association with the latter institution he began
active practice in the latter city. He met with a most satisfactory success from the
outset and is now regarded by his professional colleagues and the community at large
as one of the leaders of his profession in the section wherein he resides.. He is keenly
interested and very active in general medical matters and gives not a little time to the
advancement of the interest of the profession. He is a member of the Westmoreland
County Medical Society, and in addition to his private practice is a member of the staff
of the Westmoreland Hospital at Greensburg. Dr. Anderson is a very conspicuous
figure in the social, fraternal and club circles of Greensburg and Westmoreland county.
He is a member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 5I8, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons;
Urania Chapter, No. 192, Royal Arch Masons; Olivet Council, No. 13, Royal and
Select Masters; Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar; Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Pennsylvania Consistory,
Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret. He is also a member of the Greensburg Country Club and the Phi Beta Pi college fraternity. His religious belief affiliates him
with the Presbyterian church and he attends the First Church of that denomination in
Greensburg.
A word here of the ancestry of the Anderson family will be appropriate, the
family having been identified with Westmoreland county for many years. The first
of the name to come to this country was William Anderson, who sailed from Ireland
in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and upon reaching America settled in what
is now Unity township, Westmoreland county, but was then almost uncleared wilderness. Here he engaged in farming, and by dint of the hardest kind of labor and the
utmost persistency developed an excellent farm of more than one hundred acres and
there spent the remainder of his life. He was a soldier in the War of I812. He married a Miss Tittle, of Beatty, and they were the parents of seven children, all of whom
reached maturity and lived to an advanced age, as follows: John, James, William,
Sarah, who became the wife of Hamilton Beatty; Dorcas, who became the wife of
Alexander Niccolls; Harriett, who became the wife of Garrett Furry; Martha, who
became the wife of Dr. Sand Colwell, of Youngstown, Pennsylvania. The family
were all Presbyterians and attended Unity Presbyterian Church. The oldest of theseOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
children, John, was the grandfather of the present Dr. Anderson. His birth occurred
in Unity township, August i8, I8oo, and his death occurred there, September 8, 1882.
During his entire life he followed the occupation of farming in the place where he was
born, and he married there Hannah Peterson, a daughter of Elias Peterson, of Unity
township. Mrs. Anderson died there in i88I, at the age of sixty-three, and they were
the parents of eight children, as follows: Margaret, deceased; James,. deceased; Samuel, deceased; and four others, deceased, and E. H., the father of the Dr. Anderson
of this sketch. E. H. Anderson was born in Unity township, on the old homestead
which was founded there by his grandfather. Here on the old place he grew to maturity and resided until the year I9IO, when he came to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He
now makes his home in the latter town and is engaged there successfully in farming
operations. He still continues to run as a farm the old homestead in Unity township.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He married, December 9, I875, Malinda
Steel, a daughter of Joseph and Malinda (Brechbill) Steel, of Mount Pleasant township. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson three children have been born: Alice, who became
the wife of H. A. Hugus, of Unity township, and the mother of one daughter, Mabel;
John Steel, of whom further; and Ida, at home.
Dr. Anderson is a man in whom the public and private virtues are admirably balanced. He is regarded in the professional world and in all his public relations as one
whose principles are above reproach and whose strict ideals of honor and justice are
applied to every detail of his professional conduct.;Nor is it only in his associations
with his patients that these characteristics are displayed, but with all those with whom
he comes in contact in his professional career and in every other department of life.
His courtesy and unfailing concern for the welfare of all, makes him a highly popular
figure in every circle and has established the esteem in which he is held upon the
firmest kind of basis. In his private life these virtues have their analogues. A quiet
and retiring character makes him a great lover of home and the domestic ties, and his
never failing geniality endears him to the members of his famrrily and to the friends of
whom he possesses so many.
CLARENCE WALTER STENGER-Clarence Walter Stenger is a fine example of that sturdy type of American who has done so much to make the western part
of Pennsylvania one of the, greatest industrial and commercial regions of the world.
He is a member of a family which has made its home in the State for many years,
his father, Isaac Potter Stenger, having been born there November II, I849. He has
made his home during the latter part of his life, in the city of Pittsburgh, where for a
considerable period he followed the trade of carpenter, and where he now lives practically retired from active business life. He still maintains, however, a private carpenter shop in his home. He married Sarah Elizabeth Trapp, a native of Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, born May 7, I854. Isaac'P. Stenger's birthplace was Philadelphia, and
as a young man he went to Kansas and was one of the pioneer settlers in that State.
Mr. and Mrs. Stenger, Sr., are the parents of six children, two of whom are deceased,
as follows: Rhoda, who is now the wife of W. O. Connor, of New Martinsville, Illinois; Howard J., of Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in the carpentry
business, married Lillian Foreman, by whom he has two children, Dorothy and Eva;
a child who died in infancy; Clarence Walter, of whom further; Arthur, who is a carpenter at Pittsburgh, and married Frances Scoville, of that city; and Frederick, who
died in early youth.
Born November 23, I883, at Philipsburg, Center county, Pennsylvania, Clarence
Walter Stenger was taken by his parents when a child of only six months old to Erie
county, Pennsylvania, and it was with that section that his earliest associations were
formed. There he also received his early education at the local public school. His
340BIOGRAPHICAL                                   341
studies were cut short, however, at the age of fourteen years, when he once more
removed with his parents, this time to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he secured a
clerical position in a grocery store. Here he remained for three years, when the
family once more moved. This time the new home was made in the city of Pittsburgh
and here once more the young man secured a clerical position in a grocery store. For
one year he held this position, and then went on the road as a salesman, continuing
for three years, representing the J. K. McKee Company, large dealers in confections.
It was in the month of November, I905, that he came to New Kensington, where he
established himself in his present business at the present location and where he has
made his home ever since. He felt that he had learned very thoroughly the confectionery business and consequently chose that line for his new enterprise. He also added
a bakery business and has been eminently successful in both, his establishment at No.
524 Ninth street being one of the handsomest of its kind in that region. They bake
all their goods in this plant, the product of which has established a standard of excellence throughout New Kensington. Mr. Stenger is a prominent figure in the social
and political life of New Kensington; a staunch Republican and is regarded as a leader
in the local political organization. He is a member of the local lodges of the Knights
of Pythias and the Knights of Malta.
On June 8, I904, Mr. Stenger was united in marriage at Wellsburg, West Virginia, with Agnes Bubenheim, a' native of Pittsburgh, and a daughter of Louis and
Margaret (Adamson)  Bubenheim.  Both her father and mother were also born in
Pittsburgh, where the former still lives and the latter died in I896 at the age of thirty.
Mr. and Mrs. Stenger are the parents of two children, Margueriete Elizabeth, born
April I8, I9o6, and Norman Louis, born October 29, I916.
PAUL R. HOFMANN--In Zwickau, a town of Saxony, on the left bank of the
Mulde, sixty miles from Dresden, Richard E. Hofmann, son of P. S. Hofmann, and
father of Paul R. Hofmann, was born and spent the first nineteen years of his life.
He was educated in the excellent schools of Zwickau, and learned the carpenter's
trade prior to his departure for the United States. He located at West Newton,
lWestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, not from choice but from the fact that his funds
were exhausted and he could go no farther. He obtained his first employment with
Philip Rohland, a liveryman, with whom he remained three years, tihen with the
money he had saved from his wages bought a horse and wagon. For seventeen
years he conducted' a general teaming business and prospered to such an extent that
he was able to finance the opening of a grocery store at Collinsburg, a suburb of
WVest Newton, Mr. Hofmann being the pioneer settler. He conducted the grocery
store for a time, then gave it up to resume the carpenter's trade with Finley 
Camp{bell, of West Newton. Several years later he again opened a grocery store in
Collinsburg, -conducted it four years, then on account of ill health sold out and is
now living at Collinsburg. He has been active in developing the village in which he
was the pioneer settler, and was strenuous in his efforts to secure a public school
building, going before the board of school directors and making a strong plea. He
is a Democra.t in politics, a member of the Lutheran church, and has passed all
chairs in the local lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Richard E. Hofmann married, in I884, Minnie, daughter of Christian Teichart.
They are the parents of Paul R., of further mention; Annie May, married George
Wagner, of Madison, Pennsylvania; Emma, married John McGuire, of Homewood,
Pennsylvania; Minnie, married Alexander. Fleming, of Homestead, Pennsylvania;
Richard E. (2), Ernest, George, Walter, Magdalene, Louise, Christina, Louis, and an
infant, the last three children deceased.
Paul R. Hofmann, eldest child of Richard E. and Minnie (Teichart) Hofmann,
was born in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 2I,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
i886. He attended the district public school a part of each year until he reached the
age of fourteen, then became his father's assistant in the small grocery store the
elder Hofmann was operating in Collinsburg. After a short period in'the store he
became dissatisfied and restless, finally broke loose from home restraint and obtained
a position as messenger with the American Express Company at West Newton.
After a year in that employ the "Wanderlust" again seized him and' he again left
home. Finally he accepted employment by a farmer with whom he made a contract
to serve him six months at $8.oo monthly and a bonus of $2.oo. This was the turning
point in the lad's life and the birth of a resolution to make something of himself.
Faithfully he ser.ved his employer until within two weeks of the expiration of his
contract, then having an offer of $I5 a month from a grocer in Donora he obtained
his release and took the new position, remaining seven months. For the following
six months he was in the employ of the West Newton Supply Company at West
Newton, then returned for another eleven months with the Donora grocer. Later
he was employed'by the Union Grocery Company at Donora, his position with the
latter company beginning at a salary of $Io.oo weekly, his duties being of the
humblest character.  But he "made good" and in two weeks was taken into the
meat'department at $I2.50 weekly.  Two weeks later he was transferred to the
grocery department, and later was sent out as a solicitor. In I9o4 he returned home
and was manager of his father's store until I909.
In the latter part of I909 he saw an opportunity to buy out a small grocery in
West Newton that in previous hands had been a failure. He had very little capital, but secured a loan of $250, bought the store, fixtures and such stock as was on
hand and leased the property for a term  of years.  He opened the store wihich
he had metamorphosed and there he has built up a good business. The original
room was I2X16 feet and for the first six months he kept "Bachelors Hall" there,
was his own clerk, bookkeeper and delivery boy. His journal shows as the result
of his first day's business:  (Dec. 9, I9o9) "Credit, $3.63."  "Cash $I.I7."  "Total
receipts for balance of month $36.oo." But he persevered and kept only the best
goods, put in a new scale (on time) and made his little store as attractive and "up
to date" as possible. Six months after opening, he added a slender line of dry goods,
put in grain and feed and bought a horse and wagon, all this being done from current
receipts, as he had absolutely no working capital. During his first year in business
he was elected assistant assessor of Rostraver township (in which his store is located,
opposite West Newton, on the main road) and this so added to his work that he
made store deliveries at night. The business has b,een one of rapid and consistent
growth and now monthly receipts total $2,ooo, and he occupies a ground floor and
second floor 20x40 with two warehouses I2x20 and 4oxi6 feet. Mr. Hofmann also
represents the International Truck Company as selling agent for their motor truck.
He has worked early and late to build up his business, and his. success can only be
attributed to his own energy, perseverance and ability.
He has taken a deep interest in town affairs, is now serving his second term as
school director and is one of the influential Democrats of his town, well known and
highly respected as a man of good judgment and strict integrity. He is a member of
Blyth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of West Newton; McKeesport Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons; and McKeesport Commandery, Knights' Templar, of McKeesport; and Lodge No. 86, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Monessen. In
religious affiliations he is a member of the Lutheran church, taking a deep interest
and doing his full share in its upbuilding.
Mr. Hofmann married, June 6, I916, Madelina, daughter of William and Mary
Wagner, of Rostraver township. Shle has been a true helpmate and to her assistance
and encouragement Mr. Hofmann awards a large share of his success. For eight
years she was a clerk in the store, and even yet her assistance in its management
he considers invaluable.
342BIOGRAPHICAL                                   343
ISAAC J. ISRAEL, M. D.-Dr. Israel was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
August 20, I85, and is a son of Joseph and Hilda (Hasse) Israel, both natives of
Germany, where the elder Mr. Israel was born near the city of Berlin. It was in
1875 that Joseph Israel came to.America, with his wife, Hilda (Hasse) Israel, who,
it might be mentioned, was a schoolmate of his, and three of her sisters were married
to three brothers of Mr. Israel. On coming here Mr. Israel engaged as a merchant
in Pittsburgh, where he still resides, retired.  He has always been prominent in
religious and charitable work, and is an ardent Republican, the principles and policies of which party he supports generously.
Dr. Isaac J. Israel is the youngest of five children born to his parents, one son
and four daughters. He was educated in the O'Harra public school of Pittsburgh,
and later attended the Central High School of this same city, and graduated with the
class of T904. He then entered the Western University of Pennsylvania, which is now
the University of Pittsburgh Medical Department, and graduated with the class of
I907 and the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Since then Dr. Israel served one year
as interne in the South Side Hospital and a year at the Montefiore Hospitgl of New
York City, in this same capacity. He was then appointed resident physician of tihe
Pittsburgh City Poor Farm at Mayview, Pennsylvania, where he served for a period
of three and a half years. In I912 he came to Monessen, Pennsylvania, and engaged
in a general medical and surgical practice, which proved successful from the start.
His practical skill has attracted to him a representative clientele and he is a wellknown and able physician. Dr. Israel is a member of the Monessen Charleroi Hospital staff, a member of the Tri-County Medical Society, the Westmoreland County
Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association, the American Medical
Association. In his political affiliations Dr. Israel is a Republican, and he is also
affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. The religious orders with which'Dr. Israel is connected with are the Independent Order of Bnai Brith, the Independent Order of Brith Sholem and the Young
Men's Hebrew Association. He is also connected with the Monessen Board of
Trade and of the Educational Committee.
On September 5, 1912, Dr. Israel was united in marriage with Freda Myers, a
daughter of Teres and Sarah (Petrosky) Myers, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania,
where Mr. Myers was an old resident and a pioneer furniture merchant. To Dr. and
Mrs. Israel two children have been born, Helen Gertrude, deceased; and Mildred
Ruth.
CYRUS JACOB SHUSTER-Cyrus J. Shuster, one of the most enterprising
and progressive among the influential business men of Delmont, Pennsylvania, and
of that region generally, was born in Westmoreland county, and has been identified
with its life and affairs throughout his entire career. On both sides of the house he
is descended from old and distinguished Westmoreland county families, his father
and mother's ancestors alike having made this region their home since the old
pioneer days. The first to come to this region of the Shuster family was the present
Mr. Shuster's great-grandfather, who came from Easton, Pennsylvania, at an early
period. His son, Isaac Shuster, was undoubtedly born in Westmoreland county, and
lived in this region throughout the seventy-five years of his life. His death occurred
about I86I, anfd he is clearly recalled by his grandson, Cyrus J. Shuster. He married
Anna Blose, and one of their sons, Daniel Shus.ter, was the father of Cyrus J. Shuster.
Daniel Shuster was'born in Hempfield township, about three miles south of
Delmont, and in the year I856 settled on the one hundred acre farm which continued
to be his home until the end of his life. Upon it he erected all the buildings which
are still in use and here he did considerable general farming. He was, however, aOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
shoemaker by trade and for a number of years followed that craft, finding this necessary because his farm  was comparatively new land, which required considerable
clearing and which it took a long time to bring into a high state of cultivation.
Eventually, however, he succeeded and there founded one of the most desirable
homes in the region. Eventually, he took to raising stock on the farm and became
well known as a dealer in beef cattle and supplied the Greensburg hotels with meat.
For a period of; about fifteen years he was associated with his son Lewis'W. in the
operation of a general store in Greensburg, but this enterprise he disposed of on the
occasion of his son's death in I889. He was also the owner of mills, from which he
derived a large portion of his income and which afterwards became the possession
of his son, Cyrus J. Shuster. Indeed his investment in these mills was entered into
out of consideration for his son's future business interests and also from the publicspirited motive of providing an important and useful industry for the benefit of the
community-at-large. He was a Democrat in politics, and served the township'for a
number of years in the responsible post of tax collector, assessor, etc. In his
childhood and youth he was a member of the Lutheran church of Greensburg, but
about I867 entered the church of that denomination at Delmont, which is situated but
two miles north of his home. Daniel Shuster married Lucinda Rugh, a daughter of
Jacob Rugh, whose home stood on what is now the site of the Kelly  Jones factory
in South Greensburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Shuster thirteen children were
born, of whom ten reached maturity, as follows: Lewis W., already mentioned as
his father's partner in a mercantile enterprise in Greensburg, and who died in I889
at that place; Harriett J., who became the wife of J. M. Silvis, of Washington township; Cyrus Jacob, mentioned below; Maggie, who became the wife of J. M. Klingensmith, of Greensburg; Malvina, who is the widow of Frank C. Black, for many years
a merchant at Greensburg, and whose death occurred in I917; Edgar D., whose death
occurred at his home at the age of twenty-two; Clara N., who became the wife of
Charles R. Fritchman, a farmer and miller of Delmont; Minnie, who is employed
as a dressmaker at Delmont; Albert J., of Greensburg; Gertrude L., who is now Mrs.
C. W. Earnest, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, who is a foreman in the wire mill there.
Mrs. Shuster, Sr., died in I9II at the venerable age of eighty-two years.
Born September I5, I856, Cyrus Jacob Shuster spent his childhood and early
youth on his father's farm, where he experienced that splendid rural training which
has produced for us the strongest element in our body politic. Here he assisted his
father with the work of the place, and during the winter months, when there was but
little to do, attended the local schools where he gained such. formal schooling as was
offered by them. He was of an extremely ambitious character, however, and desired
strongly to make his way in some larger community, where the opportunity for
advancement would be greater. At the age of nineteen, accordingly, he entered the
es.tablishment of his brother, Lewis W. Shuster, in Greensburg, and there remained
for about four years. The two years following, however, were passed on the farm
again, and in the year I88I he entered the service of his father as miller in the
general roller mill at Delmont, Pennsylvania. For a number of years this mill
remained the property of his father and a Mr. Hugus, sheriff, equal partners in the
enterprise. About I894, however, Mr. Shuster, Sr., bought out his partner and conducted it until I9o2, in which year his son purchased the same. From the year I88I,
when he first took the position of miller, Mr. Shuster remained in this capacity for
thirty-six years, and in I902 purchased the business from his father, as aforementioned. He still remains its owner and still maintains it in active operation.
This mill is one of the most interesting and oldest in the community; for seventy-five
years a mill has stood on this site, although the original building is no longer there.
One of the earliest owners, if not the earliest, was John Hughes, and later it became
the property of ex-Sheriff John Hugus and Mr. Shuster, Sr. The old mill imme344BIOGRAPHICAL
diately preceding the present building was built by Mr. Hugus, but this was burned
in I892, and Mr. Shuster, Sr., erected the present one. The names of Peter Hammar
and Daniel Blose are associated in the memories of the people as millers here, the
latter serving immediately prior to Mr. Shuster's incumbency for a period of twentysix years. The present mill is supplied with eight pairs of rollers and is rated as a
fifty barrel mill. It is operated by steam power and produces the Gem brand of
flour as its leader. This flour is made from home grown winter wheat, although the
production of this crop has greatly decreased in Pennsylvania during the recent
years. The section was formerly one of the finest wheat growing regions of Pennsylvania. But Mr. Shuster has not contented himself with his milling operations, but
has been connected with a number of other large and important enterprises in the
region. He was one of the group of men who founded the People's National Bank
of Delmont, Pennsylvania, and was the original president of that institution. For
a number of years Mr. Shuster was also strongly interested in the coal industry.in
that region, and for a considerable period conducted a number of enterprises in this
line with a high degree of success.
Besides his business affairs, Mr. Shuster has amply proven his public spirit by
his active participation in -the public life of the community. Like his father before
him, he is a Democrat in politics and has been most actively connected with the local
organization of that party. He has held at various times practically all of the local
offices, especially those of school director and a member of the Common Council.
In his religious'belief he is a Lutheran and has for many years been associated with
the church of that denomination at Delmont, and has been extremely active in
advancing its cause in the community. For twenty years he has been secretary of
the church society and for fourteen years superintendent of the Sunday school.
Cyrus Jacob Shuster was united in marriage, September I3, I883, with Maggie E.
Rowe, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Fink) Rowe, whose father died when she
was a little child. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rowe: Maggie E., now
Mrs. Shuster, and Joseph B. Rowe, who resides at Greensburg, where he is engaged
in business as a carpenter. A;fter the death of Mr. Rowe, Mrs. Rowe returned to
reside with her parents, Michael and    -  (Bethtel) Fink, at Beaver Run, and it
was there that Mrs. Shuster passed her young girlhood and grew to maturity. Mrs.
Rowe died some years after Mrs. Shuster's marriage at Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs.
Shuster became the parents of the following children, three of whom are at present
living: Alice M., who resides with her parents at Delmont, is a graduate of the
Indiana Normal School at Indiana, Pennsylvania, and is now a teacher in the Delmont High School; Florence N., a student in the Indiana Normal School, a graduate
of the class of I917; and Joseph R., a student of the Greensville High School, and at
the present time a member of the freshman class of Thiel College at Greensville,
Pennsylvania.
For the amount of schooling that he had received, Mr. Shuster is a man of
remarkably broad education and the widest reading. A good general education it is
quite possible to gain in our public schools, but he is a man of unusual erudition and
great special knowledge on many branches of art and science. The reason for this
is to be found in the fact that he is a natural scholar, one of those whose study by no
means stops when they leave school for the last time. Indeed, it is then only commencing, and during their entire life they continue to be students, learning from
everything with which they come in contact. It has already been remarked that Mr.
Shuster is devoted to his family and home. This is closely connected with another
profound taste of his, namely, reading, and it is said of him that if he is not to be
found in his office you might count on his being at home with a book in his hand,
deep in his life-long task of acquiring knowledge. It is this habit, without question,
that makes him one of the most erudite and accomplished men of the city and an
345BIOGRAPHICAL
should be a genuine bit of Thanksgiving sentiment that this typical Greensburger
should ha ve passed the danger point and be now on the highway of recovery. There
was a genuine regret voiced in Greensburg when the seriousness of Mr. Bair's condition was learned. It was evident that his loss would be keenly felt. Mr. Bair was
never engaged in scotching the wheels of progress, and we really feel that every good
Greensburger will join with the "Morning Press" in rejoicing over Mr. Baer's recovery. He has always been at the front in every forward movement. As a developer of
Greater Greensburg he has been second to none. His departure would be missed, his
recovery is a gain to Greensburg. He has an abiding faith in our future. He thinks
Greenshurg, he talks Greensburg. He does things and inspires others to do things.
His pride in his home town is paramount. Greensburg could ill afford to lose him.
His return to business life will be a distinct benefit to the community. The "Morning Press" felicitates Mr. Bair upon his recovery and sincerely hopes he will soon
be in our busy midst.
Mr. Bair, on October I4, I885, was united in marriage with Esther Mary Suydam, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joseph L. and Mary (White) Suydam. Her father, until a short time before his death, was superintendent of the Wilmington  Delaware Railroad, and resided at Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bair
was educated in the schools of Coatesville and of Latrobe. Their children consist of
four sons and two daughters, as follows:
Paul Suydain, vice-president of the Merchants' Trust Company of Greensburg;
was graduated from  Princeton University in I9I0.  He is married to Margaretta
Skene, of Chicago, Illinois.
Kenneth Henry, who was graduated from  Pennsylvania State College in I912,
is now a lieutenant in the Tenth Field Artillery, in France. He was recently married
to Willetta Sparks, of Douglass, Arizona.
Helen, who finished her education at Miss Everett's Private School, in Washington, D. C., and is married to Vance E. Booher, a member of the bar of Washington, Pennsylvania. They have a child, Vance E., Jr.
Edward Hart, was a junior in the Pennsylvania State College, and is now an
orderly in the headquarters company of the One Hundred and Tenth Infantry, in
France.
Esther, who is a graduate of Bristol School, of Washington, D. C., at home.
Joseph Lawrence, a student at Lawrenceville Academy, Lawrenceville, New
Jersey.
THE FOIGHT FAMILY-The first ancestor of this family in America was
John George Foight, who was a son of George Jacob Foight, of Iwinsbaugh, Brockenheim County, Wurtemburg Kingdom, Germany, and was born November I9, I8oo.
Early in life he was apprenticed to a boot and shoemaker in his native village. In
I823 he embarked on a sailing vessel bound for America. It is not known from
what port he sailed, but by reason of contrary winds, the voyage across the Atlantic
lasted eighty days. The voyagers aboard the sailing vessel suffered many hardships,
one of which was hunger, for the good ship's commissary was exhausted of everything but salt meats before reaching the American shores. He settled in Pittsburgh
and began to work at his trade as a shoemaker. Shortly after that he was married
to Eliza (Berlin) Wooster, widow of Charles Wooster. She had prior to her marriage with Wooster, been married to a man named Pinkerton, so that she had already outlived two husbands, and she outlived all of them, for she survived her third
husband eleven years. Her maternal instincts accordingly went out to three lines of
children.
In I832 John George Foight removed with his family to Murrysville, Westmoreland county, where he purchased a tract of twenty acres of land, erected a log house
and shop, and set up as a master in his trade. He followed this occupation until a
few years before his death. In those early days there were tan yards in many places
through the country and the inhabitants would take their calf skins and beef skins
2IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
authority on many subjects of which most men of business are profoundly ignorant.
He is a "self-made man" in a larger sense than that in which the term is generally
used, in the sense, that is, that he made of himself everything that is possible in every
department of his character and life. The phrase, as it is loosely used, conveys
merely the idea that the one so designated has made a fortune or achieved position,
and no more, but in this sense it becomes a title of far greater significance. and honor
and implies that he has used to the utmost those talents intrusted to him by the
Master.
HENRY Z. LAUFFER-Lauffer is a name which has been most intimately associated with the life of Westmoreland county from a very early period, when Christian
Lauffer, the first of the name of whom we have any definite information, came from
Northampton county to Westmoreland county some time prior to the year I770. He
brought with him his wife and a son, John Lauffer. Christian Lauffer lived near
Pleasant Unity and became a prominent man in that region. He was born as early as
I73o, and died in I8oo. He and his wife were the parents of six sons and five daughters, the former being as follows: Christian, John, Henry, Peter and Adam.
It was through Henry Lauffer that Henry Z. Lauffer is descended, he having been
his great-grandfather. He spent his life on the farm, cleared and started by his father,
the old Lauffer homestead near Pleasant Unity, and it was there that his death
occurred in I82I, at the age of sixty-eight years. He is buried in the Bash Cemetery,
where also his father lies. He married Barbara Allman, and their son, John Lauffer,
was the grandfather of Henry Z. Lauffer.
John Lauffer was born in I789. He lived in Franklin township, and carried on the
occupation of farming during his entire life. His death occurred in I873 and he is
buried in the old Hills Cemetery at Manordale. He married Elizabeth Andrews, and
they were the parents of a large family.
One of their sons, Peter Lauffer, was the father of Henry Z. Lauffer, and was well
known in the community, popularly known as the generous-hearted Peter, on account of
the kindness of his heart and the charitableness of his disposition. Early in life he
secured a tract of poor land in Pennsylvania and this, despite many vicissitudes, he
finally converted into a highly improved and valuable farm. In 1873 he erected thereon
a fine brick residence, which is still very much of a landmark in the vicinity. In politics
he was a Republican, but he had no very strong taste for active political life and avoided
rather than sought anything in the nature of public office. A man of strong religious
impulses, he was a member all his life of the Reformed church and liberally supported
its work in the community. Indeed, there was no charitable movement undertaken
which Mr. Lauffer did not ardently assist, and it was in a measure the liberality of his
gifts that won for him the sobriquet which he so greatly prized. To Peter Lauffer and
his wife the following children were born: Israel B., Jacob W., Sarah E., who became
the wife of R. H. Kemerer, and resides in Greensburg; Elizabeth A., who became the
wife of William H. Kemerer; John P.; Henry Z., mentioned below; and Joseph A.,
who is engaged successfully in a mercantile business at Greensburg.
Born January I, I868, in Pennsylvania township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on his father's farm near Harrison City, Henry Z. Lauffer spent his childhood
and early youth on the old homestead. His mother died when he was but six years of
age, and at the age of eighteen his father also died, so that the young man was thrown
upon his own resources at an early age. During his childhood he attended the Greensburg Seminary, at that time in charge of the well-known educator, Professor Board,
and later took a commercial course at Duff's Business College; from which he was
graduated. Upon completing his studies at this institution, he secured a position as
clerk in a grocery store at Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. He did not remain here very
346BIOGRAPHICAL
long, however, but worked in a similar capacity for two years in a wholesale confectionery establishment in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He then returned to Greensburg
and the next -five and a half years of his life he spent as bookkeeper in the Union
Planing Mill Company in the neighboring town of Jeannette.  His ability as an
accountant soon spread beyond the limits of this concern, and in I9OI he was made
first deputy controller of Westmoreland county, under John Brown, who held the
office of controller there. The two offices had only just been created and Mr. Lauffer,
as deputy controller, opened the first set of books kept in that office. He continued to
serve in this capacity for about three years and a half and during that entire period
continued to keep this set of books. His ability as accountant led to his selection as
assistant cashier for the Jeannette National Bank which not long afterwards liquidated
its affairs and merged with the Jeannette Savings and Trust Company. Mr. Lauffer
was particularly interested in banking, however, and desiring to engage in that business
chose the town of Delmont as a suitable location, and here began a campaign for the
organization of a new institution. It was not long before he had interested a number
of the leading men of this region, and accordingly the People's National Bank of Delmont was founded and opened its doors for business in May, I9II. Practically the
entire responsibility for the management of this prosperous concern has dissolved upon
the shoulders of Mr. Lauffer, and it is not too much to say that it has been his close
attention and masterly business foresight upon which this success has been founded.
It is Mr. Lauffer's doings that have given the People's National Bank a high standing
as a banking institution, which it now enjoys throughout the entire region and the
enviable reputation which it to-day enjoys in financial circles. At the time of its
foundation, the People's National Bank elected the following officers: C. J. Shuster,
president, whose career forms the subject matter of a sketch appearing elsewhere in
this work; Hugh Dunning, vice-president, and Henry Z. Lauffer, cashier. The first
board of directors contained fifteen members, but this number has gradually dwindled
to seven, all of whom are men identified with this locality. The present board now
consists of the following gentlemen: C. J. Shuster, Henry Z. Lauffer, H. A. Waddell, John S. Lauffer, Dr. S. P. Earnest, C. M. Sheffler and H. F. Kunkle. At the
time of its organization its capital amounted to twenty-five thousand dollars.
But while the service that he has rendered to his community in this respect has
been a great one, it does not by any means make up the sum total of what Mr. Lauffer
has done for the community. A man of wide interests and easily aroused to sympathies, he has identified himself with many departments of the city's life and has
taken a particularly keen interest in local public affairs. He is a Republican in politics
and is deeply interested in all political issues, whether of local or general significance,
but is nevertheless entirely devoid of ambition to hold public office of any kind. In his
religious belief Mr. Lauffer is a member,of the Reformed church, and is active in the
advancement of its interests in the community. He has supported liberally its work,
both with his time and fortune, and has been superintendent of its Sunday school for
a number of years, in which connection and in others he has done valuable work in
shaping the young men of the community to the best and highest ideals of citizenship.
Henry Z. Lauffer was united in marriage, April 23, I891, with Mary E. Hill, of
Wilkinsburg and Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of James and Catherine (Cline) Hill, where Mr. Hill still resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Lauffer the following children have been born: I. Sadie Catherine, who died in her fifteenth year. 2.
J. Freeman, who graduated from the Delmont High School, took a business course in
the college, is employed as an assistant in the People's National Bank, and is now in
the National Army, Three Hundred'and Twentieth Infantry; married Lucinda R.
Fritchman, by whom he has had two children: J. Freeman, Jr., born May 7, I916, and
Dorothy Jean, born October I9, I9I7. 3. Alta Mary, who was a student in the
Wilkinsburg High School, class of I917, now in Cleveland taking hospital training. 4.
347OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Ruth Hill, a graduate of the Delmont High School, class of I916, and at the present
time is an assistant in the People's National Bank. 5. Ethel C., a freshman in the
Delmont High School. 6. H. Ringer. Mrs. Lauffer is an active church and Sunday
school worker and conducts a well-known and popular Bible class.
The early history of the Lauffer family in Pennsylvania is exceedingly interesting
and deserves a few words in this place. Christian Lauffer, who has already been mentioned as the pioneer in this part of the country, came to WVestmoreland county at
about the time of the settlement of the feud between Pennsylvania and Virginia. This
feud was waged over the ownership of a large part of what is now Western Pennsylvania, and the very early settlers were in the unfortunate position of having to pay two
sets of taxes, one to Pennsylvania and the other to Virginia in order to secure protection against the Indians, with the result that they gained it from  neither.  In
those perilous times, the dangers of which had been partially alleviated by the final
surrender of its claim by Virginia, the Lauffers came to live here, and we find in the
Pennsylvania archives, third series, volume twenty-three, page two hundred and twentysix, that Henry Lauffer, Christian Lauffer's son, was enrolled in that hardy band of
men known as the "Rangers of the Frontiers," from 1778 to 1783. These records bring
us back to the time when the foundations of our Nation were being laid by those courageous men who dared the perils of the unchartered wilderness for the sake of freedom and adventure, and the members of the Lauffer family themselves may well be
included in this characterization and from the first to the last of their association with
this part of the country had stood for all that was best in its life and tradition.
With all his talents and the multitude of activities which call them into play, Mr.
Lauffer is essentially a domestic man. He is very retiring and, although he greatly
enjoys the society of his friends, he shrinks from anything like public office or the kind
of political activity that would bring him into the public eye. Although so uniformly
successful and so universally liked because of his sense of justice and generosity, by
all his business associates, yet his chief happiness is found in the retirement of his own
home and the intercourse of his own household. The same qualities that make him
a devoted husband and parent also make him a faithful friend, so that of the great
number who are originally attracted to him because of his unusual personality there
are none who do not remain bound to him by a sense of his sterling worth and simple
heart.
J. FRANK EVANS-J. Frank Evans, one of the most successful and popular
teachers of East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a son
of John and Priscilla (Myers) Evans, old and highly respected residents of Hempfield township. Mr. Evans, Sr., died about I9o2, but his widow is still living and
makes her home at New Stanton, Pennsylvania. J. Frank Evans is one of their four
children, three living, and was born in Hempfield township about one and a half miles
east of New Stanton, on the old family place there, October I5, I865. The two other
living children of the family were Harry, who is now employed as an engineer by the
Pennsylvania railroad at Youngwood; and Minnie, who became the wife of M. M.
Ridenour.
Mr. Evans early education was received at the local schools and he afterwards
attended the Normal School at Greensburg, where he prepared himself for the career
which he has. so successfully followed. He also studied for a time at the Normal
School at Mount Union. He was but nineteen years of age when he began to teach
in the county public school, and from that time until I9I2 taught continually for twenty
years with one break of two years time. His first position as teacher was held at the
Eisaman School, which is situated about two miles from Youngwood, where he was
engaged for one year, and then five years at Mount Pleasant township. He then
348BIOGRAPHICAL
taught for a number of years at Ruffs Dale, but left the school there to accept the
position of principal of the West Newton School. Three years later he became deputy
county superintendent under Mr. Ulrich for the Westmoreland county school at Ruffs
Dale, where he remained until about six years ago. For two years he held the position of township principal. His success has been marked in his chosen profession and
he is well known throughout the region as a tactful and capable teacher. It was about
I902 that Mr. Evans came to live on his present farm, which is situated about one
mile east of Ruffs Dale. This property was long in possession of the Lowe family and
here he has planted quantities of valuable fruit. His operations here have been very
successful and he has applied the most recent scientific methods to.his agricultural
work. He is also engaged in the plumbing business on a small scale, this business
extending to Ruffs Dale and other surrounding towns. Mr. Evans has been for eight
years health officer of East Huntingdon township, and Mount Pleasant township, and
established for himself an excellent record for efficiency and disinterested public service
during those years. In politics Mr. Evans is a staunch Republican, and an active
worker for his party, having served on several committees and shown himself to be a
factor in the local situation. He has served twelve years as a justice of the peace.
J. Frank Evans married (first) about 1897, Ada Sloan, whose death occurred
ten years later. They were the parents of one child, Leila Evans. Mr. Evans married
(second) May Boyer, and of this marriage five children were born, as follows: Grace,
Sylvania, Catherine, John and Emma. The family are members of the Lutheran
church at Ruffs Dale, and are active in the work thereof.
JOHN J. GRAHAM-Aggressive executiveness and all the qualities that make
for good citizenship are what the name which heads this article represents to Mr. Graham's fellow-citizens of Westmoreland county and, more especially, to his friends and
neighbors of Rostraver township. His post-office address is Webster, but he is widely
known as the proprietor of the beautiful settlement to which he has given the name of
Felsburg.
Andrew Graham, father of John J. Graham, was born in Newton-Stewart, County
Tyrone, Ireland, and as a young man' emigrated to the United States, landing with
twenty-five cents in his pocket, and walking to Philadelphia. Truly, he was of the
stuff of which pioneers are made and it is easy to see where his son, John J., got his
aggressiveness. In Philadelphia, Mr. Graham had a brother Thomas, and here he
remained for a time, later seeking employment in the Gibson Mills, owned by John Gibson, Sons  Company. He worked first as a cooper, but soon, in association with John
Hackett, opened an independent shop under the firm name of Hackett  Graham. The
venture prospered, and at the end of nineteen years Mr. Graham retired to the farm
which is now the home of his son, John J. This was in I885 and he continued to reside
there to the end of his long life. Few better men ever lived than Andrew Graham.
He was a member of the Christian church, and richly merited the high respect in
which he was held. He and his partner, John Hackett, had the greatest confidence in
each other, and during their business connection Mr. Graham supervised the manufacture while Mr. Hackett took charge of the office. Andrew Graham always taught
his sons that their word must be as good as their bond. Mr. Graham's wife, Mary
Ann (Riddle) Graham, was also a native of Newton-Stewart, County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to the United States one year later than her husband. They met in
Philadelphia and were married in that city. Their children were: I. Lindsay, learned
the cooper's trade, as did all his brothers, and was foreman in the Claremont (Allegheny county) workhouse, and later in the Gibson Mills; he died at the age of fiftythree. 2. Mary, married Alfred Hardesty, now of Columbus, Ohio. 3. John J., mentioned below. 4. Andrew, conducts a cooperage business at Charlottesville, Virginia.
349OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
5. Joseph, also a cooper. 6. Robert, superintendent of the Hardwood Packing Company of Chester, Pennsylvania. Andrew Graham passed away on March I2, I914, at
the advanced age of eighty-eight, his wife having died eighteen years before.
John J. Graham, son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Riddle) Graham, was born June
I2, I859, at Gibsonton Mills, near Belle Vernon. As a young man he worked at the
cooper's trade, also taking charge of the farm for his father, who was blind during the
last three years of his life. In I899 John J. Graham purchased the home farm, which
consisted of one hundred and seventy-three acres, and of this he now retains only about
ten. The greater part of the estate he has sold most advantageously for building purposes and it now constitutes a small but very attractive settlement to which he has given
the name of Felsburg, the appellation having been suggested by the proximity of Fels
Church. Mr. Graham is one of a company which purchased and laid out a sixty-two
acre farm as an addition to Felsburg. This, also, he has sold, at two hundred and fifty
dollars an acre, and has built thereon several residences. His tract is upland, two
hundred feet higher than Webster, and affords most desirable sites for dwellings.
Drainage, water, soil and air are of the best, and a fine brick road now connects the
place with Webster. In politics Mr. Graham is a Republican, but has never had either
time or inclination for office-seeking or office-holding. His public spirit, however, is
beyond question, and he is ever ready to aid to the utmost of his power any project
having for its end the betterment of community conditions.
Mr. Graham married, January 3, I883, Nettie, daughter of John Dowling, of
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children:
I. Zilpha, married Norman H. Binley, and has one child, Josephine; they live on the
homestead. 2. Essie May, wife of Martin Cuthbert, and they also reside on the old
farm; they have four children: John W., Earl E., Dorothy May and Sarah Catherine.
3. Beryl, wife of Ora G. Waltz, living in the vicinity of the,homestead; they have three
children: Hazel, Emma and Bertha A. 4. Evalina, wife of W. K. Hamilton, who has
four children by a former marriage: Hazel Constance, William, Ellen Marie and
Margaret; one son born of this union, six months old. 5. Ruby, wife of Harry Naylor, a farmer of the neighborhood; they have one daughter, nine months old. The
mother of these five daughters, who, at the time of her marriage, was but sixteen,
passed away on December Io, I8gI, when the youngest of her children was five weeks
old and the eldest eight years. For a few years they were cared for by their grandmother, and then the eldest, with a thoughtfulness seldom seen in a child of eleven or
twelve, became as a mother to the younger ones, watching over and caring for them in
a manner worthy of all admiration.
John J. Graham is a type of man who is popularly called "a live wire."  Certain
it is that he is a dynamic force in the community and that nothing is ever suffered to
stagnate in his vicinity. Mr. Graham is a large Liberty Bond buyer.
HARRY DAVID DIFFENDERFER  A graduate in pharmacy, Mr. Diffenderfer gave to Export, Pennsylvania, its only drug store, and there has established a successful business. He is a son of Charles A. Diffenderfer, for thirty years a farmer
of Transfer, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, who died upon his farm there in I9o6. He
married Mary Elizabeth Christman, daughter of Reuben Christman, a farmer of
Greenville, Pennsylvania, now deceased, his widow yet living at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Both parents and children were members of the Reformed church. They had
children: Otto, a contractor of Sharon, Pennsylvania, died in I907, aged forty-two;
Ida, married P. W. Watson, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, a train despatcher with the
Erie Railroad Company, they the parents of four children, two of their sons now in
training at Fort Hancock, Augusta, Georgia, for service "Somewhere in France;"
Fred, a farmer of Sharpsville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, married Elsie Chestnut,
350BIOGRAPHICAL
and has two children: Nancy, married Edward Quigley, ot Pittsourgh, died in 900oo;
Emma Agnes, residing with her mother in Meadville.
Harry David Diffenderfer was born at the home farm at Transfer, Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, October 5, I88I, and there completed courses of public school study. He
chose a profession and attended Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy until graduation,
April I7, I904. His first employer was G. B. Kline, druggist of Braddock, Pennsylvania, with whom he remained five years, going thence to Irwin, Pennsylvania, as
manager of the George Sowash's drug store, and there continuing three years. He
then opened a drug store at Export, Pennsylvania, under his own name, which has
proved a very profitable enterprise, being the only store of its kind in the borough.
He has other interests, being interested in the Export Mining Company, operating a
mine at Export, and in the Export Gas Company, whose great gas well, drilled in
19I5, flowed with such tremendous volume and force. This gas well up to the present
moment was absolutely the largest ever drilled in the United States, and measures
one hundred and ten million feet every twenty-four hours. Out of twelve wells drilled
they experienced only two definitely dry holes.
Mr. Diffenderfer is a Republican in politics, has served for six years in borough
council, and has recently been reelected for a third term. He is a member of Shidle
Lodge, No. 60o, of Irwin, Pennsylvania; Urania Chapter, No. 192, Royal Arch
Masons, of Greensburgh; Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar, of Greensburg; Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh; also Scottish Rite
bodies; and a member of Emmanuel Reformed Church of Export.
JAMES HOMER REMALEY-James Homer Remaley is undoubtedly one of
the most progressive and successful among the younger business men of Export, Pennsylvania. He is a son of Samuel and Reb,ecca Jane (Stark) Remaley, whose deaths
occurred respectively March 22, I904, and July Io, I90o8. Mr. Remaley, Sr., operated a
grist mill at Manordale, Pennsylvania, and continued to be actively engaged in business up to the time of his death.
James Homer Remaley was born at his father's home at Manordale, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 12, I892, and passed his childhood there. For his
education he attended the public school and Clark's School of Manordale, continuing
at his studies until he had reached the age of sixteen. He then began working for his
father in the latter's grist mill, remaining there for three years. At the end of that time
he was given employment by his brother, M. F. Remaley, on his farm, and here the
youth remained for one year, engaged in farm work. At the age of twenty, however,
he secured employment as a locomotive fireman on the Pennsylvania railroad, working
on the division between Pitcairn and Altoona. For two years and eight months he
continued thus employed and at the end of that period returned to Export, where he
began working for his brother, M. F. Remaley, who was engaged in the livery business. In 19I5, after a year's employment, he purchased his, brother's interest and built
the present handsome garage, where he is now situated. He began the erection of this
building in October, i9i6, and completed it early in I9I7. Its dimensions are seventyfive by eighty feet for the main building with the workshop in the rear, twenty by
forty-five feet. The building has a capacity of sixty cars and is of brick fireproof
construction and the first of its kind in Export. It is situated opposite the station on
the main street of the town and is thus very centrally located. It was put up by the
Remaleys themselves, they doing a large portion of the work personally. Mr. Remaley
has met with a very high degree of success in this enterprise and has developed a business which promises to be one of the largest of its kind in the entire region. Mr.
Remaley is one of those men who is continually on the outlook for new and wider
opportunity, and he has recently opened a small coal mine situated about half a mile
35IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
north of Export, where his operations are proving most successful. He is a Democrat
in politics, and served for one year in the office of constable for the borough of Export.
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Lodge No. 952,
Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In his religious belief he is a member
of the Emmanuel Reformed Church. In his business he is associated with his brother,
Wilson M. Remaley, and the firm is known as Remaley Brothers. They handle the
Dodge car and International truck, and are recognized as most energetic and up-todate business men.
A word here concerning the Remaley family will be appropriate. His ancestors
have long been associated with Pennsylvania and came originally from Germany. His
great-grandfather was Michael Remaley, who married Susanna Shaffer, and spent the
latter years of his life in Franklin township, Westmoreland county, where he carried on
business as a blacksmith and eventually died. His son, Adam Remaley, grandfather
of James H. Remaley, was born in Franklin township. He was a farmer by occupation
and also operated several grist and saw mills, and dealt extensively in lumber. He
served in the militia of Pennsylvania for some time as a lieutenant and was well-known
in the community where he resided. He was a Democrat in politics and took considerable part in the public life of the place. Adam Remaley married Barbara Rubright, a
daughter of Henry Rubright, a native of Germany, from which country he emigrated
after his marriage and coming to America settled at Hannastown, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming and attended the Lutheran church.
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Remaley were the parents of seven children, as follows: Samuel,
mentioned below; Henry. deceased; John S., deceased; Anthony, a resident of Franklin township; Lewis, deceased; Catherine, deceased; and Lydia, deceased.
Samuel Remaley, father of James Homer Remaley, and the eldest son of Adam
and Barbara (Rubright) Remaley, was born August 8, I834, in'Franklin township,
Westmoreland county, about four miles from the town of Export. He attended the
common schools in the vicinity of his home, and after the death of his father inherited
the farm and mills owned and operated by the latter. The first of these mills was an
old water power mill, which was later remodeled and which continued to be actively
operated for thirty-one years, at the end of which time it was destroyed by fire in
February, I9oo. It has since then been rebuilt, however. These mills are now equipped
with steam power and are still actively operated by the Remaley family. Samuel
Remaley was a member of the Hill Emmanuel Reformed Church, and took an active
and prominent part in the building of the new church edifice. He also served as an
elder, deacon, and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a Democrat in
politics and very public-spirited, giving liberally both in time and money to every
enterprise that tended to promote the welfare of the community, so that he was highly
esteemed by his fellow citizens. He married, February I3, I868, Rebecca Jane Stark,
a daughter of John and Catherine Ann (Shanehulse) Stark. They were the parents of
the following children: I. George Stark, born February 25, I869, died April I2, I913;
married Sadie Ayres, a daughter of Samuel and Sadie Ayres, by whom he had two
children, Florence and Lewis Wilson; he was a contractor and builder at Export. 2.
William John, born November 5, 1872, and is now engaged in the occupation of farming and also operates a small mill at Export; he married Nettie Young, a daughter
of Milton and Melissa Young, and they are the parents of one child, Wilbur B. 3.
Albert O., born January 25, I874, and now engaged as a lumberman at Manordale. He
married Miss Sadie Ayres, a daughter of Samuel and Sadie Ayres and three children
were born to them, Clara, Clayton and Clarence. 4. Milton F., born April 9, I876, a
lumberman by occupation, who married Arabelle Hilty, a daughter of Lebanon and
Mary Hilty. 5. Anna Belle, born September 2, I879, died May 3, I905; she married
William Hill and they were the parents of two children, Jane and Ethel; Mrs. Hill
was a member of the Hill Emmanuel Reformed Church. 6. Wilson M., born June 6,
352BIOGRAPHICAL
353
i88I, and already spoken fof as the pa'rtner of James Homer Remaley in the successful
automobile business; he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 7.
Frank W., born September I8, I883. 8. Lewis Barclay, born October 7,.886, and
resides at home. 9. Sadie Emma, born January I, I888, and resides at home. I0. James
Homer, who has already been mentioned in full.
CHARLES CLINTON RODGERS-Since his eighteenth year, Mr. Rodgers
has been connected with the press and printing establishments of Irwin, Pennsylvania,
and through that medium has won a wide acquaintance throughout the county of
Westmoreland and Western Pennsylvania. Since I9I0, as head of the Rodgers Printing Company, he has greatly extended that acquaintance, and he is known far and
near as a man of progress and vision, master of his business, and a good citizen. He is,
a grandson of Thomas Rodgers, born in November, I8o9, in Lawrence, cQunty, Pennsylvania, died March I, I859. He married Eva Wise, born February3, I794, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, who survived him twenty-nine years until January 25, I888.
They were the parents of John B. Rodgers, father of Charles Clinton Rodgers, of
Irwin.
John B. Rodgers was born in Plain Grove township, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, November 17, I842. He was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisted August I5,
I862, for nine months service from Plain Grove township, being then not yet twenty
years of age. He enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and while serving with that regiment took part in
the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was honorably discharged and mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 26, I863, his term having expired. He
reenlisted in Plain Grove township, I864, in Company E, One Hundredth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command until the close of the
war, being finally mustered out with honorable discharge in June, I865. Under his
second enlistment Mr. Rodgers saw hard service and suffered a severe wound. He
was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna
River, Cold Harbor, in front of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Fort Stedman. He
was. wounded by a rifle shot on October 17, I864, while engaged on the left front at
Petersburg, the bullet striking him in the leg. He was sent to the hospital at Beverly,
New Jersey, there remaining three months, but was allowed a thirty days' furlough
in November, then returned to his regiment, serving until the finish. He married,
December I9, I865, near Hermitage post office, Mlercer county, Pennsylvania, Caroline
Rumstay, born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, June 3, I849, daughter of Peter Rumstay,
born December, I828, died May, I898, and his wife, Susan (Remley) Rumstay, born
March 25, I826, died in October, I913. Mr. and Mrs. John B. Rodgers are the parents
of: Charles Clinton, of further mention; Susan Catherine, Jesse H., Oliver A., John
P., James Ernest, and Idaline.
Charles Clinton Rodgers was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, January 20, I869,
and there attended public school until twelve years of age. He sold newspapers when
a young boy, and seems to have imbibed a love for printer's ink, for from his twelfth
year, when he became devil in the printing office of W. B. Thomas  Company, in
New Castle, until the present, he has been connected with the printing business. He
remained in that employ until I887, becoming an expert typesetter and thoroughly
familiar with printing as a business. In I887 he went to Irwin, in Westmoreland
county, securing a position with the "Standard." He continued an employee until
I894, when he purchased an interest in the "Standard," which he retained until I897.
He then sold his interest, the two Irwin papers, the "Republican" and "Standard,"
consolidating as the "Republican-Standard," Mr. Rodgers being in charge of the conW-2322                   OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
to the tanneries, and after the process of tanning w.as gone through with, the leather
was taken to the shoemaker and from each man's stock of leather the boots and shoes
for himself and family were made.
The military spirit engendered in Germany ran high in him and he was a member of a volunteer militia company called the "Franklin Blues," and the regular
"musters" of this company were important events in Murrysville. He died December
31, 1872. George Jacob, his father, according to tradition and some old German papers
brought to this country and still in the possession of members of the Foight family,
was an attache of the court at Wurtemburg. When a mere lad John George Foight
saw Napoleon's army march through Germany in the unfortunate campaign against
Russia. This wonderful pageant was so stamped upon his youthful mind that he
never tired of relating it to his family, and always with great pride.
It is quite probable that the spelling and pronunciation of the surname of John
George Foight, either by accident or by design, was changed after he came to America. The German spelling of the name as attested by Germans and his acquaintances
was "Voight" instead of "Foight," and the name was pronounced accordingly. It
was rather a common occurrence among the people of German nationality coming to
this country in the early days to endeavor to anglicize their names. This early custom is revealed by the old records of the county.
Eliza Berlin, wife of the American ancestor of the Foight family, was a daughter
-of Jacob Berlin. She was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in I8oo. With her
parents she crossed the Allegheny Mountains in I8IO and settled in Pittsburgh. During the journey a night was spent at the present site of Ligonier, where there were
a few houses, and where a guard had to be posted at night to keep the wolves away
from the horses and camp. The old Foight homestead was on the line of the Northern Turnpike (now the William Penn Highway), which before the construction of
the Pennsylvania Railroad, was one of the two main thoroughfares between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. In her day, Eliza Berlin Foight was famous for the cakes
she made and for a home brewed beverage called "spruce beer," which refreshment
she supplied to travelers on the old pike. She and her husband first worshiped at
Denmark Manor Reformed Church, and in the church yard nearby their remains
now repose. This church was and is about five miles from where they lived, and before they possessed a horse they attended divine service by going afoot. In the latter
years of their lives a Methodist Episcopal church was established at Murrysville
and they united with it. When a young woman Mrs. Foight was among the company
which welcomed Marquis de Lafayette upon his visit from  France to the United
States. This was in I825. She many times spoke to her friends in later years of the
cordial welcome given by the people to: the distinguished French general and patriot
upon that occasion.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. John George Foight were: I. Samuel Berlin,
born in I837, educated in the common schools, after which he was apprenticed in the
printing trade in Monongahela City and worked on a paper there which we believe
was then owned and edited by the father of Col. Chill W. Hazzard. After learning
his trade, he worked at the case of the "Pittsburgh Gazette," afterwards the "Commercial Gazette," and now the "Gazette Times," and became foreman of the composing
room. He was united in marriage to Margaret Remaley. He died of a fever in
December, I87I, leaving two sons, Harry S. and Frank Addison, who survive and
live in Pittsburgh. 2. Lucinda, married Herman H. Beeson, an early Pennsylvania
Railroad engineer, and shortly thereafter removed with her husband to Columbia
City, Whitley county, Indiana. Her husband is now dead, but she and her children are
all living in the vicinity of their old home in Indiana. 3. Satiah, first married Oliver
Purcell, who a short time afterwards died in Pittsburgh, leaving one son, John. Satiah then married, second, David Miller and they lived for a time in McKeesport,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
solidation -and managing the paper until I9IO, when he resigned and established the
Rodgers Printing Company, of Irwin. This has been a successful enterprise, is a well
managed, modernly equipped plant, doing a business large in volume and constantly
increasing.
An active Republican, Mr. Rodgers has served Irwin two terms as burgess, and
at the present is a deputy coroner. He has never sought office nor ever desired it, but
he shirks no duty, private or public, and has met every demand made upon his patriotism and public spirit. In religious preference he is a Methodist, is a member of the
Sons of Veterans, United Order of American Mechanics, Knights of Malta, and the
Royal Arcanum. He is a man of quiet life and tastes, fond of his home and happiest
there. He is helpful in all forward movements in his town and one of the active
members of the Irwin Board of Trade. He is yet fond of out-of-door athletic sports,
and in I894, I895 and I896 was manager of the Irwin baseball team.
Mr. Rodgers married Hannah Hursh, daughter of Joseph and Eliza Hursh, of
North Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county. Joseph Hursh was born in
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1834, and died April 22, 1894. When a young man his
parents moved to near Jacksonville, Pennsylvania, and when war broke out between
the North and South, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was in the desperately fought battle of
Fredericksburg, December I3, I862, and was struck in the head by a fragment of bursting shell, his wound a severe one from which recovery seemed doubtful. The wound
was over two inches in length and pieces of the skull bone were pressing the brain,
but he recovered, and was finally sent home as unfit for military duty. But he later
reelisted in the Fifteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the end of
the war, his regiment being one of the uhits composing the force which pursued and
captured the fleeing president of the Confederacy. After the war he settled on a farm
in North Huntingdon township, which he cultivated until about I888, when ill health
compelled him to retire. Six years later he died. His widow, Anna Eliza (McCullough) Hursh, born in Circleville, Westmoreland county, June 22, 1838, died August
31, I899, the mother of thirteen children, nine of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs.
Charles C. Rodgers are the parents of four children: I. Verda, born March 22, 1893,
married Charles Datz, Jr., of Irwin, an insurance and real estate dealer, they the parents of Charles, born August I5, I915, and Robert Datz, born November 24, I916. 2.
Charles Clinton, born August 24, I90o, died October 3, I903. 3. John Baird, born
January I9, 1908. 4. Helen Louise, born February 20, I9I0.
R. COULTER OSTERWISE-Since 1912 Mr. Osterwise has been owner and
proprietor of the pharmacy at the corner of Penn avenue and Second street, Greensburg, succeeding Mrs. M. MacHardy. He is a native son of Greensburg, born March
22, 1887, son of John G. and Anna E. (Kepple) Osterwise, his parents now residents of
East Pittsburgh. John G. Osterwise was born in Westmoreland county, and here
resided the greater part of his life, a printer by trade, now being in the employ of the
Westinghouse Company at East Pittsburgh. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Brethren church. Children: John E., of Pittsburgh, East Liberty, a meat
cutter; and R. Coulter, of further mention.
R. Coulter Osterwise was educated in the public schools, and after finishing the
high school course entered the Department of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh,
whence he was graduated, class of I909. After completing his courses there he was
employed with W. F. Hayden, pharmacist, Greensburg, and in 1912 he purchased his
present business. He conducts his store along the most approved modern lines of
drug store merchandising, making a specialty of his prescription department. He is a
member of Zi(.n Lutheran Church, and in politics a Democrat.
354BIOGRAPHICAL
Mr. Osterwise married, June 12, 1913, Sarah L. Boyer, daughter of Harry and
Anna (Rowe) Boyer, they the parents of a son, Richard Boyer Osterwise. The family
home is at No. 407 Brandon street, Greensburg. Mrs. Boyer, mother of Mrs. Osterwise, died in August, I9I7.
DAVID M. FAHNESTOCK-Among the industries which have contributed and
still contributes to the prosperity of the borough of Avonmore is the Fahnestock Manufacturing Company, with its well equipped plant, at which steel castings of all description and varying in weight from ten pounds to fifteen tons are of daily production. As
president of the company and general manager of the plant, David M. Fahnestock
fills an important place in the business life of the community in which he resides, the
company being a purely private stock enterprise.
David M. Fahnestock is a son of William B. Fahnestock, born at Muncy, Pennsylvania, in I833, died there in I915, a carpenter all his life, and member of one of the
old established families of that section. He married Martha J. Manville, born near
Muncy in I836, died I9I2. During the Civil War, William B. Fahnestock served with
the Union forces with the constructive engineering parties, and often amid actual battle
scenes shared a soldier's dangers, but not as an enlisted man. Of his eleven children
the following are living: Elizabeth, married Charles Longenberger, now residing at
Nesbit, Pennsylvania; David M., of further mention; Ada, married T. C. Bruch, of
Muncy, Pennsylvania; Matilda, married Frederick McCoy, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Franklin and Sylvester, both of Muncy; Augustus, married Bessie Goodfellow,
of Williamsport, and resides in Muncy; Eva, married James Banghart, of Muncy;
Minnie, married Leroy Moore, of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
David M. Fahnestock was born at Muncy, a borough of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. fourteen miles from Williamsport, August I7, I876. He attended grade and
high schools until arriving at suitable age, when he sought employment in one of
Muncy's industrial plants, beginning learning the core-maker's trade in the foundry of
Sprout, Waldron  Company. Five years were consumed in learning the moulder's
trade in all its branches, after which he went West, taking up various branches of the
steel industry, and there remained until his removal to Pittsburgh, remaining seven
years, then moved to Avonmore in March, I916. There he formed the Fahnestock
Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of steel castings, his plant now being engaged
on work for the United' States Government.. He is now making improvements on his
plant to the extent of sixty feet, costing in the neighborhood of $I6,ooo. The business
is a successful one and constantly growing, Mr. Fahnestock devoting himself to its
management, and every day is at his plant during business hours and often working
side by side with his men. He has won his own way from the bottom and believes in
the dignity of labor. He is progressive in his methods, broad-minded and fair in the
unavoidable discussions that daily arise, and lives not unto himself alone. He is a
Republican in politics, is now serving his first term as councilman, his term beginning
January I, 1918. He is a communicant of the Baptist church, and a member of
Hovewood Lodge, No. 635, Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. Fahnestock married, in June, I9OI, at Toledo, Ohio, Florence Vincent, born
and educated in Toledo, daughter of Gideon and Delma Vincent.  Mr. and Mrs.
Fahnestock are the parents of a son, Murray D., born May I, I9o2, and a daughter,
Delma, born July 25, I9O3, both attending high school at Avonmore.
FRED  M. SEANOR-Among the young business men of Greensburg, Mr.
Seanor ranks with the most progressive and active. He is a son of Harry F. Seanor,
who enjoyed the distinction of being the first Republican ever elected sheriff of West355OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
moreland county. The Seanors are of German-Irish ancestry, and trace in Westmoreland county to Adam Seanor and William Tweedy, who were farmers of Salem township in 1819. Adam Seanor there grew to manhood; after his marriage he resided for
a few years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, then returned to Salem township, where he purchased a fine farm consisting of two hundred and sixty-five acres, where he conducted
general farming and stock raising, and whereon he resided until his death. He was
a member of the Presbyterian church, faithful and'sincere, and in political faith a
Republican after the formation of that party. Mr. Seanor married Salina Tweedy,
daughter of William Tweedy, a farmer of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
Harry F. Seanor, son of Adam and Salina (Tweedy) Seanor, was born in. Fort
Wayne, Indiana, July 29, I86o. His parents returned to Salem township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I865, and there he resided until twenty-two years of age.
He was educated in the public schools of Salem township, and grew to manhood on
the home farm, his father's assistant. In I882 he became traveling salesman for an
agricultnral implement house, continuing in that employ four years. After his retirement from the road he established a store in Latrobe,' Pennsylvania, for the sale of
farming machinery, hay and feed. He prospered abundantly, but in I889 was compelled
to close out the hay and feed department to make room for an ever increasing business
in farm machinery and tools. This eventually became the largest business of its kind
in Latrobe, and required the constant exercise of Mr. Seanor's ability to meet its demands. Later he admitted a partner, and as Seanor  Bierer conducted a still more
extensive business in implements and hardware, drawing patronage from far and near.
Shortly before the close of his term of sheriff, for which office he was the Republican candidate in I895, against his wishes, elected at the November polls and served
a full term  with great acceptability, the first Republican sheriff ever elected in the
county, a tribute to his popularity and high- character, he opened up a large agricultural store in Greensburg, also engaging extensively in the lumber business, purchasing
large tracts of timber in all parts of Wesmoreland and Indiana counties, erecting saw
mills wherein he manufactured large. quantities of lumber which he marketed at that
time to great advantage. He was associated in the lumber business with'the late Justice John P. Elkin and others in Mexico.
After his term of office as sheriff expired, Mr. Seanor never sought political preferment, but he was importuned to run for Congress, in I9o00, receiving the nomination
in his own county, but defeated by the pernicious confirmed system of that day. There
are but few men in the history of the county of his age who have by their own
exertions advanced in the political and business interests as Mr. Seanor, and had the
years been measured out to him until his powers b,egan to wane with age, he would
undoubtedly have become one of the first men of Western Pennsylvania. No man in
the county had a wider acquaintance than he, and with his strong personality and
indomitable energy he became an extremely potent factor in any cause which he advocated. He was an. attendant of the Presbyterian church, and a long-time member of
the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Seanor married, in I88I, Laura P. McKelvey, daughter of John McKelvey,
of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of five children: James C., Fred
M., Harry E., Paul B., and Ruth L. Though unusually strong physically, of apparent
great strength, accustomed to outdoor work, Mr. Seanor, late in I907, showed signs of
a physical breakdown. Everything possible was done to save him by the physicians
of Philadelphia and Atlantic City, he spending the winter months of I907 and I9o8
in the latter named city, but their efforts were unavailing, and on May I2, I9o8, his
death occurred, and his remains were interred in St. Clair Cemetery, Greensburg.
Fred M. Seanor, second son of Harry F. and Laura P. (McKelvey) Seanor, was
born at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, June 6, I885. He was educated in Latrobe and Greensburg public schools, and at Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylva356BIOGRAPHICAL
nia. Upon coming of legal age, in I906, he became his father's business associate in the
lumber business in Greensburg. He added to this industry a line of farm implements,
wagons, carriages, etc., and until 191o successfully operated the business, continuing it
alone for two years after his father's death. He then disposed of his interests and'entered the automobile field as agent for the "White Gas Cars'' in Westmoreland
county, and later, for two years, he was agent for the "Pope-Hartford Car." In April,
I915, he accepted the agency for the "Haynes Car," organized the Seanor Motor Car
Company, and erected a garage at No. 405 West Otterman street, which has a capacity
for seventy-five cars.  In addition to the "Haynes Car" he handles the "Republic
Truck" and a full line of automobile accessories, and maintains a repair department
with capable mechanics for every form of service. The business is prospering under
the capable management of its energetic owner, and is' one in which his inclination
agrees with his duty, The garage is a handsome five-story brick structure known as
the Seanor Building, its upper stories divided into modern and tasteful apartments,
the finest building of its class in the city. Mr. Seanor is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a Republican in politics, very popular and highly esteemed as a business man and citizen.
Mr. Seanor married, November 30, I907, Gertrude A. Reynolds, daughter of John
B. and Annie E. (Saudler) Reynolds. Two children were born to them, Frederick
Reynolds and Ann E., the latter deceased.
ROBERT DINSMORE WOLFF-Robert Dinsmore Wolff is one of a family
of German ancestry which has contributed largely to the agricultural and industrial
prosperity of Westmoreland county. The salient characteristics of the Germans who
settled in this section soon after their arrival from the Fatherland, dauntless courage
in the face'of hardships, firm belief in educational advantages for their children, devotion in the pursuit of success, all these have helped place this county among the most
prominent in the "State.
Andrew Wolff, the first of the family to realize the greater personal advantages
and successes to be gained under our form of government, settled in Adams county
after arriving from his early home near Dresden. The voyage westward across the
ocean at that time was not the easy task it is to-day, and after weeks spent in making
the voyage he found himself in a friendly country, but speaking a strange language.
This obstacle did not discourage him, and he immediately started to care for himself
by farming.  After remaining in Adams county for a number of years he started
farther west, finally reaching Greensburg. Not long after his arrival in this vicinity he
purchased the Christy farm in Salem township, where he lived during the remainder
of his life, his death occurring December 5, I877,' at the age of seventy-eight years.
His wife, Rosanna, also a native of Germany, died August 22, 1844. They had children: Maria, Abraham T., Margaret; John M., whose death occurred August 9,
I868; David; Andrew M., of whom later; Lydia A., Catherine and Delilah.
Andrew M. Wolff, father of Robert D. Wolff, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1822. This early home was scarcely remembered later in life,
because at the age of four years he was taken to Greensburg by his parents. His
youth was spent attending the public -schools and assisting his father on the home
farm. But his home duties were not allowed to interfere with his education, and later
in life he found how wise this procedure had been for he was able to engage in teaching as well as agriculture, the former adding materially to his income and enabling him
to give his children superior educational advantages. His death occurred on the home
farm, October I7, I902. He married Margaret C. Dinsmore, August 29, 1854, of
Scotch-Irish parentage, being descended from the Dinsmores and Livingstons. Her
maternal grandfather, Robert Dinsmore, was a native of Ireland, and was married to
357OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Margaret Livingston, of Aberdeen, Scotland, this making a combination which has contributed a valuable element to the cosmopolitan citizenship of America. Upon their
arrival in this country they settled in Burrell township, and ranked high among the
respected and prosperous agriculturists of the county. They were both members of
the Presbyterian church.  Mr. and Mrs. Wolff had three children:  Rev. Andrew
Thompson Wolff, Lizzie D. and Robert Dinsmore Wolff.  Rev. Andrew Thompson
Wolff, D. D., was born February 17, I856, and many parts of the country were scenes
of his far-reaching activities until his death, which occurred May II, I9o5, in St.
Louis, where his widow still lives. His early education was acquired in the public
schools, where he was prepared to enter Mount Union College to take up the study of
theology. At the age of nineteen years he entered the Presbyterian ministry and
preached his first sermon in Polk Run Presbyterian Church in Washington township,
Westmoreland county. Public speaking presented no fears to him, as he had begun
lecturing on temperance in many places when but eleven years of age. Being a great
student and being since'rely interested in improving the moral development of any
community in which he was located, he took great interest in the duties which lay
before him while he was a circuit rider for the Methodist church at Morgantown,
West Virginia. After continuing in this field for some eight or ten years he accepted
a Presbyterian parish in Mercer county. Subsequently he went to Detroit to become
pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church, an important position, which he held for several years. Realizing the great need of mission churches in the Middle West he went
to Madison, South Dakota, where he established a'church, and later he accomplished
the same work at Sioux Falls. Returning farther east he remained in charge of a
church at Frankfort, Indiana, for two years, then became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Alton, Illinois. Nine years of service in Alton, Illinois, completed
his ministerial activities, and he removed to Warren avenue, St. Louis, to spend the
latter part of his life in retirement, well earned by many years of unselfish devotion
to his profession. On July 4, I876, he married S. N. Young, of Westmoreland county,
and they had children: Joseph S., D. D. S.; Andrew S., D. D. S., Margaret, Sturley
Cuthbert, D. D. S., Sylvester S. and Emeline, both deceased.
Robert Dinsmore Wolff was born in Salem  township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, December 6, I863.  His early education was received in the public
schools, and at Delmont Academy, where he prepared to enter Grove City College, at
Grove City, Pennsylvania. Completing his college course, he became an instructor in
the public schools of Westmoreland and Indiana counties. This profession was too
confining for his active nature, and in I889 he entered the newspaper field, first on the
reportorial staff and later as editor in Greensburg, Irwin and Jeannette. During the
eighteen years he gave to this work it was his privilege to become acquainted with the
majority of the residents of the county, and it is said that he is probably the most extensively known man i'n the county to-day. In I895 he began to divide his time between
press work and the lecture platform. The latter gave him a broader field for his activities, as his papers were read principally in the home towns. His clear logic, direct
speaking and sympathetic viewpoints won him large and appreciative audiences, not only
in his native State, but also in Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia. His political speeches
have been unusually keen and lucid, and in explaining and furthering the aims and policies of the Republican party, to which he has always given his political allegiance, he' has
been a strong party asset. In I907 he found it necessary to abandon his newspaper work
in order to be able to undertake the duties of director of the poor, an office which was
given to him in recognition of his superior ability and his service to the county. His
first election was for a two-year term, but he has since been elected twice for fouryear terms. Mr. Wolff is a popular member of many of the fraternal organizations
represented' in Greensburg, among them being Westmoreland Lodge, No. 840, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Greensburg Conclave, No. I74, Improved Order of
358BIOGRAPHICAL
Heptasophs; Westmoreland Camp, W\oodmen of the WVorld; and Independent Order
of American Mechanics. His religious affiliation is with the First Reformed Church,
in which he is an active member. The welfare of the community is his first consideration and his loyalty to this end has won him the admiration of all who have watched his
devotion to the social, political and religious growth of his town.
On February 27, I888, Mr. Wolff married Mary Maud Coulter, of Congruity,
Westmoreland county, and her death occurred February 7, I914. They had three
children: David A., of Greensburg, connected with the Farer Advertising Agency of
Pittsburgh, who married Nellie Noll, of Gloucester, New Jersey, and who are the
parents of two children, Robert Thomas and Anna Claire; Laura Lillian, of Greensburg, a teacher in the Penn township and South Greensburg schools; Anna Margaret,
who also resides at home.
ISRAEL ELIAS GOOD-Israel Elias Good,.the well-known and successful business man of Export, Pennsylvania, is a member of an old Pennsylvania family. He is a
son of Henry Good, who was born July 4, 1824, at Harrison City, Pennsylvania. He
was one of the pioneer farmers in this vicinity, and lived a quiet and industrious life
improving his farm. He died at the age of nearly ninety years in the month of April,
I9I4. He was a member of the Reformed church and always prominent in religious
work here. He married Anna Ashbaugh, who was born on the old Ashbaugh farm
near Export, February 27, I826, and is still living, and to this day is hale and hearty.
Quiet and repose have for many years been Mrs. Good's hobby and doubtless her
serene outlook on life and even, regular habits are responsible in a large measure for
her extreme old age and the retention of her faculties, in spite of her great years.
Mrs. Good, ninety-two years of age, spends her time knitting for the Red Cross and
soldiers. Notice.of this has been sent to President Wilson and he personally sent her
a letter of commendation. Mr. and Mrs. Good, Sr., were the parents of the following
children: T. John, who was killed while serving the cause of his country in the Civil
War, at the battle of Petersburg, as a member of Company I of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Colonel Coulter, in
which he enlisted when only eighteen years of age; he was born January 20, I847, and
killed February 7, I865. 2. Mary Elizabeth, born January 26, I849; married, November
26, I867, Lebbeus Brinker, a farmer who resides near Manor, Pennsylvania; they are
the parents of six children. 3. Israel Elias, mentioned below. 4. Margaret Alice, born
April 24, I859; married, December 25, 1879, Abel Keister, who is engaged in farming
near Export; they are the parents of three children. 5. William  J., born April 29,
I865, and now engaged in business as a carpenter at Export; he married Annie Byerly,
of Export, and they are the parents of four children.
Born November 13, I852, at Manor Station, Pennsylvania, Israel Elias Goqd
studied in the common schools of this region until he had reached the age of sixteen
years. He then began to work for his father on the latter's farm, situated two miles
west of Export, and remained thus employed until he had attained his majority. At
the age of twenty-one years he left the parental home and went to the coal fields, where
he worked in the mines for the New York  Cleveland Company, whose works were
situated near Irwin. He continued thus employed for a period of ten years and then
once more took up farming. He continued to pursue farming until the year I90o5, when
he came to Export and engaged in his present mercantile line of business. He settled
on the site where he is still situated in West Export and erected there a handsome
building where he started his successful enterprise. He is now doing a large general
mercantile business and is the proprietor of one of the best establishments of its kind
in the region. Mr. Good has been active in political work here; he was elected on the
Democratic ticket as assessor in the year I883, and served in this capacity most effi359OLD AND, NEW WESTMORELAND
ciently; he'has also held the offices of road supervisor and school director, been judge
of elections for several terms, and at the present time is councilman of the borough
of:Export. -He is a prominent figure in fraternal circles here and is a member of
Export-Lodge, No.. II96, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Export; and Export
Lodge, No. 652, Knights of Pythias, of the same town. He attends the Reformed
church of Export and is very active in the work of the congregation there, holding
the double office-of elder and treasurer of the Sunday school.
Israel Elias Good was united in marriage, January 9, I873, at Irwin, Pennsylvania,
to Frances M. WVigle, a daughter of John and Mary Wigle, old and highly respected
residents of Irwin. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. M. C. Hackett. Mrs.
Good is a member of an old and distinguished family in these parts, and a daughter
of one of the pioneer farmers here. John Wigle was a strong Republican in politics,
and a member of the Reformed church. 0-ne of his sons, Simon Wigle, was killed
during the Civil War at the battle of the Wilderness in the year I862. He was a
member of Company I, Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and
served under Colonel Coulter, who was well known in these parts as Fighting Dick
Coulter. To Mr. and Mrs. Good the following children have been born:  I. Oscar
Marion, born October 25, 1873, and now residing in Export, where he is engaged in
business as a miner; he married Catherine Kepple, of Bouquet, Pennsylvania; they are
the parents of six children. 2. Anna Mary, born February I, I875, and became the
wife of John Wilson, of Murrysville, Pennsylvania; Mr. Wilson is connected with.
the People's Gas Company of that place; they are the parents of three children, two
others having been born who are now deceased. 3. Alice Maud, born December 26,
I877, and became the wife of Elmer Watt, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania; Mr. Watt is employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at that place; they are the parents of
one child. 4. William Henry, born June I7, I88o, and now an employee of the Export
Coal Company of Trafford; he married Blanch McConnell, of Irwin, and they are the
parents of three children. 5. Frank Wilbur, born May 6, 1883, died in infancy. 6.
Clara Belle, born August 24, I884, and became the wife of Homer McWilliams, a
farmer of Murrysville; they are the parents of five children. 7. Israel Raymond, born
June I5, I886; married Clara Barton, of Irwin, by whom he has had six children, and
who died in the month of April, I9I5; he is now associated with the Westmoreland.
Coal Company of Export. 8. Susan Edna, born. May 5, I888, and became the wife of
Noble Hawkins, a successful merchant of Export; they are the parents of four children.
CHARLES WILLIAM  HAMMOND--The early manufacture of fire brick in
Bolivar was carried on by Hammonds and Robinsons, and among the first brick works,
erected there bore the name of James Hammond, who all his life was a brick manufacturer. Although Thomas R. Hammond was born in Bolivar, and engaged in business there for many years, he lived for a time in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and'
there his son, Charles William Hammond, was born. Thomas R. Hammond, born in
I853, died in Aiken, South Carolina, in I902. He'was educated in the Bolivar public
schools, and at Millersville State Normal School, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.'
After completing his studies he returned to Bolivar, where he was a prominent business
man, was one of the early associates of Reese Hammond  Company, and later the
Reese Hammond Fire Brick Company. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both he and his wife are buried in:West
View Cemetery, Bolivar. Thomas R. Hammond married Mary Barron, born in I855,'
died in I914; they were the parents of six sons and five daughters: I. Charles William,
of further mention. 2. Belle E., married Gillis D. Sutton, a clerk in the Robinson Company store. 3. Allen J. 4. Lyda Barron, married James P. McCune; of Atlasburg,'
360,BIOGRAPHICAL                                   3r1
Pennsylvania. 5. Benjamin R., now living in Monongahela City, Pennsylvania. 6.
Wallace J., of Steubenville, Ohio, now with the Ordnance Department, United States
Army. 7. Christopher B., of New Florence, Missouri, married Evelyn Francis. 8.
Anna Grace, a school teacher, residing with her sister in Atlasburg, Pennsylvania. 9.
Park, residing with his brother, Charles William, and attending Bolivar High School.
Two died in infancy, Ruth and Marian.
Charles William Hammond, eldest son of Thomas R. and Mary (Barron) Hammond, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, December I7, I876, but was soon
afterward brought by his parents to Belivar, Pennsylvania, which has since been his
home. He was educated in Bolivar public school, and in the commercial department
of Indiana State Normal School, completing his studies at the University of -Maryland,
in Baltimore, whence he was graduated Doctor of'Dental Surgery from the dental
department. After securing his degree, Dr. Hammond practiced his profession for
three years at California, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and at B-olivar, but after
his father's death he became secretary of the Reese Hammond Fire Brick- Company,
a position he filled for seven years. He was general manager of the Ohio Face Brick
Company, of Fredericksburg, Ohio, one year; secretary and superintendent of the
Bolivar Face Brick Company, of Bolivar, five years; and is now manager of the King
Coal Company, an operating company; vice-president of the Southern Refractories
Company; secretary of the Kentucky Southern Refractories Corporation, with works
at Rome, Georgia, and Fort Payne, Alabama.
Mr. Hammond is a Republican in politics, and has served Bolivar as councilman,
member of the school board, member of the board of health, and burgess. He is a
member of Acacia Lodge, No. 355, Free and Accepted Masons, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania; Portage Chapter, No. I95, Royal Arch Masons, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania;
Cambria Council, No. 32, Royal and Select Masters, of Johnstown; Oriental Commandery, No. 6I, Knights Templar, of Johnstown; Coudersport Consistory, thir'tysecond degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Altoona; Bolivar Council, No. 207, Royal Arcanum;
Blairsville Lodge, No. 49I, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and is a member of the official board of the Bolivar Methodist Episcopal Church.
He married Nellie Grant Doyle, born in I876, daughter of John and Margaret
(Goshen) Doyle, of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, her father a farmer owning sixty acres
which he tilled. Both he and his wife are members of the Mifflintown Presbyterian
Church, he a Republican and:an Odd Fellow. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle are the parents of:
Harry; Maym, married a Mr. Rosenstock; Nellie G., married Charles W. Hammond;
George; Anna, married Dr. J. L. Spanogle, of Conemaugh, Pennsylvania; Mildred;
Rebecca, married Joseph Troup, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.  Mr. and Mrs,
Charles W. Hammond are the parents of a daughter, Margaret Barron, born February
7, 19O0.
JOHN  BOYD-A  successful, fair-dealing business man and public-spirited citizen. These are the words needed to complete the introduction which, it should be
added, is wholly superfluous for all residents of Irwin and its vicinity. The description, however, is insufficient without the insertion of one most essential item: Mr.
Boyd is a fine type of the true Scottish-American.
(I) John Boyd, grandfather of John Boyd,'of Irwin, was a native of Scotland
and is thus referred to in a work entitled "Kilmaurs Parish and Borough."  "The
dwelling of John Boyd, a famous apiarist, situated on the Crosshouse Road (Kilmaurs), is still called the Bee House because of its association with the pursuit of its
late owner during the greater part of the last century."
(II) Hugh'Boyd, son of John Boyd, was born December I5, I8.26, in Kilmaurs,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Ayrshire, Scotland, and was all his life engaged in the shoe business, as his father had
been before him. He married Elizabeth Linton, who was born November 7, I835, in
Kilmaurs, Scotland, and concerning whose family data of historical significance is
appended to this biography. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were the parents of the following
children:  I. Jane, married Allan J. Dunsmore, pattern-maker, pensioned by the
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, and now living in Pittsburgh; they have five' children. 2. Hugh, proprietor of a wholesale shoe business in Battle Creek,, Michigan; is
married and has eight children living, one son, Hugh, being now a soldier in France.
3. James, who has been for twenty-five years a boiler-maker in charge of a pumping
station of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company; is married and has four children. 4.
William, was for five years in shoe business at Larimer; died October 7, 1913, in Somerset county. 5. Annie, married, in Pittsburgh, James Buchanan, and is now living in
Dumbarton, Scotland, her husband being marine blacksmith for the Derry Ship Building Company of that place; they have two children, one son, Hugh, being now in the
British navy. 6. John, mentioned below. 7. Katherine, wife of William Atkinson, of
Butler, Pennsylvania, glass-worker for the Standard Plate Glass Company; they have
one daughter. Hugh Boyd, the father, died in Scotland, August 17, I890, and his
widow now resides in Pittsburgh at the home of her' son-in-law, Allan J. Dunsmore.
(III) John (2) Boyd, son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Linton) Boyd, was born December 29, I870, in Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, Scotland, where he received his education in
public schools. At the age of thirteen he began to learn the shoe business as the
apprentice of his father, who was a shoe manufacturer. After gaining two years'
experience he went to Glasgow, where he was employed in the shoe store of his brother
Hugh. At the end of another two years Mr. Boyd returned to Kilmaurs, having been
summoned thither by the death of his father. During the ensuing year he took charge
of the business, but at the end of that time, having placed the concern in the care of
his mother and brother, he came, in August, I89J, to the United States, bent on seeking his fortune in the New World. Going to Ford City, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Boyd entered the service of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. Beginning as helper, he was soon promoted to brakeman on the electric carrier which was
used for transferring glass from one section of the plant to another. In I893 he was
made electrical engineer of the same plant, remaining, in all, five years. On receiving
from the Pennsylvania Plate Glass Company an offer of a position as stationary engineer at Irwin, Mr. Boyd removed thither and held the position untiI I898, when the
factory was destroyed by fire. He then returned to his old positioin in Ford City, but
at the end of two years associated himself in a similar capacity with the Standard Plate
Glass Company at Butler, Pennsylvania, remaining with this concern for the space of
seven years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Boyd returned once more to Irwin and purchased the shoe business of his brother Hugh. This was in I906 and he has ever since
continuously conducted the establishment, having moved to a more favorable situation
and installed the most modern machinery, being the first to introduce electric machinery. The trade is constantly increasing and the flourishing condition of everything
connected with the concern has long since placed its proprietor high on the list of
Irwin's successful business men.
In the sphere of politics Mr. Boyd is identified with the Republicans, and while a
resident of Butler held for three years the office of assistant assessor. Since coming
to Irwin he has, while always manifesting his usual helpful interest in community
affai-rs, steadily avoided being made a candidate for office. For twenty-five years he
has affiliated with Silver Lodge, No. 380, Ford Chapter, Knights of Pythias, in which
he holds the rank of chancellor commander.  He also affiliates with the Order of
Eagles, No. I671, Irwin, Pennsylvania, and belongs to Keystone Lodge, No. 8, Wood362BIOGRAPHICAL                                    363
men of the World, Butler, Pennsylvania. He and his entire family are active members
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Boyd married, April 4, 1902, at Butler, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth L. Dunlop,
whose family record is appended to this biography, and they are the parents of the following children, all of whom were born in the United States: Grace McIntyre Dunlop, Hugh, William Dunlop, Elizabeth Linton, Isabella Knox, and Jane Dunsmore.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyd-the latter a woman of intelligent mind and pleasing personalityare devoted to the ties and duties of the family and the home and their dwelling is the
abode of domestic happiness and genial hospitality.
(The Linton Line.)
Robert Linton, great-grandfather of John Boyd on the maternal side, worked side
by side with Robert Burns in the fields which the "Ayrshire ploughman" has invested
with the enchantment of his genius.
Robert Linton, brother of Mrs. Elizabeth (Linton) Boyd, attained prominence as
a geologist and in the work above referred to-"Kilmaurs Parish and Borough?'-a
pdrtrait of him appears together with the following mention: "The limestone of the
parish was exhaustively explored for fossils by the late Robert Linton, who was a
native of the village (Kilmaurs). Mr. Linton died at Kilmaurs, June 21, I898, at the
age of fifty-one years. He was a keen observer of nature in all her outcomes and an
accepted authority on everything relating to the natural history of the parish. He was
of a kindly and obliging disposition, ever ready to give of his knowledge to others and
generous in his encouragement of youthful collectors." His best specimens were sent
to the Dick Museum, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire,.Scotland, and the remainder distributed
amongst science teachers situated in Ayrshire.
In the same book is published a poem inscribed to James Linton, of Kilmaurs,
brother of Robert Linton, and entitled "A Ramble through the Land of Burns." This
brother was a well-known naturalist and at his death left a collection of butterflies
and other insects which proved to be of exceptional value.
Elizabeth Linton, sister of Robert and James Linton, was born in a house in
Kilmaurs, a picture of which appears in the work above referred to. When a young
woman she became the wife of Hugh Boyd, as stated above.
(The Dunlop Line.)
William Dunlop, father of Mrs. Elizabeth L. (Dunlop) Boyd, was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and for twenty-five years was a shoemaker in Glasglow. He married Grace McIntyre, and their children were: I. Jane Davey, married James Morris,
furnace man with the Robert McLaren Company, Glasgow, Scotland; their son, William Dunlop Morris, participated in the battles of the Marne and the Somme and is
now in Scotland working for the government. 2. Isabella Knox, wife of Andrew
Clarkson, a bricklayer of Glasgow; they have four children. 3. Elizabeth L., mentioned below. 4. William  married Mary Scott, of Glasgow, and they have two children; he is now in France attached to the Twentieth Scottish Rifles. William Dunlop,
the father, died March 17, I887, aged forty-four, and his widow, who was born in
Kilmarnock, is still living in Glasgow, having attained her seventy-third year.
Elizabeth L. Dunlop, daughter of William and Grace (McIntyre) Dunlop, was
born in Scotland, and on April 2, I9o2, arrived in the United States. Two days later
she was married to John Boyd, as stated above.
As the records quoted above prove, John Boyd, of Irwin, is linked by ancestral
association with Scotland's greatest poet, one whose lyrics have so appealed to the
heart of humanity that the world refuses to yield him wholly to his native land, but
claims him as one of the universal singers.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
HENRY M. GUY--The annals of those families' of Irish origin, which coming
to this country have made a home for themselves and won positions of prominence in
the' country, contain a multitude of examples of strong character and sterling good
sense and courage, not succeeded in number and quality among the similar records of
any other country whatsoever. Thousands upon thousands have come to the United
States without other asset than their own good will and native wit, who later have
founded families here which take their place among the most respected and influential
in the various communities where they reside. The records of such success are always
interesting and always edifying from one standpoint or another, and such a record may
be found in the history of the Guy family than which no other is more respected in
WVestmoreland county in general and Greensburg in particular. It is represented in
that city at the present time by Henry M. Guy, one of the most progressive and publicspirited members of the community. Both he and his father, William Guy, were born
in this country, but the grandfather, also William Guy, was an Irishman by birth and
the immigrant ancestor of the family.
William Guy was born in Ireland, in 1794, and came to this country in I820, when
twenty-six years of age. He came almost directly to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there settled at a time when the region was little more than a wilderness,
save for a few isolated communities. He was a weaver by trade, but the community
was too primitive to permit of his plying that craft with any great hope of success, so
he took up farming in Hempfield township and may be numbered among that hardy
band of pioneers who have cleared the land of woods and turned wilderness into garden and meadow. He became identified with the Democratic party and wielded considerable influence in its local organization. William Guy married (first) in Ireland,
where the two children of this union were born, a daughter, who remained in that
country, and Richard, born November I, i816, who accompanied his parents to America
and died in I873. He married Catherine Allshouse, of Hempfield township, and they
were the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary, Samuel, Henry, Hester, Josephine, Sarah and Frank. After the death of his first wife, William  Guy married, in
1824, Sarah Frazer, of Sewickley township, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents
of ten children, as follows: Elizabeth, born February 26, I826, and became the wife
of Robert McGill, of Hempfield township; James, born September 9, 1827, married
Mattie Bortz; Susanna, born April 27, I829, became the wife of Jonas Bortz; William,
mentioned below; Jacob, born June 7, I833, married (first) Catherine Long, and
(second) Catherine Kistler;, Sarah Jane, born March IO, I836, became the wife of
William Nipple; John, mentioned below; Henry, born April 5, I841, a stone mason
by trade, married Mary Anna Smail, of Greensburg; Anna, born June 2I, I843, married (first) William Kepple, and (second) Elijah J. Bricker; Agnes, born March 5,
1846, became the wife of Henry Piper, of Jeannette.
William  Guy, Jr., son of William!and Sarah (Frazer) Guy, was born April 8,
I83I, in Hempfield township. He was brought up on his father's farm, and received
an excellent education in the local public schools. Like his brothers, he was trained
at an early age to take part in the farm work, and continued in this occupation for a
number of years after leaving school. Later, however, he removed to Greensburg, the
neighboring city, and there engaged in tanning and carpentering with a hIigh degree
of success. In addition to this, however, he continued to operate a farm, which he
purchased in Hempfield township and met with great success in his agricultural operations. Indeed, the Guys appear to be natural farmers and the farms which are owned
by the various members of the,family in this region all display the skillful and scientific handling that they receive. William Guy, Jr., married Hannah Kepple, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Deemer) Kepple, and a member of a distinguished Westmoreland county family.
The Kepple family is of German lineage, and was founded in this country by one
364BIOGRAPHICAL
Michael Kepple, who came from  Germany while a'young man and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Here he purchased: a farm, which is still in the possession of his descendants. He resided, however, on another tract of land which was
granted him by the governtnent, and which is now the property of John Rugh. The
times were primitive, and the surrounding wilderness was so full of Indians that it
was necessary for Mr. Kepple to construct a blockhouse on his property. This relic of
the old pioneer days continued in existence until a few years ago. One of Michael
Keeple's sons, Jacob Kepple, was the father of Mrs. William Guy, Jr. He was born
upon his father's farm, in I795, and spent his entire life there following the occupation
of farming until his death, in the autumn of I857. Although a retiring and modest
man, he was well known and highly respected in the community. He was a Lutheran
in his religious belief and served as deacon and elder in the church of that denomination in Greensburg.  Jacob Kepple married Margaret Deemer, and they were the
parents of ten children. To William  and Hannah (Kepple) Guy, Jr., but one child
was born, namely, Henry M. Guy, mentioned below.
John Guy, the fourth son and seventh child of William and Sarah (Frazer) Guy,
was born February 27, 1839, in Hempfield township. After receiving his education at
the local public schools, he learned the trade of mason and plasterer, and later engaged
in a contracting business for himself. This he continued with great success during
his' entire life, but at the same time he continued to cultivate his farm, which is a very
large one. To this he has applied the. most scientific methods, with the result that its
productivity has increased in an enormous degree, and it has become one of the model
farms of the region. He married, in I862, Mary Elizabeth Kelly, a daughter of John
Kelly, a farmer of Hempfield township, and they were the parents of one child. Ida,
who died in i875.
Born November 25, I86o, in Hempfield township, Henry M. Guy, only child of
WVilliam and Hannah (Kepple) Guy, is the product of a union of strong and hardy
ancestors and that healthful rural life which has produced such a splendid type of
American citizenship. During the summer months he assisted his father in the work
of the latter's farm, and during the winter months he attended the local public schools,
where he gained an excellent education. At the age of seventeen, he completed his
studies at these institutions, but continued for a numb'er of years. to carry on the work
of his father's farm. He was a young man of strong ambitions, however, and felt
that greater opportunities awaited him in the neighboring city of Greensburg. Accordingly, in the spring of I880, he removed to- that place, and entered into a business
arrangement with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which he continued for about
one year. His uncle, Jacob Kepple, was the proprietor of a very considerable business,
manufacturing carriages and wagons, and offered him a position in this establishment.
This Mr. Guy accepted, and later became the owner thereof. From that time to the
present he has continued uninterruptedly in this line, a period which covers about
thirty-five years, and during which he has built up one of the largest enterprises of
its kind in that region. He is regarded at the present time as one of the most substantial merchants and manufacturers in the city, and has won a well-deserved success
in his chosen line.
Henry M. Guy has not, however, confined his attention wholly to the development
of his business. On the contrary he has continued to take a most active part in various other aspects of the city's life. Particularly is this true in connection with the
social and fraternal world, and he is affiliated with a large number of important organizations, fraternal and otherwise. He is a member of Camp No. I8, Woodmen of the
World, and is an honorary member of the Society of Scotch Clans. In his religious
belief, Mr. Guy is a Lutheran, while in politics the Democratic party claims his allegiance.
Mr. Guy was united in marriage, May 30, i89I, with Anna M. Johnson, a daughter
365OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of John and Martha (Anderson) Johnson, and a granddaughter of William and
(Gorges) Johnson. Her father, John Johnson, was born at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, near Youngstown, Pennsylvania, November 4, I830. He received his
education in the common schools of the township, and all his life was engaged in
farming. His property was located between Unity and Youngstown, and he was well
known throughout that region.  His death occurred August 16, I903.  His father,
William Johnson, was also very prominent in the community and represented it in the
Pennsylvania Legislature during the sessions of that body in I842, I843 and I844. John
Johnson married Martha Anderson, a daughter of William Anderson, and they were
the parents of seven children. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as
lieutenant in one of the companies of the regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph
Jack, of Westmoreland county. To Mr. and Mrs. Guy the following children were
born: John J., mentioned below; Martha J., born December 5, I897, and Mary K.,
born November 25, I898.
John J. Guy, son of Henry M. and Anna M. (Johnson) Guy, was born November
7, I895, and received his education in the public schools of Greensburg. After completing his studies at these institutions, he established himself in the automobile business
in Greensburg. He remained in this line for a time, and then accepted an excellent
position with the "Tire Store," of which Samuel Patterson, a well-known merchant of
Greensburg, is the proprietor. Mr. Guy, Jr., is very active in the social life of the
community, and is a member of a number of organizations of this character, among
which should be mentioned the Society of Scotch Clans. He is also a member of the
Sons of Veterans, and is past commander of the local lodge, being one of the youngest
men in the United States to serve in that capacity. He is also an active member of
the Greensburg Fire Department, and takes a keen interest in all departments of the
community's life.
The gaining of success for himself and a position of influence in the community
has been in no wise incompatible in the case of Mr. Guy with the service he has rendered to his fellow-citizens and his chosen place of abode. Preeminently a man of the
world, he has made his enterprises subserve the double purpose of his own ambition
and his fellows' welfare. Greensburg has been the scene of his life-long labors in
connection with the various activities with which his name is associated, and his name
is held there in the highest respect by all who know him personally and by the community at large.
CURTIS BLAINE WELTY-It has been very correctly said that the automobile industry is largely maintained and promoted by the efforts of men of the younger
generation. This is distinctly true of the business in Westmoreland county, which
numbers Mr. Welty, whose post office: address is Irwin, among its leading representatives. As owner of the Keystone Auto and Machine Company, he is making a record
which bids fair to place him high on the list olf the most aggressive exponents of our
most modern industry.
Jacob Alexander Welty, father of Curtis Blaine Welty, was born March I4, I828,
at Greensburg, and was engaged in the transfer business at Irwin, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Welty married Elizabeth Bear, born December 9, I838, daughter of Jacob; Bear, of
Greensburg, and their children were: I. Emma, born August 3, I858, died in I9o3.
2. Isaac, born February 2, I86o, is married and employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as agent at Irwin. 3. Frank L., born July 3, I862, died in May, I889.
4. Elizabeth, born May 3, I864, married James C. Overholt, of Beaver, Pennsylvania,
chief engineer for the Lake Erie Railroad Company; they have five children.  5.
Noble, born September Io, I867, died in I9oo. 6. Harry, born August 13, I870, merchant
in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; married Jennie, daughter of Martin Kendig, of Irwin,
and they have two children. 7. Ella, born October 20, 1873, married J. H. McKane,
366BIOGRAPHICAL
of New Alexandria, who died'in I907. 8. Curtis Blaine, mentioned below. While
driving his wagon across the railroad track, Mr. Welty, father of Curtis Blaine Welty,
was thrown out, sustaining injuries which resulted in his death on October 22, 1894.
His widow resides in Irwin.
Curtis Blaine Welty, son of Jacob Alexander and Elizabeth (Bear) Welty, was
born April 22, 1882, in Manor, Pennsylvania, where he received his earliest education
in the public schools, later attending the Irwin High School. At the age of sixteen he
became cashier for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Irwin, holding this position
for three years and that of chief clerk for five years. In I9o6 Mr. Welty established
himself on his own account in the transfer business at Irwin, meeting with such a
measure of success that for six years he conducted the enterprise. In I9IO he erected
a tile building, known as The Irwin Auto Company Building, becoming the proprietor
of a garage. The success of the venture exceeded his most sanguine expectations, the
business increasing to such an extent that in I9I6 he was obliged to move it to more
commodious quarters. Purchasing land directly opposite his place of business and the
large brick garage which had recently been erected on it, he entered upon a new and
even more aggressive phase of his career. The building has two floors and is furnished
in every respect with the most modern equipment. The building having fine car capacity, they are able to accommodate as many as seventy-five cars. Mr. VVelty is agent
for the Dodge cars and the brick, concrete and steel building, which he occupies,
affords the surest protection, as well as the most perfect accommodation. Repairing
is done on the largest scale. The political allegiance of Mr. Welty is steadfastly rendered to the Republican party, but office-seeking is foreign to his nature, and for
office-holding he has neither time nor inclination. He affiliates with Shidle Lodge, No.
6oi, Free and Accepted Masons, of Irwin, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, No. 486, of Jeannette, and is a Shriner and a Knights Templar. He belongs
to the Automobile Club of Pittsburgh. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Welty married, June 2, 1904, at Rillton, Sewickley township, Pennsylvania,
Maud, daughter of George and Martha Weddell, of that place, Mr. Weddell, who is
a Civil War veteran, having been one of the pioneer farmers of the township. Mr.
and Mrs. Welty are the parents of two children: Louis Stanley, born November 29,
I906, and Jane Elizabeth, born May 5, I913. While both Mr. and Mrs. Welty have a
rare capacity for making friends, and are extremely popular socially, their strong
domestic affections incline them to find their greatest enjoyment at their own fireside
in the company of their children and surrounded by the inner circle of their intimates.
Curtis Blaine Welty has chosen as the sphere in which to exercise his energies
the field of an industry which has a constantly widening horizon, and presents evermultiplying opportunities. In the comparatively few years which have elapsed since
his entrance into this field, he has shown himself abundantly able to adapt himself to
its expanding boundaries and to seize and profit by its numberless openings and chances.
ROY C. McKENNA-Among the younger generation of successful business men,
of which Western Pennsylvania can boast so many, none is more successful than Roy
C. McKenna, of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, president of the Vanadium Alloys Steel Company, of Latrobe, and one of the owners of the McKenna Brass
and Manufacturing Company, formerly the McKenna Brothers Brass Company, which
was founded by Thomas McKenna and brothers in I856. Their father came to the
United States with his family from Ireland in I835, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Thomas McKenna was born in I837. He entered upon his business
career at the age of nineteen years as one of the founders of the organization which
at the time of his death had grown into one of the important interests of industrial
Pittsburgh, and was himself rated among the business leaders of the city.
367OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Roy C. McKenna was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1883, son of
Thomas and Annie (Hogan) McKenna, both his father and mother being natives of
Pittsburgh, his mother, who was of Scotch parentage, residing at the present timne
(I9I7) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Roy C. McKenna passed the early years of
his life in his native city, and received his elementary education in the local public
schools, later attending the high school there, and prepared for college under a private
tutor. His attention had already been turned to electricity, and he decided to make a
particular study' of this subject. Accordingly he entered the University of Pittsburgh,
taking the course in electrical engineering, graduating with the class of I9o3. During
this course, Mr. McKenna established for himself an unusually high record in scholarship, and was a universal favorite with his professors, instructors and fellow-undergraduates. He has always taken a keen interest in college affairs, and since his graduation has continued actively connected with them, and, is now a member of the Alumni
Council. Upon completing his studies, Mr. McKenna at once entered into the industrial world as a member of the McKenna Brothers Brass Company. For a few years
Mr. McKenna confined his attention to the development'of this company, but in the
year 1915 was offered the presidency of the Vanadium Alloys Steel Company, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in which company he and his brothers had been heavily interested
since its organization. In addition to. being the executive head of this important concern, the rapid development of which is in no small degree due to his capable management, he is actively interested in the brass industry.  For a man as young as Mr.
McKenna, his achievements have been extraordinary, and there seems to be a brilliant
future in store for him, both personally and for the concerns at the head of which he
stands.
Besides-his varied activities in the industrial world of Westmoreland county, Mr.
McKenna takes an active part in the general life of the community of which he is a
member. HIe is prominent in social and club circles, and belongs to, the Latrobe Club,
the Greensburg Country Club!, and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, of Pittsburgh. He
is also a thirty-second degree Mason, affiliated with Tancred Commandery, No. 48;
Syria Temple, and Pennsylvania Consistory, all of Pittsburgh. He is a Presbyterian
in his religious belief, prominently connected with the church of that denomination in
Latrobe, contributing liberally in support of its work, more particularly that in connection with charitable undertakings of all kinds.
Mr. McKenna married, October 25, I905, Mary Martin, daughter of James O.
and Hannah Katherine (Bowman) Martin. They are the parents of one child, Jean
Martin.
FORWARD L. TOWNSEND-Forward L. Townsend, the popular justice of
the peace at Avonmore, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and a capable and successful business man, has been identified closely with the life and affairs of this place
since the year I9oI, and has come to be regarded as one of the most public-spirited
citizens in the region. Tie is a man of high ideals, which he translates into practical
conduct and applies to the operation of his business and the discharge of his duties as
a public o.fficer alike. His reputation for integrity and square-dealing is second to
none, and is the direct result of his scrupulously accurate discharge of his obligations.
He comes of an old Pennsylvania family, which was founded in Armstrong county
by Isaac Townsend, one of three brothers, their ancestors coming to America in the
"Welcome" between I770 and I780. He took up some three or four hundred acres of
land near Salina, and much of this he cleared and made into a farm. It was in the
pioneer days when Indians filled the region, and his life there was at once hard and
perilous. From him the present Townsends are sprung.
Forward L. Townsend's father is Labana Townsend, an active farmer of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, where he still resides on the old Townsend homestead.
368BIOGRAPHICAL                                    369
A man of fine health, he still retains his strength. He was born in I839, and was a
prominent man there for many years. He married, January 8, I86I, Julia Armstrong,
a daughter of Quintin Armstrong, a farmer of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, died
in March, 1912, and they were the parents of the following children: Flora, who
became the wife of Guy Allshouse, of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania; Emerson T., a.
farmer of Armstrong county; Alva Burton, also a farmer in that place; Lillian, who
resides with her father; Foster, who also resides near his father; Theodore, who is
employed as a steel-worker at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania; Lawrence, also a steelworker at that place; Margaret, who died in the year 1914; Forward L., of whom
further.
Born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania,' July I8, I864, Forward L.. Townsend
continued to, reside in his native region until he had reached young manhood. His
education was gained in the local schools and at Elders Ridge Academy, in Indiana
county, Pennsylvania, and after completing his studies at the latter institution he
became a teacher and spent four years following that profession. At the end of that
time he gave up that position, and going to the West secured employment with the
Wabash Railroad Company. He remained there for a time, and then, in the year
I9OI, came to Avonmore, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,a since which time it has
remained his home.  Upon coming here, Mr. Townsend established himself in the
painting business, and has continued in'that ever since, and met with a high degree
of success. He is now the proprietor of one of the finest businesses of its kind in the
neighborhood, aind has won for himself a reputation for business probity and the
conscientious discharge of his obligations second to none. Mr. Townsend has always
been actively interested in politics, and has taken no small part in local affairs. His
father was a very staunch Democrat, and in this matter the preserlt Mr. Townsend
follows in his footsteps, his allegiance to the principles and policies for which it
stands being a very deep one and' based' upon his surest convictions.'He has been the
candidate for various local offices of his party, and has been elected to many. He
has served for eleven years as assessor in Avonmore, and is still so serving, having
recently been reelected for another term. On the same occasion he was also elected
squire. Among other offices that he has held are that of auditor of the borough, and
a membership on the Avonmore Board of Health. In his religious belief he is a
Lutheran and attends the church of that denomination in Avonmore.
Forward L. Townsend was united in marriage, August 3, 1904, at. Kittanning,
Pennsylvania, with Margaret Gallaher, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah'(Iseman)
Gallaher, of that place. Mr. Gallaher was a native of Ireland and came' from that
country to the United States as a youth of eighteen. He settled at Kittanning and
there engaged in the grocery business until his death in I895. His wife Was a daughter of Jacob Iseman, who for many years operated a farm about'six miles from Kittanning, the old homestead being still in the possession of the family. Two children
were -born to Mr. and Mrs. Townsend: Sarah Julia, born February i, i9o6, died
March I, I908, and Edith Gallaher, born October 2, I9o8, died July 3I, I9o9.
DANIEL KIST--It is a popular notion that the reward of merit is generally
delayed. until after the death of the deserving, and that very few men ever taste the
fruit of their own achievement. But this is only very imperfectly true to-day in this
country, and applies only to'certain departments of endeavor, departments to which
the public as a whole are indifferent. In almost every other matter the people of our
country are far too alert and practical to allow talent and ability to go unremarked or
unrewarded, and are rather disposed to pay a heavy premium for their service. Especially is this the case in everything that has to, do-with the operation of business, industrial, commercial, financial, and the talented in any of these lines is apt to be early
W-24OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
sought and discovered. The case of the distinguished gentleman, Daniel Kist, whose
name heads this brief sketch, is one in point; his unusual capacity for business combinations was early brought to the fore and his death, which occurred December I6,
I9o8, at Derry,.Pennsylvania, deprived that place of one who was universally regarded
as a leading citizen, and whose name was honored throughout the community. Daniel
Kist w'as also an excellent example of the characteristic virtues of the great German
people, virtues which we.might class under the heads of consistency of aim and indefatigable perseverence.
Born August I5, I844, in Baden, Germany, Daniel Kist passed the whole of his
minority in his native region. It was there that he secured his education, attending for
this purpose the local Volks-schule. Upon attaining his majority, he sailed for the
United States, and upon reaching this-country made his way directly to Western Pennsylvania.'Here for a time he secured employment in a saw mill, but in I869 entered
the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as fireman. It was but a short
time afterwards that he was promoted to the rank of engineer, and this occupation he
followed until I893. In this year he resigned his position, and for something above
five years was associated with Joseph Towner, in the retail meat business. At about
the close of this period, Mr. Kist was offered his old run on the Pennsylvania Railroad
by that company, an offer which he accepted. He continued thus engaged for about
three years longer, and then once more resigned, this time engaging by himself in a
general mercantile business at Derry. He was eminently successful in his undertaking,
and gradually developed a large and profitable business which he continued to conduct
up to the time of his death. It is probable, however, that Mr. Kist is even better
known in connection with other aspects of the life of the communities than as a merchant, for he took an exceedingly keen and active interest in public affairs, and was
the leader of many movements undertaken'for the advancement of the community's
interest. Politically, he was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and although
quite unambitious of political preferment, could not resist the pressure that was
brought to bear upon him to induce him to hold public office. He was twice councilman, and during his membership in the governing body of the city was extremely
active in promoting its growth and advancement in every possible way. He was a
devout member of the Catholic church and attended St. Joseph's Church at Derry,
contributing generously to its support and donating the ground upon which the church
edifice now stands. Mr. Kist was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and a charter member of Latrobe Council, Knights of Columbus. Since his
death the business which he developed has been carried on by his wife, Mrs. Kist,
who possesses very unusual business ability for a woman.
Daniel Kist was united in marriage, February 7, I875, with Mary Kolb, a daughter of Sebastian and Mary (Rouke) Kolb. Sebastian Kolb, her father, was a native
of Germany, where he was reared as a farmer. While still a young man he emigrated
from that country to America, and coming to Westmoreland county,. Pennsylvania,
acquired a tract of about two hundred and fourteen acres of wooded land, along the
ridge above Derry. Here he engaged in the lumber business, clearing his land by the
same process, and-after he had disposed of such of the timber as he desired, cultivated
the cleared land and there carried on farming operations. From this property he also
extracted large quantities of'stone, which he sold to the Pennsylvania railroad, and
which was used by them in the construction of all sorts of work. It was this stone
that was used for the Johnstown bridge, as well as for the power scales at Derry. Mr.
Kolb prospered greatly, and after a time bought an additional eighty acres of land,
which has since become the site of the present village o.f Derry. This he divided into
plots and sold for building purposes. He was a naturalized American citizen, also a
devout member of the Catholic church.
He married Mary Rouke, like himself a native of Germany, and they were the
370BIOGRAPHICAL
parents of the following children: I. Inglehart, born at Wurtemburg, Germany, and
came to America with his father; he received his education in Germany; on January
II, I870, he married Mary Reedmill, like himself a native of Germany, born August
IO, I842; after the marriage of Inglehart Kolb, his father presented him with a farm
of fifty-six acres,.where he remained and carried on farming operations for thirtyfive years; at the end of this period he sold the property to the Ligonier Coal Company and retired; he and his wife were the parents of the following children: i.
Albert, born in I870, and n6w a telegraph operator located at Edgewood, Pennsylvania, where he is married and has five children. ii. Mary, born January ii, 1872. iii.
Rose, born July 22, 1875, became the wife of Irving Hall, and died May Io, I916. iv.
William, an engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad, married Nellie Murry, by whom
he has had two children, Helen and Alice. v. Francis, born April 7, I877, who has
been ordained as a Catholic priest, and is now located at Masontown, Pennsylvania.
vi. Edward L., born April 6, I884, and now employed as an engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad. 2. Salome, born in Germany, and accompanied her parents to the
TUnited States; she married (first) James McQuay, of which union three children
were born: Frank, Antoinette, and Mary, whose death occurred in 1876; she married (second) Leonard Fryor, to whom she has borne four children: Leonard, Amelia,
Margarette and Elizabeth. 3. Mary, who became the wife of Daniel Kist. 4. Maggie,
born June 22, I858; became the wife of John Alworth, to whom she has borne six
children, as follows: Mary, married James L. Toner; Charles, married Alice Webb;
Fannie, married Richard Shick; Celia, married Charles Shick, brother of Richard
Shick; John; Paul.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kist were the parents of the following children: I. Joseph,
born January 25, I876; married Mary Towner, by whom he has had the following
children: Helen, Pauline, Joseph, Raymond, Mary Regina, Susan, and one child who
died in early infancy. 2. Cecelia, born July I6, I878; became the wife of Dennis Johnson, of Dublin, Ireland, where they at present reside; they are the parents of the following children: Patricia and Berdetta. 3.' Charles, born March 20, I88I; married
Hattie Stifler. 4. A child who died in infancy. 5. Daniel, Jr., born October I2, 1884;
married Mary Williams, by whom he has had two children: Marguerite and Daniel.
6. Harry, born May 3, I887; now in National Army. 7. Raymond, born November 29,
I890o; now in National Army. 8. Lawrence, born September 20, 1892, died October 2I,
I894. 9. Paul, born August 20, I897.
Mr. Kist was a man of strong and vigorous personality, to which every element,
physical and mental, contributed. He was the fortunate possessor of good health and
his mind was an extremely active and positive one, which easily took the lead in his
relations with others and made him a dominant force in the sphere of his labors. He
was not, however, one of those who attempted to impose their will upon others by a
sort of aggressive insistence which served only to gain the ill-will of those about, but
rather one whose judgment was so good and whose gauging of the practical problems
of life so quick and intuitive that others instinctively acquiesced in his decisions and
followed his lead willingly. He was easily accessible to all men, and, although his time
was occupied by many details of the business in which. he was engaged, yet he always
found an opportunity to attend to the needs of others, small and great, and there were
many who found his assistance of timely value. He was, accordingly, highly honored
by not only his immediate family and personal friends, but the community at large,
which regarded him in the light o,f a leading member.
There are many kinds of activity, the influence of which upon a community is
difficult to gauge or even to see in any tangible form, though we may be firmly convinced of its existence. The kind of service which Mr. Kist performed for Derry
and for the entire State of Pennsylvania was not, however, of this illusive type. Of
course, our extremely limited vision can not see or measure the complete effect of any.
37IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
work performed, yet many of the results of his labor are of an extremely obvious
nature, and from these alone we can judge that it was great. Perfectly evident, for
instance, is the revolution that has taken place in many industrial methods as a result
of his brilliant and numerous efforts. What is not so easy to measure is the influence
upon the character of the people of the community a personality such as that of Mr.
Kist exerts, standing as it did for honest and substantial methods in business, and just
and charitable dealings with his fellows in every relation of life. To him the community owes a debt of gratitude it would find difficult to discharge.
CHARLES LEBUS HENSELL-Charles Lebus Hensell, proprietor of the old
Stone Hotel, justice of the peace and public-spirited citizen, is without doubt one of
the most conspicuous figures in New Alexandria and the surrounding region. He is a
son of J. B. and Mary (Bash) Hensell, his father having been a farmer of Loyalhanna township, and at one time held the position of poor director of Westmoreland
county. Mr. and Mrs. Htensell, Sr., were the parents of a large family of children, as
follows: Mary E., deceased; John L., died at St. Louis, September 24, I887, was
employed on the railroad; William A., who is a salesman, and makes his home in
Greensburg, Westrnoreland county, Pennsylvania; L. Marie, died in infancy; Harvey
J., who makes his home at Greensburg, and is employed by the Bradstreet Company,
in an investigator's position; Jennie V., who married Charles I. McQuown, a steelworker of Indiana Harbor, Indiana; Michael Wesley, who now resides in Blissfield,
Michigan; Margaret A., who became the wife of George W. Waugaman, deceased;
Minnie L., who became the wife of John G. Kemp, who is engaged in farming in
Westmoreland county; Sallie E., who became the wife of Edward O'Neal, who is a
farmer in Indiana county; Clark A.; Johanna, who became the wife of Orlie Sullivan,
of Manilla, Philippine Islands, where he is the head drug clerk for the United States
government; Charles Lebus, of whom further; Robert E., who is engaged in farming
at Monroe, Michigan.
Born February 24, t88o, in Salem township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
Charles Lebus Hensell, son of J. B. and Mary (Bash) Hensell, has continued to be
identified with this part of the State ever since. He obtained his education at the
Concord Independent School, in Loyalhanna township, and during the summer holidays assisted his father on the latter's farm. After completing his studies at this
institution, being then about eighteen years of age, his father turned over to him the
entire management of his farm in Loyalhanna township. He continued thus engaged
until the year I899, when he removed to Belle township and made his home near
Avonmore, where he farmed for another period of about twelve months. He then
returned to Loyalhanna township, but his residence there proved only temporary, and
three years later he decided to give up farming and make his home in the city.
Accordingly, he moved to New Alexandria in I903, and there engaged in the confectionery business, in which he met with notable success, and which he continued for
some two, years. From this time on until I909 he was variously engaged, but in that
year purchased the old Stone Hotel, which was built in New Alexandria as early as
I8oo, and was one of the stations stopped at by the old stage coach before the time of
railroads. This ancient hostelry Mr. Hensell has continued to operate most successfully ever since, and he is now one of the best known hotelkeepers in the entire region,
while his house enjoys a popularity not exceeded by any thereabouts. On December
I7, I913, Mr. Hensell was appointed a justice of the peace by Governor Brumbaugh,
and held that office until I9I6, when he was elected to the same post for a period of
six years. In this capacity Mr. Hensell has rendered very valuable service to the
community of which he is a member, and at the present time is regarded with justice
as one of the most successful and public-spirited members of the community. Mr.
372BIOGRAPHICAL                                    373
Hensell is a Republican in politics, and although he does not in any way take part in
what may be called "politics," he is nevertheless recognized as an important factor in
public affairs. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian, and attends the church of
that denomination at New Alexandria. He is a prominent figure in fraternal and club
life in that region; and is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows; the Woodmen of the World, in'which he is past council commander,
and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of which he is a trustee. Mr.
Hensell, in addition to his other activities, is an expert auctioneer, and in this capacity
presides at most of the auction sales in this part of the county.
Charles Lebus Hensell was united in marriage, April I6, I898, with Edna May
Rummel, a daughter of G. K. and Sara (King) Rummel, old and highly-honored
residents of these parts. Mr. Rummel for many years was a prosperous farmer of
Salem township, and now lives in retirement. To Mr. and Mrs. Hensell the following children have been born: Glenn N., who resides at New Alexandria, and holds
the position of State highway roller man; Goldie Irene, who is now a pupil at the
New Alexandria High. School.
Mr. Hensell is one of the best known and most popular figures in the community.
He is. a man of the most genial, open natures, and possesses that sort of cheeriness
which one instinctively feels flows from a charitable heart, a manly, courageous and
gentle heart. People turn naturally toward his kindly, sympathetic personality as flowers
to sunshine, and this is, indeed, an apt illustration of the manner in which strangers are
impelled to make his acquaintance, and acquaintance is speedily turned to the kind of
friendship that does not fail. The diverse occupations he has engaged in has brought
him into contact with a great number of men of every class and type, and acquainted
him with the motives and springs of human nature beyond the range of many, making
him at once tolerant of his fellows and filling the place which is naturally conceded to
a man of such a character. His home life too is an ideal one, and he proves himself
no less a loving husband and father than a true friend., a good neighbor, and a model
citizen. Mr. Hensell is a comparatively young man-a very young man to occupy the
place he does in the community-and there are many roads open to him of which no
one, perhaps not even himself, can predict his choice, but this at least may be said
safely, that whatever the choice may be, it is destined to lead at once to his own honor
and to the benefit of his fellows in city and State. He is a man of the most sterling
virtues, respected at once by high and low, rich and poor, since there is no difference
in his treatment of men because of class distinctions.. He is easy of access to all, and
those who are fortunate enough to be counted aniong his friends find him not merely
faithful, but the most attractive of companions. He is a favorite among men, both for
those qualities of intrinsic worth and because of the community of interests that exists
between him and his fellows.
EDWARD B. SWARTZ-The flourishing community of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, may well feel. proud of its great numbers of successful business men and capable men of affairs, and of none more so than of Edward B.
Swartz, one of its native sons, who has throughout his life identified himself most
closely with its business development and community life generally. He is a son of
Paul and Nancy (Coldsmith) Swartz, his father being a native of Hempfield township, who came to Mount Pleasant in young manhood, and there engaged in a successful contracting business. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz were the parents of six children, as
follows: Charles W., who fought for his country in the Civil War, and is at present
residing on his large farm at St. Cloud, Florida; Wesley, who was engaged in a successful painting and wall-paper business at Mount Pleasant, but is now living retired;
Edward B., mentioned below; Emily, who resides with her brother, Charles W., in
Florida; and a child who died in infancy.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Born October I8, I854, at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Edward B. Swartz
was educated there in the local public schools, and later at Mount Pleasant Institute.
Upon completing his studies at the latter institution, he apprenticed himself to his
father, where he learned the trade of carpenter and continued to work for the elder
man until the latter's death. He was at that time twenty-three years of age, and at
once embarked in a contracting business on his own account, which he has continued
to the present time, and in which he has been phenomenally successful. He has built
some of the largest and handsomest residences in Mount Pleasant, as well' as buildings of a more public character, among which should be mentioned the handsome
hospital building, the school house and the large Bryce glass factory. Mr. Swartz has
by dint of enterprising methods and continual application to his work extended his
business to every part of Westmoreland county and well into all the adjacent counties.
His work is well known for its excellence, and he is regarded universally as a man who
lives up not only to the letter, but to the spirit of all his engagements and obligations.
But it has not been only in connection with his business that Mr. Swartz has played
a prominent part in Mount Pleasant and its environs. On the contrary, there have
been few aspects of its affairs in which he has not taken a leading part, and in every
connection his conduct has been marked by the most unusual disinterestedness and
public spirit. For the past thirty years he has served in the city council, and done the
community a most invaluable service during that long period, and he has occupied the
responsible post of chief of the fire department there for the same length of time.
He.is a prominent member of the Church of God, and has been active in advancing
the interests of that body in all ways and at all times, and has served it as deacon and
trustee. He is a member of Canton Commandery, No. 53, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and of the local lodges of the Knights of the Golden Fleece and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On October 5, I88T, Mr. Swartz was united in marriage with Catherine Fox, a
daughter of D. S. and Mary (Weaver) Fox. Mr. Fox is at present residing at his
home in East Huntingdon township at the venerable age of ninety-seven years, and is
one of the oldest farmers in that region. Indeed, he was one of the first to engage
in this occupation there, and is closely identified with the pioneer days and early history
of the place. To Mr.- and Mrs. Swartz the following children have been born:
Charles, who is now working as a carpenter for his father; David, who is engaged
successfully in the real estate business at Swissvale, Pennsylvania, where he married
Maud Saylor, of Somerset, by whom he has had one daughter, Evelyn; Evelyn, who
became the wife of Ray O. Stauffer, of Fayette county, now deceased; now employed
in the post office at Mount Pleasant; Harry, who is now engaged in the electric and
supply business at Mount Pleasant, where he has a large and handsome store; Otto,
an electrical engineer, was employed by the H. C. Frick Company, at their plants at
Mammoth and other points, now in National Army at United States Radial School,
enlisted in the signal service; Bessie, who is at the present time studying music at the
Mount Pleasant Institute.
JOHN B. COLDSMITH--One of the native sons of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, who has brought credit at once to himself and to his
town, is John B. Coldsmith, who has done much to build up and develop the business
interests of that community. He is a son of John and Sarah (Breham) Coldsmith,
his father having been a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, who, however, removed to
Mount Pleasant while a young man. Mr. Coldsmith, Sr., was a hatter by trade, but
after coming to Mount Pleasant he engaged not only in this line of activity, but
established a very successful grocery business as well. He was prominent in the
affairs of Mount Pleasant, and served for a number of years on the city council there.
John B. Coldsmith was born December I8, I857, at Mount Pleasant, and obtained
374BIOGRAPHICAL
his education at the local public schools and at Mount Pleasant Institute. After completing his studies at the latter institution, Mr. Coldsmith secured a position as clerk
in a drug store. He was but eighteen years of age at this time, and shortly afterwards left the position to take another in a paper-hanging firm, where he learned this
business. For a number of years he worked as journeyman in this line, during which
time he was able to save up a portion of his earnings. This he did consistently with
a view to engaging in business on his own account, and this ambition he was able to
realize a few years later. He then established himself as a dealer in wall-paper and
queensware in Mount Pleasant and was successful from the outset. He has given
much of his time to developing the bands of Mount Pleasant. In this way he gradually
became identified with the local theatrical and musical business, and for a time took
up the management of the Old Opera House, in which he achieved great success.
When this building was superceded by the Grand Opera House, he became the manager of the new building, and for a period of fifteen years was successful in this undertaking. Mr. Coldsmith is also connected actively with the military organizations of
the region. During his active career, Mr. Coldsmith has identified himself prominently
with public affairs, has served for nine years in the town council, and has been president of the same for two years. He was elected in I913 a member of the State Legislature, and is at the present time serving his second term in that body. In his religious
belief Mr. Coldsmith is a Methodist, and for many years he has been a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church at Mount Pleasant. He is a director in the Building
and Loan Association of that town, as well as many other important concerns. He is
a prominent figure in fraternal and social circles; is a member of the local lodges of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
On July 22, 1884, John B. Coldsmith was united in marriage with Sanizai Bingaman, of Meyersdale, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and to them the following children have been born: I. Blanche E., born August 22, i885, died September 17, I886.
2. Blaine B., born January 27, I887; a graduate of Peterson Business College; engaged
at the present time in business with his father; a member of the council; married, in
June, I9Io, Clarissa Truxall, a daughter of John and Sara (Orndoff) Truxall, of Bullskin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who has borne him three children: Sara
Catherine, born I9I2; May Lavenne, born 1914, and John S., born I9I7. 3. John
Kenneth, born November I4, I889, died October I8, I911..4. Joseph Marion, born
June 26, I892; a graduate of Mount Pleasant Institute, the University of Michigan,
Pennsylvania State University and the University of West Virginia; at present
engaged in business with his father; married, in I913, Rosella Mason, a daughter of
William and Ellen Mason, of Andover, Pennsylvania,-who has borne him one child,
Sara Ellen, November 9, I9I5. 5. Eleanor Jones, born January I, I897, and at the
present time studying music at Mount Pleasant Institute.
CHARLES S. BOSSART-The term of "self-made man" can certainly be applied
to Charles S. Bossart, the successful contractor of Mount Pleasant, WVestmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. Beginning at the very bottom of the ladder in the humble position of bricklayer, he has risen to the top and now enjoys the distinction of being one
of the most prominent contractors of Mount Pleasant and the surrounding region.
Born at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, January I2, I874, Charles S. Bossart was the eldest of
five children born to his parents, John A. and Marie (Piper) Bossart. The other
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bossart, Sr., were as follows: Laura, Harry, Edward
and John. John Bossart, father, was a son of one of the pioneers of Westmoreland
county, the family having always been connected with the bricklaying business, and
who originally came from Germany.
Charles S. Bossart received his preliminary education in the schools of Mount
375OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Pleasant, but at the age of fourteen he left school and learned the trade of bricklayer,
as his forebears had done. For several years he remained at this task, but later went
into the general contracting business, in which he became successful from the start.
Mr. Bossart has made it his specialty to build handsome residences in connection with
fine business buildings, and among the many important of these may be mentioned the
State Armory, the Greensburg, Mount Pleasant. Brethren and Slavish churches, and
in fact all the largest and handsomest structures in. that part of the county. Some
years ago Mr. Bossart bought the old George Boyd farm, a short distance out of the
town of Mount Pleasant, and since that time has made his home there, and conducted
the farm as well. In spite of his activities as a contractor and builder, he has devoted
not a little attention to his agricultural operations here, for which he possesses a very
strong fondness, with the result that his farm has become quite a model for the
region. Mr. Bossart is one of th6se characters which is always reaching out and
seeking for greater and greater activities. He seems to have the strongest kind of
desire to enlarge his relations and associations in every direction, especially in the
business world, and it is thus that he has come to be connected with so many important concerns. In July, I914, for instance, he purchased the large Husband Lumber
Company, situated at the East End of Mount Pleasant, and has conducted this with
great success since. He has established a full line of lumber and contractor's supplies,
and does a general business therein. The unimpeachable integrity and honesty of Mr.
Bossart and his ability as a business man have been the basis of his development of a
remarkable business, which extends far beyond the limits of his home community
throughout practically all of Westmoreland county. He has made a specialty of fine
buildings and particularly of residences, and enjoys a popularity as great as it is to-day.
Mr. Bossart is a Republican, having been born and reared in that political faith, as it
were, but he does not actively take part in political affairs, as he finds his entire time
occupied by his business. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and serves
that body in the office of deacon. He is a member of a number of orders, among
which should be mentioned the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Woodtmen of the World, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On October 29, I896, Mr. Bossart' was united in marriage with Almeta Zundel,
a daughter of Reuben and Sara (Barnhart) Zundel, of East Huningdon township,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Zundel is a successful farmer of that place, and a member of the
old and prominent Zundel family, which has occupied a conspicuous place in the regard
of the community for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Bossart the following children
have been born: Sarah Elizabeth, a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, who
makes her home with her parents at Mount Pleasant; Ruth Almeta, a student at
Mount Pleasant High School; and Charles C., also a student at high school.
BENJAMIN WARFIELD KERR-Benjamin Warfield Kerr, one of the most
active and successful business men of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-.vania, is a native of Oconto, Wisconsin, where he was born in the year I886, a son
of the Rev. John H. and Margaret (Campbell) Kerr. His mother was a daughter of
Colonel Campbell, of the "Old Duquesne Grays."
Mr. Kerr received his education at the Mount Tanalpais Military Academy, and
later entered Princeton College. Still later he took a graduate course of engineering
at Princeton University and graduated with the class of I9o8, as an electrical engineer.
Immediately afterwards he became associated with the great Westinghouse Company
as an engineer in its electrical department, and here he remained until I9IO. He then
accepted the position of assistant electrical engineer for the Pittsburgh railways,
where he remained until he formed his present connection in I9Io.
Mr. Kerr is active in many departments of the life of Greensburg, and is prominent in social and club circles there. He is a member of the Greensburg Country
376BIOGRAPHICAL
Club, the Princeton Club, the C. O. C. Club of Pittsburgh, the Key and Seal Club of
Princeton, the Rotary Club of Greensburg, and the local lodge of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He is also affiliated with the Young Men's Christian Association in Greensburg, and active in the work.of this organization. In his religious
belief Mr. Kerr is a Presbyterian and attends the First Church of that denominiiation
in Greensburg. In politics he is an Independent Republican, but his time is so much
occupied by the great demands made upon it by his business associations that he does
not take the active part in public affairs which his talents and abilities so well fit him
for.
Undoubtedly the greatest interest in the life of Mr. Keer and that which at once
occupies the major portion of. his tim.e and which may be considered as his greatest
achievement is the Railway and Industrial Engineering Company, with which he has
been so closely identified and which owes its great development in so large a degree
to his masterly direction of its affairs. This great corporation had a humble origin,
being first discussed in the bowling alleys of the Ligonier Springs Hotel, Ligonier,
Pennsylvania. This was in the spring of the year I9Io and the man in whose mind it
first took shape was A. W. Burke, of Pittsburgh. Mr. Burke was one of those men
who are prompt to execute what their minds conceive and he set about to organize the
new company. So immediate was its success that in'the following spring he was
obliged to remove it to larger and more adequate quarters, where there should be
greater conveniences for carrying on his operations.  This caused him  to go to
Wilkinsburg, but even this proved inadequate, and about the first of the year 19I2, still
larger quarters became necessary. Associated with Mr. Burke in the project was
Benjamin WVarfield Kerr and several other gentlemen, and with their very able assistance Mr. Burke saw his project grow to large dimensions. After a number of removals, these gentlemen decided upon Greensburg as the permanent location for the
concern, and moved to that town in I914 and occupied a structure built for the Pennsylvania Swing Company, in which there were available fifteen thousand square feet of
floor space. In 1912 the capital of the company was fifteen thousand dollars, but on
October 2I, 1915, it was increased to one hundred thousand to meet the rapid growth
of the business. In the spring of that same year, I915, additional floor space of about
nine thousand square feet was added, and in 1916 still another addition of about three'
thousand square feet became necessary. On May r8, I916, the capital was increased
from one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and on November' 3, I916, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars' worth of preferred stock was
added, making the total capitalization three hundred thousand dollars. The early part
of the year I917 saw the completion of a new two-story office building, in which it
will be able to still more adequately care for the great trade. Some idea of the growth
of the concern may be gathered from the fact that at the time of its beginning about
thirty people were employed in the factory, while now more than four hundred hands
are at work in the new factory. This new building measures sixty by one hundred and
twenty feet and is a two-story concrete building. The concern is the most important
producer of high voltage and switching lines and they also produce steel for tower
lines. They make a specialty of electrical equipment of all kinds, of which they
produce enormous quantities which they market in all parts of the East. The president of this great concern is A. W. Burke; Benjamin Warfield Kerr holds the office
of vice-president; H, Clay Stiar, treasurer; M. Epstein, of Pittsburgh, secretary. The
directors are Mr. Burke, Mr. Kerr, G. N. Lemon and Van Horn Ely, of Philadelphia,
and H. Clay Stiar, of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Kerr married, July 23, 1912, Ann C. Biggert, a daughter of James C. Biggert, general agent of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. One son was born
of this marriage, James Benjamin, March 2I, I9I5.
377BIOGRAPHICAL
after which they resided, together with their children near Denmark Manor Church.
They have now both passed away. 4. John George Foight, who bore his father's
name, was born in Murrysville, November 28, I842. He received a common school
education, and has been by occupation a farmer, fruit grower and dairyman.  In
August I864, he enlisted in the Two Hundred and Fourth Regiment, Fifth Light
Artillery, United States Volunteers. He served until the close of the war, being
mustered out July 4, I865. He was instrumental in the organization of the First
National Bank of Export, of which he is a director. He was married September I0,
I867, to Mary Emeline Brinker, a native of Penn township, born December 6, I847.
Mr. Foight was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature in i888, serving in
the session of I889. His chief work in the Legislature consisted in advocating an improvement in the highway system of Pennsylvania, and strange to say, he stood almost,
if not quite alone. His advocacy of this much needed improvement perhaps led Governor Beaver to appoint him a member of a Road Commission to examine the highway system of the State and report to the next legislature. This was in reality the
beginning of the great improvements which have since been made in the highways
of Pennsylvania.
Mary Emeline Brinker was a daughter of Josiah and Anna (Kistler) Brinker.
Jacob Brinker, her great-grandfather, it is said was of Swiss stock and was born in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The earliest record of him is his will, recorded in
WVestmoreland county, November I6, I798, by which instrument it appears that he
was the father of a large family, and that he was possessed of about fifteen hundred
acres of land, much of it in what was then styled "The Opost Settlement" in Franklin township. His wife was named Susanna, and their children were George, Jacob,
Abram, Margaret (married to a man named LIarner); Katreen (wife of John Seeley);
Susanna (wife of Jacob Barleen), and one daughter whose name is unknown, but
who married a man named Shaver. Jacob Brinker, the grandfather, lived on the
land inherited from his father in what was then Franklin (now Penn) township. It
is unknown to whom he was married. On January I2, I805, he received a deed from
a man named. Coates, attorney for John and Richard Penn, proprietaries of Pennsylvania, for three hundred and seventy-six acres of land in the Manor of Denmark,
which land his father had purchased from the heirs of William Penn and had given
to him by his will, but for which his father had never received a deed. His children
were Col. Paul Brinker, Josiah, above named; Esther, married John Lauffer of
*Harrison City; Sarah, wife of Michael Byers; Lydia, married first to John Kistler
and later to Fink. Josiah Brinker died in I888, and the mother Anna (Kistler)
Brinker died about I86o, and both are buried in Denmark Manor churchyard. John
L_aufter herein referred to lived to the ripe old age of a hundred years. In her early
days Mrs. Foight was an active woman in home, community and church, but for the
last few years she has been afflicted with rheumatism and unable to walk and part of
the time even unable to move from her bed.
The children of John G. and Mary E. Foight now living are: I. Samuel B., who
for more than a score of years has served as court reporter in Judge McConnell's
court in Greensburg. He was married on October I4, I896, to Mildred, daughter of
W. K. and Mary E. Kennedy, of Lower Burrell township. They now reside in
Greensburg. 2. Paul R., cashier of the First National Bank of Export (see sketch).
3. Mary Elizabeth (Mollie), wife of J. I,ogan Kemerer, who at present resides at
Turtle Creek, where he is engaged in making shells for the present war. 4. John
Howard, justice of the peace and merchant in Export, was married to Alice Smay, of
Pittsburgh; they have four children. 5. Jesse Brinker, named after his grandfather,
and his wife who was Eva Fry, live in Irwin; he is a traveling salesman. 6. Annie
E., who married Alonza Saul and who with their three children reside at the old
l'oight homestead in Penn township and are engaged in farming. 7. Harry W., un23OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
JAMES C. SIBEL-A business man whose indomitable pluck turns defeat into
victory, that is what the name which we have just written represents not only to his
friends and neighbors of Ligonier, but to a majority of his fellow-citizens of Western
Pennsylvania.  In the political life of his community Mr. Sibel has always taken a
leading part, but an entirely disinterested one, his name never having been, even
remotely, associated with the ambitions of an office-seeker.
Michael Sibel, father of James C. Sibel, was born' in Germany, and at the age of
ten years was brought to the United States by his iather who settled in Cook township. Michael early obtained work as a driver on the canal, but during the remainder
of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Sibel married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Mary
(Weller) Deeds, and their children were: Jacob, a miner in Idaho; Maria. wife of
Andrew  J. Bell, a farmer o.f Cook township;, a farmer of Fayette county;
Amanda, married William McClain, of Donegal township; James C., mentioned below;
Elizabeth, wife of T. J. McClain, of Donegal; and Edward H., who was a carpenter in
Kansas, where he died in I899.
James C. Sibel, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Deeds) Sibel, was born October 27, 1852, in Ligonier township, and received his education in the common schools of
the vicinity. At the age of eighteen he connected himself with the stock business, buying horses and cattle in Westmoreland and Somerset counties and driving them to
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. After twenty prosperous years, in the course of which
he had become one of the largest stock shippers in the county, Mr. Sibel retired and
spent five years as a farmer in Ligonier township. Business, however, was his true
sphere and he eventually purchased the livery establishm'ent of Deeds  Lytle. On
February 5, I9o6, the property was destroyed by fire, the entire live stock being saved.
It was characteristic of Mr. Sibel that he spent no time in lamenting his losses, but
without delay opened a real estate office which he conducted for three years. He then
returned to the livery business, this time having the assistance of his sons, Leroy E.
and John H. D. After conducting the establishment for some time Mr. Sibel withdrew and now assists his son, Leroy E., in the furniture business, also engaging in
his old-time occupation of buying and selling stock. A lifelong Democrat, Mr. Sibel
has. always been an active worker in the interests of his party, having devoted time and
money to the cause ever since he became a voter. In rioo he was appointed by R. N.
Gay, then county commissioner, to the office of mercantile appraiser, which he filled
for. one year. Upon the reelection of President Wilson, Mr. Sibel became an applicant for the postmastership of Ligonier, being highly recommended by leaders of his
party, and while he failed to receive the appointment had the satisfaction of knowing
that he emerged from  the competition with clean hands, defeated by some of the
leaders of the Democratic party. The only fraternal organization with which Mr. Sibel
affiliates is Ligonier Lodge, No. 964, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He attends
the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Sibel married, June 2I, I88I, Samantha Jane Hauger, whose family record is
appended to this biography, and the following children have been born to them: Leroy
E., mentioned below; Mary Elizabeth, born March I2, I883, educated in Ligonier
schools, and now the wife of Dr. J. B. Johnson, of Ligonier; James C., died at two
and a half years old; and John H. D., also mentioned below.
The story of the career of James C. Sibel is a story of innate ability, guided and
controlled by force of character and strict principles of integrity and inspired by tireless energy and inexhaustible perseverance.
Leroy E. Sibel, son of James' C. and Samantha Jane (Hauger) Sibel, was born
January I2, I882, in Stahlstown, Pennsylvania. The educational equipment of Mr.
Sibel included a course in the public schools of Ligonier, in Duff's Business College,
Pittsburgh, from which institution he graduated. Until his fifteenth year he assisted
378BIOGRAPHICAL
his father on the farm, the family then moving to Ligonier, after which the son was
for eight years the father's assistant in the livery business. He then took a completed
course in the School of Anatomy, Pittsburgh, of which he was also a graduate. On
December 4, I9I2, he was licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board to conduct
undertaking and embalming processes and the same year established himself in the
furniture and undertaking business in Ligonier. He carries a large and attractive
stock and has complete motor equipment, having been the first to introduce that equipment into Ligonier. He now has the cnly motor ambulance in the Ligonier Valley.
Like his father Mr. Sibel is a Democrat, but, unlike him, has never been active in politics. He is past master and steward of Ligonier Lodge, No. 331, Free and Accepted
Masons, and also affiliates with Ligonier Lodge, No. 964, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World, Ligonier, and is enrolled in
the George S. Kemble Club, also of Ligonier, an organization composed of Masons
only.  He belongs to the Funeral Directors' Association of Pennsylvania.  His
religious membership is in the Methodist Episcopal church of Ligonier, in the work
of which he actively assists, being the instructor of a class in the Bible school. Mr.
Sibel married Mary D. Fillinger, whose family record is appended to this biography,
and they are the parents of one daughter, Gertrude Samantha, born January 27, I903,
and now attending the Ligonier High School.
John Hauger Deeds Sibel, son of James C. and Samantha Jane (Hauger) Sibel,
was born November 7, I897, and educated in the public schools of Ligonier.  He
assisted his father in the livery business and then, having graduated from the Pittsburgh School of Anatomy, entered the ranks of the undertakers.  He is now employed by Lafferty  Tobias, of Johnstown. Mr. Sibel is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Ligonier.
Elijah Hauger, father of Mrs. Samantha Jane (Hauger) Sibel, came from Lincoln township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, to Westmoreland county, where he
became the owner of a farm of one hundred acres in Donegal township. Eventually
he sold this estate and purchased a small farm in Cook township, on which he passed
the remainder of his life. Mr. Hauger was a Democrat, and a member of the Baptist
church, of Donegal.  He married Mary, daughter of Abram  Coleman, and their
children were: John F., an undertaker of Donegal; Samantha Jane, mentioned below; Elizabeth, wife of William Gettemy, of Donegal; Ada, married (first) Dorsey
Shaffer, and (second) Henry Miller, of Lincoln township, Somerset county; Laura,
wife of C. A. McConnaughy, of Ligonier; Minnie, married Lewis F. Parke, of
Johnstown; Pora, wife of Walter Byers, of Ligonier; James, of Ligonier, married
Rachel Frey; and Vance C., married,Lillie Mahley, and lived in Ligonier township.
Mr. Hauger passed away when he was about seventy years of age, and his widow
resides with her daughter, Mrs. Walter Byers.
Samantha Jane Hauger, daughter of Elijah and Mary (Coleman) Hauger, was
born in Lincoln township, Somerset county, and was about eight years old when the
family moved to Westmoreland county. In early womanhood she became the wife
of James C. Sibel, as stated above.
(The Fillinger Line).
Fillinger, great-grandfather of Mrs. Mary D. (Fillinger) Sibel, was
a storekeeper in Germany, and he and his wife both died in that country.
Andrew Fillinger, son of              Fillinger, was born in Germany, and in
I838 or I839, being then twenty years old, emigrated to the United States. He and a
brother named Joseph were the only children of their parents. Andrew had been
educated in his, native land and reared to agricultural pursuits. He settled first in
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, removing to the neighorhood of Pottstown, and
then passing the remainder of his life at Mountainville, Lycoming county. In the
379OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
new country, as in the old, he was a farmer. Politically he was a Democrat, and
religiously a member of the German Reformed church. Mr. Fillinger married Marv,
daughter of Jacob Deugler, of Montgomery county, and their children were: Thomas
R., mentioned below; John W., married Anna Wills, and went to Alaska; Joseph E.,
of Ralston, Pennsylvania, married Luella Brown; Charles B., of Jersey City. The
death of Andrew Fillinger occurred in I898 or 1899.
Thomas R. Fillinger, son of Andrew and Mary (Deugler) Fillinger, was born
January 25, I852, in Montgomery county, and until eight or nine years old attended
school in Pottstown. At that very early age he began to earn his livelihood and for
eleven summers was employed on the Pennsylvania canal, driving a team in the
winters. In 1875 he enlisted at Columbia, South Carolina, in Company K, Second
Regiment of Cavalry, which was stationed in Wyoming and Montana, and participated in battles with the Sioux Indians. Mr. Fillinger was one of those who assisted
in building Fort Custer. After various migrations in the WVestern country he returned to Pennsylvania and. took up his abode in Clearfield county, removing to
Cambria county and then coming to Ligonier where, in I9go, he was employed by
the Allen Lumber Company. After living in different counties of his native State
he went to Branchville, South Carolina, whence he returned to Westinghouse, Allegheny county, where he is still employed. He has built an attractive house with all
the latest improvements and expects to retire and devote himself to the cultivation of
his two farms. Mr. Fillinger married Ellen G. Porter (see Porter line), and their
only child was Mary D., mentioned below. Mr. Fillinger is a Democrat, and Mrs.
Fillinger is a member of the Reformed church at Manor West.
Mary D. Fillinger, daughter of Thomas R. and Ellen G. (Porter) Fillinger, was
born January 27, 1882, and attended schools of different places, graduating from the
Ligonier High School. She is now the wife of Leroy E. Sibel, as stated above.
(The Porter Line).
Porter, grandfather of Mrs. Ellen G. (Porter) Fillinger, came
from Vermont to Bradford county, where he led the life of a farmer. He married
a Miss Dilke, a native of England, and' their children were: David, Frank, George,
Barton S., mentioned'below; Harriet, Sarah, and Lydia. Mr. Porter died near Canton, Bradford county. He was probably a member of the Presbyterian church.
Barton S. Porter, was born in Vermont, and was a farmer and landowner, owning a farm in Lycoming county and also woodland. He was also the owner of a
sawmill. During the Civil War he served three years in the army. Mr. Porter was
a Republican and served as school director and supervisor while living in Lycoming
county. He belonged to Proctor Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Sarah, daughter of Samuel and
Mary (Dewees) Fitzwater, and their children were: Emmaline, married George
Horton, of Lycoming county; Elwood, died when a young man; Susan, married
James M. Kurtz, of Mountainville, Pennsylvania; Ellen G., mentioned below; Mary
Jane, married John Shires; Sedate W., of Washington; Sarah C., married Wilber
Twigg, of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania; and Ida Ann, married Frank Roberts,
of Illinois. The mother of the family was but forty-five years old at the time of her
death, and the father survived to the age of seventy-two.
Ellen G. Porter, daughter of Barton S. and Sarah (Fitzwater) Porter, was born
November 28, I862, in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and became the wife of
Thomas, R. Fillinger (see Fillinger line).
CHARLES WILLIAM  GAUT--Charles William Gaut, the distinguished gentleman whose name heads this brief sketch, was a member of a family which has
been for many years prominent in the life and affairs of Sewickley township, West38oBIOGRAPHICAL
moreland county, Pennsylvania. He was a son of Robert and Katherine (Goehring)
Gaut, and was the fifth of the family of children, born to his parents, as follows:
Martha, Mary Elizabeth, Robert, Henrietta, Charles W., Emma, John. Mr. Gaut,
Sr. was a successful farmer of Sewickley township, spending practically his entire
life on the old homestead there.
Born November 23; I853, on his father's farm, Charles William Gaut passed the
years of his childhood in the wholesome environment of farm life. For his education he attended school at Sulphur Springs, Sewickley township, and later at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he took a course in the Millersville State Normal
School there. It was in the year I876, after completing his schooling, that he came
to the town of Irwin, which remained his home until his death, and there formed an
association with a Mr. Hartje, the two engaging in a merchantile business under the
name of Hartje  Gaut. They were extremely successful and rapidly developed one
of the largest establishments of its kind in the community. Mr. Gaut became one of
the most prominent figures in the business life of Irwin and it was he who, in association with John B. Steel and Henry Murdock, of Greensburg, organized the Citizens
National Bank. Of this institution Mr. Gaut was elected president and continued to
hold this office until the date of his death, January 24, I9Io. It was not alone in the
business world that Mr. Gaut was prominent, however.  On the contrary, he was
very well known in politics. He was an ardent Democrat and gave much o.f his time
and energy to the advancement of the causes of his party. He was appointed postmaster of Irwin by President Cleveland and held that important post throughout the
administration. In the matter of his religious belief, Mr. Gaut was a Presbyterian
and was very prominent in the affairs of the church of that denomination in Irwin,
holding the office of trustee for a period of ten years.
On August 25, I884, Mr. Gaut was united in marriage with Rilla J. Fritchman,
a daughter of Charles R. and Lydia (Wentling) Fritchman, old and highly respected
residents of Irwin. The Fritchman family has long been prominent in Westmoreland
county and Mrs. Gaut's grandfather was Michael Fritchman, one of the most successful farmers of Penn township. Her father, Charles R. Fritchman, was engaged
for many years in the furniture business at Irwin, and was a prominent figure in-the
business world of his day. Mr. and Mrs. Gaut were the parents of six children, as
follows: Florence Fritchman, born December 28, I885, died June 5, I886; Marie
Katherine, born July 30, I889, a graduate of the Irwin High School and later attended Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, now employed as a teacher in
the school at Trafford; John Goehring, born March I2, I892, a graduate of Irwin
High School and Washington and Jefferson College, now teaching school at New
Alexandria, Pennsylvania; Charles Fritchman, born December 20, I894, a graduate
of Irwin High School and the University of Pittsburgh; Mary Elizabeth born August IT, I898, a graduate of Irwin High School, at present making her home vwith her
mother; Robert, born April I6, I902, now a student at the Irwin High School. Mrs.
Gaut survives her husband and still makes her home in the family residence in Irwin.
CHARLES L. PALMER-One of the most important figures in the life of
Irwin, Pennsylvania, is Charles Palmer, who came to that place in I870, when a
young man, and while Irwin itself was a small and undeveloped place, and who has
grown up with it, taking part in all the various aspects of its life and making himself
a leading factor in its development. Mr. Palmer comes of an old and illustrious
Connecticut family which has been identified with the affairs of that State for many
generations. A great-grandfather of Mr. Palmer, Captain Joshua Pendleton, served
his country gallantly in the Revolutionary War. H'is father, Charles Palmer, Sr.,
was a native of Preston township, Ne'w London county, Connecticut, where he fol38iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
lowed farming during practically his entire life and was highly successful. In 1843
he was married to Lucy Hyde and to them four children were born, Charles L., of
this review, being the oldest. All the members of the family were affiliated with the
Congregational church, and the children were reared in the religious and moral atmosphere so characteristic of New England in those days.
Born on January 3I, i844, on his father's farm in Preston township, New London county, Connecticut, Charles L. Palmer enjoyed, during his youth, the healthgiving life of the country, engaging in the wholesome pastimes and occupations which
the average farmer's boy of that period was acquainted with. He was educated in
the common and select schools of his native region, where he was still engaged in his
studies at the outbreak of the Civil War in I86I. In the autumn of the following
year, Mr. Palmer then being eighteen years of age, enlisted in Company B, Twenty-sixth Connecticut Regiment, with which body he served for one year, taking part
in many important engagements and seeing much active service with his regiment.
The following year, however, he returned to the North and during the remainder of
the war continued to work on his father's farm during the summer and taught school
during the winter months. In the year I866 he accepted a position as clerk in
a grocery house at Norwich, Connecticut, where he continued for a period of two
years. He'was a young man of enterprising character, however, and was strongly
tempted to make his way to the West and seek his fortune in the comparatively undeveloped regions of Western Pennsylvania, which at that time was just beginning
on their career of great development. Accordingly, in March, I870, he made his way
to the small village of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there established himself in a merchantile business. He was successful, gaining much of the
trade of the growing community. His store gradually increased its scope to meet
the increasing demands made upon it. From that time until his death, Mr. Palmer
had continued to conduct his general merchantile business in Irwin and was one of
the oldest merchants there, as well as one of the most successful.
Charles L. Palmer was united in marriage in the year I870 with Lena Roath, of
New York City, a daughter of Abel Roath, of that place. Besides Mrs. Palmer three
children survive Mr. Palmer, Charles E., Lucy H. and Helen. Two daughters, Isabelle
and Lena, died in I877. The elder daughter, Lucy H., is a graduate of Irwin High
School and Wilson College, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In October, I895, she
married the Rev. U. L. Mackey, of Wooster, Ohio, and they are now living in New
York City, where he is a minister of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Mackey is a member of the Brooklyn Chapter, New York Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. The younger daughter, Helen, also graduated from Irwin High School
and Wilson College, and now makes her home with her mother. She is a member of
the Phoebe Bayard Chapter, Greensburg, of the Pennsylvania Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mr. Palmer, throughout the period of his residence in Irwin, took an active part
in the life and affairs of that place. He was a staunch member of the Republican
party and exerted not a little influence in politics there, although he would never
identify himself with the local organization to the extent of running for public office
of any kind. He was a member of the Presbyterian church from the time of its
organization in Irwin in I870 and for thirty-seven years was an elder. Mr. Palmer's
death occurred April 2I, I916, and was occasioned by a fall from a wagon. He was
active in his business and other affairs with which he was connected up to the day
of his death.
The part played in the general life of the community by Mr. Palmer was not so
varied as either his tastes or talents would have warranted. The demands made upon
his time and attention by the exigencies of his business were most exacting, and there
were many departments of the city's complex life that he was obliged to stand aloof
382BIOGRAPHICAL
from, even though his inclination might be to enter them actively. Such was the
case with politics, in which, especially in local issues, he was keenly interested.
Charles L. Palmer had the reputation among his numerous associates as a man who
attended strictly to his business and fulfilled his obligations of every kind. It used
to be said of him that he could always be found ready to discharge the spirit as well
as the letter of whatever contract he had entered into. A man of sterling character
and genial disposition, Mr. Palmer possessed many devoted friends and he was
never happier than when, by some simple act or word, he would bring happiness to
those about him. He was one of those who put the idea of Christian charity into
daily practice, and there have been but few men in the community who have been so
greatly honored as he by so large a circle of associates.
JOHN CLUGSTON FREDERICK-It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a State lies not in its machinery of government, nor even in its institutions, but
in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish
effort and their devotion to the public good. Mr. Frederick is one over whose public
record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, for it has been characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty. This branch of the Frederick family has been
resident in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, for more than a century, its members contributing to the development of that and adjoining counties, the great-grandfather of
John C. Frederick having resided in the vicinity of Chambersburg for many years,
his death occurring there.
John Frederick, grandfather of John C. Frederick, removed from Franklin
county to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there conducted agricultural pursuits, and in addition operated a stillhouse on the pike at Carpenter's Old Stand, this
being the custom among farmers of that early day. Later he settled on a farm on
Pucketty creek, which he cultivated and improved, and from which he derived a comfortable livelihood. Mr. Frederick married Susan Small, who resided in the vicinity
of Little York, Pennsylvania, and she bore him four children, as follows: John, married Isabelle Hamilton; Jacob; Adam Small, of whom further; Catherine, who became the wife of Andrew Baxter.
Adam Small Frederick, father of John C. Frederick, was born in July, I813, on
the home farm  in Burrell township, and died in Markle, Westmoreland coulnty,
Pennsylvania, June I9, I894, at an advanced age. After completing his studies in the
local school, he learned the trades of millwright and carpenter, which lines of work
he followed successfully, and in addition devoted considerable time to the tilling of the
soil. He operated a mill at Chartiers Station, on the Allegheny river, for a number
of years; purchased a farm in Armstrong county, which he sold at the expiration of
three years; purchased a farm in Indiana county, where he resided until I874, in
which year he returned to Westmoreland county, where he spent the remainder of his
days, his residence being in the town of Markle. He was a consistent member of the.Presbyterian church, and his political allegiance was given to the Whig party and its
successor, the Republican party, the principles of which he firmly believed in. Mr.
Frederick married, in I840, Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Clugston)
Huey, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Daniel Huey having resided there from
the age of seven years, when he was brought to this country by his father from their
home in the North of Ireland. The death of Mrs. Frederick occurred October I6,
I897, she having survived her husband a few years. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick: Jane, who became the wife of Thomas B. Smith, of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania;
John Clugston, of whom  further; Aaron Williams, married and resides'in Maderia
county, California; Nancy, became the wife of John George, and resides near North
Washington, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth Catherine, became the'wife of William Bair,
of Markle.
383OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
John Clugston Frederick was born at Chartiers Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August 2I, I847. He attended the common schools in the vicinity of his
home, and a select school at Lewisville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, under the tuition of the Rev. Dr. Ewing, later of the Blairsville Seminary. During the progress
of the Civil War, although he was only a youth, he displayed his patriotism by enlisting for three months' service in Company F, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, which was called out in July, I863, at the time of the battle of Gettysburg.
The regiment was located near Pittsburgh for a time and was then sent south to
participate in the, capture of John Morgan. At the expiration of his first period of
service he reenlisted, February 3, I864, this time in Company C, Fourth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, participating in all the engagements from the Wilderness to -Appomattox, and he was mustered out in July, I865, upon the cessation of
hostilities. After his return home he again resumed his studies, completing his education at the age of twenty. He then engaged in merchantile business in partnership
with John Gilbert, at Lewisville, Pennsylvania, this connection continuing for two
years. For three years, from I870 to I873, he assisted his father in the management
of the home farm, thus adding to his bodily strength and his store of knowledge, and
in May of the latter named year went to Irwin and accepted the position of engineer
for the Penn Gas Coal Company at Shaft No. 2, in which capacity he served for
fifteen years, rendering valuable service to his employers. Since attaining his majority he has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and was chosen by his
fellow-citizens in I892, for the office of justice of the peace, which office he has held
continuously since 1892, and still holds, performing his duties in a highly creditable
manner, also devoting his spare time to the real estate and insurance business. He
was also chosen for the office of burgess of Irwin, and he served several times as a
director of the school board, his services valuable alike in every office.  He favors
the doctrine of the Presbyterian church, that being the faith of his forefathers, and
has always cast his vote for the candidates of the Republican party, the principles of
which he. believes to be for the best form of government. He is a charter member
of Captain S. S. Marchand Post, No. I90, Grand Army of the Republic, of Irwin, of
which he has been three times commander and in which he served as quartermaster
for many years, and a charter member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, No. 44, Irwin.
Mr. Frederick married, June 9, I870, Martha Therese, daughter of Robert and
Jane (Marshall) Oliver, of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents
of four children: Minnie Jane, who became the wife of Benjamin F. Vogle, of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, editor of the "Westmoreland Democrat;" Lizzie Alice,
who became the wife of Frank Ramsey, of Irwin, manager of the Pittsburgh branch
of H. P. Lythe  Company, typewriter supplies; ILillian Augusta, resides at home;
John Small.
HENRY  FRANK  STARK-The Stark family, of which Henry Frank Stark
is the present representative, is of German origin, but has made its home in the western part of the State of Pennsylvania for fully two generations and in that time has
become most closely identified with the life and customs of the region. The grandfather of Henry F. Stark was Gottlieb Stark, a native of Germany, who came to the
United States when he was twenty years of age and settled in the town of Greensburg,
where he engaged in business as a wagon maker during the remainder of his life,
and where his death occurred at the age of seventy years. He was twice married and
the father of three children, of whom, however only one is living to-day, a Mrs. Henry
Hirsh, of Greensburg.
Hfis son, John Frederick Stark, father of Henry F. Stark, was born at Greensburg in the year I829, and lived there all his life. He followed in the footsteps of
384BIOGRAPHICAL
his father and became a wagon maker. He was gifted with a remarkable inventive
genius and became a very well known inventor in that region. His death occurred
at the age of sixty-five years at Greensburg.  He married  Sybilla Thomas, a
native of Greensburg, where she spent her entire life and died May 30, I911, at the
age of seventy-one years. She was a daughter of John Thomas, who was also born
at Greensburg, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a farmer all
his life. He married Catherine Weaner, by whom he had seven children, John, Abe,
Cyrus, Nathaniel, Barney, Sybilla and Jermima. Only one of these is alive to-day,
Abraham Thomas, who is now a retired farmer at Greensburg. To Mr. and Mrs.
Stark, Sr. two children were born: Cyrus N., who now makes his home in Colorado,
where he is a superintendent and mine expert; married a Miss Wilson and by her
has a daughter Georgia; Henry Frank, of whom further.
Henry Frank Stark, son of Frederick and Sybilla (Thomas) Stark, was born
at Greensburg, August ii, i857, where he remained nineteen years. He then removed
with his parents to Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and here received his education and
passed the majority of the years of his childhood. He began as a mere youth in the
capacity of operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad, a position which he held at first
in Connellsville and then in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to which place he removed
at the age of twenty-one years, was given the position of ticket and freight agent
at Uniontown and worked in this capacity for four years longer, when he returned
to Greensburg and established himself in a general contracting business, which he
has continued down to the present time. In this enterprise Mr. Stark has been extremely successful and his business gives promise of great things for the future. Mr.
Stark is a staunch Republican in politics and has served his fellow citizens as a member of the City Council for three years. While serving on this body, he was very
dative in the interests of the community and particularly in assisting in the improveennt and development of railroad facilities there. He is also a member of the Royal
Arcanum and the WVoodmen of America. Mr. Stark is a Presbyterian in religious belief and is a member of the First Church of that denomination there, which he has
served as an elder for fifteen years. He has also, for the same period, been the superintendent of Sunday schools and has played an active part in advancing the general
interests of the church.
On October I3, I88I, Mr. Stark was united in marriage at Ligonier Valley, with
Martha Barnett Pollock, a native of that place, and a daughter of Thomas and
Martha (Barnett) Pollock. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock were also natives of Ligonier
Valley and life long residents of the place, where he carried on successful farming
operations on a property that is now owned by Mr. Stark. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pollock are deceased. The old Pollock farm is now used by Mr. Stark as a summer
residence and he here raises a fine breed of percheron horses, the place being considered the best equipped for this purpose in the country. To Mr. and Mrs. Stark two
children were born, Mary Edna and Frank Pollock, both of whom died of diphtheria
at the ages of six and a half and five and a half years respectively.
JOSEPH  E. WAMPLER-Westmoreland county numbers many men of all
races who have made a success in this hospitable region, but when all is said her
native sons hold the chief place in her life and her affections. Typical of the hardy
American who has made Western Pennsylvania what it is is Joseph E. Wampler, who
all his life has lived in this region and all his life worked with success for his own
and his community's good. Joseph E. Wampler was born May I3, I857, at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, a son of American parents.
His father, David Wampler, was a native of McKeesport, where also his grandfather, Joseph Wampler, lived. Joseph Wampler was an optician in that city pracW-25
385OLD AND'-U NEW WESTMORELAND
married,'lives on the old homestead'where he is engaged in farming, dairying and stock
raising. 8. Charles Curtis, unmarried, was educated at Kiskiminetas School and at
-Mercersburg Academy, after which he served for a number of years as deputy clerk.of courts at Greensburg, and in February, I918, resigned his place and enlisted in the.military service of the lUnited States and is now stationed at Flint,. Michigan.
PAUL  REUBEN  FOIGHT-Paul Reuben Foight, the capable and popular
cashier of the First National Bank of Export, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
and a most enterprising and public-spirited citizen of this place, is a son of John
George Foight, a retired farmer, who now  resides here, and of Mary Emeline
(Brinker) Foight, his wife.
Paul Reuben Foight was born on the old Foight homestead in Penn township,
Westmoreland county, March 4, I872. At an early age he became a pupil at the local
district school and remained thus engaged until he had reached his fifteenth year,
when he began to work on the farm. He continued to be thus occupied for eighteen
years, but had made himself, during that time, a conspicuous figure in the life of the
community and was well known as a careful and intelligent business man. Accordingly
when, in the year I905, the First National Bank of Export was organized, Mr. Foight
was elected to the position of cashier therein, a post which he continues to hold at the
present time. In politics Mr. Foight is a Prohibitionist and has made himself very
active in the campaign against the liquor business in this part of the State. He has
never sought office, however, preferrng to exert such influence as he could in the
capacity of private citizen. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian, although up to
the year I916 he was a member of the Reformed church. He has been very active in
connection with the building of the present Presbyterian church in Export, was a
charter member of the church society and a member of the building committee, and
since the organization he has been a trustee.  Mr. Foight has also been actively interested in a number of important business enterprises in this region, and is now a
director and the treasurer of the Murrysville Telephone Company of Export. In
the year I915 he assisted in the drilling of the greatest gas well in this section of the
State, this operation being carried on at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He is also interested in gas enterprises at Trafford, Pennsylvania, and is a large stockholder of
the concern known as the Export Gas Company, which now operates three wells.
The position which Mr. Foight holds in the community is due to his aggressiveness
of character and the hard study which he has given to every subject that he has taken
up and especially to banking. He may be said to have made himself a banker and
certainly worked early and late to acquire an intimate and practical knowledge of
banks and banking methods. The concern with which he is now associated owes not a
little to his ability and foresight, and its business has extended and increased materially
under his guidance and care. Mr. Foight is also an active and progressive farmer
and takes an exceedingly keen interest in the development and cultivation of his farm.
In the year I903 he raised the Carman potatoes which took the first prize at the
St. Louis fair of that year. How hard a worker he is may be seen in the fact that
in the thirteen years that he has been associated with the bank he has taken only four
days vacation.
Paul Reuben Foight was united in marriage, January 3, Igo6, at Export, with
Estella Duff Milson, a daughter of John W. and Ellen Wilson, old and highly respected residents of this place. To Mr. and Mrs. Foight the following children have
been born: Paul Reuben, Jr., now eleven years of age; Mary Ellen, ten years of
age; Ruth Wilson, seven years of age; John George and Mildred G. (twins), five
years of age, and Martha Estella, one year of age.
John W.' Wilson, father of Mrs. Foight, was a native of New Castle, Pennsylvania near which town he was born March 29, I840. At the age of fifteen he removed
24OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tically all his life, and David became a boatman on the Monongahela river, plying between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. He was married to Margaret Black, also a native of
Western Pennsylvania.
Their son, Joseph E. Wampler, passed the years of his childhood on a relative's
farm about four miles east of McKeesport and there attended the local district
school. His parents having died while he was still a mere lad, he had gone to live
with William Wallace at the age of six years. He continued to live on his farm
until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, and then he removed to the town
of Irwin and secured a position in the clothing store of J. M. Dinsmore. Here he
remained until 1884, by which time he had saved up sufficient capital to enable him to
engage in business on his own account. Accordingly in this year he associated himself with J. B. Blyholder and the two young men established a hardware business
in Irwin. The followving year W. M. Thompson purchased Mr. Blyholder's interest
and he and Mr. Wampler remained partners until I890. The association was then dissolved and Mr. WampTer continued the business for himself. He was successful and
built up an important trade, but in the year i896 sold out. He had in the meantime become convinced that there was more to be made in specializing in the furnace and heating business and consequently engaged therein. From that time to the present his success has increased and he is now easily the leader in this particular line in Irwin. He is
distributing agent for several of the largest and most important furnace companies in
the United States, his territory including the entire State of Pennsylvania.  Mr.
Wampler has been a staunch supporter of the Democratic party all his life, and is a
Presbyterian and active in church affairs. He is a well known figure in the Presbyterian church at Irwin, has served as a trustee for several years, and was a member
of the building committee of the new Presbyterian church of Irwin, completed in I9I7.
On August 4, I886, Mr. Wampler was united in marriage with, Emma Gouhring,
of Sewickley township, a daughter of Daniel Gouhring, who is a prominent farmer in
that region. To Mr. and Mrs. Wampler the following children have been born: Margaret, a graduate of Irwin High School, afterwards taking a special course in music
at Pittsburgh, married Dr. Adolph Cribbs, a prominent physician of that city, to whom
she has borne one daughter, Margaret M.; Joseph D., a graduate of Irwin High
School and Curry Institute, Pittsburgh, married Mary Smith, October I9, I916, a
daughter of Cochran Smith, of Irwin, now engaged in the automobile business at
Irwin; John Edwin, a graduate of Irwin High School and Pittsburgh Academy, and
at present engaged with his father in the latter's business.
JOHN  IRWIN-We do not find in this country families and places so closely
associated as abroad in Europe, as a general rule, but occasionally, where some man
has been the pioneer of a place and has had much to do with the laying out and development of it, we find his family name given to the town of whi'ch he was, in a
manner, the parent. Such is the case with Irwin, Pennsylvania, which was named
after and largely developed by John Irwin, who dwelt in the town of his own founding during the latter years of his life and whose death there on June 7, I876, removed
one whose association with the place was closer than that of any other. John Irwin
was a native of Jacksonville, where he was born October 9, I8II, and where he spent
the early years of his life, receiving his education there and beginning his business
career. This he did as a clerk in the local general store, where he learned much information that was of use to him in later years, and became familiar with business
methods generally. For some time he continued in this capacity and then, by dint
of the strictest economy, laid by sufficient capital to embark upon an enterprise of his
own. This he did by opening a mercantile establishment in Jacksonville, where he
continued to do business with a high degree of success and for a considerable period
386BIOGRAPHICAL
of time. His attention was called, while still a young man, to the opportunities for
development, existing where Irwin, Pennsylvania, now stands, and in I836 he removed
to this locality and built himself a home on the site of the present corner of Maine
and Pennsylvania avenues. For some time there was comparatively little growth in
the place but in 1853 Mr. Irwin laid out the first plan of lots in the township and
sold them to all who were seeking homes in that region. Some idea of the rapidity
of the growth of Irwin after that time, may be gained from the fact that on November 14, I864, it was- incorporated as a borough and since that time has rapidly grown
to its present large proportions and high prosperity. Throughout the whole period of
growth, John Irwin was one of the principal factors in the progress, taking a keen
interest in every step made in advance and giving liberally of his time and means
towards its assistance. Before the Pennsylvania Railroad had extended its line through
Irwin, he had owned and operated a line of stages between Stewartsville and Youngstown, Pennsylvania, which formed for a long time the principal route of travel in that
region. He spent the entire latter portion of his life in the home which he had built
for himself in Irwin, reaping the fruits of his enterprise and public spirit' in the high
regard in which he was held by the whole community without exception.
On January 9, I834, Mr. Irwin was united in marriage with Lydia Hurst. To
them one child was born, Thomas Hurst Irwin. A little later Mrs. Irwin died, and
on October I, I844, Mr. Irwin married Mary Jane Dickey. There were two children
born of this second union, as follows: Nancy Hurst, who later became the wife of
Thomas S. Stewart, and Elizabeth Dickey, who married James L. Ewing.
Thomas Hurst Irwin, the only son of John and Lydia (Hurst) Irwin, was born
September 8, I836, in the McIntire House, at Jacksonville, Pennsylvania. It was
about the time of his birth that his father removed to the town of Irwin and it was
here that he formed his early associations and received his education, attending the
common school at Irwin for that purpose. He later attended the academy at Irwin
and then went to Merrittstown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and attended the academy there. Upon completing his studies at the latter institution, he went to Mount
Pleasant, Pennsylvania, where his uncle, Thomas.Hurst, kept a general store, and
there secured employment with this relative. For some time he worked in the establishment of his uncle, but later removed to the old James Irwin farm, near Irwin, where
he resided until the death of his father. He then removed to that gentleman's home in
Irwin and made his abode there until the time of his own death, on February I4,
I91I2. It was while he was engaged in his uncle's establishment at Mount Pleasant,
that Mr. Irwin was united in marriage on September 8, I859, with Emma Armel.
Two children were born to them: Lyde, September I, I86i; John, on October 25,
I862. John Irwin married Charlotte Henry, of Salina, Kansas, and resided at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, during the major part of his life. His death occurred there June
I5, I9o4, and in I9IO his wife died also. Lyde Irwin became the wife of Rev. C. P.
Cheeseman, the pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church, at East Liberty, Pennsylvania, where they at present reside. One daughter was born to them, Alvira Irwin
Cheeseman, whose birth occurred August 2, I8go, and who, in the month of October;
I915, wa's married to Robert Stevenson Thompson. Thomas H. Irwin was married
(second) to Alvira Guffey, on December 3, I867. Four children were born of this
union, as follows: James, August 30, I870, died September I, I88I; Mary Marchant
and Henrietta, both died in childhood; George W., February 22, I889, died April 2I,
I902, married Lida Saam, by whom he had one daughter, Lydia Hurst Irwin, born
July 26, I89o. She attended the public school and high school of Irwin and later was
a pupil at Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She married, October 9,
I913, Russell Stacy Altman, of Manor, Pennsylvania, who conducts feed stores at both
Irwin and Manor. He was born September 24, i886. They have one child, George
Irwin Altman, born March 28, I9I5.
387OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
The personality of John Irwin is one that will not be quickly forgotten by the
great host of those who called him friend. He was a man who combined gentleness
and firmness, yielding easily where his sense of right and' justice was not concerned
but inflexible enough where his conscience had rendered its decision.  He wvas a
delightful companion as he remembered and recounted with vivid power the many interesting experiences he had passed through during his long career. Mr. Irwin was a
strongly religious man, a strong and disinterested public servant with the affairs of
the community, ever uppermost in his mind, and at, the same time most. devoted to
his own family and in all ways a faithful husband and wise. father. Mr. Irwin was
an ideal citizen and one that any community might hold up as a type for its youth
to imitate.
LUTILLUS CURTIS FOX-Lutillus Curtis Fox is one of that large group of
successful men in the western part of the State of Pennsylvania which has become
identified with its progress and development. Henry Fox, the great-great-grandfather
of Lutillus C. Fox, being probably the first of the family to be born in the United States.
This Henry Foxe was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in I745, so that the family
has been long identified with the life and traditions of the State. He served as private in Captain Israel Marr's company, Chester county militia, I781-82, also served
as private in Captain John Jenkins' company of Easton township, Chester county,
Pennsylvania. Later he moved to Mount Pleasant township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, where he settled in I797 and became the possessor of three hundred
acres of the best farming land in that region. He continued to live in that township
during the remainder of his life, and finally died in the year 1824, leaving two sons
and several daughters. He sleeps in the Stonerville Cemetery beside his son John
and his grandson, Henry R. F'ox.
His son, John Fox, was born in Chester county, October 29, 1777, and was
twenty years of age when his father removed to Mount Pleasant,.Westmoreland
county. He accompanied the elder man in this migration and made his permanent
home in the place chosen by his father.  He also was a large land owner in the
region and owned six hundred acres situated in Mount Pleasant and North Huntington townships. He was a prominent member of the Mennonite church, and a member of the old Whig party, taking a prominent part in the affairs of the community
until the time of his death, March I7, I866. He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Rosenberger, who bore him  one son and three daughters, and from
whom the present Mr. Fox is descended.
Henry R. Fox, a son of Joh.l and Elizabeth (Rosenberger) Fox, was born April
24, I804, in East Huntington township. He passed his entire life in his native place,
and died there September 12, I888  He was a successful man and followed the tanning business for several years, though he later engaged in farming, the occupation
of his father. He, too, was a member of the Mennonite church, and for a time a
Whig in politics, but later joined the Republican party on its organization. He married, April 28, 1825, Magdalena Christman, by whom he had eight children.
The eldest son of Henry R. and Magdalena (Christman) Fox was John Christman Fox, the father of Lutillus Curtis Fox. He was born in East Huntington township, March 8, I829, and attended the rural schools of that district. As his forebears
had done for a number of generations, he followed the occupation of farming. He
did not remain in that section, however, all his life as had his father and grandfather,
but in I864 removed to the township of Sewickley, where he purchased a farm of
one hundred and twenty-two acres, and where he finally died, February 23, I909. On
March 4, I85I, he was married to Hannah Kintigh, a daughter of Adam and Sarah
(Ruff) Kintigh, and to whom  were born eight children, of whom  the eldest was
Lutiltus Curtis Fox.
388BIOGRAPHICAL
Lutillus Curtis Fox was born February t2, I86i, in North rIuntington township,
and was about three years of age when his parents removed to Sewickley township,
Westmoreland county. The lad was reared on his father's farm, where he enjoyed
the wholesome and health giving life which has been the cradle of so many of America's greatest men.  He attended the local public school, and after completing his
studies there went to Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he entered the Indiana Normal
School, it being his intention to follow the profession of teacher. He then went to
Ada, Ohio, and completed his studies by taking a business and commercial course in
an institution there. For some time after graduating from  the school in Ada, he
actually followed the profession which he had chosen, and became a teacher in the
public schools of Hempfield, Sewickley, Mount Pleasant and North Huntington townships. In 1893, however. he decided to abandon teaching for a business career, and
accordingly established himself in the hardware trade in Irwin, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania.  His venture proved at once successful and for a period of about
twenty-three years he conducted an extensive and prosperous business in this line.
His integrity and capability soon became known throughout the region and he enjoyed a very large patronage in consequence. Eventually Mr. Fox withdrew from
active life and is now living in Irwin, in retiremenrt. Mr. Fox was for many years a
staunch Presbyterian and became very prominent in the church at Irwin, serving as
elder there for a long period. He afterwards joined the United Presbyterian church
and is now a member of that body. He has always been: a member of the Republican
party, and has ardently supported its principles and policies and taken a great interest
in local politics, although purely in the capacity of a private citizen. Mr. Fox is also
prominent in social and fraternal circles in Irwin, and is a prominent member of
Shidle Lodge, No. 6oi, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Royal Arcanum.
Lutillus Curtis Fox married, June 29, I899, Elizabeth Bebout, a daughter of David
R. and Dorothy (McMurray) Bebout, of Canonsburg, Washington county, Pennsylvania. The Bebout family was originally of French derivation, they having been
Huguenots who fled from the persecution in France at the time of the Revocation of
the Edict of Nantes and went to Holland. From that country they set sail to America,
where for a time they settled in New Jersey and were living there at the time of the
Revolutionary War. A number of the Bebouts served in that historic struggle and
proved their devotion to the land of their adoption by their gallantry and courage. It
was soon after the Revolution that one of the sons of the family made his way to
Western Pennsylvania and settled in Washington county, becoming the founder of
the family of that name in this part of the country. Members of this branch of the
family also served in the War of I812 and still later in the Civil War. Mrs. Fox is
very prominent in the life of the community, taking an active part in many important
movements there. She is a conspicuous member of the Phoebe Bayard Chapter,
Pennsylvania Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is particularly active in the Suffragist movement, in which cause she is very enthusiastic. She
was one of the pioneer workers for Woman Suffrage in Westmoreland county, and
has been an officer in the Westmoreland County Suffrage Association for some years.
She held an important office in the campaign of 1915 and in I916 was elected county
chairman.
PETER  H. NALEY-Peter H. Naley, justice of the peace at Manor, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is one of the best known and most popular figures
in the life of this community, a man who is always active in the affairs o,f the place
and a leader in many of its most important mo,vements. He is a member of a family
that has resided for many years in this region and had an even greater antiquity in the
New England colonies before coming here. His grandfather, Nicholas P. Naley, Sr.,
came with his four brothers from Northampton, Connecticut, and all of them took up
389390                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tracts of land in Westmoreland county, which was at that time nothing more than a
complete wilderness with a few pioneer huts scattered through it here and there. Nicholas P. Naley, Sr., was a farmer by occupation, his farm being situated in what is now
Penn township, and was a fine example of the stout husbandman who so speedily reclaimed the American continent and in the face of the greatest hardships and perils
turned it into a cultivated land. He married Sarah'Smith, from Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, and they lived to an advanced age, and were the parents of nine children, as follows: Peggy, who became the wife of Henry "Good; Sarah, became the
wife of Michael Lenhart; Mariah, became the wife of George Bushyager; Susanna,
married John Wagaman; Sophia, married William  Hay; Mary, died unmarried;
Hannah, married Eli Kistler; John; and Nicholas P., Jr., the father of Peter H.
Naley.
Nicholas P. Naley, Jr. was born in Penn township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1827, and spent his entire life there. He was a farmer, like his
father, and a man -of very energetic character, yet his death occurred in I864, when
he was only thirty-seven years of age. He possessed an unusual degree of musical
talent and was leader of the choir in the Reformed church in Penn township. He was
also a fine violinist and displayed his ability in this realm in many different ways. He
was also a great hunter and a lover of outdoor sports. He married Eliza Highberger,
a daughter of Peter Highberger. They were very young at the time of their marriage
and Mrs. Naley died in I869, at the age of thirty-five. They were the parents of
three children, as follows: I. Peter H., of whom  further. 2. Sarah L., who is in
charge of the drug department of the Women's Medical College at Philadelphia.
She began her career as a teacher in the public schools of this region, but in the
meantime bent her efforts to the study of pharmacy, and then for a few years was
engaged in the drug business at Denver, Colorado. From  there she was called to
her present position. 2. Mary J., who became the wife of David L. Hughs, of Rockford, Illinois.
Born on Christmas Day, I854, in Penn township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Peter H. Naley, eldest child of Nicholas P. and Eliza (Highberger) Naley,
was reared to manhood on his father's farm  there.  He was educated at the local
public schools, and after completing his studies found employment in some of the
rneighboring coal mines. He continued in this occupation for a period of about seven
years as an ordinary miner and then was placed in charge of the hoisting.operations
at the plant of the Westmoreland Coal Company, near the town of Manor, coming
thus to this community which has remained his home ever since. He continued in
charge of this department for a period of twelve years and then found himself in a
position to realize an ambition long held by him. By thrift and economy he had saved
a large proportion of his earnings, and so found himself in possession of sufficient
capital to engage in business on his own account. He started in the manufacture of
brooms at Manor, but had followed this but a short time when he was elected to the
office of justice of the peace and at once gave his entire time to the performance of
the duties of his office. This election occurred in the year I896 and he is still holding
the same post, the best possible tribute to the remarkable record he has established
for himself. Of recent years Mr. Naley has engaged in the real estate and insurance
business and has met with a very high degree of success. In his politics Mr. Naley
is a Democrat and is active in the councils of his party. Mr. Naley is also active in
social and fraternal circles at Manor, and is a member of the Philanthropy Lodge,
No. 225, and is past master of the same.  He is a member of Manor Valley
Lodge, No. 879, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has represented his lodge
at the Grand Lodge. He is also affiliated with the Junior Order of United American
Mechanics at Jeannette; Royal Arcanum, of Manor Station;                  Council,
No. 716, Ancient Order of United Workmen; and Jeannette Lodge, No. 369, of the
Eastern Star.BIOGRAPHICAL
Peter H. Naley married (first) December 25, I879, Cynthia Emma Kline. Her
death occurred April 15, 1885, and they were the parents of one daughter, Cynthia
E., who became the wife of William  Kepple, of Penn township. Mr. Naley married
(second) September I2, I888,'Mrs.! Margaret (Kennedy) Caldwell, daughter of
John Kennedy, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Naley is a member of the
Presbyterian church at Manor, and her husband is a member of the Reformed church,
and has been very active in its work, representing it at the Synod. She is a prominent member of the Eastern Star and also of Rebekah Lodge, and has filled' the
office of district deputy.
DANIEL BURNS-Daniel Burns,-an active and prominent factor in mercantile
and political circles in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in which section of the
State he has resided for about three and a half decades, is a progressive and publicspirited citizen, whose example in many respects is worthy of emulation.
Daniel Burns is a native of Salem, Washington county, New York, born October
3I, I872. He attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home until he was ten
years of age. Being desirous of acquainting himself with the land of his birth, he
journeyed to the western part of this country, locating in the State of California,
and there devoted his attention to prospecting, but after a period'of five months at
that occupation he decided to return east and accordingly returned to Pennsylvania,
this time locating in Jeannette, Westmoreland county, where he engaged in business
in I889. In I89I he took his residence in New Kensington, one year before its ihcorporation. Here he again engaged'in business for a year. Four years later he became
engaged in the livery business on Third avenue, and eighteen months afterwards disposed of it advantageously, and for two years after this he did contract work, and in
this line of business was very successful. In all these varied lines of trade, whether
as employee or as proprietor, he has given the best effort and closest attention, and
therefore merited the approval of his superiors, and the success which attended his
enterprises ill which he was engaged on his own account.
Mr. Burns has always taken an active interest in public affairs in New Kensington, serving as member of the Common Council from I9OI to I904, and as a member
of the county committee for two years, since which time he has served on the State
central committee. He served also as chief burgess for a term of three years, elected
February 20, I906, and again in I913 for a term  of four years, on the Democratic
ticket. These offices which he has held as the gift of his fellow-townsmen testify.
eloquently.to his popularity and efficiency, since New  Kensington is a Republican
town, giving large majorities to the candidates of the opposing faction as represented
by Mr. Burns.  He was faithful in the discharge of every trust, and his uniform
courtesy and reliability have made him popular among all with whom he has come in
contact. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, to which all of his ancestors
have adhered, and he is also a member of Lodge No. 5i2, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, of New Kensington.
Mr. Burns married, April 22, I892, Elizabeth S. Bricker, born in Grapeville,
Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel and Elmira Bricker.
BENJAMIN M. BLOSE-Like so many other forms of business in Western
Pennsylvania, the inisurance business has met with unusual success there and has shown
a rapidity of development which it has known in very few sections of the country.
One of the most active figures in this development is Benjamin M. Blose, who now
occupies the position of general agent for the Equitable Life Insurance Company of
Iowa.  Mr. Blose is a member of a family which originally came from  Germany in
the person of his great-grandfather, George Blose, and is supposed to have settled
391OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
in Westmoreland county in what is now Penn township. He married a Miss Brazil
and they were the parents of six children, as follows: Michael, George, Bornis, Asa,
Daniel, who is mentioned below, Walton, born in I789, and died in I874.
Daniel Blose was born September I7, 1787, and died December 2I, I862. He
married Martha Walton, a daughter of Brazil and Mary (Ashton) Walton. Mrs.
1lose was born in I789, and died in I874. Daniel Blose purchased a farm in Penn
township, Westmoreland county, which he eventually deeded to George Blose and
Joseph Walton, in I8i6. Daniel Blose and his wife were the parents of the following
children: George, who married Rachel Wangaman; Obediah, who married Hettie
Eamest; Polly, who'married Nicklas Lang; Martha, who married Jerry Walton;
Lydia, who married Joseph Wartz; Anna, who married Zeni Klingensmith; Becca;
Sally, who married John McIlvain; Betsey, who married John Good; and Daniel, the
father of the Benjamin M. Blose of this sketch.
Daniel Blose was a prominent man in the community. He was born July 20,
1820, and died in the year I9o2. He married, in I84I, Elizabeth Rowe, who was born
in I82I, and died in i896. They were the parents of the following children: Israel,
who married Sada Patterson, now deceased; Mary, who married Robert Reed, both
deceased; Amos, who married Ellen Trees; Dianna, deceased; Jerry, whoi married
Matilda Walton, now deceased; Hettie, deceased; William, deceased, married Anna
Lose; Carrie, who married John P. Potts; George, who married Alice Harvey;
Jennie, who married Howard W~addel; and Benjamin M., of whom  further.  Mr.
and Mrs. Blose, Sr., made their home in Penn township, where the former was engaged in business as a cooper. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Blose became the
miller of the old Lloyd Mill, which he operated for a number of years and then took
charge of the large Delmont Mills in I852. Here he remained until I88I, and then
became the proprietor of the old Walton House at Delmont, Pennsylvania, in which
capacity he was known as one of the most successful and hospitable bonifaces of the
countryside. He was a man of the highest principles and a staunch Democrat, and
was possessed, it is said, of no enemies. There was no man more highly respected in
the country, alike for his honesty and for his strictly temperate conduct in all matters. In all his hotel life he never kept a bar and refused to sell liquors in any form.
He was a very active member of the Lutheran church and most of his life was a imember of its official board, otherwise known as an elder.' His life was a beautiful example of pure Christianity and the honor which was accorded him was a tribute to
what a Christian life means.
Benjamin M. Blose was born May 8, I86o, in New Salem, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania. He was reared to the life of a miller and followed this occupation
until he had reached his majority, receiving in the meantime a common school education which, however, did not continue beyond the completion of his twelfth year. As
a young man of twenty-one, he left the parental roof and with his brother William
engaged in the furniture business in Delmont. After a year spent in this business,, he
sold out his interest to his partner and engaged in millwright contracting, he building.
the Faster  Frees Mill on the Loyalhanna. This was in the year I883 and proved
the beginning of a successful contracting business. His next contract was to erect
the Salem Woolen Factory, in the Spring of I886, and shortly after this he took the
management of the Tranger Rolling Mills, which he operated until I889. It was in
this year that he moved to Greensburg, which from  that time onward became his
headquarters, and he assisted in remodeling the Shoemaker Rolling Mill. His next
occupation was in association with the Kelly  Jones Manufacturing plant, as master
mechanic, where he remained for seven months, and then took charge of the operations at the Shoemaker Rolling Mill until I899. Mr.'Blose then went to Homestead,
where he was engaged in the steel works for a short time as millwright, and left
there to return to Greensburg some time afterwards. He then secured the position of
392BIOGRAPHICAL
superintendent of the Hempfield Foundry  Machine Works, but was unfortunately
compelled to resign on account of ill health. After a short space in which to rest
and recover his strength, he secured a position as master mechanic in the Westmoreland Steel WXorks, which he held up to the month of August, I9O3.
It was at this time that Mr. Blose received his introduction to the insurance business and accepted an offer made him by the Provident Life Insurance Company to
take its-agency in that region. For ten years he held this position in Westmoreland
county for the company, and then became the general agent of the Equitable Life
Insurance Company of Iowa for Westmoreland, Cambria, Indiana and Somerset
counties. This was in the year I9I3, since which time he has'been eminently successful
in the development'of the insurance business throughout this region. Mr. Blose is
recognized as one of the most able insurance men in this part of Pennsylvania and
has proved his ability to compete with the best agencies in the entire region. Mrhile
still district agent of the Provident Life Insurance Company, he had the distinction
of leading all the agencies of that company in the amount of business produced, and
upon his leaving that concern its management passed resolutions of commendation
and good will couched in terms of the highest praise and dwelling on the good work
which he had done for them.
Mr. Blose married, October 26,_ I882, Rachel R. Potts, a daughter of Daniel and
Anna (Steinmetz) Potts, and a granddaughter of John and Kate (Wrhitehead) Potts.
Her great-grandfather was John Potts, born in 1753, who was a soldier in the Revolution,. and died in 1837.  The children of John Potts were as follows: Christian,
Christiana, Daniel, Samuel, Jacob, Michael, George, John.  The children of John
Potts, Jr., were as follows: John, Samuel, George, David, Daniel, Ada, Rachel, Tieney, Catherine, Mary, Sarah. The children of Daniel and Anna (Steinmetz) Potts
were as follows: Mary, now the widow of George Bierer; Margaret; Alpheus D., now
a clergyman in the Lutheran church; William, John, Hiram, Rachel R., the wife of
Mr. Blose. The' children of Mr. Blose and his wife are as follows: Daniel, deceased;
Anna, deceased; William S., who married Maud Kline, and they are the parents of
two daughters, and one son, Margaret Lois, Mary Elizabeth, Benjamin; Rachel R.,
who is now employed as a teacher in the public schools of Greensburg; Margaret
Lois; Benjamin W., Jr., now a student in school. The family are members of the
Lutheran church. They make their home at No. 214 Park street, Greensburg.
ROY  MARTIN  STRAWN--Roy Martin Strawn, the well known real estate
and insurance man and popular citizen of Avonmore, WVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a native of this region and a member of a family that'has resided in these
parts for many years. His father was Jacob S. Strawn, who was born at Perryopolis,
December 2o, i865, and died at his home here January 25, I9g6. He was engaged in
the insurance and real estate business here for fourteen years, and remained active
up to the time of his'death. He was a notary public, and a staunch-and active member of the Republican party.  He married Annie Fairchild, a daughter of Andrew
Fairchild, of Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, a son of- Stephen and Elizabeth ( Gillott)
Fairchild, born December IO, I823. Stephen Fairchild enlisted-at the age, of.fifteen
years, and served in the Revolutionary.War; his father and six elder brothers having
preceded him in joining the American Army. Mrs. Strawn survives her husband and
is living at the present time at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-three years. Mr.
and Mrs. Jacob S. Strawn were the parents of two other children besides Roy.M.
Strawn, as follows: I. Harry C., born December I6, I888, and now employed as an
accountant by the Westinghouse Electric Company of East Pittsburgh; he married
Arminta Brown, of Armstrong county, and they have had two children born to them,
Leona and Marian. 2. Helen Pearl, who became the wife of J. C. Gumbert, a watchmaker and engraver of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.
393394                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Born October 3I, I89o, at Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, Roy Martin Strawn remained in his native place until he had reached the age of seven years. His parents
then removed from Fayette county and came to Avonmore, Westmoreland county,
where Mr. Strawn has made his home ever since. He attended the public schools
here and eventually graduated from the Avonmore High School. He then tooK a
supplementary business course at the Vandergrift Commercial College. Upon completing his studies at the last named institution, he secured a position with the Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company of East Pittsburgh as a clerk. After
three years with this great concern, Mr. Strawn gave up his position (March, IgII),
and coming to Vandergrift engaged in the real estate and insurance business in partnership with J. A. Steckel under the firm name of Steckel  Strawn. In the month of
May, I915, Mr. Strawn sold his interest in the business to his partner and returned
to Avonmore, later, taking charge of his father's business, the latter having' recently
died. As already remarked, the elder man had been engaged in the real estate and
insurance business fourteen years at the time of his death, and this well established
business was taken over by Roy Martin Strawn and continued with a high degree of
success. He founded the concern known as R. M. Strawn ' Company, which is now
doing a large and lucrative business in the same location as: that occupied by his
father. Mr. Strawn is very progressive in his handling of the large enterprise and
his success has been well earned. He is a notary public. Mr. Strawn has always
interested himself keenly in the affairs of the community where he dwells and has
taken a most active part in the local political situation, although he has avoided rather
than sought office of any kind. In his religious belief he is a Lutheran and attends
the Hebron church of that denomination at Avonmere. He is very prominent in the
work of the church, sings in the choir and teaches in the Sunday school at extra times.
He is a member of Lodge No. 502, Knights of Pythias, of Vandergrift, and is honored by a life membership in the National Rifle Association of America.
Roy Martin Strawn was united in marriage, November 8, I9II, at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, with Mary J. Williams, a daughter of Willis D. and Sarah (Bowman)
Williams, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Strawn is a graduate of Duff's Business
College, Pittsburgh. One child has been born to them, Donald F., May 2I, I9I3.
CLARENCE L. GOODWIN-Beginning life as a journalist, and gaining ex-.
perience in widely separated sections of the country, Mr. Goodwin was finally led, by
failing health, to relinquish indoor work. An opportunity was offered in Pennsylvania,
and for many years he has been one of the active lumber, coal and real estate men of
Western Pennsylvania, his home and headquarters since I9IO having been in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, although his interests have extended to other States.
Clarence L. Goodwin is a native of the State of Kentucky, that State and Southern
Indiana having been the scene of the unusual activities of the earlier generations of
his family. The Goodwins are of English or Welsh descent, and his maternal ancestors trace to France. Edward Goodwin, the first of the family in America, is believed
to be the Edward Goodwin who served from Virginia as an officer under Colonel
George Washington in the campaign against the French aid Indians on the Monongahela in 1754, and again, under the same commander, against the French and Indians in
I77I. Edwar(d Goodwin died in Clark county, Indiana, at the advanced age of one
hundred and eight years.
Judge William Goodwin, son of Edward Goodwin, and great-grandfather of Clarence L. Goodwin, with his two brothers, Edward and Amos Goodwin, served from
Virginia with the expedition of General George Rogers Clark in the northwest against
the British and Indians in the Revolutionary War, while Captain Leonard Helm, a
maternal ancestor of John M. Goodwin, father of Clarence L. Goodwin, commandedBIOGRAPHICAL
a company in the same expedition.  Captain Helm is a prominent character -in the
historical novel, "Alice of Old Vincennes." Amos Goodwin, prior to his service under
General Clark', had served int'the Virginia Continental Line, Revolutionary War.
After returning from the Clark expedition, the Goodwins settled, first in Kentucky,
and later in Clark county, Southern Indiana. William Goodwin was appointed, about
I8oo, one of the first six judges or associate justices of Indiana Territory, a judicial
office which he filled continuously for twenty-three years, having first been appointed
by General VWiiliam Henry Harrison, then'Governor of Indiana Territory. Upon his
retirement from this judicial office, in I823, he was succeeded by his son, Willis Wallace Goodwin. Judge Goodwin was also an extensive landowner. Judge WMilliam
Goodwin married a widow, Mrs. Mary (Wallace) Eakin, and they were the parents
of five children:  John, of whom  further; Willis Wallace, aforementioned; Amos,
George and Elizabeth.
John Goodwin, eldest son of Judge William and Mary (Wallace-Eakin) Goodwin, was born upon the Virginia farm of his parents, but in childhood accompanied the
family to Kentucky and later to Clark county, Indiana, where the greater part of his
life was spent. He was a man of education, taught school in his earlier years, and
later became a farmer. John Goodwin and his brothers,, Willis WV. and Amos Goodwin, served in 1he Tippecanoe Indian War under General William Henry Harrison in
I8Ii, and were at the battle of Tippecanoe, Amos Goodwin holding the rank of captain. John Goodwin married Paulina Jenkins, a granddaughter of Captain Helm,
previously alluded to, and thev were the parents of eight children: John M., of whom
further; Dr. Albert, who served in the Mexican War, and also as a surgeon in the
Twenty-second Indiana Regiment, War of the Rebellion; George, William, Mary,
America, Zerelda and Sarah. The family were members of the denominational sect,
Disciples of Christ, usually called the Christian Church.
John.M. Goodwin, son of John and Paulina (Jenkins) Goodwin, was born in
Clark county, Tndiana, in January, 1822, and died July I6, I863. He was educated in
public school and private academy. He entered Louisville Medical College, Louisville, Kentucky, whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine about 1855. He located
in Warren coulnty, Kentucky, near Oakland, where he practiced successfully until his
death. He was a devoted member of the Disciples of Christ, and prior to his entering
the medical profession sometimes served as a local preacher. He married Delia B.
LaRue, daughter of Morgan and Maria (Castleman) LaRue, of Kentucky.  From
the LaRue farlily was named the county where Abraham Lincoln was born. Dr. and
Mrs. Goodwin were the parents of two children: Clarence L., of whom further, and
John M., for nmany years a minister of the Disciples of Christ, now living at Redondo
Beach, Californiia.
Clarence L. Goodwin, son of Dr. and Delia B. (LaRue) Goodwin, was born near
Oakland, ~Warren county, Kentucky, December 23, I8.59. He attended public schools,
and was graduated from Indiana University. He became a reporter in Indianapolis,
and after service on newspapers of that city, he went to California, where for four
years he was first telegraph editor, then editorial writer and associate editor of the
Los Angeles "Evening Express." He then returned east, and during the winter of
I890o-gI was a member of the staff of the Washington, D. C., "Post." There his health
failed, and in his search for out-of-door occupation he came to the State of Pennsylvania, locating in Cambria county, and with John B. Kuhns, of Greensburg, began, in
a small way, the manufacture of lumber. This small beginning rapidly grew to large
proportions, and for about fifteen years Mr. Goodwin continued in Cambria county,
and the firm of Kuhns  Goodwin became extensive manufacturers of lumber and
were financially successful. About I9o3 Mr. Goodwin began to extend his operations,
and with associates from Corry, Pennsylvania, and Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, organized several corporations which now own and successfully operate extensive timber
395OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and coal holdings in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Mr. Goodwin is president of
all these corpo.rations. He also operates a mill at Indianapolis, Indiana, for the manufacture of lumber and oak veneer, and in addition owns timber lands in other States.
In IgIo he made Greensburg, Pennsyl.vania, his home and there now (I917) resides on
Underwood avenue.' Hardly more than in the prime of life, his plans include continued activity. He is a man of strong character, possessing the traits which made
the Goodwins men of prominence in pioneer days.
Politically Mr. Goodwin is an independent Republican, but until the time of the
"Free Silver" campaign in I896 was a Demo,crat and took an active part as a speaker
in local campaigns, though never a candidate for office. He served as a delegate from
Pennsylvania at the National convention of Gold Democrats at Indianapolis in I896.
He is a member of the Disciples of Christ, is affiliated with the Masonic order and several business arnd social organizations.
Mr. Good.in married Harriet A. Kuhns, daughter of Philip S. Kuhns, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. They have three children: Helen L., John K., Mary H.
HARRY B. ARMBRUST-While Westmoreland early attiacted a hardy class of
Scotch-Irish settlers who dominated political and religious thought in the county, the
German element has been in a large measure responsible for Westmoreland's stability
and prosperity. The Armbrusts, of pure German blood, rank as one of the families
which from the first generation have contributed many practical, successful business
and professional men to aid in the upbuilding of the county's greatness. In this branch
of the family, journalism  has been a favored profession, both John Armbrust, the
-founder, and Lewis Franklin Armbrust, his grandson, having owned, edited and published newspapers in W\estern Pennsylvania.  John Armbrust was an apostle of
Democracy, publishing a paper in the-German language; the grandson, Lewis Franklin
Armbrust, breaking away from partisanism and using his pen in behalf of the cause
of labor. Both were men of ability and accomplished a great deal for the causes they
championed. They were respectively the great-grandfather and father of Harry B.
Armbrust, one of Greensburg's substantial merchants.
John Armbrust, born in Germany, there married Catherine Shatler, and came to
the United States, making the voyage in thirteen weeks, on the second German vessel
that ever made a regular passage between the two countries. He landed in Philadelphia; made his way to Westmoreland county amid the rude surroundings of that early
day, and followed the trade of printer, which he had learned in Germany. For a time
he edited and published the "Star of the West," printed in German at Greensburg, but
later became editor of a Democratic newspaper known as the "True Democrat." He
was a well educated man, and in addition to his journalistic work taught German in
schools in the county for several years. He was strong in his support of the Democratic party and laboired unceasingly for its success. A Lutheran in religion he was
most loyal and devoted in his allegiance, and was noted for his many deeds of charity
and kinUdness. He had uine children, the first two born in Germany: Catherine,
Regina, Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Daniel, William, of further mention; Michael, Mary
Ann.
William Armbrust, son of John and Catherine (Shatler) Armbrust, was born in
the log cabin, then the family home in Greensburg, January I4, I8i8, and died when
well along in the eighties. He learned the trade of cabinetmaker with Henry Miller,
in Greensburg, and at Adamsburg and New Stanton followed his trade in connection
with undertaking until I86o. He then moved to Weavers Old Stand, Westmoreland
county, purchased a saw mill, grist mill, and one hundred and eighty-two acres of
farm land, and there resided until his death. He built new mills upon the site of the
old ones and conducted a very successful business. He was postmaster at Weavers
396BIOGRAPHICAL
Old Stand during the C(ivil War, a Democrat in politics, a Lutheran in religion, a
steady, reliable, prosperous citizen. He married, April 7, 1842, Margaret Congaware,
daughter of John Congaware, a farmer residing near Adamsburg. They had children:
Lewis Franklin, of further mention; Jonas Williams, a merchant, farmer and grain
dealer at Weavers Old Stand for many years; Daniel Webster; Mary Jane, married
Emory Kelley, of East Huntingdon township; Sarah E., married Allen Wright, of
Mt. Pleasant township; Christine Alice, married Eli Peterson, of Mt. Pleasant township; John L., who was in business in Greensburg; Lydia E., married John Miller.
Lewis Franklin Armbrust, son of William and Margaret (Congaware) Armbrust,
was born at Adamsburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 28, I843,
and died at Weavers Old Stand. He received a fair common school education, and at
nineteen years of age entered the Union army. He enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, October I6, I862, and served
until his regiment was discharged at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1863. Returning home he assisted his father on the farm and in the flouring mill for about a year,
when the roar of cannon came louder and nearer, and the government was calling for
more volunteers, which so strongly appealed to his patriotism that he again enlisted,
August 31, I864, as a corporal in Company E, Two Hundred and Sixth Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. His regiment helped
to dig Dutch Gap canal, on the James river, which was continually shelled by the rebel
batteries from the hill above. He also helped to build Fort Brady, which was frequently shelled by rebel forts in close proximity, and did picket duty in front of Richmond the last winter of the war, and it is claimed that his regiment was the first to
enter that city after its surrender. After the close of the war, he was discharged with
his regiment at Richmond, Virginia, June 26, I865. He then returned home and assisted
his father for two years on the farm  and in the mill, when he opened a store at
Weavers Old Stand, which he. conducted for two, years and then sold to his brother.
He then went to Penn Station and purchased a store, which he conducted for a year.
Shortly after his marriage, in I869, he purchased two lots at Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, a thriving mining town, where he built a dwelling and store-room, to which he
removed in the spring of I87I. He sold his store and property five years later, and on
December 22, I877, he printed the first copy of the "People's Independent," a sixcolumn, four-page weekly; this he conducted a little, over six months;- about this time
the Greenback party was organized and he was appealed to remove his paper to Westmoreland county, and on May I5, 1878, he removed his office and family to Greensburg. The paper was,shortly changed in name to the "National Issue," which he conducted and edited about a year and a half, when he sold out to Colonel John T. Fulton
and the Rev. Uriel Graves; they managed the paper a short time, when they sold it to
Brunot  Laux, the later owners of the "Press."
In I88I Mr. Armbrust removed to McKeesport, where he engaged in the mercantile business and contracting. In I882 he established the "McKeesport Tribune and
Herald," which he published until January, I8go, when he consolidated it with the
"Greensburg Independent," which he founded August 6, I887. It was an eight-page,
five-column paper, having for its motto, "Devoted to, the interest of labor and the
advancment of thought." It contained local, State and National news, and gave much
space to the various reform movements, and was regarded as a champion of labor
and political reform. In I888 he erected the Independent building at Nos. 332-334
West Otterman street, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, a very large and neat structure well
adapted for a newspaper office and dwelling. In July, i888, he removed his family and
printing office from McKeesport to that building, not yet completed. In I88o he was
an elector on the, Presidential ticket of J. B. Weaver. In 1884, while residing at McKeesport, he, was a candidate. for the Legislature in the Fifth District of Allegheny
county, being nominated by the Prohibitionists and Labor party and endorsed by the
397OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Democratic party, and polled more votes than all three parties combined in the district
for other candidates, but the district being Republican by a large majority, was of
course not elected. In I886 his friends in the Labor party again nominated him for
the Legislature; in I888 he was a Presidential elector on the Union Labor party ticket
for A. J. Streeter, and upon his arrival in Greensburg was made county chairman of the
Union Labor party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; General
John A. Logan Command, No. 2, Union Veterans' Union; General Geary Council, No.
342, Order of United American Mechanics; Daughters of Liberty; and Good Will
Assembly, No. 6905, Knights of Labor. He detested hypocrisy, whether found in the
church, in political or social life. He did his own thinking and acted from his convictions regardless of public opiniola. As an editor, he won an honorable reputation. He
made labor interests and local news the chief features of the "Independent," and its
success and permanent establishment followed as fruits of his enterprise and sagacity.
Mr. Armbrust married at Penn Station, October I4, I869, Nannie Speer, daughter of
James B. Speer. Children: Harry B., of further mention; Lillian Frances, married
C. R. Baker, of Greensburg; Mary Edith, married (first) S. H. Boarts, married
(second) WV. S. Baker, of Kecksburg, Westmoreland county.
Harry B. Armbrust, only son of Lewis Franklin and Nannie (Speer) Armbrust,
was born at Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, November I3, I870. He was educated in the
public schools, and for several years was associated with his father at McKeesport,
learning every detail of the printer's business from type-setting to editorial writing;
continuing in the newspaper business for ten years. He then in partnership with C. R.
Baker established a news agency and book store in Greensburg, which was successfully conducted for ten years, a picture framing department being added to the original
lines, and after disposing of the news agency, paints and oils were substituted. After
disposing of that business, the partners, in I893, established at No. 206 West Otterman street, Greensburg, under the firm name of Baker  Armbrust, a general paint
and wallpaper business which they successfully conducted for about twenty years,
when Mr. Armbrust became sole proprietor. Mr. Armbrust is a thorough business
man, and conducts a successful mercantile enterprise in a most able manner. He has
established an enviable reputation for fair dealing, promptness in the fulfillment of his
obligations, and a public-spirited, progressive interest in all that pertains to the welfare
of his community. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in political
faith an Independent.
Mr. Armbrust married (first) May 28, I889, Albertine Bassett, who died in I904,
daughter of Colonel J. W. Bassett, of Greensburg. He married (second) July 3, I9II,
Ruth Sloan, of Waterbury, Connecticut. By his first marriage he has three children:
Mary, married C. E. Silliman, of Greensburg, and has Frank and Clyde Silliman; L.
Frank, in I9I6 was on the Texas-Mexico border with the United States troops, he is a
member of Hospital Corps No I, Pennsylvania National Guard; Demeese B., his
father's assistant. By his second marriage he has a son, Harry B., Jr. The family
home is at No. 408 West Otterman street, Greensburg.
WILLIAM  D. REAMER-The early history of the Reamer family can be found
only in the annals giving the records.of the many strong, thrifty agriculturists who
helped build the foundations for the German Empire. When some of these men found
the social conditions of their native land intolerable, they migrated to the United
States to take advantage of its greater opportunities for personal success. Like many
another courageous youth, Henry Raymer left home and friends to undertake a trip
requiring several weeks' travel in order to reach the country which promised a big
future. Arriving here, he met not only strange living conditions but also an unknown
language. It may be that part of his later success was due to the early obstacles which
398BIOGRAPHICAL
proved to him again that a satisfactory career can be attainedT only through struggle.
In the Fatherland he had been a yoeman and as soon as. he reached Pennsylvania,
where he decided to make his home, he engaged in farming. By perseverance and
industry, characteristic of those of his race, he succeeded to a remarkable degree and
lived to see himself the possessor of a large farm in a high state of cultivation and
yielding a profitable income. He married Judith, and they had children: John,
who moved to Ohio, settling near Coshocton, where many of his descendants now
reside; Jacob, of whom later; Ann Mary, who married John Eicher; Sarah, married
John Fleeger; Magdalena, who married John Truby; Elizabeth, who became Mrs.
Michael Rugh; Catherine, who married Jacob Kemp.
A document which is of particular interest to the Reamer family is the will of
Henry Raymer which was written in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, and
which reads as follows:
I give to wife, Judith, all bedding, household and kitchen furniture. Maintenance
by sons, John and Jacob, as per article of agreement dated April 3, I807, disposed of
his land to John and Jacob, having sold his part. Jacob's part consisted of two hundred
acres and to pay for same 352 pounds, 2 shilling and 3X2 pence. Each daughter to
receive 200 pounds, Ann Mary, wife of John Eicher; Sarah, died, wife of John Fleeger,
heirs; 6o pounds to Henry, 50 pounds to Elizabeth, 50 pounds to Magdalena Fleeger;
200 pounds to Magdalena, wife of John Truby; 200 pounds to Elizabeth, wife of
Michael Rugh; 200 pounds to Catherine, wife of Jacob Kemp. To grandson, Michael
Royer, son of John, $Ioo. The stills not to be sold, they being given to Jacob.
(Signed) HENRY RAYMER.
Executors JACOB RAYMER,
JACOB RUCH.
Dated March I9, I8I9.
Jacob Reamer, second son of Henry Raymer, was one of the most prominent members of the second generation of the Raymer family in the United States and also one
of the first of the family to change the spelling of the name to its more usual English
form. His birth occurred-in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in I783. Leaving his birthplace at an early age, he came to Westmoreland county, where he spent his entire life
cultivating his highly productive farm and doing his share in developing the vicinity.
He was married twice, his first wife being Sarah Wible. Later he married Sarah
Kemp, born I793. Mr. Reamer was the father of thirteen children: John; Henry;
Jacob; Daniel; Solomon; Philip; Josiah; Polly, who married Benjamin Camp; Betsy,
married George Zimmerman; Hannah, the wife of James Borlin; Caroline; Lucinda,
and Sarah. The descendants are interested in the disposition he made of his property at the time of his death. In looking over this document it is found that his
widow is to receive, during her lifetime, whatever part of the estate she deems necessary for her support and comfort and the remainder is to be divided equally between
the children. John and Solomon are instructed to manage the cultivation of the farm
which was located where Hufftown now stands. This section is known as South
Greensburg. At the widow's death the executors were to divide the farm in two
parts and sell it. To Sarah Reamer Harrold one dollar was to be'given in addition to
what she had received before. The will is dated July 13, I85o, and John Reamer and
Benjamin Camp are named as executors.
Daniel Reamer, fourth son of Jacob Reamer, was born November 5, 18I5, and
spent his entire life in this county. Reared on the home farm, he attended the public
school and assisted his father in working the farm and supporting the family. At the
age of sixteen years he decided to learn a trade which would make him independent
of the farm, and after a short time spent in working at the butcher's trade, he took up
tanning with the determination to master it thoroughly. In this profession he worked
with Lewis Harrold and spent nine years in Mt. Pleasant before coming to Greensburg, in I85O. Five years previously he married Lavina Fisher, daughter of Jacob
399OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Fisher, of Mt. Pleasant, and they had one son, Jacob W., of Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Her death occurred June 25, I850, and sulbsequently Mr. Reamer married Mary Margaret, second daughter of Samuel Crooks, of Westmoreland and Somerset counties,
born in the latter county, December 26, I827. Her death occurred July I8, I916. They
had children: Dr. Herman, of Pasadena, California; Katurah, widow of F. S. Wetly,
of Greensburg; Daniel, an attorney at Monessen, Pennsylvania; William D., of whom
later. Mr. Reamer advanced steadily in the estimation of his fellow-citizens and they
honored him by making him director of the poor, a position he held at the time of his
death in I890.
William  D. Reamer, born in Greensburg,' December 26, I859, is one of the men
who have distinguished themselves by the possession of qualities of character which
contribute to the success of public life and to the increasing of the public stability.
Such men always enjoy the confidence of the men around them and are frequently
asked to assume the burdens of public offices requiring sympathetic and responsible
administration. As county commissioner, William  D. Reamer, has met the expectations of his friends and placed the family still higher on the list of Greensburg's valuable citizens. He acquired his education in the public schools and later at Westerville,
Ohio, Otterhein University, from which he graduated in I882. Thus equipped with a
good education, he turned his attention to a profession. Lithography appealed strongly
to him, and in I882 and I883 he spent many months perfecting himself in this art.
During the latter part of I883 and in 1884 he devoted his time to wood engraving.
These few years of activity netted him a substantial sum which enabled him to take
up the study of law, a profession which ever interested him. Entering the offices of
Atkinson  Peoples, he pursued his studies under the tutelage of this well-known firm
for a number of years. At the death of his father, in I890, he was appointed by Judge
Doty to fill the vacancy thus made in the office of director of the poor. The following year he was elected to this office for a three-year term. His conscientious conduct
while in this office led his friends to suggest that he accept the nomination in I894 for
county commissioner. His election to the office was highly gratifying on account of
the heavy number of votes given him, and at each election since that time, except I903
and I909, he has received the office. in the same complimentary manner. At this date
(I917) he is still filling the office of county commissioner. At the expiration of his
present term he will have given twenty years of faithful service to his community in
this one capacity. In I904 he was clerk in the office of the registrar of wills. He is a
charter member of Jeannette Chapter, No. 486, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and is also a member of the United Brethren church. On October 20, I9II, in
New York City, Mr. Reamer married Marguerite, daughter of John and Annie (McBride) Eater, of Marietta, Pennsylvania.
ZACHARY TAYLOR SILVIS; JACOB RENCE SILVIS-The surname Silvis is said by tradition to have been originally spelled Silfies. The progenitor of the
family emigrated from Germany to this country about the year 1770, and settled in Germantown, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His son, Isaac Silvis, settled in what is now
Penn township, VWestmoreland county. The property on which he took up his abode
is situated some two miles north of the flourishing city of Jeannette, and there Mr.
Silvis engaged in successful farming operations which he continued for the remainder
of his life. From that time until the present the family has been prominent in that
region, and its members highly thought of by their neighbors and fellow-citizens in
the various periods in which they lived. Mr. Silvis was followed in his farming activities by his son, Jacob Silvis, the grandfather of the present generation of the family.
Jacob Silvis, however, added to his agricultural work that of the gunsmith and blacksmith, in both of which lines he was An expert, a skill which was greatly furthered
400BIOGRAPHI CAL
by an unusual inventive ability. He it was who built the first tumbling shaft threshing
machine in this part of the country, and he was constantly in demand on the part of
his neighbors to repair all kinds of farming utensils and other iron and metal work.
His birth occurred about I8oo00 or I8o, and he died at the age of ninety-two years,
honored and revered throughout the country side. He was the owner of excellent
farming property in the region of Washington township. Mr. Silvis was a man of
broad and independent mind, a loyal Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran. church. He married Lydia Reeger, and by her had seven children:  Polly,
who became the wife of George Decker, of Penn township; Isaac, who was employed
as a plasterer and general mechanic; Samuel, mentioned below; Levi, a resident of
Pleasant Unity, WVestmoreland county; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Levi Bush,
and after his death married     Huffman, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and
now resides in Butler, same State; Joseph, a resident of Washington township, where
he was engaged in farming; John, a resident of Hempfield township, where he is
employed as a mechanic and also is engaged in agricultural activities.
Samuel Silvis was born December I2, I833, on his father's farm in Washington
township, and was there reared to manhood. His education was received in the local
public schools, and upon completing his studies therein, he learned the trade of blacksmithing and gunsmithing from his father, who had engaged in this work all his life.
In this matter Samuel Silvis followed the elder man's. example and was also engaged
in farming in Hempfield township. He also was a staunch Democrat, and for a number of years filled the office of school director in Hempfield township. He was active
in the general life of the community, a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and of the State Militia. In the year I86I he married Ellen Steel, a daughter of Captain John and Nancy (Hall) Steel. Ellen (Steel) Silvis was born in Franklin township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1842.  She is still
living, and survives her husband, who died December 5, I904. They were the parents
of nine children: Jacob Rence and John Steel _(twins), born September 29, I862 (the
former is mentioned below, while John S. is a physician at Harrison City, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, now the School
of Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh); Samuel James, died at the age of nineteen years; Zachary Taylor (Z. T.), mentioned below; William George A., who resides
on the old Silvis homestead in Hempfield township, where he is engaged in farming;
Frank E., who is engaged in farming and dairying in Penn township, and who also
taught school for many years, having taken a course at the Indiana State Normal
School; Harry J., a skilled machinist, who inherited the inventive genius of his father
and has taken out several patents on his various devices, a resident of Los Angeles,
California; Virtue M., a farmer of Hempfield township, who is one of the most successful intensive farmers in this part of the State; Ella Blanche, who died at the age
of eighteen years.
The Steel family is also prominent in Western Pennsylvania, and is descended
from Scotch-Irish ancestors. It was founded in this part of the State by James Steel
and descended to the present generation through his son, Joseph, and grandson, John
Steel, who was the father of Mrs. Samuel Silvis. Captain John Steel, as he was popularly known throughout the whole of this region, held that rank in the State Militia.
He was a prominent man in the community and a successful farmer in Franklin township. He was looked upon as one of the most progressive men of that region in his
day, and died at the age of forty-two years.
Jacob Rence Silvis was born September 29, I862, in Washington township, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the public schools of the region and in Greensburg
Seminary and Curry Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He then took a course in
the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio. Thus prepared he secured a position as
teacher in the public schools of Westmoreland county, and continued to follow this
W-26
40IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
profession for a period of nine years in that locality. Eventually, however, he decided
to abandon teaching for the law and took up the study of this subject in the office of
Spiegel  McGeary, eminent lawyers of Greensburg, where he labored to such good
purpose that he was admitted t6 the bar of Westmoreland county in September, I893.
Since that date Mr. Silvis has been engaged in the general practice of law at Greensburg, where for a time he was associated with George H. Hugus. This partnership,
however, was severed after a brief period, since which time Mr. Silvis has carried on
his business' alone. His practice, which is a general one, takes him before all the courts
of the State, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and much of the important
litigation of that district is entrusted to him. He is now looked upon as one of the leaders of the bar in Westmoreland county. Besides his activity in professional matters,
Mr. Silvis has taken a keen interest in the political affairs of the county. Like the
members of the Silvis family for several generations, he is a staunch Democrat, and
served as a member of the school board for eleven years in Ludwick borough, now the
sixth ward of Greensburg. While keeping his office in this city, Mr. Silvis has of recent
years removed his home to Hempfield township, and since going to that place has served
on the board there for seven years. He married, February 28, I889, Lida E. E. Moore,
a daughlter of James and Susanna (Shuey) Moore. To them have been born thirteen
children:  James Cleveland, Robert Edison, Samuel Randall, Margaret Ellen, Laura
May, Jacob Rence, Jr., Lida Elizabeth, Charles Sumner, Ruth Irene, Mary Jane, Paul
Walker, John Melvin and Gladys Vernelle. Mr. Silvis and his family are members
of the Lutheran church, and he is extremely active in church affairs. The family home
is situated about two miles from the city of Greensburg, in Hempfield township, and
Mr. Silvis' office is in the Bank and Trust Building in the city.
Zachary Taylor (Z. T.) Silvis was born August 6, I867, in Washington township,
a son of Samuel and Ellen (Steel) Silvis. He was educated in the public schools and
Greensburg Seminary, besides taking courses in various other educational institutions.
For a time he followed the profession of teaching in the public schools of Hempfield
township, and in the region surrounding this section, and after several years of this
work was appointed principal of the public schools of Ludwick, a post which he filled
for three years. During this time he had made up his mind, however, to take up the
law as his profession, and for this purpose entered the law office of Beacom  Newill,
of Greensburg. After studying for some time in this congenial environment, Mr.
Silvis was admitted to practice in the courts of Westmoreland county, November 15,
I897. Since then he has been further admitted to practice in all the courts of the
State, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Circuit Federal courts. A
man of fine legal acumen, a close observer and student of human nature, his practice,
which is a general one, is large and remunerative, and he is regarded as one of the
leaders of his profssion in Western Pennsylvania. He is a member of the WTestmoreland County Bar Association. Mr. Silvis in politics follows the family tradition, ani
is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. He is a
wide reader, and possesses not only a fine general library, but is constantly adding to
his already large law library. Mr. Silvis has served for several years as a member of
the School Board of Hempfield township, and now occupies a similar position in the
Greensburg public schools and has continuously filled this post of honor for the past
eleven years. The election of Mr. Silvis to the Greensburg board was practically
unanimous, as he was endorsed by all the other parties in the field. He has always
taken a profound interest in educational matters generally, and has brought a keen
intellect and wide knowledge of the subject to his work as school commissioner. He
has always kept the best interest of the schools at heart and has doubtless rendered an
invaluable service to the community at large, to this important matter, the education
of its children. Besides his extensive law practice, Mr. Silvis is engaged in the operation of coal. Mr. Silvis' office is situated in the Bank and Trust Building in that city.
402BIOGRAPHICAL
403
He is a member of a number of fraternal organizations-Woodmen of the World,
Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Independent Order
of Americans, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and others. He
is also a member of the State Firemen's Association of Pennsylvania, and a member
of the Greensburg Fire Department, having at one time been president of the organization.
Mr. Silvis married, September I8, I902, Frances Viola Snyder, a daughter of Henry
B. and Mary (Knight) Snyder, old and respected residents of Liberty, a village situated near Dawson in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Their home life is ideal. To them
three children have been born: Richard Snyder, Gerald Steel and Frances Isabel. Mr.
Silvis and his family are members of the Lutheran church, and they make their home
at No. 215 Alexander street, Greensburg.
HENRY T. WYNN---Henry T. Wynn, president of the First National Bank of
Trafford, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the head of the well known firm
of Wynn  Starr Company, also president of the Trafford Oil and Gas Company and
other concerns, is a descendant of John Wynne, of Wales. The line to the present
representative is through Jonathan Wynn, great-grandfather of Henry T. Wynn, who
was born October I8, I767, who was probably the son of James Wynn, who was probaably the son of the second Jonathan Wynn. Jonathan Wynn (great-grandfather)
married Margaret   ~, who was born February 4, I772, died i8o8. Their son, Jonathan Wynn, grandfather of Henry.T. Wynn, was born April I, I804, and married Hannah Bitner. Their son, Isaac Wynn, is mentioned below.
Isaac Wynn, father of Henry T. Wynn, was born November 2, I837, in Blairsville,
where he lived until I904, and died in Trafford, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
March 29, I9o9, and was buried in Blairsville. His father was one of the early settlers
in that region. Isaac Wynn was one of the successful brick manufacturers of Blairsville, a strong Republican in politics, a Methodist in religion, was exceedingly fond of
hunting and out-of-door life generally, a man of warm and genial temperament, who
was popular in the community. He married Fannie Triece, a daughter of Henry
Triece, originally of Somerset county and later of Blairsville, where he was engaged as
a millwright and contractor, and was identified with the building up of the town;
milling was his specialty, he owning and operating a flouring mill for many years.
The Triece family is an old one in Pennsylvania and has given a number of prominent
men to the State. Mr. and Mrs. Wynn were the parents of the following children:
I. Henry T., mentioned below. 2. Nettie Coyle, who became the wife of John G.
Crawford, of the Philippine Islands, and principal of one of the Manual Training
schools there, being one of the first American teachers in the islands. 3. Lillie Belle,
who became the wife of William Stickle, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. 4. Susie Blanche,
who became the wife of George Craven, who is employed by the Pennsylvania railroad as locomotive engineer; he makes his home at Trafford. 5. Ida Alice, who became
the wife of Robert E. Adams, a merchant at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 6. Mary
Grace, who became the wife of John G. Crawford. 7. Hannah Baum, who became the
wife of Harry Gethin, who is mentioned at length elsewhere in this work.
Henry T. Wynn was born at Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, November
I3, I870. Here his childhood and early youth were passed, and here he obtained his
education, attending the local public schools for that purpose. In August, I903, he
took up his residence in Trafford, since which time he has been most active in wellnigh every aspect of the town's affairs and has identified himself prominently with
many important business concerns here. He became connected with the Wynn  Starr
Company in 1905, which is now (I918) a very important industrial concern and manufactures bricks on a large scale, operating two plants, one at Trafford, manufacturingOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
both smooth and rough texture face brick that are shipped as far East as Boston, Massachusetts, and as far West as Minneapolis, Minnesota; the other plant is at Mars,
Pennsylvania, which at present only makes common brick, but which' is being equipped
to make face brick. The main office is at Trafford, where they have a well stocked
builders' supply yard, selling coal, sewer pipe and all other material in the builders'
supply line. In conjunction with the brick plants the company own and operate gas
wells at each place for the burning of brick. Mr. Wynn is president of this concern,
and is also president of the Trafford Oil and Gas Company, and president of the First
National Bank of Trafford, his connection with that important financial institution
dating from the year I909. He is also first vice-president of the Trafford Board of'I'rade, in which capacity he has done much to stimulate and encourage the commercial
and industrial growth of the place. He is the owner of considerable valuable property
in the town, and one of the most active and public-spirited of its citizens.  He is
affiliated with many important organizations here, and is particularly active in the
Masonic order, having taken the thirty-second degree in Free Masonry.  He is a
member of Acacia Lodge, No. 355, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Blairsville,
and of Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mvstic Shrine. He is also
a charter member of the local lodge, No. IIo6, of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and is a conspicuous figure in the social life of the place. Another of Mr.
Wynn's interests is agriculture, and the'Wynn  Starr Company is operating an excellent farm of twenty-two acres as a war garden, upon which they have grown a very
successful crop. He has devoted his attention particularly to buckwheat, cabbage,
beans and beets, and has met with very gratifying success in every case.
Henry T. Wynn was united in marriage, June IIj I911, with Helen K. Baldridge,
a daughter of John Baldridge, a prominent coal operator of Braddock, Pennsylvania,
and of Lydia (Cory) Baldridge, of Port Perry, Pennsylvania. Mr. Baldridge's death
occurred in the year I9o9. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Wynn: John Baldridge, born
October I7, 1912, died December 2, 1917; and Henry Cory, born July 7, I9I7. Mr.
Wynn is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Trafford, serving as president of the board of trustees and active in all that pertains to the management and
welfare of the church.
SENECA G. LEWIS-Whether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial
development, it is impossible to clearly determine, yet the study of a successful life is not
the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this uncertainty. So much
in excess of the successes is the record of failures that one is constrained to attempt
an analysis in either case and to determine the method of causation in an approximate
way. In the case of a life such as that of Seneca G. Lewis, the talented general manager of the Pennsylvania Rubber Company of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, we shall perhaps experience less difficulty than in the average case of success, the character of Mr.
Lewis being of that simple and direct kind which is perhaps the least excessible to the
influences of environment, so that we can the more readily attribute to his own inherent
qualities, making themselves apparent as they do in those fundamental virtues which
are the basis of all success worth naming, the result which has been so striking an
example of achievement.
Seneca G. Lewis is not a native of the region with which his name has come to
be so closely associated, but is a son of the great, wide-awake West, having been born at
Brighton, Michigan, May 4, I872. He is a son of William W. and Mary (O'Brien)
Lewis, old and well known residents of that place, and it was in the West also that
he gained his education, first in the local schools of his native town and then at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan.  After graduating from  the latter institution, he
spent a few years in the West and became associated with the Fletcher Hardware
404BIOGRAPHICAL
405
Company of Detroit, Michigan, remaining with this concern until the year I905. He
was rapidly advanced in position here, and when, in the above year, he severed his
connection with this company he was a member of its board of directors and played
an important part in its management. In I905 he accepted the offer of the position of
sales manager from the Winchester Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut, and
journeyed to that Eastern city to take up his new duties. Here, as in the West, he
was extremely successful, and after five years of most efficient work for this great
concern was offered the office of general manager of the Pennsylvania Rubber Company. This was in the year I9IO and Mr. Lewis at once journeyed to the town of
Jeannette, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he has since been associated
with this large and still growing concern, making his home, however, in Greensburg.
Mr. Lewis's keen and active judgment, coupled with an initiative which never failed
him in an emergency, has played a very conspicuous part in the great development
which the Rubber Company has undergone since his becoming connected with it. Between the years I9IO and I916, the business of this concern has grown from less than
one million dollars' worth annually to upwards of five million dollars, a progress which
certainly cannot be attributed to anything other than the progressive business insight
of Mr. Lewis. To him is due a liberal share of credit for all the changes in equipment
and management which have kept the concern fully abreast of the great development
in the industrial method seen in the last few years. His influence in the business world
has indeed spread beyond the limits of this company, and he is regarded to-day as one
of the most prominent figures in the industrial world of that region and a factor in its
development. Besides the Pennsylvania Rubber Company, Mr. Lewis is associated
with a number of other -important concerns. He is the president of the Parnco Realty
Company of Jeannette and the owner of the Pennsylvania Clock Company of the same
city, a concern which he organized for the manufacture of the Lewis Nojar Clocks.
These valuable instruments are encased entirely in rubber for use in automobiles, on
office desks, etc., they being absolutely vibration and electric proof.
Mr. Lewis, since his coming to Jeannette, has proven himself to be possessed of
the greatest public spirit and has taken an important part in the life of the community.
He is especially prominent in social and club circles and is identified with a number of
important fraternities and orders in that region. He is a member of Corinthian Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Lewis's strong taste for athletics may readily be discerned in a perusal of the list of the clubs with which he is
affiliated and which include the Athletic Club of Pittsburgh, the Greensburg Country
Club, the Westmoreland Polo Club and other similar organizations. Besides these he
is a member of the Elks Club of Greensburg, and the Quinnipiack Club of New Haven,
Connecticut.
Mr. Lewis married (first) in Detroit, in 1894, Clarice Guill, by whom he had one
daughter, Mary Lucile.  Mrs. Lewis died October I7, I9I3.  Mr. Lewis married
(second) July 3, I916, Mrs. Elizabeth (McFall) McAfee, a member of an old Sandusky, Ohio, family.
MICHAEL MANOS-Since coming to Greensburg, Michael Manos has firmly
established himself as a caterer to the public taste for sweets and amusement. Manos
Brothers have a fine confectionery store and ice cream parlor, where candies of their
own manufacture are sold amid attractive surroundings. As purveyor of amusement Michael Manos manages the Lyric Theatre, giving his patrons the best of photo
plays, and at the Strahn Theatre which he also owns, vaudeville and photo plays hold
the boards, a form of combined entertainment very popular with the patrons of this,
one of the finest of Greensburg theatres. Mr. Manos has proved a valuable addition
to Greensburg's business community and bears his full share in the upbuilding of the
city.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Michael Manos was born in Sparta, Greece, in I885, and obtained a good education which extended to the higher branches of study before leaving his native land.
At the age of sixteen he came to the United States and located in Newark, New
Jersey, where he remained two years, gaining a knowledge of the confectionery business and of American business methods.  He was an apt scholar, and two years
after his arrival opened a confectionery store'in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. He operated
that store successfully, and in the next eight years opened similar stores in Washington and Kittanning, Pennsylvania, selling out his other stores and concentrating
his energies on the Greensburg store in I9II. The store owned and operated by Manos
Brothers, Michael and Louis, was a well established, well patronized store located
at No. IIO Main street, which was sold in I9I7. In a well equipped and well appointed
store they established a business in the Strand *Theatre building, where they sell
candies of their own manufacture in connection with an ice cream parlor. The store
is a popular one and in its appointments and management reflect great credit upon its
owners. In I912 Mr. Manos entered the amusement field by opening the Lyric
Theatre, which he has made the leading photo play theatre of the city, and in October,
I9I6, opened the Strahn Theatre, a combination house giving the best photo plays in
connection with vaudeville. He is a member of the Greek Orthodox church, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is very popular among his large circle
of friends.
Mr. Manos married Caliapia Askonnos, and has four children: Teddy, Marie,
Alice and Celia Manos.
ANTHONY JOSEPH  SPELLMEYER-Anthony Joseph Spellmeyer is a native of Pennsylvania, but by parentage is a meml-er of the German race which forms
so large and so important an element in the population of the Western part of that
State and among the members of which are to be found so many of its most prominent business men and men of affairs.
He is a son of Joseph Spellmeyer, a native of Hanover, Germany, and of Caroline (Remaley) Spellmeyer, who was born in Baden, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Spellmeyer, Sr., are the parents of the following children: Christ Streider, who at present
makes his home in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he is a musician; Barbara, who became
the wife of Thomas J. Riley, the telegraph operator in the Pennsylvania Railroad
Station at Greensburg;. Anthony Joseph, with whose career this sketch is particularly
concerned; Christina, who is now the wife of William T. Thomas.
Anthony Joseph Spellmeyer was born at Buena Vista, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August 3I, I877. He received his early education in the Catholic school at
Greensburg, whither his father and mother had removed while he was still in early
childhood. While in Greensburg Mr. Spellmeyer, Sr. had worked in the coal mines
of that region, and after completing his studies in the public schools there, Anthony
J. started to learn this trade with him. He then entered the rolling mills of Thomas
Murray, where he remained twelve years, learning in the first place the tobie rolling
trade and afterwards continuing to work at this occupation until he was an unusually
expert workman. He later entered the employ of Jacob Elialt, with whom he continued for about two, years, when the factory was purchased by Al Sheetz. WVith this
new owner Mr. Spellmeyer continued to work for about six years.  It was about
this time that John P. Kilgore established the Sparks Cigar Store and for him Mr.
Spellmeyer went to work. For a time he remained in Mr. Kilgore's employ and then
entered the establishment of his old employer, Jacob Elialt, who had in the meantime
engaged in a successful tobacco and cigar business. For some time he remained in
Mr. Elialt's employ, and in July, I90I, purchased his business, and in association with
Mr. Wesbecher established the firm of Wesbecher  Spellmeyer. They are now the
owners of the large Tobie factory and conduct a large and remunerative business in
4o6BIOGRAPHICAL
tobies. At the outset their operations were carried on in a small shanty, where they
remained until the latter part of I903. It was in this year that they built the handsome and completely equipped factory on Alwine avenue. Here in these more adequate
quarters they have continued their operations up to the present time, the business
having assumed large propoirtions, so that they now  employ on an average of six
tobie rollers and several girls.
Mr. Spellmeyer is active in the general life of the community, particularly in
social circles, and is a member of the Grand Fraternity of Greensburg. In his religious belief he is a Catholic. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Spellmeyer does not take
an active part in political life, his time and attention being fully occupied with the
large business which he has built up. One of his chief interests is the fire department
of Greensburg, of which he is an active and enthusiastic member. The stogies manufactured by the firm of Wesbecher  Spellmeyer have received universal praise from
prominent men all over the country, from many of whom they have been the recipients of commendatory letters.
Self-made in the truest sense of the word, successful in his business undertakings
and aims, the career of Anthony Joseph Spellmeyer is an apt illustration of the value.of character in determining the measure of success possible to attain. One of Pennsylvania's native sons, and through his long connection with business one of Greensburg's best known merchants, trained in business methods by Greensburg merchants
and in business in that city until the present time, he is emphatically a Greensburg
man and a true representative of that city, her institutions and her citizenship. Industry, thrift and perseverance were the things which have marked his way through
life, and to these qualities he adds business ability of a high order and an honesty
of purpose that enables him to avoid those business and moral pitfalls that abound in
a great city to trap the unwary. He began life in a career of his own choosing, and
during his years of service for others has gained the capital and experience with
which later he founded his own business, receiving little if any financial aid from outside sources, character and ability being his chief assets. He is an energetic worker
and devoted to his business, but when his day's work is ended, his own fireside claims
him and there his hours off duty are spent. He is most hospitable, loves to entertain
his friends at his own home in social games and enlivening conversation, finding in
such intercourse the enjoyment others seek in club or lodge. No man attains higher
reputation for honorable dealing than he and in the business world his firm friends are
many. His promises or statements can always be relied upon, for he holds his word
sacred and his excellent business judgement often enables others to profit as well as
himself. He gives close attention to the details of his large business, never dividing
his energy but holding closely to the one line of commercial activity he has chosen
as his. Neither does he seek nor hold public office nor allow fads or amusements to
distract his mind from the great business of life, yet he is intensely public-spirited,
ever willing and ready to aid any good cause. He is keenly alive to his responsibilities
as a citizen but wears no party collar, the character of a candidate and not the party
emblem determining his vote.
FRANCIS MURRAY  CAMPBELL-Francis Murray Campbell, whose ability
in real estate development has been of signal advantage not only to his native town,
but to various other parts of Pennsylvania, and even in the Far West, was born in
Greensburg, September 9, I879, son of Ezra G. and Sarah E. (Sease) Campbell.
His grandfather, George Campbell, was a native of the Ligonier Valley. lie was
a prosperous farmer, and a man of enterprise and ability. As a young man he had a
talent for music, and was a teacher of singing through a wide region, in the days
when "the singing school" was one of the most attractive and useful social agencies.
From the time of his coming to manhood, he was an active Democrat, and wielded
407OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
much influence in his party throughout the county, and for several years was a
county commissioner. In religion he was a Presbyterian. His first wife was of the
Galbraith family, and they were the parents of two children: Ezra G., of whom further; and Isabella, who became the wife of John Nicely, of Ligonier township. He
married (second) a Miss Shupe, and to them was born a daughter, Minerva, who married John Burrell, a contractor, of Greensburg.
Ezra G. Campbell, son of George Campbell, was reared upon the home farm,
and educated in the neighborhood schools. At the outbreak of the war for the
Union, he enlisted in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel Coulter, and
served with credit to himself until the end. Returning home, he took employment
with the Pennsylvania Railway Company, continuing until the early seventies, when
he engaged in business on his own account, opening a general mercantile establishment in the Fisher building in Greensburg, which he conducted with success until
I902, when he retired to well-earned ease. He died at the age of seventy-two years.
He married Sarah E. Sease, and to them were born four children: Leona, who
became the wife of James K. Boyd, of Wilkinsburg; Henrietta, who became the wife
of H. R. Reamer, of Greensburg; Nannie, unmarried; and Francis Murray, of whom
further mention follows.
Francis Murray Campbell, son of Ezra G. and Sarah E. (Sease) Campbell,
attended the public schools of his native town, and then entered Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, for preparation for a business career. Immediately after graduating,
in I898, he entered the employ of the Maxwell  Chichester Real Estate Company
(afterwards the Greensburg Realty Company), and with which he was associated
until I915, having become a member of the corporation; then joined his fortunes with
the Lyon  Campbell Realty and Insurance Company, with offices in the Huff building, of which he was one of the organizing members, his firm succeeding that of J. J.
Wissing  Son, the oldest real estate and insurance agency in Westmoreland county.
In addition to caring for their own interests, the Lyon  Campbell Company also
have in charge those of the Westmoreland Building and Loan Company.
In his various associations in real estate transactions and development, Mr. Campbell has displayed marked ability and rare judgment. Recognition of his abilities made
him a prime factor in the organization of the Westmoreland Coalinga Oil Company,
and the development of its properties in Fresno county, California. As a leading
member of the directorate'he promoted the enterprise to success, brought a large oil
well to a richly paying production, and effected a largely remunerative sale to an English syndicate. Since then, Mr. Campbell has opened various extensive tracts and
aided in planning and laying out new sections in various cities, prominent among them
being the Valley Heights of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, containing three hundred lots; Grand View, south of Greensburg; Hotchkissville, south of Greensburg;
and Cresswell Place, Altoona, Pennsylvania. In all of these he was the original
projector and the principal factor. At the present time he is occupied with laying out
the Unity street section southeast of Greensburg. He is also a member of the Auto
Sales Company on Pennsylvania avenue, Greensburg, agents for the Dodge and Peerless cars. In politics Mr. Campbell is a Republican.
Mr. Campbell married, February 2, I915, Lulu WV. Wilson, of North Branch,
Michigan, and they are the parents of one child, Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell
both attend the United Brethren church. Their home at No. 527 Walnut avenue is
one of the attractive spots in Greensburg.
JOHN A. STEVENSON-John A. Stevenson, one of the most prominent business men of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of
a German family, which settled at the village of Robstown, now West Newton, in
that county, in the early years. The first of the family to come to this country from
408BIOGRAPHICAL
their native Germany were the grandparents of Mr. Stevenson and his grandmother
was never able to speak any language other than her native tongue.
Their son, John Stevenson, father of John A. Stevenson, was born in V\Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year I8Io. He was a cooper by trade and was successful in this business, but during his early life devoted most of his time to teaching
in the English and German schools of the district. Toward the latter part of his life,
he took up farming and gave all his attention to this occupation. He was a member
of the well-known "Washington Guard," a military body in existence over sixty years
ago in Pennsylvania. Mr. Stevenson's death occurred April 20, I873. He married
Mary Sherbondy, and they were the parents of the following children: Martha, who
became the wife of Daniel Kiester, of Mount Pleasant, and is now deceased; John A.,
of whom further; Albert E., who engaged in the insurance business at Philadelphia,
and is now deceased; two children who died in infancy; Hannah, who became the
wife of George Fisher, a farmer in Ohio, and is now deceased; Susan, who married
John Adair, of Mount Pleasant, and is now deceased; Lucetta Marian, who married
John P. Werkman, a salesman of Mount Pleasant; Daniel B., who is engaged
in the insurance business at Pittsburgh; Simon C., who is engaged in the insurance
business at Mount Pleasant; and Craig Curtin, who is engaged in the furniture and*
undertaking business at Indiana, Pennsylvania.
John A. Stevenson was born March 9, I838, near Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the local public schools, at Mount
Pleasant College and the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania.  Upon completing his education in the last-named institution, Mr.
Stevenson took up teaching as his profession, and in I86o taught in the common
schools of Westmoreland county, where he had himself been a student.. He continued in this line of work until the year I862, when, on February I8, he enlisted as a
member of the Anderson Body Guard and served in the Union Army until the expiration of his period of enlistment and was then mustered out, March 26, I863. Not content, however, with the service he had already given the cause of the Union, Mr.
Stevenson reenlisted the following year, and in March, I864, became a member of
the Eleventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under the command of
Colonel Richard Coulter, with the rank of sergeant-major. He distinguished himself
in the service, and on September 5, I864, was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant
of Company C, in that regiment, and shortly after was appointed adjutant, receiving
his commission for this rank on November 23, I864. At the battle of Five Forks,
April I, I865, Adjutant Stevenson was so badly wounded that he was carried off the
field. He was first sent to the field hospital at City Point and afterwards to Army
Square Hospital at Washington, D. C., where he remained until he received his honorable discharge from service, July I, I865.
After the close of hostilities and when Mr. Stevenson had regained his health, he
returned to his native Westmoreland county and once more took up the profession of
teaching, being appointed principal of the West Newton public school, a post which
he held from I866 to 1877. It was in the latter year that Mr. Stevenson first came to
Mount Pleasant, which has remained his home and the scene of his many business
activities ever since. Upon coming to Mount Pleasant, Mr. Stevenson became the
business manager and editor of the "Mount Pleasant Dawn," a paper which is now
known as the "Mount Pleasant Journal." He also, at the same time, established himself in the drug business and continued in both of these capacities until the year I883.
It was in that year Mr. Stevenson first established the large and well-stocked hardware,
seed and implement establishment, which is to-day one of the largest of its kind in
that region and commands a very great patronage. Since that time Mr. Stevenson has
added heating and plumbing to his other business, and has met with an equal degree
of success in this new line.
4o0BIOGRAPHICAL
to Franklin township, where he resided and taught school for three years. His own
education had been gained at the public schools of Delmont, and later at Delmont
Academy. -He enlisted for a period of three years in the Civil War in the month of
October, I86I, joining Company I, One Hundred and First Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. He saw much active service and took part in many battles in
which his regiment was engaged. At the completion of his three years' term he secured
a furlough, but was unfortunate enough to be captured by the Confederates on his way
home and was confined in Andersonville, Florence, and Charleston prisons for a period
of nine months in all. The hardships of this confinement told severely on his health
and when he was at last released he returned to his home an invalid. His naturally
good constitution, however, asserted itself, and under the normal conditions of his
life at home he regained his health and strength. Mr. Wilson later took up a course
with the Bacon Business College at Cincinnati, and after graduating therefrom entered the profession of teaching and followed the same for many years. Still later,
however, he engaged in business at East Liverpool, Ohio, but finally, after his marriage
in I87I, returned to Pennsylvania. Here he took up his residence on the farm now
known as the Wilson farm, about three miles north of Export, and there continued to
dwell for thirty-six years or until his death, which occurred November I5, I907. His
wife survives him and resides on the farm where she was born.
He married, May 30, 187I, Ellen H. Hamilton, a daughter of Matthew and Ruth
Hamilton, and a granddaughter of Major John Hamilton, of the War of I812. Before her marriage Mrs. Aiilson was a school teacher in Franklin township for two
years, having prepared for this profession at the Delmont Academy, from which she
graduated. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were members of the Baptist church. To them
the following children were born: Ruth Sadie, who became the wife of Dr. E. A.
Hoffman, of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, to whom she has borne three daughters:
Mary Ellen, who became the wife of C. M. Speer, a farmer of Apollo, Pennsylvania,
to whom she has borne five children; John Spurgeon, now secretary of the Young
Men's Christian Association at Hamilton, Ohio, married Alveretta Terpening, of
Abington, Illinois, by whom he has had four children; and Estella Duff, who. as above
mentioned, became the wife of Paul Reuben Foight. She was educated at the public
schools of Franklin township and later at the Polk Run Academy in Washington
township. She still later attended the Indiana Normal School at Indiana, Pennsylvania, where she prepared herself for the profession of teaching. For the three years
following she taught school in Export and Franklin townships, and in the meantime
was a student at the Moody Institute, Chicago, Illinois, and did much outside work.
She was the pastor's- visitor for the Rev. Dr. Barr of Olivet Church, Northside, Chicago, and was superintendent of the Sunday school there. She is now a teacher in
the Sunday school of the church of Export, and is very active in church work here.
REV. NICHOLAS P. HACKE--Nearly forty years have elapsed since the
noble man who rendered this name an object of veneration to multitudes, passed
away from the scene of his long, arduous and fruitful labors, but in very many hearts
it is still cherished and revered. During his long pastorate of the Reformed church
in Greensburg, Mr. Hacke was the safe guide, the wise counsellor and the beloved
friend of three generations.
Nicholas Hlacke, father of the Rev. Nicholas P. Hacke, was born in Bremen,
Germany, and was a scion of a distinguished family, his ancestors, both paternal and
maternal, having been for generations financiers and bankers in that city. Nicholas
Hacke received his business training in his father's bank, a long established institution. While still a young man, Mr. Hacke emigrated to the United States, settling
in Baltimore, Maryland, where he engaged in banking, subsequently identifying him25OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Mr. Stevenson is a conspicuous figure in the social and fraternal life of the community of which he is a member. He has never allowed the associations formed during his service in the Civil War to lapse and is now a member of Robert Warden Post,
Grand Army of the Republic. He is also affiliated with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Mount Pleasant. For a number of years he served
on the school board and did much valuable work for the community in that capacity.
In his religious belief Mr. Stevenson is a Presbyterian, and for about a half a century
has been a member of the church of that denomination at Mount Pleasant. Politically
he is affiliated with the Republican party, but in spite of the fact that he is recognized
as a factor in political affairs there, he does not take part in local politics, nor is he
a politician in the modern sense of the term.
On October I6, I866, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage with Sarah J. Hissem,
a daughter of Samuel Hissem, a prosperous farmer of Mount Pleasant township. Mr.
and Mrs. Stevenson were the parents of three daughters, as follows:  Lizzie, deceased; Ada, deceased; and Maggie. The death of Mrs. Stevenson occurred March 29,
I878, and on August i6, 1882, Mr. Stevenson was married to Lida Jane Churns, of
Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Of this union one child was born who died in infancy. The
second Mrs. Stevenson's death occurred April 26, I886.
MILTON  F. REMALEY-Among the names that have been long and prominently associated with the affairs of Westmoreland county, that of Remaley deserves
a high place. It is borne to-day by a large number of representatives of an old family
which, at an early date, settled in Franklin township, and whose members have, since
that time, spread widely over the western part of the State and elsewhere. The family
is of German origin and came to this country at an early period. It was founded in
Franklin township by one Michael Remaley and his wife Susanna (Shaffer) Remaley,
the former being a blacksmith by trade, who spent the latter years of his life in this
region. His son, Adam Remaley, was the grandfather of Milton F. Remaley, and
Samuel Remaley, the eldest son of Adam and Barbara (Rubright) Remaley, born.August 8, 1834, in Franklin township, was the father of Milton F. Remaley. He was
prominent in the community and a man of considerable substance, owning valuable
farm and mill properties hereabouts. He married, February I3, I868, Rebecca James
Stark, and of the large family of children born to them, Milton F. Remaley is the
fourth.
Born April 9, I875, at West Export, Pennsylvania, Milton F. Remaley attended
the public schools of his native region, until he had reached the age of sixteen years.
He then began his long and successful career by working in a humble capacity for
his father in a grist mill owned by the elder man. During four years he continued thus
employed and then, in association with other members of his family, invested in a
portable saw mill and began to do a lumber business in this region, taking his mill
throughout the various townships of the county, and driving a very thriving business.
Some years later he gave up this enterprise and started in the livery and feed business,
in which he met with a high degree of success. Mr. Remaley continued in this line
until I915, when he engaged in the automobile business, establishing his garage and
acting as agent for the Ford car, the latter since 19I4. He is at the present time
(1918) building an enormous brick building on the same block that he started his
livery business. This building, which measures fifty by one hundred and fifteen feet,
will have capacity for seventy-five cars and will afford adequate quarters for the great
business which Mr. Remaley has developed and which is continuing to grow at a rapid
rate.
Mr. Remaley is very active in the public life of the community, and has done
much to promote the interests of the place. He is a Democrat in politics, and although
he has never sought public office, has held thaf of councilman here for six years. He
4IOBIOGRAPHICAL
is a member of Delmont Lodge, No. 542, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
Delmont, Pennsylvania; of Lodge No. 952, Junior Order of United American Workmen, of Export, Pennsylvania; of Lodge No. 429, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of
Export, Pennsylvania; and Lodge No. 176, Knights of Pythias, of Export. Mr.
Remaley is a member of the Emnianuel Reformed Church of Franklin township. He
and the members of his family are very active in the work of this church, and Mr.
Remaley gives liberally to its support.
Milton F. Remaley was united in marriage, October 5, I904, at Manordale, Pennsylvania, with Arabelle Hilty, a daughter of Lebanon D. and Mary Hilty, Mr. Hilty
being a prosperous farmer in this region. Mr. and Mrs. Remaley were both baptized,
confirmed and married by the same minister, the Rev. J. F. Snyder, now of Kensington, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Remaley is a member of an old and distinguished Pennsylvania family, and on her mother's side is descended from Joseph Hill, who was one
of the pioneer settlers in this region and fought with the Indians, being eventually
killed by them. To Mr. and Mrs. Remaley the following children have been born:
Mary Rebecca, February 25, I907, and Mabel Fuades, November 2I, I909. Mrs.
Remaley is very prominent in church work in Export and has been a delegate to the
Sunday school convention for twenty years at various times. She is a member of the
choir and has taught in the Sunday schools here for twenty-five years. Neither she
nor her husband have missed a communion since uniting with the church, and they
have raised their children in the way that they have themselves traveled. They are
all of them prominent in everything connected with the church.
WILLIAM  ABER McGEARY-The thriving borough of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, thirty-nine miles from Pittsburgh, with its vast template steel works, foundries and engineering plants, is one of the wonderful towns which have almost sprang
into existence in Pennsylvania during the last quarter of a century. To be chosen
chief burgess of so important a borough is an honor which can fall but to few men, and
among the number is William Aber McGeary, who is the present incumbent of this,
the highest office of the borough. Mr. McGeary is a native son of Westmoreland,
born in Allegheny township, at Markle, his parents, John Elliot and Sarah Jane (McLaughlin) McGeary.
John Elliot McGeary was born in Allegheny township, July 5, I835, died in December, I9IO. He filled his own acres, which had been the property of his father
before him, and there his life was largely spent. He was an active Republican, county
committeeman, justice of the peace, judge of elections and active in committee affairs.
He taught school in the winter months, was an elder of the United Presbyterian
church, and most regular in his attendance upon church services. He married Sarah
Jane McLaughlin, who survives him now (Igi8), aged eighty-one years, daughter of
George McLaughlin, of Allegheny township.
William A. McGeary was born at the home farm at Markle, Allegheny township,
February I8, I875, and was educated in the public schools of his district. At the age
of seventeen he left the home farm, becoming a worker in New Kensington mills.
He located in Vandergrift, in I9OI, and in partnership with his cousin, J. Grant
McGeary, established in business as a newsdealer, continuing as a firm until June 4,
1916, when he sold his interest and joined J. A. Steckel, in the real estate and insurance business, and since September, I9I7, has been interested as a coal operator. A
Republican in politics, Mr. McGeary has always takuin an active part in public affairs,
serving Vandergrift as councilman in I905, and for three years was president of
council. In I9o6 he was appointed burgess to fill out an unexpired term, then resumed
his duties as councilman. In 1914 he was again elected councilman, nominated by the
Republicans and endorsed by the Democrats. In 1917 he was elected burgess, being
IIOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
nominated by his own party and endorsed by the usually antagonistic parties. He
assumed the responsibility of the office January I, I918. Mr. McGeary is a member
of the Masonic order, belonging to lodge, chapter, commandery and consistory; is an
Odd Fellow; a Knight of Pythias; a Knight of Malta; an Elk; and deeply interested
in any movement or organization looking toward better things for Vandergrift. He
is a good business man, and has been successful in all his undertakings, the newspaper
business in which he was so long engaged having been unusually profitable. He is
big-hearted and generous, is ever ready to lend a hand, and numbers his friends
everywhere among all clacses.
Mr. McGeary married, in I9OI, Margaret Swank, daughter of David and Margaret Swank, of Freeport, Pennsylvania, her father a prominent farmer, politician,
and member of the United Presbyterian church, who died in 1913, her mother still
living. Mr. and Mrs. McGeary are the parents of two children: Margaret Elizabeth,
born June 17, I909, and Joseph Aber Grant, born July II, I913.
ROBERT WINTER-A  distinctly progressive business man was added to the
number of Irwin's citizens when Mr. WVinter became a resident of that always up-todate town. Her leading interests have never lacked his ready and efficient support
and co6peration, and his neighborly qualities no less than his public spirit have won for
him the cordial regard of all to whom he is personally known.
Robert Vtinter, father of Robert Winter, of Irwin, was born in Berwick-onTweed, England, and thirty-one years ago emigrated to the United States, settling in
Pennsylvania, where he followed the calling of a coal miner. Mr. Winter married,
in Berwick-on-Tweed, Hannah McAdam, a native of that place, and their children are:
I. Robert, mentioned below. 2. Isabelle, married Archibald L. Davidson, and now
lives in West Virginia. 3. Stephen, engaged in the insurance business in Uniontown,
Pennsylvania; married Emma Hoover, of Somerset. 4. Richard, who has been for a
number of years associated in business with his brother Robert; when war was declared he enlisted in the United States Navy and was attached to the Fourth Naval
District in Cape May, New Jersey; is now in active service. Mrs. Winter died in I9O4,
in Barton, Maryland, and Mr. Winter, who is now with the Hockensmith Wheel and
Mining Company, in Penn, Pennsylvania, is still active and manifests a strong interest in all the affairs of life.
Robert (2) Winter, son of Robert (I) and Hannah (McAdam) Winter, was
born January I9, I877, in Beddington, England, and was ten years of age when the
family came to the United States. Their home was in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania,
and it was there that the boy received his education. At fourteen he entered the local
mines and worked there for eleven years. At the end of that time his enterprising spirit
and the consciousness that he was in circumstances which justified him in venturing
upon a change led him to leave the mines and enter the service of F. A. Butts  Company, who were conducting a sewing machine business in Latrobe. After remaining
there three years, Mr. VVinter came to Irwin and established himself in a modest way in
the same line of business. Prosperity attended him and in the course of time he added
organs to his stock. This innovation proved to be the beginning of the business in
which he is now engaged. Other musical instruments came to join the organs and he
now handles ten makes of pianos as well as Victrolas and Sonoras.'His trade increased
so rapidly that he was obliged to move no fewer than four times before securing his
present quarters, which are the best in town. The business was established in I903,
and has increased with the lapse of each ensuing year. Politically Mr. Winter is a
staunch Republican, but has never been an office-seeker. He affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Malta, both of Irwin, and is a
member of the First Reformed Church.
4I2BIOGRAPHICAL
Mr. Winter married, November I9, I896, Edith, daughter of Alexander and
Melinda Berringer, of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, the former a pioneer farmer of
his community. Mr. and Mrs. Winter are the parents of the following children:
Lucretia May, born November 25, I897; Nellie Belle, born May 3I, 19o2; Hannah,
born January 14, I905; and Linnie Edith, born October 31, 1909. All these, with the
exception of the youngest, are attending the Irwin High School. Mr. and Mrs. Winter, the latter a woman of most pleasing personality, are devoted to family ties and
home duties and delight in extending hospitality to their many friends.
Robert Winter is a self-made man and a very successful one. He has built up a
business which rests on the sure basis of integrity. His fair dealing has earned for him
the implicit confidence of the public and has given him' an unquestioned standing in
the community.
MICHAEL ELLSWORTH  DODDS-It is safe to say that almost every resident of Herminie will instantly recognize this name as that of one of the most popular
men in Sewickley township. As proprietor of the leading hotel in his community, Mr.
Dodds would find it no easy task to estimate the number of his friends, and as a
citizen his public spirit has for many years rendered him deservedly prominent.
James Dodds, grandfather of Michael Ellsworth Dodds, was born in Germany,
emigrated to the United States, and became one of the early settlers of Sewickley
township and a leading farmer of that vicinity.
Michael Dodds, son of James Dodds, was born in 1832, in Sewickley township,
and was reared on the farm. He rented and cultivated land adjoining the homestead
and later entered the mines at Saltsburg, holding for thirty-five years the position of
pit boss for S. S. Brown. Mr. Dodds married Mary E. Fisher, born April 8, I842,
at Jacksonville, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph Fisher and
granddaughter of Robert Fisher. Robert Fisher was born in Ireland, and was one
of the pioneer settl-ers of Sewickley township. Joseph Fisher, who was born in that
township, was a well-known cabinetmaker and undertaker.
Michael Ellsworth Dodds, son of Michael and Mary E. (Fisher) Dodds, was
born June 14, I86I, at Port Perry, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He attended the
public schools of his native place until reaching his eleventh year. At that early age
he went to work in the mines as mule-driver, and in the course of time steadily advanced to higher positions. For five years he was boss driver for the Keystone Coal
Company at Carbon, and afterward served in the same capacity with the Berwyn 
White Company of Herminie. In I9OI, after holding this position seven years, Mr.
Dodds resigned and the same year built the hotel of which he is now the proprietor.
The excellent system on which the house is conducted and the genial manners and
obliging disposition of the host have easily obtained for it the first place among the
hotels of the neighborhood. In I912 he made additions to his hotel which have rendered it more commodious, but he has always remained on the same site, his establishment being one of the landmarks of the place. Since the establishment of the First
National Bank of Herminie, Mr. Dodds has occupied a seat on its board of directors.
He has always been very active in the councils of the Republican party, invariably
serving as committeeman until the last election when illness prevented his doing so.
In everything pertaining to the progress and uplift of the town Mr. Dodds is among
the foremost, unwearied in his efflorts and inspiring others by his energy and enthusiasm. He is prominent in the Young Men's Christian Association, and in the work of
the Red Cross, also aiding greatly in the distribution of Liberty Loans. He affiliates
with the Good Shepherd, No. 404, Knights of Malta, of Herminie, having served as
treasurer nine years, ever since the inception of the order. He also belongs to the
Loyal Order of Moose, No. 236, of Irwin.
Mr. Dodds married, May IO, i88o, Clara B., daughter of Daniel Ludwick, of Salts413OLD AND.NEW WESTMORELAND
burg, Pennsylvania, and of the nine children born to them the following are now
living: I. Eleanor, married Jonathan L. Gessler,.of Keystone, Pennsylvania, who
died August 30, I917, leaving his widow and the following children: Michael, Alice,
Logan and Arthur. 2. Harry W., associated with his father in business; married
Amelia, daughter of Aaron Marks, of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and they have one son,
Burn Wylie. 3. Charles T., now living in Detroit, Michigan; married Louise, daughter of John Hale, of Kentucky, and they have one child, Dorothy. 4. Frank W., associated with his father in business; married Elizabeth Stibbitts, daughter of Jacob Stibbitts Ellsworth, and they have had the following children: William, Naomi and
Harold; Naomi died August 8, I9I4, aged nineteen months. 5. Clara B., married
Frederick Bailing, of Ruffs Dale, Pennsylvania, and they have one son, Earl. 6.
Michael E., at home. Mr. Dodds is a man of strong domestic affections. He is the
sole survivor of his immediate family, his mother having passed away on September
I, I913, and the death of his brother Joseph having occurred March I9, I9I5. He has
always been a devoted husband and father, finding his greatest enjoyment in the home
made cheerful and happy by the presence of a model wife and mother.
Michael Ellsworth Dodds is essentially progressive, both in business and in civic
affairs. He is a man of massive frame and his strong features bear the imprint of the
qualities which have earned for him his present position in the community and won
the implicit confidence of his fellow-citizens.
MORRISON EARL GOOD-Less than two years have elapsed since the citizen of Export whose name heads this article was enrolled among the business men
of that progressive town, but in that short space of time he has taken his place as
one of the most enterprising of that body. Mr. Good is also actively connected with
the political life of his community, and takes a foremost part in the upbuilding of its
religious interests.
Morrison Earl Good was born October 8, I888, in Irwin, Pennsylvania, and is a
son of John and Mary Ann (Waugaman) Good. Mr. Good, an old resident-of Irwin,
was a farmer and for fifty years conducted a food business. The boy was educated in
the public and high schools of his native town, and at the age of eighteen became the
assistant of his father in the feed business. After two years' experience an enterprising spirit led the young man to strike out for himself and accordingly he went to
Pittsburgh and associated himself with the Westinghouse Electric Company of East
Pittsburgh. For seven years Mr. Good was connected with this famous corporation,
but at the end of that time chose to remove to Export where, in February, I916, he
established himself as the proprietor of a mercantile business of a general character.
The venture has prospered and he has a constantly increasing trade. In the sphere of
politics Mr. Good is actively identified with the Democratic party, having served on the
board of election at the last election held in Export. He and his wife are members
of the First Reformed Church at Irwin, and Mr. Good is a member of the choir and
takes an active share in the work of the Sunday school.. He had been a member of
the choir for -ten years before coming to Export.
Mr. Good married, October 9, I9o09, in Youngstown, Ohio, Anna Gallagher, and
they are the parents of two children: Sarah Anna, and Carolyn Luella. Mrs. Good
is an amiable woman, in full sympathy with her husband's tastes and aspirations, and
Mr. Good is devoted to his home and family. The- above is the biography of an allround man. Active and earnest in business, civic reform and the promotion of all uplifting influences, Morrison Earl Good is a force to be reckoned with in his community.
James K. Gallagher, father of Mrs. Anna (Gallagher) Good, is an old resident
of Irwin. For thirty years he was pattern-maker for the Hockensmith Car and
Wheel Company. In his youth he served in the Union army during the Civil War,
414BIOGRAPHICAL
enlisting August -8, I864, in the Second Brigade, Third Division, Ninth Corps, General
Park commanding, and later he did picket duty at Richmond for three months. Sutbsequently he was stationed at Petersburg and afterward was present at the capture of
Fort Steadman. He was in the general charge from Richmond to Petersburg, and
on June 2, I865, was honorably discharged. He is now captain of S. S. Marchent
Post, No. I9o, Grand Army of the Republic, of Irwin. Mr. Gallagher married Sarah
Hamilton, and has now retired from active business.
Anna Gallagher, daughter of James K. and Sarah (Hamilton) Gallagher, graduated from the Irwin High School, and for four and a half years was a teacher in
Greensburg. She became the wife of Morrison Earl Good, as stated above. Mrs.
Good has a local reputation as a musician.
THOMAS FLOYD WHITEMAN-One of the pioneer merchants and prominent citizens of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is himself a native of
this country. His father, Thomas Whiteman, however, was a native of England, who
came to the United States during his twenty-first year and made his way to Western
New York and settled in the farming region there. He purchased property in Otsego
county in that State and there followed farming for practically his entire life. A few
years before his death, however, he retired from all active business and moved to Richfield Springs, New York, where his death occurred. He married Salina Bates, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Geary) Bates, both of whom were natives of England. Mrs.
Salina (Bates) Whiteman survived her husband, but died in Richfield Springs at the
age of eighty-nine years. To Mr. and Mrs. Whiteman, Sr., thirteen children were
born, of whom Thomas Floyd was the twelfth. Four of this large family, two sons
and two daughters, survive.
Thomas Floyd Whiteman was born January 27, 1855, at East Springfield, Otsego
county, New York. He spent his childhood and early youth at his native place. There
also he received his education in the public schools and afterward attended Wyoming
Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania, and thus first became acquainted with the State
which was destined to be his permanent home. After completing his education, he
secured a position as clerk in a shoe store at Greenville, Pennsylvania, and there remained at work for a period of three years. Following this experience he became
connected with a wholesale shoe house of New York, and represented this concern
three years as a traveling salesman. It was in the year I88I that Mr. Whiteman came
to Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he at. once secured a clerical position in the shoe
store of Whiteman  Demman, of which his brother, the late Geary B. Whiteman,
was the senior partner. This successful business was founded in the year 1874, and is
without doubt the oldest house of its kind in the county. For two years Thomas F.
Whiteman was associated with it as a clerk, and in I883 he became a partner, continuing in association with his brother untii the year I89I, when the latter died and Mr.
Whiteman became sole owner. The business, which has been successful from  the
first, has developed with great rapidity under the able management of its present owner.
It is now one of the largest of its kind in that region. Besides his shoe business, Mr.
Whiteman is connected with many of the important interests of the community and
is an owner of real estate in and about Latrobe. For many years he has served as
president of the Home Building and Loan Association of. Latrobe, and is a leader in
many different aspects of its life. In politics Mr. Whiteman is a Republican, and has
been active in the interests of his party, although in no respect an office-seeker. In his
religious belief Mr. Whiteman is a Presbyterian, and has been very active in the work
of that church in Latrobe and has held for a number of years a position on its board
of trustees. He is a member of the local lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a
past master thereof.
4r5OLD AND NEWV WESTMORELAND
On October, I4, 1885, Mr. Whiteman was united in marriage with Anna Mabel
Sipe, daughter of John and Mary (Stitt) Sipe, old and highly respected residents of
Blairsville, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Whiteman five children were born, as
follows: Mary Gertrude, who was educated in the public schools of Latrobe, Indiana
Normal College and Columbia University, New York City; Lydia Bess, who became
the wife of Steele B. St.Clair, of Latrobe, and the mother of one daughter, Sarah
W\hiteman; Helen Louise, who was educated in the Latrobe public schools, Indiana
Normal College, and the Beechwood School for Girls; Charles Floyd, who was educated in the Latrobe public schools and at Lafayette University, where he became a
member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity; Walter Samuel, who was educated at the
Latrobe public schools and the Pennsylvania State College; is a member of the Beta
Theta Pi fraternity.
Mr. Whiteman is regarded by his fellow townsmen as one of the most progressive
members of the community, a man always ready to lend a helping hand in any movement undertaken for the common weal and who is particularly interested in the cause
of education and religion. He is one of the most substantial business men of the
community, and there are few civic movements in which he does not take a leading
part.
EDWARD DENNIS SEITZ-Edward Dennis Seitz, one of the well-known and
public-spirited citizens of Trafford, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a native
of Indianapolis, Indiana, and a son of Jacob and Margaret (Laughlin) Seitz, old and
highly respected residents of that city. Mrs. Seitz, Sr., died in I899, at Indianapolis,
but her husband still resides there. They were the parents of the following children:
Edward Dennis, of whom  further; J. Charles, who resides in Chicago, where he is
secretary and actuary of the Security Life Insurance Company of that city, married
Gertrude L. Reynolds, of Indianapolis, who has borne him three children, a son and
two daughters; Bertha, who became the wife of William H. Falvey, of Indianapolis,
who is superintendent of vehicle service in the post office of that city; Mary L., who
now resides with Laura Ellen Seitz, of Indianapolis.
Born January II, 1876, at Indianapolis, Indiana, Edward Dennis Seitz passed the
early years of his life in his native city and there secured the elementary portion of his
education. He attended for two years the Brothers of the Sacred Heart School and
he also was a pupil at the public schools of the city. After completing his studies at the
last-named institution,' Mr. Seitz began his long business career, all of which has been
associated with the, development of railroading in this community by securing a position on January., 1892, with the Lake Erie  Western railroad. His alert and capable
mind soon recommended him for advancement, and he was appointed consecutively
to the following Positions:. On May 3I, i893, he became stenographer to the assistant
general freight agent of the Lake Erie  Western railroad; June I, I893, he became
private secretary to superintendent of the car. service of the Cleveland, Cincinnati,
Chicago  St. Louis railway, and held this until May 20, I895; on May 2I, 1895, he
became ch.ief Glerk to the assistant general superintendent of the Lake Erie  Western
railroad, and worked in that capacity until June 28, I896; from June 29, I896, to May
3I, I898, he was private secretary to receiver and general manager and chief clerk to
the purchasing agent of the Louisville, Evansville  St. Louis railroad; he then became acting purchasing agent of the same road, and on January I, I899, was appointed
purchasing agent, which position he held until January I, 19OT, and then for two months
was chief clerk to general manager of the St. Louis-Louisville Line, Southern railway,
at St. Louis, Missouri; from March i, I90I, to.January I, 1903, he was secretary to
George C. Smith, vice-president of the Security Investment Company, of Pittsburgh,
and on January I, I903, became assistant secretary of the Securitv Investment Company, which was liquidated in I9I3, and assistant secretary and assistant treasurer of
4i6OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
self with the jewelry business and the fur trade, the latter being at that time extremely
profitable. He accumulated a fortune, also becoming the owner of a large amount
of Baltimore real estate. Mr. Hacke married, in Baltimore, Sophia Smith, of a distinguished American family of that city, and their children were: I. Nicholas Philip,
mentioned below. 2. William. 3. Lucy, became the wife of John Graff, of Blairsville, Pennisylvania. 4. Caroline, became the wife of George Reiter, a druggist of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. Rebecca, became the wife of John Hugus, a farmer
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; they have one daughter, Matilda, who became the wife of Henry Eicher and now as his widow resides near Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 6. Julia, became the wife of William Hugus, brother of John Hugus; they
have two daughters, Emma and Jessie; the latter is married, and both she and her
sister reside in Ohio. Mr. Hacke went with his son William to South America to
purchase a large stock of furs, and neither ever returned, both dying in an epidemic
of yellow fever. The wife and mother, unable to stand the shock of this double bereavement, passed away at the comparatively early age of forty years.
Rev. Nicholas Philip Hacke, son of Nicholas and Sophia (Smith) Hacke, was
born in September, I8oo, in Baltimore, Maryland. When he was six years old his
grandparents in Bremen begged his father to send the boy to live with them, assuring
him that they would give him every advantage which their position and wealth could
obtain for hini. It was with great reluctance that his mothfer consented to this arrangement, but finally he sailed from Baltimore with his uncle, William Hacke, on a
ship of which his uncle was the owner. Early in the voyage William Hacke was for
several days almost fatally ill, during which time "little Nicholas had to fight his
homesickness alone." On his arrival in Bremen the boy was met by his grandparents,
who did all in their power to render his life a happy one. Nicholas P. Hacke made
good progress in his studies, and was taught in the old bank presided over by his
grandfather. His father's younger sister, who was a woman of superior attainments
and an earnest Christian, became his devoted companion, assisting him with his
studies, and it was doubtless owing, in part at least, to her influence that the lad
decided to devote his life to the ministry.
When Nicholas P. Hacke was thirteen years old his mother felt that she could
no longer endure the separation, and accordingly, in I813, his father sailed for Bremen,
intending to bring his son home with him. The War of I8I2 was in progress, and the
father and son were not allowed to return to the United States. They remained in
Germany until I8I6, and during their enforced sojourn there the boy's grandmother
passed away. On their return to Baltimore, Mr. Hacke placed Nicholas P. in his
bank in that city, but soon discovered that his son was not adapted to the business.
On one occasion, when he was sent to collect some money due the bank, he returned
without it and told his father that he could not ask people for money. Mr. Hacke
asked his son what he intended to do, and was told that he had decided to become a
minister of the Gospel. Great as was the disappointment to find that this, his eldest
son, would not succeed him in the business which had for generations been hereditary in the family, the father was too, wise a man to oppose what he saw was a fixed
determination, and therefore he consented that his son should at once enter Professor
Baker's theological institution on the Baker farm near Baltimore.
It soon became evident that Nicholas P. Hacke, young as he was, had made
no mistake in his choice of a calling, but that he was exceptionally endowed with the
qualities which fitted him for it and insured his -success in it. Mental ability, innate
dignity and an intense spiritual earnestness, were from the beginning conspicuously
manifested by this man who was destined to exert so strong and lasting an influence
on multitudes of his fellowmen. His graduation and ordination at the early age of
nineteen were immediately followed by a call to the Reformed church at Greensburg.
At that time, now nearly a century ago, the surrounding country was little better than
26B IOGRAPHI CAL
417
the East Pittsburgh Improvement Company. These latter positions he has continued
to hold until the present time. He also served as president of the Trafford Water
Company, to which he was elected at the same time, until he resigned on October 3I,
I9I6. From that time to the present Mr. Seitz has made his home in this prosperous
town of Trafford, Westmoreland county, and is now regarded as one of the most
public-spirited citizens, as well as a successful business man here.
Mr. Seitz is a Republican in politics, excepting in connection with local affairs,
where he is entirely independent and is not affiliated with any party. He was a member of the school board of Trafford and also of the Trafford Board of Trade, and
held the office of president of the latter body until March, I918. He is also vicepresident of the Allied Board of Trade of Turtle Creek Valley, and a member of
the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Seitz in his religious belief is a staunch
Catholic, as have been the members of his family for many generations. He attends
the Catholic church of Trafford and takes a most active part in the work of the
parish. For a time Mr. Seitz taught in the evenings at the Newman Club in connection with the Holy Rosary Church of Homewood, but was obliged to give up this
work owing to lack of time. He also, taught in the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy
at Webster avenue, Pittsburgh, where he conducted commercial courses. He studied
for two years at the University of Pittsburgh, where he took evening courses in
economics and finance. He also studied in Duquesne University, and is at at the present time taking a course there (I9I7-I9I8). tn the year 90o2 he was the most prominent of those who founded the Holy Name Association of Pittsburgh, which has
now grown to large dimensions and plays a prominent part in Catholic activities
there. He is also responsible, in a measure, for the present Catholic church in
Trafford.  He is a progressive and energetic man in every branch of the town's
affairs, and is continually engaged in some work for the advancement of the community's interest as a whole. He is president of Penn Township Good Roads Association, and a member of the executive committee of the Irwin Good Roads Association,
and has recently been appointed by Governor Brumbaugh, of Pennsylvania, to a place
on the local defense committee, the function of which is to maintain order.
Edward Dennis Seitz was united in marriage, May 20, I903, at Indianapolis,
Indiana, with Anna Flaherty, a daughter of Thomas and Isabell (Boyle) Flaherty,
old and highly respected residents of that city, where Mr. Flaherty was engaged for
many years in the grocery and milling business; he died September 27, I917. Mrs.
Seitz was educated in the Sisters of Providence School at Indianapolis, and met her
husband in that city. Mr. Flaherty was a member of the Holy Name Society of the
Holy Cross Church of Indianapolis, and was very active in church work there. It
was due to him in a very large measure that the ground was secured on which the
present St. Patrick's Academy of Indianapolis was built, and it was necessary for him
to buy it in his own name and afterwards transfer it to the sisters. Mrs. Flaherty
has two sisters who are both in the religious house of the Sisters of Providence at
Indianapolis. They were originally Mary and Barbara Boyle, but have assumed the
religious names of Sister Joseph Henry and Sister Mary Eudocia. A brother of Mrs.
Seitz, the Rev. Henry Francis Flaherty, is a priest of the Catholic church, and is
now in charge of the church at Evansville, Indiana, which five years ago he was instrumental in having erected and which is known as the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Father Flaherty was a student at the famous Louvain University at Louvain, Belgium.
His preparatory studies were pursued at St. Gregory's Preparatory School at Cincinnati,
and he also attended St. Mary's Jesuit College at St. Marys, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs.
Seitz one child has been born, Margaret Isabell, January 13, I9o6. Another brother of
Mrs. Seitz, Thomas A. Flaherty, thirty-three years of age, enlisted some time ago in the
officers' training camp, was at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, now has his
commission as lieutenant of Aviation Corps. He was manager of the Prest-O-Lite
Company of Indianapolis, Detroit office, previous to going to camp.
W-27OLD AND NEW\ WESTMORELAND
WILLIAM  JOHN SNYDER-In the thirteen years during which Mr. Snyder
has been a resident of Trafford he has built up both a business and a reputation, a
statement which, in this case, has a more literal meaning than it sometimes carries,
inasmuch as the reputation has been made by his success in conducting a contracting
and building business. Mr. Snyder takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs
and has long been recognized as a leader in church activities.
Jacob Snyder, grandfather of William John Snyder, in early manhood purchased
a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Delmont, Franklin township, Pennsylvania,
and there passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in I886.
Jonathan'Snyder, son of Jacob Snyder, was born on his father's farm and devoted
his life to the cultivation of his paternal acres. He built the house and barn and made
many improvements, in consequence of which the farm is now one of the best in the
township. Mr. Snyder married Janet, daughter of David Sword, a farmer whose
estate joined that of the Snyders, and they became the parents of the following children: I. Mary Ellen, married George Cole, a contractor of Duquesne, Pennsylvania.
2. Jacob Matthias, a carpenter of Trafford; married Sadie Hobaugh, of Newlandenberg, Franklin township. 3. Sarah Elizabeth, married James Edward, of Braddock,
who is now deceased; Mrs. Edward lives on the homestead, devoting herself to the
care of her widowed mother. 4. James Sword, died August 7, I888, aged twenty-four
years. 5. Emma Rachel, married (first) Cyrus Kline, of Delmont, who died there in
I896 in consequence of a train accident; married (second) Milton Thompson, a painter
of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. 6. Martha Lavina, married Harry Heller, a garage
owner and car adjuster of Wilkinsburg. 7. William John, mentioned below. 8. George,
engaged in mercantile business; married Margaret Queery, of New Kensington, who
died in June, I916; he now lives on the homestead and manages the farm. 9. Anna
Janet, wife of William Stout, formerly of Greensburg, but now living in Export and
engaged in the coal business. Jonathan Snyder, the father of the family, died July
29, I916, on the old homestead, where his widow still resides.
(III) William John Snyder, son of Jonathan and Janet (Sword) Snyder, was
born April 4, I870, in Delmont, Franklin township, Pennsylvania, and received his
education in the public schools of White Valley, in the neighborhood of Delmont. On
leaving school he engaged in farming until the age of nineteen. At the end of a year
Mr. Snyder went to Duquesne, Allegheny county, and learned the carpenter trade, and
after three years moved to Pitcairn, where he established himself as a contractor and
builder. Success attended the venture and in I904 he moved to Trafford, where he
has since remained and is now at the head of an extensive business, his style being
William J. Snyder, contractor and builder. In politics Mr. Snyder is a Prohibitionist; for six years he served as school director. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he has for six years held the office of elder. For three years
he occupied a seat on the board of trustees, and on October I6, I917, was a delegate to
the church convention held in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. In the work of the church
he has always taken an active part. As a business man Mr. Snyder has done much
toward the material upbuilding of Trafford, and as a citizen he has helped to promote
her civic and religious interests.
Mr. Snyder married, May I5, 1894, Anna Alice, daughter of John G. and Susanna
(Errett) Graham, of Patton township, Allegheny county. Mr. Graham, who was one
of the pioneers of that region, died in I9o6, and his widow still lives on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have been the parents of the following children: Edward
Russell, now attending the high school; Venna Lysle, also a student at the high
school, died August 30, I9I7, at the age of thirteen years; Eula Aldine.
ROGER A. McCALL-Roger A. McCall, one of the successful and capable
merchants and business men of Trafford, Pennsylvania, and well known throughout
the entire region of Westmoreland county, is a son of Richard McCall, of Franklin
4i8BIOGRAPHICAL
419
township, who was one of the old pioneers of this vicinity. Richard McCall lived in
Franklin township, and carried on farming operations there for a period of about
forty-five years, retiring some five years before his death, which occurred in the year
I906. He was a, strong Republican in politics and active in the public life of the community. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church and served as an elder
therein for thirty-five years. At his death he left a valuable farm of some one hundred
and eighty-five acres. Mr. McCall, Sr., married Miss A. King, a daughter of Thomas
King, a prosperous farmer of Murrysville, Pennsylvania. Of this marriage the following children were born: John, who was employed by the Pennsylvania railroad
until his death in 19I5; James W., who continues to reside on the old homestead and
there is occupied as a farmer; Merrill K., who worked as a mechanic until his death
in I9o09; Sarah H., who is a graduate trained nurse and resides at East McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, at the present time; Harry W., who is engaged in business as a general
merchant in East McKeesport, and Roger A., of further mention.
Born at his father's home in Franklin township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 27, 1870, Roger A. McCall passed the years of his childhood amid these
rural surroundings. He received his education at the local public schools and later at
the Laird Institute of Murrysville, Pennsylvania. After completing his studies at the
latter institution, he began his successful business career, about I893, by taking a
clerical position in a local mercantile establishment. He continued as a clerk for some
ten years, gradually working himself into a position of more and more responsibility,
but continuing through that time to keep his attention fixed upon what had long been
an ambition with him, namely, to be engaged in business on his own account. Accordingly, in the year 19o3, he purchased the mercantile business of W. A. Miller, and thus
came to realize his ambition. This concern, which has since grown to such large
proportions, was at the time a comparatively small store, although the oldest of its
kind at Trafford. From that time to this Mr. McCall has remained in charge and
through his skill and talent the business has been developed to its present great proportions. It is now known as the Cashdollar-McCall Company. As the demands for
space have increased through the development of his trade, Mr. McCall has met them
by improving and enlarging the building where he is situated until it is now one of
the best and most perfectly equipped for his purposes in the community.
But it is not only as a merchant and business man that Mr. McCall is well known.
His mind is of that active kind which takes interest in well-nigh every aspect of life
and he has made himself a leader in many of the most important movements undertaken in the community. He is particularly active in the political world and is a
staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and is very
active in its local affairs. He has held a number of local offices, among which should
be mentioned that of president of the city council of Trafford for four years, and
just reelected for another term. He was appointed postmaster of Trafford in the
year I902 by ex-President Roosevelt. He continued to serve in this capacity during
the two administrations of Mr. Roosevelt and also under President Taft, and finally
was replaced, in I913, after the election of Woodrow Wilson. He has been the holder
of five post office commissions and has also held many other local posts. Mr. McCall
may truly be regarded as one of the pioneers in the building up of the prosperous town
of Trafford, in connection with which nobody has played a more important part. He
has been treasurer of the Trafford Board of Trade, and has been director of the First
National Bank of Trafford for the past ten years, and was recently elected to the special honor of vice-president of the same. In his religious belief he is a United Presbyterian, attending the church of this denomination at Trafford, and is very active in
its work. He has for the past eight years been a trustee of the church and gives his
services as a teacher in the Sunday school. He has done much in support of the church
work, especially in connection with its philanthropic and charitable undertakings. HeOLD AND NEWV WESTMORELAND
is also a prominent figure in social and fraternal life, and is affiliated with the local
lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of American
Mechanics.
Roger A. McCall was united in marriage, November 2I, 1895, with Anna Wilson
Shryock, a daughter of L. B. W. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Shryock. Mr. Shryock was
during his life a Presbyterian minister of the church at Oxford, Chester county, Pennsylvania, his death occurring there in I891. To Mr. and Mrs. McCall the following
children have been born: Everett R., born in I899, and now engaged in railroad work;
Gladys Shryock, born in I902, and now a pupil at the Trafford High School; Roger
A., Jr., who died at the age of seven and a half years, November II, I9II, as the result
of a street car accident in Trafford. Mrs. McCall is a sister of William T. Shryock,
who is an engineer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whose only son, Everett H. Shryock,
has established himself successfully as a general merchant in Portland, Oregon. Here
the young man has married and is the father of one child. Mrs. McCall's family has
resided for many years at Greensburg and Delmont, and is very prominent in this
region. Her uncle, David Wilson Shryock, was editor of the "Greensburg Tribune"
for a number of years, and later was cashier of the National Bank of Mount Pleasant.
FRED E. OBLEY-In I840 Timothy Obley came from his native Germany,
locating at VWest Newton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until
his death. He was survived by three sons from whom sprang the present-day representatives of the name. Timothy Obley's sons were men of strong character, industrious, hard-working men, who took an active part in the development of the section
in which they cast their lot and were among the substantial, influential citizens of their
period. Their excellent qualities were transmitted' to sons and daughters, and in the
years which have elapsed since the first coming to Westmoreland, Obley has been a
name honored and respected.
Timothy Obley was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January I9, I793. He was
an enlisted soldier in the army of Wurtemberg, serving from June i8, I814, until July
I8, I821. He married Elizabeth Eisle, who bore him three sons and two daughters.
In I840 the family came to West Newton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, which
has since been the family seat.
Frederick Obley, son of Timothy and Elizabeth (Eisle) Obley, was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, August 7, I824, came to West Newton with the family in I840,
and died there March, I882. He learned the mason's trade in West Newton and followed that occupation all his life. When war raged between the States, he enlisted in
Company F, Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving from
I862 until the war closed. He saw hard service with his regiment, a part of the Army
of the Potomac, was in many battles, was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness
and contracted ailments which eventually caused his death. He was a Democrat in
politics, an elder of the West Newton Church of God, and one of its strong pillars
of support. He was representative-elect to the general assembly of the church, and a
man of pure, upright life. He was a devoted member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, and when laid at' final rest his brethren rendered him all the honors
of the beautiful burial service of the order. He married Susanna Peters, also of
German ancestry, although her father was born in Westmoreland county. Mr. and
Mrs. Obley were the parents of three sons, all of whom survived their father, and of
three daughters, one of whom preceded him to the grave.
Patterson S. Obley, son of Frederick and Susanna (Peters) Obley, was born
in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May I, I857, and is yet
one of West Newton's active, substantial business men (I917). At an early age he
began working in the old Markle paper mills, but later became associated with his
420BIOGRAPHICAL
father in his business as a contractor of.plastering and all kinds of mason work. He
later formed a partnership with his brother Franklin and continued in the same
line of business until about I89o, when he branched out for himself as a general contractor. He has been very successful in his undertakings, ranks high as an honorable,
reliable and capable contractor, while as a citizen he is public-spirited and deeply interested in the welfare of his community. He is a Democrat in politics, has always
taken active part in local public affairs, serving West Newton as councilman and
school director. He is an elder of the Church of God, president of the board of
trustees, and like his father one of the strong pillars of support.  He is a charter
member of Lodge No. 440, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, member of the
Knights of Malta and of the West Newton Board of Trade. He married, in 1882,
Hannah Elizabeth Delaney, daughter of Jacob and Anna (Dennison) Delaney, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Obley are the parents of seven sons and
daughters:  Florence, married IHarry Baugman, of Irwin, Pennsylvania; Fred E.,
of further mention; Maud, married John Weaver, of West Newton; Samuel, a general
contractor of West Newton; Clifford, deceased; Raymond and Harold, students in
West Newton schools.
Fred E. Obley, son of Patterson S. and Hannah Elizabeth (Delaney) Obley, was
born in West Newton, Pennsylvania, September 4, I885, and has there spent his life.
He was educated in the public schools, completing his studies in high school with
graduation, class of I902. He began business life with the United States Radiator
Company of West Newton as clerk, but after one year with that concern transferred
his services to the Weaver-Costello Candy Company of Pittsburgh. After leaving the
latter company he became associated with his father and until I913 was a member of
the firm, P. S. Obley  Son, general contractors. In June, I913, he was appointed
postmaster of West Newton, an office he most efficiently fills and still holds. Mr.
Obley, like his father and grandfather, has ardently supported Democratic principles
and been for several years an active party worker and influential in party councils.
For eight years he has been a member of the Democratic county committee, and for
two years was precinct register and assessor. Since his appointment as postmaster he
has devoted himself closely to the duties of his office and by all means in his power
has striven to give West Newton the best of postal service. He is secretary-treasurer
of the Pennsylvania State Postmasters' Association and secretary of the Western Pennsylvania Postmasters' Association, these bodies being devoted to the betterment of the
service in Pennsylvania. From youth Mr. Obley has been interested in athletics and
all out-of-door recreations, and for the past four years has been president of the
West Newton Athletic Association. He is also president of the West Newton branch
of The Wild Life League of America. His interest extends to all branches of city
life, and he holds membership in the Youghiogheny Social Club, the Knights of Malta,
the Board of Trade and the Church of God.
Mr. Obley married, August 6, I9II, Sylvia G. Linn, daughter of George Albert
and Carrie (Lancaster) Linn, of Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Obley are
the parents of three children: Jackson, born December 30, I9I3; Elizabeth, born June
I2, I9i6; Viva Linn, born January 23, I918; all born in West Newton.
FRANK  M. McBRIDE--rrank Murphy McBride is one of the representative
merchants of Trafford, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and has won a well
deserved place in the respect and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. He is a son of John
McBride, of Coyleville, Pennsylvania, where the elder man lived for more than sixty
years, on the same farm, and there carried on agricultural operations successfully.
John McBride died in I887. He was a native of Ireland, having been born in County
Donegal in the year 1827, and came to the United States in early life, where he settled
at Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. He later came to Coyleville, where he eventually died.
421OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
He married Catherine Sweeney, like himself a native of County Donegal, Ireland. They
were married on Mr. McBride's farm in Coyleville, and were the parents of twelve
children, as follows: Michael B., who became a practicing attorney in Chicago, and
there died in I899; Mary, who became the wife of Neal Blaney, of Pittsburgh, now
deceased; Patrick, who became an oil operator in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and in
Virginia, and died in the year I9o8; John, who also became an oil operator and is now
living retired at Coyleville; Kate, who resided at Coyleville until her death in I880;
George, an oil operator who. now makes his home in Oklahoma; Biddy, who became the
wife of Dan Murphy, an oil operator of Toledo, who died in I892; James, an oil
operator in Oklahoma until his death in I907; Margaret, who became the wife of Tom
Dillon, the field man for the Standard Oil Company of Toledo, Ohio, until his death
in I96; Frank Murphy, of whom further.
Born February Io, I863, Frank Murphy McBride was a native of Coyleville, Butler county, Pennsylvania. It was here that his childhood and early youth was spent
and it was here that he gained the elementary portion of his education, attending for
this purpose the local public schools. Upon completing his studies he began his successful business career in the same line that so many of his brothers ha-ve taken up, and
became interested in the development of the oil industry in this region. He continued
in this line for some eleven years, his operations being conducted in Forest and Butler
counties. The town of Trafford, Westmoreland county, was just entering upon its
period of greatest development at about this time, and Mr. McBride believed that
great opportunities awaited him in connection with the upbuilding of this prosperous
community. Accordingly, he came here in I903, his trip into the town being made on
the first car to run into Trafford. He was quick to see what the growth of a community of this kind would mean for those who became associated with it at the very
outset, and accordingly established himself in the grocery business here. At first his
business was conducted on a small scale, although on the same location as it is today, but it rapidly increased in size and importance until it is now one of the best
known establishments of its kind in the community. From time to time Mr. McBride
increased the accommodations of his store and that to such an extent that it has since
become one of the best equipped in town. He has added some five rooms to the original one, to say nothing of three porches to the building. Originally he rented the store,
but in I912 purchased it, so that he is now the proprietor of the entire establishment.
The business has been built up entirely by dint of his own efforts and the success which
he enjoys to-day is indeed well merited. In politics he is a Democrat and has been
very active in the affairs of his party in this region. He has run for a number of
offices on the Democratic ticket and has held the office of town councilman for the past
four years, I913-I7, and reelected in I918. He is chairman of the street committee,
and member of the Board of Trade of Trafford, and was one of the first to join the
latter organization. In his religious belief Mr. McBride is a Roman Catholic and
attends St. Regis Church of this denomination at Trafford.
Frank Murphy McBride was united in marriage, April I9, 1892, with Margaret
Weiland, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Stuitz) Weiland, of Coyleville, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Weiland was a farmer for some thirty-six years. He was the
owner of one hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable land in that region which he
spent his entire time in improving and bringing to the highest possible state of fertility.
This farm is still in the possession of his family. To Mr. and Mrs. McBride the following children have been born: James Maley, who is now employed as a moulder in
a branch of the great Westinghouse concern at Trafford; George, who works in his
father's store; Clarence, born in I903, now a student in the Trafford High School.
Mr. McBride is one of the most public-spirited and influential citizens of the
town and has always interested himself actively in every movement undertaken for the
community's benefit. He was the first policeman employed by the town of Trafford,
and has always bi.~n ready to do his share of the work connected with the running of
the community.
422BIOGRAPHICAL
ELI W. BECK-Beck is a name which has for many generations been known
and honored in Westmoreland county. The family has throughout that period taken
an active part in its affairs and is represented at the present time by Eli W. Beck, of
Greensburg, one of the most prominent and successful merchants and business men in
that region. It is not known positively when the Beck family was founded here and
we cannot be sure whether Daniel Beck, the grandfather of Eli W. Beck, was born
here or came at an early age from some other part of the country. The great balance
of probability, however, is in favor of the former supposition, and this is true in any
event that the greater portion of his life was spent in Hempfield township, where he
was engaged for many years in.the occupation of farming. He married a Miss Fisher,
and they were the parents of nine children, seven boys and two girls. One of these
children, Abraham Beck, was the father of Eli W. Beck.
He was born on his father's farm in Hempfield township, February 9, I834, and
spent his childhood and early youth there. He received his education at the public
schools of the township, establishing at these institutions an unusually fine record as
to character and scholarship. He was a young man of enterprising and venturesome
disposition, and shortly after leaving school went West and made his home in the
State of Iowa, near the town of Dubuque, and there engaged in a mercantile business.
For a number of years he conducted a general country store in Jackson county, Iowa,
and here met with a considerable degree of success. In I869, however, he disposed
of his business there and returned to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where he bought
out the firm of Vance  Kilgore, which Was engaged in the general mercantile business
in this city. Here Mr. Beck's business talent had a much larger sphere in which to,
expand, and in association with his brother, Eli Beck, established a large and remunerative business. A few years later Mr. Beck purchased his brother's interest and conducted the enterprise alone. A man of strong opinions and convictions, Mr. Beck
made his influence felt in the community, and took a very considerable part in local
affairs. He was a Democrat in politics, being a firm believer in the policies and principles for which that party stands, and was elected on its ticket, treasurer of the borough
of Ludwick for several terms, and also became a member of the Board of Education.
He was affiliated with a number of important organizations, among which should be
mentioned the United Workmen of America. He was strongly religious and for many
years was an active member of the Second Reformed Church of Greensburg. Abraham Beck married Mary Errett, a daughter of Adam and Mary Errett. They were
the parents of the following children: Eli W., mentioned below; James A., mentioned
below, and George E., mentioned below. Abraham Beck died January I7, I907.
Born June I4, I865, on his father's farm near Dubuque, Jackson county, Iowa,
Eli W. Beck, eldest child of Abraham and Mary (Errett) Beck, accompanied his
parents while still an infant to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He received his education
in the public schools of Ludwick.  He inherited his father's alertness and intelligence, and after completing his studies entered the grocery business as a sort of partner to his father, who was at that time founding such an enterprise in Greensburg.
Here he remained as a sort of assistant to the elder man until the latter's death,
when. he succeeded to the business jointly with his brother, George E. Beck. In the
hands of these two capable young men, the enterprise has increased greatly and is now
one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the city. Mr. Beck is rightly
regarded as one of the most successful and progressive among the merchants of
Greensburg and holds a very conspicuous and influential position in the business world
there. ILike all the members of his family, Mr. Beck is a strong Democrat in politics,
but has taken a peculiar interest in the success of that party and has done much to
advance its cause thereabouts. He has been elected to the City Common Council on
its ticket and has also held the office of school director in the community. At thepresent time he holds the position of vice-president of the Greensburg Grocery Com423OLD AND NEWV WESTMORELAND
pany, which he was largely instrumental in organizing. This concern, which is engaged in the wholesale grocery business and is largely operated by Mr. Beck, is now
(I9I8) closing out its business.
It is a proposition which will not find many to oppose it that the perusal of the
records of successful men exerts a beneficial influence upon those who indulge therein, and especially with the youthful whose careers are to be run and whose viewpoints
are so easily moulded to good or bad by what they see and hear. It is, therefore, in
some measure the duty' of' all -to preserve memorials of these worthy men and the
records of those who are living, the men who have distinguished themselves locally
so that their records, crystallized and made permanent in print, may continue as
edifying examples *for others.  Among the citizens of Westmoreland. county, Mr.
Beck holds a prominent place in the-regard of the community and is highly respected
in the circles of his home region.
James A. Beck was born September 5, I867, at Greensburg.  He received his
education in the public schools of Ludwick, and after completing his studies there was
variously employed until he entered the service of the' Westmoreland Grocery Company, in the capacity of shipping clerk, at the beginning of its career.  From  this
position he was raised to the position of buyer and continues to hold that to the present time. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Second Reformed
church. James A. Beck married Sarah B'ender, a daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Zundel) Bender; of this county. One child has been born to this union, namely,
a daughter, Catherine.
George'E. Beck was'born in Greensburg, June 23, I870. He received his early
education in the public schools of Greensburg, and after leaving school entered the
photographing business in which he remained for a period of about ten years.  In
I907 he succeeded to his father's great business in partnership with his brother Eli
W. George. E. Beck is a Democrat in politics and an active supporter of that party
in this region. Like his father he has been always associated with the Second Reformed church of Greensburg.  He married Cora Boyle, a daughter of Levi -and
Sarah Boyle.
ELMER HENDERSON-This name represents a business man of the aggressive type, successfully identified with the real estate and insurance interests of
Trafford City. Not only is Mr. Henderson well known in business circles, but he
has taken an active part in local politics, filling with credit more than one office of
public trust, an'd'-with the religious life of his community he has long been associated
as an extremely earnest and highly'effective worker.
Robert'Ienderson, great-grandfather' of Elmer Henderson, was a native of
Center county, Pennsylvania, where he spent his life as a farmer. He'was active in
public affairs. He married Mary Jackson, daughter of Peter Jackson.
David Henderson, son of Robert Henderson, was numbered, about I830, among
the pioneers of Center county, Pennsylvania. David Henderson was one of the
leading and substantial mnien of'Center county,' active'in church and public affairs.
His church'was of the United Brethren denomination. His death occurred in Center
county. He was the owner of a large farm which he operated, and no man was more
widely or favorably known. He married Mary McManigh.
Milton J. Henderson, son of David Henderson, was a farmer, also engaged in
lumbering, and bore an influential part in local affairs, adhering to the Republicans
and serving as road supervisor and school director. He was a trustee of the United
Brethern church and superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Henderson married
Emeline Weaver, and they became the parents of one child, Elmer, mentioned below.
Mrs. Henderson passed away in September, I88I.
Elmer Henderson, son of Milton J. and Emeline (Weaver) Henderson, was born
424BIOGRAPHICAL
a wilderness, but as the population increased he founded churches at Brush Creek,
Manor, Harrold and Hills, near Greensburg.  He ministered to all the branch
churches while pastor of the First Reformed Church at Greensburg, riding from
church to church on horseback. By birth, education, and sympathies, Mr. Hacke was
peculiarly fitted to be their guide, and he also possessed the clarity of vision and
breadth of mind needed in one whose duty it was not only to consider their spiritual
welfare but to point the way to them in the new land which was to be the abiding
place of generations of their posterity. This he did with a wisdom and enlightment
which entitled him to the perpetual gratitude of the State of Pennsylvania and the
country-at-large. Especially did he labor long and earnestly to supplant the German
language with the English tongue, assuring his people that this change must eventually
take place in all communities, and pointing out to them the long train of advantages
which would follow in its wake. The great progress made during the last seventyfive years by the church people of Southwestern Pennsylvania should be attributed
in no small measure to the unwearied labors of this far-seeing man.
Rev. Dr. Hacke impressed the people of Greensburg, Pittsburgh and vicinity,
with his learning, earnestness, firmness and refined Christian personality, and the
Reformed members of that section were very proud of their pastor and of his influence for good. Many were admitted to the membership of the church, many marriages were performed by him, many funerals were attended by him. He brought
comfort and cheer to the bereaved ones, and wrote many obituary notices. In fact,
his time was all taken up in ministering to the wants and needs of his people. In this
work he was ably assisted by his wife, who was truly a helpmate to her husband, she
being active in all the work of the church. They earned the highest respect and admiration of all with whom they were brought in contact. Rev. Dr. Hacke was not only
the earnest theologian and Christian worker, but he was a peace maker, an adviser,
and an altruist in the best meaning of the word. He was consulted on many matters
outside of the theological field. He adjusted difficulties in business, and often avoided
litigation for his friends and parishioners.
Rev. Dr. H acke married, in Greensburg, in I82T, Susan Drum Hugus, of Greensburg, a descendant of a family of Huguenot origin, which upon the revocation of the
Edict of Nantes, was banished from France. Jacob Hugus, [ather of Mrs. Hacke,
was one of seven brothers, members of a wealthy family, who were compelled to flee
from their homes and who emigrated to this country and settled in Baltimore. The
names of five of these brothers were: Paul, Peter, Jacob, Isaac and John, the latter
named having been a minister of the Reformed church, and the first to preach in the
church of that denomination in Pittsburgh. Jacob Hugus, father of Mrs. Hacke, later
settled in Western Pennsylvania, becoming a resident of Greensburg, where he followed the trade of jeweler, clock and watch maker. His granddaughter, Sarah L.
Hacke, has one of his large "grandfather clocks" in her home in Pittsburgh. He was
a man who inherited the strong religious principles of his ancestors, and in every
relation of life was respected and beloved. He married Catherine Flickinger, a member of an old Pennsylvania family.
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Hacke were the parents of the following children: I. Sophia
M., died unmarried. 2. William Herman, married Lavina L. Steck, daughter of Rev.
John M. Steck; no children; both deceased. 3. Nicholas Henry, married Rebecca
McLaughlin; children: Margaret and Susanna, both of whom died unmarried. 4.
Jacob Hugus, died unmarried. 5. Catherine Elizabeth, died unmarried. 6. John L.,
married Catherine Truxell; two children: Henry, deceased, and Ella B., wife of
Joseph B. George, and their children were John Hacke George, deceased, unmarried,
and Jaul Hacke George, residing near Greensburg, who married Catherine Kunkle,
daughter of John E. Kunkle, an attorney of Greensburg; they have one son Paul
Hacke George, Jr. Sarah L., a resident of Pittsburgh, a liberal contributor to worthy
27BIOGRAPHICAL
January 12, I878, at Port Matilda, Center county, Pennsylvania, and received his
education in the public schools of Taylor township, the Pittsburgh Academy and the
Northern University, Valparaiso, Indiana. For three years he taught in the schools
of Center county and then went to Pitcairn, where for another three years he served
in a railroad ticket office. His next position was in the accounting department of
the Pittsburgh Transfer and then he became ticket agqnt at Trafford City. In I9IO
he engaged in real estate and insurance and soon became the leading broker of the
community. Not being content with the real estate business, he became the pioneer
garage-owner of the place, building in I9I6, a fine two-story brick structure with a
capacity for accommodating seventy-five cars. This building he placed at the service
of the seven Protestant churches of Trafford city in the evangelistic campaign which
they held in March, I9I7. The leaders were Dr. E. G. Sawyer, of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and W. P. Cramer, of Wilkinsburg, and in the five weeks during which the
campaign lasted between six hundred and seven hundred conversions were recorded.
The garage is built on the highway between Greensburg and Pittsburgh and is
popularly known as The Half-Way Station. At the present time Mr. Henderson
has a large real estate and insurance business, which was founded in I9IO, as aforementioned. He helped to organize the local Board of Trade and is now one of its
active members, has been an officer since its organization and only recently was
elected to its presidency. He is warmly interested in philanthropic work, and both
financially and materially has been largely instrumental in the upbuilding of the place.
In the councils of the Republican party, Mr. Henderson has long been a recognized
leader, and for five years he served on the county committee. He has now for seven
years held the office of burgess. He is a charter member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, belonging to Trafford City Lodge, No. II46. His name appears on
the list of founders of the United Brethren church of Trafford City, of which he is
a member, and he has been identified with the Sunday school as superintendent, from
its very inception. The church was built in IgIo and is a brick edifice. Mr. HenIeaerson is president of the board of trustees, and for three years nas served on the executive committee on Sunday school work in the Irwin district. He is also a member of
important denominational committees. In 1917 he was elected as a delegate to the
General Conference held at Wichita, Kansas. He is vice-president of the local chapter
of the Red Cross at Trafford, and was chairman of the committee of the Young Men's
Christian Association organization for raising funds for the conduct of the war, and
more than doubled their quota.
Mr. Henderson married, in I903, Mary Grace, daughter of P. S. and Laura E.
Richards, leading citizens of Port Matilda, and the following children have been born
to them: Thomas Milton, died at the age of eight months; Laura E.; Eunice M.;
Robert E.; William P.; John S., and Milton J. Mr. Henderson is a devoted husband
and father, delighting to spend at his own fireside the few leisure hours permitted
him by the urgent and engrossing demands of his many important trusts and responsibilities.
FRANKLIN  PIERCE MYERS-Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to
a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who planned their
own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles and with a
certainty that could have been obtained only through their own efforts. Of this class
Franklin Pierce Myers is a representative, and his extensive business interests bring
him an excellent financial return. At the same time he belongs to that class of representative Americans whose labors result not alone to their individual prosperity, but
are far-reaching in their valuable influence and pubilic aid.
Franklin Pierce Myers is a son of Jacob and Susanna (Loughner) Myers, and is
425OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
a member of an old Pennsylvania family, his grandfather, Jacob Myers, having been
born there. Jacob Myers, father, was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in
Penn township. IL was there also that he received his education and where he later
learned the trade of carpenter. This trade he followed for many years, but in the
latter part of his life purchased a handsome farm in Penn township, whereon he lived
until within ten years of his death. He then made his home with his daughter, Mrs.
Henry, in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, where his death eventually occurred. He was
a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of Pythias, and of the Lutheran church.
Born February 20, 1856, in Penn township, Franklin Pierce Myers passed his
childhood and early youth there. There also he gained his education, attending for
this purpose the local public schools. He completed his studies in these institutions
at the age of eighteen years, and from that time until he was twenty-five years of age
he worked on his father's farm. He then abandoned the parental roof and began working in the coal mines of the district and still later took a, position as clerk in one of
the local stores. He continued to work in this line for a number of years and with
several different establishments, and in 1905 was able to realize his ambition to engage in business on his own account. It was in this last named year that he opened
a general grocery store in partnership with his son, Oscar Franklin Myers, at No.
234 Oakland avenue, Greensburg, where he has remained to the present time and
where he has built up a large and remunerative business. At the time of the founding of this establishment, he occupied only about thirty by forty feet of floor space,
but since that time he has added very largely to his original quarters, building first
a warehouse and later a garage. He has developed a splendid rural trade, which he
takes care of by means of motor trucks, which deliver in all parts of the county.
On December 29, i88i, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Anna L. Henry,
a daughter of Frederick and Leida Anna (Groose) Henry, of Morris Hill, Penn
township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers the following children have been born: I. Oscar F., born October I4, 1882, at Greensburg;
received his education in the public schools of that town; from the time of the completion of his. studies until his eventual partnership with his father, he was employed
by the Greensburg Hardware  Supply Company; although a comparatively young
man, he already occupies a very prominent place in the life of the community and has
been chief of the fire department there since July I6, I9I6; he is also a very prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and has occupied all the various chairs in
the local body of this order; he is also a member of Lodge No. 840, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and is president of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association. 2. Adriana Frederickson, born at Gireensburg, August 28,
1898; she received her early education in the local public schools, and is at the present time a pupil in the Greensburg High School.
Mr. Myers is a lifelong Democrat and is regarded as an important factor in local
affairs, although the demands upon his time and attention made by his large business
interests are such as to make it impossible for him to take the active part therein for
which his talents and abilities so eminently fit him. He is a director of the Greensburg Grocery Company, with which also his son is associated, and is a member of the
First Reformed Church of Greensburg and is actively associated with the work of that
body.  Mr. Myers' influence is extended far beyond his successful business career,
and he is best know for his public spirit and charitable works. Every enterprise that
has for its object the betterment of mankind and the development of the community
commands a goodly share of his time and energy and also feels the touch of his zeal
and liberality, and to his unusual gift of persuasion, combined with indomitable will
power, many a public charity owes its financial success, his name on the board of
directors being a sure sign that the object sought for will be gained. Much that has
426BIOGRAPHICAL
been done for the advancement of the community owes its initiative and completion
to the energy, determination and liberality of Mr. Myers, who is a firm friend, ever
having particularly at heart the interests of the young men of the city.
PLATO ARCHER-Plato Archer, one of the successful manufacturers of
Jeannette, Wlestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a native of that town, born there
August I3, I892. His parents, however, were English, and his father, John Archer,
came to this country as a young man. Mr. Archer, Sr. was a son of John Archer,
of Durham, England, and it was there that he received his education. His emigration from England to America occurred about I885, and upon reaching this country
he at once came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until near
the close of his life. He worked for many years in the great glass factories of that
city, but later came to Jeannette, about the time that that town was first started. He
was a staunch Republican, and a member of the Episcopal church. He married
Margaret Dunn, who bore him the following children: Jennie, who is now Mrs.
Frank Denny, of Jeannette; Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. George Lobady, of Jeannette;
Mary, now Mrs. Clyde Shatts, of Jeannette, and Plato, of whom further.
Plato Archer received his education in the local public schools of Jeannette and
subsequently took a business course in the Leech Business College at Greensburg.
After leaving school he learned the trade of tinner, and on June I, 1913, entered that
business for himself. For some time after he had established himself the business
continued on a small scale and he found accommodation in a little shop on 6th street,
Jeannette.  In I915, however, the trade had outgrown the original quarters and he
moved to a considerably larger place, where he is at present located. His shop is now
forty by sixty feet in dimensions and he conducts there a highly successful business
in general sheet metal and roofing, and in addition to his work in the city has a large
rural trade. He is now regarded as one of the most substantial and public-spirited
citizens of Jeannette, and his influence is felt in every movement undertaken for the
common weal. Mr: Archer is a staunch Republican in politics, and is closely identified
with th.e social and fraternal life of the city. He is a member of the Junior Order of
American Mechanics, of the local lodges of the Independent Order o,f Odd Fellows
and of the Protected Home Circle. In his religious belief he is an Episcopalian, attending the church of that denomination at Jeannette, where he has been very active in its
work, and has held the office of.vestryman for a number of years.
JOHN S. SLOAN-It is safe to say that very few residents of Trafford City
will fail to instantly recognize this name as that of one of its best known citizens. Mr.
Sloan, who is now serving his second term as justice of the peace, is well known in real
estate and insurance circles, and is actively associated with the essential interests of
his community.
William C. Sloan, father of John S. Sloan, was one of the oldest residents of
Salem township, and in his early manhood served in the Civil War as a member of
Company C, Fifteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel
Hawkins. In later life Mr. Sloan filled for twenty-five years the office of justice of
the peace. He was prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed the chairs. As an elder in the Presbyterian church he took an
active part in its work and support. Mr. Sloan married Eliza, daughter of Alexander
Thompson, a resident of Bell township, and a veteran of the Mexican War. Mr. and
Mrs. Sloan were the parents of the following children: Alexander T., died in March,
I916, in New Alexandria; Anna May, married John Crugan, of Crafton, Pennsvlvania; Irma H., became the wife of C. C. Stotler, of Wilkinsburg; John S., mentioned
below; Clyde M., married Anna Shaffer, of Ligonier; James T., killed in 1905, while
427OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
cutting timber; and Jessie Rose, of Trafford City. The death of Mr. Sloan occurred
in 1905, when he was sixty-two years of age. As a man and a citizen he was universally respected.
John S. Sloan, son of William  C. and Eliza (Thompson) Sloan, was born February 23, I874, in Salem township, and received his education in public schools of the
neighborhood. It was in Iowa that he made his entrance into the business world, remaining there two years and then working one year in Ohio. In I9IO Mr. Sloan
removed to Trafford City, associating himself with its real estate and insurance interests. In this venture he has been successful. As a Democrat he early took an
active part in local politics and was elected to the office of justice of the peace. In
November, I915, he was reelected by a large majority, his term of service to expire
in 1922. He belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and is a
member of the Presbyterian church. He is a cousin of Judge McConnell, of Greensburg, whose biography appears in this work.
Mr. Sloan married, July I4, I9Io, Mary, daughter of P. P. Klingensmith, one of
the oldest residents of Salem township, and they are the parents of one son, John
T. Sloan. The record which Mr. Sloan has already made for himself is proof positive of the high estimation in which he is held by his fellow-citizens and as he is still
a young man there is little doubt that much of it still remains to be written. There
is reason for believing that the pages added in the years to come will tell of further
advancement and a summons to more than one greater responsibility and larger,
more complicated and more momentous trust.
HENRY W. NULL-One of the most enterprising and prosperous business men
of West Newton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Henry W. Null, proprietor of a large shoe store, located in one of the best business blocks of that thriving community. He is a descendant of one of the oldest Pennsylvania families, his
great-grandfather, Captain Philip Null, having been born at Wrightsville while Pennsylvania was still a colony. Upon the outbreak of hostilities between the English and
the colonists, Captain Null proved his patriotism by joining the Continental Army'and
serving as an officer in the Revolution. He saw active service in that momentous
struggle under Generals Marion and Sumpter, and after the close of the war located
at Lincolnton, North Carolina, where he made his home for a number of years. He
then returned to his native region and resided for a time in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, in the vicinity of what is now the city of Greensburg, although at that
time practically the entire region was virgin wilderness. Still later he removed to
West Virginia and made his home on the little Kanawa river and it was here that the
latter years of his life were spent and that his death finally occurred. He married
Margaret Beauchamp, of Rockingham county, Virginia, about I78I.
His son, Henry Null, grandfather of Henry W. Null, of this review, was born
at Lincolnton, North Carolina, during the time that his parents made their home
there, and the first ten years of his life were spent in his native region.  He then
accompanied his parents North to Pennsylvania and resided in Westmoreland county
until he had reached early manhood. He located for a time in East Huntingdon
township, where he engaged in the occupation of farming and was very successful
therein. He became the possessor of large tracts of land in East and South Huntingdon townships. In politics Mr. Null was a Whig, and he was a member of the
Lutheran church. He married Elizabeth Pool, and they were the parents of nine
children, seven sons and two daughters, all of whom, with one exception, inherited
and resided on portions of their father's large estate. Henry and Elizabeth (Pool)
Null's children were as follows: Joseph, Jonathan, Jacob, Henry H., Francis M.,
Philip, Andrew J., mentioned below; Catherine, who became the wife of William
Ruff; and Keziah, who became the wife of John Sloan.
428BIOGRAPHICAL
Andrew J. Null, father of Henry W. Null, was born on his father's farm in
South Huntingdon township, Pennsylvania, in the year I822. Here he was reared to
manhood and here he passed his entire life on that portion of it which he had inherited from his father, and it was here that in I866 his death occurred. Like his
father before him, he was a successful farmer and was well known throughout the
entire community for his sterling virtues and straightforward life.  He married
(first) Matilda Ruff, and of this union one child was born, B. F. Null, who still
resides on the old homestead. He married (second) Lucinda Robinson, a native of
Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, and a daughter of Thomas and Achsah
(Bailey) Robinson. She was a member of a very distinguished family and a direct
descendant of Thomas Bailey, a citizen of Boston, Massachusetts, where he lived as
early as 1630, and of Ezra Perry, of Sandwich, Massachusetts, where he resided in
I644. Among other distinguished ancestors of Mrs. Null should be mentioned Captain James Perry, of Revolutionary fame, and Captain Nathaniel Perry, who distinguished himself in the French and Indian War. Captain James Perry commanded
a regiment under Colonel Robert Monckton in the French and Indian War. Andrew
J. Null and his wife were the parents of four children, as follows: Lucetta, who, became the wife of Dr. D. Crise, of Escondido, California; Metilda, who became the
wife of Henry J. Hatch, of Escondido, California; Henry W., of whom further, and
Mary E., now deceased, who was the wife of John Pool.
Henry W. Null was born January 5, 1854, at South Huntingdon, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, upon his father's farm. He remained under the parental roof
until he had attained the age of nineteen years, and in the meantime received his
education in the local public school. His life was in many respects typical of that of
the average farmer's boy of that time and region, and when seventeen years of age
he began teaching in the district schools and continued the same for two seasons. At
the age of nineteen he came to West Newton, where he entered the employment of
N. D. Sproat and worked for some time in his dry goods store. He then entered
the employ of S. C. Weimer and worked in that gentleman's department store for
many years. During this entire period, however, he was possessed of a strong ambition to engage in business on his own account and this he was able to realize in the
year I895 when, by dint of great industry and the most praiseworthy thrift, he had
saved up enough capital to enable him to establish himself in the shoe business. The
new establishment occupied the corner of Main and Second streets, West Newton,
and from the outset proved a complete success, and since that time has grown without interruption to be the large and important concern which it now is. But though
the business has continued uninterruptedly, it very soon outgrew its original accommodations, and Mr. NTull found it necessary to remove it to more adequate quarters.
Accordingly, in the autumn of I9go, he erected a building of his own, which still
remains one of the largest and most handsome business blocks in West Newton.
Here he removed his rapidly developing establishment and here it remains to the
present day. Besides his own private business, Mr. Null is associated with many important financial concerns in West Newton and the surrounding region and is a
director of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. He is also very active in public
affairs and has held many local offices, among which should be mentioned that of
member of the School Board of West Newton, in which capacity he has rendered an
invaluable service to the community up to the present time, a period of' sixteen years,
and has just been reelected. He is an active member of the United Presbyterian
church, and in politics is a Republican, being a staunch supporter of the principles
of that party.
In the year 1884 Henry W. Null married (first) Mary E. Mcllwain, a native of
West Newton, and a daughter of Robert J. and Martha McIlwain. Two children
were born of this union, one of whom survives: Mary R. Null, now wife of C. A.
429OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Murphy, one son, Henry Null, born October 4, I9II. The first Mrs. Null died in
I887. In I904 Mr. Null married (second) Mary Adelaide McLoughlin, a daughter of
Andrew J. and Ella (Wilgus) McLoughlin, of West Newton.
EDWARD J. INGRAHAM-Although a native son of Ohio, a great part of
Mr. Ingraham's business life has been spent in Pennsylvania, and for several years
he has been engaged in mercantile business in Jeannette, Westmoreland county, a confectioner and stationer. He is a son of Isaac H. and Mary (Hinsdale) Ingraham, of
Ohio.
Edward J. Ingraham was born in Dover, Ohio, April 6, I857, but in I86o his
parents moved to Braceville, Ohio, where he began his education in the public school.
Later he attended the public school of Cortland, Ohio, completing his studies at
Hartford Academic Institute, Hartford, Ohio. For several years after leaving the
institute he was variously employed, but in I879 located in Sharon, Pennsylvania, as
shipping clerk for the P. L. Kimberley Company. iron and steel operators. He continued in that employ five years, part of that period being located in Greenville,
Pennsylvania. He then spent three years in the Minnesota wheat fields, located at
Edna, Polk county, and on his return East he again became shipping clerk, continuing
in that capacity with the Youngstown Rolling Mill Company at Youngstown, Ohio,
for two years. He then was employed in a similar capacity with the A. R. Whitney
Company, steel operators of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, continuing with that company until they retired from business about fifteen years later. In I904 Mr. Ingraham
located in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and for five years he was employed as shipping
clerk by the American Window Glass Company. In I9o09 he opened a small confectionery and tobacco store in Jeannette, an enterprise which prospered to such an
extent that in 1912 he sought enlarged quarters and increased his lines. He is a member of the Jeannette Chamber of Commerce, the Modern Woodmen of America, and
in religious faith a Catholic.
Mr. Ingraham married (first) February 24, I879, Adeline P. Herriott, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, who died about five years after her marriage.  He married
(second) Frances Hoffman, daughter of John G. Hoffman, of Greenville, Pennsylvania. He married (third) Regina E. Hoffman, a sister of his second wife. By his
first marriage Mr. Ingraham has sons: Charles E. and Rollin H. Ingraham, his two
daughters, Alice Mary and Louise Myra, dying young. By his second marriage he
has Mabel Frances and George Merrill Ingraham, and by his third wife a son, Raymond Rupert Ingraham. His eldest son, Charles E. Ingraham, born in Burghill,
Ohio, December 24, I879, was educated in the public schools of Duncansville, Pennsylvania. He was a steel worker for a number of years, then entered the rubber
manufacturing business, became identified with the Penn Rubber Company of Jeannette in I907, but is now located in Dayton, Ohio. He is a Republican in politics, and
a member of the Catholic church. He married Ella, daughter of H. H. Kagarise, of
Sharon, Pennsylvania, and has children: Charles Edward and Harold Ingraham.
Rollin H. Ingraham, the second son, was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania,
November 27, 188i, and was educated in the public schools. He has been for many
years a steel worker, was foreman with the Sharon Steel Hoop Company, of Sharon,
Pennsylvania, now located at Leechburg, Pennsylvania, as manager of a large steel
works. He married and has a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Ingraham.
LEWIS EDWARD BIERY-For many years the Biery family has been prominent in the affairs of Pennsylvania, where it settled at a remote period; its members
making their residence in various communities throughout the State. Lewis Edward
430BIOGRAPHICAL
Biery well exemplifies in his person the sturdy and capable characteristics which have
so long distinguished the name.
Henry. Biery, grandfather of Lewis E. Biery, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and came during his early life to Emmenston, where he purchased a valuable
farm  near the town site. Here he followed the occupation of farming all his life,
and finally died at the age of eighty-two years. He married Esther Slattery, like
himself a native of Pennsylvania, who died on the farm near Emmenston at the age
of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of eleven children, only one of whom
now survives, Henry Biery, who is now living in Petersburg, Pennsylvania, where he
is engaged in farming.
The father of Lewis Edward Biery was Tillman Biery, one of the eleven children
of Henry and Esther (Slattery) Biery. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania,
but in young manhood removed to Clarion county, where he also was a farmer until
his death, March I, 1876. He married Veronica Huber, a native of Berks county,
Pennsylvania. Mrs. Biery, Sr. died in Clarion county in the month of May, I894.
They were the parents of four children, as follows: Leander, deceased, who became
the wife of William Cromer; Annie Elizabeth, now the wife of Edward Cratty, of
New Kensington; Christina Luthetta, now the wife of C. E. Wetzel, of Clarion
county; anid Lewis Edward, of whom further.
Lewis Edward Biery was born July I2, I865, near Petersburg, Pennsylvania, on
his father's farm, and it was in the wholesome rural environment of farm life that
he grew to manhood. Mr. Biery, Sr. died when his son was but twelve years of age,
so that the lad's education was cut very short as he was obliged to seek employment
and earn his own livelihood. Shortly after his father's death he left the parental roof
and made his way to the great oil fields of Pennsylvania. Here for a time he sold
newspapers and later worked in the oil fields. In the latter capacity he continued until
he had reached the age of thirty-two years and then, in I896, he came to New Kensington, Westmoreland county, and secured work in the glass concern there. Here
he remained for three years and later spent a period of four years in a tin plate and
aluminum factory. During all this period, however, Mr. Biery had, by dint of the
strictest economy, laid by a considerable portion of his earnings with a view to
eventually establishing himself in an independent line of business. It was in the
year I905, that he was able to realize his. ambition and establish himself as a contractor for carpentry work in New Kensington. This venture met with immediate
success and for a number of years he carried on a very successful business, a business
which even to-day is developing, in spite of the great amount of time which Mr.
Biery now finds it necessary to give to public affairs in connection with his office as
tax collector. Mr. Biery is one of those foresighted men who, witnessing the increase
in property values in the growing community, have invested largely and successfully
in real estate. He is now the owner of a considerable and valuable estate in and
about New Kensington. As a member of the Board of Trade of New Kensington,
Mr. Biery has given very practical evidence of his public spirit and has done much to
promote enterprises of all kinds in the community.
Mr. Biery has for many years been extremely active in the Republican party and
is a well known factor in the political life of New Kensington. He is a special
policeman and has given the community valuable service in that capacity. It was in
March, I9o9, that Mr. Biery was elected to his present office of tax collector in which
he has since served his fellow  citizens with efficiency and disinterestedness.  Mr.
Biery is very prominent in fraternal circles and is affiliated with the local lodges of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Malta, the
Order of' Ben Hur, and with the Carpenters' and Firemens' Unions.  He is also a
member of the Young Men's Christian Association. In the matter of his religious
belief, Mr. Biery is a member of the Reformed church and is very prominent in the,13IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
enterprises, unmarried. Paul Hugus Hacke died unmarried; he inherited many of his
father's tastes, having been a lover of horses and cattle; he was the owner of a large
stock farm where he had many fine horses which he imported from Europe. He
traveled extensively and was acquainted with many distinguished men. He possessed
the true characteristics of the educated and refined gentleman.  He also possessed
the true artistic sense and collected some very excellent paintings, etc. 9. Edward,
unmarried.
Devotion to home and family was a dominant trait in the Rev. Dr. Hacke's nature and a ruling principle in his life, but what he was as a husband and father could
be known only to those nearest and dearest to him.
The years of this beneficent life were prolonged beyond the traditional three score
and ten, and on August 2'6, I6 878. Rev. Dr. Hacke passed away, "full of years and of
honor."  It has -been sai4 of h1mA. that "intellectually he was far above the average
minister, and'was the friend an'l companion of bright men, not only in his church,
but in all ranks of life. He was more than a preacher; he was a Christian philosopher
and a great advocate of igreat subjects."  Judge A. D. McConnell, of Greensburg,
writes: "Rev. Nicholas P. Hacke was the most distinguished Reformed minister of
Western Pennsylvania; ie was a man of great ability, possessed a clear analytical
mind, devoted to his Master. He was a great and good man, and his and his wife's
influence was most beneficial to the community. Dr. Hacke was an excellent scholar,
absolutely free from presumption or egotism; he and his wife devoted their lives to
the people of their congregation-and earned a place attained by few in any country
or community." A life like that of Rev. Nicholas P. Hacke requires no eulogy. The
simple, unadorned narrative shines by its own light, a beacon and an inspiration to
generations yet to come.
JOHN  M. ZIMMERMAN-The ancestor of John M. Zimmerman, the present
postmaster of Greensburg, was Jacob Zimmerman who came to Westmoreland county
from Albany township, which is about twenty miles north of Reading in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, and reached Westmoreland county in I8oo. He purchased a farm from
Richard Tunnis, of Philadelphia, for three dollars per acre. This farm is located
about two and one-half miles southeasf of Greensburg, and is now owned by one of
his grandsons, Henry R. Zimmerman. Jacob Zimmerman was born in December,
I765, and was married in Berks county before coming west. They resided on the
farm which he purchased, the remainder of their lives. They were members of the
Lutheran church of Greensburg. Jacob Zimmerman died in December, 1843, and
Magdalene Zimmerman, his wife, died October I2, 1828. Their sons and daughters
were as follows: Daniel, born February 9, I794; Esther, September 26, 1795; George,
June 9, I797; Joseph, April 7, 1799; Jonathan, November I9, I8oo; Benjamin, September 28, I802; Lydia, October 3, I804; Jacob, January I7, I807; Mary Magdalene,
November 3, 8o08; Sarah, February 4, I8II; Rebecca, January 20, I8i8.
Benjamin Zimmerman,.of the above, the father of John M. Zimmerman, was married to Anna Mary Pifer, February 2I, I826. She had been brought up on a farm in
Unity township. Benjamin Zimmerman and his wife with their family resided for a
time on a farm a short distance from the present village of Grapeville, but in the
early fifties he bought a farm about four miles north of Greensburg, now owned by
Eli Shutt, where'he lived the remainder of his days, and where he died on October
2, I865. His wife, Anna Mary (Pifer) Zimmerman, survived until June 30, I873.
Prior to the completion of the Pennsylvania Railroad he was engaged for some years
in hauling goods from its western terminus to Pittsburgh, the western terminus being
near Greensburg. He is, therefore, entitled to be included among the old wagoners
of the early days. The sons and daughters of Benjamin and Anna Mary (Pifer)
Zimmerman were: I. Caroline Sarah, born May I6, 1827, died October ii, I828. 2.
28OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
work of that body, having filled all positions connected with the church in New
Kensington.
On August 14, I888, Mr. Biery was united in marriage at Mooresville, Clarion
county, Pennsylvania, with Lucetta Cope, a native of Beaver township, Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Nathaniel and Christiana (Alt) Cope, old and
highly respected residents of that community.
DARWIN  T. KNAPPENBERGER-Darwin T. Knappenberger, one of the
most successful merchants of Jeannette, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a na-,
tive of this country, as was his father before him, but is descended from good old
German stock of the type which has played so important a part in the development
of the western part of the State.  His grandfather was Henry Knappenberger, a
prominent resident of Salem township, Westmoreland county, in the pioneer days.
He married a Miss Painter. Their son, Moses Knappenberger, Was the father of
Darwin T. Knappenberger, and was born January 7, I826, in Salem township. He
received his education in the local schools of that region, and upon reaching manhood
engaged in the tanning business, which he followed for his entire life, most of which
was spent in the tdwn of Grapeville, Pennsylvania. He was a staunch member of
the Democratic party, and a Lutheran in religion. He was always actively interested
in the affairs of the community and held a number of imlportant public offices on the
church board. He married Martha Croushore, a daughter of George Croushore, of
Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, of which he was a prominent citizen in his
day. To Mr. and Mrs, Knappenberger, Sr., thirteen children were born, four of whom
died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were as follows: Margaret, deceased;
Sarah, deceased; Mary, who is now Mrs. William Heapes, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; James, deceased; Jennie, deceased; William, deceased; George W., who is
engaged in the water well business at Jeannette; Henry, who operated a successful
laundry at Altoona, Pennsylvania, now deceased, and Darwin T., of whom further.
Born November 22, I863, at Grapeville, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
Darwin T. Knappenberger received his education in the public schools of Hempfield
township, where his parents were at that time living. Upon completing his studies
in these institutions, he began his business career by driving wells, continuing along
this line for about ten years, and then formed a partnership with J. B. Baughman,
who was engaged in a general mercantile business at Grapeville. This association
continued for about three years, when Mr. Knappenberger withdrew and entered the
butcher business on his own account. In this new enterprise he came to Jeannette,
where his butcher's establishment was immediately successful. UJnder his extremely
capable management, the business grew to very large dimensions and he continued
in it for the period of some eighteen years. Mr. Knappenberger was always keenly
interested in agricultural work of all kinds and had a strong taste for life on the
farm, so that after his eighteen successful years he withdrew from the butcher's business and purchased a large farm property, which he worked most successfully for
some six years. Since then he has retired very largely from active pursuits except
being interested with his brother, George W., in the drilling business and is still engaged in this business.
Mr. Knappenberger is a staunch member of the Democratic party, as was his
father before him, but has not identified himself actively with the local organization
of his party. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics and is
prominent in the work of this important organization. In his religious belief, Mr.
Knappenberger is a Lutheran and attends the church of that demonination at Jeannette, being a very active member of the congregation and has held a number of important offices on the church board.
432BIOGRAPHICAL                                  433
Mr. Knappenberger was united in marriage with Elizabeth Maxwell, a daughter
of David and Susan (Rugh) Maxwell, old and honored residents of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Knapperberger are the parents of one child, Zedith, born at
Jeannette, February 2, I889, and received her education in the public schools of the
town.
David Maxwell, the father of Mrs. Knappenberger, was born May I9, I837, in
the town of Unity, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a son of James and Margaret
(Albright) Maxwell. He received his education in the local public school, and enlisted in the Union Army after leaving school for service in the Civil War. He
served in that momentous struggle as a member of the Sixty-ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which took an active part in the battles of Bull Run,
Gettysburg, and the'Wilderness, besides many other important engagements.  Mr.
Maxwell was so fortunate as to come through all these sanguinary actions entirely
unhurt, although often in extreme peril. After being mustered out of the service
at the end of the war, he returned to his trade as carpenter, which he followed during
practically all the remainder of his life. He was also a successful farmer, his farm
being situated near -Greensburg, where he made his home for about twenty-five years.
He was a strong Republican in politics and took an active part in affairs. He was a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and generally prominent in the community, his death occurring February I8, I907. Ten children were born of his union
with Susan Rugh, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Sheffler) Rugh, as follows:
Elizabeth, Peter, Clara, Ageline, Ada, Naomi, Ora, John, Adolphus, and Mamie.
James Maxwell, the grandfather of Mrs. Knappenberger, was a native of Ireland,
and came to this country with his parents in infancy. He located in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, and for years owned and conducted a distillery at Unity, Pennsylvania. He married Margaret Albright and they were the parents of the following
children: Solomon, John, David, George, Margaret and Sarah.
JACOB HOFFER-In May, I903, Mr. Hoffer located in the bakery business in
Greensburg, opening a very modest establishment, one baker and helper, without machinery and with but few of the aids to modern baking.  He had, however, that
spirit of perseverance and industry, coupled with an expert knowledge of business
which have been the foundation stones of the prosperous business which has grown
from the little shop of thirteen years ago. Jacob Hoffer is a son of Andrew Hoffer,
a grandson of John Hoffer, and great-grandson of Andrew Hoffer, who was a
farmer of Donegal township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, his large farm
lying along Four Mile Run. His lands were divided between his two sons, John and
Jacob Hoffer, the latter for many years a justice of the peace. John Hoffer resided
on his share of the estate in Donegal all his life, and was one of the substantial men
of the township. He married Maria Baer, and had a large family.
Andrew Hoffer was born on the Hoffer farm on Four Mile Run, Donegal township, in I825, died November 8, I9o9. He lived on a farm until I865, then moved to
Greensburg. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in Company I, One Hundred Sixty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was a member of
Cribb's Post, Grand Army of the Republic, a Democrat in politics, and a Lutheran.
He married Martha Barclay, born in Donegal township, who died aged seventy-two
years, the mother of Josiah; Mary, who married John L. Allwine; Jacob, mentioned
below; John, of Westmoreland county; Amos, a farmer; Isiah, of Greensburg;
Christina, married David Miller.
Jacob Hoffer, son of Andrew and Martha (Barclay) Hoffer, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, October Io, I855. He remained at the Four Mile Run
W-28OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
farm until ten years old, and obtained his education in the district public school. At
the age of seventeen he began learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for
fifteen years.  From  I888 until I895 he conducted a general store, and during that
period he also served as justice of the peace in the city of Greensburg, in which
capacity he continued until May, I903, at the time, he opened his present bakery at
the corner of East Pittsburgh and East Ottoman street, Greensburg, known as the
Flatiron Building. From the small beginning then made, a large and prosperous business has grown, seven bakers being employed.  Mr. Hoffer was the first baker in
Greensburg to install machinery in his bakery, and also introduced the sanitary practice of wrapping bread, and put on the first automobile delivery wagon. He specializes in Butter Crust Bread, which is a copyrighted trade mark. The products of his
ovens are delivered to every part of the city, and his entire establishment is conducted along the best modern lines, Mr. Hoffer giving it his entire personal attention. A Democrat in politics, he was thrice elected justice of the peace on that ticket.
He is a member of the First Reformed Church, the Royal Arcanum, the Grand Fraternity, and the Puritans.
Mr. Hoffer married, February 21, I878, Catherine E. Kettering, daughter of
William  and Eliza Kettering, of Hemphill township, Westmoreland county.  Mr.
and Mrs. Hoffer have six children: Maud, married John F. Detrick, of Pittsburgh;
Frank, associated in the bakery of his father, married Edna Handcuff; Charles, also
associated with his father, married Violet Keener; Cyrus D., associated with his
father, married Blanche Eicher; Harriet, residing with her parents; Catherine, also
living at home.
LOWRY ALVIN REESE-Although hardly yet in the prime of life, Mr. Reese
has passed through a variety of business experiences in different localities, but since
I9oI has been a resident of Jeannette, Westmoreland county, where he is ranked as
one of the borough's substantial business men and property owners. He is a greatgrandson of Job Reese, who came from  Wales, Great Britain, in youth, settled in
Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and there lived, an honest, industrious working man
until his death. He married and had a son, Enoch.
Enoch Reese was born at Bethel, Black Lick township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in I817. He became an extensive lumber dealer, owned and cultivated his own
farm and was also an inn keeper of the olden times, residing in Black Lick township
all his life. He took an active part in local affairs, was a justice of the peace for
years, held many township offices, served three months in the Civil War, for years
was deacon and trustee of the Baptist church, which he built, and was a leader in
local and county improvements. He married Elizabeth Rowland, daughter of William
Rowland, of Bethel, Cambria county. They have children: Thomas Malcolm, of
further mention; Jane, married Moses Davis; Evelyn, married David Williams Judson; Shadrach, deceased.
Thomas Malcolm  Reese, son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Rowland) Reese, was
born in Black Lick township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in March, I842. He was
a hard working man all his life and was known all over Cambria county as "honest
Tom Reese." He was educated in the public schools of the district, and worked at
farming and teaming until his enlistment for three years in Company K, One Hundred
Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving that regiment
and the Army of the Potomac for eighteen months, or until the close of the war. He
was engaged in many skirmishes and battles including the hard and bloody engage-.
ments at Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Weldon Railroad. After the war he returned to Black Lick and continued a farmer and lumberman all his remaining years.
He was a Republican in politics and served successively as postmaster, constable,
and justice of the peace. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
434BIOGRAPHICAL
and in religious faith was a devout Baptist. He married Johanna Jones, of Black
Lick township, who bore him two sons: Howard M., now a hotel proprietor of
Pinellas Park, Florida, and Lowry Alvin, of further mention.
Johanna (Jones) Reese was the daughter of John J. and Mary (Williams)
Jones, of Bethel, Black Lick township, Pennsylvania. She was educated there; she
was a faithful wife and devoted mother; was an untiring worker in the Baptist
church, also teacher in the Sunday school connected therewith. Her father, John J.
Jones, was a native of Wales and came to this country at the age of five years with
his parents, John and Elizabeth Jones, who settled in the highest part of the Appelachian Mountains, in the forest, and carved out a home, the son assisting when able
to do so, and he also followed in his father's footsteps prior to his marriage. John
J. Jones was a farmer and also conducted an "Up and Down" water power saw mill.
His wife, Mary (WXilliams) Jones, was born in Black Lick township, Cambria
county, Pennsylvania, where she spent her entire lifetime. She was a daughter of
the Rev. William Williams, first Baptist minister to locate in Cambria county; he
made many a journey to Pittsburgh to preach, the journey being made on the back
of an ox, carrying butter and eggs which he exchanged for sugar and calico.
Lowry Alvin Reese, son of Thomas M. and Johanna (Jones) Reese, was born
in Black Lick township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, May 24, I873. He was graduated in the public schools and Ebensburg Normal Academy, graduating from the
latter institution in 1894. He spent the following year in travel, the next two years
in mercantile life in Pittsburgh, then operated a general store at Derry Station, Westmoreland county for one year.  He spent the two following years on a Cambria
county farm and two more years as owner and proprietor of a general store at
Manor Station. In I9oI he moved his store and located in Jeannette, where for the next
eleven years he successfully conducted a shoe store. He then retired from mercantile life and has since devoted himself to the real estate business. He is the owner
of gas and oil properties, including four hundred acres in Cambria county, has stock
in the Palmer Union Oil Company of California, the Commonwealth Collateral
Company of Pittsburgh, is a large stockholder in the Conservative Life Insurance
Company of VWheeling, West Virginia, and is a large owner of real estate in Jeannette (his home town), also in Ohio and Florida. He is a Republican in politics, and
in Black Lick township, served as township clerk and census enumerator. He is a
member of several lodges and fraternities, also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and takes a deep interest in the religious work of the churches of Jeannette,
generously contributing to the support of all, but a member of the Baptist congregation.
Mr. Reese married (first) October 27, 1898, Jeanette Dull, daughter of Professor
James Dull, of Cambridge, Ohio, and to this union two children were born, namely:
Infant daughter, and Otis A., both dead; later, the wife and mother died in I9o8.
He married (second) March 24, 1915, Donna Livingstone, daughter of William Bruce
and Elizabeth A. (Kane) Livingstone.
William Bruce Livingstone, father of Donna (Livingstone) Reese, was a son of
Isaac and Elizabeth Livingstone, his father, Isaac Livingstone, born in Ontario, Canada, came to the United States in 1879, and established a livery business and continued in that line of activity until his retirement. He was mayor of Boyne City,
Ontario, Canada, at one time elected as a Republican, and was a communicant of the
Presbyterian church. He died in I903.
William Bruce Livingstone was born in Ontario, Canada, September 25, I864,
and was brought to the United States by his parents in I879, and located in Detroit,
Michigan. He was engaged in the shoe business in Oregon; Washington and British
Columbia, Canada, and then for several years was located in St. Petersburg, Florida,
er_gaged as contractor and civil engineer, where he still resides. He is a Republican
435OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is past noble grand of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Melissa A. Prosser, of Paris,
Ontario, Canada, and has children: Donna, married Lowry A. Reese; Olive, married
Frank G. Stoddard, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Stella, married William Leverett, of
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
ROBERT WILLIAM  BLAZE-When Mr. Blaze began business for himself
as an electrical engineer, he brought to his profession both theory and practice, the
first being obtained while a student at the Case School of Applied Science, a wonderful institution, the latter while in the employ of the electrical department of the
American Window Glass Company, a wonderful corporation. As a general electrical
contractor of'Jeannette, Pennsylvania, since I908, he has established himself firmly in
public favor and is one of the highly regarded men of that thriving community.
He is a grandson of John Blaze, and a son of Robert William Blaze, who was
born near London, England, August I5, I846, and came to the United States in I863.
He located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and there became an expert machinist and remained until I895. He then moved to Jeannette, where for many years he was foreman of the molding department of the H. Sellers McKee Glass Company. A Republican in politics, he took an active part in public affairs, served for many years
as school director in both Pittsburgh and Jeannette, and as burgess of Jeannette from
I9I0 until his death in June, I9I3. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and for forty years was affiliated with Zeno Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of Pittsburgh. He married, June I5, I87I, Julia S. Hughes.
They were the parents of two sons and a daughter: Joseph D., now foreman of
the McKee Glass Company; Emima L., married Garrett F. Anderson, of Pittsburgh;
Robert William (2), of further mention.
Robert William (2) Blaze was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 4,
I884.  He attended Pittsburgh public schools until the removal of his parents to
Jeannette in 1895, there continuing until completing high school courses, class of I902.
He then entered Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, Ohio, taking the courses
of electrical engineering, continuing until graduation, class of I905. He began business life in the electrical department of the American Window Glass Company, continuing in that employ until I9o8. In that year he began business as a general electrical contractor under his own name, with headquarters at Jeannette. He has been
very successful in this field of endeavor and has won high reputation as a competent,
and thoroughly reliable electrical contractor and engineer. He is a member of the Jeannette Chamber of Commerce, Jeannette Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a Republican in his political faith.
Mr. Blaze married, June 29, I911, Margie E. Grimes, daughter of Peter and
Emma Grimes, of Jeannette. They are the parents of two sons and a daughter: Donald, born August 21, I912; Robert William (3), December I2, 1913; Gertrude Virginia,
July 28, I915.
WILLIAM  MYERS GORMLY, JR.-The American ancestor of this branch
of the Gormly family first located in Pittsburgh on coming from his native Ireland.
He with his brother founded the firm of A.  T. Gormly Brothers, the oldest wholesale grocery firm of Western Pennsylvania. The present house, S. Ewart - Company, the largest in that particular line in Pittsburgh, is the direct successor of the
early house.
Andrew Gormly, the founder, was born in Ireland, and after coming to the
United States founded the wholesale grocery business house of A.  T. Gormly
Brothers. The business prospered abundantly, Andrew Gormly continuing actively in
436BIOGRAPHICAL
its management until a few years prior to his death. He was a man of strong character, and laid deep and strong the' foundations of a great business. He was. succeeded by his son, William McConnell Gormly.
William McConnell Gormly, son of Andrew Gormly, was born in Pittsburgh,
and after completing his education became- a partner in the wholesale grocery business,
the firm W. M. Gormly  Company succeeding A.  T. Gormly Brothers. The
business prospered under his guidance, and he continued actively'in its management
until a few years prior to his death. He was a man of high character and influence,
and took an active part in recruiting soldiers during the Civil War, and held a secure
position in public esteem. He married Anna M. Ewart, daughter -of Jacob Ewart,
of Pittsburgh.
William Myers Gormly, son of William McConnell and Anna (Ewart) Gormly,
was born in Pittsburgh, obtaining his education in the city public schools and Letitz
Academy. The wholesale grocery business founded by his grandfather, had passed
out of the family name before William M. came upon the scene of business action,
and he began his active career with their successors, S. Ewart  Company, located
on Seventh avenue, Pittsburgh. He began as a clerk, passed through several promotions' and is now in official capacity. A Republican in politics, he served a term
as school director; is a member of Lodge, Chapter, Comrriandery and Shrine of' the
Masonic order; member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of
the First Presbyterian Church.  He married Elizabeth Carson, daughter of Robert
and Grace (Hand) Carson, originally from Belfast, Ireland, later of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. They have children: William  Myers, Jr., of further mention; Robert C., a salesman; Winthrop Bane; Grace Elizabeth, married Paul B. Lacey; Carson
McConnell, deceased.
William  Myers Gormly, Jr., son of William  Myers and Elizabeth (Carson)
Gormly, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 29, I887. He was educated in
the Pittsburgh public schools and East Liberty Academy. For eight years following the completion of his studies he was variously employed, principally as a- salesman.
In I9II he located in Jeannette and formed a partnership with Morrison O. Shuster,
which yet exists. Mr. Shuster had been a traveling salesman -in the employ of S.
Ewart  Company, and when the two young men joined forces, both were practical
salesmen and business men. They decided upon the wholesale grocery business, but
their capital being small, the start was a very modest one. They prospered from the
very beginning and within a year were located in a three-story building.  In I9I3
they incorporated as the Shuster Gormly Company, and greatly extended their liAres.
On May I, I9I6, the business- had so increased that a larger capitalization was a necessity, and the capital stock of the company was increased from sixty-five thousand to
three hundred thousand dollars. The enterprise is a splendid tribute to the ability
of the two young men who created it, and an important addition to Jeannette's business
houses. Mr. Gormly, as vice-president of the company, has proven his fitness, and the
future holds nothing but brilliant promise. He is a member of the Masonic order,
belonging to Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine, is a member of the Junior
Order of American Mechanics, is a Republican in politics, and active in all forwardmovements.
Mr. Gormly married, January I5, I913, Pearl May Shuster, daughter of William
I. Shuster, of Jeannette. They have a son, William Myers (3).
BENJAMIN  HARRISON WILLARD-But few departments of business activity present in their records a greater number of names held in general reverence
and esteem than the great mercantile interests, and especially is this true of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where, among those connected with the development
4374  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of this so essential activity, we find so many splendid men who have stood for progress
and advance in all that has meant their community's welfare. A fine example of the
modern man of business, who has entirely lived up to the splendid standards set in
the past of Pennsylvania, is Benjamin H. Willard, of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. He
has by his own efforts "risen from the ranks," and the success he has met as a business man is well deserved.
Benjamin Harrison Willard is a son of Benjamin Franklin and Sarah (Cochran)
Willard, and was born in Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1888. It was in
this place that his youth was spent, and he received his education in the public schools
of East Huntingdon afnd Lower Tyrone townships.  After completing his courses
at these institutions, he entered the service of the A. S.  T. P. Company at Scottsdale, which establishment he entered at the age of fourteen years and remained for
about one and a half years. He then entered the service of John Landenberger, a
concern interested in the grocery business in which position he remained for a little
less than two years. His next position was in the service of C. M. Jarrett, also a
grocery merchant, and with this establishment he continued for upwards of five
years, but eventually also resigned and obtained employment with James B. Hurst, in
the clothing business, a position which he held for four years. Through scrupulous
saving and by dint of hard work, Mr. Willard accumulated a little capital, with which
he bought the business of his former employer, C. M. Jarrett.  This business was
located on Pittsburgh street, where Mr. Willard at present carries on a successful
business.
Mr. Willard is prominently identified with the club circles of Scottdale, and is a
member of Marion Lodge, No. 562, Free and Accepted Masons. In his religious affiliations, Mr. Willard is a Methodist and attends the First Methodist Episcopal church.
He is president of the Epworth League and is also a teacher in the boys' class of the
Sunday school of this religious organization. Mr. Willard is the president of the
Grocers' Protective Association of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. He is a staunch Republican, supporting the principles and policies of this party ardently.
The type of man of which Mr. Willard is an example' makes ideal citizens,
uniting in itself most happily so many public and private virtues. His business is of
that wholesome kind that in developing itself is also a benefit to the community at
large, even when it is so unconsciously, and in the case of Mr. Willard this is far
from being so. Public spirited in a high degree, he never loses sight of the common
interest, and is ever ready to do what he can to advance it. His charity is great, nor
is it limited by considerations of race or creed, flowing spontaneously wherever real
need shows itself. A religious man, a moral man in all the relations of life, business
and private, a man of strong domestic instincts and whose sturdy democracy makes
him a host of friends-such is Mr. Willard, and Scottdale might surely be proud of
such citizens as he. He is also interested in the Boy Scouts of America, and serves
as Scout Master of Scottdale Troop, No. 3. His recreations are hunting, fishing and
canoeing.
MILTON HOUGH KERN-The Kern family has been well known in Western
Pennsylvania for many generations, having made its home since pioneer days in Fayette county, where its members have always taken an active part in affairs and held a
high position in the regard of their fellow-citizens, a position which was held because
of the high standard of character and- ability which they always maintained. This
high standard is still upheld by the present representatives of the name, Milton Hough
Kern, one of the most active and public-spirited citizens of Jeannette, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, where he is at the present time the popular and efficient chief
of police.
438BIOGRAPHICAL                                   430
Milton Hough Kern is a son of William and Mary Jane (Hough) Kern, both of
whom were born in the town of Chestnut Ridge, Fayette county.
Mr. Kern, Sr. was a son of              and Levina Kern, and was born at Indiana Creek Valley, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in the year I830. He received his
education at the local public school, and immediately afterwards engaged in farming
on an extensive scale, an occupation which he has continued to follow industriously
and with a high degree of success up to the present time. His wife, who was Mary
Jane Hough before her marriage, was a daughter of Joseph and Mary Jane (Crise)
Hough. To Mr. and Mrs. Kern, Sr. the following children were born: Milton Hough,
of whom further; Kate, who is now Mrs. Sol Suter, of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania;
William, who died in March, I914; Sarah, now Mrs. Huston Pool, of Ruffs Dale,
Pennsylvania; John N., who is engaged in the trade of mason; Joseph R., deceased;
Melinda, now Mrs. David Hixsson; Walter N., a farmer; Warren, also a farmer;
Ellen, who married Jacob Showman.
Milton Hough Kern, the eldest son of William and Mary Jane (Hough) Kern,
received his education in the public schools of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Having
completed his studies, at the age of seventeen years; he started to work on his father's
farm, assisting the elder man in the various tasks there. He did not remain thus engaged for more than a year, however, and then came to Westmoreland county, where
he continued his farming operations for several years. In August, I888, he located at
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, before that community had been organized as a town. Upon
coming there he engaged at once, in partnership, in the feed and livery business, and
two years later, in I8go, their'establishment was destroyed by fire, whereupon the
partnership was dissolved and Mr. Kern founded a similar business on his own account. This he continued for about two years, when he became connected with the
police department of Jeannette. For several years he alternated between the police
department and his livery business, giving to each considerable time and attention, but
finally returned once more to the police work, where he was promoted to the position
of chief, an office that he holds to this day. Mr. Kern has always been actively connected with the political situation in Jeannette. He is a staunch Republican and is
allied with the local organization of his party, in which he is looked upon as one of
the leaders. He is now filling his fourth term as chief of police and also his fourth
term as health officer in Jeannette. He is active in almost every aspect of the city's
affairs, and is affiliated with many important societies and organizations there. He is
a member of the North American Union. In the matter of his religious belief, Mr.
Kern is a member of the United Presbyterian church and has served on the board of
trustees of that body for some fifteen years. He has also been an elder during a similar period.
On January 3, I893, Mr. Kern was united in marriage with Jennie Brisbane, a
daughter of William  Brisbane, of Madison, Pennsylvania, where she was born and
passed the early years of her life. To them one son has been born, William Allen,
December Io, I895. During his childhood he attended the public schools at Jeannette,
and is now a student at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is preparing for
the profession of dentistry.
DENNIS JOSEPH KENNEDY-It is always interesting to observe how worth
works its way upward from a position of obscurity into one where it engages the
attention of the community where its success has been achieved. Such a spectacle
we may observe in the case of more than one member of the Kennedy family, which,
though it has resided in Westmoreland county but little more than a generation, has
already come to occupy an extremely prominent position in the affairs of the community. Dennis Joseph Kennedy, with whom this sketch is particularly concerned, is
now one of the leading citizens of Jeannette, Penrfsylvania, where he takes an active
part in many aspects of its general life.BIOGRAPHICAL                                    29
Elizabeth, born September 27, 1829; married Samuel Truxal, an unusually successful farmer of Unity township, who owned the farm  on which Mary Anna (Pifer)
Zimmerman was born and brought up. Elizabeth Truxal died September 24, 1908,
while her husband, Samuel Truxal, died March 5, I913. 3. Lusiana Maria, born September II, 1832; she was married to George W. Frick, well known in this county,
who served as a member of the Legislature, and also as clerk of courts of Westmoreland county from I873 to I876; Mrs. Frick died July io, I868. 4. Mary. Magdalena,
born September II, 1835, and died August I8, I848. 5. Cyrus J., born April II, I840,
spent his life as a carpenter and contractor in Ludwick and Manor, and died Febrtiary
20, I9I6. 6. Jacob F., born April 8, 1844, spent most of his days in and around Greensburg, being engaged as a carpenter and contractor; he served as a soldier in the Civil
War, being a member of Company F, One Hundred and Third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; in his latter years he removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he died
March 22, I9I5. 7. A son born in December, 1847, died in infancy. 8. John M., of
whom further..John M. Zimmerman was born September 29, I849, on the farm in Hempfield
township. He was sent to the common schools in his'youth, and later attended the
Delmont Academy and the Indiana State Normal School. After leaving school he
taught for five years in Penn and Hempfield townships, two years in the borough of
Ludwick and five years in the borough of Greensburg. While a teacher he was
united in marriage with Josephine M. Blank, June I9, I877. She was born in Greensburg, December 28, I849. She was a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Blank, and
was descended from one of the most renowned ministers who ever came to Westmoreland county, the Rev. John William Weber, of the Reformed church. He figured prominently as a pioneer preacher in all parts of the county in our early church
history. The Rev. WVeber's son, John William Weber, Jr., was united in marriage
with Mary Ann Ankney, and their daughter Elizabeth, married Solomon Blank,
they the parents of Mrs. Zimmerman. The changes in the orthography of names is
shown very clearly in this name "Weber."  The descendants of the Rev. John William Weber now spell their name "Weaver," and are, and for many years have been,
one of the most prominent families in the Ligonier Valley.
After retiring from the teaching profession, Mr. Zimmerman was for a short
time engaged as a real estate and ins,urance agent in Greensburg, and as a bookkeeper
in Manor for his brother who was engaged in the lumber business. On May r, I888, he
engaged himself with C. H. Fogg  Company, who were retail lumber dealers in
Greensburg, and remained with them unrtil their successor, J. Covode Reed, purchased
the business. With them and with Mr. Reed, Mr. Zimmerman occupied the position of
superintendent and manager of the lumber yards, and remained in their employ respectively for a period of over twenty-six years. During this time the duties of his
position were very extensive and exacting, for he had charge of the lumber sales,
and this lumber was sold in all grades, forms and sizes, and at varying prices. It
was, therefore, his duty to return the number of feet of the different pieces with,the
price at which it was sold and delivered each day to the contractors and to the small
purchasers. There were from twenty to fifty deliveries made each day.
He was also a school director for nine years, two years of which time he served
as secretary of the school board and two years as its president. During these years
the school board erected the fine high school building in the Second Ward, and Mr.
Zimmerman served as member of the building committee.  This enterprise on the
part of the school board created much dissatisfaction at the time of its building, because of its size and its cost.  It is now, however, the pride of every citizen of
Greensburg who takes an interest in the schools of the borough, and the wisdom of
the builders has thus long since been abundantly vindicated.
In the spring of I914 Mr. Zimmerman came out as a candidate for the office ofOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
The family had its origin in Ireland, where Dennis Kennedy was born in the year
I8I5. He lived in his native land'until he had reached the age of thirty-five and had
felt the pinch of hard conditions there. Accordingly, in I85o, he set sail for the
United States, and upon reaching this country located at Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Here he first secured employment as a day laborer, but he was one of those men who
know how to make the best of all situations and it was not long before he had saved
up sufficient capital to enable him to invest in property in his new home. All who
came in contact with Mr. Kennedy, Sr. recognized in him the essential virtues of
courage and honesty which had brought him his success, and he was highly respected
and admired in the community which he had adopted for his home. For some time
he resided at Pennsylvania Station, Westmoreland county, and here his death occurred
August 3, I905. Mr. Kennedy, Sr. married Helen Keefe, who was a native of Ireland,
and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: Michael J., John P., Mary,
Kate, James L., a prominent attorney of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Thomas, and
Dennis J., of whom further.
Born April io, 1872, at Pennsylvania Station, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
Dennis Joseph Kennedy, the youngest son of Dennis and Helen (Keefe) Kennedy,
passed the years of his childhood there.  His educational opportunities were extremely meagre, and after spending a few years in attendance at the local public
schools, he gave up his studies and secured employment with the Western Land' Improvement Company, which laid out the town of Jeannette. With this concern he remained for one year, from I887 to I888, and in I889 started to work for the plumbing
company of Lavell  Kester. With this company his position at first was that of
clerk in the office and then he became an apprentice to them to learn the plumbing
trade. In this capacity he served them until 1893, and in the meantime, by dint of
industry and strict economy, he had saved up sufficient capital to enable him to embark upon his own enterprise. Accordingly, in 1894, he opened a plumbing establishment in partnership with Charles F. Stoner, but in the following year sold out his
interest in the business. Again in I896 he started in the same line for himself, this
time without a partner, and has been engaged successfully therein up to the present.
He now does one of the most important businesses of the kind in the city. Mr. Kennedy, Sr., was a Republican in politics, but did not take an active part in the affairs of
his party. Like his father, Dennis Joseph Kennedy is a Republican in politics, but unlike the elder man has actively allied himself with the local organization of his party.
He has twice been elected to represent the first ward in the City Council and is now
serving his second term and his seventh year in that body. He is a member of the
Chamber of Commerce of Jeannette, of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, of Lodge No. 1222, Knights of Columbus, in which order he holds
the third degree, and in all these organizations is actively interested. Mr. Kennedy is
a Roman Catholic, as was his father before hini, and is a staunch supporter of the
interests of his church in the community and a member of the Holy Name Society
there.
On September 27, 1898, Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage with Edna Hayes,
a daughter of Henry and Mary (Myers) Hayes, of Youngwood, Pennsylvania. They
are the parents of five children, as follows: Harry, born March 9, I9oo; Lawrence,
born February I6, I9o5; Vincent, born October 4, 19o6; Genevieve, born February 3,
1909; and Bernice, born December I7, 191o.
HARRY GUILFORD TUSSEY-Although not a native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Harry Guilford Tussey has lived in that town the greater part of his life and
has become closely identified with its affairs and traditions. He is a member of a very
old family which is believed to be of Swedish origin, and which came to this country
440BIOGRAPHICAL                                   44I
about I64o and settled somewhere near Wilmington, Delaware, a region which a large
colony of Swedes had formed. The Tusseys of that early period are buried in the
old Swedish Cemetery near Wilmington. At a later date members of the family came
North to Pennsylvania and -eventually settled in Chester couilty in that State, where
they were engaged in farming operations for many years.
Mr. Tussey's father, George Washington Tussey, was born in the town of West
Chester, Chester county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the local public schools,
and was a farmer all his life. A strong Republican in politics, Mr. Tussey, Sr. took
a very strong interest in the affairs of the community and played an active part therein, although he never at any time held office. He married Elizabeth Ann Githens, a
daughter of John I. Githens, of Camden county, New Jersey, and to them four children were born, as follows: Guilford, deceased; John E., deceased; Harry Guilford,
of whom further, and George Washington, Jr., who is at present foreman in the Brookville Window Glass Company at Brookville, Pennsylvania, and a member of the
Methodist church.
Harry Guilford Tussey was born September 24, i86o, in Camden county, New
Jersey, where his father had gone to live after his marriage. Here the lad received
his education in the local public schools, working during his spare hours on his father's
farm. He continued in this employment until he had reached the age of eighteen, and
then sought and found employment in the various glass manufactories in that part of
the country, serving a three years' apprenticeship in the town of Glassboro, New Jersey. He then left his native region altogether and made his way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was employed successively in a number of glass factories. It was in
the year I889 that he finally came to the town of Jeannette and from that date he has
made it his permanent home. Upon first coming to the town, Mr. Tussey entered the
employ of Chambers  McKee, with whom he remained for some time, and in I899, he
was elected president of the Window Glass Cutters' Association. This office he held for
a period of about two years, and in the meantime played an important part in the industrial situation in Westmoreland county. From the employ of Chambers  McKee
he went to the Imperial Window Glass Company, where he held the position of inspector for some years. In 1912 he was appointed justice of the peace and reelected
in 1914 for a term of six years. Mr. Tussey is an ardent Republican, and takes a
prominent part in many different departments of the life of Jeannette and environs.
He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Jeannette Lodge, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and of
the Masonic Order, in which he is affiliated with the Greensburg Blue Lodge, No.
225, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Uranus Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. Like
his father before him, he is a member of the Methodist church.
Mr. Tussey was united in marriage, December 24, 1885, to Jennie L. McElwee,
of Woodbury, New Jersey. To them has been born one daughter, Edith May, August 6, I887, now Mrs. Frank H. Westcott.
GEORGE ALLAN GERBER--This branch of the Gerber family came to Westmoreland from Cambria county. John Gerber, grandfather of George A. Gerber, was
a Schuylkill county farmer all his life. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed
church, married, and was the father of a family of thirteen children, including a son,
Allan George Gerber.
Allan George Gerber was born at the home farm in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in I853, and was educated in the public school. He early learned paper-hanging
and interior decoration, and he was the proprietor of a wall-paper store in Johnstown,
Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and he also opened a similar store in Jeannette, conducting it until I9o8. He then became traveling salesman for a wholesale wall-paperOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
house of York, Pennsylvania, his present position. He is a member of the Second
Reformed Church of Greensburg, and a Republican. Mr. Gerber married (first) in
I88I, Oliva Kern, daughter of Henry and Kitty (Mayer) Kern, her father born in
Hamburg, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, station agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad,
later a farmer. Oliva Kern was born in Schuylkill county, and was there educated and
grew to womanhood. She died in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, September 3, I896. She
was one of a family of eight children: George, Harvey, Philip, Lucien, Nellie, Anne,
Elizabeth and Oliva Kern. Mr.. and Mrs. Gerber were the parents of four children:
Ivy May, who married John Lett, of Erie, Pennsylvania; George Allan, Kittie Jeannette, and Evelyn Kern. Mr. Gerber married (second) Laura (Kiser) Marsh, widow
of Frank Marsh.
George Allan Gerber was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, January 6, I886, his
parents soon afterwards removing to Jeannette, Pennsylvania, where he obtained his
education in the public schools. At the age of fifteen years he began working in his
father's wall-paper store as clerk, then as assistant, and finally manager, succeeding his
father as owner of the business in I9o8. He then formed a partnership with Earl V.
Baum, and in connection with their wall-paper store, they conduct a real estate business.
Mr. Gerber is a member of the Jeannette Chamber of Commerce; Philo Lodge, No.
225, Free and Accepted Masons, of Greensburg; Jeannette Lodge, No. 486, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks; Junior Order of American Mechanics; and Grace Reformed Church.
MORRISON OTIS SHUSTER-Four generations of Shusters have been born
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and William I. Shuster, of the third generation, and his son, Morrison O. Shuster, are now (I916) contemporary business men
of the borough of Jeannette. The first born Westmoreland son of the family was
Isaac Shuster, born in 1788, whose parents came to the county from east of the mountains. He died in I859, a prosperous farmer of Hempfield township, and a deacon of
the Evangelical Lutheran church of Greensburg. He married Anna Blose, born in
I786, who survived him until I882, only lacking four years of being a centenarian.
Isaac and Anna Shuster had ten children: Elizabeth, married Jacob Shutt; George;
John; Sarah, married Christian Huffman; Isaiah; Joseph;'Daniel; Ann, married
Michael Keppel; William Garrett, mentioned below; Eli, died aged eighteen years.
W\illiam Garrett Shuster was born at the homestead in Hempfield township, April
5, I834. After completing his studies in the district public school, he became his
father's farm assistant, and later engaged in business for himself as a stock raiser and
dealer and a butcher. He continued in that business very profitably until I864, when
he purchased forty acres at Harrison City, underlaid with coal and limestone, upon
which two houses and a store had been erected. He conducted the store, opened up
the coal veins, and conducted an undertaking business, and successfully operated all
until his death in tDecember, I907. For fifteen years he was school director, three
terms assessor, three terms treasurer, three terms tax collector of Penn township,
county auditor, elected in I875, and poor house director, I883-86. For eighteen years
he was a deacon of the Lutheran church at Brush Creek, later becoming a member of
the Harrison City Lutheran Church. He was a member of Manor Lodge, Ancient
Order of United Workmen, and of Harrison City Knights and Ladies of Honor.
He married, March i, 1855, Sophia Smail, daughter of Captain John and Catherine (Huber) Smail, of Hempfield township, and granddaughter of Peter and Sophia
Smail, who came to Westmoreland county from Northampton county, Pennsylvania,
prior to the year 1880. Captain John Smail was born in Hempfield township, February I5, I8o04, and became a prosperous farmer of the township. His military title was
gained in the militia service as captain of the Brush Creek Company. He married
442BIOGRAPHICAL                                    443
Catherine Huber, who bore him twelve children, seven of whom  grew to years of
maturity and resided in Westmoreland. William! G. and Sophia (Smail) Shuster had
six children, two dying young. The others are: William Irwin, of further mention;
Emery M.; Anna, married A. M. Hoey; Solomon G.
William Irwin Shuster was born in Hempfield township, March ii, I859, and is
now engaged in business in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. He attended the district public
school at Harrison City, whither his parents had moved in I864, and after his twelfth
birthday spent his hours when not at school in his father's store. Later he became
closely associated in business with his father, continuing until June, I902, when he
located in Jeannette. There he opened a real estate office, adding later a fire, life and
accident insurance business, which he successfully continues.  He is a man highly
regarded for his honorable, upright life and dealing, and is one of the able business
men of the borough. For forty years'he has been a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran church, the faith of his fathers, and since living in Jeannette has been a
member of the Holy Trinity congregation which he has served as trustee. In politics
he is a Democrat.
Mr. Shuster married, February I4, I884, Sarah Jane Sarver, daughter of Ezra
and Catherine Sarv'er, of Harrison City. Children: Morrison Otis, of further mention; Pearl May, born July I8, I886, married William M. Gormly, of Pittsburgh;
Mary Catherine, born October 27, I888, died January I2, I889; Hetty Mabel, born
September I8, I89o, died July I5, 189I; Clara Irene, born June i6, 1892, married John
J. Lorentz, of Jeannette; Eula Marie, born November 14, I896; Ethel Margaret, born
December 23, I899; Edward Russell, born May 28, I902.
Morrison Otis Shuster was born in Penn township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November ii, I884, and until fourteen years of age attended the district
public school. He then became a clerk in a mercantile establishment, serving in that
capacity for five years. At the age of nineteen he became traveling salesman for the
Pittsburgh Wholesale Grocery House, S. Ewart  Company, remaining with that company for about eight years, compiling a record of honorable, efficient salesmanship.
In IgII he entered into a partnership with William M. Gormly, and in a small way
began a wholesale grocery business in Jeannette. Within a year business had so
increased that they moved to a three-story building, and in I9I3 they incorporated as
the Shuster-Gormly Company, with an authorized capital of $65,ooo. A three-story
brick building was erected with a floor'space of I8,ooo square feet, suitably arranged
-for the business, and on May I, I9I6, the enlarged business of the company demanding
greater financial resources, the capital was increased to $300,000. On June I, I916,
the Shuster-Gormly Company opened a branch jobbing grocery house at New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, taking a building fifty by sixty feet, five
stories. This has been a very good and wise move by the company's president. The
business. at this point is now up to about the volume of the Jeannette store. Mr.
Shuster has been president of the company since its incorporation and has proved his
executive ability in the wise, progressive manner in which the company has been managed. He is one of the alert, active young business man that the needs of the twentieth
century has brought prominently into the public eye, and is a recognized force in the
business life of his community.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Shuster has not taken an activc part in public affairs,
although he has served his borough as an efficient member and as treasurer of the
school board since I9o9. He is a member of the Lutheran church, Junior Order of
United American Mechanics, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, A. O. O. F.
M., and Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Shuster married, July 3I, I9o6, Alice W. Portzer, daughter of William D.
and Katherine (Hawk) Portzer, of Greensburg   Mr. and Mrs. Shuster have two
sons: William Portzer and Morrison O., Jr.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
JONAS M. KENNEL-The Kennels, originally from Germany, settle'd in Somerset countyj Pennsylvania, where Solomon Kennel was born and became a prosperous
farmer. He married Rebecca Hoyman. With their son, Jacob H. Kennel, Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, became the family residence, although he too spent the early
part of his life on the Somerset county farm. His son, Jonas M. Kennel, has made
Westmoreland county his home for many years, and in business and public life has
attained prominent position.
Ja'cob' H. Kennel, son of Solomon and Rebecca (Hoyman) Kennel, was born in
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and there remained with his parents at the home farm
until fifteen years of age, when he located in Fayette county, where he spent his after
life, becoming a prosperous farmer and stock dealer, owning a farm of eighty-six acres
at Champion. He married Mary Miller and had children: Jonas M., of further mention; Norman, Wilford, Simon, Charles, William.
Jonas M. Kennel, eldest son of Jacob H. and Mary (Miller) Kennel, was born
at the home farm; Champion, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, January- 2, I867. He
was educated in the public schools, and remained at home as his father's assistant until
twenty-three years of age. In I8go he opened a grocery store at Dexter Coke Works,
Fayette county, continuing in business there for three years. In I893 he located in
Scottdale' Westmoreland county, there forming a partnership with J. C. Kennel, and
engaging in the grocery business as Kennel  Kennel. Two years later, J. C. Kennel
withdrew and was succeeded by O. D. Weimer, the firm continuing as Weimer 
Kennel. Later'Mr. Weimer withdrew, his place being taken by Wilford Kennel, the
firm reorganizing as J. M. Kennel  Brother. The senior partner later sold his interest to the brother and purchased the old Hickey store at Keifertown, which he conducted for a'term of four years. He then sold out and returned to the farm,.purchasing the Kennel homestead in Fayette county, the place of his birth. He only remained
on the farm one year, then entered the employ of the Union Supply Company, having
stores at Davidson, Summit.and Hazlett. After one year with the Union Supply Com--
pany, he resigned and purchased a grocery business in Scottdale, which he conducted
very successfully for nine years. He was elected county poor director in I909, and
before entering upon the duties of his office sold out his grocery business. He served
as poor'director from I9IO to I913,.inclusive, most efficiently, and in I913 was the
Democratic icandidate for clerk of the courts of Westmoreland county, but failed of
an election. He is a member of the United Brethren church, the Royal Arcanum,
Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Fraternal Order of Eagles,
and in p1olitics' is a Democrat. He has proved his worth as a business man in his
long years of operation, and as a citizen has met every obligation.
Mr. Kennel married, in June, I89I, Kate Dixon, daughter of Andrew and Barbara
(Stauffer) Dixon, of Fayette' county, Pennsylvania. Nine children were born to them:
Grace, Mary, Ray, Edna; Annie, Catherine, deceased; Ruth, deceased; Jonas M. (2),
and Andrew:D.
M. HOMER MILLER--In any list of the successful and substantial business
men of Jeannette, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the name of M. Homer Miller
would stand high. Although not a native of Jeannette, he is a native of Westmoreland
county, and has lived in the town until he has become thoroughly identified with its
life and affairs generally.
Born on Christmas Day, I874, in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, Mr. Miller is a son of Amos B. and Susan (Rodebaugh) Miller. On
both sides of the house, but particularly the maternal side, he is related to'many of
the oldest and most distinguished families in Western Pennsylvania. He received his
education in the local public schools, and after completing his studies in these institutions secured a position as clerk in a country store. He was then but fifteen years of
444BIOGRAPHICAL
age and he worked for two years in his new position. He was extremely ambitious,
however, and sought for some opening which would lead to, a more promising future
for himself. Accordingly he took up the study of telegraphy and shortly afterwards
obtained a position as an operator with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Union Station,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He held this position for about fifteen years, and then
secured an excellent position in the auditing department of the Westinghouse Electric
Company at Pittsburgh. About this time his father had established an undertaking
business at Jeannette, and in I903 Mr. Miller bought a one-half interest in this enterprise. Eight years later, in I9II, he purchased the entire business from his father and
is still conducting it most successfully at the present time.
Mr. Miller is very active in the public affairs of Jeannette, and in I9II, the same
year in which he became sole proprietor of his present business, he was appointed
justice of the peace, an office which he continues to hold until to-day. He is an ardent
Republican in politics, and is prominently identified with the local organization of his
party in Jeannette. He is a conspicuous figure also,in the fraternal life of the community and is affiliated with a large number' of organizations of this kind there.
Among these should be mentioned the Thomas G. Sample Lodge, No. 5I0, Knights
of Pythias; Conclave No. 200, Improved Order of Heptasophs; Jeannette Circle, No.
466, Protected Home Circle; Lodge No. 84, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Greensburg
Lodge, No. 225, Free and Accepted Masons; and Tent, No. Io9, Order of Maccabees. In his religious belief Mr. Miller is a Lutheran and attends the church of that
denomination at Jeannette. He has been identified with various movements undertaken
for the advantage of the community at large and is regarded as a most public-spirited
member thereof. Mr. Miller was united in marriage, on June I7, I907, with Dorothy
Hill, a native of Jeannette, and a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Giles) Hill, old
and honored residents of that place.
WILLIAM  FULTON  EUWER-Among the many business men of Western
Pennsylvania, William Fulton Euwer can safely be classed as one of the most prominent and perhaps the most successful of the younger set.
Born March 3I, I870, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, William Fulton Euwer
was a son of Matthew Gill and Elizabeth (Logan) Euwer. He received the early
part of his education in the schools of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, where his parents
moved when he was but an infant, and later attended the public schools of Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania. VWhen he was but fifteen years of age, he left school and secured
a position with the firm of Arthur  Schondemyer, situated on Ohio street, Allegheny
City, where he remained for a period of three years, during which time he rose from
the humble position to which he was assigned when he entered this establishment to
that of salesman. Having become adequately adapted with businss methods in general,
he resigned from this position and entered the employ of his father's business, located
at Verona, Pennsylvania. It was here that he acquired a thorough knowledge of the
furniture, carpet and clothing business, in which line he was later to become permanently identified. For nine years the young man remained with his father, at the end
of which period the establishment changed hands on. account'of the death of the
senior member. By this time, however, Mr. Euwer, Jr., was part owner himself, and
selling out his interest came to Jeannette, Pennsylvania, in the year I897, and with his
father-in-law, George Whitmyer, bought out the business of his uncle, E. G. Euwer,
the pioneer furniture man of Jeannette. At the time of this purchase, the store was
part of a two-story building, twenty by one hundred feet, and in I9o3 an extra story
was added and the floor space increased to forty by one hundred feet. In I9Io Mr.
Euwer bought out his partner's interest, made further additions and improvements,
and in I9I2 he opened a branch store at Youngwood, Pennsylvania.- The store, now
445OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
conducted and solely owned by Mr. Euwer, is second to none for its size in the State,
for the completeness of its home furnishings, and has the reputation of selling to more
homes than any other store of its sort in the county. It also has the distinction of
selling more Hoosier cabinets than any other store in the United States that operates
in a city of less than fifteen hundred inhabitatits. The establishment is popularly
known as "Euwers Truly" and the name is an O. K. for all modern furniture.
Mr. Euwer was united in marriage, June 5, I895, with Alice Whitmyer, a daughter of George and Margaret H. (Elwonger) Whitmyer, of Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. Euwer are the parents of five children, as follows: Margaret Elizabeth,
Paul, Virginia, Robert, Dorothy Jean, all of whom are living at home with their
parents.
Mr. Euwer is very prominent in both social and club life and is identified with
the Greensburg Country Club, the Knights of Pythias, where he has taken the third
degree; the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and is an ardent devotee to outdoor
sports, principally golf and tennis, which he enjoys immensely. He is affiliated politically with the Republican party, but is not active as far as political preferment is concerned, contenting himself in the interests of any civic movements which might be
available, having always been identified in this way. He is an active member of the
Methodist church, having been chairman of its board of trustees and teacher of the
Gibraltar class. Mr. Euwer, in consistence with his religious convictions, started the
profit-sharing plan with his clerks when he took over the new business of which he
is now head.
HERBERT SHAMBAUGH   Among Westmoreland county's aggressive business men of the younger generation is Herbert Shambaugh, of Monessen. In addition
to the leadership of his large painting and decorating establishment, Mr. Shambaugh
has extensive banking and real estate interests and is active in the social life of his
community.
Christian Shambaugh, great-grandfather of Herbert Shambaugh, was the first of
the family born in the United States. His parents, who were natives of Wurtemburg,
Germany, came hither in I798, and settled in Pennsylvania.
George Shambaugh, son of Christian Shambaugh, and one of fourteen children,
was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer and expert woodworker
and wagon builder. He died in I9OI, at the advanced age of eighty-eight.
Robert Shambaugh, son of George Shambaugh, was born in I847, in Snyder county,
Pennsylvania, and was a man of superior education, for some years practicing the
profession of teaching and taking charge of local schools. During his business career
he was a contractor and builder. Mr. Shambaugh married Mary Swineford, born
and reared in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of George Swineford, and they
became the parents of two children:  Herbert, mentioned below, and         Mr.
Shambaugh died in I911I and his widow resides in Middleburg.
Herbert Shambaugh, son of Robert and Mary (Swineford) Shambaugh, was born
January 23, I88o, at Middleburg, Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and received his education in the public schools of his native place. At the age of thirteen his school days
came to an end, and he was apprenticed to the painter's trade. In I904 Mr. Shambaugh came to Monessen and in I907 engaged in the painting and decorating business
on his own account. The venture met with signal success. Mr. Shambaugh is to-day'
at the head of the largest business of its kind in the county, conducting a splendidly
equipped establishment and carrying a complete line of painters' and decorators' supplies. The interests of Mr. Shambaugh are not limited to his own business, as he possesses valuable holdings in real estate. He is a member of the Monessen Board of
Trade. The political principles upheld and advocated by Mr. Shambaugh are those
of the Republican party. Although he has as yet taken no active part in public affairs,
446BIOGRAPHICAL
his interest in the welfare and progress of his community has always been keen and
helpful, and he has never neglected an opportunity of manifesting it. He affiliates with
the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. Shambaugh married, July 12, I9o3, Sarah E., daughter of William and Sarah
(Middlesworth) Dreese, of Beavertown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Dreese is a pioneer citizen of Snyder county, and for some years occupied a seat on the board of county commissioners. Mr. and Mrs. Shambaugh are the parents of one daughter: Margaret
Sarah. Mrs. Shambaugh, a thoughtful, earnest and thoroughly domestic woman, is in
all respects admirably fitted to be the helpmate of a man like her husband who has
found in her ever-ready sympathy and wise counsel, one cause of his success. Mr.
Shambaugh is a type of, man who, it is safe to say, would have wrested success from
the most unfavorable conditions. He has achieved his present position by close attention to business, capable management and strict fulfillment of every obligation committed to his keeping.
CHARLES STROUSE-It was not long after the arrival of Benjamin Strouse
in this country that he demonstrated his business genius as a merchant, and the years
placed him at the head of one of the largest clothing and furnishing stores in Western
Pennsylvania.  He not only developed unusual business quality in himself, but he
transmitted his genius to his son, Charles Strouse, trained him in the methods, principles and laws which win success, then in I915, when the years began to bear heavily,
retired to the enjoyment of a fortune and to the son left the sole management and
ownership.
Benjamin Strouse was born in Prussia, in I838, but when a boy of thirteen came
to the United States, locating in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. He soon secured a position
in a clothing and furnishing store, first as general utility boy, but soon rising to a
clerkship and later to more responsible position. Having found merchandising to be
his true vocation, ways and means were found in due course of time which enabled
him to start in business for himself, and the sign Benjamin Strouse, Clothing, was
displayed in Harrisburg until I892, when it was taken down and reerected in the city
of Latrobe. There his Harrisburg success was repeated and a large business in clothing and men's furnishings built up, located in fine quarters, his establishment being
second to none in Western Pennsylvania. He continued the active head of the business until I9I5, then withdrew, leaving to his son and partner, Charles Strouse, the full
burden of management. He now lives in honorable retirement in the city of Pittsburgh, after a life of successful business achievment in which he may take a just
pride. He married Henrietta Stein, who died in March, I87T, at the age of sixtythree. Mr. and Mrs. Strouse were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are
living. Benjamin Strouse died June 23, I917, at seventy-nine years of age.
Charles Strouse, third child of Benjamin and Henrietta (Stein) Strouse, was born
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 28, I867. He was educated in public schools
and business college, entering his father's employ immediately after completing his
commercial course. He began at the bottom, learning the business thoroughly as he
advanced to better position and finally became a partner. Father and son conducted
the business jointly until 1915, when the senior member of the firm retired, Charles
Strouse then becoming sole owner. The business comprises clothing and men's furnishing lines, is ably managed, and the store is an important merchandising center.
Mr. Strouse is a thorough master of the business, his long experience, coupled with
business acumen of the highest order, making him one of the leading merchants of his
city. To a richly endowed business ability he has added close application and a reputation for absolute reliability in his dealings with the public he serves. Popular, progressive and liberal, he freely supports all worthy charity causes regardless of denomination, is a patron of all out-of-door sports, and is an enthusiastic motorist. He is a
447OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
postmaster of Greensburg under the new  Democratic administration.  There were
four other candidates in the field, all of whom were reputable, prominent and wellknown citizens. Notwithstanding this, Mr. Zimmerman was strongly endorsed by
most of the banks of Greensburg and by a large majority of the members of the bar
and business men. He was endorsed also by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company,
the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, and by nearly all of the coal companies of
the county whose offices were in Greensburg. The endorsement which possibly pleased
him most came from the contractors who had for years been regular dealers with
the lumber firms of which Mr. Zimmerman was superintendent. They united in
signing a petition setting forth that, in all those years, Mr. Zimmerman had conducted the business so accurately that they could not recall a single mistake he had
made in billing their lumber to them. As a result of this extensive and almost unanimous endorsement by the people of Greensburg there was really no contest when
the time came to make the appointment, which was made on June 20, I914, by President Woodrow Wilson. He is now, therefore, serving his first term of four years.
The office was handed over to him by R. A. Fulton Lyon, who had been postmaster
for a term of sixteen years and had been an unusually capable officer. He left the
office in splendid shape, and it is to the credit of Mr. Zimmerman that the high
standard of this office has been thoroughly kept up under his administration and that,
in addition, he has been complimented by the Department in Washington, and by the
patrons of the office, concerning the manner in which he has conducted it. The work
of the postmaster at Greensburg is very extensive, much more so than one would
naturally imagine. There are under Mr. Zimmerman's supervision, thirty-five employees, consisti-ng of clerks and city and rural carriers. The magnitude of the work
can be better understood when it is known that there are, on an average, 52,000 pieces
of mail handled every day. To do this successfully, among other things, they are compelled to receive and send out over two hundred sacks of mail each day. Furthermore, on October I, T9.T7, the office in Greensburg was made the central-accounting
office for all the third and fourth class offices in Westmoreland county, numbering
a hundred and one in all. The additional duties of the postmaster of Greensburg
under this order of the Post Office Department are to furnish these one hundred and
one third and fourth class offices with all their stamps, envelopes, cards, etc. These
offices also make their remittances to the postmaster in Greensburg, who remits to
the Department. The Greensburg postmaster must also audit and correct the quarterly reports of all the third and fourth class postmasters in the county. To do this
work, as required by the Department, he had to open a separate account for each of
these one hundred and one postmasters, giving to each -one his proper credit and debit.
Mr. Zimerman has resided all his mature years in the borough of Greensburg,
coming here on March 28, I868. He and his wife are members and prominent workers in the First Lutheran Church of Greensburg.
GEORGE F. HUFF-(I) The first ancestor in America of the well known Huff
family of Greensburg was John Frederick von Hoof, who was the son of Paul von
Hoof (now  Huff). He was born in Berlin, Germany, July 8, I734, and came to
America when a young man. On October 25, I757, he was married to Susanna Keim,
a daughter of John and Mary Elizabeth Keim. He was a farmer by occupation and
a Lutheran in religion. It was he who dropped the "von" from the name, and since
I840 or perhaps earlier, in America it has been spelled "Huff." John Frederick died
April 26, I716, and was buried near Huff's Church, in Herford township, Berks
county. His wife Susanna died May 12, I8o9. Their children were John Frederick,
George, Henry, Susanna, and others
(II) John Frederick Huff, son of Frederick, and grandfather of the late Hon3oOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, worships according to the Jewish faith of his fathers, and in
politics is a Democrat.
Mr. Strouse married,' March 26, I89g, Rose Irene Fahenstock, daughter of Derek
and Maria (Barkey) Fahenstock, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Strouse
are the parents of two sons: Leon Derek, Ambulance Corps, United States Army,
and Karl Benjamin, and of a daughter, Helen Fahenstock Strouse.
HENRY JOSEPH REINTGEN-Although ever with serious purpose and never
an idler, Mr. Reintgen's life has'alternately turned from  grave to gay, and in the
intervals of business life he has won enviable reputation as an athlete, has hunted big
game in all parts of the United States, prospected and traveled the West, Southwest
and even to Old Mexico. As a business man he is an equal success, his rank being
among the financially responsible, progressive and popular merchants of Latrobe. He
is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Beuton) Reintgen.
Henry Reintgen was born in Berlin, Germany, in I853, and died in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in I894. He came to the United States in I882, located in Latrobe, and
until his death was a successful merchant, leaving to his sons a well-established and
prosperous mercantile business. He married Wilhelmina Beuton, also born in Berlin,
who yet survives him, a resident of Latrobe. They were the parents of nine children:
Hugo, now residing in Pittsburgh; Henry Joseph, of further mention; Mary, deceased; Amelia, deceased; Eulalia, married Francis P. Seubert, of Latrobe; Verna,
deceased; Frank, William and Arthur, deceased.
Henry Joseph Reintgen, second child of Henry and WVillielmina (Beuton) Reintgen, was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, April 7, I883. He passed through the grade
and high schools of Latrobe, finishing his studies with graduation from high school,
class of I895. He began his business career as clerk in the store of H. G. Donnelly
 Sons, continuing with that house four years, then spent three years prospecting and
traveling in the West, Southwest, and Old Mexico. His experiences but gave him a
higher opinion of his native city and there he has since resided. He spent three years
in the employ of the Latrobe Steel Company, then became associated with his brother in
the management of the mercantile business founded by their father. That interest he
yet retains, but in I9o6 he established a retail shoe business in Latrobe, which he also
successfully conducts. His holdings include, in addition to the business, considerable
local real estate and a stockholder's interest in various industrial enterprises of
Westmoreland county. He is interested in civic affairs and improvements and bears
a part in the movements for a greater and better Latrobe.
From youth he has.been interested in athletics and as baseball, football and basketball player excelled.  He was a member of Latrobe's famous football team  that
remained unbeaten six successive seasons, and is still a patron'of all healthful out-ofdoor sports. His favorite recreations are with rod and gun and in the pursuits of both
small and big game has hunted in all parts of the United States in which good shooting is' found. He is an Independent in politics, a Catholic in religious faith, and in
fraternity an Elk.
Mr. Reintgen married, July 7, I9o8, Estella, daughter of George and Emma
(Schmidt) WVebber, of Pittsburgh, North Side (Allegheny City).
THOMAS JENKINS HILL-The founder of this branch of the Hill family in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Robert M. Hill, was born in Belfast, Ireland,
May I, I840, and when a boy of twelve years came to the United States, locating in
Fall River, Massachusetts. There he remained until I86I, when he came to Westmoreland county, engaging in mining, a business he yet continues. He married Jean448BIOGRAPHICAL                                    4149
ette Jenkins, daughter of George and Nannie Jenkins, of Scotch parents, born November 30, I847, in Ardra, Scotland, died January, I916. Robert M. Hill resides in Alverton, Pennsylvania. He and his wife were the parents of the following children:
Nettie, married Charles Fell, of Elyria, Ohio, manager of the Lorain Steel Company;
Elizabeth, married Samuel Sisley, of Altoona, Pennsylvania; Thomas Jenkins, subject of this biography; Nannie, deceased; Robert, of Alverton, Pennsylvania; George,
of Youngwood, Pennsylvania; John, of Alverton; William, of Alverton; Alexander,
of Elyria, Ohio; Walter, of Alverton; Hubert, deceased; Margaret, and two others
who died in infancy.
Thomas Jenkins Hill was born December 28, I869, in Milesville, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and there obtained his education in the public schools. At the age of
seventeen, the family moved to Alverton, Westmoreland county, where for three years
he worked in the coal mines. In I89o he moved to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and
there was employed by the National Tube Company until I895. He had during this
time accumulated sufficient capital, and he carried out his ambition for a business career,
and opened a sporting goods store in McKeesport, continuing its operation until I898,
when he sold out and went to Pittsburgh. There he worked for a time in a laundry,
gaining a complete knowledge of the business. In I902 he organized the Palace Laundry Company, which he operated successfully until I9O9, when he removed to Scottdale, where he established the Model Laundry Company, and has been its owner and
manager until the present date. He is also agent for the Studebaker Automobile Company.
He has developed his business along the best modern lines, and made the Model
ILaundry worthy of its name. He has acquired other business interests in the borough,
and is rated one of the substantial, reliable, and progressive men of his community.
In politics he is a Republican.  Confidence, persistence, self-reliance, capacity for
gaining the confidence of those with whom he associates, and absolute integrity, have
been the prime factors in the achievement of the success that has crowned his efforts.
He derives his pleasures from baseball, hunting, fishing, motoring and long-distance
touring. He is also active in church and club work. He is a director of the Scottdale Trust Company; president of the Good Roads Club of Scottdale and East Huntington township; is exalted ruler of Scottdale Lodge, No. 777, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church. He
married, June 30, 1892, Luonia Catharine Thomas, daughter of James and Mary (Hatfield) Thomas, of Stevens City, Virginia, later of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where
Mr. and Mrs. Hill were married. Both her parents are deceased.
GEO. H. ADAMS-Geo. H. Adams, one of the prominent business men in the
town of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member of one of the
oldest and most honored families in the whole western part of the State. It is of
English ancestry, and Mr. Adams can trace his descent from a certain bookbinder of
London who flourished in that city during the latter part of the seventeenth and the
early eighteenth centuries.
It was a son of this first Adams, one William by name, who founded the family
in this country, coming to the colonies as a young man on one of Williaml  Penn's
vessels. He brought with him machinery for a flour mill purchased for him by his
father with the intention of engaging in that line of business in the New World. He
landed at the little colony of Chester, Pennsylvania, and there made his home near the
Swedish settlement. He sooin abandoned the mill project and, marrying a woman of
the settlement just referred to, removed to, Philadelphia, where he established a bookbindery, the first in the city. His children all moved into Chester county and there
became farmers.
W-29OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
His son, James Adams, was born in the year I734, and in I756 married Isabelle
Weldon, of the same region, who was two years younger than himself. They removed
to the Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, where they made their home,
and became the parents of a family of thirteen children who later in life removed to
various parts of the State. The father and his eldest sons served in the Revolutionary
War in the commands of Generals Wayne and Mifflin, and the father was also a captain of Huntingdon county regulars in the War of I812. He was a prominent man in
his home comnmunity and represented it in the State Legislature for a number of years.
One of his thirteen children was Jacob Adams, who was born in the Mifflin
county home in 1756, and in I787 married (first) Catherine Iloy, a lady of ScotchIrish descent. They were the parents of three children, Joseph, James and Mary, of
whom the eldest was the ancestor of the Mr. Adams of this sketch. Mrs. Adams died
in 1795, and Mr. Adams married a second time, the children of this later union being
the founders of the several branches of the family that now reside in Juniata as Mifflin
county came to be known.
Joseph Adams, son of Jacob Adams, was born November 3, I787, at Lost Creek,
Mifflin county, now Juniata county, and continued to reside at his father's home until
the death of the latter, when he went west to Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and there
secured a clerical position in a store which he held until the time of attaining his majority. He then received his share of.-the family estate, which amounted to two hundred
and fifty pounds, a very considerable sum in those days,'and with his fortune removed
to Manor Hill, Huntingdon county, where he formed a partnership and together with
his associate, James Milliken, conducted a country store. This enterprise was continued
for about ten years, between i8o8 and I8I8, when the store and all his possessions at
Manor Hill were destroyed by fire. He then removed to a farm in Heart's Log NValley, near Alexandria, Huntingdon county, and there made his home until I834. In the
latter year he removed to the vicinity of Hollidaysburg, where' Mr. Adams was
appointed weighmaster of the canal at that point. Here also he engaged in the coal
business. He served as associate judge of the county courts in Huntingdon county for
more than twenty years. Joseph Adams married (first) in I789, Mary Crum, a native
of Maryland, and of old Dutch stock. He married (second) Mrs. Mary Roller, in the
year 1837, and her death occurred in I843.
Samuel Adams, son of Joseph and Mary (Crum) Adams, was born at Manor Hill,
July 2I, 1815. He was one of the old employes of the old "Portage Railway" and
later was associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company continuously from the
time of its incorporation to the time of his death, September I3, I88o. He it was that
ran the first train from Latrobe to Beatty Station in the year 185I, and was one of
the best known of the pioneer railway men of Pennsylvania. He married Sarah Ann
Beatty, a daughter of Hamilton and Sarah (Anderson) Beatty, of Beatty Station,
Pennsylvania, the place having been named in honor of Mrs. Adams' grandfather, Benjamin Beatty, one of the pioneer settlers in Westmoreland county.
Geo. H. Adams, the son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Beatty) Adams, was born
March 29, I86o, in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received his education at
the public schools of Latrobe, at Elders Ridge Academy, where he prepared for college,
and finally at Washington and Jefferson College. He did not graduate from the latter
institution, however, as he was compelled to abandon his studies by his father's death,
which threw great responsibilities upon his shoulders. He served as agent at Beatty
Station until I891, when he was transferred to Latrobe, which has continued to be his
home to the present time. He has held from that time to this the important post of
agent at this point, one of the important traffic centers of Western Pennsylvania. Mr.
Adams is a prominent figure in the general life of Latrobe, and is affiliated with a
number of important organizations there. He is a member of the Latrobe Club, and
is particularly active in Free Masonry, being a member of the various Iocal bodies con450BIOGRAPHICAL
nected with the Masonic order, including the Greensburg Commandery, Knights Templar, and the Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh. He has taken
his thirty-second degree in Masonry. He is one of the community's esteemed citizens,
and is active in the civic and social life of the place.
On June 25, I889, Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Mary Minerva George,
a daughter of John and Nancy (Tittle) George, both members of old Westmoreland
county families. Mrs. Adams met her death in an automobile accident, April 24, I9II.
(The Beatty Family).
The Beatty family is one of the honored pioneer families of Westmoreland
county, where it has been represented since I8IO.  The founder of the family in
America was Benjamin Beatty, born in County Derry, Ireland, I745. As a young
man he came to America, settling in Eastern Pennsylvania. When the Colonies rose
in revolt against England he was among the first patriots to enlist in the Continental
army. He was one of General Washington's army in the historic crossing of the
Delaware, December 25, I776, and fought also in the subsequent battle of Trenton and
other engagements of that memorable campaign. The records of his honorable discharge from the Continental army are among the prized heirlooms of his descendants.
In I795 he settled on a farm in Adams.county, and in I809 removed to Washington
county, and in I8Io came to Beatty Station, where he purchased the "Sportsman" farm,
where he lived until his death, June 2, 183I. In 1785 he married Martha Chamberlain,
born I755, died September 6, 1845, in her ninety-first year. They were the parents of
eleven children, of whom Hamilton Beatty was the eldest.
Hamilton Beatty was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in I786, came with
his parents to Westmoreland county in I8IO. In 1824 he became jointly with his
brother, John, the owner of the Beatty homestead. -He served with honor in the War
of I812 and assisted in the building of Fort Meigs. He was one of the prosperous and
substantial citizens lof the community and served in various public capacities. He was
a lifelong Democrat. He was one of the devoted members of the Unity Presbyterian
Church, serving, as a member of its board of elders for fifty-six years. His death
occurred at Beatty Station, July To, 187I, in his eighty-fifth year. On September I,
I8I7, he married Sarah Anderson, born September 27, 1796, died May 25, 1879, a daughter of Colonel AWilliam and Nancy (Tittle) Anderson. Of this marriage seven children were born, three dying in infancy; those attaining maturity were: Mrs. Nancy
Tittle (Beatty) George, John Beatty, Jr., Mrs. Martha Chamberlain (Beatty) Baldridge, and Mrs. Sarah Ann (Beatty) Adams.
JOHN VINCENT TONER-There are few men associated with Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, whose interests are more extended and whose success
has been more marked, than John Vincent Toner, for many years identified with the
development of the insurance business and many industrial concerns in that region.
He is a member of a family which has long been identified with the life of Western
Pennsylvania, and can trace his descent on both sides of the house back to the pioneer
days there. His father, James Toner, was born in the year 1812, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and in his young manhood started with one of his brothers and two cousins
to make his way to the Western Reserve Section of Northern Ohio. His journey led
him through the town of Youngstown, which was at that time the most thriving community anywhere within the region and which so impressed Mr. Toner, Sr., that he
decided on the spur of the moment to locate there. At Youngstown he' first engaged in
the butcher's business, but later established a tannery and continued in this business
during the remainder of his active career and up to within a short period of his death
in 1876. His brother also settled in the region and became a stone-cutter, his specialty
being mill stones. Many of the early grist mills of this section he furnished with
451OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
their stones. James Toner became one of the most conspicuous figures in the life of
the place. He was a man of very remarkable appearance, being six feet three and a
half inches in height and of exceedingly powerful physique. After his retirement from
business, he removed from Youngstown to North Latrobe, where he spent the last
five years of his life. These two men were sons of James Toner, the first of the
family to come from the native region of Donegal, Ireland, to the United States. James
Toner, the younger, the father of John V. Toner, was married to Ann Burgoon, which
is a corruption of the-name Burgoyne, her early ancestors spelling it in this way. She
was a daughter of Jacob and Martha Burgoon, and spent her childhood on what was
known as "Burgoon farm," about fourteen miles from Latrobe. She used to walk,
in her girlhood, on Sundays to church and Sunday school at St. Vincent's Church.
Her death occurred in I882, and she and her husband were the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Bridget, who became Mrs. Kirwan, of Pittsburgh, where her death
occurred in September, 1916; Joseph W., a resident of Derry, Pennsylvania; John
Vincent, of whom further; Martha, who became Mrs. Edward O'Brien, deceased;
James T., who now resides at Latrobe; Mary, now Mrs. Layton, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania; Arthur, deceased; Peter C., a resident of Latrobe; Edward, deceased; William, deceased; Alice; Frank, who made his home at Dennison, Ohio, and is now
deceased; Mark, who is now a practicing physician in Berkeley, California.
John Vincent Toner was born August 5, 1847, at Youngstown, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the local public schools of that place and
then went to St. Vincent's College at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Upon completing his
studies at the latter institution, he went West, to the State of Kansas, with the intention of seeking his fortune there. This was in the year I869, when Mr. Toner was
twenty-two years of age. He took a position in a clerical capacity in the freight and
ticket offices of the old Kansas-Pacific Railway. He was located at Lawrence, Kansas,
where he remained for two years. He then returned for a short visit to his native
region, but in I872 went West once more and this time did not stop until he had come
to the Pacific Coast. Here he became interested in mining interests and did considerable
prospecting in various parts of California, Nevada and Old Mexico. He was staying
at Virginia City, Nevada, during the time of the great boom which that community
enjoyed in I875, and visited most of the famous mining camps of the time. After this
invaluable experience, Mr. Toner returned to Latrobe, which has since been his home,
and there engagd in the insurance business, in association with a Mr. Chambers, under
the style of Toner  Chambers. This firm has become well known in insurance
circles throughout the whole of Westmoreland county and its business, which has been
conducted continuously since its establishment in I883, has rapidly grown to its present
large proportions, but it has not been only in the insurance world that Mr. Toner has
been conspicuous. He has been engaged also in the promotion and organization of
nearly every important industrial enterprise in Latrobe and its environs for the past
thirty years, and he is now secretary of the Latrobe Brick Company, a director of the
First National Bank of Latrobe and of the Latrobe Trust Company, and a stockholder
in a great number of other concerns.
Mr. Toner has always taken an active part in the general life of his adopted community. He is keenly interested in politics, but is a man of extremely independent
mind, who is not swayed by partisan considerations. He is, however, a member of
the Democratic party and describes himself as an Independent Democrat. He is a
member of the Latrobe Club and was its president for a number of years. In his
religious belief Mr. Toner is a Roman Catholic, and has been extremely active in
charitable and educational movements connected with this church throughout his residence in Latrobe. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and prominent in
the local lodge of that order. He is exceedingly fond of all outdoor exercises and
sports and is an accomplished horseman. He gained his experience in this delightful
452BIOGRAPHICAL                                   453
exercise while in the West and rode for many thousands of miles through that region,
while engaged in his prospecting work and in visiting the various mining towns. He
is regarded as one of the most prosperous men and public-spirited citizens of Latrobe.
WILLIAM  JOHNSTON  METZGER-William  Johnston Metzger, secretary
and treasurer of the Latrobe Publishing Company, publishers of the "Latrobe B11lletin," which is one of the most successful and influential local newspapers in the
State, and regarded as one of the most capable and progressive young business men in
Westmoreland county, is a member of a family that has long been prominent in
Western Pennsylvania. His grandfather was John Adam Metzger, a native of Germany, who came to this country in early youth, locating in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
where he married Magdaline Kellar, also a native of Germany. His father was Frederick Metzger, who was a conspicuous figure in the community for many years.
Frederick Metzger was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. In I86I he enlisted
as a private in the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, was promoted to second lieutenant, and served throughout the period of the war. He was later in life very active
in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was an enthusiastic
member. He married, November 2, I869, Margaret Johnston, a daughter of John and
Mary Ann (Gilmore) Johnston, of Pittsburgh, and a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, born December 22, I845. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger were the parents of two children: Dr. John Adam Metzger, of Long Beach, California, and William Johnston,
of whom further.
Born May 8, I878, at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, William  Johnston Metzger has
made that town his home during his entire life. He received the preliminary portion
of his education in the local schools of the town and then attended the Chambersburg
Academy at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he prepared himself for college. He
then matriculated at Princeton UIiniversity and still later went to New York City and
there took two years at the Law School of Columbia University. During these two
years, however, Mr. Metzger had decided definitely upon his career in life, and abandoning the law took up newspaper work. He returned to Latrobe before his graduation and at once became identified with the "Bulletin," and has continued this association to the present time. Mr. Metzger has been always interested in the general life
of Latrobe and the surrounding regions and takes a part in many important movements there. He is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Princeton Club of Pittsburgh, of the Latrobe Club, the Masonic order and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He is keenly interested in outdoor sports of all kinds and is a patron
of them in the community. He is particularly fond of fishing, motoring, tennis and
golf.
Mr. Metzger was married, April 27, I907, to Katharine Reton Swainson, a daughter of Arthur Morgan and Harriet (Kingman) Swainson, of New York City.
ROBERT GRIFFITH LOHR-A prosperous business man and trusted public
official, Mr. Lohr, whose life has been spent in the Ligonier Valley and Latrobe, has
fairly won the position he holds in the business world and in public esteem. He is of
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, lineage, his grandfather, John Lohr, of German ancestry, having been one of the early settlers of that county. Michael J. Lohr, son of
John Lohr, was born in Somerset county, but in I869 came to Westmoreland county,
where he is now living, a retired citizen of Ligonier. He is one of the veterans of the
Civil War, his four years of service having been performed with the Fifty-fourth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He married Louisa Griffith, daughter of
Jehu and Catherine Griffith, of an old Somerset county family. They had nine children. of whom Robert G. is the eldest.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Robert Griffith Lohr was born in Jenner township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania,
May 8, I868, and a year later was brought by his parents to Westmoreland county.
He was educated in Ligonier public schools and Ligonier Academy, becoming himself
a teacher in the public schools in which he had been a student. After several years as
instructor he was appointed supervising principal of the borough schools, holding that
position two years.  He then abandoned the teaching profession for business life,
locating in Latrobe, where he engaged in the retail grocery business. In I907, in association with Joseph Eaton and others, he organized the Latrobe Wholesale Grocery
Company, of which he became and is yet secretarv and general manager. He is a man
of strong business ability and has demonstrated his fitness both as retailer and wholesaler. A Republican in politics, he has been an active party worker since becoming a
voter, and has served Derry township as school controller for six years, and since
1913 has been collector of taxes of Latrobe borough. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, active, earnest, and efficient, serving as trustee for the past
fifteen years. His societies are the Patriotic Order Sons of America and the Woodmen of the World.
Mr. Lohr married, June 27, 1894, Anna Mary Eaton, daughter of Joseph and Mary
Ellen (Barkhimer) Eaton, her father also of extended mention in this work. Mr. and
Mrs. Lohr have four children: Mary Luella, Robert Eaton, Emma Jane and Joseph
M. Lohr.
JAMES MILLER  PATTERSON-One of the most substantial business men
and public-spirited citizens of New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
is James Miller Patterson, who, although not a native of the city, has been for long
identified most closely with its affairs. The Patterson family, of which he is a member,
comes originally from -reland, his grandfather, James Patterson, having been born
in County Down in that country. He came to the United States at the age of sixteen
years, but was shipwrecked on his voyage over here and lived for two months on an
island before being rescued. He eventually settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm which is still in the possession of the family and
upon which he eventually died at the age of ninety-two years.'He lived for a time
at Steubenville and while there married Elizabeth Miller, by whom he had nine children, all of whom are now deceased. Their son, James Patterson, Jr., was born on
the old Patterson farm, and died in I893, at the age of seventy-eight years, in Beaver
county, Pennsylvania. He married Jane Leiper and they were the parents of eleven
children, the seven survivers being as follows: James -Miller, of whom further;
Sarah Martha, who became the wife of Joseph Armstrong, and now makes her home
in Beaver county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Thomas Ramsey, of East Liverpool, Ohio;
Hugh L., who. owls one-half of the old Patterson farm and there makes his home;
Anna Mary, who became the wife of Pollock Thompson, of Calcutta, Ohio; Anderson,
who makes his home on a farm at Hookstown, Beaver county, Pennsylvania; and Eva,
who married (first) William Richmond, and (second) -       Hobbs, and now resides
in Wisconsin.
James Miller Patterson was born near West Middletown, Washington county,
Pennsylvania, July Io, I843, but spent only the first five years of his life in his native
place.  In 1848 his father purchased a farm  near West Alexandria, WVashington
county, Pennsylvania, and removed there.  He attended school at Good Intent, a
small place near his father's farm, and was still a scholar at the outbreak of the
Civil War in I86I. In I863, being then twenty years of age, he enlisted in Company I, Sixteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and after spending some
time in Baltimore with his company was ordered to the front. From that time on Mr.
Patterson saw much active service, the regiment taking an active part in the battle
of Light House Landing, Virginia, the siege of Petersburg, and many other important
454BIOGRAPHICAL
orable George F. Huff, was born August I, I779, at Huff's Church. He was married
to Anna Mull, and their children were Lydia, Hettie, Maria and George.
(III) George Huff was born at Huff's Church, in I813, and was married to
Caroline Boyer, and they were the parents of George F. Huff. He was a merchant,
and first lived at Huff's Church, but in I840 moved to Norristown, thence to Middletown in Dauphin county, and later to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1858.
His wife, Caroline Boyer, was born September 5, I817, and died February 3, I875.
(IV)  George Franklin Huff, late of Greensburg, was born at Middletown,
Dauphin county, July i6, I842. He attended the public schools in Norristown and Altoona, and at the age of seventeen entered the car shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company to learn the car finisher's trade. Three years later he was recommended
by the railroad company to a banking house in Altoona, that of William M. Lloyd 
Company, where he learned banking, to which he gave a great deal of attention during
his later years. In I867 he removed to Greensburg, where he established the banking
house of Lloyd, Huff  Company, known as the Greensburg Deposit Bank, which had
branches in Latrobe, Irwin, Mount Pleasant and Ligonier. He also established the
Farmers' National Bank of Greensburg with a capital stock of $Ioo,ooo, and was its
first president, and so remained until I874, when he became the active manager and
cashier of the bank, with General Richard Coulter as president. In I88I the First
National Bank of Greensburg was chartered largely through Mr. Huff's efforts, and
to this he gave his attention very largely for some years.
About this time Mr. Huff became largely interested in the coal industry of Westmoreland county, and was the prime mover in the organization of the Greensburg
Coal Company, the Alexandria Coal Company, Mountain Coal Company, Argyle Coal
Company, UTnited Coal and Coke Company, Mutual Mining and Manufacturing Company, Manor Gas Coal Company, Madison Gas Coal Company, Salem Coal Company,
Latrobe Coal Company, Carbon Coal Company and several others. Most of these
companies were afterwards consolidated and became the Keystone Coal Company,
with Mr. Huff as president. This latter became one of the largest coal companies in
Western Pennsylvania. He was also one of the organizers of the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and' was a strong factor in the organization of the
Greensburg Electric Street Railway Company, the Greensburg Fuel Company and
Greensburg Steel Company, and took a leading part in many other branches of industry in WV~estern Pennsylvania. Adjoining Greensburg he acquired a large landed
estate containing about five hundred acres upon which he built a residence called
"Cabin Hill." Throughout the entire estate are winding driveways of over four
miles in length, which were built and kept up by him and at all times thrown open
for the public to enjoy.
He was a Republican, his first appearance in politics being as a member of the
Chicago Republican Convention in I88o, when he supported General Grant for a third
term as President. In 1884 he was elected to the State Senate from Westmoreland
county and served four years. In i888 he was nominated for Congress by the people
of his county, but under the conferee system another was selected. In I89o he was
again nominated and was elected to Congress, representing the counties of WVestmoreland, Armstrong, Indiana and Jefferson. He served in Congress until I893, and in
I894 was elected Congressman-at-large from Pennsylvania. In I902, I904, I9o6 and
19o8, he was returned to Congress representing the counties of Westmoreland and
Butler.  His business ability, his high character, his pleasing personality, polished
manners and kind disposition, made him decidedly a leader among men and a power
in Congress, or in any walk of life he chose to enter. In the Sixtieth and Sixty-fifth
Congresses he was chairman of the committee on mines and mining, and introduced
the bill creating the Bureau of Mines, which was approved May I6, I9I0. He declined
because of failing health to be a candidate or serve longer in Congress. He died
April 17, I912.
3IBIOGRAPHICAL
engagements. At Petersburg, Mr. Patterson had two horses shot under him, but himself escaped unscathed. He fought under General Gregg, when that officer headed off
General Lee at Appomatox Court House. At the close of hostilities, Mr. Patterson
returned to the North and to his father's farm, residing there for about a year and
assisting the elder man in the operations which he carried on there. The following
year, however, the family moved to Beaver county and there Mr. Patterson lived for
about five years, later engaging in the machinists' trade in C.  P. shops at Wellsville, Ohio, where he remained for about three years. For a period of twelve years
following this experience, Mr. Patterson represented an oil company as a traveling
salesman, and then came to New  Kensington, where he purchased an undertaking
business in which he has continued most successfully to the present time. His establishment is situated at No. II37 Fourth avenue, New Kensington, next to the Opera
House, and he is now at the head of one of the largest businesses of its kind in the
county.
Mr. Patterson has always been active in the general affairs of New Kensington,
and is identified with the local organization of the Republican party. He has served as
chairman of the county Republican committee for five years, and is looked upon as a
factor in the political situation in Westmoreland county. In his religious belief, Mr.
Patterson is a Methodist and attends the church of that denomination at New Kensington.
Mr. Patterson married (first), shortly after the Civil War, Allie Little, by whom
he had four children: William, deceased; James, resides in Ohio; Lizzie, Mrs. Snyder, of Bedford, a suburb of Cleveland; Robert, of Cincinnati, Ohio. After the death
of his first wife, Mr. Patterson married (second) a Mrs. Pope, who died in T9I3, leaving no children.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM  MYERS-Some men there are whose names and lives
invariably spell success, and to this class the good citizen of Ligonier whom we have
just announced distinctly belongs. When a man's reputation for success is built, as it
were, on the sand, it is in name only, but when it rests on a solid foundation the facts
of his life bear witness to it and that this is the case with Mr. Myers a very large
portion of his community can abundantly testify.
John Mvers, father of John Cunningham Myers, was born in I838, in Limerick,
Ireland, and when about nineteen years of age emigrated to the United States, landing
in New York. Later he was employed in a machine shop in Newark, New Jersey, and
a few years thereafter removed to Duboistown, Lvycoming county, Pennsylvania, where
he worked in a sawmill and became a lumber inspector. For many years he was associated successfully with the lumber business, and on retiring purchased a house with
five or six acres of land attached which he now cultivates as a market gardener. Mr.
Myers married Elsie, born in i843, daughter of Casper and Elizabeth Teufel, natives
of Germany, and their children were: I. George, a retired lumberman of Richmond,
West Virginia. 2. John Cunningham, mentioned below. 3. Matthias, a shipper in the
Lycoming Tannery, Williamsport. 4. Edwin, engaged in the ice cream and confectionery business in Duboistown. 5. James, lives near Williamsport, and is employed by
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as conductor on a switch engine; he married
Margaret Rung and their children are: Elsie, Ruth and Margaret. 6. Francis, employed in the Lycoming Tannery; married Ida Cook; they have one child, Paul. 7.
Annie, wife of William Connolly, of Duboistown, in partnership with Edwin Myers.
8. Margaret. Mr. Myers is a Republican, and a member of the Roman Catholic
Church of the Ascension, Williamsport.
John Cunningham Myers, son of John and Elsie (Teufel) Myers, was born August
3, I870, in Duboistown, Armstrong township. Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and
received his education in the schools of his birthiplace. Tn I889 he left home and, to
455OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
use his own words, "followed up logs on the Susquehanna river," passing through
Columbia, Yorkhaven and Sparrow's Point, and then returning to Williamsport. THis
next migration was to Davis, West Virginia, where he took charge of a lath mill.
At the end of a year he was back in Williamsport, where he worked for' a time in a
saw mill, going then to North Bend, Clinton county, whlere he was similarly employed,
eventually returning to Williamsport. In I9oo Mr. Myers came to Ligonier and took
charge of the Byers  Allen lath mill, putting in all the machinery, purchasing the timber and conducting the entire plant until I9O8. In selling the output he was extremely
successful. In I9Io he engaged in the ice cream manufacturing business and is now
the owner of an ice house and an ice cream manufacturing plant. He delivers ice in
the borough of Ligonier and supplies Idlewild Park with ice and ice cream. A fine
record for seven years.
Another sphere in which Mr. Myers has demonstrated   the facility with which he
achieves success is that of poultry raising.  His stock includes Partridge Plymouth
Rocks and he attends poultry shows in Boston, New York, Pittsburgh and Chicago.
As a poultry raiser he has won many ribbons at the Grand Central Palace, New York,
and in Pittsburgh. Politically Mr. Myers is a Republican, but his various business
enterprises have never left him much time to devote to public affairs. He is, however,
actively public-spirited. He and his family are enrolled in the Ligonier Chapter of
the American Red Cross Society and are earnest workers in the cause. They are.
members of the First Presbyterian Church of Ligonier.
Mr. Myers married Margaret Emma Lawson, whose family record is appended
to this biography, and they are the parents of one daughter: Annabel Elizabeth, born
January 3, I902, and now attending the Ligonier High School.
John Cunningham Myers is a, fine type of the self-made man. His success is of
his own making and his standing both as a business man and a citizen has been achieved
by fair dealing and strictly honorable conduct in all transactions and in every relation
of life.
(The Lawson Line).
Thomas Lawson, great-grandfather of Mrs. Margaret Emma (Lawson) Myers,
was a carpenter and builder. He married Esther, daughter of Philip Moore. Their
children were: James, mentioned below; Daniel T., married Frances Wells; Rebecca,
became the wife of John Birkhart, of Somerset; William; Sarah, married Jacob
Covode, brother of,the Hon. John Covode. Daniel T. Lawson was Democratic candidate for Governor of Ohio in opposition to the late President William McKinley and
was defeated by a small majority.
James Lawson, son of Thomas and Esther (Moore) Lawson, was born December
I4, I8i8, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and learned the trade of a hatter, being also
proficient as a carpenter and cabinet-maker. He was a Democrat and for a number
of terms filled the office of justice of the peace in Ligonier. His religious membership was in the Disciples' Church of Laughlintown. Mr. Lawson married Mary,
daughter of Samuel and Martha (Critchfield) Roberts, from  Somerset county, and
their children were: Thomas C., married Annie Birch; Marcus Cicero, married Dolly
P. Shelton; James Emmet, married Emma Douthit; Daniel Augustus, mentioned below;
John S., married Ada Light; Martha J., married Calvin A. Light; Mary E., married
Louis A. WVeaver; Jessamine, married Wfilliam J. Potts; Ellen R., became the wife
of John F. Mencher; and Joanna, died at the age of seven years. James Lawson, the
father, died in January, I9o3, his wife having passed away at the age of seventy-six.
Daniel Augustus Lawson, son of James and Mary (Roberts) Lawson, was born
November 5, I844, in Somerset, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and was two years old
when his parents moved to Ligonier township, Westmoreland county. It was there that
he received his education and learned the carpenter's trade, also engaged in farming. He
is now the owner of two good properties near Ligonier. On June I7, I863, Mr. Law456BIOGRAPHICAL.
son enlisted for six months in Company B, First Battalion, Pennsylvania Cavalry,
under Captain George M. Murphy. He was mustered in at Camp Howell and proceeded with his regiment to Connellsville and Uniontown to look after the Confederate
General Morgan, who had been making raids in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. On
December 27, I863, Mr. Lawson was honorably discharged at Pittsburgh.  He is a
Democrat and has filled the offices of assessor and constable in Ligonier township and
Ligonier. He attends the Presbyterian church. Mr. Lawson married Isabel Jane
McCurdy (see McCurdy line), and their children were: I. Margaret Emma, mentioned below. 2. Nettie B., born July 6, 1875. 3. Frank VW., born August 3, I877,
building decorator at Toledo, Ohio; married Rose Lund. 4. Minerva B., born March
T8, I88o, married Frank Peterson, tool-maker for the Switch and Signal Company,
Swissvale, Pennsylvania. 5. Harry Denny, born January I2, I882, carpenter shop foreman for the Westinghouse Company, East Pittsburgh; married Elizabeth Snyder. 6.
Jessie Maud, married Frank Cooper, a harness-maker of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. 7. WTard Augustus, now living in Wisconsin. 8. Charles William, born September 26, 1894, died in infancy. The mother of the famiiy passed away April I2, I915.
Margaret Emma Lawson, daughter of Daniel Augustus and Isabel Jane (McCurdy) Lawson, was born January 9, I874, in Ligonier, and became the wife of John
Cunningham Myers, as stated above.
(The McCurdy Line).
Robert McCurdy, maternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Margaret Emma (Lawson) Myers, was a farmer in Ligonier township, adhered to the Whig party, and was
a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife. He married Isabel Finley, born March 3I, I787, and their children were: Robert; Samuel, married Sarah
Crawford; John, married Elizabeth Ross; James, married Sarah Blair; Barbara,
married Alexander Blair; Mary, married Jacob McDowell; William, mentioned below;
and Julianne, died unmarried, in early womanhood.
William McCurdy, son of Robert and Isabel (Finley) McCurdy, was born December Io, I820, near Waterford, Ligonier township, and received his education in
district schools, being reared to assist in the labors of the farm. He was at one time
a boatman on the old Pennsylvania canal and became the owner of a section boat
plying between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Later he owned a farm of one hundred
and ten. acres in Ligonier. Though not a young man at the time of the Civil WVar, Mr.
McCurdy gave proof of his patriotism by enlisting, on February 29, i865, for one year
or the duration of the war, in William S. Harrah's unassigned company, One Hundred
and First Regiment of Infantry. On June 25, I865, he was honorably discharged at
New Berne, North Carolina. Mr. McCurdy was a Republican and at one time filled
the office of supervisor. He belonged to Ligonier Post, Grand Army of the Republic,
and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCurdy married, December 23, I847, Sarah Jane Luther (see Luther line), and their children were:  Mary
Ann, born July 8, I849; Isabel Jane, mentioned below; Robert, born March I6, I854,
died April I6, I854; Chauncey, born June Io, I856, died June 4, I858; Emma C., born
May Io, I85Q, married James Smith; Ida Alice, born November 6, I862, died August 3,
1876; William L., born October I9, I865, died July 30, I876; George E., born June
Io, I868, married Carrie Hazlet. Mr. McCurdy died July 22, 1895.
(III) Isabel Jane McCurdy, daughter of William and Sarah Jane (Luther) McCurdy, was born February 22, i85I, and became the wife of Daniel Augustus Lawson
(see Lawson line).
(The Luther Line).
William  Luther, grandfather of Mrs. Sarah Jane (Luther) McCurdy, was for
many years a schoolmaster in Laughlintown, being familiarly known as "Master"
Luther. He also worked on farms and in later life assisted his son in the cultivation
457OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of the latter's estate. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Laughlintown. Mr. Luther was twice married, the following being
the children of the first union: I. David. 2. Samuel. 3. Robert, wagon and coachmaker and proprietor of a general store; for many years justice of the peace at Laughlintown; married (first) Catherine Haney, (second) Anna Hill and (third) Mary
Neal. 4. William, mentioned below. 5. Jane. 6. Matilda, became the wife of
Davidson. Mr. Luther married (second) Martha Falloon, and their children were:
Lewis, married Ruthanna Davis; and Edwina, married (first)           Douthit, and
(second) William  Ringle.
William  (2) Luther, son of William  (I) Luther, was born near Waterford, and
was a farmer and shoemaker, owning a large farm between Waterford and Laughlintown. He was a Republican, and a member of the Christian church of Laughlintown.
Mr. Luther married (first) Mary Ann Houp, and their children were: Valentine,
married Susan Horner; Sarah Jane, mentioned below; Ann Matilda, married George
Tesh; Catherine, married Samuel Blair; Charles, married Sarah Lucas; and William,
married Georgeanna White. Mrs. Luther died at the early age of thirty-five, and
Mr. Luther married (second) Sarah Naugle, their only children being two who died
young.
Sarah Jane Luther, daughter of William (2) and Mary Ann (Houp) Luther, was
born February 24, I829, and became the wife of William McCurdy (see McCurdy
line).
JOHN JOHNS PEPPERDAY-John Johns Pepperday has for long occupied
an extremely prominent position in the life of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, having been
identified with its general business and industrial development to a degree which but
few of its citizens can claim. He is a native of the western part of Pennsylvania,
though not of Westmoreland county, and was born in the city of Pittsburgh, November 23, 1848. He is of English parentage, his father having been John H. Pepperday,
of London, England, who came to the United States and located in the Western Pennsylvania city when still a young man. The reason for his choice of Pittsburgh was
that he had a brother who had already made his home there for many years, and who
had become the owner of a prosperous business as a painting contractor. Mr. Pepperday, Sr., continued to live in Pittsburgh for many years, and finally died in Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, in his seventy-seventh year. He had moved to. Latrobe after his retirement from active life. He married Lucy Ann Johns, a native of Kentucky, of French
parents, and a member of an old family in that State. She died in Latrobe in her
eightieth year.
John Johns Pepperday was the third of a family of six children born to his parents, four of whom survived to manhood and womanhood. He was educated in the
public schools of Pittsburgh, and lived until he had reached his twentieth year on a
farm owned by his father in Westmoreland county, where the family moved in his
twelfth year. He then came to Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he has rmade his home
ever since, and at once began to take an active part in the life of the community. For
nearly half a century he has been one of the mnost useful citizens of Latrobe, having
taken part in the most varied aspects of her life. His first employment in this region
was with the S. H.  R. Baker Company, a firm of lumbermen and car builders, but
he did not remain a great while with them as he became keenly interested in the coal
mining operations of the district and turned his attention to this, one of the two
greatest industries of Westmoreland county. He was appointed treasurer of the Leasdale Coal Company and held this office for five years, during which time he was one
of the important factors in the development of that large industry. The four years
following he was one of the owners and partners of the Chambers Flouring Mill Company of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and at the expiration of this term purchased mill and
458BIOGRAPHICAL                                   459
elevator property of his own at Latrobe and engaged in this business there on a large
scale until I9o6. In this year Mr. Pepperday retired from the industrial world and
established a loan and fire insurance business in Latrobe, which still is operating on
a large scale and is most successful. For many years Mr. Pepperday has been vitally
interested in local financial interests and in the banks of the city, and he was one of
the organizers of the People's National Bank and of the Latrobe Trust Company,
both of this city. He has served for many years as a director in both institutions, and
his liberal policies and progressive management has been shown conspicuously in the
great prosperity of both. Mr. Pepperday is also a very large owner of Latrobe real
estate, in which he invested on a large scale, his keen business foresight disclosing to
him the great advances in value which such property would have in a growing community like Latrobe. Mr. Pepperday has not been less active in other departments
of the life of Latrobe than in the financial affairs of that city. He is an independent
Republican in politics, and while never seeking public office or political preferment of
any kind, has nevertheless made himself a considerable power in Republican politics
there. He is also a conspicuous figure in the social and fraternal circles of Latrobe,
and is a prominent member of the Masonic Order and of the Latrobe Club.
On February 17, I885, Mr. Pepperday was united in marriage with Leonora
Chambers, a daughter of Daniel L. and Mary (Smith) Chambers, old and highly
respected residents of -Unity township, Westmoreland county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Pepperday four children have been born, as follows: Howard A., who married Jane
Poorman, and now resides at Latrobe; Helen, deceased; Ruth, who became the wife
of Harry Williams, of New York City; and Edwin Wilbert.
Mr. Pepperday has always been a popular figure among his associates on account
of the many amiable traits of character possessed by him and his liberal and democratic attitude toward his fellows. He is very fond of outdoor life generally, and is a
particularly ardent horseman and always owns a number of fine animals, which he
takes great pleasure in driving. His success has been due exclusively to his ownefforts, to his indefatigable industry and to the habit which he acquired early in life,
of always saving a part of his earnings and judiciously investing the same.
THURMAN  COULTER  MUSICK--Thurman Coulter Musick, who is the
owner and operator of flourishing mercantile and milling enterprises and one of the
most public-spirited citizens of Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was
born in Indiana county in this State, May 27, I876. He is a son of Samuel Musick,
who for many years was a successful merchant at Lycippus, and who now resides in
retirement at Lycippus.
The Musick family was founded in Westmoreland county by David Musick, the
great-grandfather of the Mr. Musick of this review, who came here in the year 1773
and settled in the neighborhood when only thirteen years of age. Here he resided
during the remainder of his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and became a prominent figure in the community. He was an Evangelical Lutheran in his religious belief.
His son, Peter Musick, was born near Adamsburg, August II, 1807, and died
December 2, I889, in Unity township. He was a cooper by trade, and removed to
Unity township in the year I854, where he was a well known figure. Like his father
he was an Evangelical Lutheran. He married Elizabeth Seanor, a member of another old family in W'estmoreland county, and by her had several children.  Mrs.
Elizabeth Musick was a daughter of Philip Seanor, of German descent, a farmer by
occupation, and a Lutheran in -religion. She survived her husband two weeks and
died at the advanced age of eighty. Among their children should be mentioned Darwin and Samuel Musick, of whom the latter is the father of Thurman Coulter Musick.
Samuel Musick was born December 29, 1845. in South Huntingdon township,OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was reared on his father's farm. He became
a pupil in the local schools and attended them until sixteen years of age, when he
enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Civil War from August, I862, until July 6, I865,
when he received his honorable discharge at Boston, Massachusetts. During that time
he saw much active service and participated in many important engagements.  He
was three times wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, once in the face, once in the
chest and a third time in the right leg. These wounds incapacitated him for further
service, and after a period spent in the military hospital he was removed to the Veteran Reserve Corps, in which he served until the close of hostilities. He returned to
his home in Westmoreland county, and in I87I engaged in the lumber business in
Indiana county. He remained there for about ten years, and it was during that time
that his son, Thurman Coulter Musick, was born. In April, I885, he removed to
Lycippus, Westmoreland county, and two years later established himself in a general
mercantile business in which he continued active until I9I5, when he retired. He
married Elizabeth Brinker, born May 3I, I847, a daughter of Abraham Brinker, of
Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, and they were the parents of the following children: Minnie, who resides with her parents at home; Clark B., who met his
death in an accident at the age of four; Allen P., who married Mary Peterson; Ida
O., who became the wife of William Johnson, of Youngstown, Pennsylvania; Thurman Coulter, of whom further; Abraham B., who married Lucy Trauger, and now
resides near Lycippus; Sarah C., who became the wife of William Gross, of Latrobe;
and Frances Elizabeth, who became the wife of George Karus, who resides near
Youngstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Musick, Sr., is a Democrat in politics, and very
prominent in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church at Lycippus, where he and his
wife now reside.
Thurman Coulter Musick's birth occurred at Jacksonville, near Indiana, Indiana.county, Pennsylvania, but his parents removed from that place to Westmoreland county
when he was a small boy, and his education was obtained at the public schools of
Unity township. After completing his studies at these institutions, he began his successful business career as a clerk in his father's store. He remained thus employed
until the time of reaching his majority, and then in I898, secured a clerical position
with the Puritan Supply Company of Bagley, Unity township. He remained with this
concern for a period of about three and one-half years, gaining in the meantime a
very complete knowledge of business methods, and then formed a partnership with his
brother, A. P. Musick, and engaged with him in the grocery business at Monessen,
Pennsylvania. After eighteen months spent in this enterprise, Mr. Musick withdrew
and engaged in a general mercantile business at Bagley for himself. This highly
successful venture he continued for seven years and then came to Ligonier, April I,
I9.II, where he purchased a grist mill from Edward Benford, and now carries on a
large and flourishing general milling business, manufacturing flour and feeds of all
kinds. He also deals in hay, straw, and similar commodities on a large scale, and is
regarded as one of the largest merchants in this line in the neighborhood. Mr. Musick
is a Democrat in his politics, as his father was before him, and has taken an important
part in local affairs. He has held a number of offices and at the present time is a
member of the Borough Council. He is a prominent Free Masoii, having attained the
thirty-second degree in that order, and is affiliated with most of the Masonic bodies
in this region, among which should be mentioned the Loyalhanna Lodge, No. 275,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Latrobe, and Pennsylvania Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, of Pittsburgh. Mr. Musick is, like all the
members of his family for a number of generations, a man of strong religious feelings
and convictions. He is a member of St. James' Evangelical Lutheran church of
Ligonier, and before coming to this city attended St. Paul's church at Pleasant Unity
400BIO'GRAPHICAL
and later St. James' church at Youngstown. He served the former as a deacon and
the latter as deacon and treasurer.
Thurman Coulter Musick was united in marriage January 24, I905, with Emma
Catherine Springer, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, born September
30, I876, niear the city of Greensburg, and a. daughter of William J. and Mary Jane
(Overly) Springer, old and highly respected residents of that place. They are the
parents of the following children: Francis Brinker, born October 30, I9o8; Jane Elizabeth, born October 13, I9Io, both of whom are now attending the schools of Ligonier.
The Springer family, of which Mrs. Musick is a member, is also an old one in
these parts. She is the granddaughter of John P. Springer, a native of Germany,
and the founder of the line in this country. John P. Springer was a son of George
Springer, who lived and died in Germany, from whence he emigrated to the United
States as a young man. He married Katrina Hoff in his native land, and it was
shortly after this event that he came to America and settled in Cambria county,
Pennsylvania.  He afterwards removed to, Pittsburgh and finally to Mt. Pleasant
township, Westmoreland county, where he died in I882. He was a teacher by profession, and a member of the Reformed church. He also taught music, both in Germany and in this country, and was an accomplished musician, having been trained in
his native city of Frankfort-on-the-Main. He also played the organ in churches in
Pittsburgh and Greensburg. Before coming to this country he had acted as preacher
in the Reformed church in Germany. His death occurred at the age of seventy-five
years. John P. Springer married, in 184I, Mary Frank, born in I8I6 and died at the
age of eighty-three. She was a daughter of Michael Frank, who lived and died in
Germany, and left a family of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs.. Springer the following children were born: William J., father of Mrs. Musick; Lydia, who became
the wife of Theodore Miller; Charles, who married Clara Clarkson; Emma, who
became the wife of Lewis Rugh; John, who married Elizabeth Newell Thompson;
Annie M., who became the wife of Joshua Weaver; Kate, who married (first) William Shuman, and (second) William Smith, of Los Angeles, California; Laura, who
became the wife of Nelson Keim, of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania; Lewis, who married Elizabeth Crise; and George, who married Caroline Dower Freeman. John P.
Springer died while on a visit to his daughter, Annie M. Weaver, in Pittsburgh. He
was a very striking personality, and a conspicuous figure in the life of the community
especially in connection with church work. He would play the organ there, or, in
the absence of the pastor, fill the pulpit.
William J. Springer, his eldest son, was born January I2, I847, in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the local schools,
and thereafter worked upon his father's farm until he had attained the age of thirtyeight. From that time on he worked at the trades of carpenter and painter, which he had
learned as a young man. He married Mary Jane Overly, a daughter of John A. and
Elizabeth (Griffith) Overly, of Kecksburg, where she was born March I6, I850. They
were the parents of the following children: Clara, who became the wife of William
R. Harris, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Anna, who became the wife of Charles
T. Sperling, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Emma Catherine, now Mrs. Thurman
Coulter Musick; and Flora Alma, who died in infancy. Mr. Springer is a Republican
in politics, and is now supervisor of Mount Pleasant township. His wife is a member of St. Paul's Reformed church at Pleasant Unity. Mrs. Musick was born near
Greensburg in Hempfield township, and was educated at first in the local schools and
later in the Slippery Rock Normal School, in Butler county, from which she graduated with the class of 1896. After this she taught for a time in schools at Mount
Pleasant and Wilkinsburg. She is very prominent in the work of St. James Evangelical Lutheran church at Ligonier, and is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and
the Ladies' Guild. She has also been active in the Sunday school and still substitutes
as a teacher.
46iOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
THOMAS EDWIN KUHN-The present limits of the city of Latrobe are so
widely extended and the population of the city so large that it seems incredible that
in the boyhood of a man now but fifty years of age he delivered. all Adams Express
Company's matter that came to the then village, using a wheel barrow as his delivery
vehicle. This is a fact in the life of Thomas Edwin Kuhn, now a merchant of Ligonier, he furthermore being driver of the first free delivery wagon the company put
on in Latrobe. A little further back and this same boy delivered all the daily and
Sunday papers which came to the borough of Latrobe. This was part of Mr. Kuhn's
early training for life's battle, and thus from boyhood he has won. his way; energy
and industry being the cardinal virtues which have brought him success.
He is a great-grandson of George Kuhn, born March I5, I783, whose life closed
just short of the century mark at the age of ninety-four. Peter Kuhn, son of the
nonagenarian, was a farmer of Derry township, Westmoreland county, born November 29, I804, died August 9, I866. He married Sarah Miller and had issue: Peter
Ambrose, married a Miss Toner; John, a Pennsylvania Railroad freight conductor for
thirty years, now living in Derry, Pennsylvania, married (first) Jennie Riffle, (second) Ellen McCormick; George, of further mention; Harriet, married Joseph Haney;
Annie, married James McKinney, a railroad contractor of Missouri; Irene and Jennie,
both residing in Derry, unmarried. The family were members of the Roman Catholic
church, and Peter Kuhn and his wife are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at New
Derry, Pennsylvania. He was a lifelong Democrat.
George Kuhn, son of Peter and Sarah (Miller) Kuhn, was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, September 23, I834. He learned the blacksmith's trade, but
during the years I861-62-63 was proprietor of the Parker House in Latrobe, that
place of entertainment being then known as the Williams Hotel. Later he was for
many years warehouseman for the Pennsylvania Railroad. For a number of years
after he left the railroad he was in' the employ of the city of Latrobe as janitor of
a public school building. He married Annie Miller, born August 20, I834, daughter
of John Miller. They had children: Mary, born June I3, I859, died July, I917, was
the wife of George Cannon; Charles H., born November 9, I86I, married Elizabeth
Blair, and is now living retired at Ligonier, Pennsylvania; Edwin, born November
8, I863, died May 20, I866; Grace, born August I6, I868, now residing with her mother
in Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Thomas Edwin (twin with Grace), of further mention;
Olive R., born in October, I874, a milliner. George Kuhn was a Democrat in his
political faith, and during the early days of Latrobe under a borough government
served as councilman, high constable and burgess. He was a member of the Knights
of Honor, and the Royal Arcanum, and with his family a member of the Holy Family
Roman Catholic church. He died in I894, and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery,
New Derry, his widow yet surviving him, aged eighty-four years, a resident of
Latrobe.
Thomas Edwin Kuhn, son of George and Annie (Miller) Kuhn, was born in
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, August I6, I868, and was educated in the public schools of
the then borough. During his boyhood he employed some time delivering daily and
Sunday papers, he being able to serve all who desired the daily paper at their home.
Later he was in the employ of the Adams Express Company, and comprised the entire delivery force, only needing the assistance of a wheel barrow. When the business
grew so large that a delivery wagon was a necessity, the pioneer delivery clerk was
promoted to the post of driver. As a youth Mr. Kuhn was clerk in several Latrobe
stores and for two years was with H. J. Miller, of Latrobe, a manufacturer of proprietary medicines, Mr. Kuhn being both chief manufacturer and shipping clerk.
Finally he entered the employ of the Ligonier Valley Railroad as office man, was clerk
one year, then was promoted chief clerk, a post he filled for eighteen years. After
nineteen years of railroad clerical service he retired and has since engaged in mer462OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
On March I6, 187I, Mr. Huff was united in marriage with Henrietta Burrell,
daughter of the late Jeremiah M. Burrell, twice president judge of the Tenth Judicial
District, and later a judge of the United States Courts in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs.
Huff were the parents of eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who
grew up were: I. Lloyd Burrell, who upon the death of his father became president
of the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, and managed it with an ability only exceeded by that of his father. He died, however, in May, I915. 2. Julian Burrell, who
was graduated from Yale College, and entered the coal business with his father
and brother. He is now acting president of the Keystone Coal and Coke Company,
and has recently been appointed district representative of the United States Fuel
Administration. 3. Caroline Burrell, who was married to Mr. Murray Cobb, of
Washington, D. C. 4. Burrell Richardson, who after leaving college entered the coal
business, but in I917 enlisted in the army and is now with the American Expeditionary Forces in France.
ASA JOHN MASE-Although not himself a native of W\estmoreland county, nor
indeed of Pennsylvania, Asa John Mase is regarded by his associates as one of the
most successful among the younger business men and coal operators of the region,
and is now holding the highly responsible post of superintendent of Mine No. One
of the Jamison Coal Company, which is situated at Luxor, about five miles northeast
of the city of Greensburg.
Born in Massillon, Ohio, July 2, I88I, Asa John Mase is a son of the Rev. S. B.
and Ida C. (Hussler) Mase, and came with his parents at the age of six years to
Greensburg, so that practically all his associations have been formed with this town.
His father, of whom there is a sketch to be found elsewhere in this work, has been
a man of prominence in the community and gave to his son an excellent education.
This he obtained in the public schools of Greensburg and he attended high school for
two years. He immediately secured a position as shipping clerk at Mine No. One of
the Jamison Coal Company, where his remarkable aptitude and indefatigable
industry recommended him to the notice of his employers, and he found himself in
line for promotion. He was rapidly advanced and not long afterwards became outside foreman of the mine, where he was placed in charge of the tippee and coke
crews with some four hundred and twenty-five men at work under his direction. In
the month of March, I912, he was promoted to the position of superintendent of the
mine, to succeed Robert F. Pitcairn in this responsib,le position. At the present
time between four and five hundred men are employed in the mine, which is a very
large one, some of the drifts extending three miles from the pit mouth. About onethird of the total output is converted into coke and the whole forms a very important
factor in the total operations of the company. The success of Mr. Mase up to the
present time is without doubt earnest of the future, which holds out for him a brilliant promise of worthy achievement.
Mr. Mase was united in marriage, June 28, I916, with Mabel C. Hepler, a daughter of Dr. A. J. Hepler, of New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Mase are
members of the Second Reformed Church at Greensburg, though, like the other
mine superintendents, his residence is located at the works.
Success in life is the fruit of so many diverse conditions and circumstances, so
opposed, it often seems to us, that one may well be tempted to despair of finding
any rule and criterion of the qualities which go to its achievement. There is one
thing of which we may rest assured, however, and that is that, despite appearances,
real success, success honestly worth counting as such, is never the result of fortuitous elements in the environment, but must depend upon some intrinsic quality of
the man himself.'Admitting this, however, and we still have a field, wide enough in
all conscience, from which to select the possible factors of success and he is wise
indeed who can adequately do so.
32BIOGRAPHICAL
cantile life.  He purchased, October I, I9O6, the news, confectionery and tobacco
business of J. A. Coughenour, at Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and continued it along the
same lines until the spring of 1907, when he enlarged the store, adding a large soda
fountain, an ice cream parlor, stationery, office supplies, fancy china, novelties and
souvenirs. All the former lines are retained, but in enlarged form, and a laundry
agency is also a part of the greatly enlarged business. A Democrat in politics, Mr.
Kuhn has served the borough of Ligonier two terms as auditor, two terms as school
director, was president of the board one term, and treasurer at the time the present
high school building was erected. He is a member of Ligonier Lodge, No. 33I, Free
and Accepted Masons, and Latrobe Lodge, No. 907, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He is a man of public spirit and progressive ideas, highly esteemed
as a business man and citizen.
Mr. Kuhn married Olive Lowry, daughter of Charles A. and Sarah E. (Hicks)
Lowry, her father at his death in I9II being one of the oldest business men of Ligonier. Charles A. Lowry was a son of William and Jane (Richmier) Lowry. William
Lowry, born in Bedford county, in I820, was one of that famous band of men who for
years drove on the National Pike between'Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Later he became proprietor of a hotel at Jennerstown, in Somerset county, but in I856 went to
California, where for some years he drove a mail stage, his home for a time being in
Salt Lake City. In I86o he returned to Pennsylvania, and enlisted in Company C, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving three years under his
first enlistment.' He reenlisted at the expiration of his first term and served until honorably discharged at the close of the war. He married Jane Richmier, they the parents
of: Charles A., father of Mrs. Kuhn; Abraham, William, and John, all deceased; Joshua,
removed to Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and Margaret, who married Jeremiah Heckman. Charles A. Lowry was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, February 9, I847,
and died in Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May 3I, I9II. He attended
the public schools until sixteen years of age, then began a four years' apprenticeship'
with Henry Hoffman, a cabinet maker of Jenners Crossroads, who turned him out a
skilled worker in hard wood. For one year he worked as journeyman for Samuel
Weiner, of Ligonier, then for five years was a partner with J. W. Ambrose, conducting a furniture and undertaking business at Ligonier. At the end of five years
the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Lowry retiring and then establishing the furniture
and undertaking business, which he successfully conducted until his death, a period of
thirty-eight years. EHe was a Democrat in politics, holding many local offices, a member of the Presbyterian church, a past noble grand of Ligonier Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows; was a charter member of the Local lodge, Knights of.Honor,
holding all the offices of that lodge; and also belonged to the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics.  He was a man of integrity and held in high regard by his
fellowmen. He married Sarah E. Hicks, daughter of William and Lydia Eve Hicks.
Mr. and Mrs. Lowry were the parents of: Olive, married Thomas Edwin Kuhn;
Lydia M., married James Tinkom; Annie, married John Dennis; Edward W.;
Matthew B. S., and three others who died in infancy.
Thomas E. and Olive (Lowry) Kuhn are the parents of two daughters: Mary
S., born October 9, I890, a graduate of Ligonier High School, married. Harry W.
Clark, a clerk in Mr. Kuhn's employ, they the parents of a *son, Thomas James
Clark, born March 5, 19I5; Agnes L., born November I5, I898, a graduate of Ligonier
High School, now a teacher in the Shawley School, Fairfield township.
DANIEL B. SULLIVAN-Daniel B. Sullivan is one of the many splendid examples of Irish stock to be found in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where, as
in so many other parts of the country, Irishmen have taken a leading part in affairs.
Mr. Sullivan was not, it is true, a native of Ireland, having been born September 2,
463OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
I86I, in the Shenandoah valley, Shenandoah county, Virginia, but he is of Irish
parentage and inherits in full measure the characteristic virtues of that race.
Mr. Sullivan's grandfather was Timothy Sullivan, of County Kerry, Ireland,
who was the father of three sons, T. Dempsey, mentioned below; Daniel, who emigrated to the United States, settling in Virginia, where his sons are prominent members of the Republican party; and Patrick, who served in the Civil War, in the artillery, and was wounded in one of the engagements of his company.
T. Dempsey Sullivan, the son of Timothy Sullivan, came to the United States
about the year I85o, and finally settled in Washington, District of Columbia, and
found employment in the naval service. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the marine service as a soldier and fought throughout the entire period of
this great struggle. When the war terminated he went to Virginia and purchased
for himself a plantation and became a dealer in stock.  He was a member of the
Republican party, and was affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. He married
Ellen Foley, who came to the United States with her brother, when she was but six
years of age.
Daniel B. Sullivan, the son of T. Dempsey and  Ellen  (Foley)  Sullivan,.
received the preliminary part of his education in the public schools of his native State,
and later attended the Woodstock (Virginia) High School. After graduating from
this latter institution, he apprenticed himself to a carpenter, and for four years followed this trade. His next venture was with the Mutual Life Insurance Company,
where he filled the position of special agent for two years, and in this same period he
also engaged in the contracting business. He then went to Jeannette; arriving there
August I9, I888, and his first contracting was for the finishing of many houses already
erected by the Land and Improvement Company. He then established himself in
business, in association with a Mr. Roth, the firm being known as Sullivan  Roth,
and for two years this business was successfully conducted. In the month of' April,
I902, however, Mr. Sullivan moved to New Kensington, where he engaged
in the real estate and insurance business and was the builder and improver
of a number of properties, which  have  since  proved  to  be  very  valuable.
When the United States declared war on Spain, Mr. Sullivan immdiately
offered his services to Captain Hunt of Battery B, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Light Artillery, and was the first volunteer from  New  Kensington.  His company was ordered to the West Indies and he served through the entire campaign
until he was finally mustered out the the close of hostilities. Mr. Sullivan was chosen
a member of the Common Council, where he served for six years. During this period
the city of New Kensington was greatly developed and brought up to the highest
plane of efficiency and was sewered, paved, lighted, etc., and is to-day one of the
prettiest cities of its size in Pennsylvania. He served in the volunteer fire department
as its chief, serving for four terms in this capacity. This department is composed of
one hundred and seventy-three men, who are divided into three companies. He was
also' chief of the Citizens' Volunteer Fire Department for four years and was presented with a very handsome gold medal on January I, I9o6, by the Citizens' Volunteer
Fire Company, in recognition of his great services. Company C, Second National
Regiment of State Militia, awarded Mr. Sullivan a medal for his prompt and regular
attendance. He was a member of this company for four years. Mr. Sullivan is the
president of the Hampton Battery Association, of Pittsburgh, an association which
is composed only of veterans of Battery F of the Civil and Battery B of the Spanish
wars. He is a prominent member of the Republican party; member of State Legislature, I9o7; reelected in I908, and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church, as
was his father. He has been instrumental in bringing in over four hundred recruits
to Pittsburgh recruiting office of State and National Military Establishments, his own
son being second of the number. At the time of the Harwick mine disaster, which
464BIOGRAPHICAL
caused the death of one hundred and seventy-eight men, Mr. Sullivan, with the aid of
some other citizens, was a great factor in the rescue work.
On September II, 89go, Mr. Sullivan was united in marriage with Mary A. Grafton, a daughter of the late Joseph R. Grafton, of Penn Station, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Grafton served through the Civil War in Colonel Richard Coulter's regiment. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan: Helen, Grafton, born June
I3, I897, Clare and Daniel B., Jr., and Patricia J. Sullivan. When war was declared,
Grafton was a student at State College. He enlisted as a private in Battery B, First
Pennsylvania Light Artillery, and has since been promoted to gunner's corporal, and
is now on his way to France.
JEROME SULLIVAN-Jerome Sullivan is one of the leading business men
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and occupies an important office in the public
life of the community, having served a second term as tax collector of New Kensington in that county.
He was born near Woodstock, Virginia, November 14, I865, on his father's farm,
and there passed the early years of his life, attending the local public schools up to
the age of twenty years. By that time his taste for business had already begun to
assert itself irresistibly and he began soliciting fire and life insurance. Leaving his
father's home, he carried on this business in Rockingham county, for several years
and then made his way to Ohio. He did not remain in the latter State for any considerable length of time, however, but came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a short time, and then settled at New Kensington, Westmoreland county.
He came to the latter place in July, I891, and it has since remained his home and the
scene of his active business life. He first came to New Kensington as resident salesman for the Burrell Improvement Company. He has continued in the insurance business from that time to this and has added to it large real estate operations, in which
he has been highly successful. He is now regarded as one of the most substantial
and public-spirited citizens in that part of the county and occupies an enviable position in the regard of his fellow citizens. Mr. Sullivan is a staunch supporter of the
Republican party and, as has already been said, occupied the office of tax collector
for the town. He held this post between I895 and I900 and did particularly efficient
and disinterested work for the community therein. He is a member of the local
lodge of the Benvolent and Protective Order of Elks. In the matter of his religious
belief Mr. Sullivan is a Roman Catholic and attends St. Joheph's church of that
denomination in New Kensington.
On October 24, I9oo, Mr. Sullivan was united in marriage at Louisville, Kentucky, with Katherine Hedderman, a native of that city, and a daughter of John and
Mary (Sheehan) Hedderman, lifelong residents there and now both deceased.
JACOB PETERSON-For a number of years the mercantile interests of Ligonier have had no abler representative than the progressive and fair minded business
man whose name stands at the head of this article. While most widely known as the
proprietor of a leading mercantile establishment, Mr. Peterson has also an assured
standing as a man of unimpeachable character as a conscientious and public-spirited
citizen.
Ruel Peterson, great-grandfather of Jacob Peterson, came from  Sweden when
a young man and settled near Stoyestown, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he
engaged in farming, also following the trade of a basket-maker. He was a Whig and
for many years served as justice of the peace. His religious membership was in the
Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Peterson and his wife were the parents of the
w-3
465OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
following children: John; Jacob, mentioned below; Joseph; Henry; Peter; Sarah,
married Henry Wagner; and Catherine.
Jacob Peterson, son of Ruel Peterson, was born December 29, i8o6, in Jenner
township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he received his education, and in
youth and early manhood worked on the farm. Subsequently he moved to what is
now Boswell, Somerset county, but was then known as the Pine Woods. For a time
he operated a sawmill, later purchasing about twenty acres of land on which he made
his home during the remainder of his life. Mr. Peterson was first a Whig and later
a Republican. He was a member of St. James' Lutheran church, Jenner township.
He married (first) in I834, Agnes Reed, born January II, I804, daughter of John B.
Reed, and their children were: John B., mentioned below; Catherine, born November
29, I837, married (first) Joseph Hammer, and (second) Josiah Berkev; Ruel, born
December 20, I839, married (first) Sophia Grady, and (second) Harriet Ray, and
died January 26, 1912, his widow being now  a resident of Derry, Pennsylvania;
Ruth, born February 15, I842, married Andrew Ray, of Ligonier township; and William J., married Deborah Berkey, and lives in Ligonier. Mrs. Peterson died April
24, I846, and Mr. Peterson married (second) Elizabeth Maurer, born November 12,
I814, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Maurer. The children of this marriage were:
Daniel, born August.TS, I847, married Jane Berkey, lived in Ligonier, and died May
2, I9I5; Isaiah, born  March 2I, I849, married (first), and (second)
Esther Hedgespeth, and now lives in California; Adam Henry, born December I7,
I85o, died October 8, I855; Wesley Luther, born March 6, 1853, died September 28,
I855; Elizabeth, born March I8, 1855, married Samuel Howard, of Ligonier; and
Sadie, born June 28, I859, became the wife of Isaiah Rhoades, of Ligonier township.
Mr. Peterson passed away March I8, I889, and the death of his widow occurred April
Io, I895.
John Breckenridge Peterson, son of Jacob and Agnes (Reed) Peterson, was
born April I6, 1836, in Jenner, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and was educated in
the schools of his native township. He learned the carpenter's trade with Jacob Craver,
of Somerset, and afterward moved to Westmoreland county, settling in Ligonier,
where he has resided for about sixty years. Mr. Peterson has the reputation of having
built more barns than any other man in the county. He is a Democrat and when a
young man served on the election board, later filling for one term the office of tax
collector. Under the administration of President Cleveland he held the appointment
of postmaster of Ligonier. He is a member of St. James' Evangelical Lutheran
church, having served several terms as trustee and taught in the Sunday school. Mr.
Peterson married (first) June 9, 1859, Ann, daughter of William  and Catherine
(Keffer) Churns, and their children were: I. William A., born December 20, I86o,
married Charlotte Roper, and they had one child, Eliza, who resides in Ligonier;
Mr. Peterson died August 31, I9II. 2. Ida.Catherine, born October 6, I862, married
Charles McNulty, and serves as an assistant in the store of her brother Jacob. 3.
Agnes Elizabeth, born August II, I864, married Robert Philson, and their children
were: Samuel, Benjamin, Robert, Anna and Marion; Mrs. Philson died April 2I,
I902. 4. Matilda Jane, born December I9, i866. 5. Maria H., born March I5, I869,
died January 27, I88I. 6. Ophelia; born March 12, I871, died February I7, I893. 7.
Jacob, mentioned ibelow. 8. Emma Francis, born August II, I877, married David
Hinton, of Pittsburgh, and they have one child, David. 9. Etta Clarissa, born September I7, I879, died January 22, I88I. Mrs. Peterson, who was born in May, I836,
died March I8, I88I, and Mr. Peterson married (second) Elizabeth Miller. By this
union there were no children.
Jacob Peterson, son of John Breckenridge and Ann (Churns) Peterson, was
born November 22, I874, on the old Michael Keffer farm, Ligonier township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and received his education in local schools.  His
466BIOGRAPHICAL
first employment was with the Ligonier Valley Railroad Company, with which he held
a clerkship for four years. At the end of that time Mr. Peterson entered the service
of the National Tube Company, Pittsburgh, serving in the Republic department.
Beginning as pay-roll clerk he had advanced to the position of chief clerk when, in
I906, he severed his connection with the company. Having a desire to go into business
for himself Mr. Peterson returned to Ligonier and in association with his brother,
William  A., established a general store under the firm name of W. A. Peterson 
Company. After the death of William A. Peterson, which occurred August 31, I9II,
Jacob became sole proprietor and has ever since conducted the business. His store
is finely situated on the corner of the Diamond and Market street, with a frontage of
sixty feet on the Diamond and one hundred feet on Market street. He has a large
stock of high grade merchandise and conducts a flourishing business. Like his father,
Mr. Peterson is a Democrat, but has no inclination for public life. He affiliates with
Ligonier Lodge, No. 33T, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of St. James'
Evangelical Lutheran church.
Mr. Peterson married, in I9O4, Nora, daughter of William and Mary (Fitzmaurice) O'Conner, of Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have no children.
In devoting himself to mercantile pursuits, Mr. Peterson has departed from the
traditions of his family, but has made a success of the enterprise, proving himself
admirably fitted for his chosen sphere of action.
ABRAM  BEACHLEY MYERS-Abram Beachley Myers, one of the prominent
and public-spirited citizens of Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a
member of an old and distinguished family in these parts, the Myers family having
been founded in this region by Christian Myers, his grandfather. Christian Myers
came from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, to Ligonier in'his early manhood in I814.
Upon coming to what was then little more than a wilderness, he purchased three
hundred and thirty-eight acres from John McHarg, son of Peter McHarg, Indian
fighter. He engaged in agriculture and also, in June, i814, engaged in the mercantile
business, having the first store in what is now Ligonier three years prior to the laying
out of the village. This he conducted about ten years, then turned his attention to farming and nursery business, establishing the first nursery in this part of Pennsylvania,
which he continued until his death, in the early forties.  He was a son of
Myers, and a grandson of           Myers, who was the founder of the family in
America, having come over from Germany, where he lived in the town of Bartenstim, and located in what is now Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he took up four
hundred acres of land that are now included in the site of that city. His grandson,
Christian Myers, was born and reared in Lebanon county, and was a farmer by occupation. He afterwards settled in Somerset county and from there came to Westmoreland county, as above stated. He married Barbara Beachley, a daughter of
John M. Beachley, and they were the parents of thirteen children, as follows: John;
Christian; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Peter Breniser; Michael; Abram;
Mary, who became the wife of John Raymond; Barbara, who married David Kimell;
Catherine, who became the wife of Edward Clifford; Henry, mentioned below;
Jacob; Peter, and Susan.
Henry Myers, the tenth child of Christian and Barbara (Beachley) Myers, was
born near the town of Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, April 22, I8io.  On
April I9, 1814, he was brought by his parents on the long trip to Westmoreland county,
and from that time forward his life was laid in Ligonier township. His father's
place was situated about two miles north of the village of Ligonier, and here on the
homestead the lad grew to manhood. He was educated in one of the old time subscription schools in that neighborhood, and then for several years was a dealer in
stock which he drove over the old Pike road to Philadelphia and sold in the market
467OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
there. In 1842 he purchased the farm which is now in the possession of his son,
Abram Beachley Myers, of this sketch. He was a staunch Republican in politics and
held many important local offices. He was a member of the Ligonier Valley Brethren
church, and was in many ways one of the most prominent men of the community.
He married, November 12, I845, Sarah Smith, a resident of Unity township, and they
became the parents of eight children, as follows: I. Mary S., who became the wife of
S. B. Fisher, of United, Westmoreland cuunty, Pennsylvania. 2. Lena C., who became
the wife of Dr. W. B. Pool, of Ruffs Dale, Westmoreland county. 3. Lizzie R., who
became the wife of John B. Steel, also of Ruffs Dale. 4. H. Smith, who is now the
pastor of the Progressive Evangelist church of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. 5. Abram
Beachley, with whose career we are here especially concerned; and three other children
who died in infancy. Mrs. Henry Myers was a daughter of Henry Smith, a well
known farmer and distiller of Unity township, Pennsylvania, and of Magdalena
(Richards) Smith, a daughter of Charles Richards, a Revolutionary soldier.
Born March Io, 1856, on his father's farm in Ligonier township, Abram  Beachley Myers, a son of Henry and Sarah (Smith) Myers, grew  to manhood on his
father's place. For his education he attended the local public schools and the Ligonier
Classical School, and in the meantime assisted his father with the work on the farm.
He remained on the farm until the autumn of I9o4, carrying on in the meantime the
double occupation of farming and stock raising, having purchased the farm in 189I.
In the year I904 he left the old place and came to the town of Ligonier, where he
erected a house for himself on North Market street, although for three years thereafter he continued to superintend the operations on the farm. These operations, however, had changed in character, as valuable deposits of coal had been discovered there
and mining was now being carried on. In the meantime Mr. Myers also established
himself in the farm implement business, selling all sorts of devices, implements and
general equipment for agricultural work. In the year i907 he purchased the property upon whoich he erected a two-story business block and which is located on
North Market street, Ligonier, and here erected his present handsome establishment.
He has carried on his farm  implements business in this building and added to it a
large hardware department. In the year I908 he admitted into partnership his son,
Maurice A. Myers, and the business since that time has been conducted under the
style of A. B. Myers  Son. In the year I9Ii, or thereabouts, Mr. Myers became
associated with the National Bank of Ligonier and since that time has served on its
board of directors.
Mr. Myers has been active in many other departments of the community's life
besides that connected with its business and financial interests.  He is a staunch
Republican in politics and served Ligonier township in the capacity of auditor for six
years; the three years following he was a school director and for nine years was justice of the peace. He has also served as a member of the Ligonier Town Council for
three years, and it was during this time that the first street paving on North and
South Market streets and the public square in Ligonier was completed. Mr. Myers
is a Presbyterian in his religious belief and attends the First Church of this denomination at Ligonier. He is very active in church work and has been an elder for seven
years and is still serving in that capacity. He is also a prominent figure in the fraternal and social circles of the town, and is a member of Ligonier Lodge, No. 964,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Encampment.
Abram Beachley Myers was united in marriage on October 27, I889, by the Rev.
George Anawalt, with Margaret E. Fletcher;, a native of Ligonier township, born
February ii, I869.  Mrs. Myers is a daughter of William  and Nancy (Bricker)
Fletcher, and a granddaughter of Thomas Fletcher. The Fletcher family has been
prominent for many years in this region, Mrs. Myers' grandfather, Thomas Fletcher,
having been born at' Chamber-hurg. Franklin county. Pennsylvania. He was a prom468BIOGRAPHICAL
inent man in the community and engaged in the banking business, and died there when
only thirty-five years of age. He married Mary McKinster, like himself a native of
Chambersburg, and they were the parents of one child, William Fletcher, who was
born October 6, I8IO, at Chambersburg, and there educated in the local schools. He
graduated from the State Normal School at Chambersburg, and took up the occupation of civil engineering, following his profession on the Cumberland Valley Railroad
system about six years. He also worked on the canal for some time. He then came
to Ligonier township, Westmoreland county, settling there in the year I859, and there
followed'the occupation of civil engineering during the remainder of his life. His
death occurred at the age of eighty-nine years. He married Nancy Bricker, a native
of Ligonier township, born August 7, I825. She lived in this region during her entire
life with the exception of two years, and was a daughter of Joseph and Catherine
(Robinson) Bricker, her father being a prominent farmer in this region. William
Fletcher and his wife were the parents of the following children: Catherine, who became the wife of Joseph Smith; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Andrew Rush,
of Ligonier township; Rebecca, who married John McCurdy, of Ligonier township;
Susan, who became the wife of I. Bowman; Sarah, who became the wife of
Tranger Fry; and Margaret E., wife of Mr. Myers. Mrs. Myers was educated in
the local schools of Ligonier township, and is a woman of wide culture and keen
intelligence. Like her husband she is a member of the First Presbyterian church.
Mr. and Mrs. Myers are the parents of the following children: I. Maurice A., born
April I4, I89I; educated in the schools of Ligonier and the McClain's Business College of Latrobe; he is now engaged in business with his father as the latter's partner.
2. Claire, born January II, 1893; she was educated in the schools of Ligonier and
graduated from Penn -lall, Chambersburg, and from Thompson's School of Music
at Chambersburg; she completed her musical education at Pittsburgh; she became
the wife of Daniel Melville. 3. Maude I., born April 7, I894; she was educated in
the local schools of Ligonier and Penn Hall, Chambersburg, from which she was
graduated; she then took a two years' course at Worcester College, Ohio, and completed her education at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts; she became the
wife of Lieutenant H. C. Caldwell, United States Army, to whom she was married at
Ligonier; Lieutenant Caldwell served in the Mexican mobilization in I916 and was
later called to Fort Niagara, where he received his commission as first lieutenant.
4. Earl B., born September I8, I897, at his father's home in Ligonier; received the
elementary portion of his education at the local public schools and then studied for
two years at the Kiskiminetas Preparatory School; he enlisted in the Naval Coast
Defense in May, I917, and has been ordered to Cape May to await orders. Mr.
Myers and all the members of his family are very popular in the social life of the
community, and the warm-hearted and open-handed hospitality of their home is
proverbial.
OLIVER  H. COURTRIGHT-Oliver H. Courtright, the progressive and enterprising business man and man-of-affairs of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, is a member of an old Pennsylvania family, and a son of William Courtright, who was born
in Jack Town, Greene county, Pennsylvania, October 4, I834, and died July I4, I912.
He is buried in Odd Fellows' Cemetery at Weston, West Virginia. William  Courtright was a tanner by profession, in Jack Town, but later went to Fairmont, West
Virginia, and worked in the capacity of bridge inspector for the Baltimore  Ohio
Railroad Company for a number of years. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted with the Seventeenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry and was present at
the battle of Bull Run and saw much active service. William Courtright married
Louise De Morris Swearingen, a daughter of William  Swearingen, of Fairmont,
West Virginia, who was a tanner and at one time a slave owner in Old Virginia.
469470                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND.
William Courtright was a son of William Courtright, Sr., who was born in Scotland
and migrated to this country early in life. On the maternal side of the house Oliver
Courtright is descended from William Swearingen, who was born in Maryland, February 12, I797, and whose father was born at the same place. April I6, I760. To
William Courtright and his wife, Louise De-Morris (Swearingen) Courtright, four
children were born, as follows: I. Charles E., an engineer for the People's Gas
Company at Wilkinsburg, who married Blanche Oiler, a daughter of John P. Oiler,
of Murrysville, Pennsylvania; they are the parents of one daughter. 2. Myrtle M.,
who married Reese F. Hainey, a conductor on the trains of the Baltimore  Ohio
Railroad at Weston, West Virginia; they are the parents of four children. 3. Lottie
L., who became the wife of Harry P. Calhoun, of Washington, D. C., a government
employee in the auditing department of the Navy, he having been employed there for
a good many years; they are the parents of four children. 4. Oliver H., mentioned
below.
Oliver H. Courtright was born on April 29, I866, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
He received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native place, and
later attended the Normal School there, graduating from this institution in i884. His
first employment was with the Department Store at Fairmount, where he remained
for a period of two years. He then learned the cabinet and carpentering business in
Fairmont, and for three years was engaged in the contracting business there in the
employ of Dickerson  Clayton. Mr. Courtright's father was at this time badly in
need of the young man's assistance on his farm near Weston, and it was here that
young Mr. Courtright then came, helping his father with the work on the farm for
about a year. At the, end of this period, he came to Mannington, and engaged in the
contracting business on his own account. Here Mr. Courtright erected several fine
buildings, among which should be mentioned the First National Bank, the Mannington
Hotel, as well as others of like importance. He later came to Morgantown, West
Virginia, and engaged in the. bakery and restaurant business for twelve years, meeting with a fair success. He, however, eventually gave up this business, and in I903
came to Murrysville, Pennsylvania, buying out the A. C. McCutcheon store of this
place. The original store became too small for the rapidly increasing business under
the direction of Mr. Courtright, and in the year I909, he built the present splendid
building, one of the finest of its kind here. His store carries a stock consisting of dry
goods, groceries, automobile accessories and automobiles, as well as farming implements. Mr. Courtright is identified with the Republican party in politics and is quite
active in political affairs, acting as a local committeeman.  He has been elected
recently for a second term, justice of the peace, and was for four years president of
the School Board, during that time being elected as a delegate to Harrisburg for
the Educational Campaign in I9'I4. He is also active in the local club circles of this
region, being a member of Lodge No. go, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in
which he has held the three chairs. Mr. Courtright and his family are Methodists in
their religious belief and attend the First Methodist Episcopal church of Murrysville, where he is president of the official board.
Oliver H. Courtright was united in marriage at Weston, West Virginia, September 28, I888, with Lena L. Dodson, a daughter of Phillip W. Dodson, a pioneer farmer
of that vicinity. To Mr. and Mrs. Courtright the following children have been born:
William R., November 5, I895, who is now assisting his father in his large business;
and Lena Fay, May 15, I907, and at present attending the public schools here. All
the family are directly interested in Red Cross work, also the sale of Liberty Bonds.
OTIS HOWARD COCHRAN One of the most progressive and wide
awake journals of Western Pennsylvania is the "Vandergrift News," established in
the flourishing town of that name on November i6, I905, as an eight page weekly,BIOGRAPHICAL
with J. H. McMullen, its editor, Harry Waugeman, manager, George A. Kemyer,
president, and James Curry, vice-president, and which is now under the control of
Otis H. Cochran, who has developed it to its present efficiency and established it as
one of the standard papers in that region.
Otis H. Cochran was born July 3, 1873, at Apollo, Pennsylvania, a son of Squire
R. S. Cochran, well known as a real estate and insurance man in that region, now
deceased, and grandson of Judge Michael Cochran, former associate county judge
for Armstrong county. Judge Cochran many years ago erected the Cochran Mills,
in the eastern part of Armstrong county, on the stream known as Crooked Creek,
and which formed the nucleus of the present large mill which stands there and which
has served a useful purpose in the life of that section. His death occurred when he
was but little more than sixty years of age. His son, R. S. Cochran, was postmaster
of Apollo for many years and also held the office of justice of the peace there. He
resided in that town for more than half a century and there his death occurred when
more than eighty-two years of age.
His son, Otis H. Cochran, received his education at the schools of his native
county, and while still a young man went to Pittsburgh, where he soon took up newspaper work and served on the reportorial staff of several Pittsburgh papers. He also
learned the printers' trade on the "Apollo Herald," under the supervision of an elder
brother, Michael Cochran, and again worked for him in Pittsburgh. Michael Cochran was connected at different times with the conduct of the "Pitcairn's Express"
and the "Trafford City Times" and here also the younger brother worked, gaining a
very complete experience in this line and a knowledge of all its detail. On September
9, I9o09, he came to Vandergrift, where he purchased the "Vandergrift News" from
James Hamilton and his wife, who had succeeded its original owners. Mr. Cochran
at once installed new presses and a linlotype machine and made the entire equipment
modern in character. Since securing the "News," he has devoted himself wholly to
building it upi and making it in every way a creditable paper, with the result that it
is undoubtedly at the present time the most popular and successful journal in the
Kiskiminetas Valley and undoubtedly exercises more influence on public affairs than
any other journal in that part of the State. It is read throughout the Kiskiminetas
Valley, both in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties. Mr. Cochran is a forceful
and interesting writer and does not a little through the columns of his paper towards
shaping local affairs, his influence being always exerted for the right as he sees it.
He is a staunch advocate of the Union of Boroughs which has resulted in the present
greater Vandergrift, as well as of all measures looking toward the development of the
community-at-large. Mr. Cochran is a Republican and his paper, reflecting his views
and opinions, is a potent organ of that party, doing most efficient work for its candidates and principles at all times but especially during political campaigns. His greatest desire is to assist in the upbuilding of conditions in Vandergrift. His establishment is fitted out with the most modern facilities for job printing, and Mr. Cochran
is in a position to handle satisfactorily work of this kind, the output from his presses
being most artistic in its character.
On October I9, I9I1, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage with Edith Evans, of
Apollo, who was for some time employed as a stenographer in the office of the American Sheet  Tin Plate Company.
HARRY ELLSWORTH BONSALL-Three generations of Bonsalls have
been connected with journalism in Central and Western Pennsylvania; Harry Ellsworth Bonsall, now editor of the Kensington "Keystone," succeeding his father as
editor of the Mifflintown "Democrat and Register," who had succeeded his father,
Benjamin Franklin Bonsall, in the editorship of the same paper. Since I899 the grand47IOLD AND NEW WVESTMORELAND
son has been successfully engaged in the management of the Keystone Printing Company, and as editor of the "Keystone" has won a secure foothold in the ranks of
independent journalism. The Bonsalls of Pennsylvania, descend from Richard Bonsall, who settled in Newton, now Delaware county, Pennsylvania, as early as I694.
About four years later, he bought six hundred and fifty-five acres at Upper Darby
in the same county near Fearn, the locality now known as Kellyville. The first federal
census, taken in I790, showed numerous descendants living in the county including a
grandson or great-grandson, John Bonsall, a soldier of the Revolution. John Bonsall settled in Perry county, in the valley of the Juniata, and was the ancestor of Benjamin Franklin Bonsall, founder of the Mifflintown "Gazette," and afterwards changed
to the "Democrat and Register." He was also a merchant of Miffiintown, and for
several years ran a boat on the old Pennsylvania canal between Mifflintown and Philadelphia, trading in wheat, groceries and dry goods, with the towns along the canal.
Amos G. Bonsall succeeded his father as editor and publisher of the "Democrat
and Register," and so continued all his life. He married Rebecca Kepner, who was
born, lived and died in Mifflintown, as did her husband. They were the parents of
four children: Harry Ellsworth, of further mention; Mary, residing in Mifflintown;
Minnie, residing in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; Bessie, married Milton Larkin,
residing in Philadelphia.
Harry Ellsworth Bonsall, eldest son of Amos G. and Rebecca (Kepner) Bonsall,
was born in Mifflintown, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, August I9, I862. He was
educated in the schools of the section, and after completing extended courses of study
became associated with his father in journalism.  He thoroughly mastered the
mechanical problems of the printing business, as well as the editorial, and upon the
death of his father went to Tyrone and purchased "The Times," which he edited for
three years, then returned to Mifflintown and secured full control of "The Juniata
Tribune," the affairs of which he successfully engineered for ten years. For a similar
period he conducted the "Democrat and Register." In I899 he sold his Mifflintown
interests and located in Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he
bought the "Keystone" which he still owns and edits as an independent Republican
Weekly, devoted to the best interests of the community. He is a member of the Free
and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the
Presbyterian church.
Mr. Bonsall married, in Mifflintown, Laura A. Watts, daughter of David and
Elizabeth (North) Watts. David Watts, formerly a merchant of Mifflintown, died
in New  Kensington on his eightieth birthday.  His wife, Elizabeth, survives her
husband, living with her daughter, Mrs. Bonsall. Mr. and Mrs. Bonsall have four
children: Edith E., married S. Atley Backus, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Anna
Margaret, married John S. Murray, and resides in Pittsburgh; C. David, superintendent of the P. H. Murphy Company of New Kensington; Herman E., was traveling
representative of the Aetna Explosive Company until connecting himself with Company M, Forty-ninth Regiment of Infantry, and since then has been promoted to
first lieutenant.
GEORGE M. STEWART-As this name will be instantly recognized by the
majority of the inhabitants of Fairfield township it is quite unnecessary to say that
Mr. Stewart, who is manager of the Superior Stove Company, of Bradenville, is one
of the best known business men and citizens of his community. He is a descendant
of ancestors who were life-long residents of Fairfield township.
Charles Stewart, grandfather of George M. Stewart, was a son of the founder
of the American branch of the family, which was of Scotch-Irish origin. This immigrant ancestor came from  Ireland.  Charles Stewart, his son, was born in Fairfield township and there passed his life as a farmer. He married and his children
472BIOGRAPHICAL
were: John, Robert, Charles mentioned below; Mary, married James McGuire; and
Kathryn, became the wife of Josiah McGuire. All these are deceased.
Charles (2) Stewart, son of Charles (I) Stewart, was born in Fairfield township
and, like his father, was a farmer of that community. During the Civil War he
served for one year as a private in Company I, Two Hundred and Eleventh Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Mr. Stewart married Sara Ann Griffith, and the following
children were born to them: Jessie, deceased; John, a farmer of Derry township;
George M., mentioned below; Mary, deceased; Matilda, deceased; Elizabeth, married
Vertus L. Hughes, a farmer of Derry township; Kathryn, wife of Charles Braden,
of McChesney town, Westmoreland county; and James, a farmer of Unity township. Mr. Stewart is now living in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
George M. Stewart, son of Charles (2) and Sara Ann (Griffith) Stewart, was
born April 7, r866, near Fort Palmer, Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and received his education in the common schools of Fairfield township.
After completing his course of study he entered the service of the Superior Stove
Company, and by persistent effort and fidelity to duty steadily rose until he reached
his present position of manager. The prosperity of the concern during the many
years of his connection with it has been largely the result of his foresight, prudence
and progressiveness. He has proved himself a thorough business man. In politics
Mr. Stewart is a true Republican, but has never been a candidate for office. He
affiliates with Loyalhanna Lodge, No. 275, Free and Accepted Masons, of Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Stewart married Clara A., daughter of William  and Maria Lafferty, of
Bradenville. Mr. Lafferty has worked both as a farmer and a miner. Mr. and Mrs.
Stewart are the parents of the following children: I. Edgar, a ticket clerk at
Pennsylvania station, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, married Gertrude Kuntz, of Jeannette; they have two children, Homer Jay and Helen Bernadine. 2. George. enlisted
in the Aviation Section, Signal Reserve Corps, United States Army. 3. Paul, at home.
Mr. Stewart has loyally chosen to make his native township his home, the scene of
his business success and the center of his interests, and the fact that he has done so
is gratefully appreciated by his friends and neighbors.
EARL SHOUP-As postmaster of Bradenville, Mr. Shoup needs no introduction to his neighbors, or to any of the inhabitants of Westmoreland county. In business he has been for a number of years variously employed, and in fraternal organizations he is a somewhat conspicuous figure.
Lewis Shoup, grandfather of Earl Shoup, came from Germany when a boy, and
on attaining manhood made his home on a farm in the Ligonier valley. He was one
of the "Forty-niners," taking part in the famous gold rush to California and making
the journey by Santa Fd route in wagons. He married and he and his wife were the
parents of two children: Catherine, wife of Isaac Marsh, a farmer of Grapeville;
and William B., mentioned below. Mr. Shoup was a respected citizen and the founder
of a family.
William B. Shoup, son of Lewis Shoup, was a farmer of the Ligonier valley, and
also engaged in business as a coal miner and later mine foreman. He was a man of
prominence in the community, serving for five years as justice of the peace, and was
also road supervisor for three terms of Derry township. Mr. Shoup married Sara
J. Shaulis and their children are as follows: Earl, mentioned below; William, unmarried, cashier for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Pittsburgh at Penn Station;
Edward, died in infancy; Lewis, serving in the National Army with Company
M, One Hundred and Tenth Infantry, also saw service on the Mexican border;
Levi, also in the National Army; George Dewey, died in infancy; Harry, at home;
473OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Lemon, at home; Anna, at home. Mr. Shoup has for years been numbered among
the leading residents of his township.
Earl Shoup, son of William B. and Sara J. (Shaulis) Shoup, was born January
I5, I887, in Ligonier valley, and attended the common schools, afterward taking a
course at a business college. Depending mainly on his own efforts he took up the
study of mining, becoming so proficient that he was able to fill the position of assistant
mine foreman and foreman. Until the latter part of I9I4 Mr. Shoup was thus occupied, filling also various other positions connected with mining. Other branches of
industry engaged his attention. For two years he was a salesman in the automobile
business, and in January, 1917, entered upon the sale of trucks and with that business
he is still identified. In the sphere of politics Mr. Shoup adheres to the Democratic
party and he has always taken an active interest in public affairs. In January, 1915,
he was appointed postmaster at Bradenville and his administration of the office has
given full satisfaction to all good citizens. Among the social and fraternal organizations with which Mr. Shoup is connected are the Eagles of Latrobe, the Owls of
Derry and *the Atlantic Beneficial Society of Bradenville. He is a member of the
Lutheran church.
Mr. Shoup married January I6, I9II, Lena, daughter of Adam  Stemler, a
business man of Bradenville, and they are the parents of the following children:
Robert Earl, Howard Jennings, William R., and Homer Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup
are active in the social circles of their home town.
Other children of Mr. and Mrs. Stemler are as follows: John, of Mammoth,
Pennsylvania, married Anna Brantner, and they have two children, Ann and Cecelia;
Myrtle, married Andrew Sistek, children, Ruth, deceased; Robert; James; Emma, at
home; Robert, in National Army in France; William, died at age of seven; Alice,
at home.
While still a young man Mr. Shoup has entered upon a political career, and it is
to be expected that, as the years go on, he will rise into greater prominence by being
made the recipient of increasingly important trusts.
SAMUEL ALEXANDER  McLEOD STEELE-Samuel Alexander McLeod
Steele, one of the most prosperous and best known citizens of Westmoreland county,
is descended originally from Irish ancestors, and is representative of that strong and
enterprising stock of which so large an element has settled in that part of Pennsylvania and has become so conspicuous in the development of the region. His grandfather, Andrew Steele, was a native of Ireland, and came from that country at an
early age to the United States. Upon reaching this country, he came directly to the
western part of Pennsylvania and settled on a farm in VW\estmoreland county which
occupied the site of the present town of Crabtree. He and his wife -were the parents
of a number o-f children, as follows: Samuel A., of further mention; John C.,
Matthew, Hindman, Andrew, Jr., Joseph, Elizabeth, who became the wife of Samuel
McAyel; Mary Ann, who became the wife of Samuel Mellen; and Martha Jane, who
became the wife of John Shaw. Samuel A. Steele, the father of the Mr. Steele of
this review, continued to make his home in the region originally settled by his father
and became a very successful and prosperous farmer hereabouts. He married Nancy
Jane Patterson, and they were the parents of the following children: Catherine
Rosanna, who became the wife of J. C. Cahoun, a farmer of Indiana county, Pennsylvania; Samuel Alexander McLeod, of further mention; Mary Jane, who became the
wife of Henry Loughry, who is engaged in the business of marble cutting at Greensburg; John R., who married Tirzah Elder, and now resides in Derry township, where
he is engaged in farming.
Born August 4, I852, on his father's farm  in Derry township, Westmoreland
474BIOGRAPHICAL
county, Pennsylvania, Samuel Alexander McLeod Steele, second child and oldest son
of Samuel A. and Nancy Jane (Patterson) Steele, passed his childhood and early
youth in his native place. For his education he was sent by his father to the local
public school and there, although the opportunities were somewhat meagre, he gained
an excellent general education, owing to his own ambitions and his naturally industrious character. Upon completing his studies at these institutions, the young man
was engaged in farming during a period of five years. The ambitious element in his
character, already remarked, impelled him, however, to seek the greater opportunities
for advancement and success which await a young man in a city, and accordingly, at
the expiration of his five years of farming, he made his way to the neighboring city
of New  Alexandria, and there engaged in a mercantile business.  He was highly
successful in this enterprise and gradually broadened his field of operations until he
became active in many departments of the community's life. He did not by any means
wholly give up agricultural activities, and some years ago purchased a valuable property consisting of some one hundred and seventy acres and known as the "Richland"
farm, which he operated most successfully for some years. He also became keenly
interested in the coal industry, and has been active buying and selling coal for one of
the largest concerns in the region, namely, the Jamison Coal  Coke Company, of
the owners of which there are sketches to be found elsewhere in this work. He became at one time closely associated with this company and is now actively engaged in
buying and selling coal for the company and also in carrying on agricultural operations hereabouts.
Samuel Alexander McLeod Steele was united in marriage, October II, I877, with
Sadie J. Cannon, a daughter of John M. and Eliza Jane (Elder) Cannon, old and
highly respected residents of this region. Mr. Cannon having been a farmer of Derry
township for many years. He was a man of great ability and wide education and was
a graduate of Blairsville College. To Mr. and Mrs. Steele the following chirren have
been born: I. Samuel Cannon, a very prominent man in the community, and cashier
of the Homer City National Bank in Indiana county; married Margaret Guthrie, a
daughter of Doty Guthrie, president of the New Alexandria National Bank, by whom
he has had the following children: Samuel Guthrie and Robert Cannon. 2. James
Elder, who is now in active management of his father's farm; married Dessa Long,
a daughter of George Long, a farmer of Derry township, by whom he has had the fo.llowing children: James McLeod George and Albert Rhey Steele. Mr. Steele and his
family are members of the Reformed Presbyterian church at New Alexandria, and he
has been deacon thereof for thirty-four years and trustee and elder for ten years.
After the basic virtues of honesty, strong common sense and an invincible will,
the latter tempered by unusual tact and judgment, are the basis of Mr. Steele's character and incidentally of his marked success in life. Men feel instinctively that he
is a strong man, a man upon whom they can lean in times of difficulty, and therefore
the more willingly follow his lead in whatever thing they might be associated with
him. They feel also the charm of a warm heart and charitable nature with the result
that few men in the community can boast of so, large a following of devoted personal
friends, or exercise a greater influence in that more direct of ways, the effect of character upon character, or personality upon personality in the common relations o.f
daily life. Of the most versatile talents and the broadest tastes, he is, nevertheless,
able to concentrate with the most single sightedness on whatever he sets before him
as an objective, thus proving himself to have inherited the characteristic Irish virtues
from his ancestors. Another virtue, doubtless derived from the same "Irish" ancestry, is the strong love of his home, a domestic instinct that finds its expression in
his intense desire to spend his time by his own hearthstone in the intimate intercourse
of his own family. A devoted and affectionate husband and father, Mr. Steele's conduct in these most close relations is not less exemplary than that in active life.
475OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
CYRUS STIFFEY-Cyrus Stiffey, although not himself a native of Westmoreland county, is a scion of an old family in this region, his father and grandfather
before him having been natives of Derry township. His grandfather, Conrad Stiffey,
was a farmer'in this region during his entire life, and was a prominent man in the
community. His son, David Stiffey, father of Cyrus Stiffey, was born in Derry township, Westmoreland county, but afterwards removed to Conemaugh township, Indiana
county, where he engaged in farming and also carried on a business as millwright.
He was successful in his enterprises. He married Jane Frederick, by whom he had
the following children: George, Amanda, Albert, Mary Jane, deceased; Mrs. John
Gifford, of Cokeville, Pennsylvania, now  deceased; James, deceased; Elmira, who
became Mrs. G. M;. Stahl, of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania; Margaret, who became the
wife of A. W. Parks, of Livermore, Pennsylvania, where he carried on a large livery
business up to the time of his death; and Cyrus, of whom further.
Born July 29, I86o, upon his father's farm in Conemaugh township, Indiana
county, Pennsylvania, Cyrus Stiffey, son of David and Jane (Frederick) Stiffey,
passed his childhood and early life in his native place. He received his education at
the local public schools of Indiana county, and there also he began the active business
of life by assisting his father with the work on the latter's farm. He remained with
the elder man until the latter's death, and then purchased the parental farm which
he continued to run on his own account until the year I9o9. In that year, however,
he gave up farming and coming to Livermore, Westmoreland county, in the region
where his ancestors had so long made their home, he engaged in the livery business.
He was highly successful in this enterprise and continued active therein until I9I4,
when he abandoned it to engage in a grocery business, in which he met with an even
more marked success. Mr. Stiffey is still occupied in this manner and his establishment is now regarded as one of the largest and most successful in that region, and he
himself is looked upon as one of the town's most substantial merchants.
But Mr. Stiffey has' not confined his activities purely to the building up of his
own personal interests, but has taken an active part in the public affairs of the town
and shown his public spirit in a hundred different directions. He has served his fellow
citizens in many different capacities, in all of which he has given entire satisfaction,
not only to his friends but to the community at large and even to his political opponents. Before coming to Westmoreland county and settling in Livermore, Mr. Stiffey
had already been active in the affairs of his native place and served as school director
in Conemaugh township, Indiana county for a number of years. He has continued
his activities at Livermore and at the present time occupies the double post of tax
collector and constable of the town. In his religious belief Mr. Stiffey is a Presbyand has held the office of elder for a number of years. He is a prohibitionist in
politics and has done much to advance the cause of that party in his region of the
State.
Cyrus Stiffey married (first) Hannah Irwin, a daughter of Benjamin Irwin, of
Conemaugh township, Indiana county. Of this union the following children were
born: Vernetta Jane, who is now engaged as a school teacher in the schools of Derry
township; Charles I., who is a clergyman of the Presbyterian church and is now stationed at New Salem, Pennsylvania, married Mabel Metz, of Tarentum; Herbert C.,
who now resides at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in business as a
carpenter; Mazie, who like her sister is employed as a teacher in the schools of
Derry township. Mr. Stiffey married (second) Edith Duncan, a daughter of John
Duncan, a prosperous and well known farmer of Conemaugh township, Indiana
county. The record of the Stiffey family throughout the many years it has made its
residence in Pennsylvania is of the highest kind, and during the Civil War it was particularly distinguished in the service that it rendered. David Stiffey, the father of
the present Mr. Stiffey, was one of nine sons and his eight brothers enlisted without
exception in the UTnion Army.
476BIOGRAPHICAL
It is onlv of- comparatively recent years that the inestimable benefits conferred
upon society by the quiet business man, the financier and merchant, are coming to
have their due share of recognition, and that the records of these men are being set
down alongside those more showy ones connected with military service and the affairs
of state, as most truly representative of human life in the aggregate, and most largely
contributable to the sum  of human happiness.  Such a man, for instance, as Mr.
Stiffey is obviously a more wholly prosaical character, if the expression be permissible,
and a greater benefactor of his fellows, having ministered peacefully to their wants,
than those who, at the very least, awaken wants and desires which they cannot gratify.
This growing appreciation of the part played by those concerned with the commercial
interests of the community has been coincident with a profound change in the organization of society itself, a change which has involved the shifting of its base from
war to industry. In the process of such a change all sorts of subsidiary alterations
have of necessity taken place, such as that in the type of men which hold the eye of
public attention and command popular approval.
JOHN  HURST SHIELDS-It must always be a satisfaction to peruse the records of such families as, having continued to reside in one community for a period of
years, have throughout the length of that time always taken an active part in its
affairs, and identified itself with what is highest and best in its life. So it is with the
family now represented by John Hurst Shields, the popular and public-spirited citizen
of New Alexandria. His great-grandfather was Colonel John Shields, who was the
progenitor of the family and came from Adams county, settling on the site of the
present place, in I765. This distinguished gentleman served in the Revoluticn under
General Washington, as colonel, and was with that great general at Valley Forge.
After the war, he came to New Alexandria and helped to lay out what is now Hannastown.
His son, James Shields, the grandfather of John H. Shields, was born at the old
homestead and was very prominent in the community, having served as county commissioner. He was later elected justice of the peace, and was also a farmer of considerable wealth, he having inherited the old homestead from his father. He married
and among his children was Matthew Shields, the father of John H. Shields.
Matthew  Shields was very active in the political affairs of the region, served
several terms in the State ILegislature, and was a member of the Governor's Foot
Guard, serving in the office of lieutenant-colonel. He married Frances Sloan, and
they were the parents of the following children: I. James C., a lawyer, and at present serving in the office of postmaster at Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania;
is professor in the Irwin School and a highly intelligent gentleman, who is the subject
of extended mention in other works. 2. Matthew H., principal for several years of
the New Alexandria schools, and is at present retired and makes his home on the old
place. 3. John Hurst, of further mention. 4. Lydia, who makes her home on the old
place. 5. Helen, who married Mr. J. E. Cook, of Monessen, who is engaged in the
real estate business. 6. Frank S., an attorney, with offices at Pittsburgh.
John Hurst Shields was born August 20, I868, in Salem township, one-half mile
west of New Alexandria, on his father's farm, and is a son of Matthew and Frances
(Sloan) Shields. He attended the public schools for his preliminary education, and
after graduating from these institutions went to work on his father's farm, managing
the elder gentleman's place for several years. Here he carries on extensive farming
operations, but does not tonfine all of his time to his farm. Indeed, he takes an
active part in politics, affiliating himself with the Democratic party, and has served
as supervisor and tax collector at different times.  He was appointed postmaster,
September 4, I913. He attends the Presbyterian church of New Alexandria, and is
active in its interests and philanthropic undertakings.
477OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
John Hurst Shields was united in marriage, April I7, I893, with Mary Shirey, a
daughter of D. K. and Elizabeth (Hershey) Shirey. Mr. Shirey is a successful farmer
of Derry towinship, and both he and his wife are highly respected citizens there. To
John Hurst and Mary (Shirey) Shields the following children have been born: Elizabeth, died at the age of sixteen; May, who is a graduate of the New Alexandria High
School; Lois, who makes her home with her parents on the old homestead; Matthew,
who also resides with his parents on the old place; and Gene. Mr. Shields is the owner
of a farm comprising two hundred acres, where he carries on great agricultural operations.
That Mr. Shields' character is an unusual one is a fact reflected in his personal
appearance, wherein might be seen a combination of race traits. Perhaps the first of
these to catch the eye of the stranger is the look of resolution, always accompaniment
of the strict moralist, who allows no personal considerations to interfere with his idea
of honor and duty to his fellow-men.'It is also easy to note the acute, intelligent eye
of the man of the world, the purposeful man, the man not easily deceived. Yet these
characters which, if unbalanced, so easily lead to a certain hardness of nature, are in
his case modified and softened by a kindly human sympathy and an abiding sense of
honor. If it is the first of these traits that catches the notice of the stranger, it is the
latter of which his friends are most conscious. These qualities, showing out in his
countenance, have their actual existence in his character, a character which gives him
a leading place among his fellows. No doubt he inherits this worthy character from
his ancestors, who have given the most indisputable evidence of the power of a strong
and healthy stock to project its virtues across the lapse of years and awaken in distant
times and amidst the most diverse circumstances the spirit that in bygone years had
animated the blood. Mr. Shields' place in the community is one which will and shall
always be remembered, for he is indeed a model citizen.
DANIEL ALBERT ANDERSON-The great group of cities that one passes in
traveling through the northern part of Pennsylvania, and which, though separated one
from another by stretches of charming rural scenery for which that region is famous,
are yet sufficiently near to one another to form  a sort of living chain of prosperous
human industry and endeavor, are certainly a wonderful monument to the enterprise
of the sturdy Pennsylvanian, whose efforts have converted what was, historically speaking, but a few years ago an untracked wilderness, into a community where all the
activities of civilization are to be found at work in the most concentrated form and
at the highest level of efficiency. Of all these regions there is none that has not its full
list of names of the men, idealists and practical men of affairs, whose efforts for their
own success and the betterment of their fellows lhave been responsible for the striking
results that we view. Westmoreland county, for example, may boast of any number
of talented persons identified with its progress to whom the general gratitude and honor
of the community is due. Among these men no name is more worthy of respect
because of the sterling morality for which it stands than that of Daniel Albert Anderson, the successful automobile man of that region and a prosperous and influential
citizen in the community.
Daniel Albert Anderson was born on July I9, i8So, on Daniel Dunlap's farm, in
Derry township, near Blairsville. He is a grandson of Robert Anderson, who was
born and died on a farm in Derry township, where he had lived all,his life. Robert
Anderson married a Miss Dunlap, a daughter of Daniel Dunlap, a successful farmer
of Derry township, and they were the parents of five children: Mary, mar.ried Jacob
Livengood, deceased; Robert, married Elizabeth Speedy, deceased; Martha, deceased,
married John A. McGalvy; Joseph F., of whom further; Albert, married Ella Grayham, and resided all his life at the old homestead, where he died.
478BIOGRAPHICAL
Joseph Fulton Anderson, son of Robert Anderson, remained on the old homestead
until he reached his majority, and then obtained a position on the railroad, where he
remained for several years. He later married and settled in Derry township. Joseph
Fulton Anderson and his wife were the parents of the following children: Daniel
Albert, of whom further; Elsie Mary, who married Ray Duncan, a farmer, who resides
on the Anderson farm, near Derry township, and they are the parents of two children,
Dorothea Cynthia and Velma Lila.
Daniel Albert Anderson attended the public schools of his native region, and later
the independent schools of Derry and Loyalhanna townships. After completing his
education in these institutions, he obtained work on the farm with his father, where
he remained until he reached the age of twenty-one. He then migrated to Westmoreland county and engaged in the lumber business, and his next venture was in I9I2,
when he engaged in the automobile business on his own account, taking unto himself a
partner, H. M. Shearer. This association continued for one year, at which time the
business was taken over by Mr. Anderson. The rapid success of the concern compelled Mr. Anderson, in I914, to rent the entire Fennell Building, where he remained
until it was destroyed by fire in I916, when he completed a new brick building, which
he utilized in the capacity of a garage. This garage has an area of fifty by ninety
square feet and many automobiles are here housed. Mr. Anderson makes a specialty
of selling Buick, Dodge and Ford cars, and they have in their garage, for sale, as
many as thirty-five cars at a time.
Daniel Albert Anderson married (first) Edith Cook, a daughter of William
Cook, of New Alexandria. He married (second.) Ethel M. Fennell, a daughter of
Harry and Laura (Young) Fennell. Mr. Fennell carries on a successful farming
occupation in Salem township. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson one child has been born,
Anna Marie, October 8, I916. Mr. Anderson and his wife are affiliated with the
Presbyterian church, which they attend regularly and whose philanthropic undertakings
they support ardently. Mr. Anderson is a Republican in his politics and upholds the
principles and policies of that party.
It is not so much the wealth that a community may boast itself possessed of that
constitutes its real source of strength, it is not even the brilliant achievements of its
remarkable men, past and present, but rather the quality of manhood found among the
rank and file of its members. It is true, of course, that occasionally under the stimulus
of some extraordinary genius, which moulds and directs popular energy, even weak peoples will accomplish great things, but this is but temporary, and with the withdrawal of
the external spur the unwonted energy at once subsides. It is only when such virtues
and energies are in the blood and bone of the people themselves that they persevere and
their characteristic effects are made permanent, and nowhere is this more truly the
case than in Pennsylvania, whose sons and daughters have alike set a standard of
virtue for a whole people that has become monumental like the virtues of the early
Romans, and which throughout the future shall be told as a memorial of them. Of
such a group Daniel Albert Anderson, the successful business man of Westmoreland
county, is conspicuous, and he holds a place in the community which is second to
none in that entire region.
EDWARD SEANOR-Among the successful business men of New Alexandria,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Edward Seanor, the prosperous miller, stands
high, his business ability having placed him in a position of influence in the community,
and his public spirit and philanthropic character having won for him a regard and
affection which any man might envy. He comes of a family which for a number of
generations has been very prominent in the region, its members having in the past
taken a prominent part in the public affairs of Westmoreland county, an example
which their descendants to-day are following. Among his relatives should be men479OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tioned George J. Seanor, at one time sheriff of Westmoreland county, and Jacob
Seanor, who until his recent death was one of the most venerable figures in the life
of the community. Mr. Seanor is himself a grandson of Adam Seanor, who, originfally
came from Germany, and upon reaching this country settled at New Alexandria,
where he remained until his death, a prosperous and much honored citizen. Mr.
Seanor's father was Captain William  Seanor, who was in command of a company
in Colonel Gallagher's regiment during the Civil War and was present at the capture
of John Morgan in Ohio. His death occurred in the year I905. He married Mary
McCartney, of Westmoreland county.
Born April 27, I873, on the old.homestead at New  Alexandria, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, Edward Seanor has since that time passed his life in his native
region. He received his early education at the New Alexandria public schools, and
for a time during his youth was occupied in farming in the old place. In the year
I905, however, he purchased his present mill from  William  Cook, who at that time
owned it, and since that time has continued to operate it most successfully. It was at
the time of his purchase of a somewhat antiquated character, but Mr. Seanor rapidly
made a modern mill of it and installed the new roller process for the grinding of the
grain. Since that time he has kept the equipment well up-to-date and it has now a
capacity of fifty barrels per day. He supplies a large market with flour, and is regarded
as one of the most prosperous and substantial manufacturers in the community.
But it is perhaps even more in connection with his public life than as a business
man that Mr. Seanor is well known and e'njoys his great popularity. Ever since young
manhood, he has taken a keen interest in public affairs and has been very prominent in
conducting the same. He is a Republican in politics, and has held a considerable number of important and responsible posts in connection with the government of his
borough. He has served as a member of the borough council and has always acted
to the entire satisfaction of the community in every official capacity which he has'
held. In his religious belief Mr. Seanor is a Presbyterian and attends the Presbyterian
church at New Alexandria, of which his father was the elder for more than forty
Sears. He is also a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Edward Seanor was united in marriage December 25, I907, with Edna Longdon,
a native of Washington county, born on the old Longdon estate. She is a graduate of
Washington Seminary, and before her marriage to Mr. Seanor was a teacher in the
public schools of Washington, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Seanor two ch'ildren
have been born, namely, Mary Edna, and Genevieve Longdon. Mr. Seanor was one
of three sons, his brothers being Joseph LeRoy Seanor, now  a member of the
Eighteenth Regiment Band, and William Wade Seanor, a traveling salesman for a
concern which deals in farm implements and has its headquarters in Los Angeles,
California.
The talents and abilities of men are as varied and numerous as their occupations,
and there is no line of activity that has not its great figures who have shown the remainder of the world how best to engage therein. But though this is so, and from an
abstract point of view the world teems with brilliant men, yet in any given time or place
it is a comparatively small group of talents that meet with the recognition of this
same world, which is always perfectly definite in its preferences, and while welcoming
with ardor the chosen type, rigorously excludes all others from its favors and its
rewards. In one age it will be courage, in another it may be the gift of song, one land
may value woodcraft, another religious fervor, and so on up and down the whole gamut
of human gifts and characters. However this may be, it is quite obvious that the particular quality that this epoch and this people desire and demand with no uncertain
voice, is the grasp of practical affairs, the insight into material relations that marks
the successful business man, the financier and the organizer.  It is perhaps equally
obvious that of all the civilized peoples of the present, it is the German race that
480BIOGRAPHICAL
exhibit in the-largest number, men who occupy leading places in the active world,
not only in Europe, but in this Western Republic, of the citizenship of which they
make up so large and important an element. Typical of the best type of his successful
countrymen is Mr. Seanor, who is without doubt one of the most prominent and publicspirited citizens of his native region.
THOMAS MURRAY-It is common knowledge that the Irish element in our
citizenship plays a part in our politics which certainly rivals, if it does not surpass, an'
importance of any one other element in the country, the Irish talents and- abilities
fitting them peculiarly for the conduct of public affairs. What is not realized quite so
commonly, however, is the part that is played by Irishmen and their descendants in
the mercantile and industrial development going on in this country and in the business
world generally. Yet the more one examines the records of this department of American activity, the more will he have thrust upon his attention how great is this part also.
Take for example the career of Thomas Murray, who, though not himself a native
of Ireland, having been born in Allegany county, Maryland, is of Irish parentage, and
exhibits in his career the characteristic virtues and abilities of his race. He is a son
of Patrick and Mary Murray, both of whom were born in Ireland and spent their youth
there. They were married in their native land, but emigrated from there to the United
States about I844 and settled in the town of Mount Savage, Maryland, where they
remained some twenty years.  They finally removed to Johnstown, Pennsylvania,,
where the father retired from active business life. To Mr. and Mrs. Murray, Sr., the
following children were born:  Michael, who was born in Ireland, accompanied his
parents to this country and now resides at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and is eighty
years of age; Patrick, who was also born in Ireland, came to this country and was a
soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment of Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry; Thomas, of- whom  further. and first* of the children born in
America; Catherine, who is now the wife of Patrick Dimond, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Mary Ellen, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where she makes her home;
John; Maggie, who entered a convent when quite young and became one of the sisters
of charity, her religious name being Sister Bernadetta.
Born in March, I846, at Mount Savage, Maryland, two years after his parents
came to this country, Thomas Murray spent his childhood and early youth in his
native town. He there received his education, attending the local public schools for
this purpose, and in the year I864, when eighteen years of age, came with his parents
to Pennsylvania. Here for a number of years he worked in the coal mines. He was
unfortunate enough to experience a very severe fall in the coal mine, in which he
received a broken arm, a broken leg and a broken collar bone, which disabled him for
a considerable period. It was in I873 that he first came to Greensburg, which has
remained his home to the present time, and in i88o he started in his present business
of m'anufacturing tobacco and cigars, and for the past thirty years has been located ait
No. io8 West Otterman street, wherehe conducts a wholesale and retail establishment,
which is one of the largest and most successful of its kind in Greensburg. Mr. Murray
is a staunch member of the Catholic church, as are  all the "members of' his
family, and has been active in working for the interests of that church in the' conmmunity. In politics he is a Democrat, but takes no active part in public affairs. He is,
however, a prominent figure in social circles, and is a membe'r of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, Lodge No. 7.
Thomas Murray was united in marriage,' in I875, with Mary Stickel, a native of
Derry, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Henry and Rose Stickel, old and well-known residents of that town. They are the parents of ten children, as follows: I. Harry A., a
clarionetist of distinction, who is now engaged in business with his father. 2. John T.,
W-31
48IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
also a clarionetist of much fame and at one time leader of the famous Kettering Band;
conducts a farm in Unity township, but is also interested in his father's enterprise. 3.
Edward P., who is manager of his father's branch store on Pennsylvania avenue. 4.
Rose Annie, who became the wife of James Haemlin, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
5. Bernadetta, who became the wife of Joseph Royed, of Greensburg. 6. Lucy, who
became the wife of John A. George, who is employed as a clerk in Mr. Murray's store.
7. George Cleveland, who works on the farm with his brother John. 8. Thomas J.,
who works in his father's store and enjoys a reputation in the community as a remarkable performer on the piano. 9. Richard P., who is also employed in his father's
store. Io. Robert, who works in the rubber works at Jeannette, Pennsylvania.
Beyond doubt there is a lesson well worth learning to be found in the records of
men whose achievements have been great, even though these have been wrought purely
in their own interests; but if this be so, how much greater and more worth while is
that lesson contained in the careers of those who have been chiefly conderned with the
good of others, whose efforts have been directed towards the fulfillment of large and
altruistic purposes, whose labors have compassed the welfare of the communities of
which they have been members quite as much as their personal aims. To such a class
belongs Thomas Murray, whose career has formed the subject matter of this brief
notice.
HENRY PAUL GOOD-Henry Paul Good, one of the representative business
men and merchants of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member o,f a
family which has for long been identified with this part of the State. He is a son of
John Good, a pioneer farmer of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, and of Mary Ann (Waugeman) Good, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. John Good lived in Irwin for a time and it was
here that his death occurred February 6, I9o8, while Mrs. Good still makes her home
there. A large portion of his active life, however, was spent in Penn township, where
he was superintendent of roads for several terms.
Born May 30, I866, in Penn township, Henry Paul Go,od became a pupil in the
schools of that region at an early age. He was unusually well-developed for his years
and had gained most of the educational advantages to be offered him in these institutions by the time he was fifteen years old. It was at this age that he began to-work
for his father on the latter's farm and it was here that he gained in large measure the
splendid rugged, physical health which is now so great an asset. He continued working
with his father until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he came to
Irwin and engaged in a mercantile business. He was very successful in this enterprise,
but later turned his attention to his present business and became a butcher. He is
now the owner of a handsome butcher shop in Irwin and is conducting a-large and
profitable business. He has been engaged in this line for about eighteen years, and has
gained a most enviable reputation and a large and high-class patronage. For thirty
years in all, he has been engaged in business in Irwin and has sold feed and groceries
as well as meats. He has moved his business to more commodious quarters, conducting the best grocery and butcher shop in Irwin, everything being run along moderni
lines. He has also been engaged in the transfer business and in all his enterprises has
met with success. In his politics Mr. Good is a Democrat and is very active in the
councils of his party, but has avoided rather than sought public office of any kind. He
is a prominent figure in social and fraternal circles, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of America and the Loyal Order of Moose.
He attends the Reformed church and has been very active in the work of the congregation since I882, when he joined it. He is a member of a large family of children
born to his parents, and his brothers and sisters are prominent in the life of this and
other places. They are as follows: I. Elizabeth, who became the wife of George
Muse, who is employed by the Westinghouse Company; they make their home in
482BIOGRAPHICAL
Irwin. 2. Charles C., who is engaged successfully in businss as a feed and general
supply merchant at North Gerard, Erie county, Pennsylvania; he married Hattie
Smith, and they are the parents of three children, the family making its home in North
Gerard. 3. Laura B., who became the wife of Edward A. Squibb, who/ is employed as
a clerk in the McEwan Hardware Company at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 4. Jennie,
who became the wife of H. B. Kunkle, of Irwin, where he is engaged successfully in
the livery business. 5. Letta, who became the wife of H. D. Hershey, who is engaged
in a mercantile business at Irwin. 6. Sarah, who became the wife of T. F. Wilson, a
merchant of Irwin. 7. Blanch, who became the wife of Ralph Murdock, who is
engaged in business as an electrician in Irwin. 8. Emma, who became the wife of
Daniel Hershey, who serves as yardmaster at Shafton for the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company; they make their home at Irwin. 9. Carrie, who became the wife of Robert
C. Shaw, the superintendent of schools of Westmoreland county, and makes his home
at Greensburg. IO. Alice, who became the wife of Frank Gallagher Irwin, manager of
the Pennsylvania Gas and Coal Company at Irwin. II. Edith, who became the wife of
James Pierce, now superintendent of schools of Derry township. I2. John W., of
Irwin, where he is employed as clerk by H. Altman  Son, large feed merchants; he
married Jessie Datz, a daughter of C. C. Datz, a prominent real estate man of Irwin.
I3. Morrison, who makes his home at Export, Pennsylvania, where he is en engaged
in a mercantile business; he married Anna Gallagher, a daughter of J. K. Gallagher,
of Irwin. One of Mr. Good's maternal uncles was John Kunkle, a veteran of the
Civil War, who is himself the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this work.
Henry Paul Good was united in marriage, June I4, I888, at Robbins Station,
Pennsylvania, with Ida May Squibb, a daughter of Abraham G. Squibb, of Sewickley
township, Westmoreland county, and of Eliza (Maines) Squibb, his wife. Mr. Squibb
was engaged in the occupation of farming all his life; Mrs. Squibb died in October,
I9I6. To Mr. and Mrs. Good the following children were born: Charles E., who
is employed by his father in the latter's business; Mary Elizabeth, who became the
wife of John Coles, caretaker in the great Westinghouse plant at Trafford; Jessie
Pauline, who became the wife of Hardy Shipman, who is employed by the New York
Central Railroad, and lives at Erie, Pennsylvania; Henry John, who works for his
father in his establishment; Bertha May, who resides with her parents; Eleanor, a
pupil in the Irwin High School.
WILLIAM HARRY RAVER - William Harry Raver, the progressive and successful blacksmith of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a son of Cornelius D. and Elizabeth (Loutsenhizer) Raver, old and highly respected residents of
Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.  Cornelius D. Raver was born June 26, I826, in
Monroe county, Ohio, and became the assistant division foreman of the Pennsylvania
Railroad in that region. He was later employed in the great Westinghouse establisment at Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside up to the time of
his death in the year I900. Mr. Raver, Sr., served his country in the Civil War as
a member of Company E, Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment. His wife, who
was Elizabeth Loutsenhizer, was a daughter of John Loutsenhizer, of North Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county. Her death occurred in 1889, eleven years before
her husband's. To Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius D. Raver the following children were
born: Ruth, born in I864, and became the wife of L. H. Walthour, a farmer in
Penn township, Westmoreland county, and they are the parents of six children; John
L., born April 26, I866, engaged in business as an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and died in I9OI at Walls, leaving a widow and three children; William Harry,
of whom further; Mary, born May 20, 1872, and became the wife of Keefer McEwen,
a farmer at Mount Lebanon, Pittsburgh; Margaret M., born April 9, I876, and became
the wife of W. B. Mowrey, who is employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad at Irwin,
483OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and they are the parents of four children; Samuel S., born April 9, I876, who is now
employed as a plumber by the Pennsylvania Railroad and makes his home at
McKeesport.
Born March 5, I868, at Ardara, North Huntingdon township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, VWAilliam Harry Raver attended the public schools of that place
until he reached the age of thirteen years. It was then necessary for him to seek
some means of livelihood, and he secured a position drawing coke at the Carnegie
Coke Works in Ardara. Some time afterwards he gave up this work and was employed on a farm in the vicinity. Here he continued until 1887, and then entered
the horseshoeing and blacksmith business, with which he has been identified ever since.
His first work in this line was done in association with J. H. Glendinning, now of
Greensburg, for whom he had already worked as an apprentice. He then entered the
employ of Thomas Dobson at North Versailles township as a journeyman horseshoer
and remained with him until he came to Irwin in the year T89I. At Irwin he entered
the employ of J. H. Dias and continued with him for eight years. Mr. Raver in the
meantime had been strongly desirous of engaging in business on his own account,
and with this end in view practiced a very commendable thrift and industry, which
finally, in I899, placed him in in a position where he could gratify his ambition.
Accordingly, he purchased a horseshoeing establishment at Fifth street, Irwin, and here
established himself in business in a small way. He continued in this location for a
period of seven years, his trade growing ever larger until it became necessary for
him to provide larger quarters. In the year I906 he built his present handsome shop
at Fifth street, Irwin, opposite his first location, and is here conducting a large and
successful business at the present time.
Mr. Raver has always made himself prominent in the general affairs of Irwin,
and is now looked upon as one of the representative citizens of this place. He is a
Democrat in politics, excepting in the matter of local affairs, where he is bound by
no party lines, considering that they do not apply to town and county activities. In
spite of this fact he has held a number of positions, among which should be mentioned that of auditor for the borough of North Irwin, in which office he served for
some three years. He has never been ambitious, however, for political preferment of
any kind and has rather avoided than sought public office. He is a. very prominent
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having taken all the chairs in the
local lodge and been elected twice to the Noble Grand Encampment. He and his
family are members of the United Presbyterian church and are active in the work of
the congregation. Mr. Raver is interested in every activity which tends to the uplift
of his home town and no feasible undertaking with this end in view has ever appealed
to him for assistance in vain. He is a member of the Volunteer Capital Fire Company of Irwin and of the Fireman's Band in which he plays the base horn. He was a
member of the committee that purchased the new fire truck and was appointed thereto
by the town council.
Mr. Raver was united in marriage, November 27, I895, with Sarah Gettias, a
daughter of Phillip and Sarah Gettias, of Irwin. Mr. Gettias was a native of England, and came to this country as a young man. He was a mine foreman, and died
at Irwin in the year I875. His wife was a native of Wales. To Mr. and Mrs. Raver
the following children were born: Cornelius, June 2, I897, now a core winder in the
Westinghouse plant at East Pittsburgh, married Elizabeth Milburn, a daughter of
Edward Milburn, of Irwin;' Raymond, born March I, I899, and now employed as a
clerk in the H. E. Barr grocery establishment at Irwin; Oscar, born June I9, I902,
and now a pupil in the Irwin High School.
FRANK DARVO MATTHEWS-One of the principal figures in the life of
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, where he is identified in a most prominent way with the
business and social interests of the community, is Frank Darvo. Matthews, the dis484BIOGRAPHICAL
tinguished gentleman whose name heads this sketch and who is well known and
greatly liked by all classes and ages in Jeannette. He is not a native of this town,
but was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 4, i886, a son of Charles B. and
Minnie K. (Black) Matthews, old and well known residents of that city. His father,
like himself, was born in Pittsburgh and it was there that he passed practically his
entire life, receiving his education in the local public schools and engaging in business
there as a young man. The business that he took up was glass packing, a line which
he continuously followed throughout his active career, and up to the present time,
where he holds a position of importance with the Westmoreland Specialty Company
of Jeannette. Eight children were the result of his marriage with Minnie K. Black,
as follows: Robert, Ernest, Frank Darvo, Charles, deceased, Walter, Sarah, deceased, William and Mollie.
The early years of Frank Darvo Matthews' life were spent in his native city of
Pittsburgh, but while still a mere lad his parents removed to Jeannette, Westmoreland county, and it was in the local schools of this region he received his education.
After completing his school studies, he was employed in various mercantile houses in
Jeannette and the surrounding sections, and later learned the baking business.in one
of the leading bakeries of Jeannette and subsequently established himself in business
in Jeannette. Finally, in the year I905, he formed a partnership with Carl R. Keister,
his brother-in-law, and the two opened a successful bakery in Jeannette. Although
this business prospered highly, Mr. Matthews, in the year I907, sold out his interest
to his partner and went to Philadelphia where he remained for some time, employed
by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company. In I9II, after about four years of this
work, Mr. Keister failed in the bakery business which he had been running, and Mr.
Matthews returned to Jeannette, where he was appointed trustee of the same business
in which he had formerly held a part interest.  In this capacity he continued the
baking establishment for about one year and then settled with the various creditors
for twenty-three per cent of the firms's obligations, a remarkable performance considering the short time given to it. Mr. Matthews felt from the start that the baking
business ought to succeed in Jeannette. Accordingly, after having wound up the
affairs of the old concern, he purchased property in Jeannette and reestablished the
baking business on a much larger scale. One stroke of very bad fortune befell him
in the same year when his new establishment was destroyed by fire but, nothing
daunted, Mr. Matthews at once set about repairing the damage done, erected a new
building and proceeded with his already progressing trade.  The building which he
now put up on the same site as the old one which had burned, was in every respect
a larger and better establishment.  It was equipped throughout with the most
modern appliances for all kinds of baking, and is at the present time the largest establishment of its kind in Jeannette. The business under the very able management of
Mr. Matthews has grown steadily from that time to this and promises a still greater
progress in the future. On January I, I9I6, Mr. Matthews completed the handsome
fifteen thousand dollar structure, one of the most beautiful in the town of Jeannette,
which he had been for some time building, and he is now regarded as one of the most
successful business men and substantial citizens in the community. The progress which
Mr. Matthews has made has been remarkable, especially when it is remembered that
at the time of his return from Philadelphia in I9II, he possessed only one hundred
dollars upon which to build the very extensive fortune which is now his.
But it is not only in the conduct of his business that Mr. Matthews is prominent
in the life of Jeannette. His interests are broad and his sympathies inclusive, so that
he naturally participates in the life of his fellow-citizens in all its aspects. He is a
Democrat in politics and is something of a factor in the local affairs of the town,
although he has consistently refused to take any of the public offices which his abilities
seem well to fit him for. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and does much
485OLD AND NEWV WESTMORELAND
valuable work in encouraging the industrial and mercantile growth of the town in
this capacity. He is one of the chief stockholders of the Glass City Union Deposit
Bank and of the Jeannette Oil and Gas Company. In his religious affiliations Mr.
Matthews is a member of the Grace Reformed church and takes an active part in the
work of that body in the community.
Mr. Matthews was united in marriage January 27, I915, with Emma Smith, a
daughter of Edmond and Minnie (Connor) Smith, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
They are the parents of one son, Frank Darvo, Jr.,' who was born September 25, I916.
MORRIS KELLEY-For ten years after coming to Jeannette, Pennsylvania,
in I887, Mr. Kelley was employed as a glass worker, but in 1897, he was elected tax
collector of the borough of Jeannette, and shortly after taking said office engaged in
the real estate and insurance business, a line he has successfully followed until the
present time. As one of the directors of the Western Land and Improvement Company which laid out and founded the village of Jeannette, and as an official of the
borough, he has had an active part in Jeannette's upbuilding, while his business interests are also large. He is a grandson of James Kelley, born in County Down,
Ireland, who was brought to this country at the age of six years, locating for several
years in Boston, Massachusetts, later becoming an early settler of what is now
Brownstown, Pennsylvania.
James Kelley, son of James Kelley, the pioneer, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in I825, canme with his father to Western Pennsylvania, and became a glass
blower of the Pittsburgh district. Later he became manager of the glass works at
Bellaireville, Ohio, a position he filled until a few years before his death. He married Louise Kreig, daughter of Michael Kreig, who, born in Germany, came to the
United States when a youth, settled near Pittsburgh, there engaging in farming operations until his death at the age of seventy-eight years. James and Louise (Kreig)
Kelley had twelve children: Cecelia, Sadie, Michael, Joseph, Julia, Madeline, Thomas,
Birdie, Charles, married Kate Duffy, of Jeannette; Cora, married Glenn W. Martin,
of Jeannette; Morris and James.
Morris Kelley was born at Pittsburgh, South Side, June I, I864, son of James
and Louise (Kreig) Kelley. He attended public schools until fourteen years of age,
then began the business of life as a worker in the flint glass works near Pittsburgh.
He followed his trade for nineteen years, working at McKees Brothers, twenty-sixth
ward of Pittsburgh until the firm moved its factory. When the establishment of
glass factories at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, turned the eyes of glass workers to that
locality, he was attracted by the opportunity, and on September I3, I887, became a
resident. He continued as a glass worker in Jeannette for ten years, retiring in I897.
In December, I898, he opened a real estate and insurance office, and until the present
(I917) has been continuously engaged in real estate dealing and fire insurance, his
business being a large and profitable one. With the passing of the years he has
acquired large interests in Jeannette enterprises, and has become one of the responsible, substantial men of the borough. He is-president of the Crescent Brewing Company of Irwin, the Irwin Ice Company, director of Westmoreland Gas Company,
Phoenix Oil and Gas Company, Jeannette Oil and Gas Company of West Virginia,
First National Bank of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Western Land and Improvement
Company, the Union Brewing Company of Tarrs Station, and the Jeannette Savings
Trust Company. He is a Republican in politics, and for seven years, 1897-I904, was
tax collector of the borough, finally resigning the office, May I, I904. He is an active
member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church, his parents and his grandparents
having also been devout Catholics. He was one of the organizers of Jeannette Lodge,
No. 481, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, his name appearing on the original
list of members to whom the charter was granted.
486BIOGRAPHICAL
487
Mr. Kelley married, May I, I9OI, Mary Hess, daughter of Paul Hess, a'armer of
Hemphill township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Kelley was educated
in Jeannette public schools and has been a resident of that town since girlhood. Mr.
and Mrs. Kelley have a daughter, Louise.
WILLIAM  A. McSHAFFREY-Among all the various races and peoples that
go to make up the complex structure of American citizenship, one may lookl in vain
for any who in proportion to the numbers that have come here have had a better influence upon the population or done more for its development than those strong and
intelligent Scots who have made their abode in our midst, become naturalized citizens
and now form an essential element in our body politic, a wholesome, healthy strain
fast losing its individuality in the amalgamating process that in a future age shall
result in a new American race. Other peoples have given more generously of their
-hildren, but though they may have exceeded the Scots in quantity, there is none of
them that has done so in the quality of their gifts to this great and growing Nation.
For in none of those who have come as immigrants to these shores has there been a
greater proportion of virtues and abilities than these sturdy sons of the North have
brought with them to leaven the mass of our population here. A descendant and one
-of the fine examples of this race is William A. McShaffrey, owner and manager of
the Star Theatre, of Monessen, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a director of
the Monessen Savings  Trust Company, and stockholder in the First National
Bank, besides being identified as a stockholder and director of the Eldora Park Company, and associate owner of the Dreamland Theatre of Monongahela City, Pennsylvania.
Born in Pittsburgh, November 8, I87I, William A. McShaffrey is a son of Daniel
and Anna (Furick) McShaffrey.  His father was a native of Pittsburgh and for
many years was engaged in the manufacture of glass in that city. He was born in
I844, and his death occurred December 5, I907. Mr. McShaffrey, Sr. served in the
UJnion Army during the Civil War, having been enlisted twice as a member of a
Pennsylvania regiment and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal.
The McShaffrey family originally came from Scoltland, but lived for a time in the
North of Ireland, so that the modern descendants are of Scotch-Irish blood. Daniel
McShaffrey's father was William McShaffrey, a pioneer coach builder in Pittsburgh,
who married Elizabeth Smithers, who was a native of Scotland. Daniel McShaffrey
married Anna Furick, a native of Pittsburgh, and a daughter of Edward Furick, of
that city, where he was one of the pioneer furniture merchants.
William A. McShaffrey is the elder of the two children born to his parents, the
other being a sister, Gertrude, who became the wife of F. M. McCullough, of Oil
City, Pennsylvania. He received his education at the public schools of Pittsburgh,
and his studies there were followed by a thorough training in music. It was his ambition to fit himself for the professional stage and this ambition he soon realized.
His career commenced at the Davis Theatre in Pittsburgh, where he made his debut,
after which, for some eight or nine years, he travelled as a professional player into
every part of the United States and Canada. Later he came to, Eldora Park, as
manager of the entertainment features there, and after conducting this enterprise with
a high degree of success, he came to Monessen and opened the Star Theatre. Here
he met with a most gratifying success, and shortly afterwards erected a fine new
playhouse in that town. He also opened theatres at Monongahela City, Donora and
Charleroi, Pennsylvania. In all of these houses he has met with much success, and
the Star Theatre of Monessen enjoys the largest patronage accorded to any house in
Westmoreland county. Mr. McShaffrey does not confine his activities to his business,
however, but takes an active part in many aspects of the city's life. He is a Republican
in politics, and a devoted member of the Baptist church in Monessen, serving on theBIOGRAPHICAL
33
DAVID L.'NEWILL, associated in the practice of law with the Hon. James S.
Beacom, ex-State Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and which associa-'
tion constitutes the well-known law firm of Messrs. Beacom  Newill, of Greensburg,
Pennsylvania, was born on August I5, 1862, son of Joshua and Scynthia Newill. While
the life work of David L. Newill has been concentrated primarily in the painstaking
attention, careful guidance, and adroit advocacy of the interests of his clients, as interpreted by him from a comprehensive understanding of the tenets of law and equity, he
has nevertheless been sought to assume many public trusts altogether alien to his -legal
connections. His prestige as a gentleman of scrupulous honor and strong personality
has brought to his hand the execution of many high and important offices in'the administration of financial and commercial undertakings connected with the activities of the
county seat of Westmoreland, and the standing of the various banking institutions and
other corporations with which he is prominently identified, is an indication of his repute
as a citizen of unimpeachable rectitude, and an executive of marked ability.
The Newill family has been stated to have been originally of Irish extraction, but
six generations of the family have been resident within the State of Pennsylvania, the
first.Newill to enter the State, and the progenitor of the American branches of the
Newill family having been Stephen Newill, who emigrated from  Ireland sometime
during the latter half of the eighteenth century, settling in the S.tetc of New Jersey.
Records are not available by which the historian could state herein the exact date upon
which Stephen Newill emigrated, or to what occupations he set his hand during his
residence in the State of New Jersey. Presumably he farmed, but whether he possessed landed estate or labored for others is not known to the present chronicler. It
is on record, however, that in I773 Stephen Newill entered Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, and purchased land in Mount Pleasant township, living thereon for the
remainder of his life. Evidently he was well advanced in years when he first entered
Westmoreland county, for State records show that without exception his six sons
served the Nation during the Revolutionary War. Stephen Newill had one daughter,
Mary, who married Barney McCall, but in his six sons he rendered the Nation appreciable service. Barney McCall was also in the service. Of his sons, whose names were
James, Joshua, John, Robert, Thomas, and Richard, this record is directly interested in
the fourth born, Robert, who was the great-grandfather of David L. Newill, the present
highly esteemed resident of Greensburg. One characteristic was strongly evident in
Stephen Newill. namely, his staunch adherence to the Presbyterian church, his allegiance to which, together with his pronouncedly English patronymic, carries the inference that the Newills were not originally Irish in ancestry; it seems'more feasible to
suppose that they were of English lineage, perhaps natives of one of the northern
border counties, and had been compelled to seek refuge in Ireland because of the religious persecution meted out to Dissenters of Scotland and England during the early
decades of the eighteenth century.
Robert Newill, fourth son of Stephen Newill, served during the Revolutionary
War, spending the remainder of his life in farming. He manifested an inclination
similar to that of his father on matters of religion, and was very earnest and staunch
in support of the cause of the Presbyterian church. Robert Newill in due course married and became the father of five children: John; George, a civil: engineer; James,
who was the grandfather of David L. Newill; Sinai Craig, and Ann Thompson. The
Christian name of the mother of these children, and the wife of Robert Newill, was
Mary George.
James Newill, son of Robert and Mary (George)'Newill, was'born and reared on
his father's farm, which he subsequently inherited, and whereon he resided until his
demise. He married Susanna Derby, who bore him seven children, six' sons and one
daughter: George, John, William, Robert, Joshua, father of David L., and Mary.
Joshua Newill, son of James and Susanna (Derby) Newill, was born August 14,
w-3OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
board of trustees thereof. He is a prominent Mason, and is affiliated with Monessen
Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; -         Chapter, Royal Arch Masons;
Council, Royal and Select Masters, and McKane Commandery, Knights
Templar, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the local lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the treasurer of that organization. He
is a stockholder and director in the Sun Vaudeville circuit. Mr. McShaffrey is
affiliated with a number of other organizations, among which should be mentioned
the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Theatrical Mechanics Association. He is a
memlber of the Monessen Board of Trade and has been active in the work of that
body in encouraging local business enterprise.
William A. McShaffrey was united in marriage, July 28, I896, with Sallie Keller,
a daughter of Andrew and Mell (Barringer) Keller, old and well known residents of
Monongahela City, Pennsylvania. Mrs. McShaffrey is keenly interested in church
work in Monessen and gives much time to charity and the Women's Club. To this
union one child has been born, William Roy, who is a graduate of the Monessen
High School, and is now associated with his father in the latter's business. Mr.
McShaffrey is a "self-made" man in the best sense of the term and the success that
he has won has been fully earned. He finds his recreation particularly in motoring.
fishing and hunting, of which he is especially fond.
EDWARD JOHN BARTLETT-Edward John Bartlett, the popular and efficient manager of Murphy  Company's Five  Ten Cent Store at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a member of a family long identified with this State. His ancestors were
soldiers in the Revolution, and from that time to the present the family has been
prominently identified with the affairs of the community.
Mr. Bartlett's grandfather, Thomas Bartlett, was a descendant of Josiah Bart.
lett, of Massachusetts, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and of
"Mayflower" stock. Thomas Bartlett, son of Josiah Bartlett, Jr., removed to the West
as a young man and enlisted in the Civil War from Madison county, Illinois. He
became first lieutenant of his company, but just before the regiment left for the front
was taken down with typhoid fever, which resulted in his death shortly after. He
married Mary Murphy, a daughter of John Murphy, who came from Ireland and was
one of the first Irishmen to settle in Louisiana. John Murphy landed in New Orleans and became a prominent man in his community. Thomas Bartlett and his
wife were the parents of Henry S. Bartlett, the father of Edward J. Bartlett, who
was born on his father's farm at Springfield, Illinois. Henry S. Bartlett was educated in the local country schools and was brought up to the life of a typical farmer's
boy. He served as a member of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the last two
years of the Civil War. He married Elizabeth McHugh, a native of Broad Top,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Miles McHugh, also a native of
Huntingdon county. Shortly after this marriage, Mr. Bartlett and his wife removed
to Dubois, Pennsylvania, where he became engaged in the coal business, in association
with his brothers-in-law, Arthur and Michael McHugh, who were really the pioneers
in the coal business in that section of the State. It was they that opened up the
Sandy Lick Mine just outside of Dubois and the first carload of coal shipped therefrom was hand picked and laid in the car. It was difficult to interest capital in the
venture at this time (the early seventies), but the three young men persevered and
finally were able to organize the Bell, Lewis  Yates Coal Company, the first real
company organized in that portion of the State. The two brothers, Arthur and
Michael McHugh, with another brother, Dennis McHugh, were the owners of very
large coal property. Miles McHugh, their father, and the grandfather of the Mr.
Bartlett of this sketch, was the first general manager of what is now the Pennsylvania Gas Coal Company, and made his home in the village of Penn, Westmoreland
488BIOGRAPHICAL
county. He finally became interested in the opening up and development of iron ore
in the vicinity of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, and still later went to the coal fields of
LaSalle, Illinois, and there became interested in coal mining. He was associated with
a Mr. Taylor of that region in the development of what was at that time a new and
little tried coal field. Mr. Taylor was induced to take up this venture by Mr. McHugh,
who finally returned East and became interested in the coal business in Pennsylvania,
continuing until his death at the age of eighty-three years. Henry S. Bartlett and his
wife were the parents of the following children: Amelia, who became Mrs. William
Martz, and is now deceased; Miles, died in early life; Arthur, died in early life;
Jane, who resides in the old Bartlett, home; Thomas H., of Washington Court House,
Ohio, where he is engaged in business as manager of the Murphy Store; Michael
Leo, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he is engaged in business as general manager of the
Tulsa Oil  Gas Company; Edward John, with whose career we are here especially
concerned.
Mrs. Henry S. Bartlett is a descendant of the Browne and Milligan families, both
early settlers in Scotch Valley, Eastern Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandmother
was a member of the McNichol family, which was also among the early settlers of
Scotch Valley. All three of these families, the Browns, McNichols and Milligans,
gave of their members to the Revolutionary War, so that the present Mr. Bartlett
can trace his descent from Revolutionary stock to a number of sources. Dennis
McHugh, an uncle of Mr. Bartlett, ran away as'a boy of fourteen and enlisted as a
drummer in a body of Pennsylvania troops in the Civil War. He later became a
member of his company and carried a musket during the latter part of the war. He
was a member of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served therein throughout
the entire length of the war, from  I86I to I865. His first enlistment as a drummer
boy was made under the name of John Foster, which he did in order to elude his
parents. Miles and Arthur McHugh, who have already been referred to, also served
in a Pennsylvania regiment during the latter part of the war.
Born on September 23, I886, in the city of Dubois, Cleartield county, Pennsylvania, Edward John Bartlett, son of Henry S. and Elizabeth (McHugh) Bartlett,
grew up to manhood in his native place. For his education he attended the parochial
and public schools of that region and finally graduated from the Dubois High School
with the class of J905. Upon completing his studies he began work for the Jefferson
Iron and Coal Company, in which his father and his two uncles were interested, and
later became connected with the B. R.  P. Railroad as yard clerk at Dubois. This
position he held until 9gIo, when he became associated with the Pittsburgh Coal Company as payroll clerk and was stationed at Suterville, Pennsylvania. After one year
of this work he entered the employ of the G. C. Murphy Company as assistant manager
of the store at McKeesport, but was shortly afterwards transferred to the store at
Turtle Creek as manager. In I9I2 he was made manager of the Murphy store at
Elkins, West Virginia, a position which he held until I9I5, when in the month of
June he was transferred to his present position, manager of Murphy  Company's
Five and Ten Cent Store at Greensburg. He has been exceedingly successful in his
chosen work, and is regarded as among the most capable of the younger business men
in this region. In his religious belief Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and in politics he is a staunch Democrat. A well known figure in the social
and fraternal circles here, Mr. Bartlett is a member of Council No. 480, Knights of
Columbus.
Edward John Bartlett was united in marriage, April 6, I9IO, at Dubois, Pennsylvania, with Harriet Lesher, a native of that city. Mrs. Bartlett is a daughter of Frank
A. and Catherine (Hock) Lesher. She was educated at the public schools of Dubois,
and like her husband was graduated from the High School there. Mr. Bartlett and
his wife are the parents of the following children: Helen Virginia, Anabel,~and Edward John, Jr.
489OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND.
ALONZO MILTON FREDERICK--Alonzo Milton Frederick, a prominent
citizen of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was born at Johnstown, in this State, June
27, I873. He is a son of John Martin and Annie E. (Decker) Frederick, who canme
to live at Braddock, Westmoreland county, when he was but three years of age.
His childhood was passed at that town, and he there received the elementary portion of his education.  He afterwards attended the Curry University at Pittsburgh,
where he studied the subject of chemistry and so distinguished himself that, when only
seventeen years of age, he was offered the position of assistant chemist. at Carrie
Furnace, Rankin, Pennsylvania. This offer he accepted and continued in this capacity
until given the position of chief chemist there. This more responsible post he held for
two years longer and then, in I897, came to the town of New Kensington, which has
remained his home and the scene of his business activities up to the present time.
Upon coming to New Kensington, Mr. Frederick formed a partnership with a Mr.
Decker, and they engaged in a general mercantile business here under the name of
Frederick  Decker. Under their able control the business has flourished greatly and
is now one of the important enterprises of the community. At the time that the automobile industry began its great development, Mr. Frederick was quick to realize that
a great opportunity awaited those who should early identify themselves with it. He
was obliged to postpone his own connection with it, however, until the expiration of
his term as postmaster, in which office he was serving at the time, and on account of
his active participation in the public affairs of the community. In the year I916, however, he found himself in a position to begin operations and at once established himself in his present business which is conducted under the name of the Central Auto
Company. He is now the agent in this region for the Buick motor cars and for the
United States tires, and has already worked up a large business. In July, I915, he
erected the handsome building in which he now conducts his business.
Mr. Frederick is very well known in connection with the political life of the
community, and has been for many years identified with the Republican party. He
is of strongly independent nature and was one of those who supported the candidacy
of Theodore Roosevelt for the presidency in 1904. He was appointed postmaster by
President Roosevelt in that year and served in this office through the administrations
of William H. Taft and Woodrow Wilson until July I5, I916. Besides this office Mr.
Frederick has also held that of secretary of the school board of New Kensington for
three years, and has served two terms as county committeeman of the Republican
party. He is prominent in social and fraternal circles in New Kensington, has been
secretary of the local lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, since its organization, eleven
years ago, and he is also an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. Mr. Frederick is a Presbyterian in his religious belief, and attends the
church of that denomination at New Kensington.
M. M. WILLSON-M. M. Willson, one of the most substantial and public-spirited
citizens of North Belle Vernon, Westmoreland county; Pennsylvania, and a large real
estate owner in this region, is a native of this township, but by parentage is an Irishman and exhibits in his own character and personality the sterling virtues of that
race.
It was his grandfather, John Willson, who first came to this country and he here
married Nancy Hannah, who was a native of Ireland, but came to the United States
as a young girl. The couple first settled in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where John
Willson cleared and developed an excellent farm. Later he sold this at the rate of
twelve dollars per acre, and coming further west settled in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, where he bought property at nine dollars per acre.
One of his children was James H. Willson, who was born in Fayette county,
490BIOGRAPHICAL
Pennsylvania, I794, and accompanied his parents to WVestmoreland county as a child.
Here he continued to reside until the time o.f his death in the year I867 at the age of
seventy-three years. It was in the year I807 that he settled with his parents in Rostraver township, and after the death of his father and mother, the first in middle life
and the latter at the age of ninety-four, he inherited the old farm and continued to
operate it until his own demise. He married Margaret Patterson, a native of Collinsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who lived with him in Rostraver township until
her death at the age of fifty-four years. They were the parents of a family of children of whom M. M. Willson was one.
Born November 8, 1840, on his father's farm in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, at a point about three miles from North Belle Vernon, on
the Smithton road, M. M. Willson spent his childhood and there grew up to manhood. His early education was received at the local public school. He inherited the
greater portion of the paternal property, though one hundred acres were given to his
brother Alexander. The latter, however, enlisted in the Union army, and saw service
in the Civil War, and later his death occurred in the year I872 from the effects of the
hardships and exposures experienced at that time, so that the remainder of the property returned to M. M. Willson.  In the year 1892 Mr. Willson removed to North
Belle Vernon and there took up his permanent abode, and since that time has done a
great deal to develop and build up this charming town.  He has been exceedingly
interested in the question of real estate development here and has invested largely in
local properties. He has also been identified with a number of projects which have
resulted in greatly extending the limits of the town, and it can be said without exaggeration that he has probably done more for its general upbuilding than any other
one man in the region. He has also engaged in many other activities at North Belle
Vernon besides that of dealing in and improving real estate, and one of his greatest
successes was the organization of the Willson Coal Company for the purpose of mining
the deposits of this indispensible mineral underlying the old Spears farm, which was
purchased by Mr. Willson. While thus engaged in removing the coal from under the
earth, he also laid out and developed the surface into residence properties. He has
added in all, four such tracts to the residence district of North Belle Vernon and has
erected several desirable houses. His residence at present is a large and handsome
double house, the other half of which is occupied by his son. The property upon
which this stands is located in the center of the choicest residential part of this most
delightful region. He has held a large number of sales at which he has disposed of
many choice lots to people of the surrounding district, who appreciated the unusual
advantages of North Belle Vernon for home purposes. Mr. Willson has also established a successful hardware business in the region, which at the present time his son
continues to operate. He was at one time a director in the Valley Deposit and Trust
Company, and was affiliated with a number of other important industrial and mercantile interests here.
In addition to his business activities, Mr. Willson has also, been prominent in the
public affairs of the community and has served in the Common Council of North Belle
Vernon, this community having been organized as a borough about I870. In spite of
this fact, however, it was nearly twenty years later that it became a community of any
importance, and when it did its growth was largely due to the public-spirited efforts of
Mr. Willson. At the present time he occupies an almost unique place in the life of
the community and is looked upon almost in the light of the town's parent. In spite
of his seventy-seven years, he is still an active figure in community affairs and is well
known and highly respected throughout its length and breadth.
M. M. Willson was united in marriage in the year i869 with Emma Brown, a
native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and a sister of the well-known financier, Andrew Brown. To Mr. and Mrs. Willson two children have been born, as follows:
491OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Andrew B., who is now engaged in business as a coal dealer at Columbus, Ohio, and
who for a number of years had been connected with the old Willson Coal Company
founded by his father; Earl F., who now conducts the hardware business founded by
his father in North Belle Vernon, and which has grown under his capable management
to large proportions; he married Cleo Jones, of North Belle Vernon, and they are the
parents of three children: John, Mary and Andrew.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER MITCHENER-The active and popular secretary
and treasurer of the Valley Deposit and Trust Company of Belle Vernon, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, William  A. Mitchener has worked his way up to that
responsible office and to a position of regard and influence in the community from
very humble beginnings. Mr. Mitchener was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania,
June 9, I872, a son of Jeptha P. Mitchener, a well known and successful merchant of
the town of Carmichaels, in Greene county. Mr. Mitchener, Sr., continued to reside
during his entire life at Carmichaels, and near Masontown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania.
William A. Mitchener resided during his childhood and early youth in his native
town of Carmichaels, and on a farm near Masontown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
and formed his youthful associations there. He was a bright lad and was sent at an
early age to the local schools by his father and here gained an excellent reputation for
general good character and scholarship. Upon completing the elementary portion of
his education at these institutions, he was sent to the Jefferson Academy, at Jefferson,
Pennsylvania, where he completed his general education, and then attended the commercial school at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where he took a special course in business.
He possessed a remarkable natural talent for practical affairs, which soon made itself
apparent in his dealings in the business world of Westmoreland county. He began
in an extremely humble position, being employed in 1893 as an office boy by the firm
of S. F. Jones  Company, the well-known private bankers. Here he rapidlyv rose in
position, his intelligence and industry recommending him to his employers. Later he
was made assistant treasurer, and in T907 secretary and treasurer, a position in which
he has been able to use his talents most effectively for the bank's advantage and has
been one of the most important factors of recent years in the success of that instituticn. At the present day, the bank possesses assets of over a million dollars, its
deposits alone being in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars. Since coming to
Belle Vernon Mr. Mitchener has interested himself in well-nigh every important local
enterprise, and is affiliated at the present time with a large number of prosperous concerns here. Among these should be mentioned the Belle Vernon Water Company, the
Belle Vernon Construction Company, the Belle Vernon Lumber Company, the Sandy
Creek Coal Company of West Virginia, and the Willson Coal Company of Belle
Vernon. There can be no doubt that there have been few figures more closely identified with the recent development of this progressive and prosperous town than Mr.
Mitchener, who has availed himself of every opportunity to promote the community's
welfare and has worked for the success of the various enterprises with which he has
been identified quite as much for the general good as for his own.
But while Mr. Mitchener has been prominent in the business world, he has not
neglected to take an active part in the more general affairs of his adopted community
and is well known as a public figure here. While in no sense of the word a politician,
he has interested himself keenly in local political issues and has held a number of
important offices. His personal popularity secured his election and reilection to the
Belle Vernon School Board, upon which he has served for a number of terms, making
fourteen years in all. He was a member of the council of North Belle Vernon, in
which region his attractive dwelling is located, and has established for himself an
492BIOGRAPHICAL                                   493
enviable reputation during his'membership in this body for his ability to grasp and
manage the community's affairs.
Mr. Mitchener was united in marriage, October I2, I898, with Eva Graham, a
daughter of S. B. Graham, the well-known and successful real estate dealer of Belle
Vernon. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchener are the parents of three children, as follows:
Albert G., William D. and Harold J. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mitchener are prominent
figures in the social life of Belle Vernon and the former is a member of a large number of clubs and similar organizations. Among these should be mentioned the BelleVernon Auto Club of Belle Vernon and the Mescheck-Browning Fishing Club of
Oakland, Maryland, memberships which illustrate the great fondness of Mr. Mitchener for all sorts of wholesome outdoor pastimes' and sports.  He is a first-class
athlete and takes part in many different athletic sports as well as indulging in hunting
and fishing trips as often as his business will permit. He is also prominent in the
Masonic order, having taken his thirty-second degree in Free Masonry, and is a
member of Belle Vernon Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Monessen Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Valley of Uniontown Lodge of Perfection; McKean Commandery, Knights Templar; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, and Pittsburgh Consistory, So;vereign Princes of the Royal Secret.
CHESTER D. SENSENICH-The Sensenich family of Pennsylvania is one of
the oldest in the eastern part of that State and was founded there by men who were.among the early German Mennonite settlers there. The first of the name came to
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1683, and from that time to the present members of
the family have been prominently identified with the development and progress of
Pennsylvania. The first member of the Sensenich family born in that region was
Christian Sensenich, who resided in Lancaster county during the entire period of his
life and made himself a prominent citizen there. His son, who also bore the name
of Christian Sensenich is also identified with that locality, where he was a successful
tinsmith and marble-cutter.  Christian (2) Sensenich married Catherine Heastand,
of Chester county, and to them the following children were born:  David; Jacob:;
John, who at present resides in the State of Missouri; Elizabeth, who became the
wife of Isaac Weaver and continues to reside on the old Sensenich homestead.
Jacob Sensenich, the second child of Christian (2) and Catherine (Heastand)
Sensenich, was born October 24, 1829, at Beartown, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
where he grew to manhood. After completing his studies in the local schools, he was
apprenticed to his father and learned the latter's trade of stone-cutting, which he followed during his entire life. While still a young man he removed to Chester county
and from there to the town of Irwin, Westmoreland county, and was there successfully
engaged in a contracting business for the production of granite, stone and marble and
doing the stone work on many large buildings. Hlie was married January 22, 1857, tQ
Mary Eaby, of Lancaster county, and they were the parents of six children, as follows:
Annie E., born November 9, I857, and married George Knappenberger, of Jeannette,
Pennsylvania; Christian, born, August 19, I859, and married (first) Nannie Rethune,
and (second) Anna Reeser, and is now a resident of Irwin; Lizzie, born July 2o, I864,
and married Harry Stewart, of Manor, Pennsylvania; Chester D., of whom further;
Eaby, born July 12, I869, died at the age of eleven years; Isaac W., born May I7,
I872, and married Hilda Gustason.
Born January 8, I867, at Compassville, Chester county, Pennsylvania, Chester D.
Sensenich removed with his parents in early life to Irwin, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, where his parents thereafter made their home. It was in the public
schools of Irwin that he received his education and completed the same with a commercial course at night school. After graduating from the latter institution he was
taken by his father into the latter's contracting business, where he learned the tradeOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of stone-cutting, attaining so great a proficiency in that craft that he came to do all
the fine engraving for the firm. In the year I9OI Mr. Sensenich formed a partnership
with Louis S. Malone and the two young men bought the foundry near Irwin, known
as the Irwin Novelty Company. Here they began the manufacture of mine cars and
other equipment for mines under the name of the Irwin Foundry and Mine Car Company. This enterprise was a success from the outset and has grown rapidly to its
present large proportions and is to-day enjoying a. process of further development. The standard of work in this factory is of the highest and the quality of the
product of such a kind that it has steadily grown in popularity throughout the whole
region until there is to-day a demand for their mine supplies which has far outgrown
the limits of the State and extends wherever coal mining is carried on. The plant has
become one of the most important of the many industries that flourish at Irwin and in
its vicinity.
Conspicuous as is Mr. Sensenich as a business man, he is perhaps even better
known through his prominent connection with local politics and the effective service
which he has rendered the community in the many public offices held by him. He has
always been a staunch Republican and has taken an extremely active part in the politics
of the county, affiliating himself with the local organization of his party. He had not
been connected thus for many years before his political colleagues recognized him as
one of their leaders, and as early as 1894 he was a delegate to the State convention
where Governor Hastings was nominated and was the Huff delegate from his county
when Colonel George F. Huff was nominated for Congress. In I896 he was elected
county chairman of the Republican committee and it was the large duties involved in
this office that caused him to withdraw from his father's business. In the following
year he was chosen to fill the office of clerk of courts, where he served for the full
term of three years. In I9OI Mr. Sensenich withdrew temporarily from politics while
he was engaged in founding and developing the great business with which his name is
so prominently associated, and this retirement lasted for a considerable period, but
with his success came a larger and larger association with the commercial and financial interests of the region. In the spring of I905 he was elected president of the
Jersey Serial Food Company of Irwin, a concern which manufactures "Jersey Flakes"
and which is one of the most flourishing concerns of Irwin with a market for their
food extending all over the United States. He was also one of the organizers of the
Citizens' Niational Bank of Irwin, Pennsylvania. However, he did not altogether give
up political association and remained a member of the Republican county committee,
on which he has served for twenty-five years, elected chairman in I9IO and I9II. In
IgI2 he once more became one of the most prominent figures in politics in that part of
the State and was elected to represent his county in the State Senate, defeating for this
office the late Denna C. Ogden. He served on mines and mining, appropriations,
judicial, special, public grounds and building committees. He has also served on the
borough council of Irwin. His activities are large and varied.
On June 8, I899, Mr. Sensenich was united in marriage with Carrie E. Boyd, a
daugh~ter of Robert and Margaret Ann (Gray) Boyd, old and highly honored citizens
of Fayette City, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. SenSenich seven children have been
born, as follows: Zelma Boyd, born June 9, I9oo; Mary Meila, born March 4, I902;
Chester Boyd, born June 20, 1904; Louis Eaby, born August 3I, I9o6; Boyd Steel,
born October 5, I9o8; Gray Franklin, born July I8, I9Io; and Earl Ward, born March
I4, 9I14. The family are members of the United Presbyterian church.
CHARLES DICKERSON-Charles Dickerson, the popular and efficient burgess
of North Belle Vernon, Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is
not a native of this region, having been born in New York State, but during his resi494BIOGRAPHICAL                                    495
dence here has identified himself most closely with the life and affairs of his adopted
community.
His birth occurred August 9, 1848, at Ithaca, New York, and it was there that he
passed his childhood and early youth and there also that he gained his education. For
this purpose he attended the local public schools, and it soon became evident, in his
attitude toward his studies, that he was of an ambitious and industrious nature and
endowed with intelligence above the average. He established an excellent reputation
for good scholarship, and won the affection and regard of his instructors and fellowstudents. While still a mere youth he went to the city of Elmira, in his native State,
and there became an employee of the Elmira Window Glass Company, working at
first in a humble capacity. Once more his intelligence and industry displayed themselves, and he soon found himself enjoying the favor of his employers and in line for
promotion. He was eventually raised to the position of paymaster and continued in
this responsible post until the Elmira Window Glass Company was absorbed by the
American Window Glass Company. This occurred in the year I9oo and Mr. Dickerson was then sent to Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, as paymaster of the branch concern
in this town. Mr. Dickerson continued in this post for five years, making the entire
period of his association with the glass manufacturing business a quarter of a century,
he having started in a local factory in his native town of Ithaca. During the major
portion of this period, however, he was associated with the Elmira Window  Glass
Company, and its successor, the American Window Glass Company, in the capacity of
paymaster, and he frequently handled a sum in the neighborhood of forty thousand
dollars per month.  In Belle Vernon the great responsibilities of his position
demanded heavy bonds.
In the year I905, however, he resigned from his position with the Glass Company
and since that time has been very actively engaged in the political affairs of Belle
Vernon, making his home in the delightful residential section of North Belle Vernon.
In the year I9o06 he was elected burgess and served for three years in that office,
establishing a reputation for himself as a most disinterested and efficient public servant. For four years thereafter he led a private life, but in I913 he was once more
elected burgess and continues to hold that office at the present time. He has done a
great deal to serve the interests of the town during these periods of official activity, and
the community now enjoys excellent paving, sidewalks, sewerage facilities and other
conveniences, most of which have been the result of his official efforts. The population
of the community has doubled in ten years, its advantages as a residential district having been most apparent to all those seeking a home in that region, and this great
growth is certainly due in a large measure to the efforts of Mr. Dickerson. Mr.
Dickerson has always interested himself in the various movements undertaken for the
advancement of the common weal, and has been a particularly enthusiastic member
and promoter of the volunteer fire department. This department numbers one hundred and thirty members, who have repeatedly shown their worth and value in an
emergency, the fire losses being reduced to a minimum since its organization. Mr.
Dickerson is now president of the department and under his most capable management its efficiency both in the matter of equipment and personnel has increased and is
still continuing to do so. For ten years Mr. Dickerson held the office of justice of the
peace in the community, but finding the duties, added to those of his other activities,
somewhat arduous, he resigned therefrom in the month of June, I9I7. He is also a
notary public. In politics Mr. Dickerson is a staunch supporter of the principles and
policies of the Republican party, and he is at the present time recognized as one of the
leaders thereof in Westmoreland county. Mr. Dickerson is also prominent in the social
and fraternal life of the community and is a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian and
attends the church of this denomination at North Belle Vernon. He is very active in
the work of the congregation and is president of the Bible class associated with the
church.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
I82I. He followed the occupation of his forebears, to the extent that liis main source
of revenue emanated fromn his agricultural possessions and labors. But he was a man
of intellectual mind, and in his early manhood his culture, educational accomplishments,
and marked inclination to academic pursuits developed in him a desire to become an
educator. For a portion of his life he taught school, though his farming interests later
influenced him in relinquishing his educational labors. He, however, held his connection with educational matters almost to his death, in the capacity of school director.
He married Scynthia Long, daughter of George Long, of Mount Pleasant township,
and they were blessed with eleven children: I. Mary, born May 2I, 1847; married John
Lemmon. 2. John, born February 6, I849, migrated, to Nebraska. 3. Elizabeth, born
January 20, I852; married J. P. Springer, of Hempfield township. 4. Martha, born
October 4, I854..5. Franklin, born June I6, I857; married Ettie Shaeffer. 6. Susana,
born March I7, i86o; married John Shelly. 7. David L., see further. 8. A. J., born
December 8, I864; married Carrie Johnson, of Kecksburg. 9. Presley, born January
9, I868; married Christina Cary. -Io. Jennie, born January I6, I870; married D. M.
Griffith. I. Harlan, born June I4, 1872.
David L. Newill, seventh child of Joshua and Scynthia (Long) Newill, was born
in the Newill homestead in Mount Pleasant township, August I5, I862. He spent his
early years on the home farm. His disposition was not to farming, and his intellectual
capacity marked him out for activities of higher plane. After passing through the district school of his native place, his father encouraged him to develop his talent in the
further facilities available at the Mount Pleasant Institute. Thereat David L. Newill
conscientiously and painstakingly studied, and in course of time graduated, with commendable position among the graduates of his year, after which he entered confidently
upon the struggle of life. David L. Newill had to a great extent to make his own way
in life, and maybe his greatest blessing was in being one of a large family born to
parents of only limited means, which circumstance inculcated into him the spirit of selfreliance, just a,- the upbringing of a large family upon only moderate means made it
impossible to jeopardise the future usefulness of any of that rising generation by evidences of extravagance in their early home environment. David L. Newill, after
graduating at Mount Pleasant Institute in I884, entered the teaching profession, but
after two terms forsook that line of endeavor in order to register as a law student. He
read law with W. H. Klingsmith, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and eventually was
admitted to practice at the bar of Westmoreland county, in the August term of court
of I888. His power as an advocate, and his knowledge of general law brought him
prestige rapidly, and within a few years of having been admitted to practice, he had
been admitted to professional association with one of the most prominent lawyers of
the county, the Hon. James S. Beacom, ex-State Treasurer. The law firm of Beacom
 Newill holds estimable position in the legal activities of Westmoreland county, and
the standing of the firm is in no small measure due to the able manner in which the
junior member of the firm has handled the interests of its extensive clientele during
the many absences, on State affairs, of his eminent partner. But independent altogether
of his professional affairs, Mr. Newill has made his name an honored one in the
county, and is interested in many of the leading financial and business enterprises of
the locality. He is the president of the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company, of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania; president of the First National Bank of Youngwood, Pennsylvania; president of the Greensburg Finance Company, and director of the Clare
Coke Company. He gives allegiance to the Republican party in politics, but his profession has always had precedence with him. He is a Mason, member of Philanthropy
Lodge, No. 225, Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. Newill married, November 8, I888, Minnie G. Myers, daughter of Joseph B.
and Julia Myers, of Greensburg, and to them has been born a daughter, Mabel M.,
August 27, 1889, and Richard M. and James, twins, born January I9, I9IO, Richard M.
since deceased.
34OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Charles Dickerson was united in marriage, December 24, I874, at Elmira, New
York, with Mary E. Smith. After some years his wife died there, leaving three children, who accompanied their father to Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, in I900. They are
as follows: I. Frank, who is now employed by the Page Fence Works at Monessen,
Pennsylvania, but resides with his father at North Belle Vernon; he married Daisy
Shepman, and they are the parents of one daughter, Irene Dickerson. 2. Fred, who is
associated with the Dilworth Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he resides
at the present time. 3. Roy, born in I894, died January I4, I915, at the age of twentyone; he was a young man of great talent and was employed at the time as a draftsman in the establishment of the Page Fence Works at Monessen; he was a member
of the Belle Vernon Fire Department and made for the department a roster, which is
a most artistic example of penmanship and is now framed and hung on the walls of
the club room; he was a graduate of the Monessen High School, a member of the
Baptist church and an enthusiastic worker in the Sunday school; indeed no young
man in the community possessed a greater number of more loyal friends than he and
the prospects for his future were very brilliant when his life was so suddenly and
prematurely cut short; his death was keenly felt as a personal bereavement by a large
portion of the community, as well as by his immediate family.
FRANK W. ANDREWS- Frank W. Andrews, one of the best known citizens
and business men of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was born two miles
north of Mount Pleasant, September 29, I851, a son of William and Hannah (Hunter)
Andrew, the former named born on a farm one mile west of the old homestead in
I813, was one of the pioneer farmers of that section, and died in I886.
The childhood of Frank W. Andrews was spent in the same manner as that of
most country lads of that period, and he attained his education at the local public
schools, and later attended Lexington Seminary, Lexington, Ohio. Upon completing
his studies at these institutions, he took up farming as an occupation and worked for
some nineteen years on a farm owned by him in Sewickley township. He continued
thus engaged until the year I900, and then came to Irwin, where he engaged very
successfully in the agricultural implement business and soon came to occupy a prominent place in the town's affairs. He is a charter director of the City National Bank of
Irwin, and is an influential figure in the financial world here. Mr. Andrews is a strong
Democrat in politics and has been asked to become a candidate for mayor of Irwin.
He and his family are United Presbyterians in religion and attend the church of this
denomination at Irwin, Mr. Andrews being a trustee thereof. He now makes his home
during the winter in Irwin and during the summer resides on the old Fox farm,
located near Mount Pleasant, which has come into the family through his wife. Mr.
Andrews is a very reserved man, quiet and retiring in disposition.
Frank AW. Andrews was united in marriage, January 10, I878, with Ella Fox, a
member of the very distinguished Fox family of this region. In the year I914 she
became the possessor of the old Fox farm, which comprises about one hundred and
twenty acres and which has remained in the Fox family ever since the time of the
original patent, granted to one of her ancestors by the State. Here is situated an old
brick farm house, erected by her grandfather. This was the old Fox inn, which was at
one time a very popular rendezvous of travelers in these parts. Mrs. Andrew's father
added a frame structure to this additional building, which may be regarded as one of
the old landmarks here. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews the following children have been
born: Nellie Irene, who became the wife of Alex Chisholm, Jr., a successful merchant of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and John F., who died at the age of seven. There
is one grandchild, Sarah Eleanor Chisholm, now fourteen years of age, a student in
the Uniontown High School, where she is a member of the junior class. Mrs. Andrews is exceedingly active in the social and philanthropic life of the community and
496BIOGRAPHICAL                                    497
is identified with many important women's organizations here. She is president of
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union at Irwin, a position which she has held
since I912, and vice-president of the County Association of the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union. She has visited many of the conventions of this society as a delegate and is remarkably familiar with both the work of the organization and with the
addresses of its various members. She is also president of the Ladies' Town Aid Society of Irwin, the objective of which organization is to assist the deserving poor. She
is also a member of the Red Cross Society, a member and vice-president of the
Woman's Literary Club, and is chairman of the County Congress for Mother's Pensions.
JOHN SILVIS--John Silvis, one of the best known and most popular citizens of
Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, comes of good old Westmoreland county stock. He is a son of Jacob Silvis, who was for many years prominent in these parts, and of Lidy (Reeger) Silvis, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Silvis, Sr.,
were the parents of a large family of children, as follows: Mary (Polly), who became
the wife of George Decker, a saddler of Delmont, a Mexican soldier, and they both
died in old age; Isaac, who was a farmer of Penn township, and died at Jeannette;
Samuel, the father of J. R. and Z. T. Silvis, well-known attorneys of Greensburg,
who are mentioned at length elsewhere in this work; Levi, who is mentioned at length
elsewhere in this work; Joseph, who bought the old farm, where he lived for many
years until his death occurred there during the winter of I9i6 at the age of seventysix, and which still remains in the possession of his family; John, of whom further;
Elizabeth, who married (first) Levi Bush, and (second) John Huffman, of Armstrong
county, whom she also survives, and now resides with a daughter at Butler, Pennsylvania.
Born March 20, I843, on a farm in Washington township, situated about twelve
miles north of Greensburg, near the Freeport road, John Silvis spent his childhood
there, attending school and helping at first with the work on his father's farm. When
he came of an age to make it possible, he applied himself to learn the blacksmith's
trade, learning the craft from  his father, who, was a gunsmith and a fine all-round
mechanic. His brother, Joseph Silvis, was also a blacksmith and the two were associated in business together for about ten years. In I873, however, John Silvis purchased
his present place, which is situated about four and a half miles north of Greensburg,
on the Delmont road in Hempfield township, and which was the site of a hotel, which
had been kept for many years by Isaiah Shuster, and only given up by him on his
death. Besides the hotel there were situated on this property a store building in which
Mr. Silvis kept a stock of goods of various kinds for sale. HIe continued this enterprise for several years and until he received his appointment as postmaster of Geary.
He held this office for fourteen years, and in the meantime also operated a blacksmith
shop at his new place. This he has continued until he has remained in the business
for nearly forty years, which, added to the ten during which he was associated with
his brother, brings the total up to nearly half a century. He has made blacksmithing
his principal occupation and is well known throughout the region in this connection.
Mr. Silvis, quite early in his career, perceived the great inducements offered by investment in land in that rapidly developing community and purchased different tracts at
various times until he now owns about one hundred and fifty acres of valuable farm
property. He has always been a hard and industtious worker, and having been blessed
with a competent and devoted wife, he has progressed to the point where he is regarded
as one of the most prominent and successful members of the community. In politics
Mr. Silvis is a Democrat, but though a staunch supporter of the principles and policies
for which that party stands, he has cared little for public life or political preferment
W-32OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
He has avoided rather than sought office, but did on one occasion consent to act as
deputy road supervisor, a post which he held for some six years. He accepted this
position, however, only upon its being represented to him that his mechanical skill and
business tact would prove of real value to the community, and indeed his services
contributed materially to the maintenance of good roads in the community.  His
home is a delightful one, the house being built largely of material selected from the
old hotel and store building, and is situated in an attractive locality in the midst of a
charming and picturesque country.
John Silvis, at the age of thirty-seven years, and in the year I88o, took-as his wife
Lusannah Long, a daughter of Jackson Long,' of Franklin township. Mrs. Silvis
died after seventeen years of married life, and two years later Mr. Silvis wedded
Susannah Shey, the sister of his brother Isaac's second wife. Mr. Silvis' three children are all the offspring of his first marriage, and are as follows: Anna Sabilla, who
became the wife of Oscar Fink, a blacksmith of this neighborhood, to whom she bore
four children; Jacob Henry, now engaged in the occupation of farming and dairying
in Hempfield township, who married Margaret McIlwaine, who has borne him eleven
children; and Ada E., who became the wife of L. L. Painter, a farmer near Irwin.
John Silvis is a Lutheran in his religious belief, and has been very active in the
interests of the Delmont Lutheran Church and for the last nine vears has served as
one of its trustees. Mr. Silvis is regarded as one of the most expert shots in the
entire region, but in spite of this fact his inclinations have not made him a confirmed
hunter. It has already been remarked that his father was a gunsmith and the young
man used to be called upon by the elder to try each new weapon which he made,
with the result that he was practicing much of the time and developed his natural
ability as a shot.
It is a matter by no means easy to express in concrete terms the actual value and
significance of a career, or give a satisfactory account of the life of a man who has
won for himself through the general worth of his character a high place in the regard
of his fellows. The impression conveyed in the mere statement that such a one
achieved a great success in this or that line of endeavor is apt to be wholly inadequate,
even if not actually misleading, since the true accomplishment of a man lies in his relations, man to man with his associates, in the influence which his character has exerted
for good upon theirs, and not in the wealth or station that he may have won or even
the formal honors that the community has conferred upon him. Of course these latter
things do all indicate the existence of certain abilities and talents which are very far
from deserving contempt, nay, on the contrary, which the world has, and doubtless
wisely, singled out for especial rewards and honors in the present epoch, but in the
final analysis these are not conclusive of the true worth of an individual, while in all
ages and places his influence upon others is the real test. It is the task of the writer
of records, therefore, if he would truly express the lives and characters of those he
deals with, to penetrate the exterior and to draw up from beneath into the sight of
the world those essential facts and qualities lying there, upon which the whole structure
of personality and achievement rests as a pyramid upon its base. How true this is is
amply illustrated for us in the career of Mr. Silvis, the distinguished gentleman whose
name heads this brief appreciation and one of the most successful men in his region.
JOHN  SETH  LAUFFER-Lauffer is a name which is deservedly one of the
best known and most highly respected in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. There
are very few names which have been longer associated with this district and none
which have more consistently been kept on a -high plane of integrity and usefulness by
those who have borne them. John Seth Lauffer exemplifies in his own person the many
virtues and sterling good quality which have characterized his ancestors from the time
498BIOGRAPHICAL
499
when Christian Lauffer, the pioneer and founder of the family in these parts, first
came into prominence as one of the most courageous and able of the early settlers
here. There has been some doubt felt in regard to the time which Christian Lauffer
traveled from eastern Pennsylvania across the Allegheny mountainS to that portion of
the State which is now known as Westmoreland county, but there seems little reason
to, question the statement of his oldest son, John Lauffer, that it was in I774. He
came from  Northampton county about the time that the feud between Pennsylvania
and Virginia in regard to the boundary between the two states had bieen settled. Prior
to that date, there had been a state of great confusion with regard to this western
district. The unfortunate settlers were obliged to pay taxes to both colonies as a
means of securing protection against the Indians, and in the majority of cases gained
it from neither. One of the great-grandsons of this worthy progenitor, whose descendants are now inhabiting many parts of this region, was Philip Lauffer, son of Seth
Lauffer and father of John Seth Lauffer, of this review.
Philip Lauffer was born September 8, 183I, and died March 29, I9I8. He married
Barbara Ellen Yount, whose death occurred in I904. They were the parents of seven
children to all of whom the father gave excellent educational opportunities and who
were brought up in a home, where they were subjected to the best influences of culture
and refinement. Philip Lauffer.himself was regarded by his fellow-citizens as one of
the most substantial and successful members of Penn township.
Born March 20, 187I, a son of Philip and Barbara Ellen (Yount) Lauffer. John
Seth Lauffer continued to reside on his father's farm until he.had attained his majority. During his childhood he attended the local public schools for his education, and
after completing his studies at these institutions worked for about two years in the
coal mines of the region. Upon reaching twenty-one years, however, he left the parental roof and made his way to the oil country of Washington county, where he
worked for his uncle, Love Lauffer, drilling for oil. Later, his two brothers, G. B.
and D. H. Lauffer, bought a saw mill, situated between Harrison City and Manor,
where they continued as partners for a period of some twelve years. Their operations
there consisted of buying timber from the lumber dealers in the neighborhood and cutting it into shapes and sizes to fit it for commercial uses. In this enterprise Mr. Lauffer
was also interested, and a very successful and remunerative business was carried on.
At the end of these twelve years he purchased his present farm, which is situated two
miles northeast of Delmont, in Salem township, and which consists of one hundred and
twenty-six acres, seventy of which, at the time of his purchase, were timber lands. The
greater portion of this timber, however, was cut down by him, and after being shaped
in the saw. mill was marketed in the surrounding region. For a number of years he
lived at the mill, where he attended to the bookkeeping connected with the running
of the business. Later he turned his attention particularly to his farming, and has
gradually cleared and improved the land until at the present time he has it practically
all under cultivation. It forms a part of what is known as the original Captain Jack
tract, which was granted to Captain Jack in the early days and consisted of three thousand acres. Later it became the property of the Jacksons and for many years was
known as the Jackson farm in the neighborhood. Here Mr. Lauffer built a charming
country house, and in addition erected large and commodious barns and other outbuildings. There he carried on general farming operations and maintained an excellent
breed of horses and a fine herd of cattle. Later he disposed of the farm, and is now
retired from active business pursuits, residing in Delmont. It has not been only in
connection with his milling and farming enterprises that Mr. Lauffer has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the community. He has been an influential figure in the
general business world of Delmont for many years, and was one of the original directors of the National Bank of Delmont, and has also served that institution as a member of the audit committee and in several other capacities. He was particularly wellOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
fitted for his work in auditing as he had had much experience in bookkeeping in connection with his own saw mill business. He was also one of the original directors
and stockholders of the Bank of Export, and although he has resigned his directorship in the latter institution, he still retains his stock therein. In the year I915 Mr.
Lauffer was appointed auditor of Salem township and held that office for a period of
twelve months, doing very efficient service in this capacity. In politics he is a Democrat, as indeed a majority of the Lauffer family have been for many years, and he is
a member of the Reformed church of Delmont, where he regularly attends service.
John Seth Lauffer was united in marriage, September 4, I895, with Rebecca S.
Maxwell, a native of Penn township, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Spangler) Maxwell, old and highly honored residents of that region, both of whom are
now deceased. Mr. Maxwell and his wife spent the last three years of their lives with
Mr. and Mrs. Lauffer, the death of Mrs. Maxwell occurring on December 6, I9I5.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lauffer the following children have been born: I. Ruth Fern, who
attended' the high school at Delmont, and afterwards became the wife of R. C.
Keenan, of Salem township; one child, Clarence Clifford, born March 9, I917. 2.
Ellen Elizabeth, who also attended the high school at Delmont; married Clarence S.
Henry, of Washington township. 3. Minerva Jean, a graduate of the district school
4. Glen C. 5. John Floyd. 6. Gladys May.
The setting down of the personal records of the men who, by dint of worthy
effort, have raised themselves to high positions upon the ladder of success and secured
for themselves the regard and admiration of their fellows must always be a work of
value. Self-made men, who have accomplished much by reason of their personal qualities and who leave the impress of their individualities upon the business and general
life of the communities where they live and work, men who have influenced for good
such customs and institutions as have come within the sphere.of their activities, have
unwittingly, perhaps, but none the less truly, reared for themselves monuments more
enduring than those of stone or brass. Such distinction may well be claimed for JohrSeth Lauffer, whose career forms the subject matter of this brief article.
TOBIAS MYERS--Most of those engaged in the stern struggle for existence
would bear ready witness to the fact that it is difficult enough to strain all the faculties
of the average man to gain a real success in any one branch of human endeavor, and
that to keep one from submergence is, in itself, a task not to be thought lightly of.
What shall we say then of those cases where, not content with a single success, ambition and energy seeks it along more than a single line and, despite the multiple difficulties inevitably encountered, achieves its goal triumphantly. When we consider such
cases, most of us are tempted to ascribe their achievements to the possession of powers
not held in common with the rest of us, but from only one point of view is this necessarily true. One exceptional power is indeed required for success of this kind, but
only one, and that is the power of self-control, the power of directing all one's faculties
unremittingly to the pursuit of one objective.
It is not positively known at what time the Myers family first came to Westmoreland county, although it is generally supposed to have been during the lifetime of
Adam Myers, or Moyer, as the name was originally spelled. This Adam Moyer was
born August 4, I726, and certainly lived in Westmoreland county during the greater
portion of his life. It is not known precisely where his home was, however, although
he must have lived for a time at least on the farm which is now in the possession of
his great-grandson, the Tobias Myers of this review, since his son, George Myers, was
born there. He died at an old age, much respected in the community, where he had
played an active part in local affairs. Adam Moyer was married to Catherine Markley,
February 21, 1748, and one of their children was George Myers, of whom there is not a
great deal known concerning. He was the owner, however, of the present Myers
500BIOGRAPHICAL
farm, and lived there for a great number of years, his death finally occurring at the
age of eighty-five. He was the father of thirteen children, eight of whom were sons,
as follows: Daniel, of whom but little is known; Joseph, who lived away from his
native region during most of his life, but who eventually returned and died here; John,
who spent his life near the old homestead and there died; Tobias, who died in California; George, Jr., mentioned below; Jacob, who died at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Abraham, who died at Lewiston, Pennsylvania; and Robert, who died in WTestmoreland county.
George Myers, Jr., was born on the old homestead, December 26, I803, and there
spent his entire life up to within a short time of his death, when he removed to Middletown and there died July I3, I878. His entire active life, however, had been spent
on the old property, which he was very active in conducting as a first-class farm. He
was twice married, his first wife having been a Miss Scott. Three children were
born of this union, as follows:  Lucinda, Robert and Wilson, all of whom (lied in
youth, the daughter when but thirteen years of age, and the two sons at about the time
they attained their majorities. Gorge Myers married (second) Mary Bender, a daughter of George Bender, a highly respected resident of Hempfield township, where his
death occurred. Mrs. George Myers survived her husband twenty years, her death
occurring at the age of eighty-five years. To George Myers by his second wife were
born the following children: Tobias, mentioned below; William, who. resides near
Ada, Ohio, where he settled in the year I882; George Washington, Elizabeth and
Mary, all of whom died in early childhood.
Born October I4, I848, on the old Myers homestead, situated about one and a
half miles away from the New Stanton post office, Tobias Myers, son of George and
Mary (Bender) Myers, continued to live on the old place uninterruptedly until the
year I874. lHe had in that year reached the completion of his twenty-sixth year, and
leaving the parental roof devoted himself to various lines of work-for a time. Three
years later, in the month of November, I877, he began an independent enterprise,
establishing himself in a general mercantile business at Middletown, Hempfield township, a business which he has continued with uninterrupted success to the present time
The same store which he opened in that year he occupies to-day, and as his business
is about the only one of its kind in that small inland community he enjoys an excellent trade. In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Myers carries on large agricultural operations upon his splendid farm which he inherits as one of the heirlooms of
the family. This farm contains some thirty acres, situated on a fine elevation and
particularly adapted to the raising of fine fruit aind general farming. He takes a great
pride in keeping this in the finest condition and at a high state of cultivation, so that
it may well be called one of the model farms of that region. The work on this farm
affords Mr. Myers the outdoor life and exercise which he requires and values so
highly, and its operation may be said to be something of a hobby with him. Mr. Myers,
besides his private interests plays an important part in the general life of the community, and is looked upon correctly as one of the most public-spirited citizens of the
community. He is a Democrat in his political belief and is regarded as an important
factor in the affairs of Hempfield township. For several years he served as township
auditor, and was appointed postmaster in the year 188I, an office which he continued
to hold for four years and until it was discontinued. He is a man of strong religious
convictions and has been a member of the Lutheran church at Harrolds for a great
many years, having held the office of treasurer there for fully four decades.
Tobias Myers was united in marriage, October 3I, I878, with Susanna Altman, a
sister of Daniel Altman, of whom extended mention is made.elsewhere in this work,
and a native of Hempfield township, born July 22, 1849. To them the following children have been born: Mary Ellen, who became the wife of William J. Henry, who
resides near Grapeville, Westmoreland county; Alice Jeannette, who became the wife
of Fred Rohrbacher, who is engaged in the grocery business at Greensburg; James
Arthur and Tobias Russell, both of whom died in childhood.
50IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Mr. Myers' father, George Myers, was extremely fond of outdoor sports, particularly of hunting. He was a fine shot with the rifle and took many trips with parties of
congenial comrades to hunt large game. In this particular, Mr. Myers takes after his
father, and devotes all the time he can spare from his onerous duties in open-air occupations. While the life of Mr. Myers may not have been in any way noteworthy for
strange and startling vicissitudes of fortune nor for those brilliant achievements over
which the pages of history love to linger, it is the record of a simple career, in which
the distinguishing marks are a simple devotion to duty and a broad-minded affection
for his fellows. It is a life at once the type and the model of the class of successful
men upon whom the strength of the community is founded. In all his relations with
his fellow-men he exhibits a healthy and wholesome manliness which wins instant
good feeling and respect, so that he has scarcely an enemy but a great host of friends
and well-wishers who at once love and admire him. There is nothing that makes so
direct an appeal to men as a manly, unfearful outlook on life, a tongue not afraid to
speak out its beliefs yet shrinks from hurting unnecessarily. These are the qualities
which mark Mr. Myers in his dealing with men, and which account for his wide popularity. Perhaps there is no single relation of life that is more a test of a man's essential
worth than that most intimate one supplied by the home, and here, as elsewhere, Mr.
Myers measures up to the highest standard. His family life is in all respects ideal
and he is never forgetful of the wants and desires of those about him.
SAMUEL F. SLOAN-Westmoreland county is not without representatives in
the great railroad systems which bring into close touch different portions of the continent and render possible the industrial dominion of Pennsylvania. One who has, for
a number of years, been conspicuous in this class of the county's citizens is Samuel
F. Sloan, of Youngwood, one of the best known engineers, now employed by the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. Sloan has spent practically all his life in railroad work and is one of the most experienced men now in the service.
Samuel F. Sloan was born January 6, 1874, in East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Catherine (Loucks)
Sloan. The boy was early employed in transporting lumber from his father's saw mill
to the Pennsylvania Railroad, and at the age of seventeen began work as a fireman on
the Pittsburgh division. After eight years' service in this department Mr. Sloan, on
February 20, I9oo, became an engineer, and for thirteen years ran out of Youngwood
east and west, to Mingo Junction and various other points. In I913 he was transferred to the passenger service, where he has continuously remained, making a record
to which he can, to-day, refer with laudable pride inasmuch as it bears eloquent testimony to his eminent fitness for his position. The trains of which he had charge have
in all these years met with but one accident, and that a slight collision. WVould that
all engineers could say the same! The social organizations which claim Mr. Sloan are
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.  His favorite
recreations are hunting and other outdoor sports. In appearance he is the alert, energetic man that he has so abundantly proved himself to be, and his constant traveling
has rendered his countenance familiar to so many of his fellow-citizens that it is impossible to compute the number of those who would recognize his portrait. He is a
member of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Sloan married, Novembier 17, I897, Laura J., daughter of James Morrow, of
Pitcairn. Mr. Morrow, who died five years ago, was an engineer of forty years' service. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan are the parents of one daughter, Hazel L., a high school
graduate, class of I9I7. Mrs. Sloan is a woman of bright mind and charming domesticity, presiding graciously and with tact over the home which her husband has recently
built at Youngwood. Delighting above all things in the company of his family and
502BIOGRAPHICAL
friends, Mr. Sloan also takes great interest in the cultivation of the soil, finding relaxation and pleasure in the planning and making of lawns and gardens.
Samuel F. Sloan is a railroad enthusiast. It is such men, enlightened enthusiasts, who are needed on our great railroad systems. If the country had more of them
happier would it be both for the systems and the general public.
CHRISTOPHER J. ROSE-There are some men who possess the power of
crowding into one life duties and activities seemingly sufficient to occupy a dozen ordinary men, and who accomplish them all with success, nay distinction, and yet seem
rather the better for it than otherwise. Now and then we are surprised to read of some
one who has not merely been connected with, but has actually taken a leading part in
the management of numerous business interests and with so much skill and ability that
it seems but to need the touch of his hand for them to tread the path of prosperity and
success. No better example can be had of such a person than in the career of the late
Christopher J. Rose, whose death on February 8, I909, removed from Greensburg one
of its most influential and prominent citizens and a leading factor in the life of the
community.
Christopher J. Rose was born at East Huntington township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, July 2, 1836, and was a son of George S. and Catherine (Lobinger)
Rose. It was here that his father wias born, on the same farm as his son, and where
the elder man's death occurred at the age of seventy-five years. George S. Rose was a
son of Allen Rose, of Bedford county, who married a widow, Mrs. Swan, nee Simpson. It was this Mrs. Swan (later Mrs. Rose), who owned the farm referred to above,
originally, and was possessed of a considerable fortune. The marriage of Allen Rose
to this lady was quite a romantic one, Mr. Rose having met Mrs. Swan while traveling through the section in the capacity of traveling salesman. To Mr. and Mrs. Rose
four children were born, George S., the eldest of these, born August 3, I803. He was
united in marriage with Catherine Lobinger, who was born March I4, I8o9. Of this
union the following children were born: Elizabeth L., born in I832, who became the
wife of Christopher Reynolds, and they are both now deceased; Allen J., born in 1834,
later owned part of the old homestead, and died at Mount Pleasant; Christopher J.,
of whom further; Cyrus L., born in I839; Henry WV., born in I84I; Mary L,., born in
I844, and is the widow of William Hutchinson; John L., born in I847, and is a farmer
in East Huntington township. George S. Rose died March Io, I879, and his wife
Catherine, July I6, I873. They both spent their lives on the old Swan farm, which is
now owned by Edward L. Rose, eldest son of Christopher J. Rose.
Christopher J. Rose purchased the old one hundred and five acre farm of his
father, and spent the greater portion of his life there. In I895, however, he came to
Greensburg and here opened and operated a grocery establishment, for a period of two
years. In I898 he retired from business, but continued to live in Greensburg. Mr.
Rose was actively identified with church work and was a representative and later the
treasurer in the Middle Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant. He had also served
on the school board and devoted a great deal of time and attention to educational
affairs.
On April I8, I872; Christopher J. Rose was united in marriage with Mary Emily
Ebersole, a daughter of Christian and Mary (Galloway) Ebersole, highly respected
residents of Mount Pleasant township. Christian Ebersole was born in I793, and
came from Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. For a number of years he was a stock
drover, driving from here to Philadelphia. He died in I869. Mary (Galloway) Ebersole was his third wife and survived him four years, being about fifty-five years of
age at the time of her death. Of this union twelve children were born, ten of whom
reached maturity, and of these six are at present living, including Mrs. Rose. They
are as,follows: Malinda, who became the wife of C. J. Miller, of Greensburg; SamZ") 0  OLD AND NEW WE'STMORELAND
uel G., who is a resident of Greensburg; Cyrus R., who makes his residence at
Toledo, Iowa; Alice L., who resides at Lucerne, Iowa, and Abraham Lincoln, of
Walla Walla, Washington. The deceased are: John N., who died at Toledo, Iowa;
Christian, whose death occurred at Slater, Mississippi; Nancy Cecilia, who died at
the age of twenty; Edward H., who died at the age of twenty-one.
To Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Rose the following children were born: I. Ma/ry,
who became Mrs. William H. Meyers, of'Indiana county, Pennsylvania. 2. Edward
L., who married Mary Clifford Beck, and who is the owner of the old homestead at
the present time. 3. George Ebersole, a graduate of Princeton University, class of
I9oI, entered the office of the steel works at Braddock, and later rose to be superintendent of the Wisconsin Steel Company, of South Chicago, Illinois; he married Ida Sandels, of Braddock. 4. William H., who is connected with Rose Brothers in their
business at Greensburg, they dealing in automobiles and running a garage; marrie(t
Ada Owens. 5. Morris L., also of the above firm, and who resides with his mother.
The career of Christopher J. Rose was full of things accomplished and he had
undertaken and carried to successful conclusions many and varied enterprises, and it
seems almost as though one were reading an account of a number of individuals. We
cannot but marvel, not only at the versatility of one who can apply himself to such
diverse matters, but actually how it is possible that he can find the time to do so. If,
as the Indian remarked, we all of us have "all the time there is," and yet, in that space
find it difficult enough to attend to the accomplishment of only one tolerable achievement, how is it possible, we are prone to ask, for these men to carry on so many
affairs and yet seem not more hurried than ourselves? We are at first almost tempted
to think that there is some miraculous interposition in their favor, that the sun and
the moon pause at their bidding, until we remember that time is not measured so
much by minutes and seconds, by days and years, as it is by events and actions, and
that so considered, the alert thinker, the prompt man of action, is, in a very real sense,
the possessor of more time than those more sluggish. Achilles not only covers more
ground than the tortoise in his race with that reptile, but he may be truly said to cover
more time if he be alive to the advantages of travel, that is, since he experiences more
and performs more, and these things are the gauge of time. This is the case with the
active men of business and affairs whose names we hear of in connection with so
many movements, and in addition to these, those who have devoted their attention to
that wholesome occupation of farm life, such a man for instance as Christopher J.
Rose, whose death deprived Greensburg of one of its model citizens.
ALBERT ORACE REMALEY-This is the name of an able business man and
good citizen. We make the assertion without fear of contradiction, for Mr. Remaley
is thoroughly known in both capacities to the people of Export. Perhaps we might
also say that his name is equally familiar as that of a leader in fraternal affairs, and it
would be simply stating a fact to mention that he has filled with credit more than one
office of local importance.
Adam Remaley, grandfather of Albert Orace Remaley, was a pioneer farmer and
mill owner of Franklin township. He married Barbara Rubright, a native of Germany, who was brought to the United States at the age of twelve years, and their
children were: I. Anthony, farmer and miller on the old homestead; died October 3,
I9o9, aged seventy-nine years, leaving a widow and'seven children. 2. John S., farmer
on the home farm; died December I4, I903, at the age of seventy-four, leaving a widow
and four children. 3. Samuel, mentioned below. 4. Henry, farmer in Murrysville,
Pennsylvania, died, leaving a widow but no children. 5. Catherine, married Hamilton
Ritchie, a veteran of the Civil War; Mrs. Ritchie died October 9, I9o3, leaving one
son, and'her husband passed away in I907. 6. Lewis, deceased. 7. Lydia, deceased.
504BIOGRAPHICAL
Adam Remaley, the father of the family, died January I7, I869, and his widow survived until January 23, T894, when she passed away at the great age of ninety-four
years.
Samuel Remaley, son of Adam and Barbara (Rubright) Remaley, was born July
8, I838, near Export, Franklin township, and until the age of twenty-eight led the life
of a farmer. He then moved to his father's mill, known as "Remaley's mill," of
which he became the owner and which he operated during the remainder of his life.
For five years he served as road supervisor of Franklin township, and at the time of
his death had been for seven years elder and trustee of Hill's Church (Emmanuel).
Mr. Remaley married Rebecca Jane Stark, born May 13, I848, daughter of John and
Catherine (Schoenholtz) Stark, natives of Germany and married in that country. Mr.
and Mrs. Remaley were the parents of the following children: I. George Stark, born
February 25, I869, died April I2, 1913, leaving a widow and two children. 2. William
John, born November 5, I87I, farmer at Export; married Nettie Young, of Washington township, and they have four children. 3. Albert Orace, mentioned below. 4.
Milton Fundis, a biography of whom appears elsewhere in this work. 5. Anna Belle,
born September 22, 1878; married William J. Hill, of Franklin township, and died May
3, I905, leaving two children. 6. Wilson Melvin, born January 6, I88I, and now in
partnership with his brother, J. Homer; married Rowena B. Walter, of Washington
township; two children. 7. James Homer, whose sketch appears on another page of
this work. 8. Frank WVilber, born September I8, I883; now employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; married Anna Grace Hilty, who died Decem'ber 25, 1912,
leaving two children. 9. Lewis Barkley, born October 7, I887, now employed by the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company; married Matilda Young, of Washington township,
and they have two children. io. Sadie E., born Janua:ry 12, I889, wife of Frank
Reich, of Export, employed by the W\estmoreland Coal Company; they have four
children. Mr. Remaley passed away March 22, I904, and the death of his widow
occurred July I5, I9o8.
Albert Orace Remaley, son of Samuel and Rebecca Jane (Stark) Remaley, was
born February 24, I874, and received his education in Export, his present home town,
in the vicinity of which he was born. The public school he attended was familiarly
known as "Clark's School." Until the age of nineteen Mr. Remaley assisted his
father in the labors of the home farm, afterward working for four years in his
father's flour mill in Export. Since that time he has been engaged in the lumber and
saw mill business, having portable saw mills now in operation. He is the owner of the
business, which he conducts with aggressiveness and foresight and which is well established and in a flourishing condition. The political principles of Mr. Remaley are
those advocated by the Democratic party, and he has taken an active part in community affairs, having served for eleven years and a half as school director and for nine
years and a half having filled the office of secretary of the school board of Franklin
township. For three terms he was a member of the county committee, and for three
years acted as agent for the Union Mutual Insurance Company of Westmoreland
County, an organization identified only with this county and owned by the farmers
as stockholders. The numerous fraternal orders with which Mr. Remaley is associated
include the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 1198, of Export, and the Modern
Woodmen of America, No. 8697, also of Export. In the latter organization he has
passed the chairs and has been for six years treasurer of the body. He has also
passed the chairs of the Knights of Malta, No. 501, of Export, and is now past commander and senior knight commander of degree teams. He is now serving his third
year as financial secretary of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, No.
952, of Export. He and his family are members of Emmanuel Reformed Church,
known as "Hill's Church," Export, in which he has been elder for eight years and
financial secretary for four successive years. He is treasurer of the building commit505BIOGRAPHICAL                                      35
THE HON. JOHN B. STEEL, for many years president judge of the Separate
Orphans' Court of Westmoreland county, is an inspiring example of the advancement
possible in this country to men of grit, ability and undeviating honesty. Judge John
B. Steel, as will be noted in more detail later herein, rose to his high office only by
his own merit, genuine qualities and strong personality. He was essentially a selfmade man, rich in nothing at the outset save manly attributes, ancestral associations,
and an active, aggressive optimism, the outward manifestation of a fertile brain, a
stout heart, a straight purpose, and an unshakable rectitude. The underlying fundamental upon which all the acts of Judge Steel have been firmly based, and upon which
all his popularity and success have been builded, has been his obviously clear conception of the preeminence of honesty over all other considerations in all the transactions
of life.
John Byers Steel was born February I7, I86I, on the Hannastown farm, in Hempfield township, Pennsylvania, his birthplace having conspicuous place in Westmoreland
county history because of the burning of Hannastown by Indians in 1782. He is the
eldest son of William and Sarah Jane (Brown) Steel, and is great-grandson of James
Steel, who was born "in a solid stone mansion" at Castle Blaney, near Carrick Macross,
Ireland, about the year I74I. The unsuccessful "Steel-Boy" insurrection (I77I) in
which James Steel, a dissenter, who did not shrink from carrying his convictions into
resolute action, participated so prominently and disastrously, left his condition so precarious, and his continued residence in his native land so fraught with danger, that he
and other dissenters were imperatively called to seek safety in flight. He came to
America, landing at Philadelphia, and primarily was drawn to the settlement of his
fellow Celts-Irish and Scotch-on the eastern side of the mountains of Cumberland
(now Franklin county), Pennsylvania. He did not, however, remain there long, as we
find that in I772 he was the possessor of land in Sewickley Manor, now Mount Pleasant
township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. At that time, however, the county had
not yet been formed, and the locality was still part of the vast tract granted by the
King of England to William Penn. It follows therefore that James Steel obtained by
purchase from the Penn family the land of which he became possessed. Land at that
period of America's development did not command a high figure per acre, and oftentimes vast areas were embraced in single assignments, notwithstanding which condition the tract purchased by James Steel was "of an extent that was considered a very
large holding for that date." Unfortunately, the whole of the landed estate of James
Steel has not, in its entirety, been held within the family, but four hundred and fifty
acres in the Connellsville coal belt have passed down intact from generation to generation of the Steels, and are now owned by Joseph W. Steel, great-grandson of James
Steel, the family's original American ancestor on the paternal side.
The life of James Steel was that of the pioneer; ever ready for the uncertainties
of the frontier; ever toiling to improve his individual condition in the face of extraordinary discouragement; and ever, as he and his fellow-settlers toiled, sending civilization
farther and farther west. The bestial denizens-human and of lower kind-of the
forest, while they made life for the settlers a constant anxiety, yet built into their
natures a sturdiness, self-reliance and dauntless optimism and' letermination to conquer, which have recurred again and again in their descendants to the benefit of their
line and the Nation. Judge Steel's career instances this; his persistent, consistent,
upward climb, though in the main attributable to his own developed strength of purpose, yet reflects that dogged perseverance and steady advance made in the early days
of the settlement of that region by'his hardy forebear, James  Steel. James Steel was
of that strong type which will follow a purpose through to the end, no matter what the
risk.- He was convinced'of the righteousness'of the colonists' claims in 1'775-; he
became a staunch advocate of their cause; and when the Revolution came he did not
hesitate to place his arm -at the disposal of the' weak'against the strohg, even thbugh theOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tee, president of the men's Sunday school class, and has been for two years superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Remaley married, August 26, I897, Sadie Alvina, born May 3, I876, daughter
of Samuel and Susanna Ayers, of Larimer Station, Pennsylvania, and they are the
parents of the following children: Clara Edith, born August Io, I898; Clayton Harold,
born December 12, I90o; Clarence Alonzo, born February I5, I904; Helen Louise,
born December I4, 1907; and Samuel Kenneth, born August I5, I9II.
WTe have said that Albert Orace Remaley is an able business man and a good citizen and so the foregoing narrative abundantly proves, and it proves also, by his fraternal record, that he is one of the most popular men to be found in the township.
ISRAEL ELIAS BERLIN-Israel Elias Berlin, who has been engaged successfully in the business of sinking and building wells at Export, Pennsylvania, is a
member of a family which has been identified with this region for a number of years.
He is a son of William Henry Berlin, and the grandson of Colonel' Elias Berlin, a
prominent man in his day. Colonel Elias Berlin was born in Fairfield township, February I7, I80I, and was educated in the common schools of his day. His childhood
was spent on a farm and he continued to follow agricultural pursuits all his life. For
many years he was a colonel in the Pennsylvania militia. In I82I he married Sarah
Ament, a daughter of George and Esther (Markle) Ament. Colonel Elias Berlin and
his wife were the parents of the following children: Levi, who left home at the age
of sixteen years and was never again heard of; Israel; William Henry, of whom further; Joseph; Cornelius E.; Mahala, who became the wife of Nicholas King; Maria,
deceased; Katie Ann, who became the wife o.f Isaac Ringer; Esther, who married
Joseph Lauffer; and Sarah Z., who became Mrs. James Chambers. Colonel Elias
Berlin was a Democrat in politics, and for many years a deacon and elder in the
Lutheran church. His death occurred March 2, I895, when ninety-four years of age,
and that of his wife in August, I869, when she was sixty-six years old.
William Henry Berlin was born on his father's farm, January I9, I836, and like
the elder man continued as a farmer all his life and made his hoime on the old homestead. This property was divided five years ago. He was a Democrat of the variety
then know.n as "Blue stockings," and for more than half a century was a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Martha Blose, a daughter of
George Blose, a prominent farmer of Franklin township, and they were the parents of
the following children: Carrie, who became the wife of William Jobe, of Turtle
Creek, where he was engaged in business as a carpenter until his death in October,
I917; Israel Elias, of whom  further; Minerva, who became the wife of Spargeon
Brinker, of Penn township, who was engaged in the insurance business up to the time
that he met his death in an accident while inspecting a mine at Export in I914; Sadie,
who became the wife of W. F. Davis, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, who is engaged in business there as a glass-worker, and to whom she has borne three children; Mahalia
Matilda, who became the wife of G. W. Carson, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, whose death
occurred January 7, I915, and to whom she bore three children; George A., who resides
at Manor, Pennsylvania, where he is employed by the Pennsylvania railroad, and married Oza Householder, of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, by whom he has had four children;' Charles C., who is now engaged in business as a painter at Export, where he
married Ella Young, of Delmont, by whom he has had four children; Harry C., who
is employed by the Pennsylvania railroad at Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, and married Lydia
Kiggins, of Claridge, Pennsylvania, by whom he has had two children; and King, who
is now engaged in business as a plumber at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and married
Catherine Merk, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, by whom he has three children.
William Henry Berlin, the father of this family, died at East McKeesport, Pennsyl5o6BIOGRAPHICAL
507
vania, November 13, I9I7, at the age of eighty-one years, nine months and twenty-three
days.
Born September 20, I868, near Export, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
Israel Elias Berlin, eldest son and second child of William Henry and Martha (Blose)
Berlin, passed the years of his childhood and early, youth on his father's farm. He
attended the public schools of Export for his education, and assisted his father with
the work on the place which was situated about half a mile from Export. This work
he continued until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he became a coal
miner and worked in this capacity for the Westmoreland Coal Company for the six
years following. He then took up the painting business, and for nine years was
engaged as a contractor in this line. It was at the end of this period that he finally
entered his present business, that of sinking and building wells, in which he has made a
notable success and has come to be regarded as one of the successful men of the community. In his politics Mr. Berlin is a Democrat, excepting in connection with local
affairs in which he is entirely independent, voting for the man that he believes in. He
has never sought political office of any kind, yet for six years he has served as auditor
of Export. He is a member of Export Lodge, No. II98, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of Export, joining this lodge at the time of its organization. Before that
date he was a member of the Delmont lodge. Mr. Berlin has always been exceedingly public-spirited and was one of the prime movers in starting this lodge at Export
and has passed through all its chairs. He is also a member of the local lodge of the
Knights of Malta and this too was organized by him here, May 2, I9I3. He has
passed through all the chairs of this lodge also and is now past sir knight commander.
Both of these lodges he not only founded but built up from nothing to their present
prosperous condition. Mr. Berlin is also a member of the Lodge of Knights of
Pythias, of Export, and has passed through all the chairs, and of the Independent
Order of the United American Mechanics, No. 695, of Export, of which he was secretary for one term. Another fraternity with which he.has been identified is that of
the Knights of the Golden Eagle, being an active member of the local lodge of Export.
Mr. Berlin in his religious belief is a member of the Reformed church and attends
the Denmark Manor church of'this denomination at Export.
Israel Elias Berlin was united in marriage, January 12, I898, in Penn township,
with Minerva Lillian Brinker, a daughter of Libeus and Mary E. (Good) Brinker,
old and highly respected residents of this region, and members of pioneer families
here. The Brinker family was founded by Mrs. Berlin's' great-grandfather, Jacob
Brinker, and both he and her grandfather, Paul Brinker, were prominent men in the
community in the early days. Her father, Libeus Brinker, is now residing on the
property which has been in the possession of the Brinker family for ages. To Mr.
and Mrs. Berlin two children have been born as follows: Allison J., born April 25,
I903, and now a student at the High School at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; and Olive
Naomi, who died at the age of two years.
DANIEL EDWARD  DUNMIRE-Daniel Edwaid Dunmire, the well-known
and capable detective of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member of an old Pennsylvania family, his grandfather, Samuel Dunmire, having been a
farmer in Cumberland county in the early days. He married a Miss Fingerbinder,
and they were the parents of four children. A son of his who also bore the name
of Samuel was the father of the Mr. Dunmire of this sketch. Samuel Dunmire, Jr.,
was a contractor near Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was in business some ten years.
He fought during the Civil War for the cause of the Union, serving at different times
as a private in the Thirteenth and One Hundred and Second regiments, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, was wounded three times. He married Nancy J. Carmichael
and they were the parents of eleven children, as follows: William A., who is nowOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
engaged in farming at Waynesboro, Tennessee; Sylvester B., who is now a deputy
sheriff of Mahoning county, Ohio; Daniel Edward, who is mentioned at length below; Samuel G., who is now engaged in burning coke at Farmington, West Virginia;
Almeda, who became the wife of Lester G. Frye, who is employed by the firm of
Porch Brothers, of Greensburg, where he now resides; Carrie, who became the wife
of Edgar L. Barnum, sheet mill roller, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Harry R., a
sheet mill roller, of Youngstown, Ohio; Minerva, who became the wife of Herman
Buerhle, an engineer of Gary, Indiana; Laura and twin sons, Walter and Warren, who
died in infancy. Samuel Dunmire, Jr., died August Io, I9I6, at Ruffs Dale, Pennsylvania, at almost ninety-nine years of age.
Daniel Edward Dunmire was born November 9, I873, at McKee Gap, Blair
county, Pennsylvania. IHe secured his education at the public schools of East Huntington township. Immediately upon completing his studies at these institutions he
secured a position in the coke yards of the H. C. Frick Coke Company, working at
Donnelly, Alverton, Tarrs and Central works, working in the coke yard at night
and attending school during the daytime. Mr. Dunmire then secured a position as a
news agent and worked in this capacity for about a year. He then went to Greenville, Mississippi, and from that point traveled all through the South, doing rip-rap
and shore-mat work for the Government.  For a time he remained in the city of
Memphis, Tennessee, then took a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
as a brakeman.  He also resided in Chicago, Illinois, for a time, also Minneapolis,
Minnesota, where he held similar positions on the Chicago  North Western Railroad. His next work was with the Bessemer Coke Company, where he remained for
a year, and then the Spanish-American War broke out and for a time put an end
to all peaceful avocations, but Mr. Dunmire was unfortunate in having lost a thumb
off his right hand while working for the Railroad Company, and this disability rendered it impossible for him to enlist. He tried five times to do so at Pittsburgh,
Chicago, and Chickamaugua, Georgia, but was rejected each time. Finally, however,
through Colonel James Tillman, he was. mustered in as a private in Company I,
First Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, and remained in service during the term
of the war. After the close of hostilities, however, he returned to Pennsylvania and
took a position with the Bessemer Coke Company, once more drawing coke, where he
remained for some time, and was finally made assistant superintendent, but finally
gave it up and returned to railroading.
In the year I902, while living in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he was appointed a
constable, but the duties of this post did not interfere with his work for the railroad,
with which he continued until I9O8. In the year Igog he established the Westmoreland Detective Agency and took out a State license. Since that time Mr. Dunmire
has devoted his entire attention to this work and has built up an excellent business,
one of the best of its kind in \Vestern Pennsylvania.  He has earned an enviable
reputation for ability and upright dealings with his clients, and has come to be well
known throughout the entire region. Mr. Dunmire is a staunch supporter of the
principles and policies of the Republican party, and takes a decidedly active part in
politics. Besides holding the position of constable for some years, he was also elected
precinct register and judge of elections in Greensburg, also census enumerator in
I9oo. In the year I9o6 he was one of the organizers of the Eighth Ward Fire Department and was the first captain thereof, a position which he held for twol years.
He has held practically every office in this organization, and has been prominently
identified with the Fire Department of Greensburg. Among other positions he held
that of chaplain to the Greensburg Fire Department, the first that that organization
ever had, was a delegate to that department for three years, is a member of the safety
committee, also a member of the State Firemen's Association. He is prominent in
fraternal orders and is affiliated with the Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of
5o8BIOGRAPHICAL
Malta, Knights of Pythias, Order of Independent Americans, also a member of Clan
McGregor, Scottish Knights. He is a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans Association, and has always maintained the associations formed by him at that
time. He also finds time to look after certain educational lines, has been president for
two years of the Parent Teachers' Association and member of executive committee
of same. In his religious belief Mr. Dunmire is a Presbyterian, attending the First
Church of that denomination in Greensburg, and is a member of the Brotherhood
Bible Class of that church.
Daniel Edward Dunmire was married on July 13, I900, at Cumberland, Maryland, to Sara Quindora Truxall, a daughter of Cyrus and Elizabeth (Jamison)
Truxall, of near Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Truxall was a farmer,
since removed to Greensburg, where he is living a retired life. To Mr. and Mrs.
Dunmire the following children have been born: Daniel Edward, Jr., born June 4,
I9OI; Samuel Pearson, born December 26, 90o2; Elizabeth Jamison, born October 13,
I9o4; Sara Quindora, born August 23, I907; Martha. Ruth, born February 17, I9II.
There is probably no other profession in this practical and prosaic age in which
there is so much of the romantic to be found as that of the detective, no other calling,
since the old sailing vessel took its departure from the high seas to make way for
the modern steamer, that holds out so powerful a lure to the youth of an adventurous
turn.  Nor does this romantic quality exist merely in the chance of danger that it
offers, the adventures that are its daily routine, but in the sense of battle for a cause
which it possesses in the strongest degree, and, there is something exceptionally inspiring in the knowledge that one's task is the safeguarding of so vital a thing as
law and order, the safety of the common weal, something inspiriting and.wholly
satisfying to feel that whatever one's fate the battle is being waged for something
that in its very nature is sure to be the victor. It is distinctly the spirit of adventure
that is the mainspring in the actions of Mr. Dunmire, of Greensburg, who for many
years has given and continues to give faithful service to the community. He has
made, in fact, over ten thousand arrests in his ten years of office. The criminal he
gets. The unfortunate he takes care of.
GEORGE  DENVER  HUMES-George Denver Humes, who is himself so
prominently affiliated with the business interests of Export, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, is a son of one of the pioneer farmers in this region, namely James
Gibson Humes, a member of an old Pennsylvania family. The Humes family is of
Irish origin, the pioneer of this branch having been John Humes, who left his native
land, Ireland, to seek a new home and new opportunities in America. He reached
this country about the time when the colonies were beginning their historical struggle
for independence and took an active part in the Revolutionary WVar. He was the
father of seven children, as follows: James, who settled at Tarentum, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania; Thomas, who settled at Salem township, Westmoreland county;
JoLn, mentioned below; Jane, who became the wife of Mr. Humes, and settled in
Crawford county, Pennsylvania; Anna, who married a Mr. McCall, and settled in
Franklin township, Westmoreland county; Nancy, who became the wife of Moses
Clark, and also settled in Franklin township; and Margaret, who became the wife of
a Mr. Clark, and went with him to Ohio.
John Humes, son of John Humes, the original settler, was born May 20, I797,
on the homestead farm at Export, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died
May 27, I869. He was a member and elder of the Presbyterian church, and a Democrat in politics.  He married (first) Elizabeth Park, a native of this region. born
September I5, 1802. Her death occurred November Io, 1833. She was the mother
of the following children: William Park, born August 22, 1826, and a prominent man
in the community; James Gibson, mentioned below; John F., born July Io, I83I, and
5o9OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
now resides in Tarentum, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. James Humes married
(second) Sarah Waters, born March 9, I8oo, and they were the parents of the following children: Thomas M., born January I9, I837; Mary Jane, born November 7,
I838, and became the wife of George R. Remaley, of Hempfield township; and Jeremiah W., born January Io, 1840, and died April 7, I84I.
James Gibson Humes was born November 24, 1827, on the home farm, and died
August II, I895. He was a prominent figure in the life of Export and vicinity in that
day, was a Presbyterian in religious relief, and a strong Prohibitionist. He married
Anna Catherine Remaley, a native of this region, born March 25, 1844, a daughter of
George Remaley, of an old Westmoreland county family. George Remaley, a brother
of Mrs. James Gibson Hlumes, served in the Civil War with distinction. To James
Gibson Humes and his wife the following children were born: i. John F., born January I3, I867, now living in Oklahoma, where he is a die driller; he married Maud
Nagle, of Mapleton, Kansas, and they are the parents of one child, a daughter. 2.
Clara J., born April 6, I869, now residing at Sacramento, California. 3. Robert B.,
born October I3, 1870, now a die driller of Oklahoma. 4. George Denver, mentioned
below.
Born October 24, 1875, on the farm that had been so long in the possession of his
family at Export, Pennsylvania, George Denver Humes was educated in the local
public schools. As a youth he worked with his father on the latter's farm and continued thus occupied until the year 1895, when he went to Indiana and began work in
the oil fields there. He did not remain more than one year, however, in that place,
but returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued his activities in connection with the
ail industry. He spent nine years altogether in the oil fields of this State and Western Pennsylvania, and then for five years worked as a coal miner at Export. At the
end of that period, however, he returned to the oil business, entering it on this occasion independently, and he is now successfully engaged therein on his own account.
In this venture Mr. Humes has met with a notable success, and is now regarded as one
of the substantial citizens of the region. In politics Mr. Humes is a strong Prohibitionist and is very active in public affairs, having been councilman in Export for the
last four years. He attends the Presbyterian church at Export, as do all the members of his family, and is a trustee thereof and active in the work of the Sunday
school. He is a member of Lodge No. 358, Knights of Malta, of Greensburg.
George Denver Humes was united in marriage, November 25, I903, with Harriett
Lillian Leffler, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Maxwell) Leffler, old and highly
respected residents of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Two children have been born of
this union, as follows: Vogene May, born August 25, I905; and James Denver, August
2, I909. Mrs. fHumes was one of a family of six children born to her parents, as
follows: I. John H., who is a pattern maker at Detroit, Michigan; married Ida Gay,
a daughter of         Gay, of Greensburg. 2. Emma M., who became the wife of
William M. Kelly, of Greensburg, and they are the parents of two children; now
resides in Detroit, Michigan, where her husband is an electrician. 3. Charles H., who
is now engaged as a hotel clerk at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 4. May B., who became the wife of Clifford Crile, of Canton, Ohio, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at
the latter place engaged in business as a pattern maker. 5. LeRoy, who is associated
with the Memphis Steel Company, of Greensburg; married Elizabeth Kline, of
Youngwood. 6. Harriett Lillian, mentioned above as the wife of George Denver
Humes.
LLOYD U. DICK--As cashier of the First National Bank of Herminie and a
resident of Greensburg, Mr. Dick certainly needs no introduction to the inhabitants.
of Westmoreland county. He has always been extremely active in political affairs,
5IOBIOGRAPHICrAL
and has many times held positions of public trust in connection with state matters
and with local service.
Rev. Mungo Dick, grandfather of Lloyd U. Dick, was a minister of the United
Presbyterian church and for many years was pastor of what is known in Westmoreland county as "Dick's Church," holding the office at the time of his death, which
occurred in T836. The Rev. Mr. Dick was the second president of the Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary.
David M. Dick, son of the Rev. Mungo Dick, was born in the vicinity of Herminie, and "went West," passing the remainder of his comparatively short life in
what was then a new country. Mr. Dick married Anna Margaret, daughter of David
and Margaret (Turbett) Lloyd, and their son, Lloyd U. Dick, is mentioned below.
While still a young man Mr. Dick died in Missouri, and his widow is still living at
Trinidad, Colorado, having reached the advanced age of eighty-two, in good health
and retaining full possession of all her faculties.
Lloyd IU. Dick, son of David M. and Anna Margaret (Lloyd) Dick, was born
in West Newton, Pennsylvania, and was but six years old when his parents moved to
Iowa, subsequently to Missouri and also to Kansas. The father engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, and the son received such limited education as the place and
time afforded. The early death of Mr. Dick threw Lloyd U., when he was b'ut a
youth, on his own resources, and in his young manhood he was literally compelled to
live in the saddle, raising stock and attending to the general supervision of the large
farm. During this adventurous period of his life Mr. Dick showed the true frontier
spirit as might have been expected of a great-grandson of the noted VVestmoreland
pioneer, Jeremiah Murry, founder of the town of Murrysville, Pennsylvania. He has
in his possession many mementoes of his intercourse with the Indians, having been
at one time a cowboy. In the early seventies he saw Wild Bill Hickok and describes
him as tall and slim, with long black hair and very pointed features. He was quite
familiar with the feats of Buffalo Bill thirty-five years ago, and speaks of his rifle
work as little short of miraculous. Bill Hickok claimed to have taught Cody the art
of shooting and in Mr. Dick's opinion the master was jealous of the pupil's superiority. Kit Carson was another of the famous frontiersmen of whom Mr. Dick has, interesting reminiscences to relate. H-e was favored by Carson's son, Kit Carson, Jr.,
with the loan of the buckskin coat worn by the celebrated pioneer and attired himself
in the garment when he stood in front of Kit Carson's monument to have his likeness
taken. The coat is now the property of the municipal authorities of Trinidad, Colorado, by whom it is carefully preserved.
One of the most interesting of Mr. Dick's western reminiscences by reasorr of
the fact that nothing siniilar to it is ever likely to occur, is the extermination of the
buffalo. This was in I88I, and hides bought for two dollars a piece were piled as
high as hay-stacks for shipping to Philadelphia. This extraordinary sight was witnessed at what is known now as Abilene, Texas, at the building of the Texas 
Pacific Railroad.
In I89I Mr. Dick returned to Pennsylvania, settling in his native West Newton,
where he entered the private bank of his uncle, Major M. M. Dick, and has since
been continuously connected with the banking business. In I9oI he organized the
Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of West Newton, becoming its cashier. In I9o8 he was
e;ected treasurer of Westmoreland county, serving three years, and in I912 he organized the First National Bank of Herminie, in which he has ever since held the position of cashier.
The political record of Mr. Dick is one of exceptional local distinction as appears
by his election to an office of such importance and responsibility as that of county
treasurer. He has always been a very active member of the Republican party and has
many times served as delegate to state conventions. For a number of years he has
51IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
occupied a seat on the board of school directors of West Newton.  His political
career began in Kansas, where he was nominated for treasurer of the Seal Islands
of Alaska, receiving the endorsement of every official in the State from the governor
down, but owing to the fact that the appointment was made by the Secretary of the
Interior Windom, the assistant who held the position was given the appointment.
With the religious life of his community Mr. Dick has always been actively identified,
his interest in church and Sunday school dating back thirty-five years. For thirty
years he Ilas served as elder in every town in which he has lived, and he now holds
that office in the United Presbyterian churchl of Greensburg, also ministering as
superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Dick is married, his children having all reached maturity. His career includes two of the most strongly contrasting aspects of our national life.  Of the
romantic, adventurous era of the Far West he can say with truth, "I was a part,"
and he has now for many years assisted in the development of the interests of a longsettled town in the historic State of Pennsylvania.
CHARLES F. PAPE-Charles F. Pape was born September 8, T870, at Hartford, Connecticut. and is a son of Charles and Margarett Pape. The education of the
boy was received in his native city, and there he also served several years' apprenticeship at the trade of a general machinist, also learning tool-making and the making and
designing of dyes. For seventeen years Mr. Pape was associated with the E. W.
Bliss Company in Brooklyn, New York, and for seven years served as manager of
the Niagara Machine Company of Buffalo. During all this time he was gaining
valuable experience and building up a reputation which caused him to be sought
after for positions of trust. In I9IO he was secured as manager of the Hyde Park
plant of the Hutchins Car Roofing Company and, seeing its possibilities, induced the
owner to extend its operations, especially in the line of making barrels. Its car roofing
material is nearly all steel and it produces nearly. all the steel material entering into
the manufacture of steel freight cars, much of the metal used being supplied by the
plants of the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company at Hyde Park, Vandergrift
and Leechburg.
The land owned by the company, which amounts in all to several acres, skirts the
tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In I90o6 the original plant at Hyde Park was
erected and consisted of but one building, fifteen by one hundred feet in size. In
I9IO more commodious quarters became necessary and a building, fifty by two hundred and fifty feet, was added.  In I912 the making of steel barrels called for the
erection of a building measuring twenty-eight by one hundred feet. This, however,
soon proved inadequate and two others were constructed; one eighty-two by two
hundred and the other forty by one hundred and fifty feet. Even this space does not
meet the demands of the constantly' increasing business and other structures are soon
to be erected.
The principal office of the company is in Detroit and it also has branches at Erie
and Montreal. The pay-roll is seven thousand dollars monthly and from cne hundred and twenty to one hundred and seventy men are employed as circumstances
demand. The output has reached a value, in finished product, of seven thousand dollars per day, in five car loads. About one hundred thousand dollars are invested i;l
real estate, buildings and machinery, and at times the raw material carried amounts
to three times that sum. The plant is fully supplied with special machinery for the
various processes necessary, most of which were designed and installed by Mr. Pape.
Single machines for pressing and bending steel plates have a weight of tons and exert
tremendous power. All is operated by the most modern electric power secured from
the West Pennsylvania Power Company. The barrel department has grown beyond
512BIOGRAPHICAL                                   513
all expectation and its machinery for the rolling, welding and bending of steel oil
barrels is of the latest pattern. It has nine electric and seven acetylene welding machines, large pickling, coating and galvanizing vats. Many of its specially designed
machines are made in its own machine shop.
The man to whose energy and originality this activity and progress was mainly due
is still comparatively young in years and is, moreover, one whose personality is perennially youthful. In addition to mechanical skill he possesses remarkable facility in
handling men in such a manner as to secure the best results. Where'Mr. Pape has
had control, no labor troubles have ever occurred, each employee being made to feel
that he has a personal interest in the fullest success of the plant. Mr. Pape is now in
the selling organization, headquarters at St. Louis, Missouri.
Mr. Pape married, in the year I902, Helen Marie Carroll, daughter of John and
Mary Carroll, and they have a most attractive home at Vandergrift. Mrs. Pape
combines with many social gifts the talents of an accomplished home-maker and both
she and her husband find in the exercise of hospitality one of their chief pleasures.
Mr. Pape has had experience in various centres of industry and in each one has
imparted impetus to its activities. He is true to Connecticut and loyal to Pennsylvania. May New England send us many more of the same type.
HERBERT  C. HEFFELFINGER-Representing as it does a good business
man and a public-spirited citizen the name of H. C. Heffelfinger needs no introduction
to the people of:Vandergrift. Mr. Heffelfinger has been for a score of years associated with the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company, and has always taken a
special interest in the promotion of reform and in the advancement of the well-being
of his community.
William H. Heffelfinger, great-grandfather of Herbert C. Heffelfinger, settled
at Hannastown when it was the county seat of WV~estmoreland county. VWhen a fire
occurred which destroyed the records, titles to land became so confused that Mr.
i-leffelfinger lost his estate which was situated near Hannastown and removed, emptyhanded, to Crooked Creek, Armstrong county, settling on what is now known as the
Loop. -There he secured a permanent home, where he died at the age of ninety-six.
Peter Heffelfinger, son of William  H. Heffelfinger, was born at Hannastown,
and spent most of his life on the farm settled by his father. He was a carpenter and
a skilled cabinet-maker, constructing much of the furniture and most of the coffins
used for many years in his neighborhood. He lived almost to the age of his father,
dying at Blairsville when he was ninety-four years old.
William  G. Heffelfinger, son of Peter Heffelfinger, was born in February, j832,
on his grandfather's farm on Crooked Creek. During the Civil War he saw active
service in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Voilunteer
Infantry, enlisting for a term of nine months. When this expired he reenlisted from
Indiana county in the Fourteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel
Shoemaker (later president of the Erie Railroad) commanding.  Mr. Heffelfinger
served to the close of the war. His brother, Venas Heffelfinger, of the same regiment,
died in Andersonville prison.  Mr. Heffelfinger married Catherine, daughter of
George and Martha (Frantz) Rhodeman, of the Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland
county, later removing to Clarion county, where he was engaged in business as a
lumberman. He said that in rafting logs to Pittsburgh he "would often take a load
of venison, most of which he sold to the city market. For many years William  G.
Heffelfinger's principal occupations were those of a farmer and coal miner in Armstrong county. In I888 he came to New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, and in
I89r removed to Blairsville, where he was employed for several years by the PennsylW-33OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
mighty was, in reality, his mother country. Revolutionary War annals show that
James Steel was a member of Mount Pleasant Associators formed to protect that section of the country; that he took the oath of allegiance required of all foreign-born
citizens, on March 28, I778, before Hugh Martin, a justice of the district; and that for
three years he served in the field, braving cheerfully and determinedly all the many
privations and dangers apprehended and experienced by him and his compatriots while
they shared the hope of securing for themselves and their descendants an independence
from which sound prosperity and individual freedom would develop. He served inthe campaign of the Jerseys, during which his two brothers-in-law were killed in
action; and at the close of the war resumed his development labors on his own estate.
Prior to the national struggle for independence, James Steel had married Elizabeth
MacMasters, the daughter of a neighboring farmer. She bore him two children, a son
and a daughter. The son, Joseph Steel, married Barbara Blystone, of Mount Pleasant
township, and moved to Franklin township, in the Old Tent (United Presbyterian)
graveyard, in which township he was buried. The daughter, Jane, married William
Hunter, of Mount Pleasant township, and later moved to near what was then Loudenville, now Perrysville, Ohio. Their mother died while her husband was still fighting
in the National service, and as the Revolutionary War drew to a close, James Steel
entered upon his second marriage, taking to himself Elizabeth Donaldson, of "East of
the Mountains." She was said to have been his cousin, and was sister of his comrades,
Robert and Andrew Don'aldson, who were killed in battle. Three children came of the
union: Elizabeth, James and John..Elizabeth, born September 25, I785, married Alex--
ander Hamilton, of what was then called "Irishtown" on the Clay Pike, west of Ruffs
Dale, on the farm now partly owned by Franklin Null, and was buried in the Middle
Presbyterian graveyard in Mount Pleasant township. James, whose natal day is
memorable in that it was on that day, September I7, I787, that the Constitution of the
United States was adopted, married Martha McCutcheon, daughter of James'and
Peggy (Finney) McCutcheon, of Franklin township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was buried at Poke-Run Presbyterian graveyard. John, the third child, is
mentioned hereinafter. James Steel, the progenitor, lived to the venerable age of
eighty-two years, his death coming on September Io, I823. He was buried at the
Middle Presbyterian Church, Mount Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
John Steel, son of James and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Steel, and grandfather of
Judge Steel, was born on the Steel homestead, Mount Pleasant township, April 7, I789.
He grew up on the home farm, and subsequently acquired the homestead, where he
lived until I835, when, having purchased the "Judge Robert Hanna farm" some years
previously, he removed thither, and the "Hannastown Farm" in Salem and Hempfield
townships, and on which was located "Hannastown," the first county seat of Westmoreland county, thereafter became the homestead of the Steel family, although all
the children of John Steel were born on the Mount Pleasant farm. Besides being the
first county seat, Hannastown will always have its place in National history, just as it
will always live in the annals of Western Pennsylvania; Hannastown was the first
place west of the Allegheny mountains in all America, where justice was administered
according to the forms and precedences of English -law. It was here that the ScotchIrish settlers, on May I6, I775, signed and promulgated the first declaration of independence. This was but twenty-seven days after the fight at Concord and Lexington,
and fifteen days prior to the Mechlenburg declaration. It was here also that on July
13, 1782, that the last battle during the Revolution with the British and Indians, fighting
as allies, occurred, ending in the destruction of the former county seat of what was
then all Western Pennsylvania. John Steel married (first) his cousin, Martha Walker,
daughter of Andrew and Sallie (Donaldson) Walker, of what was then Virginia, near
Steubenville, Ohio, May 6, I8I3. Nine children were born to them: Sarah, who mar36OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
vania Railroad Company. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Heffelfinger
the following are now living: Ida, wife of William Speer, of Manorville, Armstrong
county; William, a mill man at Brookline; Sylvanus A., employed in Pittsburgh;
Naomi, wife of Henry Egly, of Apollo; Jennie, wife of W. R. Almes, of Tarentum;
John A., a mill foreman at Tarentum; Arlington V., employed in the mill at Vandergrift; Herbert C.;, mentioned below; and Catherine, wife of U. G. Stewart, a railroad
employee of Vandergrift. Mrs. Heffelfinger died in I894, and the death of Mr.
Heffelfinger 6ccurred in July, I915. Thus he survived by more than twenty years the
faithful companion of so large a portion of'his life.
Herbert C. Heffelfinger, son of William G. and Catherine (Rhodeman) Heffelfinger, was born December 3, 1873, at the Bowser Stock Farm, near Kittanning, and
when the time arrived for him to enter upon the active work of life, chose to devote
himself to the steel industry. Entering the steel mill as matcher in the rolling department Mr. Heffelfinger steadily worked his way up, step by step, until he reached his
present position of sheet heater. He has now been for twenty years constantly employed by the American Sheet and Tin.Plate Company, a record which speaks for
itself. In community affairs Mr. Heffelfinger has always taken the most active and
helpful interest, especially in matters relating to education. For ten years he has
served on the school board, being now the oldest member in point of service. Difficult though it has been to cause the facilities for education to keep pace with the constantly increasing demands of the public, Mr. Heffelfinger has labored at the problem
vwith unflagging diligence, solving it on more than one occasion when it seemed hopelessly baffling. His interest in the youth of the community has not been limited to
meeting the demands of the schools, but he has been enthusiastic in the furtherance of
the Boy Scout movement and in the promotion of athletic sports, giving encouragement to every effort which, in his judgment, tends toward the making olf good citizens.
For three years Mr. Heffelfinger served in the National Guard, making a record as
a sharpshooter, an achievement traceable, in no small measure, to vacations spent in
his favorite recreation of hunting. He held the rank of sergeant when honorably discharged. He affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights
of Pythias. He looks like a man who has made such a record as his, and his friends
are to be found in all classes of the community.
Mr. Heffelfinger married, April 27, i898, at Blairsville, Clara G. Hazlett, a native of
Indiana county and a daughter of John R. and Sarah M. (Loughry) Hazlett, descendants of Scotch-Irish pioneers of Indiana county, Pennsylvania. Their only children
were two girls, both of whom  died in infancy.  Mrs. Heffelfinger is a thoughtful
woman of winning personality, who goes hand in hand with her husband in all good
wo;ks. They have been members since youth of the Methodist Episcopal church, in
which Mr. Heffelfinger holds the office of steward. Mrs. Heffelfinger is active in all
church societies, and is a member of the Ladies' Club.
The ancestors of Mr. Heffelfinger were brave men and useful citizens, each serving faithfully his day and generation. He has inherited their spirit and followed
their example, having been animated throughout his career by the same desire to
promote the public welfare and advance the cause of true progress.
A. A. LANSBERRY-A. A. Lansberry, the progressive treasurer and manager
of the Vandergrift Box Company of Vandergrift, WeStmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is not a native of that town nor indeed of the State, having come there in early
manhood and identified himself with its business interests. He is a native of the
town of Muskegon, Michigan, where he has still important interests and is associated
in several large enterprises, one being a saw mill at Strongs, upper peninsular, in
partnership with John F. Moore, ex-Mayor of Muskegon, who is the president of the
concern, and Mr. Lansberry's brother, Clinton L. Lansberry, being its secretary,
514BIOGRAPHICAL
515
treasurer and general manager. This company owns extensive tracts of pine land and
operates its own railroad for the transportation of the rough lumber to its mill, which
has an output of six million feet per annum. The chief interest of Mr. Lansberry,
however, is box manufacturing, which demands the largest share of his attention and
he has been connected with the firms at Anderson and Elwood, Indiana, and with concerns at Muskegon, Michigan, Cairo, Illinois, and elsewhere. He is associated with
a group of gentlemen in the ownership of the Vandergrift plant and together with
them operates several others in that general region and at Elkins and Martins Ferry,
West Virginia, and Newcastle, Pennsylvania, their combined output being sixty million feet of box lumber a year. When it was decided to erect the present box factory
at Vandergrift, Mr. Lansberry was chosen to take charge of the building operations
and came to the town with the expectation of remaining there only while these were
continuing, a period as he calculated of about a year. The success of the business,
however, and his capable handling of the affair convinced his associates that he was
the best man to continue in charge- of the actual manufacturing, with the result that
he has continued to make Vandergrift his home and has remained identified with the
concern there.  As a citizen of Vandergrift, his conservative and yet progressive
methods have won him the admiration and honor of the community in general, to say
nothing of a host of warm personal friends. What is certainly not one of his least
accomplishments has been the friendly relation which he has maintained between the
management of the mills and the men employed therein, many of whom have worked
there since its founding to the present day. There is an unusual degree of prosperity
among these men and Mr. Lansberry has materially assisted more than one of them
to secure attractive and substantial homes and an independent position in society. Mr.
Lansberry is not married, but he is a conspicuous figure in the social life -of the town,
and is associated with the local lodges of the Masonic Order and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. His recreations are golf, hunting and trap shooting.
The Vandergrift Box Conmpany is composed of William Munroe, of Muskegon,
president; Thomas Hume, o;f Muskegon, vice-presideht; J. G. Mcllwraith, of Anderson, Indiana, secretary; and A. A. Lansberry, treasurer and manager. It was established in I9og with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, which was increased in
I9I2 to fifty thousand.  In the latter year its present large plant, measuring two
hundred by eighty feet, was erected. At the time of its establishment the company
employed twenty-five men, which has now increased fourfold, and the one hundred
men now involve a pay roll of six thousand dollars per month. The mills cover altogether an area of three acres of ground and these are fitted with private railroad
tracks. Twelve million feet of box lumber is consumed there annually and its immense
output includes crates for the American Sheet  Tin Plate Company and for other
large concerns in the Pittsburgh district.
HARRISON LEE YERTY-Harrison Lee Yerty, successful dealer in general
building materials, lumber, etc., of Vandergrift, Westmoreland county, is a son of
David and Susanna (Fair) Yerty, natives and lifelong residents of Armstrong county,
where they were well known and prominent members of the community, Mrs. Yerty
being a daughter of John Fair, of that place; both parents are deceased.
Harrison Lee Yerty was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, on his father's
farm  located about eight miles from  Kittanning, July 4, I87I. His childhood and
early youth were spent among the healthful surroundings of farm life, in assisting his
father with his work and in attending the local public schools for his education. He
remained on the old homestead until he had reached the age of twenty-one years,
when he left the parental roof and went to Butler county with the intention of taking
part in the development of the great oil fields, which were at this time just in the
period of their most rapid growth. This was in the year I892 and the young manOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
spent four years there doing the work of a well driller and gaining much valuable
experience and a knowledge of general business conditions.  In I896 he came to
Vandergrift at the time when this flourishing town had first been granted a charter.
For a time after coming to Vandergrift he worked in the employ of several concerns,
and for three years followed the trade of carpenter, in which capacity he helped to
erect many of the finest buildings in the town. A man of wide intelligence and great
enterprise, he was not content to work for others indefinitely, accordingly saved up
as large a proportion of his earnings as was possible with a view'of eventually becoming in(lependent. His ambition in this line was gratified, and in I899 he began
to do contract work of his own, continuing the same with a high degree of success for
about eight years. In the year 1907, perceiving what a large opportunity lay in the
business of supplying the general materials used in construction, he established the
"Trio ITumber Company" in. association with Charles Reed and Thomas A. Cunningham. After about a year of successful business, Mr. Cunningham found it necessary
to retire, but the firm was continued under the same name until 19Io, when Mr. Yerty
purchased the entire interest. It was really Mr. Yerty who had been the organizing
and executive brains of the concern from the outset, and to his efforts has been due
the great success with which it has met. For one'year after its founding the Trio
Lumber Company did contracting work, and when Mr. Yerty became the sole owner
in I9IO, this branch of the business was again taken up. Until I916 he continued in
this line with great success and has built many of the most handsome structures in the
town, both business and residential in character.  In I916, however, the trade in
lumber and other building supplies became so large that Mr. Yerty decided to concentrate all his efforts and attention upon it and this he has done with such success
that he is at present regarded as one of the most substantial merchants and distinguished business men in the town. The concern is still growing in a most satisfactory
manner and gives promise of reaching even greater proportions in the future. Mr.
Yerty has devoted himself to the building up and development of the business most
enthusiastically and with the most undeviating interest and his success, however great,
is well deserved. He has also dealt not a little in real estate and development projects,
has purchased several properties and after building upon them disposed of them again
at an advantage. He is at the present time the owner of a number of properties upon
which stand houses, all of which are at present rented. In his business he employs
upward of ten men.
Mr. Yerty is a prominent figure in the general life of the community, and is
associated with many important movements there. He is a Lutheran in religion and
attends St.. Paul's church of that denomination at Vandergrift Heights, where his
present residence is at No. 412 Hancock street. For a time after coming to Vandergrift, he was a member of the First Lutheran church and has been prominent in both
congregations, doing much to develop and increase the value of their work in the
town. He is associated with the local lodge of the American Order of Eagles, and is
a conspicuous figure in the social world.
On August 25, I897, Mr. Yerty was united in marriage in Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, with Minnie Ann Parker, daughter of Oliver and Sarah Ann (Fennell)
Parker, Mr. Parker a veteran of the. Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Yerty are the parents
of the following children: I. Clarence Leroy, a student in the High School at Vandergrift and a member of the class of I9I7; he is a member of the Fourth Truck
Company, Divisional Ammunition Train, serving in France. 2. Oliver Merl, a
student in the High School at Vandergrift. 3. Gladys Blanche. 4. Ruth Mabel.
NORWIN  L. FITZGERALD  There is much in the life of Norwin L. Fitzgerald to command admiration, but it is not more his strict adherence to the principles of right and justice that attracts men to him than his unfailing kindness andBIOGRAPHICAI.
spirit of self sacrifice. On the latter traits his great popularity with all who know
him  is based. while the respect of the business world is the outgrowth of a line
known to be honorable, upright and without guile. "Good business" with him does
not mean necessarily volume, but quality, and everything he says and everything he
sells is in his belief exactly as he represents it.  His personality is most pleasing,
dignified and courtly, he is the personification of kindness and no sacrifice is too great
if it brings happiness to those he loves. His home life is ideal and there the excellencies of his character shine forth in all their beauty. He is a gentleman not of the
"old school" but of every school, and nowhere is he more appreciated than by those
whose lives bring them into daily contact with his gentle, kindly spirit.
Born at Armstrong county, near Kittanning, Pennsylvania, March I7, I866, Norwin L. Fitzgerald is a son of Daniel and Judith (Kimmel) Fitzgerald. Daniel Fitzgerald was of Scotch-Irish descent and was born on the old homestead in Armstrong
county in I826, the old homestead representing the farm on which his father had
settled many years back, one John Fitzgerald. Judith Fitzgerald, wife of Daniel
Fitzgerald, was a daughter of Jacob Kimmel, who was a soldier under mad Anthony
Wayne.
Norwin L. Fitzgerald received his education, however slight it may have been, in
the local public schools, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one
years of age. He then obtained employment in the Kirkpatrick Steel Mills at Leechburg, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. He did not remain here very long, however,
as he obtained a position with the P. H. Laughlin Sheet Mills at Apollo. Here he
remained for ten years, i889 to 1899, and then worked for a short period with the subsidiaries of the American Sheet  Tin Plate Company, also being for some time in
the vicinity of Scottdale, Pennsylvania.  In I9o8 he came to Vandergrift, at which
place he severed his connection with the above named establishment.  During his
service Mr. Fitzgerald had been superintendent of the rolled finishing department
with about fifty men under his charge. In 1913 Mr. Fitzgerald became superintendent of the Apollo Steel Company at Apollo. Here he had charge of three hundred
men. This was one of the first plants to operate with electric current, brought from
Connellsville, seventy miles away, and it was so fitted under Mr. Fitzgerald's supervision that it proved satisfactory, and the establishment has been used as a criterion
to fit other similar plants with electrical operating machines. Mr. Fitzgerald resigned
his position with the Apollo Company, and on March I, I914, opened his present business. Despite the fact that Mr. Fitzgerald had a limited capital to start this business
with, he has worked it up until it is now a growing and profitable enterprise in the
region. Aside from his own real estate and fire and life insurance business, Mr. Fitzgerald is the representative of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York
and also represents eight leading fire insurance companies. The business he now
handles exceeded his expectations altogether, and Vandergrift's community consider
him one of their successful business men, and he is admired and respected throughout
the entire region. It is not alone in the business world that Mr. Fitzgerald is a popular
figure, but he is identified with the club circles as well, being a member of the Chamber
of Commerce, the passed chairs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also
a member of the Scottish Rite, and Mystic Shrine bodies, in the "Valley of Pittsburgh," Pennsylvania. In March, I918, Mr. IFitzgerald, at the age of fifty-two, offered
his services to "Uncle Sam," and was appointed assistant field representative to Colonel A. R. Hunt, in the Civilian Personnel Department of Ordnance, Chamber of
Commerce Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His service rendered in this department, was interviewing and classifying applicants for various Government positions.
He has been a life-long Republican and an ardent worker for the common cause
of humanity.
On Octobe-i (, 8((o at Apollo, Pennsylvania, Norwin L. Fitzgerald was united
51//OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
in marriage with Laury Virginia Rudolph, a daughter of H. A. and Elizabeth (Owens)
Rudolph, both now deceased. Mrs. Fitzgerald's grandfather, Jacob Rudolph, was a
soldier in the Revolution and later served as second lieutenant in the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion of Westmoreland County. He originally came from  Holland and
emigrated to the United States at an early date, settling in the wilds of Westmoreland county (at that time an unsettled region). To Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald the
following children have been born: Joseph G., who is superintendent of the shipping
department of the Apollo Steel Company; Herrena J., who received her education at
Hilworth Hall, Pittsburgh, now the Pennsylvania College for WVomen; Esther O.,
who is a graduate of the Apollo High School, with the class of I915; and Alton L.
Mrs. Fitzgerald's death occurred October 28, I9I6.
SAMUEL WIER HAMILTON-There is doubtless much to be said in favor
of Carlyle's belief that the man of true talent and ability can find expression for
himself in almost any direction, and that the fact of his doing so in one or another,
of his performing his achievements in this or that medium is largely a question of
circumstances, such for instance as what may have at first claimed his attention and
interest in the impressionable period of youth, so that whether he be a poet or politician, a scientist or soldier, is of comparatively little significance so that genius lies
behind. That this was undoubtedly true in the case of such a man as the late Samuel
Wier Hamilton, whose death on November 15, 19T4, when in his seventy-first year, at
Vandergrift, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, deprived that city of one of its
most influential citizens, can certainly not be doubted since it was not alone in one
direction that he exerted his gifts and faculties, but in wellnigh every department
of the life of the community of which he was so conspicuous a member. Mr. Hamilton was one of those men whose enterprising natures have brought them to a new
world and to whom the United States in general and this section of Pennsylvania in
particular owe so great a debt of gratitude for the stimulus they have given to business and industrial growth wherever they have exerted their energies.
Samuel Wier Hamilton, a son of William R. and Anna (Hamilton) Hamilton,
although not himself a native of Westmoreland county, has for many years been
most closely identified with the affairs of that region and more particularly with
those of the town of Vandergrift and its immediate vicinity. He is a member of that
fine sturdy rural stock which is characteristic of so many different quarters of this
country, and was born on a farm in Allegheny county, not far from what is now the
town of Glenwood, near the Monongahela river, March I7, 1843. While still a mere
lad he had removed to a farm in the region of Putneyville, Armstrong county, where
he lived until after the close of the Civil War. He served in that momentous struggle
as a member of the One Hundred and Third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers,
during a period of four years in all, and in that time saw much active service. He
was taken prisoner with his regiment and spent thirteen months in Andersonville
Prison. He was then exchanged and continued his service in the Union Army.
This misfortune of his capture was the only one that he met with in the war, as he
came through from first to last unscathed. He afterwards became a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic and was prominently identified with this organization's
interests up to the time of his death. Upon his return to Pennsylvania, he entered
business life there and was elected treasurer of Armstrong county. In I868 or I86c_
he engaged in the oil business at Parker, Pennsylvania, and remained in this line for
four or five years, taking part in the building of the Low Grade Railroad, which extends along Red Bank Creek. He then went to New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where
he established a foundry. About I8go Mr. Hamilton removed to the town of Apollo,
Pennsylvania, where he opened a successful plumbing business and then, not long
after. came to Vandergrift, where he was one of the first to start in business and
5i8BIOGRAPHICAL
took a vital part in the development of that prdgressive community. Besides his
business interests, Mr. Hamilton was also associated with a number of important
financial concerns in the community and at his death was second vice-president of the
Saving  Trust Company of Vandergrift.  He was also interested in the Point
Casino Company. Mr. Hamilton was a very religious man and one of those who
was most largely responsible for the building of the Presbyterian church in Vandergrift. He was a member of the same church and very active in its affairs, serving
it as a trustee for many years.'He was also, active in many other departments of the
community's life and particularly in connection with its industrial development. He
was a national officer of the American Insurance Union and was one of its organizers.
He served for a period of nine years as postmaster of Vandergrift, being first appointed by President Roosevelt.
Samuel Wier Hamilton married, March I7, I868, Jennie C. Cochrane, of Pine
township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of William and Mary (Quigley) Cochrane, old and highly respected residents of that region. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hamilton four children have been born, as follows:  I. John B., superintendent of
the money order department in Greensburg, assistant postmaster at Vandergrift and
later post office inspector. 2. Allison A., manager of the S. W. Hamilton Company for
a time; then gave up business and moved to Vandergrift, where he is now residing;
married Maud Nesbit, a daughter of the Rev. D. K. Nesbit, of Peoria, Illinois, by
whom he has had two children, Pauline and David Nesbit. 3. M. Lenore, now the
wife of Dr. W. J. Carnahan. 4. Anabel, who resides with her mother.
Among the successful and prominent business men of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, in the generation just passed, the name of Samuel Wier Hamilton stands out
as an example of one whose entire career was followed with the most scrupulous concern for the rights and interests of others, who never wittingly harmed a fellow, even
a rival in business, and who left behind him an unsullied reputation and a feeling of
loss which extended to all those who had ever come into contact with him, even the
most remotely. His death marked the end of a career in all respects of value to his
immediate family and the community at large.
JACK  F. McINTIRE-The McIntire family, which is represented to-day in
the person of Jack F. McIntire, the popular and efficient ex-burgess of Vandergrift,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest and most highly respected
in this region of the country. It was founded in Westmoreland county by one Edgar
McIntire, the grandfather of the Mr. McIntire of this sketch, who settled here in
pioneer days. He was of Scotch-Irish stock, a native of the north of Ireland, coming to America in young manhood. His son, John Edgar McIntire, was the father
of Jack F. McIntire. John Edgar McIlntire attended the old Meadville Academy and
began his career as a teacher in the schools of Armstrong county. Not long afterwards, however, he purchased a farm just opposite the location of the present town
of Vandergrift. In I87I he removed from this place to the town of Apollo, about
two miles distant, where he remained up to within about two years of his death. These
two years, however, were spent at Vandergrift, where he eventually died at the age
of seventy-nine years. He was the owner of two excellent farms and was a prominent
man in the community. He served for some years as a justice of the peace and was
also a member of the school board. He was a member of the Presbyterian church
and was very active in advancing the cause of this body in the community. He was
married to Susanna Jack, who was a descendant of the pioneer Jack family of Western Pennsylvania. She died about four years before her husband. They were the
parents of four sons, all of whom grew to manhood, as follows: S. M., who is now
a newsdealer in the town of Wilkinsburg; F. N., who is engaged in the tinning business at Vandergrift; Jack F., of further mention; and H. Ni., who practiced law for
519OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
a time at Apollo, and later removed to Muskegon, Michigan, where he became district attorney, and eventually went to Chicago, where his death occurred at the age
of fifty-five years.
Jack F. McIntire was born on his father's farm near Vandergrift, September 6,
I867. His educational advantages were distinctly meagre, and at the age of fifteen
years he entered the employ of.the Apollo Iron 'Steel Works, and continued his
connection therewith for seven years after its removal to Vandergrift, when it became the American Sheet  Tin Plate Company. He continued to work with the company after this event, although his residence was still maintained in Apollo, about two
and a half miles distant. About I905, however, he came to Vandergrift to live and
makes his home there at the present time. Mr. Mclntire was the last man to turn
out sheet iron in the old Apollo mill, from which the niachinery was gradually removed, and the first to turn out the finished product at the new Vandergrift mill.
For Mr. Mclntire Mr. George McMurtry, who was the soul of the great enterprise,
ever evinced a warm interest and invited him to see the first piece of structural work
to bhe set in place when the Vandergrift mill was first started. Mr. McIntire continued in the pre department for some years, and was finally appointed superintendent
of the cold rolling department, in which capacity he had some seventy-five men under
him, and in which he has done most valuable and efficient work. He gained his responsible post by dint of hard work and consistent application to his duty, and has
worked up through every step, until now he is one of the most trusted employees of
the great concern. For many years Mr. McIntire has been a prominent man in the
communities where he has chosen to reside. While still in Apollo he served on the
City Council, and in the year I914g he was chosen by an overwhelming majority as
burgess of Vandergrift. During this period the section known as Vandergrift Heights
was annexed to the city, as was also the locality known as Park Place. The council
of burgesses passed an ordinance to employ a city manager, who was secured, and he
entered upon his new duties when an injunction carried the question to the District
Court and the ordinance was there declared unconstitutional. Mr. McIntire has always felt a keen interest in the welfare of the employees of the mill, and especially
of those who work under his direction, and has advocated many measures which
would without doubt improve their condition. Many of the men who worked there
are of foreign birth and not a few of them are almost totally unfamiliar with the
English language, and it has been his desire to give them every facility possible to
learn the tongue of their adopted land with the idea of increasing and crystallizing
their conception of Americanism and the duties of the American citizen. He has
been largely responsible for the movement looking to the establishment of night
schools for the foreign born of Vandergrift. His proposals have not by any means
all been carried out, but a start has been made which promises well for the future.
He has always been intersted in athletics, outdoor sports and pastimes of every
description, feeling that these things are calculated to improve our citizenship alike
mentally and physically, not only directly in the persons of those who take part in
them in this generation, but indirectly in their children in generations to come. Every
movement to encourage this kind of exercise has met with his hearty approval and
he has done much himself in this connection. Through his personal interest in the
matter the seasons of Hallowe'en and Christmas have become periods of good cheer
and wholesome, innocent sport for the youth of the community in general, and are now
free from all disturbing events and are such that all the better elements of the  community gladly participate therein.  A municipal Christmas tree, loaded with many
hundreds of presents, is now a fixed institution in the commnunity, and under Mr.
McIntire's supervision is a gathering place for every child, for whom indeed he occupies the place of a veritable Santa Claus.
Jack F. McIntire was married, December 24, 1897, to Elizabeth McAllister, of
520BIOGRAPHICAL
Oil City, Pennsylvania. Mrs. McIntire is a daughter of Colonel John B. McAllister
and Margaretta Elizabeth (Rice) McAllister. Colonel McAllister served as colonel
of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Civil War. Following the Wvar he
finished his law studies and was admitted to the bar. He served as county attorney
of Venango county and practiced for many years at Oil City, Pennsylvania. Mr. and
Mrs. Mclntire are the parents of the following children: Jack F., Jr., class of I1T8
of the Vandergrift High School; Ralph W. and Lillian M., students at the present
time in the Vandergrift High School.
Jack F. Mclntire brought to the shaping of his career a very happy and unusual
combination of characteristics which won for him his success as a business man and
his still greater success as a man. Underlying the rest of his personality and serving
as the surest and most imperishable foundation for it was that strong, practical morality that has so distinguished the hardy race of which he is a descendant.- His philanthropy is great and springs from the sincere kindness of his heart, which embraces
all men in its regard, and from the culture and enlightenment of his mind which
gives intelligence and definite direction to his natural altruism. Closely correlated to
this is his sturdy democracy of outlook, a democracy not incompatible with a healthy
pride in the long line of worthy forebears. In spite of his strong social instincts, he
is a man of intense domestic feelings who takes his greatest pleasure in the intimate
relations of the home and family, and makes himself beloved by those who are thus
closely associated with him. He has many friends and among them, as in the community at large, he exerts a powerful influence which is always wielded on the side
of right and justice.
SCULL FAMILY-The Scull family is one of the most ancient in English history, its origin is undoubtedly Scandinavian and the early progenitors were settled in
Normandy, doubtless having been among the sturdy Norse followers of the early
dukes of that region. The name was brought to England in the train of William the
Conqueror by one Sir John Scull, who is recorded to have been one of the twelve
Norman Knights who followed Bernard Nemarch, who, by some, is supposed to
have been a natural brother of King William Rufus. This party of warriors went
to Wales and there conquered a part of the country known as Brecknockshire, and
the lands which they took possession of were afterwards bestowed upon them by their
leader. To the share of Sir John Scull fell the two manors of Bolgood and Crai and
these names afterwards were united to designate his entire estate, which was for
many years known as Bolgood Crai. Here the gallant Sir John, following the custom
of that time, built him a strong castle, of which, however, all traces have now disappeared.  On the site which tradition allots to this ancient keep now  stands the
modern residence of Sir John Powell, a distinguished attorney of those parts. Tradition also states that Sir John Scull was buried in the battle aisle of the abbey and
priory of Brecon, and in the Church of St. John the Evangelist in that town where
is to-day a tomb bearing the following inscription: "Here lyeth the body of John
William Skwl, paternally descended of Sir John Skwl, Knight," together with various
details of his life.
- From this progenitor the family seems to have spread to various parts of Great
Britain, onre branch of it having passed over to Ireland, where'there is a large town
and parish by the name of Scull in the County of Cork. One branch of the, family
bore the following arms: A scull impaling a bend between six dophons naiant. One
of the members of the family, who achieved farme for himself and his name was
Sir Walter Scull, well known in connection with the W\ars of the Roses about I460,
and who had, as his arms: Gules abend, boided of the field between six lions' heads
erased or. Sir WValter Scull married the heiress of Sit John Beauchant, and lived
until his death at Holt Castle, about seven miles from the City of Worcester. A
52IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
part of this very ancient hold is still standing and dates back probably for six or
seven hundred years. There is a well preserved tower and part of the old battlemented*walls still standing, while about them has grown up a farm house with a
spacious hall. It is now a portion of the estate of the Earl of Dudley, there being
eight hundred acres attached to the ancient building. We find many spellings of this
name in various parts of Great Britain, all doubtless having their derivation from
the ancient Norse Skule which was sometimes used as a name among that warlike
people. We find, for instance, one Jean Schuyl, who fled to the Hagge about I630
and was an active merchant there. Again we find the name spelled Schowl, Schol,
Scol, Sculle, Scule and even so different a version as that of Scholt.
The progenitor of the family in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was Nicholas Scull, who is believed to have belonged to the Irish branch, as we have a record
of Edward Scull, who seems to have been his younger brother, being apprenticed in
I706 to John Dennis, of Cork, Ireland. Nicholas Scull came to this country in the
good ship "Bristol" and landed at the port of Philadelphia in I686, on the tenth day
of September. He was evidently a man of substance as he brought with him seven
servants. Some months later he joined his brother, John Scull, who had just reached
the "New World" and they became members of William Penn's Colony. These two
brothers were associated with one Major Jasper Farmer, of County Cork, Ireland,
who also came over in the "Bristol," in the management of eight thousand acres of
land situated about ten miles from Philadelphia at the place now known as Whitemarsh. Nicholas Scull had a number of children, many of whom settled in the
southern part of New Jersey and there is a branch as far south a$ Hartford county,
North Carolina, which the balance of evidence would have descended from him.
His son, Nicholas (2) Scull, remained in Pennsylvania and held the office of surveyor general of the province of that name. He was a man of unusual ability and
intelligence and was an intimate friend of Benjamin Franklin. He is referred to
by that great man in speaking of the Junta Club as "a young man who sometimes
made verses."  In addition to his duties as surveyor general of Pennsylvania, Nich~olas Scull and his brother frequently acted as interpreters at councils held between
the Pennsylvania proprietors and the various Indian nations. He it was who was
present on behalf of the Government of the Provirce at the famous "Indian Walk."
He married Abigail Heap, and died in I76I.
Among the nine children born to him by his wife was Jasper Scull, who removed
to the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, where he married and reared a family.
His son, John Scull, was possessed in large measure of the pioneering spirit of his
ancestors, and leaving Reading, made his way through the wilderness to the site
upon which now  stands the city of Pittsburgh, then a mere frontier post.  The
growth of the place was very rapid, however, and some few years after his arrival
there, in I786, John Scull and Joseph Hall established the "Pittsburgh Gazette," the
first newspaper published west of the Allegheny mountains. It is interesting to note
that this paper was a staunch supporter of the administration of George Washington.
He was also the first postmaster of Pittsburgh and president of one of the earliest
banks established there. His latter life was spent on the Brush Hill farm, where he
died. He married Polly (Mary) Irwin, a daughter of Colonel John Irwin, of Westmoreland county, for whom the present town of Irwin is named.
Among the several children born to them was John Irwin Scull, whose birth occurred in I790o. John Irwin Scull was educated at Princeton College, where he read
law, and afterwards returned to Pittsburgh where he was admitted to the bar. He
did not pursue the practice of this profession, however, but succeeded his father in
the editorship of the "Pittsbugh Gazette." He it was that founded that branch of the
family which has been associated for so many years with Westmoreland county,
where. during the latter part of his life. he went to make his home on the Brush Hill
522BIOGRAPHICAL
ried Henry Byers, of Grapeville, Pennsylvania; Eliza, who married Andrew Machesney, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; James, who married Elizabeth Hanna, of Pleasant
Unity, Pennsylvania; Joseph W., who married Malinda Brechbill, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; John, who married'Susan Geiger, of Beatty, Pennsylvania; Margaret, who
became Mrs. James M. Steel, of Salem township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania;
Mary, who became Mrs. Henry T. Hanna, of Smithton, Pennsylvania; Martha, who
became the wife of Major David F. Mechling, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; William,
of whom more later. All are now deceased. John Steel married (second) August 6,
I846, Mary Byers, of which marriage there was no issue. He died April 22, I860, was
buried in the Congruity Presbyterian graveyard, mourned by very many friends who
had during their long association with him grown to appreciate his sterling qualities.
His life was filled with creditable business effort, and he was reputed to have been one
of the largest landowners of his county.
William Steel, youngest child of John and Martha (Walker) Steel, and father of
Judge. Steel, was born on the Mount Pleasant farm of the family, on October I, I833.
Two years later the family moved to Hannastown, and there he spent his entire life.
Much interested in agriculture and in the improvement of blooded stock, Westmoreland
people owe to him the introduction into the county of short-horn cattle, of which he
became an extensive breeder, importing and breeding also pure-bred horses, to obtain
the famous Clydesdale stock of which he made two trips to Scotland. Though a man
of substance, owning valuable agricultural land on the original farm, to which he added
considerably by purchase of adjoining tracts during his lifetime, and holding also valuable real estate and coal land in the vicinity, he lived the simple life of a gentleman
farmer, and devoted his time mainly to the selection and improvement of blooded cattle
and horses, and efficiency in farming generally, with such success that he became recognized as an authority on such matters. William Steel married, April 3, I86o, Sarah
Jane Brown, daughter of Thomas Oliver and Nancy (Beattie) Brown. Theiir union
extended to within three years of that in which they would have celebrated their golden
wedding, Mrs. Steel's decease not occurring until March 25, I9o6, she being at that time
seventy-one years of age, forty-seven of which had been spent in the love of her husband and children. She became the mother of eleven children, successfully rearing all,
and all of whom, with one exception, survived her when she was reverently laid in her
last resting place at' New Alexandria cemetery, Pennsylvania. The children of William
and Sarah J. (Brown) Steel were all born on the historic "Hannastown Farm;" nearly
all of them in the handsome residence erected by their father, William Steel, in I866-67.
They are as follows: John Byers, of whom further; Mary Herron, who became the
wife of George N. Coleman, of Edgewood, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Eliza Martha, who married Samuel C. Patterson, of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania; Agnes
Beattie, wife of George S. Barnhart, near Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Helen Milligan
(Mrs. Samuel O. Hugus), of Unity township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania;
Margaret Elder, who married Samuel B. Moore, near Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Clara
Malinda, unmarried, and who resides at home; William  Oliver, deceased; Joseph
Walker, who manages the "Home Farm;" Sarah Jane, who lives at home; and Henrietta Marie, who became the wife of L. Albert Nichols, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
Judge Steel's antecedents on the maternal side are also Scotch-Irish. The Brown
family crossed over from Scotland to Ireland with other Covenanters, because of the
Confiscation Act of King James' government, and settled in County Donegal, on the
northern coast of Ireland. Matthew Brown, from whom Judge Steel is in the seventh
generation of descent, through his mother, nee Sarah J. Brown, was a captain in
Colonel George Walker's famous Derry regiment, of memorable record for its achievements at the siege of Londonderry and at the battle of the Boyne. His sword is a
priceless family heirloom, and is now in the possession of Howard and William Brown,
of Pittsburgh, two of his descendants. William Brown, a noted Covenanter of Pax-.37BIOGRAPHICAL
farm  near Irwin, where his descendants still reside.  He married Anna Bonnett
Spencer; a daughter of Robert Spencer, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and, died at
an early age in the year 1826, at Brush Hill farm, buried in what is now Union cemetery. His widow and the following children survived him: Edward, Spencer F.,
George R., and Anna M.
Edward Scull, his -son, was engaged early in life in various mercantile pursuits,
but he afterwards read law with the Hon. Edgar Cowan, of Greensburg. Like his
father, however, he seems to have done very little in this profession, and removed in
I845 to Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he established the "Somerset Whig,"
and took an active interest in the politics of that region. He was an elector on the
first Republican ticket in I856 and afterwards served in the same capacity. He held
several important offices in Somerset county, among them that of prothonotary and
collector of internal revenue for the Sixteenth District of Pennsylvania to which he
was appointed by President Lincoln and re-appointed by Presidents Grant and Harrison. He married Sarah Marchand, a daughter of Daniel Marchand, of Westmoreland county, and of this marriage two daughters were born, Emily C., who married
Captain John H. Boyts, of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and Sarah S., who-makes
her home in Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Scull died some time prior to T845, in
which year Edward Scull renioved to Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he married
Louise Ogle, a daughter of General Alexander Ogle, of Somerset county. Of this
second marriage the following children were born: John Irwin, Anna Bonnett,
Charles Ogle, Edward Blaine, George Ross, Charlotte Ogle, Robert Spencer, Mary
Ogle, Abbie, Darlie Forward, Oden Hugart and Louise Ogle. Mr. Scull lived to
an advanced age, his death eccurring July 7, I9oo, at Somerset, and is buried there.
Spencer F. Scull, the second son of John Irwin and Anna Bonnett (Spencer)
Scull, became interested at an early age in navigation on the Ohio river and served
on various occasions as clerk of supercargo and captain of the craft which plied
between various ports on that great waterway, a number of his trips taking him between Pittsburgh and the southern cities of New Orleans and Mobile. When the
construction of railroads throughout the country diverted the traffic from the river,
Mr. Scull devoted himself to various railroad enterprises and was successively general passenger and ticket agent of the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati and St. Louis Railway
and of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He was a skillful accountant and a
personal friend of the great war secretary, Edwin M. Stanton. Mr. Stanton sought
Mr: Scull's services in re-organizing his department during the Civil War. Mr.
Scull was married to Amanda G. Bird, of Baltimore, and died at Pittsburgh, March
2I, I896, buried in Homewood cemetery.
George R. Scull, the third son of John Irwin and Anna Bonnett (Spencer) Scull,
continued to reside all his life on the old Scull estate at Brush Hill, Westmoreland
county, and was buried in Union cemetery. He was prominently identified with the
coal industry in that part of the State and held successively the positions of paymaster and superintendent of the Westmoreland Coal Company..He married Isabel
Warren, a daughter of Joseph Warren, of Detroit, Michigan, and to this union, the
following children were born: Joseph Warren, at the present time purchasing agent
of the Pressed Steel Car Company; George R., at present residing in Irwin; Frank,
who married John M. Stauffer, of Scottdale, Pennsylvania; Isabel, who married
Goldwin Starratt, of New York; Alice, Amy and Shirley, who make their home on
the old Brush Hill farm.
JAMES ALFRED  STICKEL  James A. Stickel, one of the best known and
most enterprising real estate men in the region of Vandergrift, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, is a native of Fayette county, born July Io, I866.  He is a son of
Edward E. Stickel, and a grandson of George Stickel, who settled at what was then
523OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
known as Stickel's Hollow and now as Washington's Run, about two miles north
of the position of an old mill which had been built there in Colonial times by George
Washington and the remains of which still existed within the recollection of James
A. Stickel.  Edward E. Stickel was a successful brick contractor, and in I879 removed from Pennsylvania to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he died in the year 1882.
He left a widow and five children, of whom James A. Stickel was the oldest and the
only son, and the family returned to Pennsylvania.
At the age of sixteen years Mr. Stickel, who had received but a very meagre education, began active work, and having learned something of the bricklayer's trade
from  his father, he turned his attention in this direction.  He secured work as a
bricklayer, but did not continue in this line very long, finding employment instead in
the great coal mines of Fayette county. Here he'remained for a period of about
nine years, during which time he supported his mother and sisters, and generally cared
for the family. In the year igo,I he came to Vandergrift, which since that time has
remained his home, and here secured a position as bricklayer for the American Sheet
and Tin Plate Company, working thus for three years. In I904 he secured a position
with the Prudential Life Insurance Company, making arrangements to represent
them as solicitor in that region. Unusually apt and intelligent, Mr. Stickel was rapidly
promoted to the position of assistant district superintendent, a position which he held
from I905 to I912. During the time that he had been so occupied, the business of
the Prudential Company in that region more than doubled and he was justly regarded by the concern as one of its most capable and valuable agents. Not only has
he been extremely successful in writing new business on his own account, but has exercised unusual judgment in selecting new agents to work under him, both achievements being undoubtedly due to his keen understanding of human nature and his
judgment of men. Mr. Stickel, feeling not entirely satisfied with the scope of his
business, engaged in I9II in the real estate line and opened an office where the two
were carried on simultaneously until June, I912. At the same time he entered into
partnership with Mr. R. M. Strawn, of Avonmore, Pennsylvania. This association
continued about four years, and on May IO, 1915, Mr. Stickel purchased his partner's
interest and since that time has conducted it alone. He is now the representative of
ten of the leading fire insurance companies in the country and is agent also for the
Pittsburgh Life Insurance Company in that region. His business in both branches
has by this time grown to very large proportions and is the result of much self denial
and constant attention on the part of Mr. Stickel. He may now look with justifiable
pride upon the result of his earlier struggles, which have placed him in a position of
prominence among his fellow citizens of Vandergrift. Besides acting as an agent,
Mr. Stickel has also invested in real estate on his own account and is now the owner
of several valuable town properties. He is also interested in the coal business and
was the organizer anid president of the Stickel Coal Company.
Mr. Stickel has been equally active in the public life of Vandergrift as in his personal business and is a conspicuous figure in local affairs. In January, I9I1, he was
chosen a member of the city council, and in December, 1912, was appointed justice of
the peace to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of W. H. Bartley, later deceased.
At the expiration of this term, Mr. Stickel was elected, January I, I9I4, to the same
position for a term of six years, in which he is at the present time serving. In the
year I898 Mr. Stickel enlisted in Company D, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National
Guard, and was at once given the rank of sergeant. On June 20, I899, he was advanced to first sergeant, being at that time with his regiment at Manilla. He saw
active service at the battle of Malate, January 3I, 1898, and took part in the assault
which captured the city of Manilla, August I3, I898. From February 4, I899, to the
following June, he was engaged with the regiment in the arduous campaign that ended
at the fall of Malolos. The regiment was mustered out of service in San Francisco,
524BIOGRAPHICAL
August 22, I899, and upon Mr. Stickel's return to Connellsville he received a commission as first lieutenant. He served for one more year in his regiment and then came
to Vandergrift, as has been mentioned above, where his remarkable career in business
has taken place. Mr. Stickel is prominent in the fraternal world of Vandergrift, and
is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Knights of Pythias.
On August 26, i891, James A. Stickel was united in marriage with Mary Snyder,
daughter of Peter and Nancy Snyder, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and
Mrs. Stickel two children have been born, as follows: I. 1,. Beryl, who is now the
wife of T. E. Shaffer, and the mother of four children; they reside at Vandergrift,
and Mr. Shaffer is employed in one of the mills there. 2. Sarah E., who became the
wife of Clifford Haynes, of Apollo, Pennsylvania, and died May 2, I915, when only
twenty-one years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Haynes were the parents of one child, William  Alfred Haynes, who now resides with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Stickel.
Mr. Stickel and all the members of his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church,
and he has been very active in advancing its interests in the community. He is an
ardent advocate of all outdoor sports and pastimes and spends his own vacations in
hunting and fishing in the woods and streams of Western Pennsylvania.
PAUL TRAUGER KAMERER-The Kamerer family, of which Paul Trauger
Kamerer, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is the representative, is one of the most ancient
in the western part of Pennsylvania, where it was founded by Mr. Kamerer's greatgreat-grandfather. This first member of the family came from Frederick county,
Maryland, in I77o, and settled in Hempfield township, where he was among the early
pioneers. His fellow-settlers were the founders of the Cline, Detar, I)rum, Mechling,
Turney, Walthour and Byerly families. It is not known whether he was the immigrant
ancestor in this country or not, but the family was of German origin, as indeed were
most of the earlier settlers, and thus was laid that foundation of German thrift and
industry which has been so firm a base for the building up of the great industrial development of Western Pennsylvania. The son of the original settler in WVestmoreland county, and great-grandfather of the Mr. Kamerer of this sketch, was Adam
Kamerer, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and came with his father,
Lewis Kamerer, to Westmoreland county in I770. Here he married a Miss Smith and
it was through their son, Joseph, that the line which we are concerned with was
carried.
Joseph Kamerer was born July I4, 1803, and was an exceedingly prominent figure
in the community. He was a very successful farmer, and took an active part in
politics on the Democratic side. He was identified with the German Reformed church
and did much to advance the cause thereof in the community. He amassed, by dint of
hard work and thrift, a very considerable fortune, which he left at his death to his descendants. His death occurred April 6, I85I, and he was survived by his wife a number of years. He married, January 4, I827, Elizabeth Smith, who was born December
I6, I8o6, and died October I7, 1879. She was a daughter of Simon Smith, who was of
German descent and a soldier in the War of I8I2. Mrs. Kamerer was also descended
from the well-known Whitehead family, who were pioneer settlers in the neighborhood
of Irwin station, in Westmoreland county. Joseph Kamerer and his wife were the
parents of nine children, among whom were Joseph W. B. Kamerer, the father of the
Mr. Kamerer of this sketch, and who was himself one of the best known and most
popular physicians in that part of the county.
Joseph W. B. Kamerer, M. D., was born September 29, I845, about three-quarters
of a mile east of Penn Station, in Hempfield (now Penn) township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the local common schools and the
Irwin and Harrison City Academies. In addition to these advantages he took special
525OLD AND NEVW WESTMORELAND
lessons in languages, under a private tutor, and upon attaining his majority he commenced the study of medicine, having determined to take up this profession as his
career in life and at first pursued them under the preceptorship of Dr. J. M. Stevenson,
of Adamsburg, Pennsylvania. Later he matriculated at Jefferson Medical College, of
Philadelphia, and was graduated from this famous institution on March I2, I87I, with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He began the practice of his profession immediately after his graduation, choosing Larimer's Station, Westmoreland county, as a
location. Here he met with considerable success, but only remained for a little more
than a year.. In I873 he went to Penn Station and spent a similar period at that place,
and finally, in I874, came to Greensburg. Here Dr. Kamerer remained in active practice up to the time of his death which occurred January I3, 90o2, and he here established a most enviable reputation and worked up a large and high-class practice. He
was prominent in many other departments of life besides that directly connected with
his professional career. He was a Mason and was affiliated with a number of fraternal
and social organizations in the community. In politics he was an adherent of the
Democratic party, believing firmly in its principles and policies, while in religion he
was a member of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Kamerer was married, July 24, I879,
to Miriam E. Trauger, a daughter of Solomon and Maria (Jamison) Trauger. Mrs.
Kamerer's maternal great-great-grandfather, Francis Jamison, came to this country
from County Antrim, Ireland, in I764. Her father owned and lived the greater part
of his life on a farm which was part of a tract called Sewickley Manor, owned by her
great-grandfather, George Lose, and ceded to him by the attorney of John Penn, the
Younger, and John Penn, the Elder, of Philadelphia, in I793. They were the parents
of but one child, Paul Trauger Kamerer.
Born April 28, 1883, only son of Dr. Joseph W. B. and Miriam  E. (Trauger)
Kamerer, Paul Trauger Kamerer received his early education in the public schools of
his native city of Greensburg. Subsequently he took a preparatory course in the Pennsylvania State College, where he afterwards matriculated. He graduated from the
latter institution with the class of I906, taking the degree of Bachelor of Science, and
later on, after submitting a satisfactory thesis, received the degree of Electrical Engineer.  Immediately following his graduation in I9o6, he entered the service of the
Westinghouse Electric Company at Pittsburgh in the capacity of apprentice, in which
position he remained for about six months. Part of this period was spent in working
on meters and instruments and upon its completion he was transferred to the Baltimore office of the same concern. He remained in that division until the year I9o8 and
then, in the autumn, withdrew entirely from the Westinghouse Company and entered
the employ of the West Penn Power Company. Here he worked in the transmission
department, still giving his attention to meters and instruments. He was also, however, called upon to do construction work, and in the month of January, I9I6, was
appointed superintendent of laboratories, with complete charge of all meters and instruments. Mr. Kamerer, like his father before him, is a staunch Democrat in politics.
He is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and other engineering societies. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian and attends the church of
that denomination at Greensburg.
Paul Trauger Kamerer was united in. marriage, September 30, I9I6, with Georgina
Elizabeth Marks, a daughter of Wilson and Margaret (Struble) Marks, of Braddock,
Pennsylvania.
He has for the past two years made his home in Connellsville, Pennsylvania,.
which city is the operating headquarters of the West Penn Power Company.
JOHN B. TEMPLE-John B. Temple, one of the progressive and successful
business men of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was born June 26,
I877, in that city. He is a son of Henry B. and Frances M. (Mathiott) Temple, his
526BIOGRAPHICAL
father having been a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, where he established a fine record for gallantry and devotion. Mr. and Mrs. Temple were the
parents of another son, Henry H., born June II, I88I; educated in the common
schools, and now associated with his brother, John B.; married Emily Kendall, of
Reading, Pennsylvania; children: Charles and Robert.
His son, John B. Temple, has made Greensburg his home up to the present time.
It was there thaf he was educated, attending the local public schools for this purpose,
and it was there that his childhood and youth were spent. Upon attaining his majority,
Mr. Temple purchased a one-fourth interest in the hardware business which had been
established in Greensburg by his father in I879. He remained actively engaged as a
junior partner until the death of the elder man, which occurred September 3, I914.
After this event Mr. Temple, in association with his brother, Henry H. Temple, purchased the entire interest of the concern and they have since that time conducted'a most
prosperous and successful business under the name of the Temple Hardware Co.mpany. They are among the most substantial merchants of Greensburg, and as their
success has been due exclusively to the hard work and intelligent foresight which they
have introduced into the business it is entirely deserved. Mr. Temple is a staunch
supporter of Republican principles and policies and has taken no little part in the conduct of local affairs. Tn I9I4 he was elected a member of the common- council of
Greensburg and was very active in the transactions of that body during his term. A
Lutheran in religious belief, he is affiliated with the First Lutheran Church of Greensburg and has been active in advancing its cause in the community.
John B. Temple was united in marriage, September i6, 1902, with Jennie Zimmerman, a daughter of Jacob F. and Annie M. (Blank) Zimmerman. They are the parents of four children, as follows: Jack Mathiott, born February 21, I904; Kathleen
Zimmerman, born August II, I9o6; Dorothy Jean, born April 5, I9go; and Frances
Virginia, born April I4, I9I4.
Mr. Temple is a man of the greatest energy and is connected with most of the
movements undertaken for the advancement of the community. He is highly publicspirited, and is always ready to give whatever aid he can to such enterprises, either in
the way of money or effort. He is instrumental in stimulating the industrial development of the city in a large measure, sparing no, pains to this end. He is a man of the
highest principles, of unimpeachable integrity, and an unfailing sense of justice.
J. B. ("MIKE") MOORE-There is always something impressive in tracing
through a long line of descent the perseverance of strong and able traits of character,
showing themselves perennial, ever recurrent in each generation, without a missing
link in the chain, and giving the most indisputable evidence of the power of a strong
and healthy stock to project its virtues across the lapse of years and awaken in distant
times and amidst the most diverse circumstances the spirit that in bygone years has
animated the blood. Such is conspicuously the case with the distinguished Moore
family of Pennsylvania, which since the early Colonial period, when its progenitor
severed his connections with the land of his birth and came to dwell in the free wilderness of the "New World," has exhibited uninterruptedly those sterling qualities that
have for so long been associated with the highest type of Pennsylvanian manhood.
J. B. ("Mike") Moore was born at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, a son of William M.
and Mary A. (Kelley) Moore, old and highly honored residents of Westmoreland
county. A sketch of Mr. Moore, Sr., appears elsewhere in this work. The early
education of "Mike" Moore was received in the local common schools of his native
region, but he abandoned his studies at these institutions at an early age and turned
his attention to the business of making a living. He secured a position with the Keystone Coke and Coal Company, and for about eight years was employed as a coal
miner in the works of this concern. The seven years following he workea for the
527OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
West Penn Traction Company as motorman and conductor, after which he spent
another year with the Brown Ketchum Company, employed in their steel works. On
September I, I9o9, Mr. Moore entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Collins
S. Sheffler, with whom he opened a store, under the firm name of Moore  Sheffler.
After one year of successful business, he purchased his partner's interest and has since
that time conducted the business alone. The establishment is one of the largest general
meat and grocery stores in the entire community. Mr. Moore is correctly regarded as
one of the most substantial business men and merchants of Greensburg and has done
much for the development of the material interests of that place. He is actively identified with many aspects of the community's life, and is a prominent figure in the social
and fraternal circles of Greensburg. He is a member of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World and is also affiliated with the Knights of Malta. He is a Presbyterian in his religious belief and attends divine service at the United Presbyterian
church of Greensburg.
James B. Moore was united in marriage, December I2, I9o6, at New Alexandria,
Pennsylvania, with Anna Mary Sheffler, of New Alexandria, a daughter of William
A. and Sarah (McKowen) Sheffler. - To Mr. and Mrs. Moore three children have been
born, as follows: Ruth M., December I, I907; Donald W., July 8, i90o; Elizabeth,
October 5, 1914.
Mr. Moore is a man of very strong character, but a strength that is governed by
the keenest sense of honor and justice and tempered by gentleness to all those about
him. Of firm conviction, he yet preserves an open mind and no one is more ready to
listen to the ideas of other men or more tolerant of opinions that crosses his own. He
is very well read, and can talk with understanding on the widest range of subjects, his
conversation possessing a peculiarly truly democratic outlook upon life and is no
respecter of persons, the humblest finding him as easy o.f access and as sympathetic as
do the proudest. It is perhaps this characteristic that accounts for his popularity and
the host of devoted friends more than any other, for there is nothing that men more
value than this quality, and indeed nothing more worthy, approaching very closely to
the Christian virtue of charity. Although so well fitted to lead a public life, and with
all the quality that makes for success, the greatest happiness of Mr. Moore's life is
the intimate intercourse of his home and personal friends, and no one can show himself a more devoted and affectionate husband and father. There are few indeed who
come in contact with him, even though it is but casually, that do not feel drawn to
friendship, and there is no class in the city that does not feel a strong affection for him.
WILLIAM  M. MOORE-Beyond doubt one of the oldest Pennsylvania families
is that of Moore, which is represented to-day in Westmorelana county by two such
conspicuous figures as that of William M. Moore, the prominent coal and lumber
operator of Greensburg, and his son, James B. Moore, who is the subject of extended
mention elsewhere in this work.
The Moore family was founded in this country by one WVilliam  Moore, greatgrandfather of the present William  M. Moore, who came from  County Tyrone,
Ireland, early in the eighteenth century and settled in Pennsylvania. The first William Moore, according to a most creditable tradition, served in the Continental Army
during the Revolution, under General Washington. He was later of Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, and was there killed by Indians in the year I802. His son, James K.
Moore, grandfather of William  M. Moore, was born in Westmoreland county, or
rather in that portion of it which has since become Armstrong county. Here he followed the calling of farmer on lands which he had inherited from his father, but later,
in the year I846, went to Hancock, Ohio, then known by the name of Benton Ridge
and which has very recently taken the name of Findlay. His son, James W. Moore,
was born and reared in Armstrong county, where he followed the calling of his father
528BIOGRAPHICAI,
and was a f.armer for many years. During his time, however, the enormous possibilities inherent in the development of the coal industry of the State began to be apparent,
and Mr. Moore turned his attention in their direction, thus forming an association
between that industry and the name Moore, which has been preserved so conspicuously
down to the present. His operations in these two fields of endeavor were interrupted.
however, by the breaking out of hostilities between the'North and the South, and Mr.
Moore, like the true patriot that he was, at once took up arms in defense of the
imperiled union. He enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving for three months with that body, and then again with the Eighty-fourth
Regiment, with which he saw active service until the close of the war. He married
Diana Lambing and they were the parents of nine children, as follows: James K.,
Sarah E., who became the wife of David F. Bair; Andrew, Jacob, Christopher, John
S., David K., WVilliam M., and George B.
Born August 29, I862, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, William M. Moore
passed the first eighteen years of his life in his native region, and it was there that he
obtained his education at the local public schools. In the year i88o he removed to
Westmoreland county, and has made his home in that region ever since. He went
there in the first place in connection with the rapid development of the mining interests and has been since that time a prominent figure connected with promoting their
growth. He has also been interested in promoting the lumber business in that region
and now conducts a very large and prosperous business in both of these lines. He
makes his home in the city of Greensburg and is very active in the general life of the
community there.
William  M. Moore was united in marriage, October 26, I88o, with Mary A.
Kelley, of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Kelley, old and highly honored residents of that community. They are the parents of eight
children, as follows: James B., of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this work;
Andrew S., Harry D., Sarah J., Bessie May, who became the wife of O. C. Lunk;
Della E., William T., and Paul E.
Among the successful business men of the region a high place is undoubtedly due
to William B. Moore, whose career from the outset has been successful in the best
sense of the term, in that it has contributed to the welfare of the community as well
as to his own, which fact has placed him high in the regard of his fellow-citizens. Mr.
Moore is a fine type of citizen, combining in his character and personality in very happy
proportion the qualities of the practical business men with those of the public-spirited
altruist, whose thoughts are with the welfare of the community. It has been by his
own efforts that he has risen from the bottom to the position of one of Greensburg's
most eminent industrial leaders. He is frank and outspoken, a man whose integrity
has never been called in question, who can be and is trusted to keep the spirit as well
as the letter of every contract and engagement that he enters into. He is possessed
of the truly democratic instincts, easy of access to all men and as ready to lend his
ear to the humblest as to the proudest and most influential. He is one of the fine type
of citizens of whom Greensburg may well be proud.
D. ELMER RUFFNER-D. Elmer Ruffner, the enterprising and progressive
young business man of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, comes of a
family which for many years has resided in that State. It was early in the pioneer
days that his ancestors first arrived there, their origin having been a Germanic one,
so that the family forms one of the many which, coming from German stock, have
played an important part'in the development of this particular region of the country.
The annals of those of German birth, who coming to this country have here made a
W-34
529OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
home and won substantial success, contain a multitude of examples of strong character, sterling good sense and courage, not exceeded in number or quality among the
immigrants of any other country. Thousands upon thousands have come to the
United States without other asset than their own good will, who later were accorded
a place among the most respected and influential citizens of the several communities
of which they were members. The records of success are always interesting and they
are always edifying from one standpoint or another; talents, ability, always possess a
charm for the fancy, but it is when we see such powers pitted against difficulties apparently overwhelming and making head against the greatest odds that our -feelings are
most deeply aroused and we experience a warming of the heart at the perusal of deeds
which, whether they partake of the brilliant and spectacular or the patient, express
that essential manliness that humanity has always instinctively admired.
It was the great-grandfather of Mr. Ruffner who first came from  Germany and
settled in this country. He made his home in Derry township, being one o.f the earliest settlers in that region and helped to reclaim much of what is now good farm land
from the tl'en virgin wilderness. His son, Peter Ruffner, grandfather of D. Elmer
Ruffner, followed the occupation of farming all his life. He was. the father of four
children, three boys and one girl, as follows: Simon, John, Joseph A., the father of
D. Elmer Ruffner, and Elizabeth, who died early in life. Joseph A. Ruffner became
a prominent farmer in Westmoreland county. He married Mary A. Anderson, and
they became the parents of the following children: Laurence E., who is at the present time residing in Texas; Simon J., deceased; John P., a miner, who makes his
home at Fairhaven, Pennsylvania; Margaret, who became the Wyife of John Hefle, a
carpenter in Greensburg; James, who died in infancy; Thomas M., a miner, who
resides at Greensburg; Porter A., who follows the trade of steamfitter at Trafford,
Pennsylvania; D. Elmer, with whose career we are particularly concerned.
Born April 7, I884, in Unity township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, D.
Elmer Ruffner received his education at the local public schools, attending the institution known as Whites School House. His advantages in this direction were extremely
slender and ended when he was no more than twelve years old. At this age he abandoned his studies and for a time worked on his father's farm, where he learned the
details of this occupation and gained the robust health which has since been his
heritage. Somewhat later he apprenticed himself to a steamfitter and learned that
trade. He had also worked for a short time as a miner in the great coal mines of the
region, so that upon reaching young manhood he had already had experience in many
different lines of work. After learning the trade of steamfitting, he worked for a
time at that occupation, securing a position in the West Latrobe Foundry and Machine
Company, where he remained eleven years. He was of an extremely ambitious temperament, however, and for a long time cherished the desire to become independent.
This ambition he finally was able to gratify, when, on January I3, I913, he concluded
his service with the West Latrobe Foundry and Machine Company and embarked in
the plumbing and steamfitting business on his own account. Mr. Ruffner has met
with a most satisfactory success in this line, and has already succeeded in building up
the largest business of its kind in Greensburg. The future promises even more, as its
development seems to be progressing without interruption and at an accelerated pace.
Mr. Ruffner is a Catholic in his religious faith and attends the Most Holy Sacrament
Church in Greensburg. He is a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Columbus
and is also affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. He is a Democrat in politics,
but his business interests make so large a demand upon his time and energies that he
finds little opportunity to take that part in local affairs to which his inclinations urge
him and for which his talents fit him. Mr. Ruffner makes his home on North Pennsylvania avenue, where his charming dwelling is the scene of hospitable welcome to his
great host of friends.
Mr. Ruffner was united in marriage, October I, I9o8, with Rose V. Rising, a
530BIOGRAPHICAL
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Plausmacher) Rising, old and well-known residents
of Indiana county, where she was born. The Rising family has been well known in
that region for many years and occupies a very conspicuous place in its life. Mr. Rising is a veteran of the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruffner one child has been born,
Joseph D., January 28, I9I6. Besides their own child, they have adopted a little
daughter, Mary E. Ruffner.
Among all the distinguished and public-spirited citizens of which Greensburg,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, may boast, there is none more worthy of comment and respect than Mr. Ruffner, whose name is so intimately associated with the
development of that place. Indeed there is scarcely a department in the life of the
community that he has not been instrumental in moulding for the better, from the
purely industrial and financial interests to those of general enlightenment and culture.
The town owes him a debt of gratitude, not only for the business enterprise that must
of necessity react upon the general prosperity of the town in a favorable manner, but
also because during his entire career he always keeps its best interests at heart and
works quite as much for this impersonal object as he does for his own private success.
Such disinterestedness is the more noteworthy because in this day and generation it is
none too common.
J. WALTER MILES-A name as well known in professional circles as the one
we have just written requires no introduction in a work of this character. Not only
is Mr. Miles of assured standing as an engineer, but he is a loyal resident of his
native town of Irwin and is prominent in Masonic affairs as well as in church work
and benevolent enterprises.
Jonah Miles, grandfather of J. Walter Miles, was born in I8o6, near Llangollen,
North Wales, and at the age of twenty years emigrated with his parents to the United
States, settling in the neighborhood of Pittsburgh and there remaining until 1853. During these years Mr. Miles was engaged in developing the coal which had been discovered on his leased farm and in selling and delivering the coal to the leading residents
and principal manufacturers of Pittsburgh. In I853 he was sent by the firm of Coleman, Hailman  Company to Irwin to begin operations' on a new mine which was
the nucleus of the Westmoreland Coal Company.  Shortly after coming hither Mr.
Miles brought his family to Irwin, making his home here for the remainder of his life,
being numbered among the earliest residents. Until the time of his retirement from
business he was associated with the. Westmoreland Coal Company. Mr. Miles married
Sarah Jones, like himself a native of North Wales, and of the ten children born to
them four died in infancy. The following reached maturity: I. Mary, died in I864.
2. Thomas, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church and later a justice of
the peace in Irwin, where he resided continuously after the removal of the family
hither; during the Civil War he served in Company E, Fifth Regiment, Heavy Artillery; affiliated with Shidel Lodge, No. 6oi, Free and Accepted Masons, of Irwin, and
was a member of Kedron Commandery, No. I8, of Greensburg; he died in IgIo. 3.
William, mentioned below. 4. Joseph W., also mentioned below. 5. Sarah A. 6.
Emma. These two daughters now reside with their nephew, J. Walter Miles, in Irwin.
The death of Jonah Miles occurred in I89I, and that of his wife in I885. They came
to reside in Irwin before the completion of the Pennsylvania railroad and had witnessed the growth of the place and the expansion of its interests.
William Miles, son-. of Jonah and Sarah (Jones) Miles, was born in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and during the Civil War served side by side with his brother Thomas
in Company E, Fifth Regiment, Heavy Artillery; he married Elizabeth Elmina, daughter of Simon and Anna (Nelig) Lauffer, and their son, J. Walter, is the subject of
this review. William Miles died in I878.
Dr. Joseph W. Miles, son of Jonah and Sarah (Jones) Miles, was born in Pitts53IOld and New Westmoreland
JUDGE ALEXANDER DANIEL McCONNELL-(I) The first ancestor of
the McConnell family in Westmoreland county was John McConnell, who came to
Pennsvlvania from Dumfrieshire, Scotland. He settled on a farm of six hundred
acres in what is now Coleraine township, Lancaster (then Chester) county. A portion
of the farm is at present owned by one of his descendants, Dr. Abraham A. McConnell, of Philadelphia. John McConnell died in I754, leaving to survive him his widow
Elizabeth and five children: I. Alexander. 2. John. 3. Daniel (II). 4. Margaret,
wife of Andrew Allison. 5. Martha, wife of John Barclay.
(II) Daniel McConnell was born in I7IO, in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, and came
with his father to Lancaster county, where later he was united in marriage with Peggie
Kirkpatrick, a young woman of Scotch-Irish parentage. To them were born four sons
and three daughters: I. Samuel. 2. David (III). 3. Hugh. 4. Daniel. 5. Mary, wife
of James Clendenin. 6. Elizabeth, wife of       Walker. 7. Martha. Daniel McConnell (II) was a member of a Lancaster county company of Associators during the
American Revolution; and was elected court-martial man from his company. His sons,
Samuel, David and Hugh, were married to three sisters, who were daughters of Captain Thomas Whiteside, who lost an arm in the battle of Long Island. He was an
Englishman who came to Lancaster county in the eighteenth century, and who was
married there to Margaret Porter. To the Whitesides were born five daughters and
three sons. The three daughters who were married to the McConnell brothers, as
above stated, were named Rebecca, Martha and Viol'et. Samuel McConnell, the eldest
of the three McConnell brothers, married Violet, the youngest of the three Whiteside
sisters, while Hugh, the youngest of the brothers, married Rebecca, the eldest of' the
sisters. David McConnell married Martha Whiteside, who in the order of birth was
the third of the five daughters of Thomas and Mlargaret Whiteside. Most of the early
McConnells were Seceders, of the old type, while the Whitesides were Presbyterians.
In those days this difference in religious belief was regarded as a very substantial
matter, and the parents of the respective contracting parties in each case objected
seriously to the marriages on that account. But the marriages took place, nevertheless.
(III) David, second son of Daniel and Peggie Kirkpatrick McConnell, was born
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1764, and was married to Martha
Whiteside, as above stated, January Io, I788. They settled in Salem township, Westmoreland county, in I8oo. They had a family of twelve children: I. Margaret, wife of
Andrew Kincaid. 2. Prudence, wife of John Buchanan. 3. Mary (Polly), wife oif
Thomas Elder. 4. Daniel (IV). 5.'Martha, married (first) to George Stewart, and
(second) to James Marshall. 6. Violet, wife of James Power Smith. 7. Elizabeth,
died in infancy. 8. Thomas Whiteside. 9. David. Io. Hannah, wife of James Robinson. I I. Rebecca, wife of William Sterling Marshall. I2. Samuel. These children
nearly all located in Western Pennsylvania, where some of their descendants are still
to be found, though many of them are dispersed throughout all of the Northern and
Western States. They have engaged in a great variety of pursuits. Many of them
are business men, farmers and mechanics, though the various professional pursuits
have attracted the greater number  Among the latter are scores of teachers. At this
writing there are still living of David McConnell's lineal descendants, six ministers,
of whom the Rev. Samuel D. McConnell, D. D., LL. D., and the Rev. David McConnell Steel, of Philadelphia, are perhaps the most illustrious. There are eight lawyers,
w--1OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
tang settlement, the uncle of the Rev. Dr. Matthew Brown, for forty years the president of Washington College and Jefferson College, returned to Ireland in I773, and
returned with certain of his relatives and religious compatriots, among whom were the
Revs. Dobbin and Lynn, who afterwards founded an academy at Gettysburg, and
taught the first abolition doctrine on the very field where ninety years after, freedom
received her crowning laurel. The party landed at New Castle, Delaware, December
I3, 1773, chief amongst them, in this connection, being Matthew Brown, grandson of
Captain Brown, before mentioned. Matthew Brown (i) went inland, settling at Green
Castle, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, with his family, and there he died, survived by
his five children: David, great-grandfather of Judge Steel; John, Andrew, Samuel
and Mary.
David Brown married Margaret Oliver, whose mother was a daughter of the Rev.
Henry Erskine, of Cornhill, England, and Marion Halcro, of Orkney, Denmark, a
descendant of Halcro, Prince of Denmark. Her great-grandmother was of the Royal
House of Stewart, being Lady Stewart, daughter of Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney,
and son of James V., of Scotland. The present head bf the Stewart-Stuart family, in
the direct line, is the Marquis of Bute, the most extensive landowner in Great Britain,
and the owner of immense coal-producing tracts in the rich coalfields of South Wales.
Marion Halcro, wife of the Rev. Henry Erskine, who was of the historic Scottish
house of Erskine, was the heroine of the story (still told by her descendants and well
authenticated) of an escape from premature burial, her escape from a horrible death
by suffocation or starvation in the family vault coming through the ghoulish avarice
of the undertaker, who visited, and opened the vault the night of her burial so that he
might remove and purloin a valuable ring that she wore. Her awakening came with
the flow of blood from her finger which the man had cut. She afterwards became the
mother o'f two famous ministers, Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine, one of whom was the
author of "Erskine's Sermons" and founded the Seceder church. David Brown was
born July 13, T758, and died January 23, 1841. He took the oath of allegiance before
Humphrey Fullerton, a justice of Franklin county, the original certificate of which is
still in the possession of the family. He purchased in I8o2 the land now owned by
John Oliver Brown, his descendant, at the mouth of the White Thorn Run, near New
Alexandria, Pennsylvania. Here were born to David and Margaret (Oliver) Brown
six children: Mary, Thomas Oliver, maternal grandfather of Judge Steel; Elizabeth,
David, Margaret and James. David Brown was buried in the New Alexandria (Covenanter) churchyard, as was also his wife Margaret, who was born in I769, and died
June 26, I843. The family estate at their death was divided between their sons, Thomas
Oliver and James.
Thomas Oliver Brown, born February I5, I8oo, died June 8, I866, married (first)
Nancy Beattie, born I8oo, died November 8, I839, a sister of Maria Beattie, and granddaughter of William Beattie, of Knockbracken, near Belfast, Ireland, who came from a
family several of whose members had suffered banishment because of participation in
the rebellion of 1.798. The children of Thomas Oliver and Nancy (Beattie) Brown
were: Martha Welsh, David Oliver, Sarah Jane, mother of Judge Steel; Margaret
Erskine, Nancy Ann, Mary Elizabeth. Thomas Oliver Brown's second marriage was
to Sarah Patterson, who was born September 30, I8oI, died December 30, I857, of near
New Alexandria, and (third) Margaret Campbell, of near West Newton. By neither
of these unions, however, was there issue. He was buried, as was his first wife, in
the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter) churchyard at New Alexandria. All the
children of Thomas Oliver and Nancy (Beattie) Brown are now deceased, the last
surviving havinlg been Mrs. Sarah Jane Steel, who died March 25, I9o6.
John Byers Steel, the eldest child of William and Sarah Jane (Brown) Steel, was
born and reared in an environment most conducive of the development of the finest
and most manly traits. The simple, wholesome, honorable farm life of his parents,
38OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
burgh, Pennsylvania, received a common school education in Irwin, and later graduated at Duff's College, Pittsburgh. In I867 he united with the Methodist Episcopal
church in Irwin, and in the spring of I869 was admitted to the Pittsburgh Conference.
H-e then preached two years as a junior, spending one year at Adamsville, Ohio, and
the other at Deersville, Ohio, later accepting a nominal appointment and entering Allegheny College for the purpose of completing his education. After graduating with the
class of I874 he spent some time in Drew Seminary, Madison, New Jersey, and then
resumed work in the Pittsburgh conference, filling several of its leading appointments.
He was successively stationed in the West End, Pittsburgh, at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, Sewickley and the Pittsburgh district, of which he was presiding elder. Later
he was sent to Braddock and ministered to the South Avenue Church, Wilkinsburg,
subsequently going to McKeesport and then officiating successively as pastor of the
First Church, Greensburg, and the Union Church, Allegheny. He is now treasurer
of Allegheny College. Mr. Miles received from that institution the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Doctor of Divinity and Master of Arts, and for over twenty-five years
he has been a member of its board of trustees. In I892 he was a delegate to, the General Conference at Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Miles is past master of Guyasuta Lodge,
No. 513, Free and Accepted Masons, of Pittsburgh, and also belongs to Chapter, No.
282, and Commandery, No. 86, of McKeesport. He is a member of Council, Greensburg, and Consistory, Pittsburgh, and'an honiorary member of Supreme Council. He
has attained to the thirty-third degree. Dr. Miles is also one of the grand chaplains
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
J. WValter Miles, son of William and Elizabeth Elmina (Lauffer) Miles, was born
in Irwin, and received his primary education in the public schools of his native town,
afterward attending the high school. Subsequently he studied successively at the University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University, receiving from the former institution
the degree of Civil Engineer and from the latter that of Mechanical Engineer. Immediately after graduation Mr. Miles entered upon the active practice of his chosen
profession, entering the service of the Westinghouse Electric Company, East Pittsburgh. The fact that the connection has remained unbroken to the present time speaks
volumes for his ability and faithfulness. This simple statement is equivalent to the
most eloquent tribute.
Politically Mr. Miles is a Republican and, while a good citizen, has always stood
aloof from the arena of public affairs, never allowing himself to be made a candidate
for office. He is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the
Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, and is enrolled in the National Historical Society.
He affiliates with Shidel Lodge, Nio. 6oI, Free and Accepted Masons, of Irwin, and
also with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Pittsburgh. He
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Irwin, and at present is one of the
stewards. His personality and appearance are those of a man of great intelligence,
much quiet force of character and no little strength of purpose, but retiring in disposition and unassuming in manner, showing invariable consideration for the rights and
feelings of others. As a man in the prime of life, Mr. Miles may be said to stand midway in his career. The past gives evidence of much accomplishment and the future
holds out many possibilities. Those chapters of his record which have already been
transcribed give abundant promise that a narrative of still richer results will appear
in those which yet remain to be written.
JOHN WILLIAM GEARY CARNS-John William Geary Carns, one of the
most successful dealers in mine properties, and a farmer, butcher and breeder of live
stock in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is a member of a family which has
resided in this region for the better part of three generations. His grandfather,
Carns, was a native of Germany, and came from that country in early life to the
532BIOGRAPHICAL                                   533
United States. He settled in Westmoreland county and engaged in farming, continuing in that occupation until the time of his death. He and his wife were the parents
of five children, as follows: Rosanna, who became the wife of John Harcomb, of
Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania; William J., father of John W. G. Carns;
Margaret, who became the wife of Wilson Topper; John B., who removed to Coffeyville, Kansas; and Sarah, who became the wife of James Newman, of Crafton, Pennsylvania.
William J. Carns was born on the Four Mile Run, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 30, I835. He attended the schools of his native region, and afterwards
learned the trade of miller, being apprenticed to James Scott, of Laurelville. He was
afterwards employed in the same trade by a Mr. Snyder, of Bridgeport, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and worked there for a number of years. He then came
to Laughlinstown, Ligonier township, in the spring of 1869, and bought here a mill
property and conducted the mill thereon successfully until a few years before his death.
He also bought much other property and became the possessor of five valuable farms,
aggregating eight hundred acres. Three of these farms he operated himself and the
other two he rented. He was a very successful man, and took an active part in the
affairs of the community. He served for three years in Company B, Twenty-eighth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil War, his regiment being one
of those which participated in the famous march of General Sherman to the sea. Later
in life he became a member of Ligonier Post, Grand Army of the Republic. He was
a member of the United Brethren Church of Laughlinstown. He died December 31,
I915, and is buried in the cemetery near Laughlinstown at Laurel Hill. He married
Lydia Scott, a native of this region, born September 6, I834, a daughter of James
Scott, who was well known in these parts during his life. He and his wife were the
parents of the following children: Laura B., who became the wife of Cummings
Kimmel; Edward S., married Brunetta Naugle, and is employed as a steel-worker at
Latrobe; Emma Lizzie, who became the wife of George B. Thomas; Harry, who died
in early childhood; Ada; John William Geary, of whom further; Martha Jane, who
became the wife of Charles M. Clark, of Ligonier, Pennsylvania; and Albert Beltz,
who died in infancy.
Born January 4, I867, at Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, John William Geary Carns
attended the schools of Ligonier township, and in addition to the regular winter sessions was a pupil during two summer terms at the I. M. Graham Academy in Ligonier. After completing these studies he took up the profession of teaching himself
and continued thus employed for ten years in all. During that time he taught in the
schools at Waterford, Laughlinstown, Willow Grove, Hillside, Fairview, Rife and
Oak Grove, and at the last-named of these schools had seventy-two pupils. He determined, however, toward the end of this period to give up this profession and turn
his attention to the mercantile world in which he believed large opportunities awaited
him. Accordingly he opened a general store at Laughlinstown and was assisted in
this enterprise by being appointed postmaster of the place, an office which he held for
three years. Not long after the expiration of his term, he sold out his general store
building and engaged in the livery business instead. His new venture was undertaken
at Ligonier, where he bought out the old livery business and where he remained
eighteen months. He then returned to his home town and was once more chosen postmaster and served thus for three years. About the time of the death of his first wife,
Mr. Carns turned his attention to the butcher business, which he conducted during the
winter seasons for ten or twelve years. One of his chief activities, however, was the
agricultural work which he engaged in, and like his father he is the owner of large and
valuable farm properties here. At the present time he possesses the old Virginia
Shook farm of one hundred and ninety-eight acres, his father's old mill property of
twenty acres, the Perry Knupp farm of one hundred and four acres, the John Horner
farm of thirty-six acres, the David Horner farm of ninety-five acres, the Brant farm534                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of seventy-eight acres, and the C. H. Penrod and Fry farm of two hundred and thirtyfive acres, which, together with Laughlinstown property which he owns, amounting
to forty-one acres, aggregate in all above eight hundred acres of valuable land. Here
Mr. Carns -has been busily engaged in raising sheep and hogs as well as other live
stock, and expects at the present time to shortly begin raising cattle for the local
markets. It was in the year 1907 that he built his beautiful dwelling, which. is modern
in every respect, containing all the improvements and consisting of thirteen rooms and
a bath and with a cellar extending under the entire building. In addition to his agricultural operations, Mr. Carns has also been greatly interested in lumbering hereabouts
and has dealt extensively in mine props, most of these articles being shipped by him
to the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, and the works of A. N. Renwick.
John William Geary Carns married (first) October 25, I887, Catherine J. Penrod, a daughter of C. H. and Lydia (Ankney) Penrod, and a native of this region,
where she was born in April, I869. Of this marriage two children were born, as follows: I. William Harrison, born March I2, I889; he is at the present time a railroad
fireman, but has passed his examination for locomotive engineer and now resides at
Glenwood on the line of the Baltimore  Ohio railroad; he married Minnie Winkers.
2. Edward Russell, born March 24, 1892; now a fireman on the Baltimore  Ohio
railroad, and lives at Glenwood. The first Mrs. Carns died September 2, 1892, and
Mr. Carns married (second) October 22, I902, Mrs. Edith J. (Buell) Penrod, born
August I3, I872, the widow of William A. Penrod, and the daughter of William H.
and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Buell. They are the parents of the following children. 3.
Theodore R., born December 21, I903. 4. John H. F., born August 22, I905. 5. Harry
nM., born December 23, I906. 6. Clyde W., born January 28, I909. 7. Albert B., born
November I9, I9IO. All the children of Mr. Carns by both marriages were educated
in the local public schools of Ligonier township.
Mr. Carns has been very active in the public life of the community, and is a wellknown member of the Republican party. in this region and regarded as a leader in
county affairs. For twenty-one years he has served as auditor of the township, having first been appointed to this most responsible post when only seventeen years old.
He has also served on the election board and is a well-known figure generally throughout the region. Mr. Carns is a member of Valley Grange, No. I4II, Patrons of Husbandry, of Ligonier. In his religious belief he is a member of the Christian church,
attending the first church of this denomination at Laughlinstown, and serving as a
deacon therein. He is himself very active in this work and so is also his wife. Mrs.
Carns was born at Laughlinstown and educated at the public schools here. She took
up dressmaking as a trade and followed this for eight years in East Pittsburgh.
John William Geary Carns is descended from a number of distinguished ancestors
on several different sides of the house, his maternal grandfather having been James
Scott, a native of Ireland, who came from that country and settled in Mount Pleasant
township, Westmoreland county, in pioneer days. I-Ie became a miller here and continued in that line of business all his life. He was the owner of a number of farms
in this region. His children were as follows: Lydia, the mother of John W. G.
Carns; James, who married Ellen Mason, of Tarrs Station; Caroline, who became the
wife of John Hanna, of Confluence, Somerset county; and a daughter, who married
Joseph Pore. A word concerning the Penrod family will here be interesting. Catherine J. Penrod, who was the first wife of Mr. Carns, was a daughter of C. H. Penrod, and a granddaughter of Abraham Penrod, of this region. The family is of French
origin and trace their descent to one Abraham Penrod, who settled in Ligonier township and became the owner of four hundred acres of land. He was one of the pioneers
of this region aqd personally cleared a large portion of his property of the growth of
virgin forest with which it was overspread. He was a farmer all his life. He was
the father of the following children:  C. H., who was the father of Mrs. Carns;
Henrietta, who became the wife of Moses A. Fry; Adaline, who married John McInBIOGRAPHICAL
-yre; Adam, whose son is gatekeeper in the Union Station at Pittsburgh, and several
other children who died in infancy. Mr. Penrod was a Democrat, and a member of
the Christian church. His death occurred at the venerable age of ninety years, and
both he and his wife are buried in the private graveyard on the old farm. C. H. Penrod, son of Abraham Penrod, was born and educated in the Ligonier valley, and inherited his father's property at the time of his death. He was a farmer during his
entire life. His death occurred at the age of sixty-one years. He married Lydia Ankney, a' daughter of William Ankney, and they were the parents of the following children: Dora, who married John Skelly, of Altoona, Pennsylvania; Mary, who married C. H. Bitner, now cashier of the First National Bank of Ligonier; Catherine J.,
who was the first wife of Mr. Carns; William A., who was the first husband of the
second Mrs. Carns; George A.; John E., locomotive engineer on the Pennsylvania
railroad at Conemaugh, Pennsylvania; and Margaret E., who became the wife of
Harry Henderson, who is also a locomotive engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad
and resides at Derry Station. C. H. Penrod was a Democrat in politics, a soldier of
the Civil War, and a member of the Christian church at Laughlinstown, of which
he was an elder for many years.
LLOYD  S. FINDLEY--This is a name so long familiar to a majority of
Greensburgers that its appearance in a work of this character will be greeted with
instant recognition by representatives of two generations. Mr. Findley, who is but
recently deceased, was thoroughly respected and cordially liked by the many who were
brought into contact with him in the different relations of the community.
George Findley, father of Lloyd S. Findley, was a blacksmith and followed his
trade in Mount Pleasant. He married Matilda Neff, and their children were: Cassius, Robert, Lloyd S., mentioned below; Ada, and Charles, now the sole survivor.
Mr. Findley died in Topeka, Kansas.
Lloyd S. Findley, son of George and Matilda (Neff) Findley, was born July 9,
I863, in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and attended the common schools of his birthplace, afterward supplementing the instruction there received
with one term at the State Normal School, Millersville. After completing his course
of study he engaged in railroad work as extra conductor on the Southwestern Pennsylvania railroad. After eight years of this Mr. Findley purchased the restaurant
which his mother had for years ably conducted on Potts streets, and for thirteen years
carried it on successfully, maintaining the old-time reputation of the establishment and
earning for himself the well-merited name of an energetic, progressive and thoroughly
trustworthy business man. In the sphere of politics Mr. Findley faithfully adhered to
the principles supported by the Democratic party, but was never actively identified
with the affairs of the organization. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church.
Mr. Findley married, October I6, i882, Susan Kuhns, whose family record is
appended to this biography, and they became the parents of the following children:
I. Ada, married James Biggs, of Wilmerding, and has three children: James, Ada
Amelia and Marion Louise. 2. Wilbur Lloyd, born October 2, i886, in Greensburg,
received his education in local public schools and for a time was associated with his
father in the restaurant; he then engaged in the same business for himself; he died
March I3, I9i6, and then his mother bcame the owner of the place; he married Daisy
Stull. 3. Sarah, died in infancy. 4. Florence M., married Albert Lauchra, of Greensburg. 5. Josephine N., wife of Gilbert Brooks, of Greensburg; has three children:
Wilson, Richard and Harry. 6. Susan B., married Clifford Jennings, of Greensburg,
and has two children: Genevieve Ruth and Clifford. 7. Agnes N., wife of Herman
Myers, of Homestead; has two children: John Lloyd and Lillian Daisy. 8. Roy R.,
of Greensburg, married Margaret Hill and has two children: Margaret and Gertrude.
9. Robert F., at home. The other children are Frances K., Margaret, Gladys and
535OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Dorothy. Mrs. Findley is a woman who combines all the domestic virtues with a
remarkable amount of business ability. She is now the sole proprietor of Greensburg's
leading restaurant, maintaining the high reputation which has deservedly belonged to it
for a period of forty-five years.
On December 24, I916, Mr. Findley passed away, leaving the record of an honest
man and a good citizen, and sincerely mourned by a large circle of warmly attached
friends. His entire life, which was not a long one, for his death occurred when he was
but fifty-three years old, was passed in his native county, quietly and unobtrusively,
but always exerting an influence for good.
(The Kuhns Line).
Reuben Kuhns, father of Mrs. Susan (Kuhns) Findley, was born December 2,
I830, in Westmoreland county, and served three years in the Civil War. He married
Sarah Eiseman, of an old family of this county, daughter of George Eiseman. Mr.
and Mrs. Kuhns were the parents of the following children: Cyrus, deceased; Jennie;
Sarah, wife of George Owens; Susan, mentioned below; Ada, wife of Emery Stockberger; Elmer R., Oscar S., George E., Agnese, Francis and Alice, died in childhood.
The mother of the family died in Greensburg in I9I6, at the advanced age of eightythree, and Mr. Kuhns is now an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, aged
eighty-seven years.
Susan Kuhns, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Eiseman) Kuhns, was born April
20, I863, near Harrolds Church, in vicinity of Middletown, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, and received her education in the schools of the Sixth Ward of Greensburg, her first teacher being Miss Annie Atkinson. At the age of nineteen Miss Kuhns
became the wife of Lloyd S. Findley, as stated above.
THOMAS McHAIL-As postmaster of Bolivar, Mr. McHail needs no introduction to, his fellow-citizens. Long before his appointment to this office his established
reputation as a successful and fair-dealing business man and his active and helpful
promotion of the most essential interests of his community had brought him, as a
representative resident, into well-deserved prominence.
Thomas McHail, father of Thomas McHail, of Bolivar, was born in I803 or
I804, in County Cork, Ireland, and was a son of Michael McHail, who was a native
of County Mayo. When a young man Thomas McHail emigrated to the United
States, of course making the voyage in a sailing vessel and landing in New York.
Thence he journeyed to the foot of No. 3 slope, Blair county, Pennsylvania, and after
remaining there for a few years came to Bolivar, where he worked in the brick-yards,
handling bricks for the firm of Kier  Glover. During the remainder of his life he was
a brickmaker. Mr. McHail was a Democrat and took an active part in local politics,
serving at one time as burgess and at the time of his death filling the office of tax collector. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church of Bolivar. Mr. McHail
married Annie Coulter, and their children were: Jennie, Inarried John Coulter, captain of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry and a resident of Bolivar; Annie, married
William Gephart, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Mary, resides in Bolivar; James, married
Sarah Wynn, and lives in Bolivar; John, married Cora McQuillen, and also lives in
Bolivar; Margaret, married William I. Robinson, of Bolivar; Rebecca, married
W. R. Armor, of Bolivar; and Thomas, mentioned below. Mr. McHail passed away
at the age of seventy-six, and his wife lived to be seventy-eight.
Thomas (2) McHail, son of Thomas (I) and Annie (Coulter) McHail, was
born June 27, I863, in the building,o the left of the post office, a fact which some
might regard as prophetic and which seems, at least, to merit the consideration of the
thoughtful. He was educated in the schools of Bolivar, and on completing his course
536BIOGRAPHICAL
of study entered the brick-yards. His first occupation was, as they say, "off-bearing
brick," and in this he was engaged for about three years. For several years thereafter he worked at moulding bricks. His upward progress was steady and for one year
he held the position of superintendent of the Bolivar Fire-Brick Company. Other
interests also claimed the attention of Mr. McHail. For the space of a year he was
engaged in cutting timber in Fairfield, Ligonier Valley, and for a period of twelve or
fifteen years he was superintendent for the Fairfield Fire-Clay Company. He has an
interest in the Filer Coal Company, and is the owner of forty-seven acres in Fairfield
township upon which he has a cropper to operate. Like his father Mr. McHail has
always been active in local politics, allying himself with the Democratic party. In
I916 he was appointed by President Wilson' postmaster of Bolivar and the efficiency
and tact with which he discharges the duties of this responsible office reflect credit on
himself and afford the most complete satisfaction to his townsmen. He is past councillor of Bolivar Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and past
president of Washington Camp, No. 327, Patriotic Order Sons of America; also past
regent of Bolivar Council, No. 207I, Royal Arcanum. He affiliates with Blairsville
Lodge No. 315, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a contributor to the work and support of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. McHail married Climy Butt, and they are the parents of the following children:  I. Ora, married Allen Zimmerman, a carpenter of Detroit, Michigan; their
children are Richard, Eleanor and Marion. 2. Florence, married Grant Gibson, and
their children are Bernice Nell and Thomas. 3. Oliver, died at a little over two years.
4. Ray, died at sixteen years. 5. Ivan, died at nearly six years. 6. Mary, attending
Indiana State Normal School. 7. Jessie, attending Bolivar High School. Mr. and
Mrs. McHail, who are devoted to the ties and duties of home and family, are noted
for their kindly and gracious hospitality. Bolivar is highly appreciative of fidelity in
the public service, and this causes her to wish that her present postmaster may beindefinitely retained in office.
William Coulter, father of Mrs. Annie (Coulter) McHail, was born in Scotland,
whence he emigrated to the United States, finally settling in Bolivar. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of that place. Mr. Coulter married Mary Hammand, and their children were: Annie, who became the wife of Thomas (I) McHail,
as stated above; Edward, married Annie Henderson; Andrew; Robert; James; and
David, married Agnes McDowell and lives in Bolivar. All the sons of this family,
with the exception of the eldest, served in the Civil War.
James Butt, father of Mrs. Climy (Butt) McHail, was born in Bolivar, where he
engaged in business as a teamster. During the Civil War he saw three years' service,
being honorably mustered out at the close of the conflict. He was a Republican, and
a member of Bolivar Post, Grand Army of the Republic, also belonging to the Methodist Episcopal church of Bolivar. Mr. Butt married Catherine Cunningham, a native
of Indiana county, and their children were: Nannie, married J. W. Miller, of Farrel,
Mercer county; Harbison, died in young manhood; Clark, died young; Climy, mentioned below; and Herbert, also died young. Mrs. Butt died at eighty years of age,
and her husband passed away at eighty-two.
Climy Butt, daughter of James and Catherine (Cunningham) Butt, was born in
Bolivar, and there received her education. In early womanhood she became the wife
of Thomas (2) McHail, as stated above. Like her husband, Mrs. McHail is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which she is an active worker, belonging to
the Ladies' Aid Society and serving as a substitute teacher in the Sunday school.
H. CLAY  BEISTEL-H. Clay Beistel, one of the successful and prominent
professional men of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he has
identified himself most closely with all the varied activities of the community, is a
537OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
member of a family which has for long been well known there. The first of the name
to come to that region was John Beistel, who settled in Westmoreland county, and
became the possessor cf a farm in Cook township, which he worked with much success,
although by trade he was a tailor. He continued to make his home in Cook township until the time of his death, and made himself well known among his fellow
townfolks. He was married to a Miss Fultz, and they were the parents of a number
of children, including David F. Beistel, the father of H. Clay Beistel. The other
children were: Henry, a farmer of Mount Pleasant township; William, a farmer of
Cook township; J. Mack, who was employed in one of the large coal companies
o.f the district; Manvah, a farmer of Cook township; Isaac, a school teacher; Susan,
who married Moses Horner, of Cook township; Amanda, who married a Mr. Crawford, of Ligonier; Carolyn Mackey, who married a Mr. Barkley, of Ligonier; and
John, who gave his life for his country in the Civil War.
David F. Beistel, father of H. Clay Beistel, also served in this great struggle,
but came from it unscathed. Like most of the members of his family, he became a
farmer, his farm being situated in Hempfield township. He was a strong Republican,
and a member of the Lutheran church. He married Hannah Ruff, a member of one
of the old families and a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Leighty) Ruff. Catherine Leighty was a descendant of Mary Leighty, who was born April 3, I766, and
was the mother of a large family. Catherine Leighty was born November 30, I8o3.
Hannah (Ruff) Beistel, the mother of H. Clay Beistel, was a member of one of the
old families of Westmoreland county, her ancestors having settled there as early as
I779. The progenitor of the family in this region was Anthony Ruff, Sr., who came
from near Wittenberg, Germany, and is believed to have come to America prior to
I770 and settled for a time at Hagerstown, Maryland, and in I779 he purchased a
farm of Joseph McHundry on the headwaters of Sewickley creek, deed dated October
I8, I779. This name was borne also by his son, a man very prominent in the community. Anthony Ruff, Jr. is described as a man of fine physique and an expert horseman. His birth occurred on July 2, I773, and when a man he was the purchaser of a
tract of farm land comprising three hundred and fourteen acres for wxhich he paid
the sum of three thousand pounds, considered an enormous amount in those days.
He continued to purchase land at various periods of his life, and at his death left
an estate of more than twelve hundred acres. He was a lad of but six years of age
when they came to this country. He became a well developed man both physically and
mentally above the ordinary of his time. His advice was sought by his neighbors as
his judgments were respected. A student of politics and religion, he helped to establish the Lutheran church which was located on the land originally owned by his father.
With his own hands he helped to build the parsonage of logs which is yet standing.
He became one of the first trustees of the church and remained in this position until
advanced age when he was succeeded by his son, Daniel. He died November 9, I856,
at eighty-three years, ten months and seven days. His wife died July I5, I857, aged
eighty-three years. Both were buried in Lutheran Reformed graveyard in Mt. Pleasant township. They left twelve children. His son, Daniel Ruff, was the father of
Hannah (Ruff) Beistel. Daniel Ruff was born July I, I8oo, married Catherine
Leighty, and settled on a farm now partly occupied by Scottdale, later moved to a
part of the old Anthony Ruff homestead, where they died. David F. Beistel and his
wife were the parents of five children, as follows: Daniel N., a resident of Pittsburgh, where he carries on a successful contracting business; H. Clay, of further
mention; A. Catherine, the wife of Warren G. Hillis, of Hempfield township; David
Orvis. who resides on the old Beistel homestead in Hempfield township; Hannah
Nettie, the wife of William G. Hillis, of Hempfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Beistel,
Sr. lived for many years on the old homestead and there died, he in the year I904
and she two years prior to that.
538BIOGRAPHICAL
Born December 24, I868, on his father's farm in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, H. Clay Beistel passed the days of his childhood and
early youth in his native region. He was educated in the local public school, but
later went to Indiana, Pennisylvania, and there studied in t.he Indiana State Normal
School, graduating from that institution in' the year I893. It was his intention at first
to follow the profession of teaching and he actually was a teacher for some two
years in the local schools of Westmoreland county. Experience, however, taught
Mr. Beistel that teaching was not the most congenial activity for him and his attention was turned to another profession in which he had long been interested. This
was the law and he decided to make it his career. Accordingly, he matriculated at
Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he took the law course and graduated from that department with the class of I897. While in Dickinson College, Mr.
Beistel was extremely prominent in college work generally and it was to him that the
monthly journal, kno.wn as the "Dickinson Law Review," owes its origin. The manner of its founding was as follows. While a student, Mr. Beistel was an attentive
listener to the opinions of his learned professor, Dr. William Trickett, Dean of the
school, and conceived the idea that to preserve these would mean much to the student of law. Accordingly, he conceived and organized the scheme of printing and
publishing these opinions with the result that a periodical came into being, the germ
of the present law review. Another achievement of Mr. Beistel, while in the law
department at Dickinson College, was in connection with the competition for the
members of his class, which took place under the direction of the Dean of the Faculty and the prize for which was a set of "Pleading and Practice" by the Edward
Thompson Publishing Company, New York, in twenty-six volumes. Mr. Beistel came
out first in the competition and won this valuable prize, which is still a treasured
possession of his. After graduating from the law school, Mr. Beistel came to Greensburg and was there admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county in I899. He has
made his home and carried on his legal practice in this region ever since. In the fall
of I899, he formed a partnership with Judge John B. Steel, which continued until
Mr. Steel gave up the active practice of the law and took up his duties as judge on
the bench of Westmoreland county. The large practice of the firm then devolved
entirely upon Mr. Beistel, which he conducted with the utmost ability and success.
He remained in the old offices of the law firm until the retirement of Judge Steel from
the bench, and then removed to his present quarters at No. I4O North Main street,
Greensburg. His practice includes all branches of the civil law and has been of such
a nature as to cause him to be regarded as one of the leaders of the bar in Westmoreland county.
Mr. Beistel is also an extremely active participant in many of the other departments of the community's life and is connected with a number of important business
concerns at Greensburg. He is a director in the Barclay Westmoreland Trust Company and the treasurer of the John W. Pollins Company. Mr. Beistel has always been
an ardent supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, but while
regarded as a power in the political situation there, he has never consented to hold
those offices which his talents and abilities so well fit him to do. He is a prominent
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of the Greensburg Country
Club and other associations. His interest in athletics is deep and he himself is a devoted follower of many outdoor sports and pastimes.
On January 4, I9oo, Mr. Beistel was united in marriage with Marie McConnell,
a daughter o'f William J. McConAell, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. McConnell is a well
known lecturer. Mr. and Mrs. Beistel are the parents of two children, Mary Bernice
and John Bothwell. All the members of.the family attend the Lutheran church.
Mrs. Beistel was educated in Cleveland, Ohio, and held the position of instructor in
Literature and Oratory in Westminster College, she being the founder of the branch
of oratory in said college.
539OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
GLENN G. VANCE-The Vance family was founded in this country by Andrew Vance, who came from Ireland and settled in New York in the seventeenth
century. The family as represented in Western Pennsylvania was founded by Captain
Robert Vance, who was born about 1728 at Winchester, Frederick county, Virginia,
and who came into what is now Western Pennsylvania prior to 1759. This territory
was at that time under the jurisdiction of Virginia courts.
Andrew Vance was the first white settler in Moon township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, where afterwards came the Poes, Wetzel and others, forming a mighty
bulwark for the whites, who were soon to settle on the south of the Ohio, against the
Indians across its water. Vance built on his own land the old block house'known as
Vance's Fort and early settlers would come nightly with their families, and driving
their cattle before them, to its protecting gates. The post office there was called
Vancefort from this fact until March Io, i886, when it was changed to Coraopolis,
on account of confusion occasioned by other Vanceforts in the country.
In I776 Andrew Vance was appointed an officer in the Virginia Continental Line,
becoming Lieutenant Vance in the Thirteenth Virginia, Captain James Sullivan's
Company, commanded by Colonel William Russell. He resigned this commission in
1778, and organizing a company of his own, was commissioned its captain, August
I9, 1778, and assigned to the Ninth Virginia commanded by Colonel John Gibson.
He remained in the service until 178I, when he became supernumerary. In recognition of his services the United States Government granted him four thousand acres
of land on the Big Miami river in Ohio. This grant was signed by Andrew Jackson.
On March 20, 1775, Captain Vance married Jean White, whose grandfather,
James White, came over from England with Lord Fairfax, and whose father, also
James White, named Sulphur Springs, Virginia, and built the first hotel there. Nine
children were born to them, to wit: David, William, Samuel, Robert, John, Alexander, Andrew, Jane and Sarah. Jane married Squire McCabe, and left one son,
James Harvey McCabe, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who was the grandfather
of H. Dallas McCabe, of Monessen, Pennsylvania. Sarah married John Scott. a
merchant tailor in Pittsburgh. David lived in Brown county, Ohio. Samuel in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Robert in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. William in
Illinois. John and Andrew in Brook county, Virginia. Andrew returned later to
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Captain Robert Vance lived for thirty-two years in
the same neighborhood at Vancefort, now Coraopolis, and died there in I8I9. The
house in which he died still stands and is one of the landmarks of the town. He was
buried at Montour Churchyard. Jean (White) Vance died in 1834 and is buried at
Three Springs Cemetery, Hollidays Cove, Hancock county, West Virginia.
Robert Vance, Jr., the fourth son of Captain Robert and Jean (White) Vance,
was born June 15, 1788, and was the grandfather of Glenn G. Vance. He followed the
occupation of farming in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. until past sixty years of age,
then moved to New Brighton, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the coal business, continuing for ten or fifteen years. He married Margaret Moore, daughter of John
Moore, known as Scotch Johnny Moore, who when aged nineteen, left his home in
Scotland and joined the British Army to fight in America. He was taken prisoner by
the Continental troops, and when an exchange of prisoners was to be made he refused to be exchanged, joined the Continental Army and served until the end of the
war, when he received as bounty from the Government, two hundred acres of land
near Wampum, Pennsylvania.  The children of Robert and Margaret (Moore)
Vance were: Mary Jane, who became the wife of A. P. White; Sarah Ann, who married (first) a Mr. Wilson and (second) a Mr. Gettis; Nancy, who became the wife
of Rev. Hiram Miller, of the Pittsburgh Conference Methodist Episcopal Church;
David; Elijah; John H.; Robert M.; Alexander P.; Margaret, who married Dr.
Henry Bowman, of New Castle; and Samuel. All of these are now deceased with
the exception of John H., Alexander. P. and Samuel.'540B IOGRAPHICAL
Rev. John H. Vance, father of Glenn G. Vance, was born March 26, I826, and
now resides at Chautauqua, New York. He is the oldest member, in point of active
service, of the Erie conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. He entered the
ministry when twenty-two years of age and retired after a long and active life spent
in the service of his fellow-men. His charges were throughout Eastern Ohio and
Northwestern Pennsylvania, where he is a well-known figure. When a young man,
he was employed on the canal between Rochester, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio,
and while so employed was intimately associated with James A. Garfield, as a driver.
The Rev. John H. Vance was married three times. His first wife was Mary Ann
Carnes, daughter of William  and Elizabeth (Warnock) Carnes, of New  Castle,
Pennsylvania, one child being born to them, who is now Mrs. A. Ella King, of Corry,
Pennsylvania.' His second wife was Sarah Jane Hill, daughter of Fergus and Sarah
(Graham) Hill. To them three children were born, the oldest being Rev. William
H. Vance, of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Mary L. Phelps, of Chautauqua, New York;
and Charles T. Vance, who died about the age of twenty. His third wife was Mary
Jane Sturgeon, of Fairview, Erie county, Pennsylvania, and their children were:
John P., who died January, I897, in Chicago; Glenn G.; Grace B., wife of Edgar L.
Fox, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Eleanor M., wife of Clyde A. Weld, of Ashville, New York; and Susie B., who died February, I914, at Chautauqua, New York.
Glenn G. Vance was born at Girard, Ohio, June i6, I868, and spent the early years
of his life in the various towns in which his father was stationed as pastor. He received his education at the various local public schools, and at Edinboro, Pennsylvania Normal School. At the age of fifteen he took up the study of the cornet and
in a few years became so proficient that offers came to him to travel with various
musical organizations, and he followed cornet playing as a profession until about
fifteen years ago. In I896, the Greensburg City Band induced him to leave a position
as cornetist in a theatre in Louisville, Kentucky, and locate at Greensburg, and for a
number of years he was their director. He was one of the charter members of the
Musicians' Union of Greensburg, which has now spread to take in most of the better
nlusicians of the county. In 19oI he became associated with the Northwestern Mutual
Life Insurance Company as its local agent, and was so successful that a year later he
was made district agent for Westmoreland county. A short time later Fayette county
was added to his district, and on November 3, i909, he was made general agent for
Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington and Greene counties, maintaining offices in the
Huff building.
On April 20, I896, he married Georga E. Miller, daughter of Sheriff Joseph O.
and Lauretta E. (Craft) Miller, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.  Nine children have
been born to them, as follows: Katharine S., Margaret C., Dorothy C., John H. II,
Elizabeth M., Alberta W., Glenn G., Jr., Ralph B. and Barlbara R. Vance. They reside at No. 323 North Maple avenue, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM  K. EHRENFELD-As proprietor of the Red Cross Drug Store,
now  called W. K. Ehrenfeld Pharmacy, corner of Pittsburgh and Main streets,
Greensburg, since 1912, Mr. Ehrenfeld, a regular graduate Doctor of Pharmacy, has
won enviable reputation as head of one of the most modernly equipped and best regulated businesses of its class in the city. He brought to his business also his profession, the learning of college, a wide experience gained in different cities as clerk,
and withal a pleasing personality which has made the Ehrenfeld Pharmacy not only
a reliable source of supply, but a most pleasant place to deal. Good service along best
modern lines, with a courtesy and consideration unfailing, are characteristics of the
store, the spirit of the store being service.
William K. Ehrenfeld, son of Frederick and Anna (Craig) Ehrenfeld, was born
at Galitzen, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1883. When a child his
54IBIOGRAPHICAL
the entire absence of ostentation, the appreciation of true worth, and the contempt for
sham and subterfuge were traits ever present in the actions of his parents and in his
home environment, and as he grew to man's estate those characteristics likewise grew
into his being. With strength of physique he acquired strength of purpose;'with the
wholesomeness of their home life came a wholesome outlook on the world in general;
with the Act of God so evident in the progress of each day of each season on the farm
came a clear recognition of the uncertainty of this life, and a devout appreciation of
the hereafter. But although John B. Steel was, like his parents, by nature wedded to
the simple life, and went to the district school of his township with the sons of neighboring farmers, and, between the intervals of study, shared with his brother and father
the labors of the farm, just as other boys of the neighborhood were apt to do at their
homes, yet his aptitude for study, his ready conception and retention of knowledge,
soon marked him out for'a sphere of effort wherein brain was more essential than
muscle. His quickness of understanding and concise logical manner of address persuaded his father to afford him every possible opportunity of higher education. So it
came about that John B. advanced from the district school to the academy in New
Alexandria, and later to Greensburg Seminary, wherein he was adequately prepared for
entrance to Geneva College. There John B. Steel, having decided to adopt the law
as his life work, earnestly pursued the classical course, ultimately graduating with the
class of I885, and as a consequence being made the possessor of the institution's degree
of Bachelor of Arts. Immediately thereafter he commenced the reading of law, entering the law office of Judge James A. Hunter, and registering as a student under his
preceptorship. In I888 he was admitted to practice at the Westmoreland county bar,
and immediately entered into practice in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, as an associate of
the Hon. Welty McCullough, who at that time was member of Congress from that
district of Pennsylvania. At the expiration of his congressional term, Mr. McCullough
returned to Greensburg, and entered into partnership with the promising young lawyer,
thereby bringing the law firm of McCullough  Steel into being. The partnership was
of short duration, however, as six months later Mr. McCullough died, but Mr. Steel
continued the business of the firm, at their former address, and his advance in the profession was thereafter rapid. While still in the twenties, Attorney Steel was in the
enjoyment, as well as the responsibility, of an extensive practice, and was creditably
manifesting his knowledge o!f law and power of advocacy at a bar whereat practiced,
often in opposition to him, some of the most brilliant legal minds of Western Pennsylvania. Later he took into partnership H. Clay Beistel, who had read law under him,
and at the Dickinson Law School.
A convincing speaker, of learned address, powerful presence and striking personality, Judge John B. Steel very quickly became a leader after entering public life. A
staunch Republican, from the very earliest days of his interest in politics, he became
of much value to his party, and in I894 was elected by the leaders of the county to act
as chairman of the Republican county committee, during which period in office John
B. Steele greatly enhanced his reputation as a man of affairs of broad, masterful, honorable type. In I899 Judge Doty, who at that time was president judge of the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas, and one of the most popular Democrats in the
county, came before the electors for reelection, and the Republican party, though not
hopeful of gaining the seat bn the judiciary for one of their party, yet considered their
best chance lay in nominating Attorney John B. Steel as the opponent of the popular
Judge Doty. Consequently, John B. Steel entered the campaign, and although Judge
Doty was eventually reelected, his majority over the young attorney was only one hundred and seventy-one, out of a total vote of about thirty thousand, a result most gratifying to the friends of Mr. Steel. Later he was put forward as candidate for Congressman-at-large, against that distinguished legislator, the late Hon. Galusha A. Grow,
whose name for all time will have honorable place in National history as the "father"
39OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
parents moved to Greensburg, and there he passed through the various grades of the
public schools, finishing at high school. In furtherance of his ambition to become a
pharmacist he entered Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, whence he was graduated,
class of I905. After obtaining his degree Mr. Ehrenfeld returned to Greensburg,
entering Dr. Miller's drug store, whence he spent most of the years until engaging in
business for himself, although during that period he held positions in drug stores in
Latrobe and in Pittsburgh. Seven years were spent in the employ of others, then
with the experience of actual service and keen observation to guide him he opened
the Ehrenfeld Drug Store in 19I2. The store corresponds in its general features and
stock with the modern high grade drug store, and to its management Mr. Ehrenfeld
gives close, personal attention. The store, under his careful, enlightened management, has become a popular trading point and its volume of business has more than
met the hopes of its owner. He is a member of the National Association of Retail
Druggists, belongs to the fraternity, Phi Sigma, is a Knight of Pythias and a Modern
Woodman. He is a member of the Disciples of Christ (Christian) church, which he
serves as deacon.
Mr. Ehrenfeld married, August 26, I9g9, Romayne McClellan Eicher, daughter
of Alexander Eicher, deceased, a former prominent attorney of the Westmoreland
bar. Mr. and Mrs. Ehrenfeld have two sons: Frederick William and Ward Eicher
Ehrenfeld.
ULYSSES A. VAN  DYKE-One of the most successful and prominent merchants of the city of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Ulysses A.
Van Dyke, who has for long prominently identified himself with the best interests of
the community. His establishment at No. II6 Pennsylvania avenue, where he does a
large business in wall paper, paints, oils, glass, etc., is one of the best known of its
kind in that region and enjoys a very high class patronage.
Mr. Van Dyke was born August 21, I866, at Hempfield, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Baker) Van Dyke. Both his parents
were natives of this county and both are now deceased, Mr. Van Dyke in October,
1872, and Mrs. Van Dyke on December 23, 1915. Mr. Van Dyke, Sr., was a blacksmith and followed this trade all his life, but in addition to this carried on unusually
successful farming operations on a place which he owned in the neighborhood of
Greensburg and situated southwest of that city. He and his wife were members of
the First Lutheran Church of Greensburg. They were the parents of the following
children: Frank M., now a farmer in Westmoreland county; Ida, who became the
wife of John McIntire, of Westmoreland county; Cyrus H., who is engaged in the
manufacture of pumps at Youngwood, Pennsylvania; Caroline, who is now the widow
of William Naser, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania; William  E., who is engaged in business as a contracting painter in Greensburg; Ulysses A., of whom further, and several other children who died in infancy.
Ulysses A. Van Dyke recei{red his education in the public schools of his native
region and at Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh. After completing his studies in
the latter institution he secured a position in the coal office of W. H. Brown's Sons,
of Pittsburgh, and remained there for some six years. In the year 1895, however, he
gave up this position and returned to Greensburg, where he founded his present business. From the outset, this business enjoyed a marked success. The business was
conducted up to I915 under the firm name of Van Dyke Brothers, at which time Mr.
Van Dyke became sole owner. Mr. Van Dyke has always been keenly interested in
politics, particularly in the application of political issues to local affairs. He is a
staunch member of the Republican party, and while he is not actively associated with
the party's organization in Greensburg, he is nevertheless a factor in the situation
there. He is also a member of the Ancient and Illustrious Order Knights of Malta,
542BIOGRAPHICAL
of Ivy Commandery, No. 358. Mr. Van Dyke was the first past commander of this
body.
On September io, I9o2, Mr. Van Dyke was united in marriage with Lillie D.
Baker, a daughter of John H. and Ida (Shafer) Baker, of this region. To them
six children have been born: Mildred C., Helen J., John Robert, Rebecca C., Richard Ulysses, and Lillian Estella. Mr. Van Dyke and his family are members of the
First Lutheran Church of Greensburg and he has sung in the choir for the past
three years there. The family makes its home at the handsome residence at No. 520
Jack street, Greensburg.
CLARK WARDEN EICHER--The law firm, Eicher  Eicher, of Greensburg,
Pennsylvania, consisting of Alexander and C. WVarden Eicher, father and son, was
known in that city until death dissolved the partnership, the son continuing and yet
a member of the Westmoreland bar, practicing in Greensburg. The founder of the
family in the United States was Abraham Eicher, born in France, in that zone of
dispute in the Rhine region, his parents German and French. He married Elizabeth Sophia Golden, and after coming to this country settled at Hagerstown, Maryland, there following the tailor's trade. Later they moved to Ligonier, WVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, his large family accompanying him. Among his children
was a son, Jacob Eicher, great-grandfather of Clark Warden Eicher, of Greensburg.
Jacob Eicher was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in i8oo, and died in Washington county, Iowa, after i855. He was a millwright, miller and carpenter, a deacon
of the Baptist church for many years, and a man of upright life. He married Sallie
Stonecker, a lady of intelligence and worth, a daughter of John Stonecker, and mother
of John Stonecker Eicher. Jacob and Sallie Eicher moved to Washington county,
Iowa, where both died and are buried.
John Stonecker Eicher was born at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 25, I823, and died in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He had no trade nor
occupation, and was of limited education, but was an adept at many occupations, and
one of the best auctioneers in the county. Prior to the Civil War he was a fifer in a
company of the State militia, and during the years, I869-I870, was treasurer of
Wrestmoreland county. He was an ardent Democrat and a man of importance in the
party, and a Campbellite in religion, strong and decided in his opinions, and very
strong in his friendship. In I856 he followed his parents in their westward move to
Iowa, but only remained there twenty months, then returned to Greensburg, his home
until his death at the age of eighty-nine years. John Eicher married Mary Pool,
born May 20, I833, in Hempfield township, \Vestmoreland county, near New Stanton,
who died in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, February 14, I86I. She was a daughter of
John and Betsey (Houser) Pool, a granddaughter of Samuel (2) Pool and greatgranddaughter of Samuel (I) Pool, the founder of the Pool family in Westmoreland county. Mr. and Mrs. Eicher were the parents of three sons: Alexander, of
further mention; John P.; and Jacob.
Alexander Eicher was born November 24, I85I, and died at Greensburg, September 23, I9o5. He attended Hempfield township schools until twelve years of age,
then spent two years in the store of his uncle at Pennville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, then for five years was clerk in a general store at what is now Pennborough,
owned by J. F. and D. Landis. In I870, he received the appointment to a position in
the office of register and recorder of Westmoreland county, and for three years was
deputy under Clark F. Warden, and three years more under John M. Laird. On
January Io, 1876, he began the study of law under Archie T. Stewart, in Greensburg,
and on July 30, I88o, was admitted to the bar. He advanced rapidly in his profession, and for a quarter of a century was one of the strong men of the Westmoreland
bar. He was a L)emocrat in politics, but-numbered his friends among both parties,
543OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and in many parts of the State. Kind-hearted and generous, with a keen sense of
humor and a fund of good nature, an eloquent speaker, strong in argument, and a
most entertaining afterdinner speaker. He was senior member of the law firm of
Eicher  Eicher, after the admission of his son to the Westmoreland bar, that firm
ranking among the leaders.
Alexander Eicher married at Greensburg, October 4, I873, Ella M. McClelland,
who died in the spring of I898. She was the daughter of Archibald and Mary (Funk)
McClelland. Mr. and Mrs. Eicher were the parents of: I. Clark WVarden, of further
mention. 2. Alexander (2), born April 24, 1878, a graduate of the Greensburg High
School, completed his junior year at Washington and Jefferson College, but in I898
enlisted in Company I, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until
the war closed. He is a member of a famed football team, and elected captain, but
his military service prevented his serving. He studied law, was admitted to the bar,
and became a member of the law firm, Eicher  Eicher. He married Winona Gallagher, of Uniontown. Their children were: i. Mary McClelland Eicher, the eldest
daughter, born August 25, I88o, married J. Edward Stevenson, of Greensburg. ii.
Elinor McClelland Eicher, born March I6, I882, married Robert C. Jones, of Boston,
Massachusetts. iii. Romayne McClelland Eicher, born June 29, 1883, married William
Ehrenfeld. iv. John S., born November 23, 1884. v. Archibald, born May 23, I89o.
Clark Warden Eicher, eldest son of Alexander and Ella M. (McClelland)
was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, June I7, I874. He prepared in the Greensburg
High School, entered Washington and Jefferson College, studied law, and after his
admission to the Westmoreland county bar practiced with his father in the law firm,
Eicher  Eicher. He enlisted in Company I, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and saw service in the Philippines during the war with Spain, as a sergeant.
Upon his return he resumed the practice of law and so continues. Mr. Eicher is
interested in the coal industry, operating also in real estate, and being especially interested in the Belmont Land Company. He does considerable work in the political
campaigns as a speaker.
Mr. Eicher has always taken a deep interest in juvenile work and has done much
to assist the cause, first in the Young Men's Christian Association work in which he
has been very active ever since its establishment in Greensburg, and lately filling the
office of district attorney. He has always been a devoted friend of the boys and during his term of office the juvenile probation officer was created and a Home of Detention was established.  He was elected to the office of district attorney in I913,
filling the office for one term. IHle has filled the office of the county chairman of the
Democratic organization and has served as delegate to state conventions ever since
Cleveland's time. He is a Democrat in his political beliefs, and is a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons, up to and including the thirty-second degree, also a member of the Syrian Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Christian church, is
deeply interested in Sunday school work, and has one of the largest adult Sunday
school classes in the county.
Mr. Eicher married Sarah Glunt, of Greensburg, and their children are: Sarah
Katherine, Josephine Lenhart, Louise and Flora Glunt.
LAWRENCE E. WALTERS-Lives that truly count in the shaping of events
and the influencing of other lives are rare, and it is not by any means those which are
the most conspicuous that are the most influential. Close adherence to a high ideal,
even if it be not published abroad, patient, persistent effort in some worthy cause,
though the fruit of it is never apparent even to many who actually benefit by it, is
always effective, and though its reward, as the world measures rewards, is apt to be
less than its deserts, yet through many channels, direct and indirect, the influence
544BIOGRAPHICAL
goes forth and operates in the affairs of men in a way often incredible to the materialist. Such is the life of Lawrence E. Walters, the distinguished, gentleman with
whose career this sketch is concerned, and who is one of the most public-spirited
citizens of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and a rare example of
worthy manhood.
Lawrence E. Walters is a son of John and Rachel (Winner) Walters. and was
born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, February I5, I869. He received his early education in the common and high schools of Allegheny City, and subsequently entered the
service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, operating in the West, in the capacity
of clerk in the general freight office, where he remained for a'bout one year. After
this experience with railroad work, Mr. Walters saw an opportunity of engaging in
the iron and steel business, where he felt, in view of the great development of that
industry, that larger opportunities awaited him. Accordingly he entered the service
of Joshua Rhodes, one of the pioneer Iron Masters of Pittsburgh, and soon proved
himself of so much value to his employer that he found himself in line for promotion.
He rapidly advanced in this connection until he eventually became interested as a
stockholder. In the meantime his attention had been directed to the great opportunities for investment held out in the coal and coke business and accordingly, as soon
as he was possessed of sufficient capital to enable him to do so, he purchased these
interests from Joshua Rhodes, adding slowly to them until eventually he incorporated
them in the year I9o6 under the name of the Clare Coke Company of Greensburg.
In this transaction he was associated with a number of other gentlemen who pooled
their interests in the corporation, and Mr. Walters was elected treasurer and general
manager, a position which he continues to; hold at the present time. He is also a
member of the board of directors and in these two capacities has done perhaps more
than any other one man to develop the business to its present great proportions. In
addition to his activities in this particular direction, Mr. Walters is also associated
with a number of other concerns, industrial and financial, and is the treasurer and manager of the Clare Supply Company, a director of the Commonwealth Coal Company,
and a director of the Merchants' Trust Company of Greensburg. But Mr. Wralters
does not confine himself to the realm of business entirely, and great though his activities are, in this direction, he finds time and energy for many other of the departments of the city's life. He is, for instance, a prominent figure in the social life of
the Community andc is a member of the Greensburg Country Club.. He is a Republican
in politics, and although not a politician in any sense of the word is nevertheless regarded as a factor in local public affairs.
Lawrence E. Walters was united in marriage November I5, I899, with Jane
Elizabeth Clary, a daughter of Hiram and Jane (Fisher) Clary, old and highly honored residents of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Walters one
child has been born, Lawrence Gordon, August 5, I9o09, and who is now a student in
the Greensburg public schools.
It will be appropriate in this place to say a few words concerning the Walters
family, of which Mr. Lawrence E. Walters is the representative to-day. It is probably one of the oldest families in the region, and was seated here near Fort Pitt in
1769 at a time when not only Westmoreland county but'the whole of Western Pennsylvania was nothing but a wilderness. The earliest member of the family of whom
we have any record was Anthony Walters, the great-great-great-grandfather of the
present Mr. Walters. We do not know anything concerning the birth of this venerable ancestor, but the records show his marriage in I754 to Anna Elizabeth Volck, at
the Lutheran church, New Hanover, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The earliest
records we have of him in -Westmoreland county are found in the archives preserved
in the court house of Greensburg, which mention him as a property owner, about the
W-3
5 415OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
middle of the eighteenth century. From this source we have a number of exceedingly
interesting old documents, among them deeds and wills and other conveyances of
property from and to this Anthony Walters. We learn that there was a tract of
two hundred and nine acres of land granted to Anthony Walters by letters patent,
recorded in patent book, No. 63, folio 458, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and this
tract was afterwards sold by his executors, there being a map, somewhat crude in
form, of the property which accompanies Mr. Walters' will. The quaint wording of
this document, with the light that it throws upon the feelings and points of view of
that age, make it distinctly interesting reading and a small portion of it is here reproduced.
"In the name of God, Amen: I, Anthony Walter, of Salem township, in the
county of Westmoreland, being in a weak and low condition of Body, but of sound
Mind Memory Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in Manner
and form following.          Second I Give Divise  Bequeath to my Dear Wife
Elizabeth Walter two. Beds  all my household furniture Consisting of potts Pails
 pewter  whatever Elce is termed Household furniture, also I will and ordain that
my Dear Wife Elizabeth  my son Phillip shall live together  have the Direction
of the rest of the family which is to Consist of my Sones Anthony Jacob Peter David
 Frederick which family is to live together as one family for the full Term of
three years and unless any of my sons before mentioned should Incline to Marry before that time is Expired in which case they are to be at Liberty  have the same
shear of my Goods which they will be Intitle to by this my last will had they lived
the full Term of three years out at the End of the three years above mentioned I
ordain and Devise to my Dear Wife Elizabeth one horse creture one Cow and one
heffer." To Anthony Walters and his wife, Anna Elizabeth (Volck) Walters, a
number of children were born, among whom was Jacob.
Jacob Walters was born in Salem township, where he passed his entire life., following all that time the occupation of farming. He also married a wife of the name
of Elizabeth, her last name being unrecorded. To them the following children were
born: Jacob, mentioned below; Elizabeth, Anthony, Isaac, John, Peter, David,
Easter, George and Jane.
Jacob Walters, Jr., son of Jacob and Elizabeth Walters, was born in the year
I786 in Allegheny township, Westmoreland county, near Freeport. Like his father
before him, he was a farmer all his life, living the greater part of it in Westmoreland
county, but during the latter years removing to Butler county, where he eventually
died in the year I873. It is believed he took part in the WVar of I812, and he certainly
was a very active churchman, being a Lutheran in his beliefs. He married Sarah
Sarver, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Sarver, who owned and operated a grist
mill in that region. To them the following children were born: John, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Daniel, mentioned below; Philip, Mary, Simon, Sophia and Jacob.
Daniel Walters, son of Jacob (2) and Sarah (Sarver) WValters, and grandfather
of Lawrence E. Walters, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in the year I82I.
He received his education in the local schools of that region, and after completing his
studies there took up the same occupation in which his forefathers had been so long
engaged, and farmed in Butler county during his entire life. At the outbreak of the
Civil War, he enlisted with the Sixth Pennsylvania HIeavy Artillery, Two Hundred
and Twelfth Regiment, and served during that momentous struggle. He married
Ellen Kennedy, a daughter of James and      Kennedy, of Butler county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Walters five children were born, as follows: John, the
only survivor at the present day, mentioned below; Louise, Sarah, Daniel and Jacob.
John Walters, eldest son of Daniel and Ellen (Kennedy) Walters, was born
March 26, I845, in Butler county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the
public schools of that county, and spent his youth on his father's farm. He continued
546.BIOGRAPHICAL
547
to farm, for several years;.after leaving school, but eventually entered the contracting
and building business at Alfgheney,'Pennsylvania, where he remained until the time
of his retirement from activte:life in the year I907. He is now living in Butler, at
the age of seventy-two years: -. During the Civil War he was a member of the Sixth
Pennsylvania Hleavy Artillery, Two Hundred and Twelfth Regiment, his father.being also a member of that body, and he served through the war with the elder man.
He married Rachel Winner, a daughter of Budd Sterling and Sarah (Scott) Winner.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walters one child has been born, Lawrence E., of this review.
ADAM B. SHAFFER-Adam B. Shaffer is one of the most able of the rising
attorneys of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and has already taken, despite his
youth, a conspicuous place among the many distinguished members of the bar in that
part of the State. He is a member of a family which had its origin in Holland, his
remote ancestors having come from that country to America many generations ago.
He is a son of Adam and Mary (Flite) Shaffer, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, where for the greater portion of his life Mr. Shaffer, Sr., carried on a successful lumber business. Some years ago, however, he removed to Youngstown, Ohio,
and since I912 has conducted a successful wood business in that place.
Adam B. Shaffer was born September 6, 1887, at Tyrone, Pennsylvania, where his
parents were living at that time, and was one of a family of four children born to them
as follows: Ephraim  G., now a member of the Shaffer Lumber Company of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, of which he is the general manager; John H., of Youngstown,
Ohio, where he is the superintendent of his father's business; Adam B., of whom
further; and Pearl, now the wife of Samuel Ogg, of Youngstown, Ohio, who is employed as a roller in the steel mills there.
Adam B. Shaffer received his education in the public schools of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the high school at that place. He
then attended the Mercersburg Academy, at Mercersburg, Pennsylvana, where he prepared for college and from which he graduated with the class of 1907. He then went
to. Philadelphia, where he matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania and studied
for two years in the law school of that institution. He then studied for two years in
the Yale Law School and finally graduated with the class of I9II, taking the degree
of LL. B. He returned to his native region and took a post-graduate course at the
University of Pittsburgh, and was finally admitted to the bar of Westmoreland and
Allegheny counties in I9r2. He was also admitted to practice before the Supreme
Court of Pennsylvania, and from that time to the present has had a successful practice at Greensburg in Westmoreland county. Mr. Shaffer takes an active part in the
life of the community of which he is a member and belongs to a number of important
and prominent organizations there. In connection with his profession he is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and is also affiliated with a number of other
orders and societies, among which should be mentioned the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.
Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage, January 27, I909, to Clara May Weitz, a
daughter of George and Emma J. (Miller) Weitz. Mr. and Mrs. Weitz are natives
of Easton, Pennsylvania, and members of a family which had its origin in Germany,
Mr. Weitz's father, William  Weitz, having come from that country to the United
States and settled in W'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he died in middle
life. He was a merchant at Pennsylvania Station for a number of years, a Democrat in politics and a Lutheran in religion. He and his wife, Mary Margaret (Gratz)
Weitz, were the parents of six children, as follows: George, Peter, Henry, Mary,
now the wife of Herman Thorworth, of Germany, and two children who are deceased. Their son, George Weitz, the father of Mrs. Shaffer, has carried on the
father's mercantile business at Pennsylvania Station during practically his entire life.40                   OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of the Federal homestead act, but party fealty and an unselfish spirit persuaded Mr.
Steel to eventually withdraw his candidacy. He was, however, elected by the Republican State convention delegate-at-large to the National convention that placed in nomination McKinley and Roosevelt, for President and Vice-President, and in I9OI, when
the Separate Orphans' Court of Westmoreland county was created, Attorney Steel was
appointed on April 26, I9OI, to serve as president judge of the court until the beginning
of I902. At the November elections of I9OI, Judge Steel was confirmed to his high
office, to which he had brought dignity as well as ability, for a further ten years. A
contemporary biographer wrote, in regard to this phase of Judge Steel's life:
His energy has brought him well earned distinction for the utniost promptness in
the dispatch of business, while his business judgment has enabled him to be of great
value to the people of his county in controlling the immense amount of real and personal property in the hands of estates, guardians, trustees, and others having business
before his court..
Judge Steel has ably presided over the court, and his judicial care of those who
stand most in need of a guardian hand of sympathetic intelligence'and keen vigilance
has in the decade of his presidency over the Orphans' Court operated greatly to their
benefit, and it has brought Judge Steel an esteem within the community independent'absolutely of any political consideration. Besides his activities in the judicial, legal'and political affairs of the county, Judge Steel has displayed much aptitude for business;, in fact, has taken no inappreciable hand in the business development of the
county; as a financier, he has greatly strengthened many banking concerns; he has'organized several of the most important banking institutions of the county, and has
aided them appreciably in executive office. He has undertaken important operations in
connection with the. development and handling of the Pittsburg-Connellsville vein of'coal in the counties of Washington and Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, and some years'ago purchased several thousand acres of the same vein in the Captina valley, Belmont'county, Ohio; so that in all phases of his life, John B. Steel has exhibited striking
capacity for activities of magnitude and affairs of importance. Nothing petty has ever
shown in Judge John B. Steel.
John B. Steel married, October 27, 19o9, Madge Estelle Montgomery, of Seymour,
Indiana, daughter of Judge O. H. Montgomery, of the Supreme Court of the State of
Indiana, and Ida E. (Harding) Montgomery, his wife. To Judge and Mrs. John B.'Steel have been born four children, viz.: Sarah Montgomery, Ellen Starr, William
and Madge Montgomery Steel. Mrs. Steel is an honor graduate of the Seymour High
School, Seymour, Indiana, and of Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and
-took post-graduate work at Radcliff College, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Judge and
Mrs. Steel are both members of the First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
GENERAL RICHARD COULTER There were few men of the last generation.whose lives were crowned with the honor and respect which is accorded to the name of
General Richard Coulter, and through more than three-quarters of a century's connection with Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he held the confidence and admiration of the entire
-community. His fellow-citizens look back over his career with pride, and to many of
his associates its unselfishness, courage and integrity have been great inspirations.
General Richard Coulter was a native son of Greensburg, his birth occurring there
October I, I827. Like many another youth his early life was spent in attending the.public schools and learning many a lesson in fairness from play and recreation. Continuing his studies he became a student in Greensburg Academy, where he began to
know intimately and in a friendly way some of the boys who were to play an important
part in the later development of Western Pennsylvania. Not content with the coursesOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
He and his wife are the parents of four children, as follows: Clara May, now Mrs.
Shaffer; Lucy Mary; Margaret Henrietta and Emily A. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer are
the parents of four children, as follows: George Adam, John Thorworth, Benjamin
Charles and Mary Jane. Mr. Shaffer and his family are members of the Lutheran
church, and he is a staunch Republican in politics.
DANIEL A. KUHNS-As senior member of the firm, Kuhns, Johnson Company, Greensburg, Mr. Kuhns occupies a leading position in the business circles of
his native city, and worthily bears a name which has been identified with Greensburg's
business interests for several generations.  He is a son of Emanuel and Catherine
(Bair) Kuhns, his father a veteran of the Civil War, and a.long time employee of
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in charge of work trains. Emanuel Kuhns died
in Greensburg in I9o6, aged seventy-eight years, his widow still surviving him, both
members of the German Lutheran church. They were the parents of seven children:
William H., James F., Ella M., married Robert Kistler; Emma W., married William
Scott, deceased, whom she survives; Daniel A., of further mention; Catherine M., married Charles Weibel; Bradley B., all living except the eldest son, William H. Kuhns.
Daniel A. Kuhns was born at Middletown, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
April 5, 1875, and was educated in the public schools of the district. His first employment was a driver of a milk wagon for his father, and until he was twenty he was
engaged in that form of the dairy business. He then entered mercantile life as a
clerk for Brinker Brothers, clothiers, continuing with that firm until I904. He then
transferred his allegiance to the firm, A. E. Troutman  Company, remaining with
them until i9Io, when he began business as a merchant under his own name as a
member of the Brinker, Kuhns Company; that firm was succeeded, January I, I914,
by Kuhns, Johnson Company, the present style and title. The active members of the
firm are Daniel A. Kuhns and Charles J. Johnson, both men of business experience
and ability. They are located at No. Io6 North Main street and there cater to a high
class of discriminating customers, dealing in clothing and gentleman's furnishings.
When the business was first started in IgIo, one floor was ample for their business,
but since the advent of the present management a greatly extended floor space has
become necessary. Mr. Kuhns is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is highly regarded as a man of
uprightness and a citizen of public spirit. Hie has made his own way upward, has
by self education made himself well informed and effective, and by industry and close
attention to the vital points of merchandising won for himself honorable success.
Mr. Kuhns married, April I6, I9o2, Frances H. Martin, daughter of Charles S.
Martin, and has two children: Catherine Martin and William  Porter Kuhns. The
family home is No. 45I East Pittsburgh street.
PAUL J. ABRAHAM-One of the most successful of the rising young attorneys of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was Paul J. Abraham,
a member of one of the early Pennsylvania families.  He is a native of Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, born August 8, I887, a son of James W. and Emma (Core)
Abraham, both of whom are living and who make their home in the town of Smithfield, Pennsylvania. The ancestors of Mr. Abraham dwelt'manv years ago in Berks
county, and from there James Abraham came to Fayette county in the year I783.
The family is supposed to have been of Welsh origin, but the records concerning the
year of their early residence in this country are imperfect.
The grandfather of Paul J. Abraham was Major Isaac M. Abraham, who married
a Miss Shawalter, and served from I86i to I865 in the Civil War as a member of the
Eighty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He began his service with
548BIOGRAPHICAL
549
the rank of captain and was promoted during the war to that of major. His father,
James Abraham, was a soldier in the War of I812, in the cavalry service. He had
his horse shot from under him during the siege of Fort Meigs. After the Civil War,
Major Isaac M. Abraham was engaged in farming and several other lines of business.
He was an ardent Republican and had a family of seven children, as follows: John,
deceased; James, deceased; John; James W.; Elizabeth, who became the wife of
James R. Vance; Wildy and Samuel.
James WV. Abraham, father of Paul J. Abraham, was for many years associated
with the Pennsylvania Railroad as passenger conductor. Later, however, he retired
from this position and engaged in the coal business, in which he was successful. He
has been mercantile appraisor of Favette county and has been active in this work
for many years. To him and his wife seven children have been born, as follows:
Robert P., deceased; Alfred C., Mary, now the wife of L. G. Chorpeming; Paul J.,
of whom further; Sarah; Leona, and John C.
Paul J. Abraham was educated at the local public schools of Smithfield, at the
California Normal School, California, Pennsylvana, and at Bucknell University,
from which he graduated with the class of I9IO, taking the degree of B. S. Three
years later his Alma Mater conferred the honorary degree of M. A. upon him. Deciding to follow the profession of law, he entered the University of Pittsburgh, from
which he graduated in 19I3 with the degree of LL. B. He also read law in the office
of Williams, Wegley  Doran and was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county
in the month of February, I914, and to the Fayette county bar in May I9I5. Since
the latter date he has also been admitted to practice before all the State courts as well
as the United States District Courts in that region. He had already had some experience in the profession of teaching, having taught in the public schools of Ronco
in I903 and I9o4, and holding the position of principal of the schools in the seventh
ward of Greensburg in I9IO and I9II. In that year and the two following, he was instructor in the Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh. The success that attended Mr. Abraham, both in his teaching experience and in his legal practice, justified his fellow citizens in regarding him as one of the most brilliant young men in
the city and make it easy to prophesy a most successful future for him. He is a
member of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons, of Greensburg; of Urania Chapter, No. I92, Royal Arch Masons; of Olivet Council, No. I3,
Royal and Select Masters; and of Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar.
In his religious affiliations Mr. Abraham is a Methodist, and for a number of years
has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Greensburg.
On the maternal side of the house Mr. Abraham's ancestry is not less worthy
than on the paternal. His great-grandfather was William Sangston, who was sheriff
of Fayette county in his day and represented that county five times in the Pennsylvania State Senate. IIe was a merchant at Uniontown. His daughter Marv married
Alfred Core, who for twenty-five years was justice of the peace at Smithfield, and
one of the famous old stage coach drivers in that region before the railroads had
come west of the Allegheny Mountains. He also served in the Civil WVTar and rose
to the rank of quartermaster in his regiment.
JOHN RUSSELL MORDEN-One of the most successful and efficient enterprises conducted in Greensburg is the photographic studio of John Russell Morden,
one of the few Canadians who have settled in Greensburg.  His birth occurred in
Dundas, Ontario, Canada, January 3, I873, and he is the son of John C. and Elizabeth (Hathaway) Morden, both of whom were also natives of Ontario, where the
former was engaged in the lumber business. He met with considerable success in
this business and was actively engaged therein until his death. He is survived by his
widow, who resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba.OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
James J. Morden, grandfather of John R. Morden, was at one time a citizen of
the United States but his political principles forced him to, leave this country and
settle in Canada. Being a loyalist, his sympathies were wholly with the British, so,
shortly after the Revolutionary War he left Southern Maryland, taking with him his
slaves who were subsequently freed. This was a radical move. After having owned
and operated an extensive and cultivated plantation in Maryland he found himself in
a country wholly undeveloped, located in a wilderness with only the Indians for
neighbors, and it was not long before he found it would be necessary' to clear any
land to which he could look for support. Twelve hundred acres was a large tract
for a pioneer to attempt to develop, but James J. Morden'was a man used to developing big propositions. The life of the pioneer was frought with all the hardships
usual to the early settlers of Canada, and in attempting to make a living in West
Flambro township, Wentworth county Ontario, he found himself forced not only to
clear his land but also to move lumber under very trying circumstances. His entire
life was given to this work, and although he succeeded in later years as a lumberman
and agriculturist he had many hardships to face in the meantime. In England the
Morden family are recognized as keen and astute business men, and for many years
have been wholesale merchants in London.
John Russell Morden is one of eleven children, his brothers and sisters being:
James Hathaway, a resident of Alberta, Canada; Mary Jane, deceased; Jonathan Lake,
a resident of Seattle, Washington, an engineer; Charles Draper, minister of the Christian church of Ottawa, Canada; John Russell, mentioned later; Rev. William Arthur,
of Winnipeg, Christian church; Francis Wilbert, of Winnipeg, interested in real
estate; McKenzie Ellroy, of Ft. William, Canada, head of freight department, also
acting as general freight agent of the Canadian Pacific Railroad; Anna May, single;
and Gordon, of Hamilton, Canada, a machinist.
After receiving his education in the public schools of Dundas, Mr. Morden took
up photography under the tutelage of Lyonde, of Toronto. This gave him an opportunity to work with the most skillful man in photography in Canada, and during his
apprenticeship, which lasted three years, he had the privilege of assisting at sittings of
Canada's foremost citizens. Subsequent to his apprenticeship he remained with his
instructor for several years, and during this time was given still further opportunity
to study photography in its various branches.  Realizing that greater opportunities
would be given him if he engaged in business independently, he went to Welland,
Canada, and opened a studio in that city. For five years he continued in business in
this city, and during that time built up a very large and lucrative patronage. It was
his privilege while here to, photograph the prisoners who attempted to blow up the
Welland Canal. Earlier in his career he assisted at the sitting of King Edward,
who was then still Prince of Wales, and also many other prominent men and women,
among which were Sol Smith Russell and Julia Arthur. In order to have been
photographer to the Crown, while Mr. Morden was in Welland, is no small honor and
if success came to him thus early in life it is quite probable that the science and'effort
which he devotes to his business will bring him still greater success as he continues
in this line of work.
Franklin, Pennsylvania, was the next scene of his business activities, and after
spending some time there he decided to take a trip to the West and before locating
in Greensburg, in I9II, he spent several months in travel. The Franklin studio is
still maintained, although his headquarters are at Greensburg. Mr. Morden is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, also the Knights Templar, Lodge No. 44,
Franklin, Pennsylvania, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member and exhibitor of Photographers' Association of America, and a member and exhibitor of
Middle Atlantic Association.
On October 5, I899 he was married to Minnie E. Shaffer, daughter of Norman
55oBIOGRAPHICAL
and Jane Mumford (Baker) Shaffer. Mr. and Mrs. Morden are the parents of one
child, Harriet Eleanor. Mrs. Morden is an able assistant to him in all his photographic endeavors, and has been largely responsible for the success they have made
of fine oil and ivory miniature work. Mrs. Morden is the granddaughter of Moses
and Priscilla Shaffer, who migrated from Germany and settled in Washington county,
Pennsylvania. Their active life was devoted to argriculture in this county. They
had fifteen children, thirteen of whom lived to have families, and among these our
chief interest is in Norman Shaffer, father of Mrs. Morden. He was born and educated in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and after devoting several years to work on
the home farm he departed for the Bradford oil fields, which were flourishing at
that time. He has since been actively identified with the oil industry. He left the
Pennsylvania oil fields about I886 and went to Wood county, Ohio, and subsequently
to Canada. While in the later place he assisted in developing the Pt. Colburn gas
fields, and after this was accomplished he sold out his interests in the territory and
returned to Ohio, from which place he went to Oklahoma and located at Tulsa, where
he is engaged in the oil business at the present time. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. They have a family of two children: Minnie E., wife
of John R. Morden, and Harriet M., wife of Harold Katzenmeyer, of Blanchester,
Ohio.
There are several members of Mrs. Morden's family who have been of particular
interest to the county, for instance, Mrs. Morden's mother, Mrs. Shaffer, is a direct
descendant of prominent Revolutionary stock. Her great-grandfather, James Baker,
was a minute-man under General Washington. Her parents, Erastus and Harriet
(Mumford) Baker, were also prominent people in their community, Mrs. Baker being
a descendant of Bishop Mumford, who was the first Episcopal Bishop in America.
One of Mrs. Morden's uncles, the Rev. Dr. Leroy Baker, was state chaplain of
Pennsylvania and also rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Harrisburg, and is the
Archbishop of Harrisburg, Diocese of Pennsylvania. Another uncle of Mrs. Morden
is Captain Charles Baker, who served in the Civil War. Mrs. Morden is a member
of the Phoebe Bayard Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
DANIEL WELTY BORTZ-The history in WVestmoreland county of the old and
well-known family of Bortz dates back to 1804 when Michael Bortz, the great-grandfather of Daniel W. Bortz, purchased from James Westbey the tract of land located
in Hempfield township near Crabtree Station. This same tract of land had been conveyed to Mr. Westbey by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in letters patent, dated
March 20, 1788. This farm which in the letters patent was called "The J'est" has
remained in the Bortz family ever since that time. Michael Bortz owned and resided
on it until 1827, at which time he and his wife, Magdelene Bortz, conveyed the farm
by general warranty deed to their son, Henry Bortz, who continued to own and
reside on it for fifty-two years, or until his death in I879. At that time the old homestead, by the provisions of his will, was transferred to his son, John Bortz. Henry
Bortz and his wife, Anna Maria (Fishel) Bortz, were the parents of eight children:
Peter, Michael. John, Simon, Hattie, who married John Fishel; Christina, who married John Uncapher; Mary Ann, who married Mathew Christy; and Sophia, who
married Jackson Berlin.
John Bortz, the second son of Henry and Anna Maria (Fishel) Bortz, was born
July 14, 1827, on the Homestead Farm, where he lived not only during his boyhood
but until I859, at which time he purchased from his father that portion of the farm
lying south of the road'leading from  Greensburg to New  Alexandria, containing
thirty-two acres, and upon which there was at that time erected a frame dwelling and
what was then an up-to-date sawmill operated at that time by water power. Later
this mill was fitted up with steam power and was operated'the greater part of the
55IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
year until I88o. John Bortz married, June io, 1851, Agnes McClarren, the daughter
of James and Sarah (Hill) McClarren. They were the parents of twelve children,
all living to, years of maturity, with the exception of a daughter who died in infancy.
They were: Matthis, a well-known physician of Cleveland, Ohio; Anna Mary, the
wife of Wi. M. Ferguson, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Daniel Welty, of whom further;
Sophia Priscilla, deceased; James M., deceased; Sara Jane, wife of Richard Cowan,
of Greensburg; Martha Elizabeth, deceased; Henry A., deceased; Elmer E., living on
the Homestead Farm; Bella, wife of John Patterson; and Arthur T., of Swissvale.
Until middle life John Bortz was a staunch Democrat, but when the time came
when the temperance question was an important issue, he joined the Temperance
party and from that time on labored for the success of the cause, hoping that he might
live to see liquor banished from the land. He was a member of the school board of
Unity township for more than twenty years, filling at different times the office of
president, secretary and treasurer. In the early part of their married life John Bortz
and his wife were members of the Zion Lutheran Church at Greensburg, but later,
on account of distance, they transferred their membership to the Presbyterian church
at New Alexandria.  Mr. and Mrs. Bortz lived simple Christian lives, always in
hearty sympathy with each other in all their undertakings, and each living to a ripe
old age, and dying in the faith in which they had so long lived. John Bortz died
December 26, I9og, and his faithful wife followed him January 2, 191o, divided from
each other in death only by the narrow space of a week.
Daniel WAelty Bortz, the second son of John and Agnes (McClarren) Bortz,
was born July 2, 1857, at the old Homestead Farm, in Hempfield township, near Crabtree Station, and obtained his education in the common schools of the vicinity and in
New Alexandria Academy. He taught school for four terms during the years I87576-77-78, removing to Greensburg in'the spring of I879, at which time he entered the
hardware store of Turirey Brothers, as a clerk, and remained in their employ until
April I, I889. On May I, I889, he started in the hardware business for himself in
an association with the firm name of Bortz  Hutchinson, at No. 206 West Otterman
street. The other members of the firm were James M. Bortz and R. A. Hutchinson,
this partnership continuing until April I, I89o, at which time Mr. Hutchinson withdrew, and his interest was taken over by other members of the association. Business
was continued at the same stand until I895, at which time they removed to their
present location at Nos. II4-II6 Pennsylvania avenue, and this partnership continued
until September, I9o3, when it was dissolved by the death of James M. Bortz. Daniel W. Bortz continued the business in his own name from that time until February
I, I917, when he formed the Bortz Hardware Company, by including other members
of his own family in the undertaking. The company has grown from a small beginning'to its present magnitude. It stands to-day at the head of this particular line of
business in the county, and carries a larger and more diversified stock each year and
does with each passing year.a largely increased volume of business. Everything is
included in their line from the smallest articles of shelf hardware to farm tractors
and tractor outfits as well as threshing machines, engines, and road building machinery.
Mr. Bortz is a staunch Democrat, though not a politician.'He was, however,
prevailed upon to accept the nomination and election to the office of councilman for
the Second Ward. He is a member of the Greensburg Business Men's Association
and served this organization as the presiding officer for nine years, and was also one
of the organizers and the first president of the Retail Merchants' District Association of Southwest Pennsylvania, being the presiding officer for eight years, and is also
a member of the Pittsburgh Retail Hardware Dealers Association, which is affiliated
with the state and national associations. He is a member of the National Union
Assurance Society and of the Grand Fraternity. He and his family affiliate with the
Reformed church, in which Mr. Bortz served as deacon and elder for a period of
twenty years.
552BIOGRAPHICAL
Mr. Bortz married  Malinda S. Bortz, daughter of Michael and Mary M.
(WVible) Bortz. Their children are: Henry C., who married Winifred M. Truxal,
and they have one son, Ray; Charlotte H., a graduate nurse of the West Penn Hospital of Pittsburgh; Mary A., who married Dr. J. F. McCullough, formerly X-ray
specialist of the West Penn Hospital, and now the X-ray member of a hospital unit
in training at the Great Lakes Naval Camp, Chicago; Florence G., married Wilbert
Connell, and they have one son, Wilbert, Jr.; William Howard, who enlisted in the
United States Army, May I8, 1917, and since June I8, T9T7, has been stationed at
Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, holding the rank of first class sergeant,
and placed in charge of the purchasing and distribution of supplies for the Medical
Exchanges at Camp Greenleaf.
HARRY EUGENE MARKER-The first member of this numerous and prominent Westmoreland fanlily to settle in the Ligonier Valley prior to the year I8oo was
Matthias Marker, who was a farmer, born near Richmond, Virginia.  He removed
from that locality to, Maryland, and thence to the Ligonier Valley. He was a soldier
in the War of the Revolution.
One of the sons of Matthias Marker was Henry Marker, born in Virginia, I779.
He was a young man when the family came to the Valley. He was an industrious,
energetic farmer, a consistent member of the Reformed church, and an ardent Democrat, which latter characteristic has been transmitted to the present generation. In
1809, Henry Marker married Mary, daughter of John Ambrose, and they had seven
sons, namely:' Benjamin, born I8II, died I869; Frederick, born I813, died I857;
George, born I8I6, died 1877; Joseph, born I821, died I853; Harry R., born 1824, died
I9oo; Noah M., of further mention; David, born 1829, died I9I4. Henry Marker
(father) died in I844, and Mary (Ambrose) Marker, his wife, in I873.
Noah M. Marker, grandfather of Harry Eugene Marker, was born in the Ligonier Valley, Wiestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in November, I826, on a farm about
two. and a half' miles south of Ligonier, where his father, Henry Marker, had resided
for many years. He was reared on the farm whereon he was born and remained
there until he became a young man. When about eighteen years old he located in
Somerset county, and there taught school for two years. In I849, Mr. Marker opened
a general store in the village of Mechanicsburg, which at that time was a tannery
town, where he remained in business until I852, his eldest son, Charles F. Marker,
having been born at the place. In I852, Mr. Marker removed his store to the village
of Oak Grove, where furnaces were being operated at that time, and remained in
Oak Grove until the year I854, at which time he removed into the town of Ligonier.
Having established his residence and business in Ligonier, he completed a store room
in I856, which he occupied until the time of his death. He was engaged in the general merchandise business in this room for more than forty years, and had a prosperous business, being one of the prominent and influential citizens of that locality,
and held in unequivocal confidence and esteem.  During the last twenty-five years
of his life, his son, Charles F. Marker, was a junior member of the firm of N. M.
Marker  Son. Noah M. Marker died November 23, I896, in the fullness of years
and well earned honors. He was a man of distinct individuality and marked intellectual vigor, and the hold which he had on the regard of the people of his native
county was shown in many significant ways. In I879, he represented his district in the
State Legislature, served for many years as school director, and was otherwise called
upon to represent the public interests of the community, while his mature judgment
and conservative ideas made him a valued counselor. In politics he gave his support
to the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He was always progressive, being foremost among the'citizens of Ligonier
in assisting to establish new enterprises, or anything which was of benefit to the com553OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
munity. Realizing that the one thing that Ligonier and the surrounding country needed
for its development was a railroad, he worked long and earnestly in the attempt to
procure the same. He was one of the leaders in this enterprise, and after the company which was organized to build the railroad, of which he was a director, had
graded the road bed, he, along with his associates, persuaded Thomas Mellon, of
Pittsburgh, to interest himself in the venture, and the railroad was finally built and
has been operated successfully since I877. Mr. Marker remained a director in this
company for many years. He married, in I85o, Eliza J. Graham, daughter of Richard
and Nancy (Mellon) Graham, both born in Ireland and coming to, the United States
at the age of eighteen years. They had children: Charles F., of further mention;
Clara, Schell, Alfred, died young; Edward, died young; Frederick died young; Anna
B., Noah M. (2).
Charles Frank Marker, eldest son of Noah M. and Eliza J. (Graham) Marker,
was born at Mechanicsburg, Ligonier township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
January 27, 1852. He was educated in the public schools, and when a boy began working in his father's store. In I873, on attaining legal age, he was admitted a partner,
the firm becoming Marker  Son. In December, I896, the store was entirely destroyed
by fire, and later Charles F. Marker and his cousin, Henry C. Marker, rebuilt the
store building and established the business which they have since successf'ully conducted. Mr. Marker was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Ligonier, is a member of the board of directors, and one of Ligonier's substantial, honored men. In politics he is a Democrat. He married Anna Kate McColly, daughter
of Bales McColly, son of Zachariah McColly, son of Zachariah McColly, the founder
of the family in Westmoreland county. They have two children: Harry Eugene, of
further mention; and Romaine S.
Harry Eugene Marker, eldest son of Charles Frank and Anna Kate (McColly)
Marker, was born in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, July To, 1874. He was admitted to the
bar of Westmoreland county, October, I896, and later to all the courts.
Mr. Marker married, September I7, I9OI, Ellen Bartholomew, daughter of Rev.
A. H. Bartholomew. Children: Rachel Katherine, born April I2, I905; Henry E.,
born October I4, 19o6.
BERKEY H. BOYD--.Berkey H. Boyd, president of the Board of County Commissioners of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, one of the younger men to have
attained prominence in the big mining and industrial county, was born in the Ligonier
Valley, October 22, 1878, a son of John F. and Elizabeth (Buell) Boyd.
From the public schools he entered a business college, and then became a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, where he made a large and
enduring friendship among railroad men. While an operator he bought a large shoe
store in his home town of Scottdale, and conducted the store successfully for several
years. He early took an interest in politics.and had the rather unusual distinction of
being a Republican county committeeman when he was but twenty-one years old,
three years later was elected a member of the Board of Education, and also a member
of the State Republican Committee. Mr. Boyd was elected to the Legislature for
the terms of I907-o8 and again for I9II-I2, serving on such important committees as
the ways and means, of which he was secretary, mines and mining, accounts, etc.
Always strongly interested in the temperance cause he was perhaps the first man in
the State to come out flatly upon a platform favoring local option. While in the
Legislature his colleagues and the organized temperance force of Pennsylvania gave
him entire charge of the local option fight, and he had the honor of introducing the
Boyd local option bill. Mr. Boyd was connected for a time with the State Health
Department during. its organization by the late Dr. Samuel G. Dixon. He became
affiliated with the Progressive element of the party, was a State committeeman, and
554BIOGRAPHICAL
ranking member of the State executive committee. He had such experience with the
branches of local and state government that he was elected county commissioner, an
office which he is filling at the time of this writing with satisfaction to his constituents.
With the preparation for the war with Germany, Governor M. G. Brumbaugh
named Mr. Boyd as one of three men to have charge of the entire registration for
military service in the county, June 5, I917, and his colleagues named him secretary.
Under authority of President Wilson, through the selective service law, Mr. Boyd
was named as a member of Draft Board No. 7, and here his colleagues elected him
chairman of the board. This board was one of seven in the State to be placed on the
roll of honor for their work. Mr. Boyd is serving on this board with satisfaction to
the people, and his patience in this trying position and his desire to give absolute
justice, has increased his friendship among those who have been registered and their
friends and relatives. Mr. Boyd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
one of the official board of that church in Scottdale, where he is also a member of the
board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association.
WILLIAM C. HENDERSON-Beginning active life a miner of coal, Mr.
Henderson later became associated with mercantile interests in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. In January, I902, he moved to Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the mercantile business at the corner of North Main and
East Otterman streets, where he conducted a successful and prosperous business
until July, I916, at which time he disposed of his business to engage in newspaper
work and became the president of the Record Publishing Company. He is a prominent member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Greensburg, Pennsylvania,
and for ten years has been general superintendent of its Sunday school, one of the
largest in the county. Always active in religious and other lines for the betterment
of the community, he has served for several years as a director of the Young Men's
Christian Association, and taken an active interest in the Temperance movement.
He has served as secretary of the Westmoreland County Temperance Federation
since its organization, 1912, and has been very actively identified in work for the
election of political condidates in sympathy with this movement. He is recognized
as one of the most influential men in the county, and has a large share in directing
the policy of the political party with which he has been affiliated, always standing for
men who represent the highest ideals and who are themselves persons of unquestioned
integrity of character. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights
Templar and Bloomingburg Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
VWilliam C. Henderson is a grandson of Andrew Henderson, who came with his
wife, Ellen (Actor) Henderson, from County Down, Ireland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in I845. He established in Pittsburgh, as a drayman, and there continued
until the cholera epidemic, when he left the city and located in Lincoln township,
Allegheny county, where for a time he worked in the mines. Later he bought a
farm  in the township, which he cultivated until his death at seventy-two years of
age. He was an Orangeman and a strict member of the United Presbyterian church.
His wife Ellen died at the age of seventy years, the mother of George, of further
mention; James, William, Henry, Robert, Samuel, Susan, Mary, Elizabeth, Ellen and
Catharine Henderson.
George Henderson, the father of William C. Henderson, was born in the year I85I
in Pittsburgh, and there attended the public school until nine years of age. When his
father moved to Lincoln township the lad began working in the mines, continuing a
miner for several years, then becoming a farmer of Elizabeth township, where he still
resides. For several years he was an active member of the Methodist Protestant
church, which he served as trustee. He then became identified with the Methodist
Episcopal church, which he has also served as trustee ever since. He married Ellen
555BIOGRAPHICAL
offered by the limited curriculum of the academy, he matriculated, as soon as prepared,
at Dickinson College, where he remained until he entered Washington  Jefferson College. From the latter institution he received his degree and immediately after graduation began to read law in the office of his uncle, Judge Richard Coulter, who was in
all probability the most eloquent member of the Westmoreland county bar in the nineteenth century. In the study for his professional career he was quite as eager as in his
earlier school days, for he completed his reading in time to be admitted to the bar
before he was twenty-one years of age. This was a remarkable feat and can be looked
upon as still more extraordinary when his service in the Mexican War is noted as a
serious interruption to his studies. The practice of law occupied his entire attention
until the outbreak of the Civil War. As a lawyer he was logical, forceful and well
trained, and his clear presentations, the class of cases he undertook and the fairness
of his methods gave him prominence among his professional associates. Later, having
determined that he could achieve greater success in business than in the practice of law,
he engaged in the banking business upon his return to Greensburg after receiving his
honorable discharge from the United States Government for his service during the
Civil War. At this time in its development the Government had great need of strong
personalities at the head of its financial institutions. For many years General Coulter
was president of the First National Bank, a -position he held without salary remuneration and in which he inspired the trust and confidence of the bank's depositors. The
bank, very largely, owes its present strong position to the developing genius and popularity of its honored former president. In the:early eighties General Coulter also
became heavily interested in coal operations, and when the consolidation of companies
brought about the Keystone Coal Company, he became one of its directing officers.
For this service he did not receive pay, and to both the bank and this company his
legal advice, business astuteness and strict integrity were of far-reaching value. His
must have been a particularly genial and unselfish disposition, as at the present time
many tales are told of how he advised and aided his fellow-citizens, starting them
aright in their business or professional undertakings. He was a regular and devoted
attendant of the Presbyterian church, in whose growth and welfare he was sincerely
interested. One of his friends remarked "he was most deeply religious" and the clergy
often expressed their appreciation of his attendance at the church services by saying
that it was an inspiration to them to have him in their audiences.
The day following President Lincoln's call for troops, the country was ablaze with
excitement. In less than a week thereafter, the Eleventh Regiment of Pennsylvania
was formed. Companies I and K, under Captains Richard Coulter and W. B. Coulter,
respectively, were raised in Westmoreland county. On the election of officers, Captain
Jarrett was made colonel, and Captain Richard Coulter lieutenant-colonel.  The
Eleventh Regiment was mustered into service, April 26, I86I. The enlistment was for
three months. It was moved almost at once to the fiont along the enemy's line on the
Potomac river, and there did noble duty in keeping back the advancing line of the
Confederate army. In connection with the First Minnesota Regiment they fought one
of the first battles of the war, viz., the battle of Falling Waters, and came off the field
with victory. At the close of its term of enlistment it was returned to Harrisburg to
recruit, for the organization had been continued by Secretary of War Simon Cameron.
Largely through the personal influence of Colonel Richard Coulter it was recruited and
mustered into service for three years. Then came a dispute as to the number it should
take. If it had received a new number it would have been known as the Fifty-first
Regiment, and this the officers refused to accept, for thus the identity of the Eleventh
Regiment and the honor of early enlistment would have been lost. The dispute was
-finally carried to Governor Curtin, and the order made by him in settlement of the controversy was no less complimentary to the regiment than it was mandatory in its terms.
It is as follows, and is dated at Harrisburg, October 26, I86i: "The regiment of Penn4IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Kelley, who was born at Waltz's Mills in Westmoreland county, and who is now
deceased. They were the parents of five children, viz.: Andrew, William C., James,
Jennie and Effie Henderson, all living.
William C. Henderson was, on January I6, I9oo, united in marriage with Ella J.
Speakman. They have four children, viz.: Ethel Florence, William Charles, Samuel
Finley, Lulu Amelia.
EDWARD P. DORAN-During his sixteen years practice at the Westmoreland
bar, 190o-I9I7, Mr. Do.ran has gained high reputation as a general practitioner and as
junior partner of the Greensburg law firm of Williams, Wegley  Doran, continues a
connection with the senior partner which began as a law student under the direction
of the then firm of Williams, Sloan  Griffith. Mr. Doran is a grandson of James
Doran, who came from Ireland and settled in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, beginning his career in the village of Jefferson as an employee of the old Portage Railroad
then in course of construction. At his death in Cambria county, at an advanced age,
he was a large landowner and prosperous farmer and stock raiser, noted throughout
the county for the quality of his blooded cattle. He married Mary Kennedy, born in
Ireland, both members of the Catholic church. They had fourteen children: William;
Thomas; Michael; Jane, married William F. Leahy; Mary, now a Sister of Mercy;
and Kate; all of whom are living. Those deceased are: Patrick, of further mention;
James, John, Elizabeth, Margaret, and three others who died in infancy. Of the sons
of James Doran, Thomas and William are farmers; James, Michael and Patrick were
engineers.
Patrick Doran from early life was an engineer in the employ of the Pennsylvania
Railroad, for many years running passenger trains between Altoona and Pittsburgh.
He was the owner of a farm in Cambria county, but never cultivated it personally, ending his life as he began it, an engineer. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious
faith a Catholic. He married Mary Honora Williams, daughter of David and Ellen
(Cummings) Williams, both born in Ireland. David Williams came to America in
I828, when a young man, and became a prominent railroad contractor, conducting
large operations. He built several sections of the Pennsylvania Railroad throughout
Pennsylvania and New York, and also buiilt a portion of the Western Pennsylvania
Railroad, and did a great deal of work on branches of the Pennsylvania. He was one
of the prominent railroad builders of his day, and during his later years lived in Latrobe, a village in which he was then largely interested as a pioneer among the early
settlers. He erected many of the principal buildings in Latrobe of that period, among
others the Parker House. He died in Latrobe in 1883, aged seventy-eight years, having
been for many years a conspicuous figure in the city's business life. David and Ellen
(Cummings) Williams were the parents of ten children. They were: Patrick F., a
soldier of the Union army during the Civil War, killed at the battle of Fair Oaks,
was the first soldier from, Latrobe to die in the war, and his memory is perpetuated in
Williams Post, Grand Army of the Republic, Latrobe; Thomas A., of Los Angeles,
California; Vincent E., residing at Latrobe; Stephen, David, John, William, James,
all deceased; Mary H., married Patrick Doran; Nellie R., married M. H. Smith, of
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
Patrick and Mary (Williams) Doran had ten children, nine of whom are as follows: Edward P., of further mention; Vincent J.; John, deceased; Thomas, deceased; Mary, married Raymond M. Duke, of Philadelphia; Ruth, residing in Wilkinsburg with her widowed mother; Patrice, married G. A. Robertstraw, of Youngwood,
Pennsylvania; Ann C., married C. R. Clowes, of Pittsburgh; Raymond, deceased.
Edward P. Doran was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, December Io, 1876. He
was educated in parochial and public schools, graduating from  Wilkinsburg High
556BIOGRAPHICAL                                    557
School, class of I895, and at St. Vincent's College, a graduate of the class of I898.
He chose the profession of law as his life work, and after full preparation in the
offices of WVilliams, Sloan  Griffith, at Greensburg, was admitted to the Westmoreland county bar in 19go. His preceptors obtained his services and he was associated
with them in practice until I909, when he became a member of the firm of Williams,
Wegley  Doran, as at present, with offices in the Bank and Trust Building, the firm
one of the leaders at the Westmoreland bar. Mr. Doran is a member of the County
Bar Association, and highly regarded by his professional brethren. In political affiliations he is a Democrat, and in religious faith a Catholic.
Mr. Doran married, October 2, 19I2, Elizabeth Dunn Baird, of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Alice (Dunn) Baird. They have three children: Edward B., Mary Elizabeth and Abigail. The family home is at No. 501 Walnut avenue,
Greensburg.
WILLIAM  M. HUDSON-Westmoreland county has many families whose association with the early pioneer days of the county makes it a pleasure to the historian
to dwell upon their labors and achievements. Westmoreland county has also many
sons whose achievements of this present generation have been such as to likewise
afford the historian gratification in chronicling the success of their enterprising initiative, and in the latter category must be placed the name and record of one of the leading and most substantial business men of Westmoreland county, William M. Hudson,
who for thirty-seven years has been associated with the grain firm of Hudson  Kuhns,
formerly Donahoe  Kuhns, of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the
last twenty-five years of which association has been in active partnership.
The Hudson family has been connected with Westmoreland county for three generations. James Hudson, grandfather of William M. Hudson, was a native of Wales,
and emigrated to this country about the end of the eighteenth or the beginning of the
nineteenth century. He married a daughter of an old Irish family of historic ancestry,
whose members had, prior to the migration of the wife of James Hudson, always lived
in Ireland. It was a family noted for longevity, Mrs. Hudson's mother having attained
the venerable age of one hundred and five years. Whether James Hudson married in
Wales, or in Ireland, before his emigration to this country, or whether he sought and
found his wife in the Irish settlement of Chester county, Pennsylvania, after his emigration, cannot now be determined, in the absence of authentic data, but having regard
to the standing of the family of James Hudson's wife, the most probable assumption
would be that James Hudson made her acquaintance at some time in Ireland, and that
they were there married. James Hudson was apprenticed to carpentry, and for some
time after landing in America found satisfactory employment at his useful trade. He
resided for a time in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, removing about the year I8I6
into Westmoreland county, wherein he entered into possession of a small farm of
about forty-five acres, situated in Unity township, near Pleasant Unity. There James
Hudson and his good wife lived for about twenty-five years, and raised a large family.
About 1841, he purchased a farm of about one hundred acres near Crabtree, Westmoreland county, on which property he resided until within about five years of his
death, -which occurred in his new home in Allegheny township, to which he had removed in I841. James Hudson was a man of decided, but quite independent, opinioii;
his opinions were stable, and his judgment good. but in political matters he would not
align himself fixedly with any party; his opinion and vote were dependent upon his
opinion of the immediate local subject for election, he being convinced that if all exercised similar care in ascertaining the individual merits and demerits of the candidate
for election directly before them, and placed their vote upon this analysis, instead of
upon the collective policies of national parties, or political groups, the men to constituteOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
the subsequent Congress would be of a higher standard of rectitude and ability, to the
consequent betterment of legislation. It was through no indifference to the need of the
legislative deliberations of the National House of Representatives that James Hudson
refused to affiliate himself permanently with any one party. He lived to the venerable
age of eighty-four, and since his naturalization had participated enthusiastically in
every election, but always intelligently, and never contrary to his own individual opinion
of the man who sought his vote.
To James and Mary (McCasland) Hudson were born nine children, among whom
was George, the father of William M. Hudson. Both Mr. and Mrs. James Hudson
passed away in Allegheny, and in that township were buried.
George Hudson, son of James and Mary (McCasland) Hudson, was born in the
Hudson homestead in Unity township, on'November 24, 1819. His early elementary
education was obtained at the district school of his native place, and therein he manifested an alertness and readiness of understanding, which marked him out for a useful
career. After passing through the common school, he was placed in the old Greensburg
Academy for a further course of advanced instruction. His natural ability, and earnest
application to study, produced in him an efficiency whereby he was enabled to pass sixteen years of his subsequent endeavor as an educator, becoming one of the well-known
early teachers of Westmoreland county. When nearing forty years of age, he decided
to retire from the academic world, and for the next two decades of his life his pleasure, as well as main occupation, was in working farms he had in Salem and Hempfield townships, Westmoreland county. When sixty years of age, however, he had
apparently reached the point whereat farming was too arduous an occupation, so in
I879 he removed to Ludwick borough, wherein he lived a retired life until I905, when
he moved into Greensburg, the county seat. The long life of George Hudson has been
graced by a continuity of honest endeavor and useful, unselfish service to his friends
and community, so that his declining years were filled with happy remembrances and
evidences of the sincere goodwill and appreciation of his many friends and associates
of other days. He married, in I849, Nancy R. Mansfield, daughter of Abraham and
Isabelle (McGee) Mansfield, of Unity township, Westmoreland county. They were
the parents of eight children, of which we are directly interested in William M.
William M. Hudson, the main subject of this writing, was born on the Hempfield
township farm of his parents, and thereon was reared, developing into all the sturdy
manliness such an environment would create in a boy of sound basic principles. He
was educated at the township school, and removed with his parents to Ludwick borough
in I879. He then, and for many years thereafter, was active in the employ of the firm
of Donahoe  Kuhns, at Greensburg, Westmoreland county, proving himself an able
man of business, and in course of time meriting the interest of his employers so thoroughly as to be placed in entire charge of the company's grain business. In I89I William M. Hudson had advanced so highly into the esteem of his principals that he was
accepted as a member of the firm, and for the next two years the partnership of Messrs.
Donahoe, Hudson  Company held, to be then changed by the death of Mr. Kuhns,
who was succeeded in the business' by his son, J. U. Kuhns. Some time later Mr.
Donahoe died, and his interest was purchased by the two remaining partners, who
have since held in joint enterprise, and thereby developed a business of very satisfactory and substantial measure. To Mr. Hudson's credit, it may be stated that his success has been by his own individual, unaided effort. His strong personality and capacity for executive office has been a factor of-much importance in his ultimate success,
and his shrewd understanding of the indications which lead to the accurate forecasting
of future conditions of market is demonstrated by the success which has followed his
grain operations.
Mr. Hudson, who is unmarried and has amply proved his devotion to his parents,
having lived his whole life in almost continual touch with them, has by his community
558BIOGRAPHICAL
spirit and genial disposition ingratiated himself with most of his fellow-townsmen
wvho think highly of his strength of character and commendable generosity of thought
and act. That he holds'thoroughly the sound appreciation and esteem of the community is obvious by his election to the one public office wherein trustfulness and
integrity are vitally essential, viz., the borough auditorship, which office Mr. Hudson
has filled with credit, and with the gratifying knowledge of'the fact that his fellow.
townsmen had implicit confidence in him. He has also been honored more than once
by election to the borough council.
MARTIN NELSON McGEARY-The bar of Westmoreland county numbers
among its members many distinguished attorneys, but none niore worthy of note than
Martin Nelson McGeary, whose career from its outset has been a credit to his profession and the community generally. Mr. McGeary is a member of an old family which
had its origin in Scotland and which has made its home for a number of generations
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where it settled in pioneer days'.
It was already settled here in the generation of the great-great-grandfather of the
Mr. McGeary of this sketch and lived at that time most probably in Mt. Pleasant township. From there his- son, William  McGeary, great-grandfather of Martin N. McGeary, removed to Allegheny township and' it was here, in the year I8o0I, that James
McGeary, grandfather of Martin N. McGeary, was born.  James McGeary was
engaged in farming all his life, but added to this activity that of building and was one
of the pioneers in erecting the log houses and barns which in that period served the
needs of the inhabitants, as was also his father. He was regarded as one of the most
substantial citizens in that part of the country at the time, and was in early life a
Presbyterian, though he later became a member of the United Presbyterian church.
He and his wife, Margaret (Elliott) McGeary, were the parents of a number of children, as follows: William Patterson died in his twenty-second year; Rachel, married
(first) Mr. Leech, (second) James McGeary; John Elliott, of whom further; Martha
J., who became the wife of William Shaner; James Martin, of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania; and Isabelle, who became the wife of Fred Amment. James Martin and Isabelle are the only two members of the family now living.
John Elliott McGeary was born in Allegheny township, and died on Christmas
D,ay, I9IO,-in his seventy-sixth year. He was educated in the public schools of his
native region and at Leechburg Academy, and later followed the profession of teaching for many years in the schools of Westmoreland county. He also engaged in agricultural operations, as his ancestors had for many generations- before him, and was very
successful therein, being regarded as an authority on farming throughout that region.
His efforts to improve the various kinds of stock which he raised were noteworthy and
resulted in an invaluable service being done Westmoreland county. Mr. McGeary was
active in the general life of his township, always working for the best interest of his
fellow-citizens. He was a ruling elder in the United Presbyterian -church and represented that church at the Synod. He married Sarah J. McLaughlin, a daughter of
George H. and Nancy (Nelson) McLaughlin, a native of Allegheny township. Mrs.
McGeary survives her husband and now, at the age of eighty-one years, makes her
home at Leechburg. She was born July 7, I836. John Elliott McGeary and his wife
were the parents of seven children, as follows: Martin Nelson, of whom further;
George Harvey, now a practicing physician at Braddock, Pennsylvania, and a graduate
of the New York Homceopathic Medical College; Annie Margaret, now the wife of
George M. Riggle, of Leechburg, Pennsylvania; Miller James, a resident of New
Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he is a justice of the peace
and engaged in the insurance business; Lillian J., who became the wife of Thomas L.
H'astings, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania; William Aber, of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania,
559OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
where he is engaged in a mercantile line of business; and Elliott Patterson, who died
in childhood.
Born September Io, I86o, in Allegheny township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Martin Nelson McGeary grew to manhood on the farm of his father there. He
was educated at the public schools, Pine Run Academy and the Pennsylvania State
College. Upon completing his studies in the spring of I884, he took up for a time the
profession so long followed by his father and taught school in the western part of the
State. He had already had experience in teaching, having had positions for five terms
in the local schools preceding this date. After the year I884, however, he was appointed
principal of the schools of Natrona, Allegheny county, and served in this capacity for
two years. In the meantime he had become keenly interested in the subject of the law,
and it was while acting as principal of the above school that he began the study of that
subject. He entered the law office of John A. and J. T. Marchand, well-known attorneys of Greensburg, and was admitted tol the bar of Westmoreland county, December
I7, 1887. Since that time Greensburg has been his home and the scene of his notable
legal activities. Upon being admitted to the bar Mr. McGeary at once opened an office
in Greensburg and began the practice of his profession. He formed a partnership with
J. R. Spiegel, which continued until this gentleman's death in I903. Mr. McGeary then
formed a partnership with Rabe F. Marsh, and this law firm continues in practice
to-day. Their legal business is a general one and is carried on before all the courts of
the county and State and it is regarded as one of the strongest and most substantial
firms in Greensburg. Mr. McGeary is a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated
with Lodge No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons, of Greensburg, and he is also a
member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs. He is particularly active, however,
in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in the Grand Fraternity in
Greensburg. He is also a member of the Greensburg Club and of the Masonic Veterans of Western Pennsylvania.
Mr. McGeary was united in marriage, July 3I, I9oI, to Agnes Huston, a daughter
of John B. and Elizabeth Matthews (McCreery) Huston. To Mr. and Mrs. McGeary. one child has been born, Martin Nelson, Jr., April 9, I9o6. Mr. McGeary and
his family are members of the United Presbyterian church, and they make their home
at No. 615 North Main street, Greensburg.
JOHN  B. HUSTON-There is no family more respected in Westmoreland
county than that which bears the name of Huston, the members of which for many
years have been closely identified with the affairs of that region. It was founded in
this part of the country probably by one Robert Huston, who was the owner of a considerable tract of land in the Ligonier Valley. This Robert Huston had two sons, to
eacl; of whom he gave six hundred and forty acres or a square mile of wild land.
One of them, Samuel Huston, the father of John B. Huston, who was born in Westmoreland county, erected a log cabin on his share of the gift, which was situated in
the midst of woods, and there founded his home. He continued to engage in farming
operations there and gave much time to the clearing of his land. It was here also that
his death eventually occurred. He was a prominent farmer in the community all his
life, and an exceedingly active member of the United Presbyterian church. He was
possessed, however, of a very retiring and quiet disposition and did not take an active
part in public affairs. He married Elizabeth Ramsey, who was orphaned at an early
age, and who was reared at the home of a Mr. Reppert, a manufacturer of pottery at
Fayette City, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Huston, Sr., five children were born,
three sons and two daughters, as follows: Nancy B., Robert W., William K., John
B., and Mary E., who became the wife of Squire William Peoples. Samuel Huston
56oBIOGRAPHICAL                                    561
divided his farm among two of his sons, the share of each being far more valuable
than had the whole property when he had received it from his father.
John B. Huston was born on the old family homestead on March 28, I832, and
there spent his entire life save for an interval of several years, during which time he
followed the profession of teaching, being employed in a number of schools in the
surrounding region. During the remainder of his life he was engaged in farming and
was well known as a most successful agriculturalist. He was extremely active in local
affairs, a member of the school board, upon which his expert knowledge of educational
matters was invaluable. He was also a man of strong religious convictions and feelings, and a staunch supporter and member of the United Presbyterian church. He
was extremely active in the advancement of this body in the community and for many
years served it in the capacity of elder. He also represented it in the Synod. Mr.
Huston's death occurred on November I4, I9o4, at the age of seventy-three years, after
a life of varied activity and wide public se'rvice.
John B. Huston was united in marriage, October I6, I856, with Elizabeth Matthews McCreery, a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Matthews) McCreery. Mrs.
Huston died at the age of seventy-two years. To them were born the following children: William O., who was a practicing physician at Bellair, Ohio, until his death
which occurred February 2, I899; Margaret J., Samuel, John Edgar, a farmer in the
Ligonier Valley; Thomas McC., who is pastor of the United Presbyterian church at
Whitinsville, Massachusetts; Harry Ramsey, who is engaged in the hardware business
at Newca.stle, Pennsylvania; Agnes, who became the wife of Martin N. McGeary,
whose sketch precedes this; Robert Hugh, a farmer at Hillside, Pennsylvania; Kittie
Mary, who resides with her brother, the Rev. Mr. Huston in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
One of the prominent figures in the life of Ligonier Valley during the generation
just past, was John B. Huston, whose death there was felt as a loss by a very large
proportion of the community. Mr. Huston was one of the best known and most popular figures in the community, and his death left a gap that cannot be filled and shall
with difficulty be forgotten. He was a man of the most genial, open nature and that
sort of cheeriness which one instinctively feels flows from a charitable heart, a manly,
courageous and gentle heart. It was said of him that people turned naturally toward
his kindly, sympathetic personality as flowers to sunshine, and this is indeed an apt illustration of the manner in which strangers were impelled to make his acquaintance and
acquaintance was speedily turned to the kind of friendship that does not fail. The
diverse occupations he had engaged in had brought him into contact with a great number of men of every class and type and acquainted him with the motives and springs
of human nature beyond the range of many, making him at once tolerant of his fellows
and filling his memory with a thousand tales and episodes that were ever at his tongue's
end and made him a most delightful comrade. His home life, too, was an ideal one,
and he proved himself no less a loving husband and father than a true friend, a good
neighbor and a model citizen.
WILLIAM BARNHART--The death of William Barnhart, one of the most
conspicuous figures in the life of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
June I5, I893, was felt as a severe blo.w to the entire community, where for so many
years he occupied a prominent place in its affairs and where for an equal period.he
had constantly won for himself a higher degree of honor and affection from his fellows. He was a man of the most sterling virtues, and the trust and confidence reposed by him in the community-at-large was the best tribute that could have been paid
to his character and parts. A devoted husband and father, a faithful friend and publicW-36OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
spirited citizen, he was known and loved for his virtues and winning personality, far
and wide among all classes of men. Mr. Barnhart was a son of John Barnhart, of
Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he was born November I4, 1785. He lived in this region during his entire life, was confirmed in the Reformed church by the Rev. Webber, and married, March I5, I8I3, Elizabeth Brinker,
whb was born December I3, I788, in the same region. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart, Sr.,
the following children were born: Annie, Catherine, John, Edgar, Phillip, Solomon,
and William, with whose career we are here especially concerned.
William Barnhart was born May 7, 1820, at the home of his father in Hempfield
township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the farm being situated about five miles
from Greensburg in the direction of Dry Ridge. He was baptized by the Rev. Mr.
Hacke, and spent his boyhood on the old family homestead there.  Here also he
obtained his early education, attending the local schools for this purpose. When he
had grown to be a youth, his father removed to a farm near Hannastown, situated in
the neighborhood of the old common school which had been built there in the early
days *of logs. Here the.lad continued his studies, his advantages, however, being
meagre enough as he was unable to take more than merely the grammar school
branches. He grew up to be the typical farmer's boy in that region, but possessed of an
excellent natural mind and the power of readily assimilating knowledge from the
experiences of daily life. At the time when he had reached young manhood, his father
had become the owner of a mill, which was the first mill driven by steam in this section of the country. The young man began the active business of life with a position
in his father's establishment here, where he learned every detail of the milling industry
and fitted himself to take charge of the entire enterprise. He often superintended
the running of the mill himself and eventually purchased it from his father. From that
time for a period of twenty-five years he continued to operate it uninterruptedly and
it became known eventually as Barnhart's Mill and here he did the milling for the
entire countryside. The establishment met with the most satisfactory success and
made Mr. Barnhart a very well-to-do man, so that he was regarded as one of the most
substantial citizens of this place. The property about his mill consisted of about forty
acres, and here he built his home and settled immediately after his marriage. The
house was originally a log cabin, but had formerly been a school, but he later purchased a handsome brick house nearby. Eventually he sold his mill and farm to his
brother John, but in the meantime he had purchased a portion of the old Barnhart'homestead, where he located and here continued to reside until about twenty years
before his death, when he removed to the old Bonnett place, about one mile from
Mount Pleasant; here he lived until his death in the year I893. Mr. Barnhart, while
always interested in public affairs, was in no sense of the word a politician and never
allowed himself to run for any public office. He was a modest and retiring man and
possessed of strong religious convictions and instincts. He was a member of the First
Reformed Church of Greensburg and later attended the church of that denomination
at Mount Pleasant. He was a lifelong Republican and always did what he could in
his capacity of private citizen to advance the interests of his party.
William Barnhart was united in marriage, October I6, I844, with Sarah Elizabeth
Rugh, who was born June 25, I825, on her father's farm in Hempfield township. Mrs.
Barnhart was a member of a very old and distinguished Westmoreland county family,
a daughter of Jacob Rugh, who was one of the most prominent citizens in this region
in his day. He was a native of this county, having been born on the old Rugh farm,
where his grandfather settled in Hempfield township, in the old pioneer days. He
married Margaret Brinker and they.died in Hempfield township on the old farm, he
August 3I, 1852, born April I, I79I, and she March I6, 1870, born March 3I, I792.
They were the parents of the following children: Peter, Caroline, Polly, Anna, Hannah, Sarah Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Barnhart; Jacob, Lucinda, Margaret and
562BIOGRAPHICAL
Hetty. Peter Rugh, the grandfather of Mrs. Barnhart, was a lifelong resident of
the old Rugh homestead, born I747, where he worked all his life as a farmer. He
owned a great deal of property in Hempfield township, and died here December 22,
I828. He was a Lutheran in his religious belief. His wife, Mariah Margaret Rugh,
died April I2, I83I, aged seventy-seven years, four months, fifteen days.
Michael Rugh, father of Peter Rugh, or, as he was well known throughout the
community, Squire Rugh, was an extremely prominent man in the community during
his life. He was one of the first justices of the peace in Greensburg. He married and
had three sons, Jacob, Peter and Michael. He died on his farm in Hempfield township. He lies buried in the old family plot in the private burying ground on his farm.
Originally Michael Rugh came from Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, having come from
Holland in I732. Mr. Rugh's farnl, which is situated one mile southeast of Greensburg,
was the scene of the early life of Mrs. Barnhart, who there grew up to womanhood.
She gained her education in the Little Log School House already mentioned, her last
teacher being a Mr. Hilles. At that time the schools were all subscription schools and
the opportunity for education to be had at them were, to say the least, meagre. Mrs.
Barnhart in her young girlhood was engaged in the spinning of wool and tow into
certain rough cloths, from which her mother made the family clothes, a difficult task
one would suppose, judging from the size of her family.
Mrs. Barnhart was a member of the Lutheran church, and in the year I905, after
her husband's death, removed to Greensburg, where she has since resided at No. 405
South Maple street, and where she attends the church of that denomination. To Mr.
and Mrs. Barnhart the following children were born: Caroline, who became the wife
of Lewis Shupe, of Mount Pleasant; Cyrus T., who now resides at Greensburg, where
he married Emma Walthour; Simon F., who now resides'at Mount Pleasant, and
married Emma Zundel; Sarah, who became the wife of Reuben Zundel, and died in
Mount Pleasant; William, who has now removed to the State of Indiana; where he is
actively engaged in business, and where he married Mary Shupe; Margaret, who became the wife of Lewis Weaver, of Greensburg; Jacob, deceased, married Maggie
Newil; Emma, who became the wife of Henry Griffith, now deceased, of Kansas;
Susan E., who resides with her mother at home; John, who died in early youth; Laura,
who became the wife of Jacob Fried, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania.
There is a popular notion that merit is very apt to meet with scant appreciation of
this world until the death of the meritorious startles those about him into an appreciative attitude that comes too late to benefit its subject, that the great dead are honored,
the great living abused. Of course there is a certain basis for this, as for every popular
notion, but there are also so many modifications and exceptions to it as a rule as to rob
it of half its force. The great reformer, it is true, generally fares ill in every clime
and time until his bones are dust and his memory canonized, but the reward of any
ability, short of this superlative degree, seems to depend rather upon its form than its
power, its kind rather than its degree. To be more explicit: A man will gain recognition quickly enough if his abilities are such as are in demand in the age in which he
lives, but not otherwise. The student, for instance, has but a poor portion in the world
in an age when all men value war and the qualities that excel war above all else, but in
an age of culture and enlightment he will be valued at his true high worth. And again,
in an age when business and industry occupy men's minds, the artist will meet with but
scant recognition and the man of business will guide the world's affairs. And surely
this is right and as it should be. If the warlike aristocracy of old neglected the student,
if the industrial leader of to-day gives but little attention to the artist, who shall blame
either the one or the other; it is part of the progress of the world. There would be
no reason in expecting men to pay for what they do not want or to reward those whose
work they do not value. This is an age of great business interests, an age when the
world is on the outlook for men who can make things, men who can sell things, who
563OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
sylvania volunteers commanded by Col. Coulter will continue to be known as the
Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. It is just to the' officers and men that
the regiment should have future opportunities of displaying the courage and gallantry
of Falling Waters, which is now a part of the military history of the State, under their
original designation." On November 27, i86i, the regiment left Harrisburg for Baltimore and reported to General John A. Dix. The first duty of the regiment was to
guard railroads and other property in the use of the government near Annapolis,
Maryland. It remained in that vicinity until April i8, 1862, when it was moved into a
more active section, to Manassas Gap railroad. During the summer of I862 it was
under General Pope, participating in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock
Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain and Antietam. Later it was with the Army of the Potomac, and performed its share at least in
the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness,
Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, Norfolk
railroad, Petersburg, Weldon railroad, the raid to Hichford, Dabney's Mills, Hatcher's
Run, Boydtown Plank road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks and Appomattox. On January
I, 1864, its second enlistment having expired, it reenlisted as a veteran regiment, and
proceeded to Pennsylvania in February to recruit its wasted forces. The great name
it had earned by this time, its almost National reputation as a regiment of fighters,
made it a special honor to belong to it. Resultant from this circumstance it was very
rapidly filled up by.new soldiers, many of whom had seen service in other regiments,
and was again sent to the front. In November, i86I, when it first left Harrisburg, it
had nine companies with about seven hundred men, and another company joined it in
August, I862. Counting all who were from the beginning to the end of the war borne
upon its rolls, its members aggregate eighteen hundred and ninety, showing that about
eleven hundred and fifty were added as recruits. It was finally discharged, July 6,
I865, and had at that time only three hundred and thirty-two men, showing that about
sixteen hundred and fifty were killed, lost in battle, discharged, etc. It was, at the
close of the war, the oldest regiment in the service from Pennsylvania, and was the
only one whose organization and number were kept up and continued. Colonel Coulter, since widely known as General Coulter, won a reputation in both the northern and
southern armies for bravery and coolness. In I864 he was commissioned by President
Lincoln brigadier-general, and in I865 by President Andrew Johnson brevet majorgeneral. His three most distinguishing characteristics in the army were his utter disregard of personal danger, his good judgment in the management of his men under all
circumstances, and his energy in executing any purpose or order he undertook. These
qualities made him a commander worthy in every way of the historic "Old Eleventh."
He was a man of vigorous constitution, strong enough to withstand the shock of three
severe wounds. The first he received at Fredericksburg, the second at Gettysburg, and
the third at Spottsylvania.
General Coulter married, November I8, I869, Emma A. Welty, daughter of- Henry
and Hannah (Brady) Welty. Henry Welty was probably descended from Swiss ancestry, as it is thought his father's birth occurred in Switzerland. However, the father,
Henry Welty, came to this country when young, and after living near Gettysburg for a
short time settled in Greensburg, where he remained during his latter life and where
he reared his family. His son, Henry Welty, was born in West Pittsburgh street,
Greensburg, ard this property is still owned by the fahnily. His active career was
devoted to the mercantile business, in which he met with considerable success. Although
brought up in the Reformed church he attended the Presbyterian church the greater
part of his life. His death occurred at the advanced age of ninety-one years. On the
maternal side, Mrs Coulter is descended from an ancestry actively identified with our
National and State growth. Hugh Brady, who established the family in Pennsylvania,
came to this country from Ireland, settling immediately near Shippensburg, Pennsyl42OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
can combine successfully the elements of our physical life, and when it finds such it
hastens to reward them with wealth and position. To such men recognition does not
come tardily, after their death, but promptly enough, often in their youth or in the
middle portion of their lives. Such was the case with Mr. Barnhart, a man of the type
which the world wants to-day, who, although a man of affairs and talents, identified
himself with the life of his community and mingled in their affairs, in preference to
his own welfare and who gained their affection and regard.
ROBERT G. ARMSTRONG-Since the year I9oo00 Mr. Armstrong has been
identified with the glass manufacturing industry, first in clerical capacity, later with
the manufacturing department and as manager for several years. Since I907 he has
been a resident of Greensburg, coming from Pittsburgh, and is of an old Western
Pennsylvania family. He is a son of William and Margaret (Gray) Armstrong, and
a grandson of William Armstrong, a farmer of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
William (2) Armstrong was born at the homestead in Allegheny county, but is
now living on his farm in Valley county, Nebraska. He married Margaret Gray,
daughter of William Gray, a blacksmith of Stewartsville, Westmoreland county.
Both Mr. and Mrs. William Armstrong are members of the Presbyterian church.
They are the parents of seven children: Robert G., of further mention; Harry P.,
Mary R., Anna B., William J., Edwin C., and L. Alice Armstrong.
Robert G. Armstrong, son of Williamr and Margaret (Gray) Armstrong, was born
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, but spent his early life with his parents on their
farm in Valley county, Nebraska. He was educated in public schools and business
college. He remained irn Nebraska until I89I, then came East, stopping in Chicago
several years, being there employed as a bookkeeper. Later he came to VWestern Pennsylvania, locating in Pittsburgh, where in I9o00 he first became identified in a clerical
capacity with glass manufacture. Seven years later he became associated with the
Stahl Glass Company of Greensburg, and is now manager of the Greensburg Glass
Company, a position he has held since the organization of the company. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Masonic order, and a Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs.
Armstrong are members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Armstrong married, June 7, I9oo, Martha E. Dickey, daughter of Robert M.
and Rebecca M. (Kithcart) Dickey. They have two children: Margaret R. and
Alice E. Armstrong.
JOHN ALOYSIOUS RODGERS-One of the most prominent among the many
successful men of Irish parentage in Westmoreland county is John A. Rodgers, secretary and treasurer and general manager of the Westmoreland Grocery Company of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Rodgers is himself a native of Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, having been born there on July II, I878, but his father, who was Cornelius P. Rodgers, was a native of Ireland and came to the United States as a young
man. For a long time he remained in the employ of the Frick Coal and Coke Company, working up to the position of superintendent of the Coke Works at Dorothy.
His death occurred in the month of February, I9II, at the age of fifty-four years, and
he was married to Esther Burns, who survives him, and by whom he had nine children, as follows: John A., of whom further; Mary E., Anna, C. P., Elizabeth, Sarah,
Ella, J. V. and Paul.
John A. Rodgers was educated in the public schools of his native place, but had
very little formal, schooling, being obliged to leave his studies when only twelve years
of age, in order to find work. This he secured in the mines in this part olf the State
and spent there some two and a half years. He was unusually bright and an industrious worker and attracted the attention of all those with whom he came in contact,
564BIOGRAPHICAL
so that he did not find it difficult some time later to secure a position with the Keystone Supply Company. From there he went to the Union Supply Company, where he
remained for nine years, holding various offices up to that of manager; later was with
the American Supply Company and still later with the Jamison Supply Company. In
the year I903 he gave up this position and severed his association with the company to
enter the employ of the Westmoreland Grocery Company, with which he has been
associated ever since. He first took the position of traveling salesman, in which he
was so successful as to be recalled to the home office in I905, two years later. He
served until I913 as assistant to the president and general manager, and was then
advanced to his present triple position of secretary-treasurer and general manager.
Since that time he has been in virtual charge of the large business of this concern and
has made his personality felt very strongly. There is no doubt whatever but that the
great development of recent years has been due to his most capable management, and
there seems every reason to believe that this great success will be extended into the
future and bring about a still larger and more brilliant development.
Mr. Rodgers has not confined his activities to the business world in Greensburg,
but has taken an active part in many departments of the life of that place; He has
been prominent in military circles and for some time an active member of the National
Guard. He joined Company E, Tenth Regiment, for service in the Spanish-American
war, and in I898 accompanied that body to the Philippines, where he remained in
service for a year, during which time he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He
is a Democrat in politics, but not a politician, preferring to exert what influence he
can purely in his capacity as private citizen. He is a member of the local lodge of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a conspicuous figure generally in
the social life of the community.
Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage, July 3I, I907, with Mary Doherty, a daughter of P. H. Doherty, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers three
children have been born, as follows: Mary A., Esther D. and John A., Jr. -Mr.
Rodgers and all the members of his family are Roman Catholics, attending that church
at Greensburg, and they make their residence at No. 86 Westmoreland avenue.
THOMAS DONOHOE-In the Province of Leinster, located in the southeastern
part of Ireland, lies Ballyellin, in County Carlow, a section romantic and charming in
both scenery and history. And here, among the families of the nobility, the name
"Donohoe" is prominent as it was generations ago. The Irish form of the name was
O'Donchoda, or O'Donchu, anglicized O'Donocho, and modernized, O'Donoghue and
O'Donohoe. Of the Eugenian Clan of the Milesian race, it is one of the ancient Irish
families that have survived the Elizabethan War, and the Strafford and Cromwellian
devastations in Ireland. The family history records that in the tenth century, Brian
Boru, the greatest King of Ireland, bestowed upon the head of the Clan the title of
"Prince of Lough Lein," and in the famous battle of Clontarf, a battle for religion
and country against paganism and bondage, where a list of the dead was a roll of the
Danish and Irish nobility, and in which Brian Boru was killed, The O'Donoghoe led
the Irish center division. There were several branches of this family, which is descended from Cas, son of Corc, King of Munster, eighty-nine on the line of Heber
Fionn, the first Milesian monarch of Ireland, namely, Princes of Lough Lein, County
Kerry, Lords of Glenfesk, O'Donoghues of Cashel and O'Donoghues of Ossory, but
the branch from which Thomas Donohoe was descended was that of the Princes of
Lough Lein, the ancient patrimony of whose house is in County Kerry, "The O'Donoghoe of the Glen," being now the recognized head.
The modernized form of the name (O'Donohoe) has been reserved to designate
the head of the Clan, and is used by him alone, but some centuries ago the simpler
565OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
form of "Donohoe," as it is now written, was adopted by the family, as was done of
the names of many Irish families of distinction of that period.
In I774 Morgan Donohoe, the great-grandfather of Thomas D'onohoe, the subject
of our sketch, removed from Leighlin for political reasons, into County Carlow, where,
in Goresbridge,:Ballyellin, he established the home in which his son Henry, his grandson Edward, and great-grandson Thomas Donohoe, were born.
The family coat-of-arms, which is of interest, is as follows: Vert, two foxes combatant argent, on a chief of the second an eagle volant sable. Crest: An arm in
armour, embowed, holding a sword entwined with a snake, all proper, and its accompanying motto, Nunquam non paratus, translated "Always prepared," is peculiarly
appropriate in connection with the life of Thomas Donohoe, a prominent merchant,
coal operator and philanthropist for half a century in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Donohoe, to whom, perhaps, more than to any other single individual is
due the development of VWestmoreland county in its various industries, agriculture,
water, gas and coal, was born in Goresbridge, Ballyellin, County Carlow, Ireland, December I5, I83o. He was the son of Edward and Judith (Brennan) Donohoe, the
latter-named a descendant of an equally illustrious Irish family. Brennan, anciently
known as Mac Brennan, O'Brennan, Brenan, Brenon, O'Brenon, and then changed to
Brennan (Ulster and Connaught). Arms: Argent, a lion rampant azure, in chief
two dexter han-ds couped at the'wrist gules. Crest: Out of a ducal coronet or, a plume
of five ostrich feathers azure and of the first alternately. Motto: Sub hoc signo vinces
(Under this sign thou shalt conquer).
It was owing to the fact of his father, Edward Donohoe, through his generosity,
having impoverished himself during the Black Famine of 1847, by opening his granaries
and even his home to the starving peasants of the surrounding country, that Thomas
came to America. At the age of nineteen years, having completed his studies at Carlow College, where all the members of his family were educated, and where at the
present time his nephew, the Rev. Michael Donohoe, is professor of philosophy,
Thomas Donohoe decided to come to the United States. Upon his arrival in this country, he went at once to the'home of William Maher, the banker, at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, whose ancestors had been friends of the Dlonohoe family for many generations. Mr. Maher took the young man into partnership with him, in the mercantile
and also contracting business, railroad construction being their specialty. Among the
pieces of work which they accomplished at that time were the building of that portion
of the C. B.  Q. running into Burlington, Iowa, and the Pennsylvania line into
Butler, Pennsylvania. In I854 Mr. Donohoe came to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and
in company with Mr. Maher established the mercantile house of Donohoe, Maher 
Company, and the grain business under the same name. The latter business assumed
immense proportions, as this firm controlled the entire production of Westmoreland
and adjacent counties, at that time one of the richest agricultural districts in the State.
Owing to lack of railroad facilities, this grain was all hauled to Greensburg and
shipped from their warehouses in Ludwick. In the years in which they were in business the value of the grain which passed through their hands amounted to many millions of dollars. After a few years Mr. Donohoe purchased Mr. Maher's interests in
both enterprises, and having been joined by his younger brother, Patrick Donohoe,
from Ireland, these firms were then known as Donohoe, Brother  Company for many
years. Later Mr. John Kuhns, one of Greensburg's most prominent citizens, became
associated with Mr. Donohoe in the grain business and a partnership was formed,
which lasted for more than thirty years, being terminated only by the death of Mr.
Kuhns in I893.
Born and reared on a farm, Mr. Donohoe always retained an intense love of country life, and though his business and the education of his children prevented him making his home in the country, he purchased a beautiful place, about seven miles from
566BIOGRAPHICAL                                    567
Greensburg, and spared no expense in making it one of the noteworthly places in that
section. This place, known as "Wheatland," on account of the wonderful crops of
wheat raised there, afterwards became the property of the Alexandria Coal Company,
being one of the first coal fields turned over to the company upon its organization by
Mr. Donohoe and his associates. It was he who introduced into Westmoreland county
the breeding of shorthorn cattle; draft horses and merino sheep; and many beautiful
trophies, including an exquisite silver pitcher, won by his stock at different exhibitions,
are now in the possession of his family. He was the founder of the Westmoreland
Agricultural Society, an association of gentleman farmers, organized for the purpose
of interchanging ideas, bringing to their highest development the products of the soil
and the breeding of domestic animals, in a spirit of friendly competition, and the holding of the annual county fair, at which horse-racing was one of the leading features.
Mr. Donohoe was elected the first president of the society, and reelected annually for
many years, until he resigned from the board of directors, following which the association passed into other management.
About the year I880, Mr. Donohoe, seeing the vast possibilities in the coal and
coke industries, decided to extend his business activities and enter that field. T-he coal
business up to that time had been of minor importance, consisting of only a few operations, but Mr. Donohoe, becoming associated with a few of Greensburg's most progressive citizens, the Alexandria Coal Company was formed and thus began the development of the surrounding territory on an extensive scale. Their first venture was
the purchase of coal land and development of property with mines and ovens at Crabtree. Following this was the Mutual Coke Company, which was owned by Mr. Donohoe and one or two of his friends and later was sold to the H. C. Frick Coke Company. These were but the beginnings of an enormous coal and coke business, and were
followed in rapid succession by the organization of the Madison Gas Coal Company,
the Arona Gas Coal Company, Sewickley Gas Coal Company, Claridge Gas Coal Company, Mountain Coal Company, at Dunlo, Pennsylvania, most of which companies
have since Mr. Donohoe's death been merged with others into what is now known as
The Keystone Coal and Coke Company, and, finally his last effort, The Donohoe Coke
Company, when death called him from the scene of his activities. In addition to these
operating plants, Mr. Donohoe was largely itnterested in valuable coal lands, among
which were the Upper Crabtree field, now part of the Jamison Coke Company, and
lands in Washington and Greene counties.
Mr. Donohoe belonged to that little coterie of men responsible for every industry
of any magnitude in Westmoreland county. He was always ready to encourage, both
financially and with his influence, any business wishing to biecome established in
Greensburg. He assisted largely in bringing the Kelly and Jones Company here, the
Greensburg Steel Company, the Greensburg Glass Company, Westmoreland Water
Company, was one of the organizers of the Greensburg Street Railway Company, and
the Manufacturers Gas Company.
It was due to Mr. Donohoe more than to any other person that the Westmoreland Hospital was established. Seeing the great need of such an institution, after
years of unceasing effort, he succeeded in interesting a number of public-spirited
friends; an association was formed, a charter secured and the Westmoreland Hospital
became a fact, with Dr. R. B. Hammer as president. Mr. Donohoe, who was a member of the board of directors, was elected treasurer, to which position he was reelected
annually until his death. When it was decided to erect the present splendid structure,
Mr. Donohoe was appointed a member of the building committee, which position he
filled with untiring energy and great devotion to the work. Mr. Dono.hoe was interested in developing the water system of Greensburg and surrounding towns and was
a director of the company continuously during his life. He was a leader in the development of the natural gas, and president of the company for many years until the time
of his death.BIOGRAPHICAL
vania. His son, John Brady, born in I733, was active in the suppression of the Indians
and held the office of captain in the Provincial Line. This prepared him somewhat for
the real fighting which was to be his duty later on. At the outbreak of the Revolution
he, as well as several other descendants of the Brady family, joined the army and he
ranked as captain in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment. At the battle of the Brandywine he was seriously wounded. He married Mary Singley. His son, James Brady,
grandfather of Mrs. Coulter, was a prominent merchant of Greensburg and a man of
sterling character. General and Mrs. Coulter were the parents of six children: Colonel
Richard Coulter, who is now on the Mexican frontier with his regiment; Rebecca, the
wife of John Barclay, of Greensburg; Henry W. Coulter, major on his brother's staff
and also on the Mexican border at present; Alexander Coulter, whose death occurred
April 13, I9g6, while he was president of the Greensburg Coal Company, and who was a
man of ability and worth, respected highly by both employers and associates; William
A. Coulter, connected with the coal industry as salesman; Margaret, at home.
No citizen was ever more respected in Greensburg than General Coulter and no
citizen ever mere fully enjoyed the confidence of the people, a confidence justified and
well placed. Hi-s death, which was a decided loss to his family and community,
occurred October T4, I9o8. The following extract from the address made at his funeral
services is a tribute to General Coulter by a man who both knew him well and also
spoke for the community:
For nearly twenty years I have known General Coulter; and in all that time he
has been my friend in so close and tender a sense that he belonged to my heart. And
this is true of many, of most of you who are here to-day. It is true of the community.
For four-score years he has livedhis life here, except those war-tossed years when he
offered that life on a score of battlefields for his country. In a peculiar sense he was
Greensburg's man. He belonged to it and stood for it and loved it and was loved by
it in a. way that is true of no other man and no other place I have ever known. No
human measurements can guage the importance of his personality on this community.
Its life and the lives of all of us who knew him have something unspeakably precious
added to them because of what he was and what he did.
And I would like to speak of his conspicuous service as a soldier, for as long as
history of the Civil War shall be written, his name and his deeds will be kept in memory.
All over the land to-day eyes that were once used to scenes of battle will grow moist
when they note that he is gone. Memories of what he was to them at Bull Run, at
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, at Antietam and Gettysburg, in the Wilderness
and at Appomattox, will bring a sadness and a loneliness which only a veteran can
understand; for it will mean to them not only the loss of their old commander who
never failed them in danger, but the loss of a friend who never failed to help them in
the years of peace that followed. There was no better friend to the old soldier than
General Coulter.
There was never anything secretive or mysterious about General Coulter. The man
himself was as open and well known as his deeds. His marvelous strength of will,
his emphatic decisions, his unyielding determinations, his scorn of sham, his blunt contempt of littleness, his rugged honesty, his loyalty to his friends, and with all his freehanded, tender hearted generosity and his sincere Christian convictions; they are as
well known to the community, aye and better known than his heroism in battle and his
service as a man of affairs.
What-are the forces that entered into the making of this man who filled so large
a place among us? We will not understand General Coulter, much less be helped by the
lesson of his life unless we think of this: He was blessed with a home of Godly influence both in his early antl later years. These factors, his early family and his manhood family life, shot their roots deep into his nature and contributed wonderfully to
his making. He was also his own director and maker. So far as his accountability was
concerned he recognized himself as the arbitor of his life. He was as courageous
morally as he was physically.
A tribute which rings true to the very core is contained in an extract taken from a
eulogistic address before the Bar Association and which is given herewith:
General Richard Coulter, lawyer, soldier, fellow-citizen, true man, has left us, but
the impress of his life on this community shall endure beyond the stablest monument
43OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Through his extensive business interests, Mr. Donohoe was brought into close contact with the officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and whenever a bond was required
of them in the county he was the first asked to sign it. As a mark of personal regard
for him, the railroad station "Donohoe," a few miles east of Greensburg on the main
line, was named in his honor.
Politically, he was affiliated with the Democratic party, and though he controlled
an immense personal following, he never could be persuaded to enter the political field
himself. Twice he was urged to allow his name to be used for the Congressional
nomination, and promised the support of the party leaders, which, with his own popularity, seemed to assure success, but though Mr. Donohoe had all an Irishman's love
for the game of politics, he felt he could not give to it his undivided attention, as his
wide business interests claimed so much of his time. Mr. Donohoe was a devotee of
all clean sports, a patron of baseball and football. He was a magnificent horseman,
without a doubt the finest in Western Pennsylvania in his day. He always kept a
stable of high-bred saddle and driving horses, and up to the time of his death, at the
age of sixty-nine years, rode with the dash and grace of a youth of twenty. In the
social world Mr. Donohoe was the most delightful companion, always the center of an
admiring group. A man of gigantic intellect, courageous in action, yet gentle and
kindly as a child, a delightful appreciation of humor, a keen wit, and with all the
optimism of the Irish race, his presence was greatly sought by his friends and acquaintances. He was wise in counsel, with always the courage of his convictions. He worked,
not for wealth or for fame, but for the glory of achievement and the sincere love and
pleasure of doing good. He possessed the confidence and esteem, not only of the community in which he lived, but of every place where the name of "Thomas Donohoe"
was known. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and the leading and most influential spirit in the management of its temporal affairs, to which he
constantly gave his unselfish service. And here may we quote from the address delivered by Rev. William Graham at his funeral:
He, who in his family, knew so well how to love, knew also how to rule; his precepts were enforced by the best of all aiguments-good example; his word was his
bond, his honor and integrity beyond question. Edifying in every relation in life, the
domestic, the social, the business life, and the religious life, faithful, exemplary, in
every one, a grand, grand man.
On October 22, I86I, Mr. Donohoe married Cecilia Wise, of a family closely
associated with the early history of Greensburg. The Wise coat-of-arms is as follows:
Sable, three chevronels ermine. Crest: A mermaid proper. Motto: Sapere aude.
Miss Wise was a young woman of great beauty and culture, a graduate of St. Xavier's
Academy of the class of I859. Miss Wise was a daughter of the Hon. Jacob Michael
Wise, who was born in Greensburg in 1795, and died in I854. Mr. Wise, whose wife
was Margaret Covode Williams, was a prominent lawyer and politician, for twelve
years a member of the Legislature, I820-I832, and major of the First Brigade, Pennsylvania Militia, Colonel McQuaide's regiment. He and his family were members of
the Episcopal church, having been baptized in their infancy. From his early manhood,
he was one of the most influential members and generous contributors to the church.
Before the time of a resident minister, the visiting minister always made his home
with Mr. and Mrs. Wise during his stay in Greensburg, and for many years his personal silver communion service was used in the church for all the members. This
service is now in possession of his grandsons, Edward E. and John P. Donohoe. Mr.
Wise was a member of the Masonic order, attaining a high degree in Greensburg
Lodge, and was buried with the ritual of the order, with full Masonic honors.
The Williams coat-of-arms: Argent, a lion rampant sable, head, paws and tuft of
the tail of the field. Crest: A pegasus proper, maned and winged or. Motto: Hos
gloria reddit honores (Glory affords these honors).
568BIOGRAPHICAL
Miss Wise was a great-granddaughter of Frederic Rohrer, who married Catharine
Deemer, of York, Pennsylvania, settled in Greensburg, in 1785, owned all that part of
Greensburg south of West Pittsburgh street and west of Mill street, a small portion
of which is now known as Rohrertown. She was a grandniece of Colonel Christopher
Truby, who was one of the three original owners of the land upon which Greensburg
is built; a granddaughter of Henry A. Wise, jeweler and silversmith, who married
Barbara Rohrer, and who was a brother of the founder of the famous Wise family of
Virginia. She was a niece of Frederic A. Wise, who edited the "Westmoreland Republican," 1818-1820, and also a niece of General John H. Wise, whose body lies in
the old German Cemetery. Mrs. Donohoe comes of a family noted for its patriotism,
members of which fought in every war of this country, from the Revolution, in which
her grandfather, Nathan Williams, and great-grandfather, Garrett Covode, served,
down through to the S1anish-American War, in which her son, Harry F. Donohoe,
took part.
Mr. and Mrs. Donohoe were the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom, and
their mother, are living at the presei:t time. These are:
i. Edward E. Donohoe, a sketch of whom follows.
2. Mary E. Donohoe, who resides with her mother in the old home.
3. Cecilia Genevieve Donohoe, who became the wife of William Arnott Wilson,
whose biography follows in this work.
4. Thomas Donohoe, Jr., a sketch of whom follows.
5. Rev. Richard.O'Brien Donohoe, a sketch of whom follows.
6. Agnes Donohoe, who became the wife of George W. Ewing, son of MajorGeneral Hugh Boyle Ewing, of Lancaster, Ohio, former Minister to The Hague.
Their children are: Ruth Udell, Thomas Donohoe and Hugh Maskell (twins),
George Hampton, John Fenwick and Agnes Wise. Thomas Donohoe is a student in
the Jesuit novitiate at Florissant, Missouri, and Hugh Maskell and George Hampton,
after attending the Officers' Reserve Training Camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison,
Indiana, were commissioned second lieutenants. Upon receiving their commissions,
Hugh Maskell was sent with other young officers, to the number of two thousand, to
"Somewhere in France," for observation and instruction, and is now second in command of a company in General Pershing's army, and Gecrge Hampton was stationed
at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, with the new National Army.
7. John P. Donohoe, a sketch of whom follows.
8. Irene Donohoe, who became the wife of Russell B. Arnold, a railroad official
of Chicago.
Those who have gone before are: Harry F. and Joseph W., who died unmarried,
and William, Emily and Judith, who died in infancy.
Mr. Donohoe's death, which occurred from a stroke of apoplexy, on November
26, 1899, was a distinct shock to the entire town, for each one felt he had lost a
devoted friend. Never before, nor since, has there bcen such an outpouring of friends
at a funeral in Greensburg. From every walk in life they came to do him honor, him,
whom they had known and loved and trusted as a friend and an adviser.
At the time of his death, Mr. Donohoe held the following positions: President
and director of the Donohoe Coke Company, president and director of the Claridge
Gas Coal Company, president and director of the Manufacturers Gas Company, director in the Alexandria Coal Company, Madison Gas Coal Company, Arona Gas Coal
Company, Sewickley Gas Coal Company, Mountain Coal Company, First National
Bank, Westmoreland Water Company, Greensburg Street Railway Company, Greensburg Building and Loan Association, South Greensburg Land Company, the Irwin
Land Company, Jeannette Land Company, and director and treasurer of the Westmoreland Hospital Association, and was a member of the firms of Donohoe, Kuhns
569OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
 Barnhart, Donohoe, Hudson  Kuhns, Madison Supply Company, Alexandria Supply Company, Mountain Supply Company, and the John P. Donohoe  Company,'Ltd.
It is the privilege of few men to rise as high in the esteem of their fellowcitizens as did Mr. Donohoe. His activities were always directed toward the good of
others, and frequently the greater part of the day was devoted to aiding the less fortunate and to planning for their future. Prospering abundantly himself, his altruistic
nature could enjoy itself most fully only when helping others to succeed, and it can
be truthfully said that no man was ever more respected or more richly deserved the
esteem in which he was held. Honorable, loyal, charitable and kindly, he was of the
highest type of manhood.
EDWARD  E. DONOHOE-A  native son of Greensburg, Mr. Donohoe has
spent his life in his native city, and from youth has been associated with the business
interests of the city, beginning as clerk in his father's store and rising to high corporate
official position. He is a son of Thomas Donohoe, now deceased, a merchant.
Edward E. Donohoe was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, January 27, I863, and
obtained a good education in the public schools. He began business as clerk in his
father's Greensburg store, and from I878 until I890 that association continued. From
junior clerk he rose to a partnership, the firm trading as Thomas Donohoe  Son.
After retiring from mercantile life in I890, Mr. Donohoe was for a time in the employ
of the receiver of the Hotchkiss Nut and Bolt Company, entering the employ of the
Alexandria Coal Company in the fall of I89I. He was placed in charge of the Greensburg office of the company, and in addition to the work of the coal company he also
was in charge of the office work of the Madison Gas and Coal Company. He held
this dual position until the year I900, then became secretary-treasurer of the Donohoe
Coke Company, a responsible office he now fills (I916). During the years which have
been but briefly reviewed, Mr. Donohoe has acquired other important corporate interests in which he holds official position. He is secretary-treasurer of the Donohoe
Water Company, secretary-treasurer of the Western Coal and Coke Company, and
secretary-treasurer of the John P. Donohoe Company, Limited, S. F. Potter  Company, Limited, Donohoe Coke Company, Potter Coal and Coke Company, these companies being among the prosperous corporations centering in Greensburg. Mr. Donohoe has confined his activity' to office management, and as secretary-treasurer has
borne an important part in the successful operation of the companies with which he is
connected. He is a wise, progressive man of affairs, highly regarded by his associates
as a man of honor and uprightness, initiative and force, valuable in counsel, reliable in
execution. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, the Westmoreland Country Club and the Fulton County Rod and Gun
Club, his recreations those of the great out of doors.
Mr. Donohoe married, July 29, 1891, Martha J. Peters, of Greensburg, daughter
of Anthony J. and Anna C. (Cummiskey) Peters, of Locust Lane, Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, and granddaughter of Dr. Edward M. Cummiskey, of Locust Lane, a
Philadelphia physician, and grandniece of one of the first bishops of Omaha, Nebraska,
and grandniece of the first Catholic publisher of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Dr.
Cummiskey's wife was Elizabeth Jane (Porter) Cummiskey, a near relative of General
Kearney, whose family is traced to the house of Stewart. Mrs. Cummiskey's family
(fought in the Revolution, the Wrar of I812, and the Civil War. Mrs. Edward E.
Donohoe has a most interesting family history, being a member of the family of Pierre,
Francois' Pierre, who went to Frankfort-on-the-Main, translating the name to Peters.
In I835 or 1836 the only remaining male descendant was involved in a political intrigue
for the restoration of some one of the Napoleons on the throne of France and came
to America. Four sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Donohoe: I. Gerald Richard, born
570BIOGRAPHICAL                                   57I
I892, died February I5, I916; he was a young man of brilliant intellect and great
promise; a graduate, with the highest honors of the University of Pennsylvania, he
took a great interest in all the serious questions of the day; he held a first lieutenant's
commission in a Philadelphia regiment of infantry, had two diplomas from the war
department, was registered in Boston as captain of the Sinn-Feiners, and was a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. 2. Thomas W. J., enlisted in the First Pennsylvania Field Hospital, Twenty-eighth Division, United States Army, Camp Hancock, Augusta, Georgia. 3. Edward C., a student at Johns Hopkins University. 4.
Donald W. G.
THOMAS DONOHOE, JR.-One of the most prominent men in Greensburg is
Thomas Donohoe, Jr., a conspicuous figure in the coal business. He is the son of
Thomas Donohoe and Cecelia (Wise) Donohoe, and was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, December I5, I865. He received all his education in Greensburg schools,
going through the courses of the parochial and the public schools, and finishing at the
Greensburg Seminary. He also received the advantages of private tutoring in Latin,
Greek and other languages from the Rev. Augustin Wirth, O. S. B., of Greensburg.
As a lad Mr. Donohoe was always prominent in athletics, riding and winning his
first horse race at the age of ten years. He was a member of the Greensburg baseball
and football clubs, of the No. I Hose Company, of the Matinee Club, and of the
Greensburg Athletic Association, always taking an active part in the management and
organization of these bodies as well as participating as a player. He was a member
of Company I, Tenth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, enlisting in I884,
and rising to the command of the company in I89I. An expert rifle shot, he was a
member of the rifle team of the regiment and has the Gold Medal of the State as a
veteran marksman. He also served in the quartermaster and adjutant departments.
He retired in I896. At the breaking out of the Spanish War he was selected by Colonel A. L. Hawkins to recruit the Third Battalion of the Tenth Regiment, and was
selected to be its major. The battalion was, however, not sent to the Philippines with
the original regiment. In I889 he took charge of eighty men from the Alexandria
Coal Works, and did relief work at Johnstown for the first four weeks after the flood.
His business career began in his father's store at Greensburg in I886, and he
afterwards took charge of the store of the Alexandria Coal Company at Crabtree, and
for three years was the storekeeper, company clerk, and Pennsylvania agent at that
place. He then became superintendent for the Madison Gas Coal Company, at Darragh, Pennsylvania, in I8go. While there he built the plants of the Sewickley Gas Coal
Company, and the Arona Gas Coal Company. In I894, in a successful effort to save
the lives of a number of workmen, endangered by a train of coal cars, he was very
seriously injured, all the others escaping injury.
In 1892 he, with Judge John B. Steel and Lieutenant-Governor John Latta, organized the Pittsburgh  Southwestern Coal Company. HIe bought coal lands on the
Wabash Pittsburgh Terminal Railroad, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and
was the first coal operator in the Avella section, and shipped the first car of coal over
the Wabash Railroad when it entered Pittsburgh. He was president and general manager up to I9I6, but after that year, while retaining ownership in this property, he
gave up active management to become president and general manager of Coxes Creek
Coal Company, and of the Addison Smokeless Coal Company, in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, where he is now operating three large mines.
Mr. Donohoe was one of the original organizers of the Lincoln National Bank
of Avella, and was one of its board of directors. He also serves as the president and
is a director of the Greensburg Foundry and Machine Company. He is also interested
in the Mountain Smokeless Coal Company, and in the Interlocking Wheel Company,
whose wheels are manufactured in Chicago. He is an engineer and has the inventiveOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
faculty very highly developed, having invented the interlocking wheel, the cast frog
for railroads, the hand pneumatic coal cutter, a cutter and loader for coal mines, an
economy gas engine, a steam generator, and a safety design for ships to resist torpedo
and gunfire attack. This latter has been offered free to the United States government.
He is a Catholic in religion, and an Independent in politics.
Mr. Donohoe married, August 24, I898, Gertrude Darragh, the ceremony being
performed by his brother, the Rev. Richard Donohoe, D. D. They have five children,
all at home, going to the Edgewood schools: Thomas Hart Darragh, Leonora Winifrede Cecelia, William Wilson, John Hart and Richard Edward. These children are
all the descendants,of John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and are
cousins of the grandchildren of Sabine Baring-Gould, the noted English hymn-writer,
and of Lord Leyland and his brother.
Mrs. Donohoe, who was Gertrude Darragh, was a graduate of St. Xavier's Academy, and finished her education in Paris, France, specializing in music. She is a
daughter of Hart and Leonora Winifrede (Storm) Darragh, being on her father's
side a great-great-granddaughter of John Hart, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Her grandfather, Captain James Darragh, with his sons, Captain Lew
Darragh and Hart Darragh, fought for the Union in the Civil War. Her grandmother on her father's side was Marion Reno, a descendant, of the distinguished
French family of that name. Hart Darragh had three sons and two daughters, one
of the sons being Lieutenant Alonzo L. Darragh, of the United States Infantry, and
is now in France. Mrs. Donohoe's mother was a daughter of Dr. David Storm, of
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and of Maria (Agnew) Storm, a cousin of Dr. D. Hayes
Agnew, one of the foremost surgeons of his day. Leonora W. Storm was a cousin of
Jennie Chamberlain, of Baltimore, who was famed as the American beauty, and who
married Lord Naylor Leyland, and resides in England, and has two sons fighting in
the British army in France, of the First Expeditionary Force. At one time she was
reported to be engaged to Lord Roseberry, then premier of England.
Leonora W. (Storm) Darragh was a noted portrait painter, as was her brother,
George Storm. She painted portraits o.f some of the most prominent men in the
country, among these being Generals Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, the orders being
from the government, and the paintings are now hung in the Mess Hall at West
Point. Those of Mayors Vaux and Titley now hang in the Masonic Temple at Philadelphia. There are others of Archbishop Ryan, of Philadelphia, of Charles M. Schwab
and family, of members of the Drexel family of Philadelphia, and of many others
high in the social and financial life of the Nation. George Storm painted many of
Pennsylvania's noted statesmen, including Senator Edgar Cowan, of Greensburg, and
his family. George Storm, Jr., designed the noble bronze work and ornaments of
the present Pennsylvania State Capitol.
REV. RICHARD O'BRIEN DONOHOE, C. S. S. R., D. D.-Among the
many who have gone forth from Greensburg homes to consecrate their lives to the
service of God and to the welfare of humanity, none is held in more affectionate
remembrance than Richard O'Brien Donohoe. Known to every man, woman and
child of his day in Greensburg, where he spent the first twelve years of his life uninterruptedly, his career has been followed with great interest by those he left behind.
He was born in Greensburg, May I6, 1870, the fifth son of Thomas and Cecelia
(Wise) Donohoe. Father Donohoe is typically a product of Greensburg, being the
third generation of his family to first see the light of day in this picturesque county
seat, and the fifth generation to call it home. He received his primary education in
the parochial school, with two years in the public school. When he was twelve years
572OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
which can be erected by the hand of affection. In his young manhood he was trained
for the practice of our profession and for a few years displayed in it those strong,
intellectual powers which always marked him as a leader and which would have given
him high eminence at the bar as on the bench. The quality of his mind enabled him
to sieze with rapidity and certainty upon the vital point in any contest, and thus with
youthful ardor and impetuosity, yet with the discretion usually belonging to maturer
years, to press advantage to success.
If the current of his life had flowed on undisturbed the limit of his achievements
as a lawyer would have had him set duty by his wishes vs. his ambition. But nature
had moulded him for deeds of daring and of courage and had inspired him with a
love of country which made his commands a duty to be willingly performed. At the
age of eighteen he followed the flag which waved, in an unbroken succession of victories from Vera Cruz to the Halls of the Montezumas, perhaps the youngest soldier
in the army, whose conquests, when we consider the size of the invading army and'the
difficulties encountered is without a parallel in history. A few years later the real
crisis in this Nation's life found him again ready for a soldier's work. Vain would be
the attempt to embody here his illustrious career during that tempestuous and wartossed period. A captain, a major-general, these mark for him the beginning and the
end, but the middle time for all was filled in with defeats and victories for the Union
army with appalling loss of life and treasure, with numerous-wounds, one almost mortal
for our hero.
Through it all this undaunted soldier moved the incarnation of courage, the very
joy of the strife carrying him where the most enemies could be found. Doubtless he
did not consider war a pastime or an argument, but he did not fail to fill in the stress
of battle that high and lofty incentive which prefers death to disgrace. The undyin'g
affection of every soldier in his service manifested this and for more than forty years
later by the returning brave is conclusive evidence of his courage. They knew that
their hardships and their dangers were his; and many since have known that the
tongue which rebuked a coward could speak in the gentlest sympathy' and that the hand
which wielded a sword could minister relief and help.
Since Appomattox his life was peaceful and prosperous to the end and in all these
years he has dwelt in'the town of his birth and among the people which he loved. He
had a strong intellect but a generous heart; he abhored every form of dishonesty,
insincerity or pretense and sought not, indeed would not have, the companionship of
any man whom he thought possessed them; but he gladly aided his fellows with more
than advice and the hand of charity was wide open to every cause and to every person
in distress. Nature had richly endowed Richard Coulter and he knew it. This made
him masterful, self-reliant and confident; but it made him at the same time as it should
make every man of like gifts, sympathetic, generous and kind.
He was a man take him for all in all
We shall not look upon his like again.
JAS. S. MOORHuAD,
JOHN LOTTA,
PAUL H. GAITHIER.
The following obituary of James Brady, grandfather of Mrs. Richard Coulter,
appeared at the time of his death:
Death has deprived us of one of our oldest and most respectable citizens, James
Brady, Esquire, is no more.
He died at his residence in this town on Thursday night the 2nd, in the 76th year
of his age. Mr. Brady was descended from Revolutionary stock, several of whom distinguished themselves in the war of independence and the Indian wars which accompanied and succeeded that event.' He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, but
moved to Westmoreland county before the year I79O and for many years filled a large
space in public affairs. In private matters of difficulty he was much consulted as a safe
advisor and steady friend. He was elected sheriff of Westmoreland county, then embracing Armstrong and Indiana counties, in the year I795, and discharged the duties in a
manner that endeared him to the people and made him a decided favorite with all classes
of citizens. He mingled humanity and courtesy with friendship and whilst the process of
the law was duly executed the feelings and the circumstances of the unfortunate were
never disregarded. Such was the hold which he obtained upon the respect of his fellowcitizens that in the year of I799 he was elected to the House of Representatives for the
State and annually reelected until I803, when he was chosen to the State Senate and
4413IOGRAPHICAL
of age, a mission was given in the Catholic church, by the. Redemptorist Fathers, and
such an impression was made upon his youthful mind, by the fervor and piety of the
missionaries, that Richard O'Brien decided to dedicate his young life to the great
cause, and take up the work so gloriously portrayed to him. Having received the
consent of his parents, who were greatly pleased with his choice, he was, in September, I882, admitted to St. Mary's College, North East, Pennsylvania, a college especially set aside for the training of those young men only who are desirous of entering
the priesthood, and there began the great work of preparing for a missionary life in
the vineyard of the Lord.
Six very successful years were passed at St. Mary's, where the young Greensburg
aspirant to the priesthood endeared himself to the college authorities, professors and
students by his exceptional talent, conduct and athletic prowess.  Having completed
with very high honors the full college course in June, I888, Richard O'Brien, or as he
is best known, Dick Donohoe, went to Annapolis, Maryland. There in the old homestead of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, signer of the Declaration of Independence,
he began the work of his year's novitiate. In the Redemptorist Order, as in all
religious orders, one year must be spent in prayer, solitude and silence, to fully
satisfy the Superiors and applicant that he is called to the religious life, with the
burden of the vows upon him. The year passed quickly, profitably and successfully,
and on August 28, 1889, Dick Donohoe consecrated himself fully to the service of his
Maker, and of his fellow-men. The novitiate period having ended, he spent five
years in the study of philosophy, theology, Holy Scripture and Canon Law. These
five years were passed, as were all the preceding years, at Ilchester, Maryland; and on
June I4, 1894, he was raised to the dignity of the priesthood by His Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons. On the following Sunday, the seventeenth of June, the Catholics of
Greensburg, and very many non-Catholics, friends of the family and of the young
priest, witnessed the first mass ever said in Greensburg by a Greensburg boy.
Immediately after this great event in his life, and of the congregation, Father
Richard returned to Ilchester to continue study for another year. In August, I895,
he was sent to Annapolis for the second novitiate, which.ended in F.ebruary, I896.
Follolwing this, Father Donohoe was retained by his Superiors in Annapolis and assigned at once to the work of the missions.
His superiors, having always considered him unusually gifted in acquiring and
imparting knowledge to others, sent him  in August, I896, to his almna mnater, St.
Mary's College, North East, for.the purpose of teaching. Meanwhile, the misson field
was not entirely overlooked, and at times his college labors were interrupted by outside work. During two of the six years spent in the college, Father Donohoe filled
the office of vice-president. Having developed, to a remarkable degree, a gift for
pulpit oratory, his superiors decided to take him out of St. Mary's and transfer him
to the mission band, where his talent would have a wider scope. He was accordingly
assigned to Boston, and during the ten years following Father Richard worked in the
mission fields of all the New England States, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio,
and in Ontario, New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada. He was called upon repeatedly
to preach in the largest cathedrals in the United States, on one occasion having had
the honor of addressing twenty-six thousand listeners. But the part of his mission
life that appealed to him the most was his work among the Indians in Canada. After'
these years of experience in missionary and other work, Father Donohoe was considered capable of assuming the responsibilities of head of the college. Accorditigly,
on August 5, 1912, following many changes among the Superiors of the Redemptorist
Order, he was appointed president and sent again to North East, whither he had gone
thirty years before, a lad of twelve, to begin his studies for the priesthood.  His
term having expired in August, 1915, he was at once reappointed to the presidency for
another term, 19I5-I9T8, to which position were added the following responsibilities:
the rectorship of the faculty, the superiorship of the missionary band, and the pastorship of the parish, in North East. Under Father I)onohoe's presidency the college
573OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
has attained a most enviable reputation. A man of broad culture and extensive learning, his influence has been felt in every department. His unswerving devotion to the
cause to which he had consecrated himself in early youth has been manifested in all
positions to which he has been called. His self-sacrifice and unselfish labors have endeared him to all with whom he has been brought in contact. And each year, as it
comes and goes, finds him happier, more enthusiastic, and fired with greater zeal,
towards the end of his life, for the success of the glorious work, with which his earlier
years have been crowned.
JOHN P. DONOHOE-John P. Donohoe, son of the late Thomas Donohoe,
known in mining circles in Western Pennsylvania, is a native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and has there made his home, with the exception of a considerable period
spent in the West, during practically his entire life. He is a native of Greensburg,
born there February 12, I873.
The years of his childhood and early youth were spent, as were all those of his
comrades, in the sports and occupations appropriate to that age, chief among which
was the gaining of an education, for which purpose he attended the local parochial
and public schools.  Both he and his parents were fully alive to the advantages
of a good education, so that upon completing his studies in the public school, where
he fitted himself for a college course, he became a student in a number of different
colleges and universities consecutively. The first of these was Lehigh University
in his own State, and eventually he went to the University of California, having in
the meantime taken special courses in the State School of Mines of Colorado. He
gained, during his life in the California Institution, a strong fondness for the West
and Western life generally, and upon completing his studies there he became interested in mining operations all through the WVest. He began his experience in
mining at the bottom, and in the years he worked as miner covered the territory from
Washington to Texas, working in every kind of mine throughout that huge region.
For twelve years he remained in the states of Colorado, California, New Mexico,
Texas and Washington, also British Columbia, as well as other states, for shorter
periods, and in this way gained a familiarity quite exceptional with mining methods of
every kind all over the country. It was in the year I899 that he finally returned to the
East with a knowledge which made him an expert in every department of mining,
from that of driving a drill to the most intricate and complex problems of engineering. Having returned to his native Greensburg, Mr. Donohoe became manager of
the Donohoe Coke Company. In the year I9I5 he, with his associates, purchased the
Wharton Company's plant at Indiana county with eight thousand acres of coal land
and three hundred of surface. The offices of the company are in the Coulter building and the concern is to-day in successful operation.
It was not only the technical side of mining, however, that Mr. Donohoe learned
during his experience in the West, during which time he filled many capacities in the
most various circumstances, having been a "broncho buster" on a big ranch in Colorado and many other of the things which we associate with the Wild West. These
experiences had taught him what is, perhaps, the most valuable lesson that a man
can learn and that is, to value the rights and feelings of his fellow-men on the
same standard as he does his own. It is this knowledge which has given Mr. Donohoe
a greater and more enviable fame in the coal region of Western Pennsylvania than
might ever come to him through the most successful operations in the world. At the
Donohoe mine all of the miners are naturalized citizens, although there is no rule
against foreigners, but it so happens that if they are not citizens at the time of their
employment, they very shortly afterwards become so. They are taught by example
that citizenship is a principal factor for their greatest progress and their best maintenance. Each man is made to feel, although not by words, that the best in him is
expected in deportment in his family relations and, in fact, in every way. Most of
574BIOGRAPHICAL
the people attend church regularly, although of mixed religious faith, and the entire
community has a high moral standard.
Mr. Donohoe was married on November 4, I902, to Jennie Chamberlain, a daughter of John and Laura (Sherrick) Chamberlain, old and well known residents of
Greensburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Donohoe five children have been born, as follows:
Bertha, Jack, Richard, Jean, William. Mr. Donohoe and all the members of his
family are members of the Catholic church.
WILLIAM ARNOTT WILSON--William Arnott Wilson, whose genius has
written an indelible page in the histo;ry of the coke industry of the Connellsville
region, although one of the youngest of the operators, in the brief time in which he
was identified with it, was born in Plymouth, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, July I2,
1867, the son of Dr. Charles Henry and Maria (Egerton) Wilson.
On the paternal side he was descended from  William Wilson, who emigrated
from  Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1735, settled where Milestown in
the city of Philadelphia is now situated, and married Hannah Hart. Their son,
William Wilson, for whom the subject of this sketch was named, and who was a
colonel in the Continental army under Washington, married Sarah Boileau. William
and Sarah (Boileau) Wilson became the parents of a son, Dr. Ashabel Brittain V.ilson, who married Frances Knight, and whose son, Dr. Charles Henry Wilson, a
surgeon with the rank of major in the Sixth Corps, Forty-ninth Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the Civil War, was the father of William Arnott Wilson.
The Wilson coat-of-arms is as follows: Sable, a wolf rampant armed and langued
gules between three estoiles or, a crescent for difference. Crest: a demi-wolf rampant or. Motto: Semper. vigilans (Always watchful).
Through his grandmother, Frances (Knight) Wilson, Mr. Wilson was a grandnephew of Thomas Knight, captain of Admiral Nelson's fire ship, who was killed at
Trafalgar. On the maternal side, Mr. Wilson was a descendant of a long line of
men of affairs, who made the history, both civil and military, of New England from
the arrival of the "Mayflower."  He was a grandson, ninth in descent, of William
Bradford 3rd, who came from England in the "Mayflower" and was the second governor of Masachusetts Bay Colony, filling that positionl for thirty-one years, and
eighth in descent from William Bradford 4th, major and deputy governor of Plymouth, and son of William Bradford 3rd. Another ancestor, a man of great force
of character and a figure of note in the colonies, was his great-grandfather, Lebbeus
Egerton Ist. He was the son of Samuel Egerton, who ca.me from England, was one
of the founders of the town of Norwich, Connecticut, I659, and married Alice Ripley,
great-granddaughter of Governor William Bradford 3rd. Lebbeus Egerton Ist was
a native of Randolph, Vermont. He was a captain in the Thirty-first United States
Infantry in the War of I812-I5. This position he resigned in I814, but on Prevost's
invasion in September of that year, he offered his services, was elected captain of a
company of volunteers from Randolph and adjoining- towns and marched to Plattsburg. After the war he represented Randolph in the General Assemblies of 1825-26,
and the Constitutional Convention of I828, was lieutenant-governor of Vermont,
I831-35, four terms of one year each, and state senator, I837-39. His son, Lebbeus
Egerton 2nd, married Jane Baldwyn and they were the parents of Maria-Egerton, who
married Dr. Charles Henry Wilson and whose only son was William Arnott Wilson.
The Edgerton (Egerton) coat-of-arms: Argent, a lion rampant, gules, between
three pheons sable. Crest: On a chapeau gules, turned up ermine, a lion rampant of
the first, supporting an arrow erect or, headed and feathered argent. Supporters: On
the dexter side a horse argent, gorged with a ducal coronet or; on the sinister a griffin
segreant vargent, gorged with a ducal coronet or, beaked and legged or the last. Motto:
Sic donec.
575OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Although Mr. Wilson's father was a graduate of William's College and his mother
a graduate of the Emma Willard School for Girls in Troy, New York, he was never
sent to college but received his education under the supervision of his father entirely,
from tutors in his own home, and in a private academy in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Having prepared himself for the engineering profession, at the age of eighteen,
William  A. Wilson accepted a position with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company,
and was located at Hazleton where, in a short time, he became assistant to the resident
engineer and gained valuable experience in the anthracite coal mines. In I890o Mr.
Thomas Donohoe, of Greensburg, acting for a number of coal companies in which he
was interested, wishing to make a change in the engineering department, applied to a
friend, the head engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad, asking him to recommend a
suitable civil and mining engineer. Mr. Wilson was recommended to him as a coming engineer of exceptional ability and great promise. The position of chief engineer
having been offered to him, he accepted and came to Greensburg in November, I8go,
at the age of twenty-three years,: where his future career served to confirm what had
been predicted for him. Upon coming to Greensburg, Mr. Wilson took hold of the
work of the companies which were all under the management of practically the same
board of directors, with headquarters in Greensburg. These companies were The
Alexandria Coal  Coke Company, Madison Gas Coal Company, Arona Gas Coal
Company, Claridge Gas Co'al Company, Sewickley Gas Coal Company, and Mountain
Coal Company, at D.unlo, Pennsylvania, most of which have since consolidated and
are now known as the Keystone Coal  Coke Company.
In I893 he was appointed a mining member of the Bituminous Coal Mining Engineers' Board of Pennsylvania, by Governor Robert E. PattiSon, and served on this
board until I898. In I899 -he resigned his position as chief engineer of these companies, and in connection with his father-in-law, Thomas Donohoe, a noted coal and
coke operator, and director of the above named companies, purchased about four
hundred acres of Pittsburgh coal, and, organizing the Donohoe Coke Company, of
which Mr. Donohoe' was president and Mr. Wilson was treasurer and general manager, built the most up-to-date plant of that period, consisting of two hundred ovens,
and all the necessary machinery, houses and other equipment of the highest character.
Upon Mr. Donohoe's death, which occurred shortly after, Mr. Wilson remained with
the company for about a year, and then, having placed it in the front rank in the
coke industry, he severed his official connection with it but still retained his financial
interest in it and remained a director of the company until his death.
He then turned his attention to the Connellsville coking field, and with J. U.
Kuhns, a director in the Donohoe Coke Company, in April, I9OI, purchased the celebrated Jacob Byers farm with three hundred acres of coal, at the then unheard of
price, $I200.00 per acre, and formed the Mount Pleasant Coke Company of which he
and Mr. Kuhns were the sole owners. Coke men of many years' experience shook their
heads when they heard of this, to them, reckless purchase, but it must be remembered
that Mr. Wilson, though young in years, took with him into the coal fields the mind
and training of a scientist and not the unmeasured impulse of the speculator. Upon
this farm they laid out the town of Udell, developed the Boyer Mine and built a battery of one hundred and twenty ovens. Success crowned his effort to such an extent
that he felt this was but the beginning of his career as a coke operator. In February,
I9o2, he with Mr. Kuhns and Mr. J. A. Strickler purchased the R. G. Love coal field
of ninety acres for $9o,ooo.oo and organized the Veteran Coke Company, of which he
was treasurer. In I9o6 the Mount Pleasant Coke Company closed one of the largest
coal deals in years by the purchase of the coal underlying the property of the Sisters
of Mercy at St. Xavier's Academy, together with a portion of the coal under the farm
at St. Vincent's, and several small farms adjoining, and commenced the development
of the property, building a plant of one hundred and eighty-two ovens which is
known as the Beatty Mine of the Mount Pleasant Coke Company. In I908, Mr. Wil576BIOGRAPHICAL                                     45
served in that b6dy until I815. In that period many of the laws were enacted that
have given a distinctive character to our institutions, in the maturing of which laws he
contributed no small share of counsel. He sustained a high character for integrity,
sound sense and mature judgment.
In his legislative career Mr. Brady did not often mingle in the debates, but on
occasions of importance he was accustomed to express his views, which he did in a
clear, common-sense manner with the brevity which belongs to a business man who
understands his subject. In the spring of I82I he was appointed by the Governor to
the distinguished station of secretary of the land office, the duties of which he diligently and faithfully executed for three years. He was an able and valuable secretary.
He had an especial eye to the interests of the Commonwealth, but never harassed the
warrant holder and settler with needless delays or objections of mere form. His
endeavor was to execute the land laws in the same spirit in which they were enacted,
having regard to their substance and intent and with a view to the prosperity, settlement and improvement of the State. Since his retirement from that office he has
resided constantly among us, attending to his domestic affairs and often affording to
persons in trouble about their lands the advice and counsel his ample experience so
fully enabled him to give. The habitual character of his life was mild and conciliatory,
steady in his friendships. No fitful vacillations disturbed him. Sound in his judgments, direct, a fine Christian character, sincere in his following of his Savior.
JOHN  D. HITCHMAN--The pioneer Hitchman came to America an officer in
the service of his King, George III. After becoming familiar with the causes of the
Revolution and with the aims of the Colonials, he abandoned his command and cast his
lot with them, and while his sense of honor prevented him from drawing his sword
against his former comrades he was with them in spirit and at his home in Virginia
rendered such aid as he could give as a civilian. His son, William Hitchman, left his
home in Virginia and located on Redstone creek, in what is now Fayette county, Pennsylvania, that territory then claimed by Virginia. Later he went to Maryland and there
married Nancy Gillespie, of a good family. Soon after his marriage he located in
Westmoreland county, at Mt. Pleasant, where he engaged in farming. His children
were: John, James, William, Robert, Andrew, Gillespie, David, Nellie and Elizabeth.
John Hitchman, son of William and Nancy Hitchman, was born in I789, and died
in March, I846. He was a soldier of the War of I812, serving under Captain Reynolds.
He enlisted as a private, was later commissioned first lieutenant, was ordered with his
regiment to Baltimore and continued in the service until the war ended. In I828 he
was appointed brigade inspector of Pennsylvania militia with the rank of major, an
official post he capably filled until I836. The greater part of his adult life was passed
in Mt. Pleasant, where he was held in high esteem as merchant and citizen. He married Mary Thompson, of an old and respected family of the Cumberland Valley, born
at Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, February 18, I799, died March 30, I87o, survived by
her only son, William J.
William J. Hitchman was born in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1838, died
there September 27, I894. His father died when he was eight years of age, and under
the guidance of an excellent mother he grew to years of discretion, the lessons she
taught in right living becoming the cardinal principles of his after life. His youth was
mainly spent at Laurelville, a small village at the foot of Chestnut Ridge, his first
business efforts being in the art of tanning leather. In his seventeenth year he taught
the village school and for several years thereafter, then became a tanner, engaging in
that business extensively, first with his father-in-law, James Shields, later with William B. Neel. He was also engaged in coke manufacture under the firm name, Stonener,
Hitchman  Company, their plant located at Tarrs. Later they built ovens known as
the Morewood plant, conducted an extensive business for that early day, and at the
Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in I876 they were awarded a medal for the
excellence of the coke they exhibited. About the year I88o Mr. Hitchman began dealing
extensively in coal and in coal lands in Westmoreland and Washington counties, hisBIOGRAPHICAL,                                  577
son, Mr. Kuhns, and Mr. Isaac Taylor, of Uniontown, purchased a large tract of
coal land near Linn Station, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the Redstone Branch
of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and organized the Mount Hope Company, of which
Mr. Wilson was a director. Later this was sold to the Snowden Coke Company, at
a large increase over the original price.
"Nothing succeeds like success," and spurred on by the results which crowned his
every effort, Mr. Wilson then achieved the greatest feat in the history of the Connellsville coal region by the leasing of more than one thousand acres of coal from
the Estate of William Thaw, deceased. This coal, which was the very cream of the
Connellsville region, had been held by the estate for many years, and the trustees
seemed reluctant to let it pass out of their hands. But Mr. Wilson began negotiations at the psychological moment, and the trustees, being satisfied as to his skill, experience and financial standing, turned it over to him and the Mount Pleasant-Connellsville Coke Company was organized with Mr. Wilson, president, and Mr. J. U.
Kuhns, treasurer.  Then began the building of the plant known as the Mount
Pleasant Works at Agnes Station, which is a marvel of perfection. Every invention
known to modern science in the development of coal and the making of coke has been
applied to the building and operating of this plant, and it stands a monument to the
president of the company whose magnificent brain not only conceived and developed
it, but whose scientific training and unrivaled energy brought it to its present high
degree of perfection. It was a great achievement and built for permanency, for the
plant has an estimated life of forty years. With the completion of this work, the
Mount Pleasant Coke Company has about two thousand acres of coal, and one thousand ovens and possesses splendid properties of magnificent possibilities. During all
the time in which they have been in business, they have never had the slightest approach' to labor troubles of any kind; a commentary in itself upon the wisdom and
justice of their relations with their employees.
From the time of entering the coal fields as an operator, Mr. Wilson took and
retained the active management of all the plants until his death. While engineering
and the development of the coal fields constituted his chief business, he had many
other commercial, industrial and financial interests which necessarily followed these
important operations and in all of which he was eminently successful. Notwithstanding Mr. W~ilson's tremendous business interests and the great demands upon his
time, he was always ready to join in any of the popular sports of the day. He was
an enthusiastic automobilist in the best sense of the word, always standing for its
highest principles. He was one of the first men to accomplish the drive over the
Allegheny Mountains, and was the first motorist to make the run to Philadelphia in
less than two days, which he did in September, I9IO, in thirteen hours, and that
when the Lincoln Highway was not even yet a dream.
He was one of the prime movers in the organizing of the Greensburg Country
Club, and was elected and reelected a member of the board of governors until he
declined to serve longer. He was a member of the Westmoreland Polo and Hunt
Club, the Elk's Club, the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania, and the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion. Although Mr. Wilson was eligible to almost
every historical and geneological society of note, he was content to belong only to
the "Military Order," which membership was handed down directly to him by his
father. In politics he was a Republican. Baptized and reared in the Protestant Episcopal faith, he was received into the Roman Catholic church before his death. Mr.
Wilson was a man of exceptionally keen intellect and great tenacity of purpose. An
earnest reader, his choice was of scientific and historical works. Endowed with a brilliant mind, Mr.'\ilson was a man of great nobility of character and strict integrity
in.all of his dealings, of attractive personality, devoted to his home and much loved
by his many friends.
W-37OLD AND NEWV WVESTMORELAND
Mr. Wilson was married on October 24, 1898, to Cecilia Genevieve, daughter of
Thomas Donohoe, whose biography precedes this. After sixteen years of rare companionship and supreme devotion, this union was broken by his death which occurred
from pneumonia, on March 5, I915, at the early age of forty-seven years.
JOSEPH  M. KEISTER-Joseph M. Keister is one of the best known business men of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in a
large and successful real estate business and where he has gained a most enviable
reputation for public spirit and philanthropy. He is a son of James M. Keister, of
Irwin, and of Eunice (Miller) Keister, his wife. James M. Keister was for many
years a farmer in this region and he also owned and operated hotels here. His death
occurred April I4, I896, and his wife died March 7, I898. Mrs. James M. Keister was
a sister of Milo T. Miller, who was killed at Fair Oaks during the Civil War.
Born December II, I853, at Newlinsburg, Pennsylvania, Joseph M. Keister came
to Irwin when still a mere infant. It was at Irwin that he first attended school and
it was here that he continued his studies until he reached the age of fifteen years. He
then abandoned his schooling and began his long and successful lbusiness career by
securing a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a shipping clerk.
He continued thus employed for some twelve years and then left that position and
entered the employ of the Yo.ughiogheny Railroad, a branch of the Pennsylvania
system. His position here was conductor and he remained for six years working in
this capacity. He then withdrew altogether from railroad work and secured a position
with the Penn Gas Coal Company of Irwin, where he had offices and held the position of chief clerk and paymaster until I9IO. In that year he entered his present real
estate business as sole proprietor of the Irwin Realty Company of Irwin, with offices
in the Thompson Building on Main street. Here he has remained ever since and is
now conducting a most successful business. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' Bank
of Irwin, and is altogether regarded as one of the most substantial figures in its
business world. In politics Mr. Keister is a Republican and he takes an exceedingly
active part in the local organization of his party. He has served as a member of the
Republican county committee on several different occasions, and has been elected to
a number of offices of trust and responsibility. He served as tax collector for the
borough for four years, and has just been reelected (I9I7) by an overwhelming
majority for another four years. He has also served on the School Board for more
than a quarter of a century, and for a similar period of time has been secretary of
this body. For five years he has been secretary of the Board of Health of Irwin,
and in all these capacities has displayed an efficiency and disinterestedness which has
been highly to his credit. He has been a member of the Board of Trade of Irwin
ever since its organization and has held the office of treasurer thereof and been a
member of its board of directors for a similar period. He is secretary of the Chautauqua Association, and chairman of the Peoples' Lyceum Course. He is also an
active Free Mason, and is affiliated with Shidel Lodge, No. 6oi, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, of Irwin. He has been secretary of his lodge for twenty-one years,
resigning from that position two years ago, and has also been through all the chairs.
He is also a member of Lodge No. 44, American Mechanics, of Irwin, and of Irwin
Lodge, No. 382, Order of Maccabees. In his religious belief Mr. Keister is a Mezthodist and attends the Methodist Episcopal church of Irwin. He has been very active
in church work, is a member of its official board, and up to three years ago was its
secretary and treasurer. He has been greatly interested in religious work and has
acted as a delegate to the Methodist Episcopal General Conference in Baltimore in
I9o8. The other members of his family are also very active in church work.
Joseph M. Keister was united in marriage, November 29, I877, at Irwin, with Bella
578BIOGRAPHICAL
Ridinger, of Irwin, a daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Lauffer) Ridinger. Mr. Ridinger was a well-known merchant of Irwin for twenty-five years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Keister the following children have been born: John R., whose sketch follows;
Stephen James, born September I7, I89I, graduated from the Pennsylvania State College with the class of I914, and is at present associated with his father in business;
Charles Roscoe, born February 7, I897, and is now attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he is taking a course in economics.
JOHN RIDINGER KEISTER-No one who has been for any length of time
a resident of Greensburg will have the slightest difficulty in recognizing this name
as that of one of the leading members of the WVestmoreland county bar. As a member of the firm of Keister  Fink, Mr. Keister has built up, in the comparatively few
years of his practice, a reputation already well established and steadily becoming more
widely spread and more firmly entrenched in the public mind. John Ridinger Keister
is a name which is daily becoming familiar to a greater number of people.
John Ridinger Keister was born June 5, 1887, on the homestead at Fifth and
Oak streets, Irwin, and is a son of Joseph M. and Bella (Ridinger) Keister. From
the age of six to that of eigtheen, the boy attended the public schools of Irwin, and in
I905 graduated from the high school, ranking second in his class. It is worthy of
note that Mr. Keister's first teacher was Miss Minnie Fredericks, now Mrs. Benjamin F. Vogle, of Greensburg. While in the high school he was under the instruction
of Prof. R. C. Shaw, now county superintendent of schools.
It was during his senior year at Alleghenv College that Mr. Keister decided to
make the profession of the law his life-work.  Having entered this college in the
autumn of I905 he graduated in the spring of I9go. During this time he was elected
to membership in the Phi Betta Kappa, a scholastic fraternity, and he was also made
a member of the Phi Kappa Pi. After graduation he entered Howard Law School
and in I912 received from that institution the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Without
delay Mr. Keister began practice in the office of George H. Calvert, of Pittsburgh,
and after one year's experience there spent part of the ensuing year in the office of
the general attorney with the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company,
Pittsbur,h.  He remained there until the formation of his present partnership with
Scott Fink, who had been his classmate at the Howard Law School. They established themselves in the Hoff building under the firm name of Keister  Fink, and
have ever since conducted a steadily growing business, having an office also in Irwin.
In politics Mr. Keister is a staunch Republican. He affiliates with a Blue Lodge of
the Masonic Order, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Irwin.
In the younger generation of the legal fraternity he is, as we have said, a leader,
possessing the implicit confidence not only of a constantly increasing clientele, but
also of the general public, that confidence being founded on tested ability and unquestioned worth of character.
Mr. Keister married, November 2T, I917, Marie, daughter of G. M. and Nellie
(Gustason) Delin, of Irwin.
The career of a man who has only recently completed his third decade belongs,
of necessity, chiefly to the future. The record of John Ridinger Keister, though
brief in years, is filled with accomplishment, and promises, in the time to come, results still richer and more abundant than those which have given distinction to the
past.
ALFRED  FRANCIS BIERY-Alfred Francis Biery, one of the most successful merchants of New Kensington, Westmoreland county, where he is the proprietor
of the well known establishment known as the Hill Top Grocery, is descended on
579OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
both sides of the house from old Pennsylvainia families, his forebears being pioneers
in different parts of the State.
The Biery family was founded in Pennsylvania by one Michael Biery, or Bierie,
as it was then spelled, a native of Switzerland, who came to this country and settled
at what was undoubtedly a very early date in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He was
one of the pioneers of that region, and like many of those sturdy first settlers was the
father of a very large family, as follows: Henry, through whom the line with which
we are concerned is descended; John, late of Orefield, Pennsylvania; Jonathan, late
of Allentown; Absalom, who went west and settled in what is now Calhoun county,
Michigan: Nathan, who settled on a farm in the vicinity of Little Tisbury, Pennsylvania; Daniel, who also settled on this farm; Catherine, who became the wife of a
Mr. Reinhart, of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania; Veronica, who became the wife of
Absalom Ziegenfus, of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania; Annie, who became Mrs.
Jacob Schmoyer, of Trumbull county, Ohio; a daughter, whose name is unknown,
but who became Mrs. Reinhart; Lydia, who became Mrs. Thomas Reinbold; and
Polly, who became Mrs. Jonathan Hottle, of Greenville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
The family was noted for its longevity, all its members living to at least the age of
seventy, and a number reaching the ages of eighty-two, three and four. Michael Biery
was the great-great-grandfather of the present Alfred Francis Biery.
Henry Biery, great-grandfather of Alfred Francis Biery, carried on the pioneering work commenced by his father. His son, John Biery, grandfather, was born on
what is now the State Fishery Farm in Emaus, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, but
later removed to Mariasville, Venango county, where he purchased a farm of his own
and followed that occupation without interruption, during the remainder of his life.
His death finally occurred there in the year 1897. He married, November I9, I840,
Esther Shaner, and they were the parents of the following children: Jeremiah S.,
the father of the present Mr. Biery, and who is the only one surviving; Mary E.. who
died at the age of sixteen years; Alfred F., born in the year I855, and died in I863,
when but eight years old.
Jeremiah S. Biery was born August I7, 1842, at the old family home in V'anango
county, Pennsylvania, and was reared to the life of the farmer boy. Across the
peaceful way of life, however, broke suddenly the strife of Civil War and the lad
enlisted as a drummer boy when only sixteen years of age. He was a member of
Company E, Seventy-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; entered the
United States service at Kittanning, September 20, I86I, Captain J. N. Hosey, Colonel_ William R. Sewell. He was later appointed a' teamster and took part in many
engagements, including the great and sanguinary battle of Lookout Mountain. Besides Lookout Mountain, he was in battles of Bowling Green, Bacon Creek, Stone
River, Pulaski, Green River, Chicamauga, Chattanooga and Mission Ridge, Dalton,
Atlanta, Nashville.  He was invalided to Brigade Hospital at Pulaski, because of
serious attack of typhoid. He reenlisted in August, I864. He received his honorable
discharge at the close of hostilities and returned directly to his home in Pennsylvania
and to his interrupted occupation. He married, April 26, I866, Louise Rugh, a mernber of a well-known family in this region, who died at the early age of fifty-one
years, in the year I893. They were the parents of the following children: Alfred
Francis, with whom we are here concerned; John, who married Sarah Custis, and
makes his home at Pittsburgh; George, who married Marie Bradish, and resides at
Oil City, Pennsylvania; Hattie, who became the wife of Harry Ferringer, of Franklin, Pennsylvania; Annie, who resides with her parents; and Alberta, who died in
early youth.
Born July 4, I867, in the village of Mariasville, Venango county, Pennsylvania,
Alfred Francis Biery, eldest child of Jeremiah and Louise (Rugh) Biery, passed the
early years of his life in his native region. The home influences in the midst of
580BIOGRAPHICAL
which he was reared were of the most fortunate kind and he profited by them. His
mother was a woman of unusual intelligence as well as a highly spiritual character,
most devoted to her husband and children, whose presence in the home gave to it an
atmosphere invaluable in the formation of children's characters. She was also a devout
member of the Lutheran church in the home town and so trained her children in a religious attitude of mind that has proven invaluable to them. The schooling which Alfred
Francis enjoyed was received at the local public institutions, at that time primitive
enough. The first school attended by him was held in a simple frame building, with
plain benches for seats and carpenter-made desks. His teacher there was Mr. Frank
Shannon, who was well known as an educator in those parts. Afterwards he attended
the Frogtown school, in the same county, and finally the Lamartine High School
situated at L_amartine, Clarion county, where he completed his studies.  He was
thirteen years of age at the time, and at once set out to shift for himself in the world.
His first dollar was earned as a farmer boy, working for Rube Fowls, of Clarion
county. From there he went to Oil City and apprenticed himself to a tinner and
learned that trade. He followed this for some three years, and then spent a year as
a clerk in a livery establishment. He then became an employee in the well known
grocery store of A. P. Dale  Company, of Oil City, and remained with that concern for a period of ten years. His next association was with the Saltsman Bros.
Brewery Company of Oil City, which he served as a collector for about twelve months,
and then worked in the bottling department of the same concern for six years. It
should be remarked in this connection that Mr. Biery, save for the first year of his
employment, never tasted beer or any other form of intoxicant while there, and that
he cast his vote for the Prohibition party at that time. He was then employed as a
collector by J. W. Oseneider, of Oil City, for one year and then was placed in charge
of the furniture sales department of this company's store, assisting also with their
undertaking business. He remained with this concern about seven and a half years,
and then first ventured into business on his own account. This enterprise consisted
in the purchase of the grocery stock of W. I. Cooper, or what was known as the
"Hill Top" store, at New Kensington, and this he has conducted with the highest kind
of success ever since. It is now recognized as one of the most prosperous concerns of
its kind in the region.
Alfred Francis Biery was united in marriage, August 2I, I89o, at Seneca, Venango county, with Alice A. Biery, a native of Richland township, Venango county,
Pennsylvania, born May 2I, I863. She is a distant relative of her husband, being a
descendant of the first Michael Biery, who founded the family in this State. Her
grandfather, Henry Biery, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in the year
I8oo, and died in Venango county in I88$I. He was an active farmer all his life apd
was one of those who developed the iron ore interests in that part of the State. He
also conducted a general store at Emlenton for a short time. He married Esther
Slater, like himself a native of Lehigh county, born there in I796, and yvho died in
Vanango county at the age of eighty-seven years.  She was a daughter of
Slater, one of the heroic soldiers of the Revolution who crossed the Delaware river
with Gen. WVashington, in so destitute a condition that he was barefoot. To Henrv
Biery and his wife the following children were born: Reuben, John, Nathan, Henry,
Absalom, Daniel, Tilghman, James, Mary, Angeline and Helena. Of these, Absalom
was the father of Mrs. Biery; James was a well known attorney at Allentown, where
he eventually died; Mary became Mrs. Charles Shauer; Angeline, Mrs. John Shirey;
and Helena, Mrs. Peter Shirey. Henry is the only one of these children now surviving and he makes his home in Clarion county, at the age of eighty-five years.
Absalom Biery, the father of Mrs. Biery, was born April 13, I836, on a farm near
Allentown, Lehigh county.  After completing his schooling he applied himself to
master the woodworking business, and became an expert therein. He was frequently
58IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
employed to complete the finer grades of woodwork for churches and tine houses,
etc. When he was one year old his parents removed to a farm near Emlenton, Venango county, where they purchased a tract of six hundred acres of wild land, but
which, in addition to its natural fertility, was underlaid with rich deposits of ore.
On this farm he passed his boyhood and early life until he had reached his majority,
and helped his father clear the land. He was one of a large family of children, three
girls and eight boys, all of whom. turned to and did their bit in turning the wilderness into a home. At that time they used to go to Pittsburgh to do their shopping
and made a two day's trip of it, one day in and the next out. He married there, in
I858, Sophia C. Giering, born at Emaus, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, June I, 1839.
She lived there until she was sixteen years of age, and then came with her parents
to Venango county, where they settled about six miles from Emlenton, and became
the owners of mill property. After his marriage Mr. Biery established himself on
this mill property and carried on his trade of carpenter for a number of years, walking
to Oil City and carrying his tools, a distance of eighteen miles. He later purchased
a farm situated within four miles of Franklin, Pennsylvania, which afterwards produced oil. After the death of his first wife, in 1892, he married Nettie Miller, of
Washington, Pennsylvania, who survived but a few months. He then came to live
with the Mr. Biery of this sketch, remaining for a time, but was a third time married,
after which he settled at Rockland, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred in I9I3.
His children were as follows: Elmer L., Alice A., Mrs. Biery of this sketch; Herbert L.; James E.; and Carrie E., Mrs. Biery's mother, who was Sophia C. Giering,
before her marriage, was a daughter of Lewis A. Giering, and a granddaughter of
John Giering. The latter was born in Lehigh county, near Emaus, and also died
there. Lewis A. Giering was also a native of Lehigh county, born in I8o8. He married Louisa Knauss, a daughter of Phillip Knauss, who was also a native of Lehigh
county. Phillip Knauss removed to Venango county and settled near the village of
Emlenton. He was one of the pioneers of that region, and died on his farm there in
I866. Lewis A. Giering carried mail across the mountains on horseback during the
pioneer days of Western Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Alfred Francis Biery was born in Richland township, Venango county,
Pennsylvania, May 2I, 1863. She was educated at the local public schools and at
those of Venango county, and completed her studies at the Emlenton High School.
Then, at the age of eighteen years, she taught school at Beaver City, Pennsylvania.
Afterwards she learned the trade of dressmaking and followed the same at Oil City
until she married Mr. Biery. To Mr. and Mrs. Biery have been born the following
children: Neva Lois, died in infancy; Harold F., married Elvira Henry, and resides
in New Kensington; Esther Irene, a stenographer; Lloyd, died in infancy.
ROSS GRAHAM  WALKER-In the autumn of I916, Mr. Walker located in
the automobile supply business in New Kensington, and has there built up a most
satisfactory business under the firm name, New Kensington Supply Company. He is
a son of Madison Walker, and a grandson of John Walker, the latter born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, near Kittanning.  He engaged in agriculture all his
life. He married and reared a family at the home farm, where he died at the age
of seventy-two years, his widow living until eighty-two. They were the parents of:
Albert, Harrison, Martha, Elizabeth, Mary, Jennie, Madison, of further mention,
Hannah and Sherman.
Madison Walker was born at the homestead farm near Kittanning, Plum Creek
township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, in I862, and there grew to manhood, a
farmer. He married, about I886, Laura Heilman, born in Kittanning township, Armstrong county, in I866, daughter of Stephen and Laura Heilman. After their mar582BIOGRAPHICAL
riage Mr. WValker engaged as a merchant at Rockville, Pennsylvania, where he died
in I896. Both were members of the Lutheran church, he a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs.
Walker were the parents of six children: Harry H., of Kittanning, married Emma
Pollock; James Earl, of Parnassus, a contractor, married Edith Palmer; Mary Elizabeth, married E. H. Haukey, of Pittsburgh; Ross Graham, of further mention; Fred
Albert, of Kittanning, married Hazel Faith; Nancy Laura, residing at home.
Ross Graham Walker was born at Rockville, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania,
July I, I894, and there was educated in the public school, his first teacher being Frank
Wray. During vacation periods he worked on the farm, and continued at home until
legally free, then at the age of twenty-one became an automobile salesman at Kittanning, his brother, Harry H. Walker, there having an agency. After two years spent
with his brother he became assistant manager of a Five and Ten Cent Store owned
by G. C. Murphy Company, there continuing one year. In the autumn of I9I6 he
located in New Kensington and engaged in business for himself as an automobile
supply' dealer. He is succeeding in his undertaking and has won the good will of all
who know him. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and a Democrat.
CHARLES WESLEY MATTHEWS-When the village, now the borough of
New Kensington was founded in I890o, one of the first residents was Charles WV.
Matthews, who came with the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, now known as the
Aluminum Company of America, and is yet with that corporation in the capacity of
chief engineer. As engineer and electrician, he has served the company long and well,
and has worthily and efficiently filled every position to which he has been called. He
is a son of George Matthews, of County Down, Ireland, and a grandson of William
Matthews, who lived and died in County Down, a fisherman. George Matthews,
seventh son of William Matthews, came to the United States in the early forties, and
settled in Pittsburgh, there following his trade, tailoring, learned in Ireland, and for
the fifteen years preceding his coming to the United States followed in Glasgow,
Scotland. After a few years working at his trade in Pittsburgh, Mr. Matthews engaged in photography, continuing in that business until his death in a railroad accident
at Braddock, Pennsylvania, in 1883. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union
Army, but his service was short. He married, in Ireland, Margaret Dalzell, born in
County Down, of the Congressman John Dalzell family. An ancestor, General Dalzell, was a Huguenot, who fled from France to England, and gained his military rank
in the English Army. Later a Dalzell settled in Ireland, founding the family there.
Mrs. Margaret (Dalzell) Matthews died in Allegheny City, about I870, aged fiftythree. They were the parents of the following children: Annie, married Thomas
Swoger, and died in Pittsburgh; Ella, married J. D. Graves, and died in Chicago;
George, died young, Charles Wesley, of further mention; Sadie, married David B.
Allewelt, and died in Sewickley; William, died unmarried; Allen, who died young.
Other sons of William Matthews besides George came to the United States:
James, who settled somewhere in the South and was lost trace of; William (2), who
settled at St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania; John, of Westmoreland county, who served
in the Union Army in the Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and died at Fortress
Monroe; Andrew, who for a time engaged in the shoe business in Allegheny City, and
had a son John, who ran away from home at the age of fifteen to enlist in the Union
Army. He was brought back by his father, but ran away again, reenlisted, and was
with General Sherman in his "March to the Sea," serving in all three years.
Charles Wesley Matthews was born in Allegheny City (Pittsburgh, North Side),
December 23, I855, and there grew to manhood. He attended public school until
eleven years of age, then became a messenger boy in the employ of the Atlantic 
Pacific Telegraph Company, continuing as such five years. He was then sixteen
583OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
years of age, and able to be of great assistance to his father, who was then conducting a photograph gallery in the North Side. He continued his father's assistant for
some time, then entered the employ of the Allegheny County Light Company, one of
the first companies to install electric light service in Pittsburgh. From that company
he went to the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, now  the Alumiinum  Company of
America, and upon their removal in I89o to the newly founded New Kensington, in
Westmoreland county, he accompanied the plant as engineer and electrician. During
the years which have since intervened he has remained loyal to the company, and
since T89o has filled the position of chief engineer with great efficiency. For twentyfive years Mr. Matthews has been a supporter of Prohibition, and now sees signs that
his faith and perseverance is about to be rewarded by the adoption of an amendment
to the Constitution of the United States outlawin,g the liquor traffic. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as were his parents, they giving their son the
name of one of the founders of that denomination, Charles, brother of John Wesley.
He is a member of New Kensington Lodge, No. T048, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows; and interested in other organizations and societies, business, social and
religious.
Charles WV. Matthews married (first) in Pittsburgh, North Side, Jeanette Maguire, who died in New Kensington, in I890, leaving two children, George Howard,
of Pittsburgh, married Marie Blon, they the parents of three children: Charles, Caroline and Howard; Ann Elizabeth, residing at home. Mr. Matthews married (second) November 5, I899, Minnie Hicks, born in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Charles Hicks, a farmer of Jefferson county, near Indiana, the county
seat of Indiana county, now residing in New Kensington, aged seventy-five years. IHe
was a private in Company B, Seventy-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, during the Civil War, but safely passed all its perils. He married Rebecca McSparrin,
born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and died in August, I9I2, aged sixty-five.
Mr. and Mrs. Hicks were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is their
daughter; he a Republican in politics. Their children were: Elmer C., who died in
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, unmarried; Minnie, wife of Charles Wesley Matthews; Ada
J., married Calvin Cromer, and resides in New  Kensington; Homer, whose present
location is unknown; Clarence, twin with Homer, deceased; LeRoy, married Caroline
Leslie, and resides in New Kensington; Lester Garfield, married Gertrude Shaner,
and resides in New Kensington; Hilbert Clark, married Martha Smith, and resides in
New Kensington; William Braden, married Iola McDowell, and resides in New Kensington; Floyd Nelson, married Caroline Thayer, and resides in Parnassus.  Abraham Hicks, grandfather of these children and father of Charles Hicks, was born in
England, but spent the greater part of his life in what is now Indiana county, Pennsylvania. He married Nancy McKee, also born in England. Charles W. and Minnie
(Hicks) Matthews are the parents of Charles Clyde and Hazel Viola, their eldest
child Nellie dying in infancy.
JOHN  F. CULLEN-When one contemplates the now prosperous borough of
Derry it is difficult to realize that so recently it was a heavily timbered tract with
but a few scattering houses, a saw niill and a tannery owned by Thomas Hurd.
Originally the entire tract now included in the borough was owned by a man named
Mouseholder, from whom it was purchased by a land company of Latrobe capitalists
who plotted the tract and sold it off for building lots. A settlement at what is New
Derry had been made by settlers from Ireland who in honor of the section from which
they came called'their home New  Derry.  When the Pennsylvania Railroad came
and established a station on the company tract it was given the name of Derry Station, a name it retained until a few years ago when the word station was dropped.
One of the first men to obtain a lot from the land company was John F. Cullen, who
584BIOGRAPHICAL                                   585
chose his location with excellent judgment, as it became one of the best locations in
the borough, the building he erected now being used as the post office, store rooms
or business rooms.
John F. Cullen was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1839,
and died in Derry, March 14, I9IO. He was educated in the district public school,
and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, becoming an expert workman and
master builder. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Eighteenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served three years, being attached to the
bridge building and carpenter department under the command of the regimental
quartermaster.  After the war he settled in Westmoreland county, and when the
land company plotted the Derry tract, he bought a lot there and settled. The building he
erected was the first in the now borough and was originally designed for a residence
and boarding house. With the coming of the railroad and the making of Derry the
end of a division, it became an important railroad center, and a boom in population
followed. Mr. Cullen, as contractor and builder, erected many of the residences and
public buildings, and continued in active business until his death.  The building
which he first erected became the center of the business district, the ground floor now
being occupied by the post office, the upper floor as store rooms or business rooms.
He was a nian of energy and ability, and until his death was an active factor in borough development. He was a Democrat in politics but never sought public office, was
a communicant of the Catholic church, and a man highly esteemed.
Mr. Cullen married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Howell, a blacksmith of the
Ligonier Valley who early settled in Pittsburgh, erecting his shop at Fifth and Smithfield streets, a block upon which in I845 there stood nothing but his shop and residence and a small foundry owned by a Mr. Updegraph. The same year those buildings were destroyed in the fire which swept that part of the city. Later the site of his
shop and home became one of the most valuable in the city, handsome and costly
bank, office and business buildings covering the entire section which was again ravaged
by fire during the winter of I9T6-I7. Mrs. Cullen survives her husband and continues her residence in Derry. Children: I. Margaret, died aged seven months; 2.
Minnie, died aged seven years. 3. Joseph Dixon, died aged eleven months. 4. Harry,
born November 3, I872; married Anna Taylor, and has children: John, and Marie,
who is the wife of John Gendelsberger. 5. Charles, born June 2, 1873; married Gertrude Short, and has children: Mary Regina, born July 15, I906; Charles, February
22, 1908; Albert, October 19, I909; Viola, January 29, 1912; Thelma, April 13, 19I5;
Catherine Elizabeth, December I9, I916. 6. Carrie, born in I876; married Charles
Crookston. 7. Myrtle, born May I9., I882; married William H. Brown, and has a
daughter, Caroline Elizabeth, born May 2, I902. 8. John C., born June 9, I884; married Frances Cleveland Kelley, and has children: Elizabeth Irene, born August 25,
I9o6; Frances Viola, December Io, I9o9; Dorothy Blanche, June 30, 1912.
ALBERT KEISTER-Albert Keister,'one of the public-spirited and influential
citizens of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, where he has been associated with industrial and
business interests for many years, comes of a family which has been resident in the
State of Pennsylvania for the major part of three generations, his grandfather, Conrad Keister, founder of the Pennsylvania branch of the family, being one of the
pioneers of Fayette county, where he was engaged in farming and mercantile operations, and was one of the prosperous and prominent men of his time in that region.
One of his sons was Solomon Keister, the father of the Mr. Keister of this sketch,
who was born in Fayette county in the early part of the last century. He was one of
the earliest manufacturers of coke in the great Connellsville coal district, having
begun this industry in a small way as early as the year I860. He was associated withOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
investments resulting very profitably. He was one of the early stock~iolders and later
a director of the First National Bank of Mt. Pleasant, also for many years its active
head and at the time of his death was serving as vice-president. In association with
William B. Neel and J. C. Crownover, he organized the Mt. Pleasant Bank, which they
conducted as a private bank until i893, when it was incorporated as the Citizens'
National Bank of Mt. Pleasant, Mr. Hitchman a director until his death. He was an
able financier, conservative, upright and just in all his dealings.
In his relations with the civic life of Mt. Pleasant he was content to serve as a
civilian, never seeking office, although his position in the county gave him every opportunity. He was chairman of the county Republican committee in I884, and under his
campaign management the county went Republican for the first time in its history. He
aided liberally in the upbuilding of the borough, erected many of its houses, and in
every way attested the depth of his interest and public spirit. He was a member and
liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church, aided all good causes, and possessed the
respect and confidence of his community. His friends were many and no man more
justly deserved them.
Mr. Hitchman married, January 2, I86I, Elizabeth Shields, who long survived him,
daughter of James Shields, of Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. Hitchman was born in March, I838,
and died November 4, I9I6. They were the parents of eight children: I. Mary, resides
at home. 2. Alice E., resides at home. 3. James S., educated in public schools, Lebanon Valley College and in the schools of Blairstown; engaged in banking with his
father; at the organization of the City National Bank of Mt. Pleasant he was elected
president, and at the organization of the Trust Company, known as the City Savings
and Trust Company, was made president of same, which position he still fills; he is a
member of and. president of the Brush Run Coal and Coke Company; resides at home.
4. Edward T., educated at public schools and Lebanon Valley College; resides in
Wheeling, West Virginia; president of the Hitchman Coal and Coke Company; director of the National Exchange Bank of Wheeling, and one of the official board of
supervisors of the Superior Coal Company, operating in Ohio; he married Katherine
Reed, of Washington, Pennsylvania; four children. 5. Arthur, deceased. 6. John D.,
after completing his studies, engaged in the banking business, and has been president
of the First National Bank of Mt. Pleasant since I9o2, also connected with. Brush
Creek Coal and Coke Company; has been active in politics, elected county comptroller
of his county in I904, served two terms, a period of seven years; on June 26, I9o6, he
became a member of the Tenth Pennsylvania National Guard, was advanced to captain and regimental adjutant, the latter commission, May 25, I917; was on the Mexican
border as captain of a machine gun company, his service covering a period of three
months; married Louise Scull, of Somerset, Pennsylvania, and they have one child, a
son. 7. Walton M.. deceased. 8. William M., educated in public and academic schools,
also Princeton College; treasurer of the City Savings and Trust Company of Mt.
Pleasant; married Rebecca Crawford, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; three children.
The family are all connected with the Presbyterian church.
DENNA C. OGDEN-The Ogdens date to II50 in England, when Peter de Hoghton founded the priory of Arden in the deanery of Cleveland. The name de Hoghton
passed through a variety of spellings until it finally crystalized in its present form. The
name belongs to that class of Saxon cognomens having a local significance, Ogden
meaning Vale of Oaks, and the Ogdens, dwellers in the Oakdale. Consequently on the
arms have always been found the oak branch or the leaf or the acorn and sometimes
two or more of these combined The line in detail is traced to Robert Ogden, of record
in I453 in Hampshire, England, through his son, Richard Ogden, of the parish of Lyndhurst, Hants; his son, William Ogden, of Bradley Plain, Southants; his son, Edward
46OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
James Cochran under the firm name of Cochran  Keister, this concern being the
first to produce coke on an extensive scale. Mr. Keister was one of the wealthy
and influential men of his day in the Connellsville region, and gave very liberally to
the church and to many forms of charity and in especial to the cause of education.
His death occurred in the year I9OI, at the age of eighty-five years. He married
Sarah Stauffer, a daughter of John W. and Catherine (Loucks) Stauffer, who were
early settlers in Westmoreland county. Both the Loucks and the Stauffers were
prominent in the history of Westmoreland county, and have always maintained a
high place in the regard of their fellow citizens. To Mr. and Mrs. Keister, Sr. seven
children were born, as follows: George, now deceased; Albert, with whose career
we are here especially concerned; Benjamin Franklin; Abraham Lincoln, deceased,
the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this work; Mary, who became the wife
of Bishop Joseph S. Mills, and is now deceased; Fenton O.; and Lawrence, a clergyman of the United Brethren church.
Born March I4, I849, in Upper Tyrone township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
Albert Keister, second child of Solomon and Sarah (Stauffer) Keister, passed his
childhood and early youth at his native place. He received his education at the local
public schools, and after completing his studies at these institutions, he entered the
employ of his father in the old Keister Mill on Jacobs Creek, and thus received his
introduction to that world of business in which he was destined to make his mark.
After having worked for his father for some time, he was made manager of this
property, and in I889, with capital which he himself had saved, purchased an interest
in the Scottdale Milling Company. It was not long after this that he bought out his
associates in this concern and became sole owner of the property. But although he
was now proprietor of a large concern of his own, he did not abandon the management of the Jacobs Creek Mill, but continued actively engaged there until the year
I9o6. In the meantime, however, his attention had been more and more strongly
directed to the coke business, in which his father, was a pioneer and in which he and
his brothers had been gradually becoming more interested. Accordingly, in I9o6, he
disposed of his milling business and gave his entire attention to the other line of
enterprise. Since that time he has met with unusual success, is now interested in a
score of enterprises, and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in this
line of business in the region. He is a director of the Lincoln Coal  Coke Company and holds stock in a number of other large concerns. He has not confined himself to the manufacture of coke, however, but is associated with a number of large
interests, financial and otherwise, in the community. He is a director in the First
National Bank of Scottdale, afid owner of the Central Automobile Company. He is
also largely interested in farm lands and has purchased and developed several fine
farm properties in the vicinity of Scottdale.
Mr. Keister is the possessor of unusual public spirit, and since coming to Scottdale has made himself active in all its affairs. He has been a staunch Republican for
forty years, and although in no wise a seeker for public office, is regarded as exerting
a very considerable influence in his party'in the region. He is a devoted member of
the United Brethren church and has done much to advance the cause of this body at
Scottdale and the region round about. For a number of years he has acted as trustee
and treasurer of the church in Scottdale, and has been very liberal in his support of
its work and especially of its philanthropic and charitable undertakings.
On December 21, 1892, Mr. Keister was united in marriage with Agnes Fraser,
of Wellsville, Ohio, a daughter of John and Margaret Forsythe (Ogilvie) Fraser,
old and highly respected residents of the town. John Fraser was a native of Pittsburgh, having been born in that city May Io, I8o6. He was a son of Duncan and Ann
Fraser, both natives of Scotland, from which country they came to the United States
in the year I801. They settled in Pittsburgh, but later removed to Columbiana county,
586BIOGRAPHICAL
Ohio, where they took up a tract of land which is still in the family possession. Mr.
Fraser's ancestors were one of Scotland's historic families of the "Clan Fraser," one
of the famous clans of Highland Scotland. John Fraser married Margaret Forsythe
Ogilvie, a daughter of George and Isabella (Forsythe) Ogilvie. Mrs. Fraser was
born September 27, I815, and died November I2, I890. Mrs. Agnes (Fraser) Keister
is one of a family of twelve children born to her parents, nine of whom are sons and
three daughters, and all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. She herself
was born at Wellsville, Ohio, and there spent her young girlhood. She is at the present time very active in church work and in the support of charitable objects generally. Mr. and Mrs. Keister are the parents of one son, Albert S. F., who was born
March 27, [896. He was educated in the public schools of Scottdale and the University of Pennsylvania, class of I917.
Mr. Keister is in the enjoyment of all of his faculties at their full power and is
one of the most influential figures in the community. There are but few departments of the life of Scottdale in which he is not a recognized leader and his influence
in the community is one difficult to overestimate. This fact, in itself a distinction, is
rendered doubly so by the additional fact that his influence is always exerted in a
good cause. Indeed there are few that can boast of having done more for the community than he. Scottdale may well feel proud of this, its distinguished citizen.
THOMAS H. McKINLEY-Thomas H. McKinley is a member of a family
which has long been prominent in the affairs of Western Pennsylvania. His greatgrandfather was Samuel McKinley, a brother of the grandfather of William  McKinley, late president of the United States. This Samuel McKinley settled at an early
date in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he probably died. He was married
to Agnes Scott, a daughter of Thomas Scott, one of the pioneer settlers of Western
Pennsylvania. Thomas Scott was a native of Chester county,. Pennsylvania, where
he received an excellent education, and while still a young man, about the year I770,
removed to the western part of the State, where he settled at Dunlop's Creek, Brownsville, Bedford county. He was very prominent in this region and was commissioned
a justice of the peace, at the time when Westmoreland county was formed. He held
his court at Hannastown. A little later, in the year 178I, when Washington county
was formed, Mr. Scott was appointed the first prothonotary and clerk of the courts
for the new county, and assisting at the holding of the first court ever held in that
county. He was still more highly honored by his fellow-citizens, however, for, after
the Constitution of the United States was adopted in 1787, and the first Congress
was assembled in I789, he represented Washington county there. His death occurred
March 2, I796, in his fifty-eighth year, and he left a widow and eleven children, three
sons and eight daughters. His son, Alexander Scott, succeeded him in the National
Congress, and it was one of the eight daughters who became the wife of Samuel
McKinley. Mr. Scott was buried in the old graveyard on Walnut street, Washington,
Pennsylvania, but his remains were later removed to the new cemetery. Samuel
McKinley and his wife, Agnes (Scott) McKinley, were the parents of a number of
children, among whom was their son, Alexander McKinley, who was the grandfather
of Thomas H. McKinley. He was born in Somerset county, and there grew up to
manhood, but later removed to Washington coun-ty, where he spent the major part
of his life and eventually died. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and did an excellent business in this line. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. Alexander McKinley was married to a Miss Penticost and they were the parents of eight
children, among whom was Alexander McKinley, Jr., the father of Thomas H. McKinley. He learned in his youth the jeweler's business and followed that for some
fifty years in Washington, Pennsylvania, where he was born, lived and died. He
587OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
married Margaret Hayes, of that region, and they were members of the Presbyterian church. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKinley, as follows:
Fannie; Thomas H.; Lucien W., deceased; Frank B., a resident of Washington,
Pennsylvania; Samuel, deceased; Ella, deceased; Alexander, deceased; and Alice,
deceased.
Thomas H. McKinley was born at Washington, Pennsylvania, January 7, I855,
the second child of Alexander and Margaret (Hayes) McKinley. He was educated
at the public schools of his native town and later attended the Washington and
Jefferson College at W~ashington, Pennsylvania. After completing his general studies
in the latter institution, Mr. McKinley decided to specialize in the subject of optics
and accordingly-began the study of this science at the Philadelphia Optic'al College.
At the close of this special preparation he left Pennsylvania entirely and removed to
Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he established himself as an optician and conducted
a successful business there until the year I905. He then returned to Pennsylvania and
made his home at Greensburg, Westmoreland county. Here he established himself in
the optical business and is now the leading optician in that part of the country. He
takes an extremely hctive part in the general life of Greensburg, and is particularly
prominent in business circles there. He is a member of the Greensburg Business
Men's Organization and holds the office of secretary in that body. He is also chairman
of the executive committee of the Washington Party and is extremely active in the
work of this society. Mr. McKinley's religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian
church, the work of which he liberally supports, giving to it both of his time and
means. His home is situated at No. 603 Harrison avenue, Greensburg.
Mr. McKinley was married on June 28, 1883, to Virginia K. Kelley, of Columbus,
Ohio, who, like himself, is a member of the Presbyterian church.
ALBERT DANIEL OBERLY-Albert Daniel Oberly, of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, is a descendent of an old Swiss family, and traces his descent from one Rudolph
Oberly, a native of Ruderwyl, in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, and a successful
silk manufacturer there in the early part of the eighteenth century. From  that time
to the present, the members of the Oberly family have been distinguished for their
strong and manly virtues which they seemed to have inherited from  the progenitor
above mentioned, and for their practical grasp of affairs. Of Rudolph Oberly himself, considerable is known concerning his mature life but very little of his childhood
and nothing at all of his parents. We do know, however, that he was born on June 8,
1712, that he was a member of a large family and was early obliged to support himself. It is also stated of him that his education was neglected to such an extent that
he could not write his own name. In an extremely interesting account prepared of
the Oberly family by Albert Daniel Oberly, we have considerable information concerning this ancestor. In it he states that "the Western fever early took hold of
him, for we note that he sailed for America in the spring of I735, in the ship'Mercury' from  Rotterdam  and was qualified as an emigrant at Philadelphia, May 29,
I735." He was, it seems, a single man when he reached here, but later married
Margaret Harbell, early in I740. He was a man of strong character and industrial
habits, and made his way in the New World which he had adopted as his home. He
settled at Sancon Valley, where he seems to have gone directly upon reaching America.
He was a man of strong religious feelings and convictions, and assisted his fellow
townsmen in the erection of the First Church in Saucon Valley in 1752. The Oberly
family thus came to Pennsylvania and has there made its home ever since, so that it
may well be numbered among the pioneer families of the region. Rudolph Oberly
was active. in the affairs of the Colony, and we have the record of his naturalization
by the Supreme Court of Philadelphia on September 24, I757. He was a large property
588B fOGRAPHICAL
owner, purchasing and developing several tracts of land, and he and his wife were
the parents of seven children.
His son, John Oberly, was born July 9, I746, in Sancon township, N,orthampton
county, Pennsylvania; the second child and oldest- son of the family. While we do
not know a great deal concerning his educational advantages, these were at least
greater than his father's as he signed his own name to various transactions into which
he entered. His name appears a number of times in the records of the place and once
as a baptismal member of the Moravian church, the Moravians having come to
Pennsylvania during his youth. We also find that he was married'on April 6,.1772,
to Elizabeth Uhler, a daughter of Valentine Uhler, of Bethlehem township, the principal Moravian settlement. After this event he removed to a two hundred acre farm
which had been purchased by his father about two years before, almost directly across
the river from his wife's old home, and which a few years later was deeded to him
and his brother Anthony jointly by their father. John Oberly and his wife were the
parents of nine children, and were prominent members of the community. We quote
once more from Albert Daniel Oberly: "On the twelfth of June I793, John Oberly
bought a farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Bethlehem township on the Lehigh
river, directly opposite'the one owned by himself and his brother Anthony, where he
built himself permanent farm buildings and in'the Spring of the year I804, he moved
into his new quarters where he lived the rest of his life. We find that John Oberly
took an active interest in the welfare of the country, and although he was a man who
had a family to raise during the Revolutionary War, nevertheless he served with the
Frontier Rangers from  1778 to I783, inclusive.  It is reported that their barracks
were located on his farm."
The next in the direct line of descent of the Mr. Oberly of this sketch was John
(2) Oberly, the second son of John (I) Oberly, just mentioned, who was born in
Sancon township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, December 2, I781. His childhood was spent on the two hundred acre farm inherited by his father from the original Rudolph Oberly. After the death of the elder man, however, he and a brother
George inherited the three hundred and sixty acre farm that his father had later
acquired by purchase in Bethlehem township. We quote from Mr. Oberly: "This
being a large place, they soon looked toward making arrangements for equitable division of the property. Before doing so, however, they built new farm buildings a short
distance from the Easton and Freemansburg road, and while for some time they held
the whole estate jointly, John Oberly lived in the new buildings on the northern part
of.the place and took charge of the working of the northern half of the estate. This
section being a portion of what has been known since the days of the first settlers, as
the Dry Lands, was entirely devoid of springs and consequently the question of water
supply became at once a serious question. Three large cisterns were built, where
water, caught from the roofs of buildings, was stored, and a well one hundred and
forty feet deep was dug and equipped with bucket and windless for hoisting water.
This well of water never failed them or their successors in the dryest weather."
This short quotation gives some idea of the problems which confronted the pioneers
of those days and of.the sturdy energy and endurance of the Oberlys. This John
Oberly married Catherine Schweitzer, and they were the parents of six children, of
whom the second, John S. Oberly, carried on the line of descent with which we are
interested.
John S. Oberly was born September 9, I8o9, on his father's farm, and lived there
during his entire life. He attended the local schools in the winter and during the
summer worked at the various tasks to be found in such a place. According to Mr.
Oberly: "During his early years, machinery on the farm was unknown, and the
arduous toil of threshing grain by the tread of horses' feet was then in vogue; while
all fabrics to be worn and used either came from flax or the wool of the sheep raised
589OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
on the farm; all of which entailed an extraordinary amount of labor on the house-,hold." John S. Oberly was, however, among the first who in that part of the
country began to adopt the machinery which was even then being invented, and a gradual improvement in farming methods resulted. He was married to Catherine Shimer,
March 5, I835, and they were the parents of five children. He was very active in
church work and although interested in politics did not actually participate in local
affairs. He was, it appears, a popular man in the community and on the best of
terms with his neighbors. The following picture of him is drawn by his grandson,
Mr. Oberly: "In his dress and tastes he was plain and simple, despising all ostentations. He was strictly temperate in all things. The excesses of others he pitied,
and though he despised their short comings he could forgive them, but the lying, deceitful hypocrite, he could never forget or forgive; and he was always suspicious of
those who placed their confidence in such persons. His habits were economical, yet
his home was surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of the modern day."
Erwin Oberly, a son of John S. and Catherine (Shimer) Oberly, and the father
of Albert D. Oberly, was born November 27, 1839, in Bethlehem township, Pennsylvania. His education was obtained at the public school known as Boyers School,
which was situated on his father's estate, aVd later at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston,
Pennsylvania. He was twice married, his first wife being Sarah Elizabeth Feit, who
is the mother of Albert D. Oberly. Born of this union were four children, as follows:
Anna Elizabeth, August 29, 1863; Albert Daniel, who is mentioned at length below;
Ira Anthony and Franklin. Mrs. Oberly, Sr. was a native of Greenwich township,
Warren county, New Jersey, born June 27, 1841. After her death, May 24, 1873,
Erwin Oberly was married to Henrietta Shimer and of this union four other children
were born.
Born November 6, 1865, in Bethlehem township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, Albert Daniel Oberly, second child of Erwin and Sarah Elizabeth (Feit)
Oberly, spent his early life on his father's farm. His life indeed was not different in
any important respect from that of the average young countryman of that time and
region, and he spent his time much as had his ancestors before him, giving his winters
to school and his summers to work upon the farm. Even at that age, however, Mr.
Oberly possessed intensely strong ambitions, among which was the desire to obtain the
best possible education. Accordingly, he gladly accepted his father's offer made in the
autumn of 1883 that he should take a year's schooling at some excellent boarding institution, of which he was himself to have the choice. His selection was a school
which his father had already attended in youth, the Wyoming Seminary, and his
studies there, together with the associations of the place, formed in him a still stronger
desire for a complete education. Instead of the one year which his father had at
first offered him, Mr. Oberly remained there almost two years and found a very
capable ally in the principal of the school, whom he persuaded to urge upon his father
the desirability of the studies he aspired to. Accordingly, upon this good man's recommendation, the elder Mr. Oberly finally gave his consent, and in I885 the young man
took the entrance examination of Lehigh University. These he successfully passed
but had in the meantime, through overstudy, so impaired his health that he felt unable to continue at the time. His father also was not in a position to easily meet the
expense of this latter part of the son's education, so it was decided that he should wait
for another year. This would bring him of age, when he would inherit a certain fund
left him by his grandmother, Mrs. Julia Ann Feit. At this point, however, his paternal grandmother entered the situation and sent for him to visit her for the purpose
of inquiring what would be necessary to continue his studies. These the good lady
provided him with in sufficient amount to enable him to, remain in college for some
eighteen months, and in the meantime he had come of age and gained possession of
his bequest. Thereafter he was his own master and continued his college course at'59CBIOGRAPHICAL
his own expense.  His difficulties were not entirely over, however, as during his
senior year the death, of his father occurred, which interfered greatly for a time with
the pursuance of his studies. He graduated, however, with the class of I889 and found
his first task, upon leaving college, to be that of administrator of his father's estate.
In the autumn of the same year, Mr. Oberly accepted a position on the engineering
corps of the H. C. Frick Coke Company, and the association. thus formed continues
at the present time. He has held practically all the minor positions in the: engineering
corps of the H. C. Frick Coke Company, which, for the first four years of his service,
kept him traveling over the whole of the Connellsville coke region in VWestmoreland
and Fayette counties.
In the'year 1893 he was called to Scottdale to the position of chief draftsman in
the department of' properties and mines. He filled this position with credit' to himself and his employers until the spring of the year I9o5, when the' water supply question, for the various coke plants of the region, called for attention. It fell to his lot
to take charge of the extension or enlargement of the distributing system  of the
Trotter WVater Company (a subsidiary corporation of the  H. C. Frick Coke Company), which included the necessary hydraulic calculations, surveys, estifnates, and the
immediate charge of the construction and l-aying of pipe lines, to supply' water to thirteen coke plants of the H. C. Frick Coke Company in Fayette county. He successfully carried this project into execution, and it proved to meet all requtiirements for
which it was designed. This left all futur'e hydraulic calculations and estimates as
his job.
Since the year I9o6 he has been employed in the capacity of property engineer,
which has given him  charge of all the property surveys, calculations, mapping and
records necessary to furnish the mathematically correct locations- of all property lines,
roads, streams, buildings, etc., over all of the mining territory of the H. C. Frick
Coke Company, as well as taking charge of all the copies of deeds and agreements
kept on file in the engineers' office, and be able to locate any of them at a'moment's
notice.
On October 12, I898, Mr. Oberly was united in marriage with Valetta May Love,
of Scottdale; to them three children have been born:'Cordelia Catharine, born- August 6, I899; Love Elizabeth, born March 26, I902, and Richard Love, born March 2,
I907. Mr. Oberly, his wife and family, are members of the First Presbyterian Church
of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. On June 4, I9II, he was ordained and installed a ruling
elder in this church,'and is at the present time one of the most faithful and active
members of this large congregation.  His marvelous ability for accurate -detail and
thorough reliability, which has made him indispensable to' the H. C. Frick Coke.Company, was at once recognized in his church life, and he was elected statistical secretary of the First Presbyterian Sunday School, and has developed an accurate and
comprehensive Sunday school record, which we are perfectly safe in' saying.-is not
surpassed in any school' of any denomination.
HARRY  G. BROWN-Harry G. Brown is one of the best known among the
men connected with the coal industry in Westmoreland county. As superintendent
of the H. C. Frick Coke Company mines, situated at Tarrs, Mayfield, Donley, and
the Central Mine in East Huntingdon township, he is a man of importance in the
region, his post being one of particular responsibility, not only because of his relation to the coal industry in general, but also blecause it brings him into association
with well nigh every department of the life of the community.
Walter C. Brown, grandfather of Harry G. Brown, was a pioneer of the town
of Brownsville, Fayette county, which took its name from the family. John G. Brown,
father of Harry G. Brown, became very well known and prominent in the community
59IOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
where he had settled, and was a highly successful merchant at Webster for a number
of years. Later he removed to West Newton, where he continued in the mercantile
business up to the time of his death, which occurred December 9, I915, at the age
of seventy-four years. John G. Brown served on the school board of Rostraver
township and also as tax collector for a number of years. He was a Democrat in
politics and an active member of the Methodist church. He married Ella M. Wakefield, a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wakefield, one of the pioneer ministers of
the- Methodist Episcopal church in this region of the State, who occupied a very
prominent place in the religious life there in his day. Among other things he built
the first pipe organ in WVestern Pennsylvania, which is still in use in the Wesley
Chapel, Fayette county. This reverend gentleman, ministered to those of his faith in
Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria and Washington counties, and eventually died at
West Newton in the year I896, full of years and honor, at the venerable age of ninetyseven. His wife and companion in his labors had been before her marriage Elizabeth
Hough, who died at the age of eighty-nine. Their daughter, Ella M., who became
Mrs. John G. Brown, died at West Newton at the age of sixty-eight. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown are as follows: Harry G., with whose career we are here
especially concerned; Frank C., who for a number of years taught in the local Westmoreland county school, and is now a dealer in automobiles at St. Louis, Missouri;
Samuel W., who also taught for some time in the Westmoreland county school, and.
for three years was a leading player on the Boston Baseball Team, of the National
League, and is now superintendent for the Frick Coke Company at York Run, Fayette county, Pennsylvania; Pear W., who became the wife of W. H. Clingingham,
president of the H. C. Frick Coke Company at Scottdale; and Jess W., who makes
her home at Scottdale.
Harry G. Brown was born January 25, I868, at Webster, Pennsylvania. He
secured his education at the public schools of his native place, and having completed
his studies at these institutions, when seventeen years of age, entered the office of the
Baltimore  Ohio Railroad at West Newton. The aptness and industry of the young
man recommended him highly, not only to his employers, but to others, and twelve
months later he was offered a clerkship at the important station at McKeesport, on
the same road. Here he remained for four years, and then secured a position with
the Pennsylvania Railroad at Pittsburgh, as assistant cashier, a position which he
continued to occupy for some fifteen years. It was in 1905 that Mr. Brown finally
severed his connection with railroading and became associated with the Frick Coke
Company, working in the offices of this company at Scottdale, in a clerical capacity.
He was thus employed in the general offices of the company for rather less than one
year, when he was promoted to the position of superintendent of the works at Tarrs,
in September, T9o5. He proved himself so capable a manager that later his duties were
extended to include the three other places already named, so that he now has charge
of the works at Tarrs, Mayfield, Donley and the Central Mine in East Huntingdon.
township. Altogether he superintends the work of about eight hundred men, for
whom he is responsible, a responsibility which his eminent talent for organization and
leadership  render him peculiarly fitted to, bear however. It is thus, by virtue of his
own efforts and ability, that he has come to occupy the prominent position that he
does to-day in the general life of the place. For it has not been by any means only
in direct connection with his business that Mr. Brown is to-day well known in the
community. On the contrary, he has for a long period take an active part in local
*affairs generally and is now a recognized factor of importance in the public life of
the community. In the year I915 he was chosen a member of the East Huntingdon
Township School Board, and still more recently was elected president of that body.
Mr. Brown married (first) at the age of twenty-one, Jennie Washabaugh, a
native of Westinoreland county, whose death occurred seven years later.  Of this
592BIOGRAPHICAL
union one child was born, a daughter, Maud C., who is now the wife of W. C. Eicher,
an engineer at New Alexandria, Westmoreland county.  Mr. Brown married (second), April 2I, I909, Mary C. Graff, also a native of Westmoreland county. Mr. Brown
and his wife are members of the Methodist church and attend the Mount Lebanon
church of that denomination at Tarrs. He has been'very active in the work of this
church and at present is a member of its official board. Mr. Brown is also well known
in social and fraternal circles in the community, and is affiliated with Great Western
Lodge, No. 345, Knights of Pythias, at Pittsburgh, and of Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No.
868, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Mount Pleasant, and is a past officer
in each of these organizations. In politics he is a Republican and has served as a delegate in both State and National conventions of that party. Mr. Brown's strongest
interest outside that of his business and home is undoubtedly to be found in travel and
it is thus that he spends his vacations. He is especially interested in his own country
and has traveled in practically every State of the Union and has seen most of the finest
scenery in the country.
Just as in times gone by, certain cities or districts would come to have the name
of some great warrior, so the American towns and cities come to be associated with
the great industrial captains or the financial magnates of a later day, who in some
way or another are identified with their growth and development. Such is the case
with the town of Brownsville, which has been named after the Brown family, and
such is also the case with the various regions hereabouts with which Mr. Brown himself is identified, although the above is the only one in which the family name has
been bestowed upon the place. During the whole course of his career, Mr. Brown
has been closely identified with the industrial and financial growth of Brownsville,
and the surrounding region. He has observed, even in the comparatively short period
covered by his life, a phenomenal increase in wealth and prosperity in the region
and it has been his greatest pride to observe the strides made by it. But it has been
as more than an observer, however close and affectionate, that Mr. Brown has identified himself with this growth. It has been rather as one of the most active participants therein, whose efforts have been and are primarily directed towards the ad'
vancement of the community of which he is a member. He is possessed of unyielding will and purpose and he brings these strong traits to bear upon the enterprise in
which he is engaged with the inevitable result that they are prospering greatly. His
unimpeachable integrity and rare sense of justice have won for him an enviable reputation, both as a business man and as one whose conduct in the more personal relations of life is above reproach. The religion that he professes he practices also, the
church life to which he adheres so faithfully, is of practical significance to him, its
experiences to be translated into terms of conduct for the guidance of everyday life.
FRANK WEIMER ROYER-Among all the enterprising and progressive young
business men of which Greensburg, Pennsylvania, may boast, none possesses these
qualities in a more conspicuous degree than Frank Weimer Royer, the well-known
merchant of this city. He comes of an old Pennsylvania family, his grandfather, Dr.
Benjamin F. Royer, having been born in Williamsburg, Blair county, in that State.
Benjamin F. Royer received his education in the local public schools and subsequently
graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. He immediately took up the practice of his profession in his
native town of Williamsburg, and there remained a conspicuous figure in the life of
the community up to the time of his death. He married and was the father of the
following children: Mary Amelia, Harry F., mentioned below; and Henrietta Jane.
Dr. Royer was the son of Samuel Royer, who was the progenitor of the family in
this country.
W-38
593OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Harry F. Royer, only son of Dr. Benjamin F. Royer, was born at Williamsburg,
Pennsylvania, in I85I. He received his early education in the local public schools, and
upon completing his education at these institutions entered the service of Weimer,
Wright  Watkins, of Philadelphia, in whose employ he remained until his death,
which occurred January 25, I9Io. He was active in the Republican party, and a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving for many years as an elder
thereof. He married Carrie Hoffer, a daughter of Jacob Zollinger and Sarah Jane
(Grove) Hoffer. Of this union the following children were born: Edgar H., Robert
B., Emily, who resides with her parents at home; William B., who is a teacher in the
high school; Frank Weimer, with whose career we are particularly concerned. Edgar
H. -Royer was graduated from Lafayette College with the class of I913, and since
leaving college has been engaged in the oil business in different parts of the country.
He is at the present time located at Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he is superintendent of
the Alma Petroleum Company. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Phi
Delta fraternity, and is affiliated with the Presbyterian church.  He married Jane
Firth. Robert B. Royer attended the Mercersburg Academy after taking the preliminary courses in the Greensburg public schools, and since that time has been engaged in
the insurance business and is now located at Virginia, Minnesota. He is a Republican
in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He married, in I9I5, Marie
Mickler, and one child has been born to them, Emily Kathryn. Mrs. Harry F. Royer,
the mother of these children, is a daughter of Jacob Zollinger Hoffer, who in turn
was a son of Melchor and Catherine (Zollinger) Hoffer. He was born at Carlisle,
March 7, I826, and died March 22, I9OI. He received his education in the district
schools, and upon the outbreak of the Mexican War enlisted in a company of which
he was the youngest member. He served throughout that struggle under the command of General Coultier, and after returning took up the study of dentistry. He
began the practice of his profession at Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
where he continued during the remainder of his life. He was one of the most prominent professional men of his time, a man of very wide reading, who always took an
interest in all educational matters. He was a Republican in politics, a member of the
Methodist church and a prominent Free Mason. He married Sarah Jane Grove, a
daughter of Samuel and Marie (Ely) Grove, August 5, I86I, and they were the parents of the following children: Edwin Percy, deceased; Emily Virginia, who became
the wife of S. Blatz; J. Edgar, colonel of the line in the ordnance department at
Washington; Sarah Jane; and Ella Gertrude, who became the wife of J. F. Hoad.
Frank Weimer- Royer, son of Harry F. and Carrie (Hoffer) Royer, born July
30, 1887, at Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, passed his childhood at Greensburg, whither
his parents had removed. It was there also that he received his early education;
attending the public schools of Greensburg for this purpose and preparing for college
in the Greensburg High School. After completing his course in the latter institution,
he entered Lafayette College, where he took a scientific course and was graduated with
the class of I9IO and the degree of Electrical Engineer. Immediately after leaving
college, he engaged in the wholesale shoe manufacturing business with the firm of
Weimer, Wright, Watkins  Company, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After learning this business thoroughly he became the representative of this company in Western
Pennsylvania and continued to act in this capacity until I9I4, when he severed his association therewith. In August, I9I4, he engaged in business on his own a'ccount, opening a store at No. Io6 South Main street, Greensburg, where he engaged in the retail
shoe business. In this'enterprise he has been most eminently successful and is now
regarded as one of the representative merchants in the city.
On October 28, 1914, Frank Weimer Boyer was united in marriage with Mildred
Boggs, a daughter of Dr. James C. Boggs, of Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Royer are
594BIOGRAPHICAL
595
members of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, and he is a staunch Republican.
There are some lives that, in their ceaseless, indefatigable energy, are the cause of
wonder to their fellows and might well serve as a model to all those who seek the illusive goddess, Success. The men who are thus endowed undertake enterprises that
would make the average man pause, apparently without fear of consequence, and seem
impervious to the sting of discouragement, meeting reverses, not with the usual surrender of most men, but with the simple expedient of trying again at something new.
Such a man is Frank Weimer Royer, the distinguished gentleman whose name heads
this brief article.
FRANK V. PERRY-One of the most active and energetic figures in the business world of Scottdale, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Frank V. Perry, the
owner and operator of the large Broadway Flour and Feed Mill of that town. His
parents were highly respected residents of Chest Springs, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. His father, James Perry, was a successful farmer in that region all his life.
He married Elizabeth Patterson, and they were the parents of the following children:
Charles H., a prominent merchant and lumberman of Chest Springs; Georgia A., wife
of J. B. Wilbur, of Youngstown, Ohio; Mary, wife of Perry McDonald, of Youngstown, Ohio; William J., of Youngstown, Ohio; Lillian, deceased; Elmira, deceased;
a son, died in infancy; and Frank V., of this biography.
Frank V. Perry was born in Chest Springs, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, January 25, I867, and received his education at the local public schools of that place. Upon
completing his studies he worked for a time on his father's farm. He was of an
extremely ambitious nature, however, and felt that greater opportunities awaited him
in other lines. Accordingly, in I886, he purchased a meat business at Coalport, and
continued to conduct this with a high degree of success for a period of about fifteen
years. His ambitions were not, however, fully satisfied even by this, and he also
engaged in the milling business at Coalport. Still later he removed to Youngstown,
Ohio, and was there for a time engaged in the transfer and storage business, in which
he met with a very substantial success. He continued to make his home at Youngstown, Ohio, until I9o6, and then, in October of that year, returned to Pennsylvania
and settled in the flourishing and progressive town of Scottdale. Here he purchased
the extensive milling works of Albert Keister, the subject of extended mention elsewhere in this work. The success that has attended Mr. Perry's efforts in this line
have been most gratifying, and gives every promise of continuing and increasing in the
future.
Mr. Perry has recently embarked upon another line of business while continuing
his successful career as a mill operator, and in I913 founded the Scottdale Ice Company, which is now an incorporated concern, and centrally located at Scottdale. This
business has prospered from the outset and has now reached very satisfactory proportions. The plant has a capacity of twenty-five tons per day and Mr. Perry employs
twelve men and operates four wagons to deliver his product. He is also a member of
Perry  Henderson Mill Company, millers, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and is
interested in Westmoreland farm and coal lands. He is a prominent Free Mason, and
belongs to the local lodge at Coalport; is also a member of the local lodge of the
Modern Woodmen of the World. Mr. Perry is a staunch Republican, but does not
take an active part in politics. He is a full cousin of Commander Robert E. Peary,
the discoverer of the North Pole.
Mr. Perry married, February 2, I887, Margaret A. Platt, like himself a native of
Chest Springs, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Michael and Emily
Platt, old and highly esteemed residents of that place. To Mr. and Mrs. Perry fourOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
children have been born, as follows: Lillian, Mabel, Claton and Eugene. Mr. and
Mrs. Perry and their four children are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and Mr. Perry has been very active in advancing the interests of that body at Scottdale
since coming there to make his residence.
Scottdale may well congratulate itself upon the acquisition of so public-spirited and
energetic a citizen and one who h'as already begun to take so active and disinterested a
part in the life of the community. He is, despite the comparatively short period of his
residence there, regarded as a leader in its affairs, and has' won for himself an enviable
popularity and a reputation second to none for integrity, probity and ability.
MARCELLUS L. HASNESS-As auditor and assistant treasurer of the Lincoln Coal  Coke Company of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hasness is reaping the
benefit of the business experience gained in service with different corporations during
the years preceding his last coming to Scottdale in I904. That experience was gained
in different States in varied position, but left him a strong, well-balanced young man
capable of filling any position of trust and responsibility.
Mr. Hasness is a great-grandson of Martin I-Hasness, who came from his native
Germany and located in Maryland. He was a highly educated man and in Maryland
conducted a school in the German language. His son, David Hasness, born in Maryland, later moved to Ohio and there followed his trade of blacksmith in connection with
farming. He was succeeded by his son, John M. Hasness, born in Mahoning county,
Ohio, who engaged in the same occupation until his death, June 3, I896: He married
Catherine Gebhardt.
Marcellus L. Hasness, son of John M. and Catherine (Gebhardt) Hasness, was
born in East Lewiston, Ohio, August 22, 1862. He was educated in the public schools
of North Lima, Ohio, and North East Ohio Normal School, Canfield, Ohio, and for
four years after graduation taught in township and graded schools. He then located
in Leetonia, Columbiana county, Ohio, learned telegraphy and was in the employ of the
Pennsylvania railroad for eighteen months. He then became shipping clerk~ with the
Salem Iron Company of Leetonia, was advanced to a bookkeeper's desk and there
continued until his removal to Cleveland, Ohio, where he served Corrigan, McKinney
 Company in a clerical capacity until transferred November I, I895, to their office in
Scottdale, Pennsylvania, as chief clerk. Later he was again transferred, going to the
company's ore mines at Negaunee, Michigan, thence again to the main offices of the
company at Cleveland. In March, I899, he came again to Scottdale, and after resigning his position with Corrigan, McKinney  Company became payroll clerk for A. L.
Keister  Company. Later he was bookkeeper for J. I. Dick, of Scottdale, but left
that position to return to Corrigan, McKinney  Company as chief clerk at their plant
in Charlotte, New York. In I9o4 he returned again to Scottdale, entering the employ
of the Lincoln Coal and Coke Company as bookkeeper. Promotion followed and he
is the present auditor and assistant treasurer of the company, a post he won by merit,
and most efficiently fills. He is a member of the Methodist' Episcopal church, and in
political faith a Republican.
Mr. Hasness married, September 26, I886, Harriet S. King, daughter of Royal
and Esther A. (Kale) King, of Berlin. Center, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hiasness are the
parents of a son, Carlisle D. Hasness, and two daughters, Helen E. and Evelyn D.
Hasness.
CHARLES H. EICHEIR-Although not a native of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, nor
indeed of Westmoreland county at all, Charles H. Eicher, the well-known and popular
merchant of this city, has become most intimately identified with its affairs during
596BIOGRAPHICAL
597
the thirty-three years of his residence here. Mr. Eicher is a son of Samuel R. and
Martha J. (Wilson) Eicher, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where his father was
engaged in a contracting business for many years. Mr. Eichor, Sr., served in the
Union army during the Civil War, being a member of a company of heavy artillery
from Fayette county, Pennsylvania.
Born February 9, 1864, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, Charles H. Eicher remained in his native place during the first twenty-two years of his life. It was there
that his first childish impressions were formed and there that he attended the public
school for the purpose of gaining his education. He was a bright lad and from the
outset showed his ambition and industry as a scholar, winning for himself the regard,
both of his instructors and of his fellow students. Upon completing his studies in
these institutions, Mr. Eicher began the serious business of life as an employee of his
father. His father, as has already been stated, was a successful contractor, and young
Mr. Eicher began work for him as a carpenter, thus earning his own livelihood and
learning the carpenter's trade at the same time. He continued in this capacity until
he had reached his twenty-second year, when, leaving both the parental roof and his
native region, he came to Scottdale, Westmoreland county, believing that in this prosperous and flourishing town greater opportunities awaited him than at home. In Scottdale he secured a position with the United States Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Company as a patternmaker in their foundry and pipe manufactory, and after working
for a time was advanced to the position of foreman. He continued to work in this
capacity for a considerable period, but during the entire time, by dint of industry and
thrift, continued to lay up a considerable portion of his wages, with a view to becoming eventually independent. In the year I9oI he was able to realize this most laudable
ambition, and after severing his connection with the pipe and foundry company he
formed a partnership with C. L. Graft and the two young men purchased the hardware business of Bryan Brothers. This they continued with a very high degree of
success, and at the present time it is regarded as one of the most substantial and up-todate mercantile establishments in the entire'community. The success which they have
won is but an earnest of future achievements of a still larger kind. Mr. Eicher has
not confined his activities to the business world, but has been a prominent participant
in the general life of the community, especially in that department of it connected with
public affairs. He is a Republican in politics, and while in no sense an office-seeker
has' allowed his name to be used as a candidate by his party on several occasions. He
was elected in 1905 to the responsible office of borough treasurer and has continued to
discharge its duties for six years since then. He is affiliated with Marion Lodge, No.
562, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and has been past master thereof since the
year 1893 and secretary continuously from  I895 to the present time. In his religious
belief Mr. Eicher is a Presbyterian, and is a member of the First Church of that denomination at Scottdale, Pennsylvania. He has been very active in the work of the
church and has served as a member of its board of trustees for many years.
Charles H. Eicher was united in marriage, December 9, I886, in Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, with Lida Hutchinson, a daughter of David L. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Hutchinson, old and highly respected residents of that regiou. Mrs. Eicher's
death occurred November I8, I9I4. Mr. and Mrs. Eicher have had born to them the
following children: Ethel, born September 23, I887, and died May I9, I892; Rena,
born February 28, I89I; Ruth, born February I9, I893; Verna Zoe, born April 21,
I895; Grace, born March 24, I900, and died May 28, I917; Charles H., Jr., born November I3, I906.
JAMES A, BYARS-While many of the peoples which in the persons of their
emigrant sons and daughters have contributed to the makeup of our present American
citizenship, and to the future race which seems in process of formation here, have givenOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
much more largely to our population than the Scotch, yet none have leavened the
whole mass with a more valuable set of virtues and qualities than that vigorous northern people nor, in proportion to their numbers, exerted a greater influence upon our
national character. Whoever is familiar with the Scotchman, either in real life, or
in the works of authors who justly portray him, such as Robert Louis Stevenson, for
an instance, realize that his distinctive mark is a rare sort of combination of extreme
idealism with the clearest mental grasp of practical affairs, a combination that leads
him to contemplate the stars even when he is handling the hoe. Such a union almost
of necessity implies success, and it is proverbial no matter where he may be, nor what
the conditions are with which he must contend, that the Scotchman always gets along
famously in life. Diescended from the best type of this race is James A. Byars, the
distinguished gentleman who heads this brief article.
James A. Byars, a son of William A. and Elizabeth (Stice) Byars, was born in
Alverton, Pennsylvania, February 5, I882. His father, William A. Byars, was a
native of Scotland and was biorn there in the town of Forforshire, December 25, I840,
and was a son of James and Margaret (Anderson) Byars, both natives of that place.
James Byars, the grandfather of James A. Byars, was also a native of Scotland, his
birth having occurred there in I804. At an early age he became acquainted and learned
the cloth dyeing industry, and was afterwards given a position in the post office department in Scotland. He married Margaret Anderson in I828, and they were the parents
of ten children, six boys and four girls. The father of James Byars was William
Byars, also a native of Safeford, Scotland, and was born in I768, at that place. He
identified himself with the cloth dyeing industry. He was married to Mary Butcher
and they were the parents of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. James Byars were members
of the Established Church of Scotland, the former having died in I805, and the latter
in I837.
William A. Byars received the early portion of his education in the common and
high schools of his native' region. After leaving school, he obtained a position in a
general merchandise store, where he remained for three years. He then went to Glasgow, Scotland, and after a period of two years went to Dundee, where he remained for
another two years, in the capacity of general store clerk. It was in I864 that'he left
his native land and went to South America where he accepted a position in the general store at Iquique, Peru. He remained there until I869, during which time he
traveled through nearly all the South American Republics. In I870 he returned to
Scotland, but a year later emigrated to the United States and located in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and in this city secured employment as a clerk, but only remained
here for a short time, coming to Pittsburgh a little later, where he resided until I874.
In that year he came to Westmoreland county and located at Bethany, where for
three years he engaged in a general merchandise business and later he removed to
Stoners, now the town of Alverton, and branched out in a general merchandising line.
In I877 William A. Byars was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stice, a daughter
of John Stice, and of this union nine children were born, as follows: Margaret A.,
who married William Hill, of Alverton; James A., of whom further; John W., who
is a mine operator in Alverton; William A., employed as a rural mail carrier; David
B.; Ralph O., in the Medical Corps in the National Army, now in England; George
B., a student; Nellie, deceased; and Charles, deceased.  William  A. Byars was a
Republican in his political affiliations all his life, and he and his wife were members
of the Church of God. The elder Mr. Byars was a man of considerable culture, which
he obtained from the extensive traveling he had done, and was also a well read gentleman.  He was one of the county's representative business merchants.  His death
occurred December I8, I9I4.
James A. Byars received his early education in the public schools of East Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and later entered the Butler Business College and the Mount
598BIOGRAPHICAL
Pleasant Institute, spending two years at each place. After completing his education, he entered the employ of his father, in the general store at Alverton, Pennsylvania, about July, I9oo. He remained here for quite some time, and on July 20, I9I4,
was appointed postmaster of Alverton, the post office being in the next building to the
general store where he and his brother David B. are at present conducting a very
successful business. James A. Byars has, like his father, traveled extensively through
Europe and the United States. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Knights of Malta, and attends the Church of God, giving liberally
to the philanthropic undertakings of this church. He is also a staunch Republican and
is identified with the local orders of this party, although he does not take an active
part in politics.
James A. Byars is a typical man of business, of the kind that has made Pennsylvania famous and placed her so high among the industrial regions of the world. He
cannot be classed with the type of men which is becoming more and more dominant
in contemporary business life, whose interests in their own achievements are so narrow that they forget the welfare of the community, but with that more gracious type
which is growing smaller, whose operations never dulled their public spirit, and who
aimed at the advancement of the entire community quite as much as their own. He
is the kind of man at whom the community can and does point with gratitude and
admiration for the benefits which his activities have conferred upon it. Not less
conspicuous than his public are his private virtues, which renders him an ideal friend,
and has won him a host of companions with whom his relations are of the warmest.
HARRY STOTTLER SHAW-Harry Stottler Shaw is a member of one of the
old Pennsylvania families which has been identified for a number of generations with
Westmoreland county, in that State, coming there in the old pioneer days and settling
near the town of Delmont, where its members continued to make their home up to
the time when Mr. Shaw removed to New Kensington.
His paternal grandfather, Samuel Shaw, was born on the old Shaw homestead,
near Delmont, there spent his life and there died. He conducted a hotel in the neighboring village of Delmont and was a prominent man in that locality. He married
Rebecca McQuaide, like himself a native of Delmont, who died there at the age of
sixty-nine years. To them the following children were born': Mary Isabelle, deceased, married John P. Hamilton; Margaret Ella, who now makes her home in New
Kensington, where she married Henry Menk; Samuel Wilson, a resident of Crafton,
Pennsylvania; Catherine Elizabeth, who became the wife of Josiah Shuster, of Westmoreland county; Jenny, deceased; and Daniel M., the father of Harry S. Shaw.
Daniel M. Shaw was born on the old Shaw homestead, September 25, 1847, and
died there in I9I, at the age of sixty-four years. Like his father before him, he
made his home on the old place all his life and was a prominent member in the State
Militia. He was an officer in a regiment during the Pittsburgh riots of I874 when
the Union Depot was burned and distinguished himself in the fighting that then
occurred. He married Lottie Neudorfer, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who
now lives at New Kensington. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom
are now living, as follows: Harry Stottler, of whom further; Jennie, who became
the wife of Carl Henkel, of Ben Avon, Pennsylvania; Rose, who became the wife
of A. D. Bierer, of Delmont, Pennsylvania; William, who makes his residence at
New Kensington, where he is engaged in the livery business; Mae, now the wife of
Clarence Long, of New Kensington; Bertha, who married Robert Young, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Frank, who is also engaged in the livery business at New
Kensington; and Clyde, a dealer in automobiles in the same city.
Born October 3; I874, on the old Shaw estate near Delmont, Westmoreland
599OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
county, Pennsylvania, Harry Stottler Shaw passed the years of his childhood on the
old farm. He attended the local public schools and assisted his. father in the farm
work until he had reached the age of twenty years, when he left the parental roof
and established a livery business in the town of Delmont, near by. For several years
he met with a high degree of success and continued this business until the fall of
I9I5, having moved in I90I to New Kensington. In I915 he erected a handsome two
story solid brick building, sixty by one hundred and twenty feet in dimensions, and
there established the present automobile and garage business, with a skating rink on
the second floor. This enterprise has met with success from the outs'et and promises
an extremely brilliant future for its capable and progressive proprietor. Mr. Shaw is
a staunch Republican and has been particularly active in the political situation at New
Kensington. He finds it inconsistent with his interests, however, to hold public office
and has refused the earnest solicitations of his colleagues and friends who joined in
urging upon him a number of offices. He is a member of the local lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is affiliated with the Lutheran church
at New Kensington.
On January 5, I897, at Tarentum, Pennsylvania, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage with Elizabeth B. MacLaughlin, a native of Canada, and a daughter of Alexander and Emma (Fox) MacLaughlin.  Her father was a Lutheran preacher who
came from Canda and made his home at Elkhart, Indiana, where he had charge of a
church. His wife, who was a Miss Fox, was a native of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs.
Shaw have no children of their own, but have two by adoption, Dorothy and Daniel.
ELIAS ALEXANDER BLOSER-Beyond doubt, Elias Alexander Bloser, of
New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is one of the most conspicuous
figures in the general life of that busy community, having identified himself with well
nigh every department of its affairs during the many years which he has been a
resident here. Born May 27, I857, Mr. Bloser was a son of Peter and Catherine
Bloser, of Bloserville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, which was the home of his
birth. The town of Bloserville was originally settled by the Bloser family many
years ago, they having come from Holland under the leadership of an uncle of Mr.
Bloser, Sr., William Bloser, from whom the town derived its name.
Elias Alexander Bloser received his early education in a common log school
house of the region, the best that the rural community of those days could offer. At
the age of thirteen he left'school and began to learn the carpenter trade. Here he
remained for about three years, but being a frail youth, the exceptionally hard work
soon began to have its effects and he became disabled. He then left this employ, and
in I873 decided to enter the jewelry business in Bloserville, Cumberland county. He
later moved the store to Newville, situated in the same county, and still later, at the
opening of the town of New Kensington, moved there. Since that time Mr. Bloser
has continued a most successful business in this city and is now the head of one of
the largest establishments of its kind in.the western part of the State. He is regarded
as the pioneer jeweler of the town, and one of the most successful business men of
the region. Three years ago his handsome store was voted by the Manufacturing
Jewelers' Association as one of the one hundred best equipped and tip-to-date establishments in the United States, an honor which it well deserves, there being nothing
handsomer in the State. Both Mr. Bloser's sons assist him in the conduct of his
large' business. The elder is a graduate optician and is regarded as an authority on
the subject of optics. Besides his great business Mr. Bloser is connected with a
number of other important institutions in New Kensington and among these the
Logan Trust Company. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in
the public life of the community. While still a resident of Newville, he was a mem6ooBIOGRAPHICAL                                   60oi
ber of the Council of that town and later of the House of Burgesses. Since coming
to New Kensington he has held there the office of fire chief and has also been a
member of the Common Council. In all of these offices he has displayed a large
public spirit and great disinterestedness in the conduct of the community's affairs. He
is also associated with many fraternal and social bodies, among which should be mentioned the local lodges of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Patriotic Order Sons
of America, the Knights of Malta, the Local Encampment of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and many others. He is an enthusiastic member of the Automobile
Club o~f New Kensington and the American Automobile Association, and takes a
great deal of pleasure in this delightful pastime. His religious affiliations are with
the I utheran church.
On August 21, 1878, Mr. Bloser was united in marriage with Katherine Ann
Stine, a native of Bloserville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born June 8, I858,
a daughter of John and Anna Stine. Her father served in the Union Army during the
Civil War, and both he and Mrs. Stine died in Newville, whither they moved in the
latter part of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Bloser three children have been born, as
follows: John Franklin, March Io, I88o, married Maud Baish, and is, as has already
been stated, associated with his father in the latter's large jewelry house; Annie
Catherine, born September 26, 1882, married Hugh S. Douglas and is the mother of
one child, Hugh S., Jr., now two years of age; Clarence Alexander, born April 6,
1892, engaged with his father in the jewelry business, married Grace Bradenburg.
Mr. Bloser and his wife toured the world in I912-I3, visiting all countries that could
be reached. He took hundreds of photographs of interesting scenes which he has in
his possession.
As has already been stated, Mr. Bloser's father, Peter Bloser, was a carpenter
of Bloserville and that the family had come to this country from Holland. On the
other side of the house, Mr. Bloser is of English descent, his maternal grandfather,
James Alexander, having been born in that country. He came as a young man to
the United States and settled in Bloserville, where he followed farming all his life
and eventually died at an advanced age. He and his wife were the parents of seven
children, all of whom are now deceased. Peter Bloser married Catherine Alexander,
a native of Bloserville, and they were the parents of eight children of whom Elias
A. is the fifth in point of age. The others are as follows: John, who now makes his
home at Newville, where he lives retired from active business; Simon P., who is a
carpenter in that town; Solomon B., a resident of Bloserville, where he is engaged in
the carpentry business; Mary Ellen, deceased; Harry M., who is a carpenter of
Enola, Pennsylvania; J. William, deceased; and George F. Greencastle, who is also
engaged in the jewelry business.
LEO  LUDWIG  BENTZ-Leo Ludwig  Bentz is one of the many successful
German-Americans in Western Pennsylvania who, by dint of their racial virtues and
abilities, have made their way in the new world to a position of prominence in the
community and a place of high regard in the esteem of their fellow-townsmen. His
father, John Bentz, was a native of Baden, Germany, having been born in the town
of Kirchardt in that principality, and still makes his home there. He has followed
the occupation of farming all his life and is highly thought of by his neighbors. He
married Kathrina Bentz, and they were the parents of eight children, two of whom,
John and Leo Ludwig, live in the United States, while the other six have continued
to make their home in their native land. They are as follows: Anna, now the wife of
Hans Gleichanuf; Susanna, now the wife of Philip Dinkle; Heinreich, Conrad and
August.
Born in Baden, Germany, March I, I89o, Leo Ludwig Bentz passed the years ofOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
his childhood in his native land, and was educated at the local Volke-schule and in the
Gymnasium or High School, from which he graduated in the year I905, when only
fifteen years of age. In the same year he left his father's home and sailed for the
United States, whither his brother John had preceded him. The elder brother had
made his home in New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and whither
the young man went immediately upon his arrival in this country. John Bentz had
lived in Pennsylvania ten years and had already established himself in business in
New Kensington. He had been a successful baker there for some time, and Leo
Ludwig followed his example and founded a baking establishment of his own. The
two brothers joined forces eventually and engaged in the same business at Ford
City, Pennsylvania. Here they remained for two years and then sold out, as Leo
L. Bentz had a great desire to see the West. He went accordingly to Texas, where
he engaged in a poultry and stock business for a year, and was associated with other
important business interests there. In the year I913 he returned to Pennsylvania and
once more took up his abode at New Kensington, where he secured a position with
Thonlas  Syme. He did not remain there long, however, but became associated with
j. W. Vernan  Company and they established a garage. On January I, I916, he
purchased the interest of his partner, and on November I, I9I6, he opened a branch
office and show-room at Tarentum, Pennsylvania. He still owns his automobile
business in partnership with his brother, John Bentz, in New Kensington. Miss Anna
Taylor holds the position of bookkeeper and holds his power of attorney, Mr. Clyde
C. Martin, former manager of the Mercer Company, of Pittsburgh, is his general
manager, and the business is prospering. Mr. Bentz is prominent in fraternal and
social circles in the town, and is a member of the local lodge, B. P. O. E., and the
G. B. U. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian and attends the church of that
denomination in New -Kensington.
Having thus made a success in business life, Mr. Bentz had "made good" and
shown the stuff in him for a typical American citizen. As he came within the draft age
he was conscripted, and on February 12, I918., was sent to Camp Lee. Though this was
an interruption to his business' career, as it was to that of others, his plucky spirit
did not desert him, and he went with the determination to work as hard for the
country which had given him such abundant opportunities as he had done for his own
interests. The result was that hardly two months had passed before he was promoted from private to sergeant, and his special knowledge of the garage business
having been discovered, he was put in charge of the motor cars and motor cycles of
the chief-of-staff at Eightieth Division Headquarters, Camp Lee. Having done good
work at Division Headquarters Troop, other opportunities of advancement were
opening out before him, but at this juncture the unwelcome news came to him, April
29, that he was to be transferred to the Quartermaster Corps for service in this
country because of his German birth. He took this wise and necessary order in a
fine spirit and laid down his hopes of being able to fight in France for his adopted
country, and made up his mind to do his best for her "over here." The hardship in
his case was that the rank he had attained by hard work would be lost by his transfer,
and he would become automatically again a private. He is now, therefore, Private
Leo L. Bentz, in Motor Truck Company 329th, Camp Lee, Virginia, full, however, of
the same determination to "make good" that has always influenced him.
MARTIN SAMUEL LAUGHLIN-A  resident of New Kensington since I9oo,
Mr. Laughlin has attained a leading position among the contractors and builders of
the borough and is highly regarded as a man of upright character and sterling worth.
He is a grandson of Samuel Laughlin, born in County Down, Ireland, who there married and with his wife came to the United States. He located in Butler county,
602OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of whom two are judges, and there are five physicians. Of the families of the four
ions of David McConnell, three of them were for many years represented in the elder-!'ip of the Congruity Presbyterian Church. David McConnell (III) died May 12,
1829, and his wife survived him until November 20, I842.
(IV) The oldest son, Daniel, grandfather of Judge Alexander D. McConnell,
was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April I9, I794, and was six years old
when he came with his parents to WVestmoreland county, where he continued to reside
until the time of his death. On January i6, I817, he was united in marriage with Hannah McBride, a daughter of James McBride, son of James McBride, Sr., who had
settled on the Loyalhanna, in what is now Loyalhanna township, some years prior to
the Revolution. Both of these James McBrides rendered military service in the Revolutionary War, as is shown by the "Archives of Pennsylvania." When they first took
up land on the Loyalhanna, their nearest neighbor was ten miles distant. Several times
they were driven from their homes by the Indians, but they always returned, and the
farm has since been held continuously by McBride descendants, and but recently was
owned by another James McBride, a lineal descendant of the original James McBride.
His daughter, Mrs. Lulu Beatty, is now the owner. Daniel McConnell was a farmer,
and resided on his farm in Salem township until his death on March 8, I865. His
widow, Hannah McBride McConnell, died at the same place, April 14, 1884. They
reared a family of ten children, three sons and seven daughters: I. Martha Jane, died
in infancy. 2. David Kirkpatrick (V). 3. James Young, died in infancy. 4. Lavinia
Jane, wife of Samuel McCutchin. 5. Margaret Ann, wife of James Graham. 6.
Martha Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Nicholson. 7. Violet Maria, wife of John Moss.
8. James Whiteside. 9. Juliet. Io. Hannah Kaskey, wife of William G. Fry.
(V) Of the above sons, David Kirkpatrick McConnell was the oldest. Born November I8, I8I9, he was a farmer, and October 31, 1844, was united in marriage to Harriet
Sloan, third daughter of John Steel Sloan and Jane Christy Sloan, of Salem township.
The Steels and the Christys were both Scotch-Irish pioneers in Westmoreland county,
and were of the Presbyterian faith. The Christy family located in the neighborhood
of New Salem prior to the Revolutionary War, and the Sloans near the same place but
a few years later. It therefore appears that the ancestors of Judge Alexander D. McConnell, as they are represented in the families of four grandparents, have all been
identified with the history of this county for nearly a century and a half. David Kirkpatrick McConnell and Harriet Sloan McConnell had nine children, five sons and four
daughters, and all lived to maturity. David Kirkpatrick, the father of Judge McConnell, died December 5, I9oo, and his wife, Harriet Sloan, surviving him, died March
2, 90o8. Their sons were: I. James Graham McConnell, died in Colorado. 2. John
Sloan McConnell, died in Colorado. The family of the latter, consisting of a widow,
Hannah Richard McConnell, a daughter, the wife of the Rev. Charles Beatty, of Pittsburgh, and a son, Robert K. McConnell, now a member of the Allegheny county bar,
residing in Pittsburgh. 3. Alexander D. McConnell (VI), of Greensburg. 4. Sarah
McConnell Reynolds, deceased, wife of Hon. J. E. Reynolds, of Arkansas. 5. Melissa
McConnell Foster, wife of James W. Foster, of Salem township. 6. Mary McConnell
Buchannan, widow of D. M. Buchannan, of Salem township. 7. Catharine McConnell Sterling, wife of James M. Sterling, of Latrobe. 8. David Ellsworth McConnell,
of Salem township. 9. Robert Henry McConnell, of Victor, Colorado.
(VI) Judge Alexander D. McConnell was brought up on the homestead farm in
Salem township, and attended the common schools and the New Salem Academy, and
afterward Washington and Jefferson College. For a time he taught school, and also
assisted Henry M. Jones, then superintendent of public schools in Westmoreland
county, but finally located in Greensburg, in September, 1873, as a teacher, and shortly
thereafter was elected principal of the Greensburg schools and served in that capacity
until June I, I876. He was undoubtedly a very successful teacher. In the meantimeBIOGRAPHICAL
Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming until his death, aged nearly eighty years. One
of his children, Martha, married Robert Speer, and yet resides on the old Butler
county homestead.
Hugh Laughlin, son of Samuel Laughlin, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and died in the borough of Butler in his native county. He spent his early
manhood at Oil City, Pennsylvania, but later located in Butler and began the manufacture of glass, a line of business activity he continued successfully until his death.
He married Jemima Gilchrist, also born in Butler county, who survives him. She
is a daughter of William Gilchrist, born in County Down, Ireland, who was brought
to the United States by his parents when a lad of thirteen years. The family located
in Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he became a farmer, and lived to the great age
of ninety-four. Three of his eight children are living: William, Martha, and Mrs.
Jemima Laughlin, widow of Hugh Laughlin. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin had seven
children: Harry, who was accidentally killed; Robert William, an oil worker in the
Huntingdon, West Virginia, field; Bertha, married Martin Shannahan, of Butler;
Maud, married Calvin Kinkle, of Butler; Harold C., manager of a bedding manufactory at Vancouver, British Columbia; Carrie,-residing with her mother in Butler
county; Martin Samuel, of further mention.
Martin Samuel Laughlin was born near Emlenton, in Venango county, Pennsylvania, January 5, I882. He was four years of age when his parents returned to
Butler, and there he received his education in the public schools.  He resided in
Butler until eighteen years of age, coming to New Keusington, Westmoreland county,
in the year I9o0. For two years he worked in the tin plate mills, then began learning
the' carpenters trade. He became an expert worker and after a brief period as a
journeyman began contracting. He grew in public esteem, proved himself a man of
integrity as well as a capable builder, and has become one of the leaders in the business. He is a member of Tyrian Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 644,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is an active Sunday school worker, and member
of the First Presbyterian Church; in political faith he is a Republican, now a member of the borough council from the fourth ward.
Mr. Laughlin married, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Matildo Jacobus, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of Philip J. Jacobus (q. v.). Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin
have four children: Philip Hugh, born in I9II; Martha, I913; Earl Martin and
Merle, twins, born August 14, I9I6.
JOHN HENRY BRYAN-John Henry Bryan, who for many years has been
one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, deserves that his name should stand high in any list of the prominent and
public-spirited citizens of that region. He is a member of an old Westmoreland
county family, which was founded in Westmoreland county by his grandfather,
Abraham Bryan, who migrated there from Bucks county in the year T8I5. Abraham
Bryan settled near the town of Bethany, and there remained for about one year. He
then removed to a farm situated about one mile west of Ruffs Dale, East Huntingdon township, which he cleared and improved and which is still in the possession of
the family. He was busily occupied in working this farm for the remainder of his
active life and should be numbered among those sturdy pioneers whose unremitting
efforts and industry resulted in reclaiming the western part of Pennsylvania from the
wilderness which at that time stretched over practically the whole eastern part of this
Continent. In religious faith he was a member of the Lutheran church, and was a
Nwell known and highly respected member of the commulnity in which he had elected
to live. t-le married a Miss Shrauger, and they were the parents of the following
children: Samuel, mentioned below; John S., Abraham, Jr., Annie, who became the
603604                  OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
wife of Solomon Leighty; Catherine, who became the wife of John Bear; Elizabeth,
who became thle wife of John Mellinger; Hannah, who became the wife of Abraham
Fretz; and Susan, deceased.
Samuel Bryan, father of John H. Bryan, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in the year 18I2, and was only three years of age when his parents removed
to Westmoreland county, taking him with them.  His childhood was spent on his
father's farm, and in early youth he was trained to the wholesome tasks of farm life.
He followed in the footsteps of his father by engaging in farming, which he followed
practically his entire life, continuing to occupy the old homestead, and being well
known in the community as a prosperous agriculturist. He was also highly thought
of as a public-spirited citizen and was prominently connected with public affairs generally. A Democrat in politics, he served his township as school director, supervisor
and in other minor offices. In his religious belief he was a Lutheran and was an elder
and deacon in Old Zion Church. He married Mary E. Sutor, a daughter of Solomon
and Elizabeth (Crise) Sutor, and a member of an old and distinguished Westmoreland county family. They were the parents of the following children: Solomon A.,
Leah, who became the wife of John Benford; John Henry, mentioned below; Cyrus
F., who died in early youth; Elmina; Clarissa, who became the wife of Harrison Ruff,
and Mary Etta, who became the wife of Plumb Reagon.
Born on January 26, I842, son of Samuel and Mary E. (Sutor) Bryan, John Henry
Bryan received his education in the common schools of Westmoreland county, and
afterwards took a brief course of study at the Mount Pleasant Institute. He was naturally a scholar, and particularly ambitious to acquire the best education possible under
the circumstances, which were none too favorable in that place and at that time.' In
spite, however, of the distinctly inadequate educational advantages, Mr. Bryan, by dint
of much independent study and wide reading, made himself a well educated man, and
actually fitted himself for the position of teacher and was granted a certificate by the
State authorities. He secured a position as teacher in the schools of East Huntingdon
township and continued in this capacity for a period of twenty-five years. He was
possessed of a natural talent for teaching and achieved a very considerable reputation
throughout the community. In I878, however, he gave up this line of work and retired
to the old homestead, where he erected an entirely new set of buildings, and which
for a number of years he most successfully operated. This farm, as has already been
stated, is situated about one mile west of Ruffs Dale. It comprises some one hundred
and thirty-six acres of very fertile land, and under the extremely able management
of Mr. Bryan soon became one of the finest farms in the township.  In the year
Igo8 the house which had been erected there was destroyed by fire, but Mr. Bryan
at once rebuilt it. He continued to carry on general farming operations most actively
up to the year I915, when he decided to retire from active life entirely. Accordingly,
retaining some thirteen acres of the original farm, to which he added twenty-six acres
of adjacent land purchased by him, he sold the remainder of the old homestead,
and in company with his son-in-law, Mr. R. G. Wible, built a charming little house
on his new property. Here he continues to reside at the present time, enjoying a
well-earned rest. Mr. Bryan is not, however, a man who could find happiness in
idleness, and while he does not farm on the same extensive and intensive scale as
formerly, he nevertheless takes much pleasure in cultivating his property and is particularly fond of trying experiments there. His house is supplied with water from a
system of his own, and he has been especially interested in the growth of alfalfa, his
success in the cultivation of which may be seen from the fact that he has completed,
in July, 1917, harvesting the sixth crop which he has taken from his land since coming to live'there in I9I5. He has also devoted some time and attention to the insurance business, and especially in connection with the Mendon Grange Fire Insurance Company, which was started in I902 and of which he is a director. He has actedBIOGRAPHICAL
as agent for this company and has supervised its business in a certain territory and
also taken charge of the adjustment of losses there. He has been highly successful
in securing new business for the company and was regarded by it as one of its most
valuable men. Mr. Bryan has for many years been a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, but while deeply interested in the affairs of its local organization, has
never felt any desire to hold public office. He has nevertheless served for four years
on the School Board, a position for which his long experience as a teacher particularly well fitted him. His talent as teacher has had opportunity to express itself of
recent years through his position as a lecturer in the Patrons of Husbandry, Mendon
Grange, No. 855. Mr. Bryan is a Lutheran in his religious belief and has for many
years been associated with the church of that denomination at Ruffs Dale. Like his
father, he has held a position as elder and deacon thereof for many years.  He is
still active as superintendent of the Sunday school of this church, and has done much
to, advance its interests in the community.
John H. Bryan married, December 25, I867, Mary Elizabeth Null, a daughter of
Jonathan and Mary (Saynor) Null. To Mr. and Mrs. Bryan seven daughters and
two sons were born, six daughters still living, all of whom at the present time reside
in the immediate neighborhood of their father's home and so close that he may visit
them all in one day if he so. desired. They are as follows: I. Mary Elma, born in
I869, died in I878; she married William P. Hauser, and their children were: Ray,
Frances, Donald. 2. William Franklin, born I87I, died I878. 3. Mary Etta, born
1873, married William P. Hauser. 4. Luella May, born 1875, married Arthur Yockey,
of Ruffs Dale, where he does a contracting business; their children are: Eleanor,
Debert, Mary Bell and Frances. 5. Cyrus Austin, born I876, died in I878. 6.
Daisy Pearl, born in I88o, who became the wife of William  T. Keller, of Collinsville, where he is engaged in the life insurance business; they have three children:
Elizabeth, Bryan and William. 7. Elizabeth Alettia, born in 1882, mar'ried Ross G.
Wible, who is engaged in business as a carpenter and also carries on extensive agricultural operations on a part of the old homestead; they have two children: Wilder
Winnefred and Rachel. 8. Effie Frances, born in I884,.married William Davis, a
merchant of New Stanton, and they have three children: Emerson, Mary Elizabeth,
and Pearl. 9. Emma Jane, born in I887, married J. B. Henderson, of Scottdale,
where he is engaged in a milling business; Mrs. Henderson followed in the footsteps of her father, and taught school for a period of eight years in the schools of
Westmoreland and Armstrong counties, having been herself a graduate of the East
Huntingdon High School, and attended for a year the California Normal School, at
California, Pennsylvania.
Surrounded by their children and grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bryan celebrated on Christmas Day, I917, the golden anniversary of their wedding at their
home near Ruffs Dale. After an elaborate dinner a program of singing, prayer, and
praise service appropriate to the occasion was used, and an address was made by Mr.
Bryan. It was something to be remembered by the youngest present. Six daughters,
accompanied by the'ir husbands, and fifteen grandchildren attended, besides a number
of friends.
Nowhere can we see more vividly illustrated the truth of the statement that time
is measured by events and not by days or hours, than in the various achievements of
such men as John H. Bryan who, in their diverse characters, seem to defy the limits
of time and space as we count them, so that what the average man cannot accomplish in the allotted three score years and ten, they will complete in a brief period and
stand ready for further efforts as though the deed had been a pastime. Such capable
figures we all have seen in the business world of to-day and they have been well
represented in the life of that busy Pennsylvanian township of East Huntingdon, and
it would be difficult to find a better example of the type than that offered by Mr.
605OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Bryan. It is always interesting to us to find the doings of such men set down, as we
still hope to find in the details in their careers some of the secrets of success. Yet,
after all, their secret is no other than the secret of all accomplishments, for, if they
may possess more than the average of talent, yet with them, as with the rest of us,
it is the conscientious use of this talent that is the real touchstone with which the
door to success is unlocked, and this we all of us have it in our power to employ.
Hard work, courage, patience in overcoming difficulties, these are the things that really
matter, without which no degree of ability avails to make success a stable thing. So
it is that, whether we turn to the successes of these who seem to us the chosen
children of fortune, or to those of others less gifted, we shall learn the same lesson
if we read aright.
EDWIN THOMAS CONNOR--Beyond doubt there is no training in youth so
wholesome and healthful as that to be enjoyed upon the farm, a training which has
produced a large proportion of America's foremost men and which is responsible
for the splendid type of citizenship of which our country is so justly proud. Edwin
Thomas Connor, the successful and talented merchant of New Kensington, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, enjoyed this early advantage, coming from a family
which has been engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of generations.  His
forebears and he himself have been and are identified with the life of Western Pennsylvania, and more than one member of the family has been prominent there.
His paternal grandfather, Samuel Connor, was a native of Westmoreland
county, and his father, John Connor, was born in Clarion county, in the year I845,
and died March 3I, I88-4, at the age of thirty-nine years. He married Sarah Aaron,
like himself a native of Clarion county, born December 30, I842, and where she is
still living on the old Connor homestead. They were the parents of seven children,
all of whom are living as follows: Minnie Ida, now the wife of Dr. Charles J. Aaron,
of Pittsburgh, and the mother of three children, Francis, Margaret and Grace; Samuel A., who now makes his home on the old Connor homestead, and married Mary
Schebrinal, by whom he has had three children, Joseph, Louis and Helen; William
Sylvester, who now lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and married Catherine Byrne, by
whom he' has had one child, James; Stephen J., who makes his home in New Kensington, and is associated with Edwin T. in business; Edwin Thomas, of whom
further; Grace Cecelia, who makes her home at New Kensington; and John P., also
a resident of that city and associated with Edwin T. in business.
Born at Shannondale, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, on his father's farm, Edwin Thomas Connor was reared there. His birthplace, which was shared by all his
brothers and sisters and where his father died, was within eight miles of where the
latter was born and within one and a half miles of the birthplace of his mother, the
entire family havi,ng been for long identified with that immediate region. During his
boyhood, Mr. Connor attended the local public school and aided his father in the work
on the farm during his spare time. He remained in these rural surroundings until
he had reached the age of seventeen years, and then went to Emlenton, Pennsylvania,
where he secured a position as clerk in a dry goods store  He was a very ambitious
youth and believed that larger opportunities awaited him in such a life than in the
more quiet career on the farm, a belief which the event has justified. His ambition
was not, however, in any way unpractical and he worked hard and put by a large proportion of his earnings for future use. It thus happened that in the year I9oo he was
able to gratify his desire to embark in business on his own account. Accordingly, he
came to New Kensington, January 25, I9oo, and there, in association with his brother,
William  S., Andrew  V. Allen and Thomas Flynn, of New  Kensington, purchased
the Flynn Mercantile Company, a concern which was doing a considerable business
in New  Kensington. The four young men then established the present mercantile
6o6oBIOGRAPHICAL
house, which is the largest in New Kensington and one of the largest in this part of
the State. Mr. Connor occupies the offices of general manager, secretary and treasurer, and devotes the greater part of his time and energies to the development of the
business. He has not confined his interests, however, to the one concern, but is associated with two other establishments of a similar kind in Westmoreland county, another in Arnold, Armstrong county, and two others, one at Vandergrift and one at
Ford City in Armstrong county. Active in the general life of his community, Mr.
Connor is affiliated with several important organizations there. He is a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, the Order of Moose and the Maccabees. He is a Roman Catholic in his religious belief and attends St. Joseph's Church at New Kensington, being a
member of the church committee.
JOHN LLOYD SNYDER-New Kensington, Pennsylvania, numbers many active and successful men among its rising generation of manufacturers and merchants,
but none for whom the future seems to hold a greater promise than John Lloyd
Snyder, dealer in wall paper, draperies and household furnishings. He was born at
Rimersburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, October 26, I884, a son of William DeLancey and Anna (Mortimer) Snyder. The elder Mr. Snyder is also a native of
Rimersburg, born January I, 1850. He lived during the period of his youth and
young manhood in his native town, and continued the successful dry goods business
built up there by his father. He is now living in retirement from business at New
Kensington, where he moved in I890o. He has been very prominent in the affairs of
New Kensington, especially for the first fifteen years of his residence there, and
served his fellow-citizens as a member of the Board of Education for nine consecutive
vears. Since then he has also served on the same board to fill the place left vacant
by the death of a member. He married Anna Mortimer, like himself a native of
Clarion county, and a member of a family which had been pioneers there and received
land in the original I8I2 grant from the government. Mrs. Snyder, Sr. died at the
age of thirty-eight years, in I9o2. She and her husband were the parents of seven
children, two of whom are given herewith as follows: Albert H., a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this work; and John Lloyd, of whom further.
John Lloyd Snyder spent only the first six years of his life in his native town,
his parents moving therefrom in I8go, as has already been stated. He accompanied
them to New Kensington, Westmoreland county, and has since that time made his
home there. He was educated in the local public schools and graduated from the
High School in the year I900. Upon completing his studies, Mr. Snyder secured a
clerical position with the firm of John H. Eckley, engaged in a successful mercantile
business in New Kensington. This was in the year I9OI, when he was but seventeen
years of age, but he was rapidly advanced in position and shortly became one of the
most valued employees of the concern. Some years later, having become thoroughly
familiar with the business, Mr. Snyder purchased the wall paper and draperies departments of this' company in association with Mr. Thomas and since that time the
firm of Thomas  Snyder has done a very successful trade throughout the region, it
being the only house engaged exclusively in house furnishings and decorations in this
region. The great success of this concern is due in no small measure to the devoted
attention given it by M:r. Snyder, whose entire energies have been and are continually
exerted in its service. He is nevertheless a conspicuous figure in other aspects of
the life of New Kensington, a staunch member of the Republican party, a prominent
Mason and a member of the Reformed church.
At the time of Mr. Snyder's coming to New Kensington that place was not yet
a borough, which it has since become, and he is regarded as being one of the pioneer
6o7OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
merchants and business men of the new city. There are many kinds of activity the
influence of which upon a community is difficult to guage or even to see in any tangible form, though we may be firmly convinced of its existence. The kind of service
which Mr. Snyder performed for New  Kensington and for Westmoreland county
was not, however, of this illusive type. Of course our extrmely limited vision cannot see or measure the complete effect of any work performed, yet many of the results of his labor are of an extremely obvious nature, and from these alone we can
judge that it was great. What is not so easy to measure is the influence upon the
character of the people of the community a personality such as that of Mr. Snyder
exerts, standing as it did for honest and substantial methods in business and just and
charitable dealing with his fellows in every relation of life. To him the community
owes a debt of gratitude it would be difficult to discharge.
ROBERT HERMAN BELLMAN-Robert Herman Bellman is one of the
most successful and active of the business men of New Kensington, Pennsylvania,
and is by birth a member of the race which perhaps more than any other has been
active in that region. He was born May II, I864, at Zwickau in the Kingdom of
Saxony, Germany, but did not remain in his native land long enough to form any
personal associations with it, having accompanied his parents to the United States
when but two years of age. He is a son of John Gottlieb and Wilhelmina (Holzig)
Bellman, both natives of Germany, his father having been born December I, I836.
John Gottlieb and Wiilhelmina (Holzig) Bellman were the parents of nine children,
four of whom died in infancy, the five survivors being as follows: I. Robert Herman,
of whom further. 2. Anna, now the wife of David Morgan Coulter. 3. Elizabeth,
who makes her residence in the section of Pittsburgh known as the north side and
has been employed by the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad for thirty years. 4. William,
a resident of Versailles, Pennsylvania, and has been an agent and operator with the
Baltimore  Ohio Railroad for. thirty years, married Wilhelmina Heberling, of
Greenock, Pennsylvania, and has one son, Kenneth. 5. Amelia, now the wife of John
L. Snyder, of Mount Oliver, Pittsburgh, and the mother of one child, Ruth.
Upon coming to this country, the Bellman family settled for a time at McKeesport, Pennsylvana, and there Mr. Bellman, Sr. became a coal miner. From that place
they moved to Coulters, Allegheny county, when Robert Herman was six years of age
and it was at Coulters that he grew to manhood and where he received his education
in the local public schools. His opportunities for schooling, however, were decidedly
meagre and when only twelve years of age he abandoned his studies and began work in
the coal mines of that region. Here he remained for six years, and at the age of eighteen secured a position as operator with the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad at Alpsville,
Pennsylvania. For a time he was merely an assistant operator, but was unusually
apt and industrious, and soon was given the full position at Alpsville. For ten years
he remained in the service of the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad, and in I893 located at
New Kensington, where he was given the position of secretary and treasurer o.f the
New Kensington Manufacturing Company, a concern which operated a large enamel
plant and which is now known as the American Conduit Manufacturing Company.
He remained with this concern about seven years, proving of great value to his er'ployers and becoming familiar with business methods generally. Besides this Mr.
Bellman also demonstrated to his own satisfaction his business ability and gained
sufficient self-confidence so that in i898 he severed his connection with the American
Conduit Manufacturing Company and established himself in business on his own
account. The business in which Mr. Bellman engaged was that of real estate and
insurance, and since I898 he has been one of the most conspicuous figures in this line in
the region. He is now doing a very large and prosperous business with the most
encouraging outlook for the future.
6o8BIOGRAPHICAL
Robert Herman Bellman is one of the most active members of the community to
which he belongs, and is affiliated with practically all the important movements undertaken in New Kensington for. its general welfare and also with many of the prominent
fraternal organizations there. He is a member of the local lodges of the Indpepdent
Order of Odd Fellows, and the German Beneficial Union, and he is also active in the
Italian Garibaldi Club. In his religious belief Mr. Bellman is a member of the First
English Lutheran church and consistently attends divine service there. He is a Republican in politics, and active in the local organization of that party. In I903 he was
elected tax assessor for New Kensington and has held that office most efficiently to
the present time, a period of fifteen years.
On August 5, I89o, Mr. Bellman was united in marriage with Mary A. Huemme,
a native of Greenock, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Franz and Mary Huemme, old
and highly honored residents of that place, where their deaths occurred. To Mr.
and Mrs. Bellman five children have been born, as follows: Mary Louise, April 9,
I89I; was engaged in business with hier father; is a member of the choir of the First
~Presbyterian church at Allegheny; was married to Thomas W. Kalmeyer, November
29, I917. 2. Jennie Christina, born June 4, I893; is now employed as a teacher in the
public schools of New Kensington. 3. Anna Elizabeth, born February 28, I895; also
a teacher in the public schools of New Kensington. 4. Margaret Amelia, born January 24, i898; graduated from the Indiana State Normal School, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and is. now a teacher in public schools of New  Kensington. 5. Louisa Alberta, born May 12, I902, now a student in the local public school.
CHARLES MAGEE LOHR-Charles Magee Lohr is one of the typical American business men who have been responsible for the rapid growth and development
of Western Pennsylvania. He is himself a member of an old Pennsylvania family,
his grandfather, WVilliam Lohr, having lived originally in Berks county, in that State,
from where he emigrated to Somerset county in its western part. Noah Lohr,
father of Charles M. Lohr, was one of a family of three children of whom there is
but one survivor, his sister Mary, who now makes her home in the West.  Noah
and his brother, William Lohr, are both deceased. Noah Lohr was born in Somerset
county, Pennsylvania, and after receiving his education in the local public schools,
learned the potter's trade which he followed successfully for many years. He was,
however, very prominent in the public life of the community where he dwelt, and having moved to Indiana, Indiana county, entered local politics there and held variofis
offices. He was United States pension officer, and was eventually elected treasurer
of Indiana county. Toward the latter part of his life he was given an appointment
in the pension department at Washington, D. C. and moved to that city, where he
finally died in the year 1912 at the age of seventy years. He married Mary A. Magee,
a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, who survives him and now makes her home in
Somerset county at the town of Hooversville. Mr. and Mrs. Lohr, Sr. were the
parents of four children, all of whom are now living, as follows: Charles Magee, of
whom further; Anna, who is now the wife of Fred Brehm, of Hooversville, Pennsylvania; Harry B., who follows the machinists' trade at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania;
and Frank Clair, who resides at Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he is employed as a
draftsman by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Born January 2I, I862, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Charles Magee Lohr continued
to reside in his native place until he had reached the age of twenty-two years. It
was there that he gained his education, attending the local public schools for this purpose, and there also that he learned the printers' trade, which he afterwards followed, off and on, for a number o.f years. His first business position was as a compositor with the "Indiana Messenger," where he remained for three. years. Mr.
W- 3
6ogOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Lohr, however, was an unusual athlete and had made a reputation for himself as a
baseball player which extended beyond the limits of his native region. He terminated
his connection with the "Messenger" to accept a position as a professional baseball
player on the Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, team, which was a member of the Mountain
League, comprising Central Pennsylvania, and then next with the Central League.
This league comprised the leading cities of Eastern Pennsylvania, New York and
New Jersey. In I888 Mr. Lohr came to Newcastle, where he joined the Newcastle
Baseball Club, with which he played for one year, and then for another year played
with the Greensburg Club, of Westmoreland county. From there he went to the State
of Connecticut and played with the New Haven Club of the State League there as
pitcher. Not long after this, however, he did what is known in baseball parlance as
"pitching his arm out" and had to give up playing altogether. For a time after this
he stayed in New York City, where he secured a position with the "New York Sun"
and spent ten years in this capacity. In the year I9oo, however, he returned to Pennsylvania and once more made his home at Greensburg, where on July 26, I915, he
opened his present successful business estblishment, which is known as the Sportsman's Supply Company. Although this concern is still very young, it has already met
with a high degree of success, and under the capable management of Mr. Lohr promises to enjoy a most prosperous future. Mr. Lohr has been extremely active in public
affairs for a number of years. He is a staunch Republican in politics and has been
the nominee by his party for several offices. His campaigns, however, have been conducted in Democratic years and Mr. Lohr has been defeated, although running well
ahead of his ticket. He is a prominent figure in the social and fraternal world and
is affiliated with the local lodges of the Improved Order of Heptasophs, the Knights
of Pythias and the Order of Eagles. He is a Methodist in his religious belief and
attends the church of that denomination at Greensburg.
On February 20, 90o2, in the City of Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Lohr was united
in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Gunnett, a native of Greensburg, and a daughter of
Thomas Benton and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Gunnett. Mr. and Mrs. Gunnett still
reside in Greensburg where Mr. Gunnett has carried on a very successful contracting
business for a number of years, though he now lives retired.
HARRY CLARENCE WALLEY-The Walleys are one of the early families which settled in Pennsylvania,' of Scotch origin, a thrifty, industrious family,
usually devoted to agriculture. In course of time this branch came to Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, John Walley, grandfather of Harry C. Walley, of New Kensington, being the pioneer Walley in that section. John Walley, born about I8Io, died
in Armstrong county in I884, a farmer all his life. He married Charlotte Truby, and
had a large family: Thomas, a farmer of Armstrong county; Carrie, married Victor
B. George, of Clarion county, Pennsylvania; Nancy, married Frank W. George, of
New Kensington; Polly, married Benjamin Evans, of Armstrong county; John L.,
married Mary Cook; James N., a farmer of Armstrong county; all the foregoing
children living, and William; deceased, of further mention.
William Walley, son of John and Charlotte (Truby) Walley, was born at the
homestead, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, March 28, I835, died December I4, I892.
He grew up at the home farm, and in early life was a boatman on the river and canal.
Later he engaged in the oil business very successfully, continuing in Armstrong county
until one year prior to his death, when he came to New Kensington and there died.
He married (first) Susan McKibben, born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1841,
died in January, I875. Children: Charlotte Ada, married William P. Painter, of
Sparks, Nevada; Margaret L., married Frank C. Mumford, both of whom are deceased; Charles W., of Parnassus, Pennsylvania, an oil driller; Harry Clarence, of
6ioBIOGRAPHICAL
further mention; Laura Belle, married Edward P. Elmore, of Carson City, Nevada;
Frank G., an oil driller, died in I9II, aged forty-one years. William Walley married
(second) in I878, Charlotte Colwell, born at Bradys Bend, Pennsylvania, who died in
January, I903, aged fifty-eight years. They were the parents of several children, all
of whom died in early childhood with the exception of a daughter, Edna Blanche
Walley, who grew to womanhood, dying in October, I914, unmarried.
Harry Clarence Walley, son of William Walley, and his first wife, Susan (McKibben) Walley, was born near Bradys Bend, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, January
I6, I866. He grew up on the home farm, and attended the public schools until sixteen
years of age, then left home and went West, where he spent five years as clerk in a
mercantile business, and teaching school in Madison county, Nebraska. He then returned home, spent four years with his father in the oil business, located in New
Kensington, in 1892, establishing a grocery business on McCargo street under the firm
name of H. C. Walley. He conducted that business successfully for six years, until
March, I898, then sold out and has since been engaged in the real estate and insurance
business with offices at No. 214 First National Bank Building. He still retains an
interest in the oil business, is a director of the Logan Trust Company, and has other
business connections which prosper under his able management. A Republican in
politics, Mr. Walley has always been interested and helpful in public affairs, and in
I896, and until I899 served as a member of the borough council. He is a member of
the Knights of Malta, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the
Maccabees, and of the First Presbyterian Church, which he serves as chairman of the
board of trustees.
He married, June 9, I89I, Rebecca A. Peters, born in Queenstown, Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob P. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Peters, bioth
deceased, her father a carpenter and farmer for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Walley
have two children: Harry Donald, born April 3, I9o3; Harold Loraine, born November 7, I904.
McALLISTER WALLACE FELTON--Without doubt one of the leading and
prominent citizens of New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is McAllister Wallace Felton. He is a son of William M. and Adeline (Johnston) Felton,
his father having been a contractor in New Alexandria and an influential and active
citizen. His grandfather was William M. Felton, who was a stage driver in the early
days, and drove his stage between the points of Marysville and Blairsville, at which
he was often assisted by his son, William M., the father of McAllister Wallace. Mrs.
Felton, Sr., was a daughter of James Johnston, a successful farmer of Ligonier,
Westmoreland county, and through her marriage with Mr. Felton the following children were born to them: James L., who is at present in the employ of a concern at
Pittsburgh; William H., who is a contractor and makes his home at New Lisbon,
Ohio; John S., who carries on farming occupations at West Middlesex, Pennsylvania;
Mary Elizabeth, who died at the age of nine years; Ada B., who married W. H.
Lewis, who is employed as a clerk in the Gallagher store at New Alexandria; McAllister Wallace, of whom further; Charles E., who is in the employ of the New Alexandria Coal Company; and Edward R., who is in the real estate and insurance business
at Greensburg.
Born September I, I867, McAllister Wallace Felton is a son of William M. and
Adeline (Johnston) Felton, and his birth occurred in New Alexandria. He attended
the public schools of that place for his preliminary education, and after graduating
from these institutions, he went to work with his father, remaining with him for a
period of about three years. He then took a course at Dr. Karl Barnes School at
Chicago, Illinois, and after graduating from this place, he engaged in the undertaking
business, his present occupation. In addition to this business, he runs a livery and
6iiOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
auto garage, in which line he has done considerably well. It is not only in the business
world, however, in which Mr. Felton is active, as he takes a prominent part.in the
social and club life of the region, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, and the Junior Order of United American
Mechanics. He has also been the school director and treasurer of the school board
for a period of twenty years, and still holds these responsible offices. He attends the
Presbyterian church in New Alexandria, of which he is a trustee. In his political
affiliations, he is a Republican, but the onerous duties of his public and business life do
not permit him to take an active part in politics and he contents himself by ardently
supporting his party with his adherence to it.
McAllister Wallace Felton was united in marriage, September 22, I896, with
Nancy M. Fennell, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Hudson) Fennell, of Salem township. Mr. Fennell was a farmer in this region for a great many years. To Mr. and
Mrs. Felton the following children have been born: Mary Elizabeth, who graduated
from the Greensburg High School, and is now a student at Wellesly College; and
McAllister W., Jr., a graduate of the Greensburg High School, and is now a student
at Washington and Jefferson College.
It is often a difficult, if not impossible, matter to express in terms of material
accomplishment the real value of a life, of a career, or to give an adequate idea of the
position which a man has won for himself in the regard of the community. In the
case of such men, for example, as McAllister WVallace Felton, the distinguished and
prominent business man of New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, it
is apt to be highly misleading to state in bald terms that he has succeeded in such and
such a calling or business, since the true significance of a man is not so much to be
found in this wealth or in that honor acquired, as in the influence which as a personality he exerts upon those with whom he comes in contact. Mr. Felton is without doubt,
and in the best sense, what is most aptly described in the typical American term, of
"self-made man." It has been through his own efforts that he has won his way to success, by dint of enterprise and courage linked to indefatigable industry. In all his
relations, private as well as those in connection with his business, his conduct is above
reproach, displaying at once those more fundamental virtues upon which all worthy
character must be based, courage and honesty, and those scarcely less compelling
qualities of kindliness and sympathy which, as they are the more purely social in their
character, are perhaps the most valued in society. And, as mentioned before, Mr.
Felton is identified with a number of club and fraternal orders which gratify his taste
for social intercourse. He is a man of unusually commanding personality, whose rise
to prominence is solely the result of his own fitness and worth, unaided by any fortuitous circumstance or influence whatsoever.
ELLEN (RYAN) LYNCH-Ellen (Ryan) Lynch, one of the representative
citizens of Trafford, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and a woman whose charities and work for the benefit of the community has made her revered and loved by all
her fellow-citizens, is a daughter of John Ryan, of Beatty Station, Pennsylvania, a
native of Tipperary, Ireland. He came to this country and settled at Beatty Station
at the time when the Pennsylvania Railroad was just breaking ground there. He
became an employee of the railroad and continued thus engaged until the time of his
death in I876. He prospered highly in his chosen home and became the owner of a
very considerable property. Mr. Ryan married Margaret Flowers, a daughter of John
Flowers, one of the old pioneers of Derry township. Mrs. Ryan met her husband at
Beatty Station, and they were married in St. Vincent's Church there. Mrs. Ryan
still lives in the old homestead at Beatty Station and is now eighty years of age. Mr.
and Mrs. Ryan were the parents of the following children: Ellen (Ryan) Lynch, of
612BIOGRAPHICAL
whom further; William, who resided on the old Ryan homestead until his death in
I903 and carried on agricultural operations there; John Hamilton, who was employed
by the Pennsylvania Railroad, but met his death in an accident on the road in I9o6.
Born at Beatty Station, Pennsylvania, March Io, I863, Ellen (Ryan) Lynch was
educated at the public schools of her native place. She was married, February 5, I884,
in St. Vincent's Church, Beatty Station, to Michael Lynch, also a native of that place.
They removed to Swissvale shortly after their marriage and remained there for five
years. They then remoired to East Pittsburgh, where they resided. for three years, and
from that place came to Trafford, Westmoreland county, and have resided here for
the past quarter of a century. Mr. Lynch is a veteran employee of the Pennsylvania
Railroad for which he has worked in all forty-two years and has been a foreman for
thirty-five years. He is the winner of many prizes given by the railroad for special
work done. Mr. Lynch is the son of William Lynch, one of the old-time railroad men
of this region and a resident of Beatty Station, where he died in I890o. William Lynch
had a brother, John Lynch, for many years a foreman with the Pennsylvania Railroad
and who resided at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. His sister, Catherine Lynch, is now a
sister in St. Benedict's Convent at St. Marys, Pennsylvania, where her religious name
is Sister Flavia and she is preceptress of the convent. Another sister, Elizabeth Lynch,
married John Eichar, of Greensburg, and still another, Mary Lynch, became the wife
of William Bishop, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Lynch the following children have been born: I. Lillian Bertha, a graduate of the high school at
Irwin, and now a teacher in the schools of Allegheny county, and also organist and
choir leader of St. Regis' Church, Trafford, Pennsylvania. 2. Russell James, who
works in the Westinghouse foundry at Trafford. 3. Pearl Marie, who was a student
at the public schools of Trafford and later graduated from the high school at Irwin;
she then took a course at the Slippery Rock Normal School and began teaching at the
Derling School at North Huntingdon township, later came to Paintertown, and is
now a teacher at the Trafford public school; she is a member of the choir in the
church here and very active in church work.
MAY DeBRUYN--One of the most prominent figures in the mercantile world
of Jeannette, WVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Miss May DeBruyn, who conducts one of the most successful millinery establishments in that region. Although
herself a native of this country, having been born at Jeannette, October II, I893, Miss
DeBruyn is of French parentage, her father having been born in France and spent the
years of his youth there. Her father, Richard DeBruyn, was married to Maria Bastin, who was also a native of France, but who, with her parents, removed to Belgium
in her early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. DeBruyn came to the United States in early
life and at first made their home in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, -where he
engaged in business as a glass-worker. In the year I89o the family moved to Jeannette, Westmoreland county, and there Mr. DeBruyn entered the employ of the H.
Sellers McKee Glass Company, with which he remained for a number of years. To
Mr. and Mrs. DeBruyn two children were born, Pearl, who is now a talented actress;
and May, of whom further. In the year I898 Mrs. DeBruyn established a small millinery shop in Jeannette and continued the same up to the time of her death in I913,
the business growing steadily in the meantime.
Upon her death, November Io in that year, her daughter, Miss May DeBruyn, in
spite of her youth, took ch'arge of this business and in the years which have elapsed
since then it has grown remarkably under her capable management. She had already
received some training under her mother in the establishment and this, united to an
unusual degree of business ability for a woman, and a high degree of general intelligence, has been the cause which has led up to her success of to-day. This success is
613OLD AND NEWV WESTMORELAND
the more remarkable when we remember that such training as she had was of a
decidedly desultory nature, since up to the time of her mother's death Miss DeBruyn
was attending school, and it was immediately after the completion of her education
that she was called upon to assume the responsibilities of business management. Miss
DeBruyn is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, as were her parents
before her, and she is liberal in her support of its work in the community.
The effect of character upon environment is always a difficult matter to estimate,
even when that effect is wrought by perfectly concrete means as, for instance, in the
case of the average prominent man whose operations in the business world, the world
of politics or what not, give us some definite basis for calculation as to what he has
done for his community. When, however, the effect is wrought in some more intangible form, and especially when it is the influence which we associate wlth the character
of a woman, the entire problem is raised into the realm of the spiritual, and even conjecture, and far less, anything like definite estimate, becomes a practical impossibility.
All that we can say in such cases is that the effect is great or small, and even then, of
the latter judgment, we must remain ignorant, since none can really know the value
of the apparently insignificant. When, however, we meet with a life full of womanly
strength, beauty and virtue, we can say with complete assurance that its effect is great,
however quietly it may be lived.
MARY C. KUNZMAN-It is not usual that business success of so high an order
is won by a woman, nor that a position in the commercial world is attained by a member of this sex, such as that which is at the present time occupied by Mary C. Kunzman, without doubt one of the best known and most successful merchants of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Miss Kunzrran is a daughter of Jacob C. and Louise (Stoehr)
Kunzman, old and well-known residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
It was in this city that Miss Kunzman was born, and it was in the public schools
of the same that she received her education. She also attended the parochial schools
of her neighborhood, and even as a school girl gave evidence of the ability which she
has since shown in the serious business of life. Upon completing her education, Miss
Kunzman entered a millinery establishment and there learned that trade. For some
years she continued to follow it in the employ of a Pittsburgh concern, but finally, in
the year I888, she came to Greensburg and there opened an independent enterprise of
the same sort on West Otterman street in the Welty building. Here she remained for
about twelve months, her success being so phenomenal that at the end of that period
she was obliged to remove to Main street in order to secure larger quarters for the
conduct of her growing business. In this location she remained some eight years, and
then once more was obliged to move for lack of space to still larger quarters on Main
street. From the outset she met with extraordinary success and in the new location
this became even more marked than before. Nearly twelve years were spent in the
new Main street store, and in I9o8 she purchased the handsome building located at No.
115 South Pennsylvania avenue, where she is at present located and maintains an establishment which is conceded to be the most up-to-date millinery shop in Greensburg or
the surrounding region. Miss Kunzman always carries a full line of imported models
and enjoys the most exclusive patronage of the town. In her desire to keep abreast
with the most modern developments of fashion, she spares no pains nor expense and
has twice traveled in Europe, combining in these trips business with pleasure. Miss
Kunzman is a member of the Lutheran church, attending fhe church of this body at
Greensburg and being extremely active in the Sunday school work there. Miss Kunzman is a sister of the Rev. J. C. Kunzman, of No. I46 East Washington Lane, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rev. Mr. Kunzman is missionary superintendent of English Home Mission of America, with offices in Drexel building, Philadelphia.
614BIOGRAPHICAL
He has spent years in genealogical research and is extremely well versed in local history and the records of his family, both here and abroad.
It is often a difficult, if not impossible, matter to express in terms of material
accomplishment the real value of a life, of a career, or to give an adequate idea of the
position which a woman has won for herself in the regard of a community. In the
case of such women as Miss Kunzman, for example, it might be highly misleading to
state in bald terms that she succeeded in such and such a business or calling, since the
true significance of a woman is not so much to be found in this wealth or in that
honor acquired, as in the influence which as a personality she exerts upon those with
whom she comes in contact. The acquirement of wealth or honor does indicate that a
certain power exists, that certain abilities must be present, so that to enumerate these
things does serve as an illustration of the subject's qualifications for success. But it
ends there. An illustration, although a rude one, it is, but as a gauge of these powers
it has practically no value, for while the proposition is true that the presence of those
perquisites which the world showers upon genius proves the genius of which it is the
reward, the converse is not true at all, since half the genius, at the very lowest estimate, goes unrewarded. It is the duty of the biographer, therefore, to penetrate below
the surface, insofar as his poor abilities will permit him to, to seek for those hidden
springs of action which, although they do not often raise their heads into the region
of the obvious, are at bottom the true gauges of effort and success. In the case of
Miss Kunzman the truth of the above is amply apparent. She has had, it is true, and
still continues to have, a very considerable success in business, and if her tastes and
ambitions urged her, she might have won a much larger share of recognition from the
world. The position which, as a matter of fact, she occupies irr the community is not
due, however, to any increment of fortune, but to the native virtue of her character
and the worth of her personality.
JAMES FRANK HARDY-It would be difficult to say whether the man whose
name stands at the head of this article is more prominently identified with the manufacturing interests of his community or with its musical development. It is doubtful
whether his friends and neighbors of Scottdale could give a satisfactory answer to. the
question here implied, but they would say without hesitation that Mr. Hardy has never
allowed these two great influences to interfere with his duty as a citizen inasmuch as
he has served for a number of years as a member of the council.
Ashford Tillman Hardy, grandfather of James Frank Hardy, was a native of
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and traced his descent from an ancestor of English
birth, who settled first in Baltimore, and about I795 made his home on a farm in
Fayette county. Ashford Tillman Hardy was a teacher and squire in the pioneer days
of the community. He married Nancy Walker, and they became the parents of three
children of whodn John Walker, mentioned below, was the eldest. Nancy (Walker)
Hardy was noted for her musical talent and was a celebrated singer in her day and
generation.
John Walker Hardy, son o.f Ashford Tillman and Nancy (Walker) Hardy, was
born May I6, I846, near Dawson, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and in early life was
a farmer, but became interested in the coal business and subsequently was the proprietor of a restaurant in Scottdale. His latter days were devoted to the carpenter's
trade. Mr. Hardy married Anna, born February 22, I847, daughter of Barnette and
Mary (Chains) Cunningham, old settlers of East Huntingdon township, and of old
Scotch-Irish stock, and they were the parents of five children of whom James Frank,
mentioned below, was the eldest. In the conduct of his business as a contractor and
builder Mr. Hardy was fatally injured by the turning over of a pile of lumber, surviving the accident but two weeks and passing away on October I5, I898. The death
6I5OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
of his widow occurred February 12, 19I2. John Walker Hardy was a public-spirited
citizen, and was recognized as one of the sterling characters of every community in
which he lived.
James Frank Hardy, son of John Walker and Anna (Cunningham) Hardy, was
born Decembeir 2, I870, in East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and attended local public schools. The knowledge that he acquired there has
been supplemented by reading and home study, and Mr. Hardy is now the owner of a
fine collection of standard works. The industrial life of the boy began early. When
he was but eleven years old he worked at various things after school hours, and in
I888 he entered the Scottdale mills. There he has ever since remained, steadily working
his way upward through the different grades and earning his advancement by fine
executtive ability and unremitting devotion to duty. In I9oi he was promoted to the
position of roller, which he has ever since continuously retained. From his grandmother Mr. Hardy inherits a talent for music and plays well on nearly every band
instrument, excelling especially on the clarionet. Added to a natural talent for music,
Mr. Hardy was indebted to Professor August Beckert, a pioneer musician and band
leader, who first taught and encouraged him in securing a musical education and was
a constant inspiration to the young musician. For thirty-two years he has been a
member of the Scottdale Band and for twenty-one of those years has been its leader
and teacher. He organized and taught the Scottdale Narcissus Mandolin Club of
twelve members. Mr. Hardy has long been a leader in musical circles and has probably done more than any other man for the promotion of musical culture in the' community. He has spent a small fortune in the purchase of instruments and in teaching
young men in order that they might qualify as band musicians. He has organized and
taught five different bands of from twenty-five to fifty-six instruments, and all from
pure love of his art. The Scottdale Grand Army Band has been for many years
among the musical leaders of Western Pennsylvania, the prestige which it enjoys being
largely due to the untiring efforts and musical skill of its leader.
Politically Mr. Hardy is a Republican and has always stood ready to do his duty
as a citizen, having served ten years in the council, and was reelected in November,
I9I7, for a four-year term. For twenty-five years he has affiliated with Marion Lodge,
No. 552,'Free and Accepted Masons. His religious membership is in the First Presbyterian Church, which he serves as deacon, having charge of the disbursement of the
funds set apart for charity.
Mr. Hardy married, April 24, I90o, Alletta, daughter of Milton Sutton and Anna
(Hayes) Lohr, of Donegal township, and a descendant of John Robinson Lohr, a
Revolutionary soldier. The family is one of the oldest in the county and has been
long represented in America.  Milton Sutton Lohr maintained its reputation for
patriotism by serving in the Union army during the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy
are the parents of the following children: Anna Myrtle, James Edmund, Mary Mildred, John Wertz, Richard Lohr, Alletta Estelle, and Virginia Louise.
Outdoor sports constitute Mr. Hardy's favorite recreations, and in addition to
his other distinctions he is entitled to that of having been one of the pioneer cyclists of
the region. After what has been recounted in the foregoing pages it will surprise no
one to be told that James Frank Hardy is one of the most widely known men in
Westmoreland county.
JOHN M. EISAMAN-The Eisaman family is a very prominent one in Westmoreland county and is represented at the present time by John M. Eisaman, one of
the most active and public-spirited members of the community. He is descended from
Pieter Eisaman, who is the first of this name known in the county. Peter Eisaman
was of German parentage, but whether he was l)orn in this country or came to it at a
very early age with his parents is unknown. The date of his birth was probably about
6i6BIOGRAPHICAL                                   617
1725, and we know that early in life he was a resident of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, from which he afterwards removed. It was some time between the years
I768 and 1778 that he came to Westmoreland county, as it was on the earlier of these
two dates that the last record of him appears in Northampton county, while we have a
record dated March 7, I778, which records the purchase of four hundred acres of land
by him situated about five miles from Greensburg. This'land was originally taken for
improvement by George Michenderfer in 1773 and by him was transferred to Joseph,
Jacob and Samuel Eisenhart in I774.. It was from them that Peter Eisaman purchased
the property on the date above mentioned. He later obtained a patent for the same
and this property, divided into three farms, is still in the possession of the Eisaman
family. Peter Eisaman married a lady of whom we only know that her name was
Maria Catherine and by her had the following children: John George, born June 28,
175I; John Jacob, born December 13, 1752; John Peter, born January 2I, I754; Catherine, born June 25, I755; John Michael, born February I5, I758; Anna Elizabeth,
born October I, I759; Christian, b6rn May 24, I76I; John Nicholas, born February
20, I764; Henry, born September 13, 1765; and Andrew, mentioned below.
It appears from the old records that Peter, Henry, Nicholas, Michael, Christian
and Andrew Eisaman were all born in Northampton county and came to Westmoreland county with their parents at a youthful age. Peter, Jr., located just below Adamsburg; Henry, near what is now known as Possum Hollow; Nicholas on the Allegheny
river near the site o.f the present town of New Kensington, while the remaining sons,
Michael, Christian and Andrew, inherited the three farms into which the original
Eisaman estate was divided. While, as is common with surnames, especially those of
foreign origin, the name Eisaman is found under a great many different spellings during the early days of their American residence, there seems to be no doubt that.the
original German form was Eisenmann, which means literally "Iron Man," though
whether it refers to the character of an ancient ancestor or to their early occupations
is now lost in the obscurity of the past. We find the name, however, spelled as Eisaman, Eiseman or Eisman, and there are descendants of the original progenitor who
spell their names in all of these different forms within the limits of Westmoreland
county. The first Peter Eisaman died in the neighborhood of I8o2, and the vendue
and appraisement list which record the sale of his effects as taking place June twelfth
of that year are still in existence.
Andrew Eisaman, youngest son of Peter and Maria Catherine Eisaman, was born
April I6, 1768, and, as has already been stated, he accompanied his parents to Westmoreland county while very young.. He inherited one of the three farms which made
up the four hundred acres originally purchased by his father. Here he resided during
his entire life, carrying on agricultural operations there and making himself a wellknown man in the community. In I795 or I796 he married Anna Maria Wolff and
they were the parents of the following children: Hannah, born in 1797, became the
wife of a Mr. Stinger, who resided in Armstrong county, in the region of the town of
Kittanning; George, mentioned below; Catherine, born Jul-y 22, I8oi, became the wife
of Jacob Stough; Hannah, born March I6, i8o3, became the wife of Adam  Ringel.
The first Mrs. Eisaman died in the year I803, not long after the birth of her daughter
Hannah, and on February I2, I8II, Andrew Eisaman married Catherine Schuck. Of
the second union the following children were born: Susan, January 13, I812; Samuel,
April 26, 1813; Andrew, December I, I814; Joseph, March I4, I816; Philip, March 7,
I8I8; Maria, July 24, I8I9; Daniel, May I4, I82I; Esther, October 5, I823; Abraham,
August I8, 1827; and Solomon, his twin. Andrew Eisaman died in the year I848, and
was survived by his second wife twenty years, her death occurring in I868.
George Eisaman, only son of Andrew and Anna Maria (Wolff) Eisaman, was
born September 5, I799. He inherited his father's property and continued to act as a
farmer all his life, although he also learned and followed a trade. He was a cabinetOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
and coffin maker, but only worked at this craft occasionally, devoting most of his time
to his agricultural pursuits. He was a man of strong convictions and had decided
views in every realm of thought, but particularly in connection with religion and politics. He was a lifelong Democrat, a member of the Lutheran church, and took an
active part in both departments of the community's life. George Eisaman married,
October 26, 1823, Sarah Steiner, a daughter of Adam and Anna Margaret (Henry)
Steiner, of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county. They were the parents of the
following children: Lewis, born September 2, 1824, married Harriett Mechling, and
after her death, Lucinda Reamer, by whom he is survived, his death occurring January 6, I889; David, born July 20, I826, died unmarried, March 22, 1849; Mary, born
March II, I828, became the wife of Samuel Wendell, and after his death, of David
Rosensteel, both of whom she survives; Cyrus, born August I8, 1830, married Sarah
Reamer, his death occurring June ii, I867; Sarah, born July I2, 1833, became the wife
of Reuben Kuhns, of Greensburg, Westmoreland county; Hetty, born December I4,
I835, became the wife of Philip J. Gongaware, of Weavers Old Stand; Joseph, mentioned below; Catherine, born May 23, 1840, married Joseph Van Dyke, and died
March 8, I867; Lucetta, born February I, I843, became the wife of A. M. Allshouse,
of Hempfield township; Amos, mentioned below.
Mrs. Eisaman, who was Sarah Steiner before her marriage, was descended from
an old and distinguished Westmoreland county family. Her grandparents, on the
maternal side, were Frederick and Catherine (Franks) Henry, who were residents of
Northampton, Burlington county, New Jersey. Catherine (Franks) Henry was a
native of France and came to this country in early youth, where she married Frederick Henry about I770. They later removed to Westmoreland county and settled near
the old Harrold Church, where they made a clearing and erected the necessary cabin
and outbuildings. Sometime about the year 1780, during the absence of Mr. Henry, a
band of Indians attacked the little settlement, burned the cabin, murdered the wife and
an infant child, and carried away one of the sons and a daughter. The history of the
rescue of these two children gives a vivid picture of the perils and hardships of that
time. Immediately upon the return of the husband and father, a posse of settlers was
formed to trace the flying Indians, who were followed to their camp, which was situated upon the present site of the city of Pittsburgh. Here a fierce fight ensued, the
Indians being defeated, and the children recovered, while the Indian who had murdered
Mrs. Henry was identified, tied to a tree and killed by the hand of her daughter, Anna
Margaret. This daughter, who was born while her parents resided in New Jersey,
September 20, I77I, afterwards married Adam Steiner, and of this marriage was born
Sarah Steiner, who became the wife of George Eisaman. George Eisaman died July
27, I889, while the death of his wife occurred December I, I878.
Joseph Eisaman, the fourth son of George and Sarah (Steiner) Eisaman, was
born on the home farm, February 2, I838. Here he remained until after his twentyfourth year, when he took up the bricklayer's trade and removed to New Stanton.
Later he sold the property which he owned at this place and removed to Irwin, where
he has followed his trade ever since. He was a prominent member of the Reformed
Church and has served as deacon and elder for many years. He married Elizabeth
Gross, and they were the parents of a number of children.
Amos Eisaman, fifth and youngest son of George and Sarah Steiner Eisaman, and
father of John M. Eisaman, with whose career we are here especially concerned, was
born on the old Eisaman farm in Hempfield township, April I2, I845. He was the
recipient of a common school education, which he obtained at the public schools of his
native township, and he continued to reside on the home farm until he had reached the
age of eighteen years. He was of an exceedingly ambitious temperament, however,
and in I863 made his way to Mount Pleasant, where, not content with one trade, he
6i8BIOGRAPHICAL
learned two. These two trades were house painting and chair-making, both of which
he followed for some time. Eventually, however, he gave up the latter and devoted his
attention to the former consistently up to the time of his death, which occurred July
3, I916. Amos Eisaman spent nine years in the town of Carnegie, Allegheny county,
and about I894-95 removed to Greensburg, where he took up his permanent abode. He
was very active in local politics and was a devoted supporter of the Democratic party,
having been elected to a number of local offices on that ticket. He served at different
times in the capacities of councilman of his borough, school director, justice of the
peace, and deputy sheriff of the county. Like his father before him, he was a member
of the Lutheran church, and served as a deacon there for many years. He was a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and served one term as district
deputy grand master. He is buried in the West Newton Cemetery, and his wife survives him. He married, July 4, I867, Eveline I. Rohland, a daughter of George and
Margaret (Orr) Rohland, old and highly respected residents of West Newton, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah Margaret, born
March 20, I868, became the wife of George Boyd, and died May 3I, I9b2; George Milton,
born January 9, I873, died in infancy; Henry Lemcky, born June 9, I874, resides in
Carnegie, Pennsylvania, where he married Lillie Carmichael, by whom he had two
children, Lewis and Sarah; John Murtz, mentioned below; Richard Graham, born
October 8, I88o, how emplo;yed as a baggagemaster on the panhandle division of the
Pennsylvania Railroad; Amos Andrew, born January I4, I884, now employed as a
passenger brakeman on the panhandle division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, married
Catherine Shotts, by whom he has had one daughter, Mildred.
John Murtz Eisaman, son of Amos and Eveline I. (Rohland) Eisaman, was born
April I5, I878, on the old farm at West Newton, South Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. It was with this place that his childish associations
were formed and here that he obtained the elementary portion of his education, attending the local public schools for this purpose. Subsequently he was sent to the district
school at Carnegie, in the Mansfield Valley, and still later took a business course at
Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburgh. After completing this valuable course, he
took up the trade of painting, at which his father worked, and ere long became associated with the elder man in this craft. In the year I893 he accompanied his parents
to Greensburg, in which place he has made his home ever since. Here his father continued in the house painting trade and here for several years he remained associated
with the elder man. Eventually, however, he established a business of his own and has
since become one of the most widely known and patronized painting contractors in the
region. While still engaged in this craft, Mr. Eisaman also started an undertaking
establishment in association with E. J. Perry, an association which continued until the
year I9o6. On April I, I9o6, Mr. Eisaman temporarily left Greensburg and traveled
West to San Francisco, where he remained for something over a year. While in this
coast city he became associated with E. B. Lovejoy in the ship carving and repairing
business, working in Mr. Lovejoy's establishment in the capacity of foreman. In I907,
however, he returned to Greensburg and there took charge of the Coulter building, and
has remained its superintendent ever since. In this line he has been extremely successful. Of recent years he has established an agency in Greensburg for the Remington
typewriter and also deals in typewriters on his own account.
Mr. Eisaman was united in marriage, July I5, I9oI, with Mary E. Kelly, a daughter of William and Eliza (Sweeney) Kelly, and they are the parents of the following
children: Edward Perry, born in Greensburg, April I8, I904, and Glenn Sweeney,
born in Greensburg, September 13, I906. Mr. Eisaman is a staunch supporter of the
principles and policies represented by the Democratic party, and has been decidedly
active in the cause of that party locally. He is a member of the Greensburg Fire
6igOLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Department and of Hose Company No. 2. Mr. Eisaman is a man of quite unusual
scientific attainments, and is known throughout the region as an expert in X-ray work.
During the Spanish-American War he was a member of the Red Cross Society and
rendered valuable assistance thereto.
FRANCIS ELLIOTT ROBINSON-Among the Scotch-Irish families of Westmoreland county, whose members have contributed to the glorious history and upbuilding of the county, the Robinsons are numbered, the American ancestor, Irvin Robinson, born in Ireland in 1762, descending from Scotch ancestors. In his youth he was
"pressed" into the English army, and sent to America to aid in quelling the Revolution then in full progress. He served until the surrender at Yorktown, and there was
one of the thousands who, with their commander, General Cornwallis, surrendered to
General Washington. He returned to Ireland after the war closed, but came again in
1793, landing at Quebec, Canada, thence making his way to Hollidaysburg, Blair
county, Pennsylvania. There he became a landowner, his holdings at one time including the present site of HoIlidaysburg. Later he moved to Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, there owning the "Campbell" farm and engaging in lumbering in
connection with his farming operations. He was a birthright member of the Society
of Friends, but joined the Methodist Episcopal church after coming to Pennsylvania.
Irvin Robinson married, in Ireland, Catherine Elliott, they the parents of twelve sons
and daughters, all of whom lived to years of maturity, married and were the heads of
families. Irvin Robinson died in 1829, his widow Catherine surviving him thirty
years, until I859.
Elliott Robinson, son of Irvin and Catherine (Elliott) Robinson, was born in Fairfield township, Westmoreland cou'nty, Pennsylvania, October 8, I8o8, and died in
Robinson, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, in I89I. During his youthful manhood he
owned and ran boats on the Pennsylvania State Canal, and later became one of the
leading business men of his section of the State. He owned and operated a grist mill
in Bolivar, another in Indiana county, and in both Westmoreland and Indiana counties
owned timber lands and manufactured lumber in his own saw mills. He was the
second man to engage in brick manufacture on a large scale in WVestmoreland county;
the first brick works he erected being at Bolivar and known as the Reese Hammond 
Company, No. 2. In connection with Brenizer  Company he rebuilt the Reese Hammond  Company, No. I, yard, and next erected yards and ovens for the Blacklick
Manufacturing Company. After settling permanently in Bolivar, he organized with
three others the Enterprise and Lincoln Brick Company, and later furnished capital
to finance his sons, John, William and Thomas Robinson, who, with his step-son, C. W.
Sutton, comprised the Garfield Fire Clay Company. These sons were interested with
their father in many of his other enterprises, sat at his feet and learned of him, and
when he laid down the reins of management succeeded him and successfully carried
forward the work the father began and long managed.
Able as a business, progressive and public-spirited man, Elliott Robinson saw that
no community could prosper as it should without religious observances, and he gave
largely of his time and of his means to establish churches and Sunday schools. He
was himself a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a duly licensed local
preacher, many churches which sprang into existence through his efforts being cared
for by Mr. Robinson, who would fill the pulpit when a regular minister was not available. He did a great deal for the cause of religion, and many churches owe their
existence to his interest and generosity.
Mr. Robinson married (first) Margaret Nixon, who died in I847, daughter of John
Nixon, of Westmoreland county. They had issue: I. Catherine E., born in I840, deceased; married William L. Winkle. 2. Mary J., born in 1842; married Augustus B;
620BIOGRAPHICAL
Rugh. 3. John Wesley, of further mention. 4. Anne E., born in I846, deceased; was
a Christian worker, deaconess of the Methodist Episcopal church in Pittsburgh. Mr.
Robinson married (second) in I848, Sarah Lynn, daughter of Robert Lynn, and a
sister of Smith Lynn, of Fairfield. Children: 5. Caroline M., deceased; was secretary-treasurer of Robinson  Company. 6. William I., born July 3I, I85I, deceased;
was president of the Garfield Fire Clay Company, and a prominent business man;
married Margaret McHail. 7. Thomas J., born in I853, deceased; interested with his
father and brothers in the various Robinson enterprises; married Alice Kennedy.
John Wesley Robinson, eldest son of Elliott Robinson and his first wife, Margaret
(Nixon) Robinson, was born in West Wheatfield township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, May IO, I844, died at Bolivar, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December
20, I916. He was educated in the district school near the Indiana county farm, and
during his youth he assisted in farm labor. Later he became a clerk in Graff's General Store at Coketown, but after his marriage he became interested in brick manufacture, only continuing in that business for a short time. He was in the employ of
A. G. Morris, at Tyrone, Pennsylvania, operating a limestone quarry, there remaining until I897. In the latter years he joined his brothers at Bolivar, in their brick
manufacturing enterprises, and when the Garfield Fire Clay Company was incorporated, he became secretary-treasurer. Later he succeeded his brother, William I.
Robinson, as president of the company, and in that capacity he continued until his
death in I916. Around these brick works the village of Robinson grew up and in that
village and in Bolivar a large force of men were and are employed in the Robinson
industries.
He was a Republican in politics, and like his father an ardent Methodist, proving
his faith by his works. He served the Bolivar church in official station for many years,
and was an active Sunday school worker. He was a member of Tyrone Council, No.
743, Royal Arcanum, and interested in all that pertained to the welfare of his community. He is buried in West View Cemetery, Bolivar.
Mr. Robinson married Cora Agnew, born at Spruce Creek, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel Kyle Agnew. John W. and Cora Robinson were the
parents of: I. Francis Elliott, of further mention. 2. Mary, a graduate nurse of Jefferson Medical College Hospital, now in the United States Navy, stationed at League
Island,-Philadelphia, in professional capacity. 3. Thomas N., sergeant of Company F,
Tenth Regiment, United States Army, now at Fort Hancock, Georgia. 4. Paul A.,
secretary of the Garfield Fire Clay Company. 5. Eleanor M., a student in Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. 6. Vincent, a.student'of Latrobe High School.
7. Catherine, a student at Bolivar High School. 8. Kyle, attending school.
Samuel Kyle Agnew, father of Cora (Agnew) Robinson, was born in 1813, in
Tuckehoe Valley, Blair county, Pennsylvania, where his father had large landed
estates, and was one of a large family of children. His father was one of the early
settlers of Pennsylvania, and was descended from Scotch-Irish descent, generally considered all Scotch. Samuel Kyle Agnew was first married to Miss Gossage, and there
was born to them two children, Crawford, who. served in the Civil War with his
father, and Annie, who married Joseph Olewine. The date of the death of his first
wife is not known. He later married Harriet Hicks, of Scotch Valley, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, who died January 24, I864, and is buried at Birmingham cemetery. Samuel Kyle Agnew was mustered into the army, June I5, I863, for a period of
six months, and was appointed commissary sergeant in Company C, Twenty-second
Pennsylvania Regiment, Volunteer Cavalry, and was discharged by virtue of reenlistment for three years, January 4, I864, and was appointed farrier in Company I, Third
Provisional Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served for the duration
of the war. He died in July, I869, and is buried in the Altoona cemetery. The children born to Samuel Kyle and Harriet (Hicks) Agnew were: Ella, married Wil62I$8002340 56
622                 OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
liam  Schenider, who lives at Williamsport; Naomi, married Robert S. Seeds, and
lives at Birmingham; Sarah, married Harry Carl, and lived at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; Harvey and Frank, who live at Kipp, Kansas; Cora, married John Wesley
Robinson.
Francis Elliott Robinson, eldest son of John Wesley and Cora (Agnew) Robinson, was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, July 3, I88I. He obtained his public school
education in the schools of Tyrone, Pennsylvania. He completed his school years at
Bloomsburg State Normal School, being graduated from that institution with the class
of I902. He began business life as a clerk in the Bolivar Station of the Pennsylvania
Railroad, so continuing for eight months, then going to the Bolivar National Bank in
clerical capacity. Upon the reorganization of the bank, Mr. Robinson was elected a
director and advanced to the position of cashier, a post he ably filled until I909. He
then became associated with his father in the management of the Garfield Fire Clay
Company, being elected treasurer and general manager of the company. He is still a
director of the Bolivar National Bank, and serves the Robinson Store Company, of
Robinson, in a similar capacity, and is president of the Bolivar Light and Heat Company. A Republican in politics, Mr. Robinson has not sought pblitical preferment, but
served as councilman, and in both private and official capacity aids in all that is for the
welfare of his community. He is a member of Acacia Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania; Bolivar Council, Royal Arcanum; is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a member of the official board.
Mr. Robinson married Rebecca May Hammond, born May 25, I885, a graduate
of Wilson College, daughter of William McClure and Anna A. (Brett) Hammond.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of a son, Richard Elliott, born May 29, 1912,
and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born November 26, I9I4. Mrs. Robinson is a granddaughter of William Hammond, who was born in Ireland in I8oo, came to the United
States about I820. He settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; married Betsey
Nixon, in I830, and had two sons and a daughter, Rebecca, who married Jacob West.
The sons were: William McClure, of further mention; and Robert N., a veteran of
the Civil War, and a prisoner in the Andersonville Stockade, who, escaping all the
perils of war and horrors of prison, was injured accidentally, dying from the effects
in I88o.
William McClure Hammond was born at Bolivar, Pennsylvania, February I7,
I840, and there died November 28, I902. He was a man of strong character and great
energy, and became one of the leading business men of Bolivar. In I876 he formed a
partnership with his brother-in-law, Jacob West, and until I883 they conducted a
general merchandising business in Bolivar. In that year Mr. Hammond bought his
partner's interest and conducted the business alone until his death. He was an extensive landowner, operated a farm, and had large business interests of varied character.
During the Civil War he enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserves,
was a Republican in politics, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
serving the Bolivar congregation as a trustee. William McClure Hammond married,
in I87I, Anna A. Brett, born July 20, I849, died July 29, i886, daughter of John Brett,
of Center county, Pennsylvania. Children: I. Margaret J., born in 1872; married in
I898, Allen B. Graham, of Fairfield, who survives, with two children, Helen and
Frederick Graham.' 2. William B., born December 29, I875; a leading business man of
Bolivar; married Laura Lewis; they had issue: Mary Louise, William, and Anna
Brett, the latter deceased. 3. John L., born August I7, I878; married, in I903, Margaret E. Dickinson, of New York City, and now resides in New York; a real estate
dealer; he has a daughter, Emma McClure. 4. Robert E., born in I88o, died in I882.
5. Anna Irene, born February 3, I883; was a student at Wilson College. 6. Rebecca
May, a graduate of Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; married Francis
Elliott Robinson, of Bolivar.BIOGRAPHICAL
Ogden, of Bradley Plain; his son, Thomas Ogden, of Bradley Plain; his son, Richard
Ogden, of Bradley Plain; his son, John Ogden, born in I57I, father of John Ogden,
the American founder of this branch.
(I) John Ogden, of the sixth recorded English generation and the first American
generation, was born in Bradley Plain, Hampshire, England, September I9, I609, and
died in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, May I8, I682. In the latter, part of I639 he came
to America, and on April I7, I64o, was granted land on Long Island, and later in Elizabethtown, New Jersey; appointed by Governor Carteret, of New Jersey, a justice of
the peace, October 26, I665, his settlement on his purchase at Elizabethtown having
been made the preceding August. The career of "Good Old John Ogden" closed in
I682, and letters of administration were granted to his widow, September I9, I682. He
married, May 8, I637, Jane Bond, who is buried with him, probably beneath the rear of
the present building of the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
(II) David Ogden, second child of John and Jane (Bond) Ogden, was born in
Bradley Plain, Hampshire, England, January II, I639, and died about January I, I692.
He was one of the original associates of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, but about May,
I676, moved to Newark, New Jersey. He is spoken of in Elizab-ethtown records as the
"stone church builder." He married, about I676, Elizabeth (Swaine) Ward, daughter
of Captain Samuel and Joanna Swaine, and widow of Josiah Ward. She was born in
I649, and as the affianced bride of Josiah Ward was given the honor of being the first
person to step ashore when the Colonists arrived in Newark, on the banks of the
Passaic river.
(III) Colonel Josiah Ogden, son of David and Elizabeth (Swaine-Ward) Ogden,
was born in Newark, New Jersey, about I679, and died May I7, I763. From I716 to
1721, he represented Newark in the Colonial Assembly.- He was a pillar of the First
Presbyterian Church for many years. On a- Sunday in I733 he went with his men and
teams into his fields and saved his wheat from being drenched in a rainstorm, for
which he was subjected to the discipline of the church. Out of this trivial matter
sprang the Episcopal church in Newark, and a half century was passed ere the bitterness passed away. Colonel Josiah Ogden, the founder of Trinity Episcopal Church of
Newark, died in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He married (first) Catherine
Hardenbroeck, and (second) Mary Bankes. Three of their sons were: Dr. Jacob,
Judge David and Joseph. Dr. Jacob Ogden was a distinguished physician, who later
settled in Jamaica, Long Island, where he died in 1780. Judge David Ogden, born
about I707, was a graduate of Yale in I728, and after reading law in New York
returned to his native State to pursue his profession and to become one of its brightest
ornaments. On May I8, I772, he was appointed by Governor Franklin a judge of the
New Jersey Supreme Court. and probably no man ever brought to that station qualifications of a higher order. He was a pronounced Loyalist, and after peace was declared
went to England. His property in New Jersey was confiscated, for which he received
compensation from the British. He returned to the United States in I79O, and lived
on Long Island until his death in I8oo00 at the age of ninety-three.
(IV) Joseph Ogden, the third son of Colonel Josiah Ogden, and his first wife,
Catherine (Hardenbroeck) Ogden, was born in Newark, New Jersey, in I7IO, and died
there in I772. Like his brothers, he was well educated, and lived a life of usefulness
and honor. He was succeeded by a son, Joseph.'
(V) Joseph (2) Ogden, son of Joseph (I) Ogden, was born in Newark, New
Jersey, in I735, and died in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in
I8I5. He was the founder of the Westmoreland county branch of the descendants of
"Good Old John Ogden" of Elizabethtown, New Jersey. In I755 he joined the pioneer
settlement of Fairfield township, and became a prosperous farmer as prosperity was
then defined. He married and was succeeded by his son, James.
(VI) James Ogden, son of Joseph (2) Ogden, was born in Fairfield township,
47OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in I785, and died there in I858. To him was
born a son, John B.
(VII) Lieutenant John B. Ogden, son of James Ogden, was born in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July I6, I825, and died December I6, 1889.
He was a gallant soldier of the Union, twice wounded while fighting with the Army of
the Potomac, serving as lieutenant of Company D, Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania
Cavalry, commanded by Colonel George H. Covode. Lieutenant Ogden married, in
I854, Bella J. McDowell, daughter of Jacob McDowell, youngest son of a family of
sixteen children of Robert McDowell. The McDowells were of Scotch-Irish blood,
Robert McDowell, an early settler, owning eighteen hundred acres of the fertile lands
of the Ligonier valley in Westmoreland county. He was married in Fort Ligonier,
and both he and his wife aided in defending the fort against the Indian attack in I763.
Lieutenant John B. and Bella J. (McDowell) Ogden had three children, including a
son, Denna C.
(VIII) Denna C. Ogden, son of Lieutenant John B. and Bella J. (McDowell)
Ogden, was born at his grandfather Ogden's homestead in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March I6, I86o, and died in Greensburg, Pennsylvania,
September 3, I9I5. He married, April 5, I888, Anna Welty McCullogh, daughter of
John and Eliza C. (Welty) McCullogh; she survives Mr. Ogden. Mr. Ogden was one
of the ablest and most widely acquainted lawyers of Westmoreland county. He was
educated in the public schools and Blairsville Academy, beginning the study of law
after completing his academical studies. He prepared for the practice of law under
the direction of Stewart  Marlin, of the Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, bar, and in
1882 Mr. Ogden was admitted to practice at that bar. In I883 he was admitted to the
Westmoreland county bar and began practice in Greensburg. He came to Greensburg
practically unknown, but soon demonstrated to all who came in contact with him that
he possessed the mental acquirement, ability and disposition essential to the equipment
of a successful lawyer. He gave close attention to his practice, and year by year his
clientele increased. In I886, three years after his coming to Greensburg, he was elected
district attorney for Westmoreland county, adding greatly to his reputation during his
term of office. A feature of his large practice was the fact that he was almost invariably employed as counsel by the individual and by the people as against the corporations
or aggregated wealth. He was counsel in some of the most important court trials in
Westmoreland and adjoining counties, and in many of his cases fought single-handed
and almost alone against the ablest lawyers of Western Pennsylvania, and not infrequently against several of them. Notwithstanding the odds against him, he won notable victories and perhaps it was in such cases in the Court of Common Pleas that he
was at his best He had few, if any, superiors in Western Pennsylvania in handling
long and tedious trials, in evading their dangerous points, in meeting, answering and
overthrowing unlooked for features, in bearing up against an avalanche of apparently
unsurmountable opposition, and in the end to challenge all comers and wrest victory
from defeat. His resources were apparently boundless, his courage unfailing.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Ogden from his first coming to Westmoreland county
took an active part in affairs. He himself held only the office of district attorney, but
for the last twenty years of his life he was untiring in his efforts to advance Republican
party interests and secure offices for his friends. He changed his political principles
at the Bryan campaign (I896) on silver issues. He was a great organizer of political
forces, and to his energy and devotion much of the success of his party in the county
was due. His acquaintance extended to every voting precinct in the county. Aside
from his wide acquaintance, perhaps wider than that of any man in the county, and
his untiring industry and energy, his chief characteristic as a politician, was the fidelity
with which he kept all his promises. The promises he made in a campaign, whether to
friend or foe, were always made in good faith and strictly observed, when time for
payment came, nor was it necessary that they be made in writing, for all knew that
48BIOGRAPHICAL                                      49
his promise to do a thing or try to do it was all that was required. Few there were in
public life in Westmoreland who had not at some time measured swords with him, yet
of all that was said of him, in the acrimonies of political contention, none ever dared
assail his personal character or worth as a citizen. But after the smoke' of battle, either
political or legal, had cleared away, and the contest ended, nothing delighted him more
than to proclaim an amnesty that was as genuine as the spirit in which he had battled.
In social circles he was ever popular, in manner courteous, yet never effusive. He
loved out-of-door sports and was a devotee of golf. He affiliated socially with his
friends in the Greensburg Country Club, and' fraternally in the Masonic Lodge, and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His nature was beautifully blended,
sternness vied with tenderness, wisdom with wit, war and battle with peace and friendship, no trait being a strictly predominating one. While his profession called out all
that was combative in him, and his years of political strife intensified the spirit of
controversy, yet he dearly loved the joys of home, friendship and society, and when
in lighter vein he was a most delightful companion. No attorney was ever truer to a
client, no friend more genuine or self-sacrificing. Only death broke his virile, irrepressible, unbending spirit, and with his passing there went out a great light, one that
shone brighter in adversity, a rugged character, a man of soul and brain. His activities,
his ceaseless strivings will long be remembered and cherished by those to whom they
were'a benefaction.
MEMORIAI, ON THE DEATH OF DENNA C. OGDEN.
The committee appointed by the Westmoreland Law Association, at its meeting
held at the court house on September 4, I915, to prepare a suitable memorial on the
death of Denna C. Ogden, Esq., who died September 3, I915, submits the following:
When we engage in the study of life, the great difference between the human race
and all other species is readily apparent. That difference lies in the fact that man hath
been made in the image of Jehovah. That which distinguishes him  from  the other
species of life is intellectual and not physical. And this difference is observable even
among different members of the human family. We may be built alike; we may look
alike, but we are not alike. This difference may be termed character; the combination
of the qualities or peculiarities which distinguishes one person from others. And when
these peculiarities exist in a marked degree, they may be termed the individuality of
that character.
VVere we to set over against the name of our deceased brother, Denna C. Ogden, a
single word against the name of our deceased brother, might it not be the word-Individuality   What rich natural endowment it is that differentiates the individual from
his class. He moves not with the herd because, by so doing, he may follow the lines
of least resistance. He borrows not from others, the impelling purposes of life, for
those are inherent. No more can he separate from those inborn traits of character
than he can separate himself from himself. Thus it was with him, whose death we this
day mourn. His individuality shone forth in his daily intercourse with his fellow-man.
At all times a fast friend and a fair foe. And when the spirit of the contest was past,
he was always found without the slightest evidence of rancor that might have resulted
from the keenness of the strife. He has left the impress of his personality upon us all;
and showed us that it is better to be true to our convictions and maintain them according to the light that is given us, rather than, at all times to drift with the current.
As a bar we mourn; as individuals we grieve; having learned that he hath fallen
asleep.                                Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MCCURDY,
PAUL H. GAITHER,
NEVIN A. CORT.
September 6, I915, adopted by the Westmoreland Law Association. September 7,
I915, presented in open court and ordered to be filed and recorded.
WELTY  McCULLOGH-John McCullogh, the progenitor of the distinguished
Pennsylvanian family of that name, originally spelled McCulloch, was born in the year
1740 in the North of Ireland. He was of Scotch descent, his father having come from
w-4OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Scotland some years before his birth and there settled permanently. His death ocurred
when John McCullogh was but six months of age. John was an only child and grew up
in his native region, and it was there that he enjoyed the somewhat meagre educational
advantages to be had in that part of the world at that time. He was of an ambitious
disposition, however, and upon reaching man's estate decided to try his fortune in the
New WVorld. Accordingly, he set sail for America and came to Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, and settled in Mifflin township. This was in the pre-Revolutionary period,
when the country in which he settled was practically the virgin wrilderness and was overrun by tribes of savages and filled with many nameless perils. A little later he removed
to a farm situated east of the town of Newville, Pennsylvania. He was married in I76I
to Elizabeth Huston, and their deaths occurred in I8o8 and I813, respectively. They
were the parents of eight children, as follows: Susanna, who became the wife of Ezekiel
Mitchel; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Robert McCormick; Jane, who became
the wife of James McKinstry; Margaret, who became the wife of James Hill; Sarah,
who became the wife of Richard Patton; William, mentioned below; John, born September 6, I778, died February 5, I847, married Mary Williamson; James, born in I781,
died August I3, 1825, married Mary Henderson.
William McCullogh, born in I778, died November 8, 1824. He spent his life in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer and a prominent man in the
community. He married Sarah McBride, born I782, died March 4, I834, and they were
the parents of eight children, as follows: Tabitha, who became the wife of Joseph McKibban; John. mentioned below; Alexander, who married Elizabeth McKinstry, and
after her death, Miss McCune; Elizabeth, became the wife of Mr. Harper; James, who
married (first) Miss McKeehan, (second) Jane Hayes, (third) Susanna Wilt; -
who married and lived in Texas; Samuel, married (first) M. J. McKeehan, (second)
Rachel Williams; Robert, who died unmarried.
John McCullogh was born October I2, I8o3, died February 5, I884. He married
(first) Elizabeth Dunbar, who died leaving one child that died in infancy. He married
(second) May 13. I845, Eliza Catherine Welty, a native of Greensburg, and a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Brady) Welty. They were the parents of the following children: Welty, mentioned below; E. Jennie, became the wife of William T. Dom, October 3, 1872 (children: William T., Jr., married Lela Hudson; John McCullogh, married
Katherine McCune, and Welty McCullogh); Brady, who married and had the following children: Tabitha, Welty, Horace, Brady, John, Eliza C. and Denna C.; Horace,
who died in early childhood; Tabitha, who died in infancy; Anna Welty, who married,
April 5, I888, Denna C. Ogden.
John McCullogh, the father of these children, was born and reared on the old
McCullogh homestead near Newville, Pennsylvania. Owing to the death of his father
while he and his brothers and sisters were very young, the' burden of looking after the
family fell upon his shoulders as the eldest son thereof. This fate, he manfully accepted
and sacrificed his ambitions of securing a thorough education in order to take up the
serious business of life. It was his determination, however, that the advantages which
he might not enjoy himself should not be denied to the other members of the family,
and he continued to support the family until the other children were all reared and
educated. He then left the old homestead and went out into the world to lay the
foundation of his. own fortunes. His first operation was wagoning across the mountains from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, after which he was river captain on the Ohio
and Mississippi, between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He then went to the City of
Baltimore, where he engaged in business and'where he remained for a number of
years, eventually removing to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent a few years only, and
then returned to Pennsylvania and there settled in the flourishing City of Greensburg,
the old home of his wife. Here he spent the remainder of his life in retirement. Mr.
McCullogh was a member of the Seceder church in early life. Later on, however, he
50BIOGRAPHICAL                                     5I
joined the Presbyterian church, about the time of his coming to Greensburg, and
throughout his life in that place attended the First Church of that denomination there.
He was a Republican in politics, but never took an active part in public affairs.
Welty McCullogh was born October Io, I847, at Greensburg, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania. Early in his childhood he began to exhibit those characteristics which
were so marked in his later life and which were the cause of his rapid rise into prominence in the community wherein he made his home. The preliminary portion of his
education was obtained in the local public schools of Greensburg, and he was -prepared
for college at the Elders Ridge Academy. During the Civil War he was connected
with the provost marshal's office at Greensburg. In the year I867 he entered Jefferson
College at Cannonsburg, which afterwards moved to Washington, Pennsylvania, and
became the Washington  Jefferson College. In I868 he entered the junior class of
Princeton University and graduated from that institution with a class of seventy in
the class of 1870. He had in the meantime decided upon the legal profession as a
career in life, and accordingly entered the office of the late Harry W. Markle, the
eminent attorney of Greensburg, where he pursued his studies to such good purpose that
he was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county in 1872. Very early in his professional life he gave his particular attention to corporation law and specialized in this
branch of the subject. For many years he occupied the responsible position of solicitor
for the Baltimore  Ohio railroad, as well as for many other important corporations.
During his active career he continued to make his home in Greensburg, although the
duties of his very extensive practice caused him to open and maintain an office in
Pittsburgh, much of his practice being before the courts of Allegheny county. He
rapidly rose to a position of great prominence in his profession, and while yet a comparatively young man was recognized as one of the leaders of the bar of Western
Pennsylvania. He possessed practically all of the qualifications which go to make up
the brilliant and effective attorney, and was equally pow'erful in the preparation of
briefs or in the direct address to the jury. Indeed he was recognized as possessing'but
few equals in his power of penetrating to the vital issue in the cases which he handled,
and his profound knowledge of his subject was supplemented by an amazing ability to
"think on his feet." Those who opposed him in the many legal cases which have made
his name respected, and to a certain extent feared among the legal brotherhood, quickly
realized that he could never be taken unawares, that he was ready for any eventuality
and that the point upon which they hoped to surprise him was generally turned to their
own discomfiture and rout. Mr. McCullogh was most punctillious in the discharge of
all his duties, and if he engaged prominently in the affairs of the community, it was
witfh the most entirely disinterested motives and in order to make prevail some cause
in which he believed. He was in no sense of the word an office seeker, but his services
were of so distinguished a kind that it soon began to be realized by his fellow-citizens
that he was a man to trust in the most responsible post. In the year I886 he was
nominated for Congress by the Republicans of Westmoreland, Fayette and Greene
counties, having been nominated by acclamation at the Westmoreland county convention, and afterwards receiving the nominations of the district conferees. This district
was normally strongly Democratic, but on this occasion there were two Democratic
candidates in the field, so that Mr. McCullogh benefited by the division in his opponents rank and was elected to the United States House of Representatives. A most
brilliant career was brought suddenly to a close by his death, immediately following
his term as Congressman and which occurred August 30, I889.
Welty McCullogh was united in marriage, June I3, 1872, with Ada B. Markle, of
Greensburg, a daughter of W. H. Markle, Esquire, his old preceptor in the law. Two
children: Harry, died I89I, in his seventeenth year, and Eliza, who became the wife
of H. N. Boyd. of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
The character of Mr. McCullogh as it impressed itself upon his associates in theBIOGRAPHICAL
he had read law in the office of the late Judge James A. Hunter, and in August, I877,
was admitted to the bar on motion of Senator Edgar Cowan. In politics he has
always been a Republican. He was chairman of the county committee in I878, and in
the following year he was nominated for the Legislature, but the county being overwhelmingly Democratic, he was of course not elected. In I882 he received the nomination of his party in Westmoreland county for Congress, but the rule of rotation
gave the nomination to Fayette county. He was nominated for judge of the Court of
Common Pleas In I889. The.Republican party, however, met with defeat. that year,
as it did for several years thereafter.
In I895 the general judiciary apportionment bill passed by the Legislature provided
for two judges for the Tenth Judicial District, and Governor Hastings, on practically
the unanimous endorsement of the Westmoreland county bar, appointed him to the
new position, on June I7, I895.  He received the Republican nomination, and in
November of that year was elected for the full term of ten years by a large majority
of votes. On April I5, I905, after being on the bench for nearly ten years, he was
nominated to succeed himself by the Republican party without opposition, and on July
3 following, his candidacy was endorsed by the Democratic committee and his name
directed to be placed on their ticket as their candidate. One of the many important
matters which came before Judge McConnell was the matter of the erection of the
present court house, the question involved being the validity of the contract for the
new building with the approval of one of the judges, Judge McConnell having approved
it, and Judge Doty having withheld his approval. The matter was stubbornly contested
and was taken to both the Superior and Supreme Courts of the State, and Judge McConnell was sustained in both courts in carefully prepared opinions. The magnificent
structure of our present court house is the result. In I902 Westminster College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, an honor which has been given to but
few members of the Westmoreland bar.
In I915, with three opponents in the field, he was elected under the non-partisan
judicial election act for a third term, and is now therefore in his twenty-third year of
continuous service on the bench. No words can speak more eloquently of his standing
as a judge than these popular endorsements. Many of his friends give him first place
among the Common Pleas judges of the State, and claims that he has had few if any
superiors in our judicial history. He has at all times endeavored to administer the
law as it is, and not as he or others may think it should be. The same care and precision which characterizes his work on the bench, made his office, while practicing law,
the most popular one in Greensburg for those who desired to read law. Thirteen
young men were thus prepared by him and admitted to the bar, most of whom are now
in active practice.
All his life, Judge McConnell has been a regular'attendant of the Presbyterian
church, and at present is serving as a member of the building committee of the First
Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, whose imposing edifice is nearing completion.
He is also one of the trustees of the Morrison Underwood Fund, and a director in
the Westmoreland Hospital, of both of which last-named directorates he is now president. He is a member of the Masonic Society, of the Americus Club of Pittsburgh,
and of the Scotch-Irish Society of Philadelphia.
On March 24, I876, he was united in marriage with Ella J., eldest daughter of
Adam J. and Emma Eyster Turney, of Greensburg. Adam J. Turney was a grandson
of the Rev. John William Weber, a pioneer minister of the Reformed church, who
established many churches in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and who figures largely in
the early church history of Westmoreland county. Emma Eyster Turney is the
daughter of the Rev. Michael J. Eyster, a Lutheran minister, who died while a young
man in Greensburg.
Judge McConnell and his wife are the parents of five children, four sons and one.3OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
various relations of life, found a hearty recognition in the chorus of praise which was
raised after his death by all those organizations with which he had been identified. The
bar association of county and State passed resolutions in which they referred to the
great services rendered by him to the legal profession in particular and the community
in general. Public men of both parties paid glowing tributes to his memory and the
entire region felt a sense of personal loss; his death marked the close of a life, distinguished by tireless energy, absolute integrity and a character as substantial, true and
dependable as his knowledge of the law. That he was regarded for his real worth
without reference to his political affiliation was eminent from the vote cast upon his
election to the United States Congress. He was always affable, courteous and a gentleman. His associates in that august body came to have the highest regard for his ability as well as feeling the deepest personal friendship for him. He was clear of head
and methodical' in action, was not carried off his feet, and so made a splendid legislator.
His personal attributes were such as to endear him to all.
WILLIAM  CARSON PEOPLES-Among the long list of successful lawyers of
which Westmoreland county and especially Greensburg may boast, William Carson
Peoples has for many years maintained the best standards and traditions of his profession. He is of a family which had its origin in Ireland, but which has made its
home for two generations in the State of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather,
Hugh Peoples, was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and came to the United States
with his family about the time of the American Revolution. He first settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and there married Hannah Carson. They were the parents of a number of children, all of whom are now deceased.
Of these, William Peoples, father of William C. Peoples, was born in the year
I82I, in Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania. He passed practically his entire life in this
region, and was engaged both in farming and in a mercantile business and was successful in both. His death occurred in the month of October, I896, at the age of seventyfive. He married Margaret Hill Moorhead, whose death occurred before his. They
were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living as follows: Alice,
now the widow of Joseph G. Luther, makes her home at West Fairfield, Pennsylvania;
Samuel Craig, a Presbyterian Missionary in Northern Siam, where he is attached to
the Laos Mission; Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Updegraff, of East End,
Pittsburgh, where they make their home at No. 306 Amber street, and are the parents
of two children, Grace and Mary E.; William Carson, of whom fttrther. The three
children who are deceased were: John M., who for many years' carried on a successful legal practice at Greensburg, where he died' July 25, I9oI; Cora E., who married a
Mr. Hearst, who was formerly a missionary in Japan; and George M., who died in
infancy. Mrs. Peoples, Sr., was a daughter of John Moorhead, a native of Ligonier
Valley, and for many years associate judge of the courts of Westmoreland county.
Born March 22, I858, in Ligonier Valley, in the town of West Fairfield, William
Carson Peoples passed the years of his childhood in his native place. He attended the
local public schools for his education until he had reached the age of fourteen years,
when he was sent by his parents to Tuscarora Academy, Juniata county, Pennsylvania,
where he remained for some time, and then went to Wooster, Ohio, where, later, he
entered the Unliversity of Wooster, from which he was graduated with the class of
I88o. Following his graduation he taught school for a short time, and afterwards came
to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and began the study of the law. He was admitted to
the bar of Westmoreland county in the month of August, I885, and at once began practice at Greensburg, Westmoreland county. Mr. Peoples has also identified himself with
the affairs, business and political, of the community. In I894 he was elected district
attorney, and after serving for a three-year term was reelected for another term  of
5ZBIOGRAPHICAL
three years. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in I9I2, for
president, in Chicago, and was one of those who vainly supported the nomination of
Theodore Roosevelt on that occasion. One month later he was a delegate to the Progressive National Convention, held in the same city, and there took part in the enthusiastic nomination of their brilliant leader. Besides his prominence in political affairs,
Mr Peoples is also well known in fraternal and social circles, and is a member of a
number of important organizations of this character, among which should be mentioned Lodge No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons; Chapter No. I94, Royal Arch
Masons; Olivet Council, No. I3, Royal and Select Masters; and Commandery No. 32,
Knights Templar; and Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Besides these
Masonic bodies. Mr. Peoples is a member of Lodge No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, of Greensburg. Mr. Peoples is a Presbyterian in his religious belief
and attends the First Church of that denomination at Greensburg.
On December 9, 1884, Mr. Peoples was united in marriage at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, with Anna M. Johnston, a native of Unity township, Westmoreland county, a
daughter of Joseph J. and Louise C. (Kilgore) Johnston. Mr. Johnston was for many
years an attorney at Greensburg and there died. He is survived by his wife, who now
makes her home in Boston, Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Peoples seven children
have been born, as follows: I. Joseph J., who died at the age of eight years. 2. Louise,
now the wife of Frank D. Miller, of Buffalo, New York, where he is the president of
the National Brake Company; they are'the parents of three children, William  P.,
Louise and Frank D. 3. Margaret Moorhead, who makes her home with her parents.
4. Mary R., who also makes her home with her parents. 5. William, who was graduated with the class of I916 from the State College, at Pennsylvania. 6. Anne, who
makes her home with her parents. 7. John Moorhead, who makes his home with his
parents, and who is in his senior year at the high school at Greensburg.
WILLIAM C. KNOX-The Knox family has long held a position of honor and
distinction in the life and affairs of Westmoreland county, where it is an offshoot of
the famous Knox family of Scotland, having been founded in this country by one
Samuel Knox at about the opening of the nineteenth century. Samuel Knox was a
native of Scotland and emigrated from that country to the United States, settling in
Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania, on what is now known as Four Mile Run. He later
removed to the vicinity of Idlewild and there lived during the remainder of his life.
Samuel Knox followed the occupation of farming during most of his life, but at one
time he owned and operated a hotel on the old Bedford Pike Road, now the Lincoln
Highway. The maiden name of his wife is not known, but they were the parents of'
the following children: John, Shannon, William, Thomas; Robert, mentioned at length
below; James; Sarah, who became the wife of John Nicely; Eliza, who became the
wife of George Mitchell; and Mary, who became the wife of a Mr. Hallman.
Robert Knox, fifth child and son of Samuel Knox, was born July II, I8o8, in
Ligonier township, and passed his childhood and youth on his father's farm. His educational advantages were scanty, and while little more than a lad he left school and
apprenticed himself to a blacksmith with whom he learned that trade. He was still
very young when he had finished his apprenticeship, and then for some years he worked
as a teamster between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. He was a man of great physical
strength and enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most powerful men on the
road between those two cities. After having spent a number of years in this manner,
Mr. Knox, Sr., retired to a farm which he owned in Ligonier Valley, and the last years
of his life were passed thereon, while he engaged in agricultural operations. He was a
member of the Protestant Methodist church, attending the church of that denomination
in I,igonier, where he was active in the work of the congregation and for many years
53OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
held the position of class leader. He married, January 3I, I836, Mary Carns, a native
of this region, born August 22, 1817, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (McDowell)
Carns. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah, born October 27,
I836, and became the wife of Samuel Shale; Nancy, born December 3, I837, became the
wife of Augustus Robb; William C., with whose career we are here especially concerned; Eliza Jane, born March I5, I84I, became the wife of John A. Ashcon; a child
that died in infancy, January 9, I843; Alexander, born February I9, I844; Elizabeth,
born October 2I, I846, became the wife of Wesley Miller; John Inghram, born October
8, I848; Martha, born July 20, I850; and James Hamilton, born February i7, 1854.
William C. Knox, son of Robert and Mary (Carns) Knox, was born August
I2, I839, in Ligonier township, and passed his childhood on a farm belonging to his
father there.  Like his father, his educational advantages were very meagre and
the more so that at the age of fourteen, his mother died and he thereafter began to
work regularly as a farmer. For a time he worked for his uncle, Alexander Carns,
on the place belonging to his grandfather, and later for'Hiram Boucher, the father
of John N. Boucher, a well known figure in the community. With Mr. Boucher
he remained in all for nineteen years, this period being broken by his three years
service in the Union Army during the Civil War.
At the outbreak of this great struggle, Mr. Knox enlisted, for three months
inr the Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and at the end of that period
reenlisted for nine months in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was then transferred to the signal corps in the
United States Army and served in this capacity until the close of the war, being
present at the surrender of General Lee to Grant at Appomattox Court House.
His career during the war was a very active one from the time that he was
mustered in at Harrisburg to the date of his honorable discharge. From  Harrisburg his regiment went to Baltimore and in that city was the first to appear after
the mob had assaulted the Sixth Massachusetts troops. The regiment continued
its way through Maryland and did guard duty on railroads for a time. It then
went to Hagerstown for a few days, and from  there to Downingtown, where it
crossed the Potomac river. Immediately afterward's, Mr. Knox saw his first active
engagement and that quite unexpectedly. The regiment had continued from its
crossing' at the Potomac, which was made early in the morning, to march through
the countryside until nearly noon. At this time they reached Falling Water, where
a battle was in'progress, and sweeping up a hill came over the brow to find themselves in the battle line. They were almost at once in the thickest of the action,
and the regiment met with a number of casualties. Two men were wounded on
the left of Mr. Knox, but he escaped without injury. At the end of the engagement
it was discovered that eight men had been killed and fifteen wounded in the
regiment.  On this occasion the Union forces drove the Confederates through
Martinsburg, Bunker Hill, almost to Winchester. The army was commanded by
General Patterson and the victory won was a brilliant one. Mr. Knox with his
fellows then returned to Bunker Hill, and from  there went to Harper's Ferry,
where they received orders to hold this point at all hazards. The time of enlistmrent had expired and most olf the regiments at that point desired to be mustered
out so that Mr. Knox's regiment was the only one to volunteer to stay. Here they
remained until they were relieved by other troops and then went across to Sandy
Hook, from  which they traveled:to Harrisburg, where they received a great
welcome from  the populace.  Upon reaching home Mr. Knox  found himself
decidedly ill, and after being mustered out was disabled for a period of nineteen
weeks.  However, after recovering, he once more returned to the army and this
time enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun54BIOGRAPHICAL
teer Infantry, as sergeant of Company G. Once more he was mustered in at
Harrisburg and the regiment was sent from there to Washington, where it did
guard duty for some three months. When the threat to the capital city was removed,
the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth! was sent into Virginia, where it joined Grant's
army and was present at the battle of Chancellorsville. Mr. Knox then entered
the Signal Corps, as above stated, and remained until the close of the war. The
latter part of his service was with the Army of the Pot;omac at headquarters, and
he was finally mustered out at Washington, D. C., where he took part in the Grand
Review of the Union troops held there.
Immediately after the close of hostilities Mr. Knox returned to his home in
Ligonier township, Pennsylvania, and here purchased the farm that is now being
operated by his son, Ralph Emerson Knox, and which has been known as Fairview farm for over one hundred years. T'his place consisted of eighty-seven acres,
nearly all of which was cleared land, and here Mr. Knox was active as a general
farmer for many years. His specialty was the raising of fancy breeds of Jersey
cattle and in this line he met with marked success. He finally retired from active
life in I9I2, and purchased his present home of John Houston, where he now lives
in well-earned leisure. Mr. Knox has always been an active figure in the general
life of the community, a staunch member of the Republican party, and he has held
nigh every township office, including that of justice of the peace, in which he served
four terms, a period of twenty years. In the year I9o8 he was elected to the State
Legislature on the Reptublican ticket and served on that body for one term. Mr.
Knox has always been an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being
affiliated with Fort Ligonier Post, No. 224, and served as post commander for ten
years, and at the present time is adjutant thereof. He is also, prominent in Masonic
circles and is a member of Ligonier Lodge, No. 33I, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, and has been past master thereof for ten years. He is also a member of
Greensburg Lodge, No. 511, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  In his
religious belief he is a Methodist and attends the church of that dlenomination in
Ligonier. He has been very active in the work of his congregation and was a
trustee thereof for many years.
William C. Knox was united in marriage (first) June i2, I870, with Mollie
Boucher, a daughter of Hiram and Abigail (Slater) Boucher, and a sister of John
Newton Boucher. They were the parents of two children': I. Abigail Kate, born
August 4, I873, married, June 5, I895, William B. Graham, to whom she has borne
the following children: Mary, Nancy, Paul, Craig, Virginia, Frank and Margery;
they now live in Fairfield township. 2. Ralph Emerson, born March 29, I882, married Ada N. Perkey, and they are the parents of two children, Mary and Margaret.
The first Mrs. Knox died April 15, I892, and Mr. Knox married (second), October
Io, I895, Hattie C. Perkey, a daughter of Winfield S. and Elizabeth (Newill) Perkey.
Mrs. Knox was educated in the public schools of her native Mount Pleasant township and lived with hier parents until her marriage. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Ligonier and very active in the work of the congregation,
being a member of the Ladies' Aid Society, the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and a regular attendant at Bible Class No. 52. One child has been born of this
union, William C., Jr., December 30, I9o5. He is now (I918) attending the schools of
Ligonier township, and is in the seventh grade; he is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Ligonier and attends the Sunday school thereof.
Mrs. Knox is a member of an old Pennsylvania family, her grandfather, David
Perkey, having been born in Somerset county. He came from his native region
to Mount Pleasant township as a young man, and was here married to Catherine
May, a native of Donegal township, who died in early middle life. Here David
55OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
Perkey bought an excellent farm and continued to make his home until his death
at an advanced age. He and his wife are both buried in the cemetery in Mount
Pleasant township. They were the parents of the following children: Winfield
Scott, the father of Mrs. Knox; William, who married Catherine Bruch; Sarah;
Elizabeth; Katie, who became the wife of Harry Ringle; Mary; and David, who
married Jennie Shaffer.
Winfield Scott Perkey, eldest son of David and Catherine (May) Perkey, was
born May I8, I852, on his father's farm in Mount Pleasant t.ownship. He was educated at the. local'public schools, and afterwards followed in his father's footsteps
and became a farmer. He later bought a farm in Fairfield township, now Ligonier
township, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres, which he still operates in association with his son and there carries on extensive general agricultural operations. He
married Elizabeth Newill, a native of this region, born July 25, I85I, a daughter of
Joshua and Katie (Latta) Newill. To Mr. and Mrs. Perkey the following children
were born: Jennie, who became the wife of Freeman Ankaney; Hattie C., who as
before mentioned became the wife of Mr. Knox; John, who married Clara Beistell,
and now resides in Greensburg; Maud, died at the age o,f eight years; Myrtle, who
makes her home with Mrs. Knox; Adda, who became the wife of Ralph Knox;
Hazel, who became the wife of Elmer Love and resides with her father for whom
she keeps house; Ruth, who married William Lemon, of Ligonier township; Harry,
who married Sadie McIlvain. Mr. Perkey is a'Republican in politics, and a member
cf the Dunkard Church. Mrs. Perkey, who was a Presbyterian, died in the month
of January, I9I4, and is buried in the Ligonier Valley Cemetery. Mrs. Knox's
maternal grandfather, Joshua Newill, was born in Mount Pleasant township many
years ago and died there a,t a great age. He was a school teacher and a farmer, and
held a number of town offices of responsibility and trust. He married Katie Latta,
and they were the parents of the following children: Mary, who became the wife
of Thomas Seaton; Samuel, who died in early life; Thomas, who married Mary
Smith; and Katie, who was just six weeks old when her mother died' Mr. Newill
was a Republican and a Presbyterian. Both he and his wife are buried in Mount
Pleasant Cemetery.
CHARLES C. HILEMAN-Beyond doubt one of the best known and most
popular figures in the life of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is
Charles C. Hileman, president of the Merchants' Trust Company of this city, and a
prominent associate in many of the large enterprises of tlhis region. He is a son of
Peter Hileman, and a member of a family which was one of the most influential and
powerful in that region of Pennsylvania surrounding the town of Kittanning, where
they made their home. The name of Hileman is certainly one of the best known
in Armstrong county where it is synonymous with thrift and industry.
Mr. Hileman was born at Kittanning, Pennsylvania, June 22, i862, and there
grew up to manhood, gaining his ed~ucation in the meantime at the local public
schools and supplementing his studies there with a course at Duff's Business College at Pitts'burg. At about' the time he had gained his majority, Mr. Hileman came
to Greensburg and embarked in this city in the housefurnishing business. Even at
that early age his powers of observation and good judgment were so much developed
that he appreciated the fact that Greensburg was likely to expand and consequently
chose it as the headquarters of his new business. He secured rooms in the Stark
Block and almost at once met with a very notable success. Besides his evident
business talent, he observed the very highest code of business ethics in all his dealings and consequently won for himself a reputation of the most enviable kind and
the patronage of the community. His business became one of the largest of this
56BIOGRAPHICAL
kind in Westmoreland county and the name of Hileman was well known throughout
the entire region.  In addition to the housefurnishing business, Mr. Hileman has
large business interests elsewhere. It was in the year I9o3 that Mr. Hileman,
together wvith a group of business associates, conceived the idea of establishing a
new bank in Greensburg. The city already possessed a number of excellent institutions, but Mr. Hileman and his colleagues believed that thlere was room  for
another and the event has justified' their judgment. Accordingly the Merchants'
Trust Company of Greensburg was organized and' opened its doors for business,
November 24, 1903. Mr. Hileman was elected. president of this concern, being one
of the largest stockholders and very active in the concern's organization, and has
held that office continually ever since. Under his very capable management it has
grown and prospered in a most satisfactory manner. The Merchants' Trust Company began its career with, a capital of two hundred thousand dollars and is now
one of the most, important financial institutions in the entire county. The business
of the bank gradually demanded a larger and larger share of Mr. Hileman's attention and eventually he sold out his housefurnishing business and devoted himself
entirely to the trust company. The way in which the company has prospered in the
past is earnest of a still more brilliant future, and for Mr. Hileman also may be
predicted a long period of capable achievement and worthy service
The feeling that exists in regard to Mr. Hileman in Greensburg can nowhere be
better given than in the words of the following article:
C. C. Hileman, or "Charlie," as his more intimate friends call him, is a typical
American, but not like many of our business men who have made their mark, he started
near the middle rung of the ladder, from which to the top the distance is not so great
nor the labor so hard as it might have been had he been compelled to begin his way
upward at the lower round. Of course, as he had no choice in the matter, he is not
accountable for the fact that he was born of par.ents who were possessed of considerable of this world's goods, and having all the elements required to insure success, we
are confident that had his lot been otherwise, he would still have made his way to the
top, but, perhaps, it would have required a longer period of time. * * * It might be
well to note that the element of "good luck," so called, is an unknown quantity, and
that the success of our business men is predicated upon the exercise of good judgment,
together with a sufficient amount of enterprise to enable them to act as their judgment
suggests. * * * Mr. Hileman not only has the happy faculty of making friends
and retaining them, but he also inspires those with whom he comes in contact with that
confidence that is necessary to a truly successful business career. This confidence was
never betrayed and thousands of patrons assert that the word of C. C. Hileman is as
good as his bond. W-e have the honor of the acquaintance with numbers of men who
enjoy the same distinction. They are men who are slow to promise, but sure to fulfill,
and their fathers were the same before them. When they pass their word to do a thing
one can rely upon it being done unless something unforeseen intervenes to make it
impossible. Mr. Hileman is one of this class and so far as we have ever learned has
strictly.lived up to every compact he has made, and expects and justly demands that
others do the same.
Charles C. Hileman was united in marriage, October 12, I893, with Jennie
M. Brinker, of Greensburg, a daughter of Solomon Brinker, an old and highly
respected citizen of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Hileman the following children
have been'born: Mabel E., who became the wife of M. M. Beck, of Greensburg;
Charles C., Jr., who is now a student at the Washington and Lee Law School of
the University of Virginia at Lexington, Virginia;- Lloyd B., July I3, I898, died
at the age of thirteen years; Mary N., who is now a student at the Highland Hall
Seminary, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
ALBERT H. BELL-It is customary to think of the enterprising young men of
the East as going West to seek their fortunes and make for themselves careers, but
this process is sometimes reversed, as in the case of Albert H. Bell, who, born Novem57OLD AND NEW WESTMORELAND
ber 20, I857, in the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, came as a child to Western Pennsylvania and has since come to be one of the leaders of the bar of Westmoreland county
and a prominent figure in the community. Mr. Bell's father purchased a farm near the
town of Stahlstown, in Ligonier Valley in I866, and it was on this piece of property
that the son, Albert H. Bell, passed much of his childhood.
Albert H. Bell attended the public schools of that' vicinity and secured an excellent
education, upon the completion of which he followed the profession of teaching in
both the public and private schools of the region for a period of some six years. He
was a man of unusual ambition, and during the time that he was thus actively employed
matriculated at Mount Union College, Mount Union, Ohio, where he took the classical
course. While thus engaged, Mr. Bell had come to a conclusion which completely
changed his career in life and led him into the great profession in which he has made
so eminent a place for himself. Mr. Bell's active connection with the law began in the
year I88o, when he started to read that subject in the law office of James S. Morehead
and John B. Head. Under the tutorage of these gentlemen, Mr. Bell studied to such
good purpose that he was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county, April 8, I884.
Besides the theoretical knowledge which he had gained in this association, he had also
acquired considerable practical exIperience, having served from I88o to I883 as deputy
clerk of courts of Westmoreland county, under his father, who was the clerk at that
time. Thus prepared, Mr. Bell established himself in a general legal practice at Greensburg, upon his admission to the bar, in which he was successful from the outset and
which has grown to be one of the most important in that section of the country. A
little later he was admitted to practice before the Appelate courts of Pennsylvania and
since that time much important litigation has been entrusted to his care.
Mr. Bell has not confined his activity to the law, however. He is one of those men
who take a keen and vital interest in almost every subject, his intellect being of that
active kind which perceives the essentials in all matters of human activity and interest.
To this activity of mind he adds that ability to take the initiative, so valuable in the
practical affairs of life, with the result that he is something of a leader in many aspects
of the affairs of the community. In addition therefore to his vocation, the law, he is also
active in the avocations of banking, farming and stock raising, and is looked upon as a
considerable authority in all of these matters throughout the region. He is a man of
eminently independent intellect, a Democrat in politics, although not actively allied with
the local organization of his party, and a member of the United Presbyterian church.
He has given much of his time and energy during a long period of years to the service
of his fellow-citizens as a member of the Board of Education, and is a member of'the
board of the Morrison Underwood Donation Funds, a philanthropy connected with
the Greensburg High School. His connection with the cause of education has indeed
been very extensive and he has served for a period of eleven years on the board of
trustees of Westminster College. He has also been prominently associated with the
cause of the United Presbyterian church in Westmoreland county, and is at present a
member of the board of publication of that denomination there.
Albert H. Bell was united in marriage, March I9, I885, with Mary Clarke, a daughter of the Hon. James C. and Isabella (Keenan) Clarke, and a member of a very
prominent family in Westmoreland county. Her father, James C. Clarke, served for
a period of six years as State Senator from the Westmoreland Senatorial District.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bell three children have been born, as follows: I. James Clarke, a
graduate from Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, in I9o8, and
from the law department of the University of Pittsburgh, in I9II; has served in the
latter institution as an instructor in the law of agency since his graduation; has been
for the past five years associated in legal practice with his father; married, in September, I9I2, his college classmate, Margie Cockran, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, by whom
he has had three children, Margaret Cockran, Nancy Jane, and Mary Clarke. 2. Mary
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